Alive and Kicking - B2G
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
They just ran the 76th edition of the 308nm Brisbane to Gladstone race Kind of weird. They just ran the 76th edition of the 308nm Brisbane to Gladstone race. It's been annual, except for a wee hiccup in the COVID period. This year, unless you knew it was on, or had friends racing in it, it sort of flew under the radar...
Posted on 7 Apr Cool it. Cool it. Cool it!
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
It's what my father used to say to my siblings and I whenever the energy got too much It's what my father used to say to my three other siblings and I whenever the energy got a little, shall we say, animated, and the volume went up to raucous, on its way to unbearable.
Posted on 2 Apr Not on a mission - Just simply IS the mission
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
So if life is an adventure, and we are here to master the addiction, this may help all of us So if life is an adventure, and we are here to master the addiction, Renate Klocke might have the keys to success for us all. She only first stepped onto a boat six years ago, and crossed the two big oceans in the process.
Posted on 28 Mar Thirteen from Fourteen
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Not races in a sprint series - we're talking years! Not races in a sprint series. We're talking years! Yes. That's over a decade. Bruce McCracken's Beneteau First 45, Ikon, has just won Division One of the Range Series on Melbourne's Port Phillip to amass this most brilliant of achievements.
Posted on 27 Mar Plymo – Weddings, Parties, Anything
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
What a guy. Andrew John Plympton AM may have had many nicknames, but Plymo describes him best What a guy. Andrew John Plympton AM may have had many nicknames, like ‘Cheese', ‘The Admiral', ‘Dingo', and ‘Prez', but there can be no doubt that it is ‘Plymo' which best describes his disarming smile and entertaining wit.
Posted on 26 Mar The Maiden. A Triple. Four Bullets
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
I kind of like our Managing Editor's name for 18-footers: The Kings of the Lowriding World The JJ Giltinan Championship is often referred to as the unofficial World Championship of the mighty and majestic 18-Footers. I kind of like our Managing Editor's name for them – The Kings of the Lowriding World. Yes. That most definitely suits.
Posted on 11 Mar Back with a vengeance
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Categorically been on the Mixed two-handed offshore bandwagon from the beginning Categorically been on this bandwagon from the beginning. Flag bearing, card-carrying, full-blown trumpeter. Mixed two-handed offshore. You might argue it had a wee false start, but it just was a bridge too far at the time
Posted on 26 Feb Small Packages
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
You know? It is all about really good things You know? It is all about really good things. In sailing, two of the best attributes have always been fun and participation. Some would argue that these may have slipped off of late, but perhaps, it is more about finding a suitable offering.
Posted on 13 Feb Delivering us our…
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Freedom. Best of all, you won't need to put blue paint all over your face to attain it Freedom. Best of all, you won't need to put blue paint all over your face to attain it, either. Equally, you won't have to go too far to find it, for there are a little more than 400 Freedom Boat Club locales the world over with 5,000 boats in the fleet.
Posted on 11 Feb Contesting the Contenders
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
The Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club recently held the 2024 Contender Australian Championship The Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club in picturesque Paynesville recently held the 2024 Contender Australian Championship.
Posted on 28 Jan U can't touch this
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Reputedly, the very words that came out of MC Hammer's mouth that created the song Reputedly, these were the very words that came out of MC Hammer's mouth. They then went on to become the immortal tune.
Posted on 15 Jan Upcycling your Recycling part 3
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Brother from another mother Thank you. You have catapulted this thread's two other siblings into the outstanding category. Upcycling your Recycling, and then a little later on, Upcycling your Recycling – Sister from another Mister looked at a Volvo 70 mould, and a former TP52.
Posted on 22 Dec 2023 Not so Looney Toons
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Paying distinct hommage to the Warner Brothers franchise, with this one Paying distinct hommage to the Warner Brothers franchise, Looney Tunes, with this one. Now you may be too young to even remember the cartoons themselves, let alone Saturday morning sessions glued to the TV, when they were tubes, not screens.
Posted on 14 Dec 2023 One word. One enterprise. Two models
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Passion. There's your word Passion. There's your word. It pervades everything in this place as much as it is the motivating driver for the team that work there. Funny thing was, it happened to be the very first thing that was said after the recording had stopped.
Posted on 7 Dec 2023 Of foiling boats and taverns
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
Televising the AC40 racing for the masses Was in a tavern. It was actually a bit more like one of those barn style places, where size mattered more than anything else. Bigger is better, right? Let alone fries with that… Did not necessarily want to be there too long, either.
Posted on 3 Dec 2023 It's not just about the racing
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
Had occasion to be invited to attend a luncheon Had occasion to be invited to attend a luncheon. It was with a crew that do not even race together anymore, and the boat has been sold many a year ago, as well.
Posted on 19 Nov 2023 Bold as brass
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
You might expect a cute little French name on a French boat Ordinarily, you might expect a cute little French name on a French boat. Dare we say it is somewhat de rigueur? (Argh. Argh. Argh.) Lenny is very masculine in nature, and these are not necessarily boat names, unless you happen to be an Aircraft Carrier.
Posted on 7 Nov 2023 Can we learn from F1 and Group 5?
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
No doubt the origin of the proposition came from the latest IMOCA statement No doubt the origin of the proposition came from the latest IMOCA statement. The Class voted, and T-rudders (foils) are out (for now).
Posted on 22 Oct 2023 8 up to 11 to 1
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Now you cannot have that discussion without first having one about displacement Now you cannot have that discussion without first having one about displacement. In fact, they really do need to be concurrently, but so as not to get fixated on the latter, let's sort of let it coast along so that we get stuck into the former.
Posted on 12 Oct 2023 Not a 205 T16
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
As that would be the homologation special As that would be the homologation special. There was a LOT to like about it, too.
Posted on 8 Oct 2023 Upcycling your Recycling – Sister from another Mr
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Over on our sister site Powerboat.World, we ran an Editorial entitled, Upcycling your Recycling Recently, over on our sister site Powerboat.World, we ran an Editorial entitled, Upcycling your Recycling. It looked at how the carbon fibre mould for a Volvo 70 was to become a stabilised monohull for long distance, super-efficient cruising.
Posted on 24 Sep 2023 No pressure
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
No matter which way I looked at it, linking these things was just bound to add to it Funny thing is, no matter which way I looked at it, linking these things was just bound to add to it.
Posted on 10 Sep 2023 The big show and sailing (Cannes)
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
For some, going yachting means sticks, rags, and spray in your face It depends on where you live and grew up. For some, going yachting means sticks, rags, and spray in your face. Conversely, for so many others, the term yachting describes large vessels, parties, luncheons, tenders, small ports where booking is essential
Posted on 7 Sep 2023 Going big. Going bold. Going in style (and green)
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
A far-reaching conversation with Sunreef's Global Sales Director, Simon Turner Hilariously, as a conversation about colour, boating and green itself are not usually good bedfellows. Then again, we talk about greenies coming over the deck, so go figure...
Posted on 5 Sep 2023 Wonder Mike, Big Bank Hank, and Master Gee
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Only our story is about the Tweaker's Delight. So that's the Figaro Beneteau 3 Must have been an old-school hip hop theme running through on the playlist of late... After Grandmaster Flash last time, today we have the Sugarhill Gang with Rapper's Delight. Only our story is about the Tweaker's Delight.
Posted on 27 Aug 2023 Grandmaster Flash
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
The message. Are you with me? The message. Are you with me? Anyway, it simply came in with, ‘Get on this JC. Aussie boys, including son of Carl Crafoord, leading 29er Worlds with five bullets and a third out of a fleet of 206.
Posted on 13 Aug 2023 Upcycling your Recycling
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
This stabilised monohull is the carbon fibre mould from a mighty Volvo Ocean 70 The mighty Volvo Ocean 70 once held the sailing monohull record for point-to-point distance covered in a 24-hour period. Believe it or not, this stabilised monohull is the carbon fibre mould from one of those gems from that all-conquering class
Posted on 9 Aug 2023 Remove AFTER Flight!
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Normally that instruction reads Remove BEFORE Flight Normally that instruction reads Remove BEFORE Flight. It's always written all in bold white capitals off a red background so you simply cannot miss or ignore it.
Posted on 30 Jul 2023 Commanding the stage
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Did someone say about time? Must have... Did someone say about time? Must have… Could not help noticing that the impending Sydney International Boat Show (3-6 August at Darling Harbour) has a dedicated Discover Sailing and Paddling Hub...
Posted on 16 Jul 2023 Is the cookie cutter relevant in the digital age?
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Please note that this is an oversimplification, but there is still plenty of reason Please note from the outset that this is an oversimplification. It does, however, serve as brilliant analogy on a number of levels.
Posted on 4 Jul 2023 Having a tanti
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Saw these bows at the recent Sanctuary Cove show - so what are they? First came across these bows at the recent Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. They popped up again just a few days ago at Hervey Bay.
Posted on 3 Jul 2023 Of National Importance
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
And this is exactly how The Great Man (John Bertrand AO) put it to me And this is exactly how The Great Man (John Bertrand AO) put it to me. "130 athletes, from 40 clubs across the land, and approximately a 50:50 male/female split after the close of applications."
Posted on 19 Jun 2023 A tale of two daughters
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Ken Read tells his human daughter she has a sister; it still brings about a smile Ken Read tells his human daughter that she has a sister. To this day it still brings about a smile and chuckle with her.
Posted on 6 Jun 2023 The Little Aussie Lap inspires the world over
by John Curnow & Mark Jardine
We catch up with Xavier Doerr in his Mini Transat yacht off Broome during his voyage Xavier Doerr and his Mini Transat yacht are off Broome, and we speak with him about Cape York and the challenges of the top end before he gets set for the greatest challenge of all... the mighty Southern Ocean.
Posted on 26 May 2023 What boat do you sail on?
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Place a couple of yachties at a bar/regatta/waterfront, and it will be asked It's a fairly common question. Place a couple of yachties together at a bar, regatta, or the waterfront, and soon enough it will get asked as they try to determine what kind of sailor they are spending time with.
Posted on 21 May 2023 Talent time. Youth and women AC sailors apply now
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Apply now to be a part of the 2024 America's Cup. The Team Australia Challenge is looking for all Youth and Women sailors to apply to be a part of the 2024 America's Cup.
Posted on 11 May 2023 Karen and Richard
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
How does, Only yesterday, apply to J/99s? Have to read on to find out. He is a gifted arranger, and she was a delightful songbird. So the brother and sister combo had the Surname, Carpenter, and one of their many hits was, Only Yesterday.
Posted on 7 May 2023 Close Relations
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
They are both now a reality... What links a 50-foot Centre Console and a 75-foot motor yacht? We have talked about them before, and now they are a reality... The first relative is a 50-foot Centre Console. The other is a 75-foot blue water cruiser par excellence.
Posted on 2 May 2023 Going really, really, really deep
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Now this is not exactly the kind of thing you want to do when sailing Now this is not exactly the kind of thing you want to do when sailing. Deep is best left to submersibles and miners. But, we are off to explore the new Team Australia Challenge for the 2024 Youth and Women's America's Cup.
Posted on 23 Apr 2023 Not even a start…
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Sometimes you're just plain lucky. Another mantra is: you make your own luck Sometimes you're just plain lucky. Well now, many would like to subscribe to that theory, and that's just fine. Yet there are people who prefer to hold another mantra close to their chest. That one is; you make your own luck.
Posted on 14 Apr 2023 THE boat park brand…
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
It's not a matter of just how cool it is (although it helps) but how well it works The brand is Vaikobi, and the big V just continues to be the darling of the OTB gang, and for very good reason.
Posted on 12 Apr 2023 Thank God he didn't!
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Back at Sandringham YC in 2014, I met a strapping young West Australian... Back at Sandringham Yacht Club, in December of 2014, I got to meet a strapping young West Australian lad. Incredibly personable and quite worldly already, especially considering his years, Matt Wearn was a delight to speak with.
Posted on 27 Mar 2023 Edward Woodward
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
He played Lieutenant (Henry Harbord) Harry ‘The Breaker' Morant in the film. He played Lieutenant (Henry Harbord) Harry ‘The Breaker' Morant in the Bruce Beresford film depiction of the famed bush poet's execution during the Second Boer War. Woodward was utterly superb at it, too.
Posted on 12 Mar 2023 Not a bag of liquorice
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
There was a standout notion. That would be all sorts, hence the title. However, after one of the many conversations I have with our Managing Editor, Mark Jardine there was a standout notion. That would be all sorts, hence the title.
Posted on 27 Feb 2023 Captain Adventure sets sail (again)
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Nick Jaffe has a history of taking it on. No doubt about it Nick Jaffe has a history of taking it on. No doubt about it. There's also a scoreboard, if you like, but that's definitely not of his doing, or his style for that matter.
Posted on 23 Feb 2023 HMAS Enterprise (OK. M.Y. Enterprise)
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
What started out on a driveway, effectively as a one-man band, is now a 50 person strong enterprise. What started out on a driveway, effectively as a one-man band, is now a 50 person strong enterprise. (And there are very good reasons for that!)
Posted on 19 Feb 2023 A look back at the 2023 AWBF
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Immensely popular with participants and spectators alike, this is some of the fun had.... Immensely popular with participants and spectators alike, this is some of the fun from out on the water at the start of the 2023 Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
Posted on 14 Feb 2023 Two Boats. Same Direction.
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Well. You know what that means. There's a race on! Well. You know what that means. There's a race on! Never a truer word spoken, either... Well at least from my point of view, anyway.
Posted on 12 Feb 2023 All vessels great and small
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
January is a great time 'Down Under': Loads of annual regattas for coveted titles 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.
Posted on 29 Jan 2023 “Could have. Might have…
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
…but second still feels pretty good. Epic Hobart.” So read my message from Lee Condell. ...but second still feels pretty good. Epic Hobart.” This was the message Lee Condell sent me after he and Lincoln Dews arrived aboard Sun Fast Racing.
Posted on 15 Jan 2023