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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - Sail-World.com Australia newsletter

04/02/2025


The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Pantaenius 2022 - SAIL & POWER 2 LEADEBOARD AUS

Zhik 2024 December

Charlie Dalin (FRA) is photographed after winning the Vendée Globe, on January 14, in Les Sables d'Olonne, France - photo © Vincent Curutchet / Alea


Dear Recipient Name

If ever I needed a reminder of how varied the sport of sailing is, the past fortnight has provided it. We've seen the whole spectrum of goings on, from the superb in the Vendée Globe, to the baffling with the British America's Cup team, and everything in-between.

Vendée Globe brilliance

The Vendée Globe has been the gift that keeps on giving. Hugely personable sailors, incredible battles and dramatic situations have given us a race that has kept us on the edge of our seats for well over eighty days now.

Charal - full foiler - IMOCA60 - Lorient - September 11, 2024 - photo © Jean-Marie Liot
Charal - full foiler - IMOCA60 - Lorient - September 11, 2024 - photo © Jean-Marie Liot

 
ALT Composities 2020 West System 2 - 300x250   TMG Yachts - Lagoon MPU
 

The foilers at the front may have finished over twenty days ago, and shown just how far the technology has come in offshore monohull sailing, but since Sunday we've seen nine skippers come into the finish at Les Sables d'Olonne, some within minutes of each other. The term 'race within a race' could have been written for the Vendée Globe, and there have been defined groupings of boats throughout the fleet, which has kept interest piqued.

Getting regular video updates from the boats has been revolutionary for the race, and the daily updates on the @Sail-World YouTube channel have now accrued well over 4 million views and an astounding 316,000 hours viewed in the past 85 days. The Vendée Globe is engaging, captivating and enthralling, and is reaching far beyond its traditional French base. It may have a way to go with the traditional mainstream media, but this is becoming less and less important in the evolving world of journalism.

Conrad Colman (NZL) - MS Amlin - celebrates after finishing 21st  in the 2024 Vendée Globe - Les Sables d'Olonne , France - February 4, 2025 - photo © Vincent Curutchet / Alea
Conrad Colman (NZL) - MS Amlin - celebrates after finishing 21st in the 2024 Vendée Globe - Les Sables d'Olonne , France - February 4, 2025 - photo © Vincent Curutchet / Alea

Through my daily updates I've learned a huge amount on what works and what doesn't in the world of video, and will no doubt continue to do so, but it's pleasing that this new audience seems to be lapping up news from elsewhere in sailing, such as taking a look round new and interesting boats and products at boot Düsseldorf, and interviews with leading sailors and industry personalities.

It was nearly thirty years ago that I started my first online sailing magazine called Intersail, which evolved into YachtsandYachting.com, and I'm glad that we can still innovate a quarter of a century later.

 
MySail Skipper   X-Yachts X5.6
 

Inspiring RYA Connected Webinars

On Monday evening I joined Gareth Brookes, Head of Regions at the RYA, to host the first RYA Connected Webinar, aimed at highlighting clubs which are succeeding in growing their membership and participation.

RYA Connected Webinar - photo © RYA
RYA Connected Webinar - photo © RYA

These are in many ways a continuation of the RYA Participation Webinars we did in 2019 and 2020, but as we all know the world has changed in many ways in the past five years. Hearing how Yeadon Sailing Club, with its ground-breaking 'Pay what you can' membership fee, Northampton Sailing Club with its SUP and Pirates sections, and Colne Sailing Club, with its Women on Water initiative sailing Sonata keelboats, have all grown was inspiring and I can't wait for the next one at the beginning of March.

We'll be posting the full webinar and highlights on Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com, so be sure to watch for ideas if your club needs to look at growth in difficult times. Sports governing can get a bad rap sometimes, so it's heartening to be involved in an initiative with the Royal Yachting Association which is doing really good things. Bravo to Gareth and the team for all they do for our sport.

 
SCIBS 2025 Exhibitors   Race Yachts 2024 v5
 

America's Cup turmoil

It was two weeks ago that the America's Cup world was thrown into disarray with the news that INEOS Britannia and Sir Ben Ainslie had parted ways after they couldn't find agreement on terms to move forward following the conclusion of the 37th America's Cup.

INEOS Britannia (boundary penalty in race 8) on Louis Vuitton Cup Final Race Day 5 - October 1, 2024 - photo © David Maynard / www.alleycatphotographer.com
INEOS Britannia (boundary penalty in race 8) on Louis Vuitton Cup Final Race Day 5 - October 1, 2024 - photo © David Maynard / www.alleycatphotographer.com

The statement from INEOS Britannia was brief, and it was clear that the parting wasn't on good terms with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's quote not thanking Ben, or any of the sailing team for that matter, for their contribution to the campaign:

"I am enormously proud of what we achieved in Barcelona in developing a British boat that was truly competitive for the first time in decades. It set new benchmarks for British sailing, including winning the Louis Vuitton Cup for the first time, and taking races off the Defender in the finals for the first time in 90 years. We will now build upon this for the 38th America's Cup through the INEOS challenge and already have 100 scientists and engineers working on the design of our AC38 yacht."

This would infer that INEOS Britannia will challenge again, but that might be subject to the INEOS review of its sports investments. The giant chemical producer has invested heavily in sailing, motorsport, cycling and football, with a 27.7% stake in Manchester United Football Club, but it could be argued that their sailing sponsorship has been most successful of the trio, with the company and Sir Jim taking a hammering in the mainstream press, especially over Man Utd.

 
Ensign 2023 November C46 MPU   MIA Accreditation Programs
 

In happier times Sir  Ben Anslie, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe celebrate the INEOS Britannia win in the Louis Vuitton Cup - October 4, 2024 - Barcelona  - photo © Ian Roman / America's Cup
In happier times Sir Ben Anslie, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe celebrate the INEOS Britannia win in the Louis Vuitton Cup - October 4, 2024 - Barcelona - photo © Ian Roman / America's Cup

But I digress... where does this leave Ben Ainslie and the rest of the sailing team? Straight after the 37th America's Cup the Royal Yacht Squadron (Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd.) became the Challenger of Record for the 38th America's Cup, which was going to be represented by INEOS Britannia. Now it seems that Athena Racing, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, are their preferred option, with the name being brought into line with the Women's and Youth America's Cup teams.

Behind the scenes I'm sure much is being prepared by Ben and his team, talking with potential sponsors and patrons to make sure this campaign becomes a reality. America's Cup campaigns don't come cheap, with the research and technology needed to design and build a competitive AC75 yacht being gargantuan.

They say no-one wins an America's Cup campaign at the first attempt, which isn't strictly true as Swiss billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli did in 2003, but continuity plays a huge part in successful bids to win. The key to British success will be the learnings taken from their 37th America's Cup campaign and then going on to the next level. Who owns this intellectual property could be pivotal. Much of the engineering and computational power was provided by the INEOS-sponsored Mercedes Formula One team - will they keep the assets, or do they belong to the team or challenging club?

Mercedes Formula 1 Driver, George Russell - photo © Cameron Gregory
Mercedes Formula 1 Driver, George Russell - photo © Cameron Gregory

In my opinion, dividing the team in this way can only leave the British America's Cup campaign(s) weaker and, if it ends up going the legal route to resolve some of the issues, then the distraction will waste valuable time, energy and money which could be focused on Britain finally winning the Auld Mug.

We'll find out more as time goes on but - as a Brit who loves sailing - watching and commentating on this from the sidelines is a bit depressing as I'm not into soap operas.

Mark Jardine
Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com Managing Editor

 
Marine Auctions 2019 600x500   Maritimo 2023 S-Series MPU
 


Sailing news from the Caribbean, Florida, and California, plus Vendee Globe and Cup reports
While February doesn't enjoy the greatest reputation as a fine sailing month for most parts of North America (ahem), the same isn't true for the Caribbean or the Sunshine State.

Benjamin Ferré is first daggerboard skipper home - chased all the way by Tanguy Le Turquais
It will go down as one of the great battles in Vendée Globe history that featured a fun-filled but competitive "bromance" between two young French sailors who ended up finishing just 16 minutes apart.

More teams locked in for the Admiral's Cup
The Royal Ocean Racing Club is delighted to announce that confirmed entries for the 2025 Admiral's Cup have increased to 13 teams, with more teams set to be announced in the coming months.

 
Navico AUS Zeus3S MPU   Vaikobi 2024 December
 
Barton Marine Launch New Continuous Line Furler
Designed to provide optimum performance for dinghies and small yachts in even the most challenging conditions, the robust, lightweight and stylish Furler introduces innovative hybrid-bearing technology for the first time.

C-Tech's technology makes a successful push forward at the 2024 Moth Worlds
As the dust settles from the recent Moth Worlds at Manly Sailing Club, C-Tech takes a moment to reflect on its latest advancements in carbon fibre solutions and technology.

Giancarlo Pedote finishes 22nd in the Vendée Globe 2024
After a final cold night in light winds on the Bay of Biscay, Italy's Giancarlo Pedote completed his second consecutive Vendée Globe when he crossed the finish line off Les Sables d'Olonne in 22nd place at 0834hrs today Tuesday 4th February.

 
Colligo Marine 2024 MPU   Rolly Tasker Sails 2023 MPU
 
Vendée Globe Tuesday 4th February Update - Joschke, Le Cam, Colman finish overnight
Overnight we had Isabelle Joschke, Jean Le Cam and Conrad Colman arrive in Les Sables d'Olonne to finish the Vendée Globe, so we start with footage and the stats for their races, and then an update from Giancarlo Pedote as he approached the line.

Conrad Colman finishes 21st in the Vendée Globe 2024
Conrad Colman, the Kiwi skipper of MS Amlin, completed his second Vendée Globe today when he crossed the finish line off Les Sables d'Olonne at 04 06 33 hrs (UTC).

Jean Le Cam finishes 20th in the Vendée Globe 2024
Legendary French ocean racing veteran Jean Le Cam completed his fifth successful Vendée Globe solo round the world race at the age of 65 this Tuesday morning when he crossed the finish line off Les Sables d'Olonne in 20th position at 03 53 02 hrs UTC.

 
Zhik 2024 December   Sail Exchange Clearance Sail 2025 3
 
Isabelle Joschke, 19th in the Vendée Globe 2024
Isabelle Joschke crossed the Vendée Globe finish line in 19th position, after 85 days, 11hrs & 26 mins of racing. Four years after a first participation that ended in retirement, the skipper of MACSF completed her non-stop unassisted circumnavigation.

Alan Roura finishes 18th in the Vendée Globe 2024
Today the Swiss skipper Alan Roura, at the age of just 31, completed his third consecutive Vendée Globe. The solo skipper of HUBLOT crossed the line off Les Sables d'Olonne at 11:57.48 hrs to take 18th place in an elapsed time of 84 days 23hrs 55 mins.

Tanguy Le Turquais finishes 17th in the Vendée Globe 2024
On crossing the finish line this February 3 at 1137hrs UTC, after 84 days, 23 hours and 35 minutes of racing, Tanguy Le Turquais has made a dream come true: to complete his Vendée Globe.

 
Spirit Yachts   Sail Port Stephens 2025
 
Benjamin Ferré finishes 16th in the Vendée Globe 2024
A Vendée Globe rookie, Benjamin has come a long way since he discovered ocean racing only six years ago! At 34, the skipper of Monnoyeur - DUO For a JOB completed his non-stop, unassisted round the world race on February 3rd in 16th place.

2025 RORC Transatlantic Race Summary: A celebration of speed, skill and endurance
The 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race started from Calero Marinas Marina Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. The 3,000-nautical-mile race across the Atlantic attracted sailors from 19 different nations, bound for Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada.

Vendée Globe Monday 3rd February Update - Manic Monday in Les Sables d'Olonne
After Romain Attanasio and Yannick Bestaven arrived in Les Sables d'Olonne on Sunday, it's possible we're going to see no less than eight Vendée Globe finishers today.

 
J Composites J/45   Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350
 
Damien Seguin finishes 15th in the Vendée Globe 2024
After 84 days, 20 hours and 31 minutes of racing, Damien Seguin crossed the finish line of his second consecutive Vendée Globe, in 15th position.

Margaret River Wave Classic 2025: A spectacular showcase of windsurfing excellence
The 2025 Margaret River Wave Classic, a prestigious 4-star event on the World Wave Tour, concluded yesterday, leaving spectators and participants in awe of the exceptional talent and thrilling performances displayed over the competition days.

2025 iQFOiL International Games in Lanzarote - Overall
The #1 iQFOiL International Games in Lanzarote came to an exciting conclusion on Sunday with the Medal Series crowning Johan Søe (DEN 37) and Emma Wilson (GBR 7) as the first champions of the 2025 season.

 
Boat Books Australia   Pantaenius 2022 - SAIL MPU AUS
 
New Zealand Millennium Cup: Sea Eagle wins on first day of her debut regatta
The New Zealand Millennium Cup is underway and Sea Eagle has taken the win on Day 1 in the Auckland regatta.

Romain Attanasio finishes 14th in the Vendée Globe 2024
For the charismatic 47 year old French skipper Romain Attanasio, finishing the Vendée Globe solo round the world race is becoming something of a habit.

29er Sustainable Sailor of the Month Award
The International 29er Class is excited to announce the launch of our Sustainable Sailor (or Team) of the Month program!

 
Vetus-Maxwell 2020   A+T Instruments 2024 MPU
 
18ft Skiff Queen of the Harbour
A 10-12 knot North-East breeze, perfect sailing conditions for 18ft skiff racing, provided a brilliant experience for each of the female crew members entered in the annual Queen of the Harbour, which was conducted by the Australian 18 Footers League.

Groupama Race makes a strong comeback
After a period of uncertainty, the legendary Groupama Race is back, stronger than ever!.

2025 2.4mR Australian Championship Paynesville - Peter Russell turns back the clock
Gippsland Lakes provided wonderful racing for the 2.4mR fleet with Peter Russell enjoying the "lake-like" challenge for a perfect score of 8 wins.

 
Selden ART   May 2024 MPU
 
Sydney Harbour Marathon
The Australian 18 Footers League, as part of its 90th Anniversary celebrations recreated the Sydney Harbour Marathon, last sailed 37 years ago when 18, 16 and 12 footers competed on a similar course.

Cruising Rally added to Antigua Sailing Week
Antigua Sailing Week, organisers, are thrilled to announce the launch of its newest addition: the Antigua Cruising Rally.

Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron in Australia selected as venue for 2027 RS Aero World Championships
Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron (BYS), a popular yacht club in Victoria, Australia was announced as the venue to host the 2027 RS Aero World Championships.

 
Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design   Allen 2022 - PSH Cam Cleat MPU
 
Vendée Globe Friday 31st January Update - The Queen of Hearts finishes, Arnaud Boissières dismasts
After Boris Herrmann on Malizia-Seaexplorer finished the Vendée Globe, Sam Davies arrived in Les Sables d'Olonne, with both skippers greeted by huge crowds and a flotilla of boats to escort them down the channel.

America's Cup: A brief truce in the War of the Roses for the first AC teams meeting
The embattled Houses of Ratcliffe and Ainslie are expected to stage a brief truce, this weekend, for the first meeting of the teams involved in the 2027 America's Cup.

Inaugural Fireball Australian Youth Championships set to make waves at Bullen Merri
Sailing enthusiasts and young competitors are gearing up for an exciting new addition to the Fireball sailing calendar—the Inaugural Fireball Australian Youth Championships.

 
Cyclops 2024 Live Loads MPU 1   Henri-Lloyd 2024
 
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle will start in Mallorca
The 54th edition of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca will be the starting signal for the race for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.

Samantha Davies finishes 13th in the Vendée Globe
It was with a huge measure of relief and satisfaction that French based Brit Sam Davies (Initiatives-Coeur) emerged from more than 48 hours of hellish weather to cross the finish line of the Vendée Globe in 13th place at 10:15 hrs UTC today.

Anatomy of an instrument upgrade
As A+T approach their 10th anniversary they look at some of the key events leading to their position today at the pinnacle of the yacht instrument market. Here they look at one of their longest standing and most supportive clients the Wally 145 Saudade.

 
Armstrong 300x250 MA Foil Range   Rooster SB1 Inshore Range GIF
 
NSW duo wow competitors at 420 Australian Championship
The 2025 420 Australian Championship was sailed on Sydney Harbour last week (January 19-23) and brought together an enthusiastic and competitive group of sailors from around the country.

Creative additions bolster Pantaenius Pittwater Regatta
The Pantaenius Pittwater Regatta is back bigger and better this February, with a number of new additions to the much loved summer event, organised and hosted by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) on inshore and offshore courses at Pittwater.

Germany's Boris Herrmann on Malizia - Seaexplorer finishes 12th in the Vendée Globe
In rough seas and big winds off Les Sables d'Olonne, German solo racer Boris Herrmann (Malizia - Seaexplorer) completed the Vendée Globe on Wednesday night at 2218hrs UTC to take 12th place.

 
Barton Marine 2019 600x500   North Sails Loft 57 Podcast
 
Internationals combine for assault on 2025 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race
In the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, an Australian entry, skippered by a prominent sailor and her mixed crew, will work as a team in the second edition of this epic 1250 nautical mile endurance contest.

How Leading Yacht Manufacturers are Simplifying Rig Setup for Owners
Leaving the dock with the incorrect rig settings guarantees suboptimal performance and comfort, but it can also lead to serious safety hazards and unnecessary damage to equipment.

RORC Caribbean 600: One month to go
The 16th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua, with 68 boats (as @ 29 Jan) ranging in size from 10.34m to 30.47m, and competitors aged 17-80+ from 31 countries; from Australia to Kazakhstan, France to Canada and UK to USA.

 
Lloyd Stevenson - AC ETNZ 600x500px   PredictWind - Offshore App 300x250
 
Foil Bay of Islands 2025 set to return Feb 21-25, with new memorial race
The prestigious Foil Bay of Islands event returns for 2025 with an epic program, new sponsors, and a special memorial race honoring a beloved foiling community member.

Balboa Yacht Club begins acceptance of Requests for Invitation for 58th Governor's Cup
The 58th Governor's Cup will be held between July 29 and August 3. The world's under 23 match race skippers are invited to file a Request for Invitation.

Wauquiez 55 tour at boot Düsseldorf 2025
One of the yachts I had to see at boot Düsseldorf 2025 was the Wauquiez 55. This performance cruising yacht, with Naval Architecture by the Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, has clearly been influenced by the IMOCA designs being used in the Vendée Globe.

 
C-Tech 2020 Tubes 300x250   U-DECK 2023 - No.1 300x250
 
 
ABS25-SailWorld-600x500-01_01   Mackay Boats 300x250
 
Rolly Tasker Sails 2023 FOOTER

Vaikobi 2024 December

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