Superyacht sail winners, Bali rally, four voyages- four disasters,more
by Nancy Knudsen, Editor on 16 May 2013
2013 Sailing Super Yacht of the year, Pumula SW
See some really wonderful sailing yachts this week that won prizes in the recent Superyacht Awards in Istanbul. They are not exactly cruising yachts of the style that most cruising sailors would take out for a weekend or sail around the world, but one can't help drooling over their lovely lines. This is so different from the extraordinary motorised power superyachts around. See the story about the latest superyacht design, inspired by the shape of a Stradivarius violin! What will they think of next?
The quirkiest story of the week is of the British sailor who has set out to sail the Atlantic four times, and on all four occasions he not has only had to be rescued, but had to abandon the boat he was sailing. The latest rescue – and abandoned boat – was this week. Never mind, he wrote a book about his adventures after the third mishap, so maybe sales will go up with the latest misadventure.
Down in the Indian Ocean the boats in the Fremantle to Bali Rally, which also has a race component, are spread out up the coast of Australia, with the hotshots already arrived, and the rest of the boats enjoying a more leisurely journey along the spectacular coastline.
Over in New York French solo sailor Francis Joyon, who just can't resist trying to set more records, is poised to depart from the North Cove Marina to set a new Trans-Atlantic record. There's something alluring about solo sailors who sail boats that arguably should be handled by a dozen or more crew, and something fascinating about the character of those who take on the challenge. We'll be watching.
Doug Cuming this week reviews a new book out by sailing author Sandra Clayton – 'A Thousand Miles from Anywhere' should be a good read for anyone who must take their amazing sailing adventures vicariously.
Read about the tribute to a disabled British sailor who has sailed around the Isle of Wight; AMVER has come to the rescue yet again and saved four sailors' lives; some great hints about cleaning your boat from Shurhold; and there's an important recall notice for owners of Osculati filters – take notice and check the brand on your boat.
To those brave souls in the upper climes who are still out there steering up a storm...and to all those in warmer waters...
Sweet sailing!
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