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Sydney to Hobart Race

ByThe Rigging Company

Last week, one of the world’s most infamous regattas has crossed the finish line yet once again. The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race usually offers some some real excitement when it comes to rough sea conditions and heavy winds. Over the years, this race has earned a reputation for causing some detrimental damage to sailors and their…

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Vendee Globe, Single Handed Around The World Race

ByThe Rigging Company

Take a minute or two and see what the toughest sailboat race in the world is up to. It has been almost 2 months and the race is about 3/4 of the way finished. Race leaders find themselves currently to the west of Buenos Aries heading north to the finish back in Les Sables D’olonne, France (somewhere I’d…

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Nordkapp To Stockholm…..

ByThe Rigging Company

…… in an inflatable 13′ catamaran. That all adds up to approx. 1350 NM and 45 days. I like that every day he ends with setting up camp and sleeping ashore. This might be the only way I could be talked into this…………on second thought, no, I could never be talked into this. Check out…

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Vendee Globe Week 5

ByThe Rigging Company

We are trying to keep up with the predominantly French sailboat race, the Vendee Globe Challenge 2012-2013. This is truly the only regatta that is harder than the Volvo Ocean Race. Twenty racers began the race and only thirteen remain. Take a minute to catch up on the latest action as sailors try and race…

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Remember: Banque Populaire Breaks Around the World Record

ByThe Rigging Company

Just taking a look back at the mega multi-hull Banque Populaire. In January it was official, the massive tri-maran had broken the ’round the world speed record; 45 days, 13 hours, 42 minutes and 53 seconds. Get the full scoop here. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKUwK4NOUs8&w=560&h=315]

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Antarctica is Beautiful

ByThe Rigging Company

I found this on YouTube and found it quite relaxing…….even the cheesy elevator music. This is a beautiful boat and a beautiful sailing destination. Although this isn’t the typical  warm tropical paradise it is definitely on my list of places to visit. Enjoy. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WliDLjg5CDg&w=560&h=315]

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The Greatest Sea Story Ever Told

ByThe Rigging Company

The story of Earnest Shackleton, his 27 men, and the almost 2 year journey they had to endure in Antarctica is truly the most amazing maritime story ever told. Incredible real life footage can be credited to the on board cameraman Frank Hurley, from Australia. Take 30 minutes to watch this 3-part story, as Kevin Spacey narrates this…

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Take a Break from Your Cyber Monday!

ByThe Rigging Company

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Cj-wztyMI?list=SP4D2712YsGHLERzC9eKTGN9WqlAP4qusk&hl=en_US&w=560&h=315] If you need to give your mind a break for a few minutes from the stress of online shopping, then kick back, relax and press play. Enjoy these highlights from day 16 of the Vendee Globe Challenge. The worlds very best sailors challenge each other in these high speed racing machines as they…

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Vendee Globe Crosses The Equator

ByThe Rigging Company

Check in with the fleet for day 12 highlights. The weather is still warm, but the competition keeps shrinking as Zbigniew “Gutek” Gutkovski of Energa had to retire from the race due to a non-working auto helm .Thanks VendeeglobeTV for the much needed american translation. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wqiqdLMa-E&w=560&h=315]

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Solo Around the World, Non-Stop!

ByThe Rigging Company

[slideshow] The Vendee Globe Challenge 2012-2013 is underway. The race actually started just over 2 days ago from Le Sables D’olonne, France. Catch the replay of the start here……… [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvKhslDFOyk&w=560&h=315] The race has 20 competitors 19 men and one brave woman, 15 SAMANTHA DAVIES Aboard – Savéol 19 BERTRAND DE BROC Aboard – Votre Nom Autour du…

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First AC 72 Pitch pole…..

ByThe Rigging Company

…..and it caused them almost loose more than the rig! [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drgglIebuQY&w=560&h=315] Apparently it is quite the big deal when these things flip, unlike the smaller AC45’s that seem to go over regularly. After extensive hours, efforts and a strong ebb tide, the crew and the boat made it back to shore. The enormous wing however…