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Clipper Around the World Race
It’s a Volvo Ocean Race for amateurs. Anyone can compete. You can race the whole way-round or just do a leg or two……or three, pretty cool. The new boats (the 70 foot version) for the following years race are arriving as I type. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2DALPRfQVQ&w=560&h=315] Check out the documentary as shown on the Discovery channel…
Synthetic VS. Vinyl Coated VS. Un-coated Stainless Steel Lifelines
Many people these days are looking towards synthetics or to un-coated stainless steel to replace their lifelines over the traditional vinyl coated lifelines of the past. First, let’s talk a little bit about the cons of using vinyl coated wire: the wire cannot be visually inspected for failure, the wire is typically made from a…
The Best Scissors Ever…
…At least for cutting boat rope. Viper Kevlar Shears cut Kevlar (especially), but are also great for other tough fabrics like Dyneema, Vectran, Polyester, Technora. Apparently it is also used in cutting plastics, canvas, and even body armor. Yes, of course they’ll go dull after a few years of cutting tough fiber rope, but they carry a…
Harken Headsail Furlers
Is Harken the Best? Well that’s a matter of opinion I guess. They are definitely one of the best. There is just no match for composite ball bearing furlers. The reason is that Harken Furlers and any composite bearing furlers can typically be easily serviced and maintained. Essentially, in order to maintain your Harken Headsail Furler, all you have to do…
Volvo Ocean Race
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M7KBDi0Z4o&w=560&h=315] After the fleet having to work upwind in some short and steep ‘chop’ (due to the strong current streams opposing the wind direction) for the first portion of this leg, the fleet did have a glimmer of some fast downwind action. Many of the crews have been sick for most of this leg…
Epic Finish in Auckland!
Many sailors are at home here in Aukland and many are just plain relieved by the thought of finishing this grueling leg. Franck Cammas and Team Groupama clinch their first Volvo Ocean Race leg win, smashing the competition and finishing 12 hours ahead of second place. The battle for second and third was the most impressive part…