| | | | | |

The Old Volvo Ocean Race

With the new boats launching and the teams preparing for this year’s Volvo Ocean Race, let us take a look back, way back to the race’s debut, 1973. The Whitbread Round the World Race Digitally Remastered, Episode 1/3. Brought to you by Sailing News TV. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBPMTu733-g&w=560&h=315] It seems that this race was a bit…

| | | | | | |

German Engineering at its Finest

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x40O8I_dcr0&w=560&h=315] Check out this new yacht! The Hanse 575 has some pretty impressive features to say the least. Although it is riddled with modern design and not for you classic lines types, it is still worth a look. From the deck sweeping, self-tending headsail. To the really unique dinghy bay and wash down station…

| | | | | |

Classic Lines, Modern Comforts, and…

…easy to handle. The Tofinou 12 is hard to be outdone as far looks and ease of sail handling are concerned. I really like the sort of “Dragon-ish” foredeck design which puts the headstay several feet in from the very point of the boat. This allows the asymmetrical spinnaker to be flown via an internal tack…

| | | | | |

Boxing Day…

… December 26th, is also the start of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race 2013. This race marks the 68th anniversary for the event; continuing the tradition of racing from Australia’s Port Jackson/Sydney Harbour, south across the Bass Strait, along the east coast of the historic island of Tasmania and into Hobart. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhMjlcE_UxQ&w=420&h=315] This epic event has…

| | | | | |

Vitters Carbon #whatayacht

Vitters Shipyard does it again. “Sarissa” a 42.6 m (140.58′) carbon fiber spectacle, is the largest carbon sloop built in the Netherlands, maybe even in the world, to date. Check out the Vitters Shipyard YouTube feed for more super yacht footage. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POFjB0mIaBc&w=560&h=315] This design oozes modern style, remarkable speed (it cruises at 11 knots) and offers…

| | | | | | |

One Boat Closer….V.O.R.

I can hardly wait any longer for this race to kick off. Since hydro-foiling catamaran’s with fixed wings are still not safe to sail around the world, the Volvo Ocean 65 will have to do ;-0) Although it does look like they have integrated the wave piercing bow into the design……. These boats are obviously…

| | | | |

Oh to Dream

Sometimes it nice just to see what the world’s financially elite are up to. Apparently being an architect pays well… Behold the beautiful 44.7m (147ft) lift keel sloop “Lady B”. Built and launched by Vitters Shipyard who design some pretty incredible boats. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86aVYZMZuxA&w=560&h=315] “Lady B” is a sleek performance yacht with the ever-sought-after low-slung lines of…

| | | | |

A Look Back….

…..at the Panerai Yachts Challenge, Antigua. The event took place in April of this year. Looks like they had great conditions with plenty of breeze, although it could have been sunier. Despite this event not showcasing the latest and greatest, high speed technology in sailing, this is still one of my favorite events in the sport…

| | | | | |

Uh Oh!

Looks like the MOD 70’s experienced yet another capsize just a couple of weeks ago while practicing for the Transat Jacques Vabre. It’s pretty serious when these things go over as Team Spindrift can vouch for with their spill back in June in Dùn Laoghaire, Ireland. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqO-pzROfPs&w=420&h=315] ~Video courtesy of SailingNews’ YouTube Channel   Virbac Paprec…