The Same, But Different
by Mark Jardine
A packed schedule coming up with a diverse range of events I am so enjoying reading all the event news now the season has begun in earnest in the UK. The sun has been plentiful throughout April and May, encouraging everyone to get back out on the water.
Posted on 12 May Sunsail Funding the Future Initiative
by Sunsail
Now in its third year of supporting grassroots sailing clubs Sunsail has launched this year's Funding the Future Initiative, now in its third year of supporting grassroots sailing clubs. Previous winners include West Lancashire Yacht Club (2024) and Otley Sailing Club (2025).
Posted on 7 May Close Encounters…
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Of the Jimbo kind. To know Jim Close is to have an experience. To know Jim Close, aka Jimbo, or Mumbles, is to have an experience (Boom. Boom. Basil Brush). It's not a reflection. It's a casting of vision. Yes. What a trip. Part acid. Part journey through space. Part adventure in existentialism.
Posted on 4 May Rotters and Colanders
by Mark Jardine
Initiatives which blow preconceptions about sailing out of the water In these times it's all too easy to fall back on old adages about sailing, saying the costs are too high, it's elitist and things are in decline, but there are some incredible bright spots which blow preconceptions about sailing out of the water.
Posted on 28 Apr Two things
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
The first time something occurs it's happenstance. Next is circumstance. The third is enemy action. So, there's an axiom that states, the first time something occurs it's happenstance. The next is circumstance, and the third is enemy action. Now on paper, and under that ruling, that makes this here Ed the latter. Hhhmmmm.
Posted on 19 Apr SailGP Venue vs. Revenue
by Mark Jardine
In 'Grandstand' sailing the race area is defined well in advance of the event SailGP finally got to land in South America, with the inaugural Rio Sail Grand Prix taking place over the weekend.
Posted on 13 Apr Mission Accomplished!
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Keeping it in the family was always really the main mission. Just ask him… Keeping it in the family was always really the main mission. Just ask him… Now at 138 days and some change, Tristan Gourlay has shaved a fair old chunk off the 179 days and change his dad, Ken, set 19 and a bit years ago.
Posted on 6 Apr Setting Sail at the Sofia Season Opener
by Mark Jardine
So much sailing to celebrate at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca There's so much about the Bay of Palma that works for sailing, and has turned it into one of the main Mediterranean destinations for both regattas and training.
Posted on 30 Mar Analogue v Digital.
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
It all started with the mighty Finn. You might have considered that it had wandered off... It all started with the mighty Finn. Now some 77 years old, and no longer an Olympic Class, you might have considered that it had wandered out to the far reaches of the back paddock and now rests under a big tree. It doesn't.
Posted on 26 Mar On the right wavelength
by Mark Jardine
The rise of Radio Sailing While model yachting has been around for a very long time, dating back to the early 1800s with vane steering yachts raced in The Queen's Basin at Green Park in London, it has surged in popularity in this century.
Posted on 17 Mar Clipper Race Stage 7 Video Review
by Mark Jardine
An extraordinary welcome in Qingdao The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race arrived to a huge ceremony in Qingdao, China at the end of Stage 7.
Posted on 12 Mar Qualified. Determined. Passionate. Focussed.
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
And experienced, to boot. Joining the dots was both a pleasure and natural job for Jessica. Little wonder that it is all working out, then. And it is only the beginning! Take a former Australian Sailing Team member who has her Barrenjoey Pin, who's also an Environmental Scientist and certified teacher with over 10 years of experience...
Posted on 8 Mar Shows, Spectating and Season Highlights
by Mark Jardine
The Dinghy Show, Sydney SailGP and upcoming JJ Giltinan Trophy make for a packed schedule It feels like my feet didn't hit the ground at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show. The event, held on the penultimate weekend of February in Farnborough, traditionally fires the starting signal for the UK season, and was as busy as I ever remember it.
Posted on 3 Mar Sam Goodchild and Henri-Lloyd Ocean PRO
by Mark Jardine
His rise in the IMOCA class has made him one of the most highly respected stars of offshore sailing Sam Goodchild has spent nearly as much time sailing as he has ashore in the past few years. His rise in the IMOCA class has made him one of the most highly respected stars of offshore sailing.
Posted on 3 Mar Anniversary Classes at the Dinghy Show
by Mark Jardine
We speak to a number of classes celebrating significant anniversaries The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026 saw over 9,000 people visit Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in the UK over the weekend of 21st & 22nd February to take in the feast of boats on display.
Posted on 1 Mar Pom Green: Born into Boatbuilding
by Mark Jardine
The Switch revolution, and the ethos behind Element 6 Evolution Pom Green has a family heritage in boatbuilding, growing up in the heyday of Green Marine, and has gone on to establish Element Six Evolution. While he has learned from legendary designers such as Doug Peterson, he has gone on to define his own legacy.
Posted on 25 Feb Quiet Achiever
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
100 days in. Best part of 5000nm to go. Maybe one more month or so at sea. Record awaits you. Just slugging it out. Bit over one hundred days have passed now. Under 5000nm still to run. Something like 30 to 45 days left to get back to the Iron Pot near Hobart. The living embodiment of, 'In order to finish first, first you have to finish!'
Posted on 24 Feb Rooster's 25th Dinghy Show
by Mark Jardine
Mark Jardine chats with Steve Cockerill about the beginnings and the new Aquafleec Rooster have been a staple of the dinghy scene since 1999, and have attended the Dinghy Show every year since 2001. Mark Jardine chatted with Steve Cockerill to find out about the journey, and the newly-updated iconic Aquafleece.
Posted on 24 Feb Micky Beckett on the appeal of the Switch
by Mark Jardine
ILCA Olympian chooses the foiler when he's not campaigning his ILCA Mark Jardine chatted with ILCA Olympian Micky Beckett at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026 about why he sails the Switch One Design foiling dinghy when he's not campaigning for the LA 2028 Olympics.
Posted on 23 Feb Le Mare has the Midas touch
by Mark Jardine
To win the Concours d'Elegance at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show The Concours d'Elegance at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026 has been won by Richard Le Mare's Hadron H2 'Midas'.
Posted on 21 Feb The World's Toughest Race?
by Mark Jardine
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Update after Stage 6 The Clipper Round the World Race is what many regard as true ocean racing. Exposed to the elements on deck in traditionally shaped displacement yachts.
Posted on 20 Feb Growing Pains
by Mark Jardine
The SailGP event in Auckland this weekend was extraordinary on many fronts The SailGP event in Auckland this weekend was extraordinary on many fronts. Thirteen F50 foiling catamarans on the startline, wild conditions with unpredictable gusts, and possibly the worst crash we've seen on the circuit since its inception.
Posted on 16 Feb Video: Gitana 18 launched at Lorient La Base
by Mark Jardine
The incredible new Ultim is in the water and the mast is stepped Gitana 18 is the trimaran which has been designed and built to take the great offshore records, including the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe, to another world.
Posted on 15 Feb Surf to City
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
It's kind of a big deal. Southport to Brisbane. A plethora of divisions, spread over inshore and off It's kind of a big deal. Southport to Brisbane. A plethora of divisions, two courses, one outside from the surf off the Gold Coast, and then up and over back down to Shorncliffe.
Posted on 8 Feb How can clubs thrive?
by Mark Jardine
While a sailing club exists primarily for its members, it also needs to break even financially While a sailing club exists primarily for its members, and must first and foremost serve their interests, it also needs to at least break even financially to remain viable.
Posted on 3 Feb Henri-Lloyd continues its support of JOG
by Henri-Lloyd
Helping increase younger participants in coastal and offshore racing Henri-Lloyd is continuing its long-standing commitment to the future of offshore and coastal sailing through its support of the Junior Offshore Group (JOG) and its youth-focused initiative, Generation JOG.
Posted on 28 Jan A Splash of Colour at boot Düsseldorf 2026
by Mark Jardine
I was very much looking for things which brighten up a cold and wet January At boot this year I was very much looking for things which brighten up a cold and wet January.
Posted on 27 Jan The other way
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Is it the wrong way? Some even think it might be the right way! Hobart to Sydney. The delivery home. Is it the wrong way? Some even think it might be the right way! Hobart to Sydney. Yes. The delivery home. It has always struck me that it does not get anywhere near the attention of the way down, but back up needs just as much care and consideration.
Posted on 27 Jan Crunch time for SailGP and the Cup
by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World NZ
Outside the Cup teams and Italian politicians, interest in the America's Cup appears to be fading Outside the Cup teams and Italian politicians, interest in the America's Cup appears to be fading fast, and SailGP is foiling into the vacated media space.
Posted on 23 Jan Generation JOG x Henri-Lloyd
by Mark Jardine
For the Journey and the Destination The Junior Offshore Group, more commonly known as JOG, is a thriving and growing community of racing sailors who love what they do. Most importantly, they are attracting younger sailors to the sport, with 36% of their membership now under 30.
Posted on 20 Jan Perfect Perth for SailGP Season Opener
by Mark Jardine
Spectacular racing, damage, collisions and injuries The Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix saw the kind of conditions that SailGP sailors and the fans relish. Small rigs, high speeds, a tight racecourse, and some spectacular racing.
Posted on 18 Jan Inside Contest Yachts
by Mark Jardine
How the luxury performance bluewater yachts are built Discover the craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation behind Contest Yachts in this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.
Posted on 14 Jan From one extreme to the other
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Let's go inshore, and how, with the 16-foot skiffs. Great action, and superb sailing. We'd been in supermaxi, mini maxi, double hander and serious weather mode for what seemed like some time. Then, as is the case at this time of year, there are a plethora of Australian Championships that get run, especially for OTB classes.
Posted on 11 Jan The complete package
by Mark Jardine
A thriving clubhouse leads to higher racing attendance, and visa versa I'm a great believer in starting things on the right foot. Be that in the morning, going for a run (even though it was damn chilly this morning) to set yourself up for the day, or preparing ahead for a meeting so that you've got the figures to hand.
Posted on 5 Jan Sydney Hobart – A very ordinary Hobart
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Now don't get me wrong. That's a not a description of the on-water action. Far from it, actually Now don't get me wrong. That's a not a description of the on-water action from the 80th rendition of the Boxing Day Classic. Far from it, actually. Rather, it is a reflection upon that the elements that an ‘ordinary' Hobart invariably involves
Posted on 31 Dec 2025 A new measurement system
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
What if you could create something that measured for real? Where we wouldn't need acronyms... What if you could create something that measured for real? You wouldn't need acronyms like IMS, IRC, ORCi, UMS, AMS, MOCRA, ORR, OMR, or PHRF. No hull factors deployed. No age allowances required. No weighing involved. No recut of sails.
Posted on 29 Dec 2025 Sydney Hobart – Double is not nothing
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Can the Double Handers get up? Will it be a veteran? Can an Ocean Grader get through? The Double Handers are duking it out to see if they can get the Overall Win under IRC – the famed Tattersall Cup (officially The George Adams Tattersall Cup). There are 12 still racing under IRC in this division. Min River had it early, and now Borderline
Posted on 29 Dec 2025 Merry Christmas and Thank You!
by Mark Jardine
A time to celebrate sailing I'd like to start by wishing you all a Happy Christmas, and hope that however you are celebrating, you are having fun with friends and family.
Posted on 25 Dec 2025 New and improved Swiss Army Knife
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Racing it won't be easy. Enjoying Palm Beach XI should be a Hallelujah Moment! Racing it won't be easy. Owing to the complexities of angles, horsepower, one daggerboard down, the other daggerboard up, C-Foils extended, C-Foils retracted, Leeward Elevator down, Windward Elevator up, and the list would just extend from there…
Posted on 21 Dec 2025 The highs and lows of campaigning
by Mark Jardine
Interview with Cameron Tweedle Cameron Tweedle began sailing at age six and gradually transitioned to racing, from the Topper class initially, moving all the way up to an Olympic campaign in the Finn.
Posted on 18 Dec 2025 Could the decline of Linear TV benefit sailing?
by Mark Jardine
The rise of YouTube has changed how we watch sport I really enjoyed the highlights of SailGP this season. When there's wind it is exciting racing with some of the best sailors on the planet battling it out on identical boats. The problem was, I didn't watch any of it live.
Posted on 9 Dec 2025 Sailing in Paradise - escape the winter blues!
by Mark Jardine
Thailand's stunning Royal Varuna Yacht Club offers incredible sailing throughout the year During the winter months in the northern hemisphere, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club can give visiting sailors some of the best warm water sailing available and the club welcomes guests from around the world.
Posted on 9 Dec 2025 The extraordinary Gitana 18 Ultim trimaran
by Mark Jardine
Timelapse video of the construction and a look at the main design differences Over the past two years at CDK Technologies on the West coast of France, the most advanced offshore sailing yacht ever built has been taking shape.
Posted on 6 Dec 2025 Switching Classes - Advice from Ben McGrane
by Mark Jardine
Getting the decision right takes thought and a bit of research Getting the decision right takes thought and a bit of research. Will the class suit you? Are you the right weight? What boat should you get in that class? All questions which could decide where you make the right choice.
Posted on 3 Dec 2025 First Look: Seldén CXr at Metstrade 2025
by Mark Jardine
Patented ratchet design and innovative 'nail' terminal Code sails have revolutionised sail handling on yachts, and Seldén's second generation of furlers, called CXr, have a patented ratchet design, as well as an innovative 'nail' terminal to connect to the torsion cables.
Posted on 2 Dec 2025 Video: All-female crew start their record attempt
by Mark Jardine
The Famous Project CIC aim for the Jules Verne Trophy The all-female crew on The Famous Project CIC have set off on an attempt to capture the Jules Verne Trophy and break the round the world record.
Posted on 1 Dec 2025 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 2025 The Two Million Dollar Move
by Mark Jardine
SailGP Grand Final Video Analysis We take a look at how the starts were won in the light winds on Day 1, and then see who won the start in the three-boat Grand Final itself, and then what the winning move was that sealed the 2025 Season title.
Posted on 30 Nov 2025 Passion, Precision and Innovation at Metstrade
by Mark Jardine
If you want a positive outlook on the marine industry then there's no better place to be If you want a positive outlook on the marine industry then there's no better place to be than Amsterdam in mid-November.
Posted on 25 Nov 2025 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 2025