Please select your home edition
Edition
Zhik 2024 December

All vessels great and small

by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS 29 Jan 2023 21:00 GMT
Alinghi Red Bull Racing - AC75 - January 24, 2023 - Barcelona © Alex Carabi / America's Cup

January is such a great time 'Down Under': A load of annual regattas for coveted Australian Championships, with many very much steeped in a grand history, and often a World title or two are in there, as well. There are also ones that mark important celebrations, and let's not forget two boats heading in the same direction. On for young and old comes to mind...

That last premise is the most important, for nothing engages participation across the years quite like sailing, and it can be on everything from icy pole sticks to keelboats. Such is the nature, that a 70 something is hitting the water OTB (John 'Woody' Winning comes to mind), and a teenager is embarking on their first major ocean race (like Harrison Miller).

When you look back over the results for the month, there is one thing that stands out in front, like it always does. The America's Cup. It may very well polarise people, and bar karate could nearly give way to other martial arts, but the evidence is as empirical as it is clear. It surpasses the mighty supermaxis, SailGP, Vendée, Ocean Race, and even the Hobart.

True, it sometimes only just puts a nose in front, but it remains that it is what the punters like to call a sure thing. Even on the super-rare occasion when it doesn't quite get there, the AC is still a podium, and only a few lengths behind. Aberration? Possibly. However, the one thing you can say is that it will be back on its feet, all dusted off and swinging again even faster and better than a 20 year old after a huge night out.

So the next time someone says, "I'm not interested in that foiling stuff!" just smile to yourself and ponder why they feel the need to be so adamant, when they probably get their dose of AC on the sly anyway... The truth is always binary. Stories, well, that's a different matter. It's a bit like McDonalds; you may not go there, swear it's been 30 years since you set foot in the place, those around you might not be inclined as well, but Maccas keep putting new Golden Arches up all over the place, so someone is frequenting their stores.

Now all of that above is because one thing reached out and touched me like no other in the last passage of time. It was the story of Gippsland's Sara and Emily Melrose from Paynesville, and their account of becoming International Cadet sailors. No strangers to regattas, the sisters paired up to race in the Cadet, because they heard of an impending Worlds coming up in Melbourne, just a few hours up the road from home.

Their account of going from Minnows to Cadets, flat water to lumpy, respecting Yankee Foxtrots (AKA cargo ships), learning how to work together after being their own skipper previously, and mastering resilience is inspiring, heartfelt, and decidedly human.

Jeanette Severs assisted them in putting their tale together, but she was very careful to leave it as their tale, and in their voice. For that I am most grateful, because these two girls showed many a quality well beyond their years. I suspect in a couple of decades time they will very much see the benefits of what they have achieved, not just at Hobsons Bay, and how the learning's shaped their lives. All power to them.

So to all those who raced, or made it possible for others to do so this month, Cheers. And to all those who wrote, photographed, and videoed it so we could catch up on it all, thank you. Appreciated...

OK. There it is. There is so much more on the group's websites for you. Simply use the search field, or 'edition' pull-down menu up the top on the right of the masthead to find it all. Please enjoy your yachting, stay safe, and thanks for tuning into Sail-World.

John Curnow
Editor, Sail World AUS

Related Articles

How Seldén Carbon Masts are made
I took a look around the Seldén Mast factory with Richard Thoroughgood to find out more I took a look around the Seldén Mast factory with Richard Thoroughgood from Seldén to find out a bit more about how the carbon tow reels become the masts that we use when out sailing. Posted on 12 May
For the love of slightly larger, even faster boats
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
The Allure of Timber
The longevity, and sheer beauty, of boats made of wood In these days of exotic materials, high modulus carbon and ultra lightweight construction, it's possible to overlook the longevity, and sheer beauty, of boats made of wood. Posted on 29 Apr
A look inside the Spirit Yachts yard
A close look at what makes their yachts unique Traditional skills in boatbuilding could be regarded as a lost art from a bygone era. In the world of fibreglass and carbon, the joinery and laminating techniques of wood ribs and cedar strips are a thing of the past. Posted on 28 Apr
Make me smile even wider and brighter
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
The holistic approach of Ancasta Yacht Services
Helping owners protect their investment and keep their boat in top condition Take a look behind the wood, gelcoat and trim panels on any modern yacht or powerboat, and you'll see that they are complex things. An array of cables, hoses & pipes interconnects electronic devices and amenities which make life on board more comfortable. Posted on 17 Apr
Jazz Turner explains more about Project FEAR
She will leave the wheelchair behind to sail unassisted around the British Isles for charity I caught up with Jazz Turner, who cited "the pure freedom I get when on the water" as the most important thing to her. Most of us sailors can appreciate that, but what we cannot really empathise with is being told you may only have 6 months to live. Posted on 15 Apr
Pro Sailing Drama and Intrigue
SailGP, the America's Cup, and the sailors themselves have all been in the mainstream news What a couple of weeks it has been in the world of professional sailing: SailGP, the America's Cup, and the sailors themselves have all been in the mainstream news for one reason or another. Posted on 15 Apr
For the love of small, fast boats - the Cape 26
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
The Proving Ground
Why the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS is such an important regatta The end of an Olympic quadrennial cycle often brings sailing campaigns to an end. Some partnerships in doublehanded classes split, with helm and crew going their separate ways, while others use the time to reflect on their future. Posted on 1 Apr