Arctic/Pacific sailing adventures...world's new largest sailing boat

by Nancy Knudsen, Editor on 16 Aug 2012 While the Olympics have been dominating the media again this week, there has been no lack of activity on the oceans... but while we're on the subject of the Olympics and the media, do look at the 'funniest sailing video ever'. This briefly appeared as part of Olympic media coverage, but was quickly removed. You can see it here, however, much to the chagrin, no doubt, of the Irish. I feel sorry for the announcer. As a general sports commentator it's difficult keep up with every sport, but that didn't stop me guffawing in the last few seconds of the video.

The sailing adventurers are very active. The 20 tall ships transiting the east coast of America have finished their journey, some with half the world to sail before they reach home again. In the Arctic there's a sailing boat attempting an even more difficult transit of the Northwest Passage; down in the Pacific there are some modern day treasure hunters sailing for fabled riches; young tearaway adventurer, still-sweet-sixteen sailor Laura Dekker, now the youngest ever to circumnavigate solo, is headed for New Zealand, which she claims will be her new home.. But is New Zealand ready for Laura?

On a more serious note the findings of the enquiry into the now-infamous Farallones tragedy have some salient messages for sailors, particularly relevant for cruising sailors – don't, at your peril, cut it too fine when rounding obstacles.

The mega-billionaires are at it again – read about the Russian oligarch who has plans for the largest sailing boat in the world.

Some good practical advice is offered too – to boat buyers who might be tempted to buy a boat unseen, to those about to invest in a boarding ladder for your boat, and to those thinking of acquiring a most important piece of gear for sailing, a pair of binoculars.

That's just the beginning, so browse away to find your interest, and

Sweet sailing!