New anchors, new yachts, superyachts sinking - and the sale of Oyster

by Nancy Knudsen, Editor on 23 Feb 2012 Keeping your eye on the boats that are out there, that win awards, that are the cutting edge, is all part of game when it comes to knowing what's happening in the sailing world.

This week we feature the yacht that won the European yacht of the Year for 2012 in the category of performance cruising, the French built Pogo 12.5. It's actually the cruising version of a racing yacht, the Pogo 40S2, and what a different boat it is. With a lifting rotating keel, hard chined hull, raked spreaders and no back stay, it will go very fast as well as being a very comfortable cruising boat. Certainly deserves a look...

If you're still using your old CQR or similar, you'll be wanting to change to a new generation anchor when the time is appropriate – or upgrade when technology produces even more ways to avoid dragging when at anchor.

This week we publish anchor manufacturer Manson's newest release – the Manson Boss, and it's well worth a read.

How are visiting sailors viewed where you live? They can bring great benefits to a community. This week we tell how Somali pirates have frightened away the visiting yacht fraternity from India even though the Indians have been encouraging cruising sailors by upgrading their facilities. Over in Bermuda they are making it easier for cruising sailors to visit the archipelago of islands while both Italy and Greece seem to want to chase visitors away by upping fees and slapping on new taxes.

Lots of other news too: see this week's dramaticsuperyacht sinking off Greece; hear about British sailors who are forbidden from sailing across the Channel with their red diesel; read how one of the world's great names in luxury boat building Oyster has been sold – again! - and a well deserved bravery award for the volunteer who saved seven people in Force 11 conditions from a boat that should never have been where it was during a well-forecast storm..

That's just the beginning. Scroll down the headlines to find what interests you, and....

Sweet sailing