Arabesque: a Hood 23
Practical: my boat Kirsten Wilkins and her partner Paul find the Hood 23 fits the bill when it comes to getting on the water without spending up big. When we tell people we have a yacht, they usually give us…
All News
The latest news from the world of yachting and sailing including yacht & dinghy reviews, cruising and destination information plus the latest boating gear as well as inshore and offshore racing updates and regatta schedules. All things Sailing, Sail Racing, Sailboats and more.
What's new: May 08
Sunbeam shines in EuropeA model from the European-built Sunbeam range which will arrive in Australia shortly has been voted Europe's top yacht of the year by experts from 11 leading yachting magazines. Winning features cited include deck/hull design, the brightness…
Your chance to cruise in company to Papua New Guinea
An experienced cruising yachtsman from Cairns, Guy Chester, has announced plans for a Louisiades Rally later this year. The rally is being organised with the support of the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority….
Kiwis win four straight and TP52 series
Immaculate team work, consistently strong tactics and perfect reliability underpinned a comprehensive overall victory for Emirates Team New Zealand who lifted the 2009 Audi MedCup Circuit Trophy today in Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. The young crew from the Canary Islands ,…
Laser and 49er gold medals for Australia at Weymouth
The Australian Sailing Team has won Gold in a dominant display in the 49er and Laser classes at the Sail for Gold Regatta in Weymouth, England. The heavy winds which had been present on the water all week were nowhere…
Two Aussie crews take Gold at Weymouth with a day to spare
Australian crews have wrapped up victory in two classes with one day of racing remaining at the Sail for Gold regatta in Weymouth, England, with a third class still in the balance for the Australian Sailing Team. Current 49er World…
3,2,1 for Emirates Team New Zealand at Audi MedCup
Emirates Team New Zealand's 3,2,1 today leaves them poised to win in Cartagena, while Roma Mk 2 eased two points clear in the GP42 regatta and the Series standings. Three different boats won races on this penultimate day of the…
Peter Teakle donates 32ft yacht for youth training
The generous donation of a Sydney 32 state-of-the-art offshore racing yacht to Southport Yacht Club will result in the ‘Ocean Mentor' youth training program being established on the Gold Coast The highly successful program, which was developed by Queensland-based philanthropist…
Ten teams to challenge for TP52 World Championship
The Real Club Naútico of Palma will host the TP52 World Championship from 6 to 11 October. Ten teams from eight different countries will go up against each other to win the World title. ” Ten entries really is excellent…
Kiwis in control at Audi MedCup final series
While Emirates Team New Zealand have their hands on the Audi MedCup for the TP52 Series after two great wins today, the young crew on Islas Canarias Puerto Calero were equally at home in the strong winds and big waves…
Great day for Aussie sailors at Weymouth
The impressive results have continued for the Australian's at the Sail for Gold regatta in Weymouth, England, with race wins in the 49er, RS:X, Laser and Women's Match Racing classes on an entertaining day. In the 49er fleet current World…
Azzura Marine Launches Superfast Sailing Multihull Yacht
Azzura Marine, has launched one of the world's fastest luxury sailing multihull yachts. Azzura Marine's Managing Director confirmed that the 32 metre multihull, Necker Belle (formerly Lady Barbaretta), has undergone a major refit and refurbishment. The light weight, all-carbon fibre…
Spirit of Australia pipped for third in thrilling Clipper leg finish
Line honours in the first race of Clipper 09-10 go to Team Finland as a drama-filled Race 1 draws to a conclusion. The Finnish skipper, Eero Lehtinen, and his team led for much of the last two days of a…
Tactics, strategies, big boats, small boats and clubs
“There's something in this magazine for everyone who races sailboats,” is how the new editor of Australian Sailing, Roger McMillan, describes his first issue of the magazine. At the big boat end there's a comparison of the trimaran and catamaran…
Cruising Helmsman September 2009
In the September issue of CH we share one couple's harrowing encounter with a cyclone, visit Cuba, and enjoy moonlight across the Southern Ocean. Practical articles include the do's and don'ts of drawing up a cruise plan, getting rid of…
Simrad to launch new NSE series towards the end of the year
The new Simrad NSE series of multifunction displays incorporates radar, chartplotter and sonar technology. The versatile NSE8 and NSE12 are compatible with the most powerful marine technology available, including BR24 Broadband Radar and BSM-1 Broadband Sounder, and come pre-loaded with…
Sailing with the Smallwoods: Fun in the sun
Sharon and Julian Smallwood enjoy some fun in the sun when they call in at Airlie for the annual Fun Race and then head out for some whale-watching. Since my last post we've been getting to know the mainland suburb…
What's New: April 08
Navico Australia goes directNavico Australia is to expand its distribution strategies to supply Simrad and Northstar products directly to all Australian dealers and boatbuilders from its Sydney logistics centre.Navico Asia Pacific's chief operations officer, John Scott, said several factors ð…
Three days of trailer-sailer fun
cruise in company to Papua New Guinea An experienced cruising yachtsman from Cairns, Guy Chester, has announced plans for a Louisiades Rally later this year. The rally is being organised with the support of the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club and…
Speed & Smarts: Another limit on Starboard tackers
One more angle on Rule 16 governing changes of course by right-of-way boats, by David Dellenbaugh. TWO boats on opposite tacks (S and P) are approaching each other on a beat. As they get closer, P starts bearing off to…
Strong winds keep most of fleet ashore at Weymouth
Heavy winds have once again dictated play on day three of the Skandia Sail for Gold regatta in Weymouth, England, with just the 49er and RS:X fleets completing any races. Gusts above 35 knots kept the sailors on shore all…
Still no racing at Audi MedCup
Racing was thwarted again by inconsistent winds today off Cartagena where the final regatta of the 2009 Audi MedCup Circuit is still waiting to get under way. The saving grace was that the rain stayed away, but for the second…
Spirit of Australia up to third place in the Clipper race
The Race Committee is considering evidence that Cork and Hull & Humber did not correctly sail the race course. Both teams are thought to have entered the separation zone of the Dover TSS in contravention of the sailing instructions for…
The Leopard that can change its spots
DECKEYE VIEW: SUPERMAXI This is one feline that definitely purrs, reports Kevin Green, from the deck of the newest 98ft carbon rocketship. The 10 knot northeasterly breeze blew across a relatively quiet Sydney Harbour as Leopard sliced through the flat…
New Zealand's Top 10 Marinas
Dockside in the land of the white cloud Annette Tuncel checks out some of the best marina facilities for those cruising or planning a charter across the Tasman Sea. New Zealand is an island nation, a nation of people who…
Like a croc to water
The Hydro is a watersports version of the popular Crocs Cayman footwear, using the same proprietary Croslite material. Lightweight, anti-microbial and extremely well cushioned, the Hydro incorporates a neoprene upper, with slip-resistant, non-marking soles, and has a recommended retail price…
Yarning with Mick
Living Legends: Mick York David Salter celebrates the life-in-progress of a remarkable Australian yachtsman. WE’VE ALL met them. Some of us have been lucky enough to sail with them. They’re that special breed of yachtie who seem to embody all…
The scientific sailor
PROFILE: WILL OXLEY Back home after a hectic year of international yacht racing, Will Oxley talks to Lulu Roseman about what drives him in his role as a navigator and sailor. Having clocked up over 200,000 nautical miles during his…
Bareboat Charter Course: Wonderful or waste of time?
Put to the test Caroline Strainig checks out a trail-blazing course developed specifically for would-be charterers. Okay, so you’ve done a little sailing, and are dreaming of hiring a yacht somewhere. But you’re far from expert, and would love a…
Speeds & Smarts: Changing course FAQs
Speeds & Smarts Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the application of Rule 16 on the race course. Some of these questions are also addressed in other parts of this issue. Q: If I'm on starboard…
Dire straits
DECKEYE VIEW: RAJA MUDA REGATTA MALAYSIA For racers and cruisers alike, there were as plenty of challenges on the water, and fun off it, reports Herb McCormick. The aroma was unmistakable, and given the circumstances, it was as sweet as…
Speed & Smarts: The Alinghi-ETNZ incident
SPEED & SMARTS ANALYSIS IT DREW the first penalty ever given by an umpire in America's Cup history. It was the deciding moment in the seventh and final race of the 2007 America's Cup. “It” was a port-starboard situation between…
Devil in the detail
HOME BOAT-BUILDING Joining hull and deck of the Swift Solo meant long periods of head scratching, says Jordan Spencer. AT THE completion of stage five of construction of the Swift, I figured we were close to finishing, but the “devil…
Elegant solution
Wild Oats XI's new rig reinvents old technology, by Bob Ross. CONTINUOUS carbon fibre rigging construction, the latest measure to reduce weight and windage aloft, was demonstrated effectively by both line honours winner Wild Oats XI and Tattersall's Cup overall…
Middle Harbour: Sydney's pocket playground
Destination: NSW Middle Harbour is just about perfect for cruising, Mark Cherrington discovers, as he explores Sydney's pocket playground and enjoys a hot contender for the city's best chocolate brownie. Tucked in between Middle Head and Dobroyd Head is the…
Aboard the good ship Nicolas
Feature: Chartering in Europe Many a devout sailor has been lured away from the “true” path by Europe's famous canal system. Betty Dack shares her adventure and offers some advice on how to follow in her footsteps. Bob and I…
What's New: March 08
Beneteau in Airlie BeachThe exclusive French range of Beneteau yachts and sister companies is now represented in the Whitsundays.Mike (The dealership includes Beneteau sailboats, Lagoon Catamarans and Wauquiez yachts. As well as selling new boats, Vicsail Whitsunday offers warranty and…
All set for a classic time
Festival sets about restoring the fun Visitors to this year's Classic & Wooden Boat Festival in Sydney will see maintenance work taking place on HM Bark Endeavour that would win the approval of Captain Cook himself. The festival – which…
Cruising with forward-looking sonar
Practical: Electronics John and Janet Read give the verdict on forward-looking sonar after putting it through its paces on a cruise to SE Asia. Janet looked up from her book. “Looks like a rock coming up, John,” she said. I…
Bavaria and X-Yachts go well in the northern regattas
In this year's Northern regatta season, the brands of Bavaria Yachts and X-Yachts accounted for five series wins, one second and one third. With 28 podium finishes in the Cruising divisions from 17 races over 10 divisions, this is an…
