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Sail-World United Kingdom Editorial

Recent editorial articles are listed below, but you can also discover what our individual authors are writing

Globe40 and La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec
by David Schmidt
A look at the Globe40 and the La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec It's always an encouraging sign when a round-the-world race begins its second edition, especially when the steeds in question are approachable boats for most serious sailors.
Posted on 9 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
Carbon or Steel?
by Mark Jardine
Moth Foil Evolution with Alex Adams Foils have been shrinking for years as sailors continually try to reduce drag and increase speeds, but designers were reaching the limit of what they could do with carbon, so the latest foils have turned to steel for some parts.
Posted on 7 Sep
Unboxing the Bieker Moth with Kyle Stoneham
by Mark Jardine
A look 'below decks' at the hidden control systems on Kyle's International Moth Why are all the ropes hidden on all the latest International Moths? It's all about aerodynamic efficiency as the boats get faster and faster. As we find out with Kyle, there are also some very clever systems under the carbon covers.
Posted on 6 Sep
The Age of Steel in the Land of Rock
by Mark Jardine
The International Moth class is never standing still This week the Moths have gathered in Torquay at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club for the UK Championship, and the discussion is all about steel.
Posted on 3 Sep
From vision to reality
by Mark Jardine
The XR 41's journey from sketch to World Champion In 2023 I took part in my first X-Yachts Gold Cup at Aarhus in Denmark. It was a glorious event, balancing fun and competition perfectly, and was a weekend where new friendships were formed with sailors who I continue to chat with regularly.
Posted on 2 Sep
Championship winning at 9 years old!
by Mark Jardine
Benjamin Pascoe completes a remarkable 2000 Nationals at Hayling Island The 2000 class have just had a superb National Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club. 59 boats competed in the ten race series with fresh winds and big waves on the opening day, followed by three days of lighter and shift north easterlies.
Posted on 28 Aug
Why we need VMG and VMC
by Mark Jardine
On The Ocean Race Europe Tracker The Ocean Race Europe Tracker has just had an update thanks to PredictWind, and now looks at routing for the boats, but it doesn't yet have VMG or VMC.
Posted on 27 Aug
Sail now, and sail often
by David Schmidt
Some thoughts on capturing as much sailing time as possible I'll admit it had been too long. Way too long, if I'm being honest.
Posted on 26 Aug
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
Blurring the line between sport and entertainment
by Mark Jardine
It's a simple reality that the voyeur in all of us is drawn to crashes Crashes gain clicks. It's a simple reality that the voyeur in all of us is drawn to situations where things have gone spectacularly wrong.
Posted on 18 Aug
Double Trouble during Sassnitz SailGP Practice
by Mark Jardine
Brazil hull collapses and French rudder flies off There was drama in Sassnitz during SailGP practice racing as firstly the French SailGP Team's starboard rudder broke off during a windward mark bear away, and then on the same leg Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team nose dived, with the main crossbeam collapsing.
Posted on 15 Aug
Kiel Canal to get to Portsmouth?
by Mark Jardine
Is this Holcim PRB & Allagrande Mapei answer to make The Ocean Race Europe Leg 2 start? While the five IMOCA yachts still racing in Leg 1 of The Ocean Race Europe are closing in on Portsmouth, the race is on for Holcim PRB and Allagrande Mapei to do their repairs after their crash at the start.
Posted on 12 Aug
Some thoughts on “Asteria's Final Voyage”
by David Schmidt
Tapio Lehti's rescue story in the GGR film “Asteria's Final Voyage” If you've sailed offshore, you understand how dependent you are on your boat, its systems, and your own seamanship. Finnish sailor Tapio Lehti discovered this firsthand in the Golden Globe Race 2022.
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
A Day at the Keyhaven Regatta!
by Mark Jardine
A montage of the sailing and surroundings which I hope you enjoy Sunday saw the first races of the 2025 Keyhaven Regatta at Keyhaven Yacht Club, a small club at the western end of the Solent in the UK. It also happens to be where I do my sailing from!
Posted on 10 Aug
Just another event?
by Mark Jardine
Is Cowes Week still a pinnacle regatta? We've been blessed with incredible sailing so far this summer in the UK (for once) with great breeze much of the time, and some of the best events in the world gracing our shores. But, like with Storm Floris, there are clouds on the horizon...
Posted on 4 Aug
Fastnet Race, RS Aeros, Isle of Wight
by David Schmidt
Fastnet Race, RS Aero Worlds, GL50s, Isle of Wight circumnavigation When the conversation turns to the world's greatest middle-distance bluewater races, talk tends to linger on the Rolex Fastnet Race, which started on Saturday, July 26, and for great reason.
Posted on 29 Jul
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
Rolex Fastnet Race Start - view from Hurst Castle
by Mark Jardine
A video montage as the fleet went out of the Solent I went out to Hurst Castle with my camera and drone to capture the action as the boats, ranging from the mighty Ultim trimarans, through to the IMOCAs and grand prix yachts competing in the 2025 Admiral's Cup went through the narrrows out of the Solent.
Posted on 26 Jul
(More than) A Day at the Races
by Mark Jardine
The UK is the place to be right now if you're a sailor The UK is the place to be right now if you're a sailor, and I don't think I've ever known a time when so many great events are happening concurrently.
Posted on 22 Jul
Were the Roos Robbed in Portsmouth?
by Mark Jardine
We discuss the Race 6 Penalty with SailGP's Chief Umpire Craig Mitchell The high speed, short course action of SailGP is thrilling to watch, but inevitably causes tight situations and means the Umpires have to react quickly to decide who is right and who is wrong.
Posted on 22 Jul
SailGP comes to Portsmouth!
by Mark Jardine
We speak to the sailors ahead of the weekend The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth takes place this weekend, with the 12 teams competing in F50 catamarans close to the waterfront, where a massive grandstand has been built for the spectators.
Posted on 18 Jul
The Ocean Cleanup's 30 Cities Program
by David Schmidt
A look at The Ocean Cleanup and its the 30 Cities Program The cliche goes that one should avoid meeting one's heroes, as there's always a chance that the flesh-and-blood person might not live up to expectations. While I've never met Boyan Slat, I'd gladly take this risk.
Posted on 15 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
Jazz Turner Video Interview
by Mark Jardine
How she Faced Everything And Rose during Project FEAR I travelled to Brighton Marina to catch up with Jazz, talking about her own sailing, the challenges she faced during the circumnavigation, how the money raised will be used, and a glimpse of her future projects!
Posted on 10 Jul
Understanding sMRT Alert with Jack Sharland
by Mark Jardine
Man Overboard Devices have come a long way in the last few years Man Overboard Devices have come a long way in the last few years with more features packed into smaller devices, but with all these features it can sometimes be difficult to understand what they all do.
Posted on 9 Jul
The Ocean Race Europe Video Preview
by Mark Jardine
We speak to Phil Lawrence, Peter Rusch & Pip Hare to find out more The Ocean Race Europe will take place between 10 August & 21 September, following a debut event in the summer of 2021. The racing is in IMOCA yachts, the same as the Vendée Globe, but this time with 4 crew and an OBR who will document the action on board.
Posted on 8 Jul
Foiling Frenzy at Fraglia Vela Malcesine
by Mark Jardine
The Moth Worlds at Lake Garda are something else! The Moth Worlds at Lake Garda are something else! Regardless of where sailors are in their careers, or the reputation they have, everyone wants to be there and have a tilt at the title.
Posted on 7 Jul
The oldest video footage of Moth sailing
by Magnus Smith
A look back into our video archive, to when the name of this class first settled down We delve into our video archive to find the oldest possible videos that show Moth racing. Are these International Moths, British Moths... or was the name still Olive, Inverloch 11ft, National Moth or Brent One-Design?!
Posted on 6 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
An evening with the Scaramouche Sailing Trust
by Mark Jardine
Sailing hasn't always been a sport for inner-city state schools like the Greig City Academy Sailing hasn't always been a sport for inner-city state schools like the Greig City Academy (GCA). But they've shown it can be accessible to everyone, with amazing results.
Posted on 2 Jul
Some thoughts on provisioning for distance sailing
by David Schmidt
A new perspective on provisioning and time spent at sea One of the great joys of distance racing unfurls the moment that the dock lines are untied. Suddenly, the myriad packing lists that inevitably define most trip-planning efforts become about as relevant as a tax return from eight years ago.
Posted on 1 Jul
Jazz Turner completes Project FEAR
by Mark Jardine
Drama right to the end in her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles Jazz Turner has completed Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin 27 yacht. A flotilla of supporters met her in Seaford Bay, which grew and grew the closer they came to Brighton Marina.
Posted on 1 Jul
Project FEAR is in the final few days
by Magnus Smith
Charity circumnavigation almost over, in record time, with a record total raised Jazz Turner is expected to reach home (Brighton Marina) on Monday 30th June or Tuesday 1st July. She has sailed round the British Isles - all round Ireland and the Shetland Islands - without any assistance in 27 days so far.
Posted on 28 Jun
Funding for clubs transforms sailing opportunities
by Mark Jardine
During the latest RYA Participation Webinar we heard from UK clubs about their experiences During the latest RYA Participation Webinar we heard from a range of UK clubs, walking through their case studies, and then heard from experts in finance who talked us through the opportunities and pitfalls of acquiring funds.
Posted on 26 Jun
A brief history of marine instrument networks
by Mark Jardine
Hugh Agnew has been involved since the outset, and continues to develop at the cutting edge One man who has been involved since the outset, and continues to develop at the cutting edge, is Hugh Agnew, the Cambridge-educated mathematician who is one of the founders of A+T Instruments in Lymington, so I spoke to him to find out more...
Posted on 25 Jun
Project FEAR turns southwards
by Magnus Smith
Charity circumnavigation progress report from the Shetland Islands Last month I didn't even know that Muckle Flugga existed. Yet today, the very name of the island brought tears of emotion to my eyes, as I heard Jazz Turner scream it out in victory, in a video she took when passing the lighthouse.
Posted on 22 Jun
Sailing and the summer solstice
by David Schmidt
Celebrating sailing and the longest day of the year If you love long evenings and early mornings, this is one of the best times of the whole year, as the summer solstice (Friday, June 20) and the entire rich expanse of summer are about to burst into bloom.
Posted on 17 Jun
Video Review: The Amazing Cure 55
by Mark Jardine
Composite Construction meets Cruising Convenience It was two years ago at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show that I talked to Dave Biggar about his ideas and plans for the Cure 55. At the 2025 show I got to step on board the yacht and see how his ideas became reality.
Posted on 17 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 oldest video footage of Kiel Week
by Magnus Smith
A look back into our video archive at the Kieler Woche of the 60s and early 70s In our series of articles looking back in time through our video archive, we visit Germany. Kiel Week is been a crucial event on the world circuit, and here we look back at the Kieler Woche of the 60s and early 70s.
Posted on 15 Jun
Jazz Turner's fundraising target is smashed
by Magnus Smith
Already £30k raised for Sailability, so it's time to up the ante Jazz Turner has now passed the northern-most tip of Ireland and is on her way to the Shetland Islands, and at the same time her fundraising total of £30,000 has been smashed!
Posted on 15 Jun
Nick Olson on PredictWind's newest features
by David Schmidt
Nick Olson discusses PredictWind's newest features PredictWind has long been a leader in presenting high-quality marine forecasts. Nick Olson discusses the company's newest features.
Posted on 12 Jun
The X-Yachts Gold Cup Experience
by Mark Jardine
A celebration of sailing, of X-Yachts and, most importantly of all, people Having just returned from Haderslev, Denmark - which is the home of X-Yachts and played host to the X-Yachts Gold Cup 2025 - I was left wondering if this was a racing event, a rally or a social celebration amongst close friends.
Posted on 10 Jun
Jazz Turner is now nearing Ireland
by Magnus Smith
Fundraising circumnavigation almost hits the £30k target after just 8 days afloat As at the 10th June Jazz is 8 days out from Brighton, and starting to near Ireland. Jazz had hoped to be further along than this, but the winds have been forcing her to stay close-hauled ever since she started.
Posted on 10 Jun
The evolving world of sailing fabrics
by Mark Jardine
The sport of sailing is evolving, and the clothing we wear is changing with it The sport of sailing is evolving, and the clothing we wear is changing with it. We see features such as impact protection becoming more commonplace, but there is a more subtle change happening with the fabric of the garments themselves.
Posted on 4 Jun
Getting excited for the Van Isle 360
by David Schmidt
Quoting a famous line from Pink Floyd's "Time" As I pack for the first half of the 2025 Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race, I find myself thinking about the last time I did this race, a certain Pink Floyd song, and the great adventuring, sailing and time with friends that awaits.
Posted on 3 Jun
Jazz Turner sets off around the British Isles
by Magnus Smith
Wheelchair cast aside for a gruelling fundraising voyage for Sailability We have been following Jazz Turner on a quest to become the first female wheelchair user to complete a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the British Isles. Today she left Brighton Marina, velcro-ed to the windward side on the epic voyage.
Posted on 2 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
North Sails Loft 57 PodcastGJW Direct - Yacht 2019 - FooterMelges 15