Winning regattas, Hobart reviewed, personal epirbs, motoring home

The February/March issue of Australian Sailing is packed with features for all racing sailors, along with some great photos of the big races. David Dellenbaugh's Speed and Smarts column is always popular, and this month he looks at how to win a major regatta. The theme is carried on by Tony Bull, who advises that boat handling skills are the starting point to greater speed and better tactics. There are also good lessons to be learned from Vanessa Dudley's experiences at the Laser Nationals in January and Andrew Verdon suggests some stretches to improve your balance and stability on board. Bob Ross has provided a very thorough insight into the 2009 Sydney-Hobart, including revelations on the choice of sails which helped the winners to win. And if you want to know what's hot in Europe, don't miss Anne Hinton's excellent coverage of the Russell Coutts 44, the "boat in a box" that allows amateurs to sail with the big-name professionals. On the safety front we look at all the major personal locator beacon brands, asking (and answering) the question, "Does size matter?". For off-the-beach sailors, Jordan Spencer looks at the farcical standards being applied to quick release harnesses in his appropriately titled story, "Death Trap". When Alan Lucas first proposed a story on motoring home from regattas, I suggested he was talking to the wrong editor. But he successfully explained that most racing boats motor home from regattas, and it's important they do it properly to avoid engine and gearbox damage. Alan, of course, is a legend in the boating industry and his advice is extremely pertinent. In this issue we've introduced a new column from YA CEO, Phil Jones, where he explores issues of concern to all racing sailors. Phil has asked for feedback on the structure of YA and in particular the role of State bodies, so if you have an opinion, please make sure you express it. This issue includes all the regular features - news items, new products, information about up-coming regattas and events, and a chance to win a bottle of Bundy Reserve by writing a letter to the mag expressing your views. If you're not a regular subscriber, please make sure you pick up a copy at the newsagents, but to make sure you don't miss out on all these good stories, why not subscribe? Go to www.yaffa.com.au or call 1800 807 760 for prices and information. - Roger McMillan, Editor