Like watching a big front build
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Deploy the total might of the North Technology Group is not simply about rags, strings, and sticks When you able to deploy the total might of the North Technology Group, it is not simply rags, strings, and sticks that are the outcome. Equally, it is not merely the sum of the parts. It is more. Way more… Yes. It is most certainly the best of the best.
Posted on 15 Dec Keep it in the family. Keep it Tasmanian.
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Seeing as we have been somewhat zeroed in on Tassie over the last little while, let's keep going Now the Australian with the fastest time for a solo, non-stop, and unassisted circumnavigation of this here planet is Ken Gourlay, OAM.
Posted on 30 Nov The importance of wearing a halo
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Is it a new transformer, is it a motorsailer, or is it an architecture statement? Where to begin with Dragonfly? Well, Dragonfly's external appearance piqued one's curiosity, but it might not have been much more than that, has it not been for the exceptional performance of an earlier ditty. Trust your instincts - Trust in Maverick
Posted on 24 Nov They just have to be Taswegians!
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Yes, they are completely unique. Little wonder too, as their home is just so special. Yes, they are completely unique. Little wonder too, as their home is just so special. However, rather than talk about all 575,000 souls that call Tasmania home, we are going to focus in on just two. Yes. It's the number you need to go double-handed.
Posted on 17 Nov Pivot on this
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
I despise the way ‘pivot' got used as many times as those wretched QR codes... Yes indeed. As much as I would hate to take people back to the COVID era, that's exactly what I've just done. Making that problematic trip back in time look good, is how much I despise the way ‘pivot' got used as many times as those wretched QR codes.
Posted on 2 Nov When 10% earns you 20%
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Universally, boats are more expensive relative to their LOA over the last five or so years Cats are super popular, more so than ever, and it looks like that trend will continue unabated. Nothing does space, low angle of heel, or general stability like a multi, after all.
Posted on 24 Oct Who let the dogs out?
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
We can tell you who is going to win the 2025 Sydney to Hobart before it is even run! Yes indeed. Who? Now in the canine world there's a thing called, 'Best in Show'. However, right here, right now, out of all the entries, we can tell you who is going to win the 2025 Sydney to Hobart, before it is even run.
Posted on 19 Oct Opportunity knocks
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Time with Keryn McMaster was on offer, so yeah, let's do this! Best grab it with both hands, then. Time with Keryn McMaster was on offer, so like, yeah, let's do this! She's a bit of ledge, so she fits in very well with the precursor piece we did on the Admiral's Cup, which was entitled: The call of the mighty.
Posted on 6 Oct And so, it begins…
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Grand Final not run yet, but our Hobart coverage begins with something very cool Maybe a tad earlier than last year, which I think was after the Grand Final, but the 100th entrant seemed like a good place to set things off. Now with that said, Sail-World's Hobart coverage begins.
Posted on 21 Sep You just gotta love a good algorithm
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
So, I opened up YouTube, and there it was. Could not believe my luck, actually. So, I opened up YouTube, and there it was. Could not believe my luck, actually. The algorithm had coughed up something I really wanted to watch. Yes, I know it means Big Brother is watching and listening.Also, every key stroke is being recorded.
Posted on 7 Sep Yet more 'F' word
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
One of the enduring joys of this gig is circling back One of the enduring joys of this gig is circling back. This is no more especially so than when you get to see the plan unfold.
Posted on 25 Aug Baby Cats (not kittens)
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
The far more important business of smaller catamarans, not a stream of kitten videos The far more important business of smaller catamarans, not an unending stream of videos of kittens.
Posted on 12 Aug Double Down
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Rahan, Léon, and Toucan - all great efforts, all winners, and all oceans apart Still blown away by the incredible efforts of Rahan in the Transpac, and now there is Léon in the Fastnet, and here in Australia, Toucan scores int he Sydney to Gold Coast race
Posted on 10 Aug Of Ospreys, Eagles, Falcons, and Moths
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Birds of prey. Insects. All of them airborne? How does it all apply here? Time to find out! All are airborne. The first three are birds of prey. The last one is an insect. All are so completely different. The first three have also had their name, formidable qualities and fantastic reputations applied to fantastic aircraft made by Boeing.
Posted on 27 Jul The after party starts now!
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Prestige have already given us two instalments of their M-Line, and now here is the third Prestige have already given us two instalments of their M-Line, and now here is the third - M7
Posted on 21 Jul Double Double
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
And the rest of the line is not toil and trouble, but quadruple, then another double… On the eve of the 100th Fastnet that has attracted some 464 entries, I heard of one entry in this record fleet that seemed so very apt. Not only because it includes the Commodore of the RORC, but because it combines two Brits and two Aussies.
Posted on 13 Jul The power of tech
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
What is the cost of safety? How do you measure it? More importantly, how do you appreciate it? What is the cost of safety? How do you measure it? More importantly, how do you appreciate it?
Posted on 2 Jul One thing. One big, very fast boat
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
One thing that opened the door, another made us enquire some more - 50 knots! Yes. It was one thing that opened the door, as it were. One thing that piqued the curiosity enough to go, ‘I'll take a look at that!' One thing that when you're trying to crack in excess of 50 knots...
Posted on 30 Jun The Big Bash
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Every summer the tournament rolls into town. A short format of the game. Fun and excitement abound. Every summer the tournament rolls into town. Local and international players. A short format of the game, run over a relatively compact six-week season.
Posted on 15 Jun The call of the mighty
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
See the words Admiral's Cup and you immediately think approachable, real, hardcore action See the words Admiral's Cup and you immediately think approachable, real, hardcore action, braving the elements, and glory for the victorious. As an Australian, you have King Louie (the late Lou Abrahams), and the late Sir Jim Hardy as the poster boys.
Posted on 1 Jun The appeal of offshore
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Is there still appeal? Have we made it too onerous? Why would someone take it up now? I had been pondering. Yes. Marquee events have no issue attracting entrants. Middle Sea, Transpac, Cape to Rio, Fastnet, and Hobart all spring to mind instantly, but what of the ‘lesser' races? Lots of boats in pens (slips) a lot of the time
Posted on 18 May SAY it with intent! SAY it in carbon…
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
You know, you might also have to SAY it in epoxy. You know, you might also have to SAY it in epoxy. Get all that, and you are certainly someone who needs to know about SAY Carbon Yachts. It's all about efficiency, acceleration, pace, and the amount of horsepower required to get there.
Posted on 8 May For the love of slightly larger, even faster boats
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Bring it on. No chicken chutes allowed. Celestial, the newest Cape 31 in Oz is up and racing Thank you. You have let For the love of small, fast boats run before the breeze like a superlight planning hull under way too big a kite, with immense sheep in the paddock, and the Sailing Master grasping the flare gun in his pocket... No chicken chutes.
Posted on 4 May Make me smile even wider and brighter
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
What's better than writing about a great programme to get people into yachting? Only one thing... What's better than writing about a great programme to get people into yachting? Well, how about actually speaking with a former participant who has then gone on to work in the industry. That's what!
Posted on 22 Apr Staying in your lane – a Robertson and Caine story
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Boat building is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks at will It's not an easy thing, this boat building caper. It is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks, at will, and frequently. Much like on-the-spot fines from an overzealous parking inspector.
Posted on 10 Apr For the love of small, fast boats - the Cape 26
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Chickens, eggs, and boats. Until now, had never, ever put that lot together! The proverbial chicken, an egg, and boats. Not entirely sure I had ever pondered that until after my recent conversation with Davey James and Mark Mills. The genesis for the discussion was the reveal of the new Cape 26 OD....
Posted on 6 Apr Time to nerd out a bit
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Anyway, historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Right oh. Unequivocally, the greater electrification space is not just THE hot topic presently, it also changes at a prodigious rate.
Posted on 3 Apr Going to publish the 'F' word – Again!
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Clearly, there are lots of young sailors out there looking to add a load of fun to their sailing Now we published the first one back in June last year. It did really well, thank you. Very much appreciated. Clearly, there are lots of young sailors out there looking to add a load of fun to their sailing, and are keen to get into the foiling world.
Posted on 23 Mar Is it the science of silence?
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
A sensibility and inner peace that only real Zen can deliver. Yes. This is Silent Yachts. Distinctly more than just moments in love? You'd have to think so. A serene theme for life. A futuristic take on it all. New Romantic collides with Renaissance. Abstract meets impressionism. A sensibility and inner peace that only real Zen can deliver.
Posted on 17 Mar Two boats. Same Direction.
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
You know the deal… It means there's a race on. You know the deal… It means there's a race on. So, the second South Pacific Superyacht Rendezvous is set for August 26 to 29, 2025. If it is even half as much fun and interesting as the first one, then it will bolster its burgeoning reputation.
Posted on 9 Mar Point of difference - Pacifica 44
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Take me away. Far, far away. OK. Here's the Pacifica 44, which is perfect for the job. 3000nm. Boom. There's your unique selling proposition, right there. Real range. Reliable passage making times/distances at 10 knots as your base marker and unbelievable autonomy means the Pacifica 44 harnesses the absolute best a sailing vessel can offer.
Posted on 27 Feb Battle for the Bar
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
The unofficial name for the Capel Sound Invitational, from the stellar waters and the drinks By their own admission, this is the unofficial name for the Capel Sound Invitational. Yes, it pays reference to the location where they serve drinks, but it is also for the stretch of water it is named after.
Posted on 24 Feb Spin it on its head
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
A swing keel that performs better than the fixed keel? C'mon. Let's check out the Wauquiez 55 A swing keel that performs better than the fixed keel? C'mon. Well, when you go to the super-accomplished Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, like, what do you expect? The tale about the coming to be of the Wauquiez 55 is bold and forthright.
Posted on 19 Feb The engine room
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Without them we are lost. This is about the things aloft both ahead and behind the stick. Without them we are lost. This is not about the tiny little room under the companionway stairs. Rather, it is about the things aloft both ahead and behind the stick.Yes. The rags. Only, they are anything but for wiping up spills. They are supreme tech.
Posted on 9 Feb PBMY - 30 years to become an overnight success
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Palm Beach Motor Yachts turns 30 in 2025 Palm Beach Motor Yachts turns 30 in 2025. Commencing operations in Palm Beach, Australia with the Palm Beach 38, it wasn't long before more space was required. They then moved to Mona Vale, just a bit further down Sydney's Northern Beaches peninsula...
Posted on 28 Jan Freight Train Running
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Checking in with Cole Brauer and ZaZa Tucker in the Southern Ocean Back at the beginning of November 2024 in 'When diminutive is massive' we warned fellow mariners in the Atlantic and Southern Oceans, then the Tasman Sea that First Light may resemble more of a freight train on her delivery to Australia than a Class 40.
Posted on 27 Jan Safety first (like DRRR)
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Safety first was definitely the first rule of the sea, as explained to me when I was young Safety first was definitely the first rule of the sea, as explained to me when I was young. You know, one hand for you, one hand for the boat, and so forth. Nothing has changed, but what of the regulations surrounding it all?
Posted on 12 Jan Make me smile
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Smiles and cash can always do amazing things. No cash, no splash, after all… Manly's pathway to progress looked at a way to attract and keep youth in sailing. Nice. Really nice. Now, what to do when you cannot replicate such a successful model?
Posted on 15 Dec 2024 The birthing suite
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Due date of December 13 for the first offspring - eager parents await Due date of December 13, 2024, for the first offspring. It will be a natural birth. There are extra parts that have already appeared that are also eagerly anticipating the arrival, so they can marry up and finally we will have the first Cure 55.
Posted on 6 Dec 2024 Big Cats IV
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
You have made this series oh-so-popular, and oft requested more instalments Thank you. You have made this series oh-so-popular. Additionally, you have oft requested more instalments, which is also greatly appreciated. So, we started all this back in September of 2021 with Big Cats I.
Posted on 2 Dec 2024 The Traditional Hobart
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Interesting. You hear the term a bit, but what does it really mean? You hear the term a bit, but what does it really mean? One thing is for sure. It is not like we are hearing people saying they are buying up all the full-keelers to go to Hobart at six knots, no matter what direction the breeze is coming from.
Posted on 1 Dec 2024 He loved to laugh, and a good time
by John Curnow
Vale Ian Wall. What a guy. Man of action, joviality, plans, adventures, miles and smiles Ian Wall. What a guy. I am not sure anyone knows how many people ‘Wallie' taught to sail, but judging by the number of people he kept in contact with, all over the world, it was thousands. Wallie was industrious, but in many ways he WAS the industry.
Posted on 24 Nov 2024 Gloves off! (Or is that actually gloves on?)
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
After last year's spectacular Hobart win, can LawConnect claim underdog status anymore? Well now... Isn't that actually a really good point. Normally, you'd say it was gloves off, time to get physical in a bare-knuckle street fighter sense.
Posted on 17 Nov 2024 Trust your instincts - Trust in Maverick
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
An amazing looking craft, full of interesting tech, and a brilliant project title How could you not get into this? An amazing looking craft, full of interesting tech, a brilliant project title, and the pedigree of two of the greatest names going around. Yes. I'm going to get my teeth into that, all right!
Posted on 8 Nov 2024 Making time to take time
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Selene might not be top of mind, but you'll be happy you took time to find out Funny thing is that this title applied to both parties. Me, because we had to make time to find out more about Selene, as they are not what you might refer to as 'top of mind'. It's OK. They admit to that.
Posted on 6 Nov 2024 When diminutive is massive
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Let there be light. Indeed. Elizabeth Tucker has acquired Cole Brauer's Class 40, First Light Let there be light. Indeed. Elizabeth Tucker has acquired Cole Brauer's Class 40, First Light. Come November 23(ish), the pair will undertake a 12,000nm journey from Spain to Australia via two of the Capes, thence under Tasmania and into Sydney.
Posted on 3 Nov 2024 Completely Polarised
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Nothing splits the field quite like a discussion about the America's Cup Nothing splits the field quite like a discussion about the America's Cup. Good thing that is exactly what we are going to get straight into.
Posted on 20 Oct 2024 50% is no mere pass mark
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
We're talking about half the planet here Some parts already in place, and others that needed much more time on low heat, in order for them to distil down. Make the grand sauce, and all that...
Posted on 7 Oct 2024 Look familiar?
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
OK. So the delivery system is different, to say nothing of the overall mission parameters OK. So the delivery system is different, to say nothing of the overall mission parameters, but the AC75 and the Soviet, Cold War era Lun-class Ekranoplan do both use ground effect. Both are designed to be combatants. Both get the job done smartly.
Posted on 25 Sep 2024 Who makes a better BBQ?
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Hold that thought. We'll revert, as this story about Sabre is right in the middle of our wheelhouse Hold that thought. We'll come back to it, because this story is right, bang, smack in the middle of our wheelhouse. Sabre is part of a small group of boatbuilders who started out making yachts (sailboats) before venturing into motor yachts.
Posted on 24 Sep 2024