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Clear to Tack?

ByThe Rigging Company

What are the options when considering a boat that tacks its own sails from one point-of-sail to another. Newer boats are being designed a bit more mast forward, with taller masts and bigger mainsails. These newer designs are predominately main driven and implement a smaller self-tending jib (shown below), which helps with pointing when going upwind. If you…

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Garcia Yachts

ByThe Rigging Company

I have always fancied the exploration designed yachts. They just scream heavy duty and robust, which I like for anything I’m going to be sailing around the world. Aluminum has been the choice material for many reputable exploration yachts of the past. Garcia Yachts of France seems to think, “why mess with success”. Take a…

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The World’s Largest Mast….

ByThe Rigging Company

…was stepped last month at the Perini Navi Yard in Italy.  Just look at the size of the masthead! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pEsuYH-Dt4&w=560&h=315]   This incredible carbon fiber wonder measures just over 250′ and weighs in at just over 16 metric tons…pretty light considering. The furling boom provided by Future Fibres could be its own sailing yacht…

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The Old Volvo Ocean Race

ByThe Rigging Company

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…

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German Engineering at its Finest

ByThe Rigging Company

[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…

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Boxing Day…

ByThe Rigging Company

… 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…

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Vitters Carbon #whatayacht

ByThe Rigging Company

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…