Komutu sails again!

by nzeditor@sail-world.com on 10 Apr 2006 It was great sight to see the mighty Komutu briefly sailing again from Auckland Sailing Club, yesterday.

Around 100 people gathered to see again, or for the first time, a boat that is to small boat sailing as NZL-32 is to keelboats.

Present was the last of the original crew of Komutu, Alf Lock, who was apprenticed to her owner, designer and skipper, Jack Logan; along with Logan’s wife and family. It was a great afternoon for sharing memories and for those of us who weren’t alive at the time the opportunity to see an important part of the Kiwi small boat sailor’s heritage.

We feature a short report on the day and with plenty of photos of one of the legends of the great boats of the Auckland, and will run a few more later in the week.

What happens to Komutu from here is the call of her new owner, Robin Williams, however hopefully she will be sailed and seen by the current generation of young Optimist sailors, so they get a chance to realise what has gone before.

Certainly Komutu will make a majestic centrepiece at any small boat regatta.

Off the coast of South America the changes continue to be rung in the Volvo Ocean race. While movistar was the first to the points gate at Fernando, but soon after was passed by race leader ABN Amro One – who passed barely a boat length away in 15knots or so of breeze.

Now the fleet is across the Equator, through the Doldrums and into the Trades. We feature some of the position reports and boatmail – the frustration of the conditions is self-evident, and the pressure on the sailors from the other competitors and elements is intense.

Closer to home, we have a photo essay from Andrea Francolini of the huge waves which pounded Sydney's beaches over the weekend - an awesome sight.

Until Wednesday

Good Sailing!

Richard Gladwell
NZ Editor

PS Please forward any reports and previews of events that are taking place over the Easter break to nzeditor@sail-world.com