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 Sydney Hobart – New rulebook?
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Is it time for a new rulebook when it comes to the Hobart? Will BNC my Net be the Overall Winner? Is it time for a new rulebook when it comes to the Hobart? Maybe throw out things like go out early and come in late? Find the South flowing East Australia Current, and then use it? Maybe 2025 is the year of asking that question...
Posted on 29 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 Sydney Hobart – Moment in the sun?
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Huey (The God of Wind) is a Games Master. There is always something going on. Huey (The God of Wind) is a Games Master. There is always something going on. Take the Double Handed category, by way of example. Most of this Squadron are in the 30-34 feet bracket, with a few 40s thrown in. They have had just the five retirees
Posted on 28 Dec 2025 Sydney Hobart – They will! Huey playing nicely
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Daylight finish on the cards as Master Lock Comanche storms into the River Derwent estuary Daylight finish on the cards as Master Lock Comanche storms into the River Derwent estuary. Breeze at both the Iron Pot (10-15 knots) and in town (15-20 knots) ensures there will be no hanging around.
Posted on 28 Dec 2025 Sydney Hobart – LawConnect videos
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
An update from Tony Mutter, a sample of the conditions, and all three in super close proximity An update from Sailing Master Tony Mutter on board LawConnect, a sample of the conditions, and all three in super close proximity.
Posted on 28 Dec 2025 Sydney Hobart – Will they? Won't they?
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Huey loves to shake things up, so here is some Maths to ponder whilst he makes up his mind... Now at just after 1110hrs AEDT on December 28, 2025, the leaders are just South of a place called Friendly Beaches. SHK Scallywag still leads, but now Master Lock Comanche is in second, with LawConnect in third.
Posted on 28 Dec 2025 Sydney Hobart – SHK Scallywag leaps to front
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Moving from third to first is SHK Scallwag as it plays out abeam St Marys Moving from third to first is SHK Scallywag as it plays out abeam St Marys. This Editorial also includes a video interview with the great Chris Nicholson aboard LawConnect - he is brilliant and details their journey thus far.
Posted on 27 Dec 2025 Sydney Hobart – War of attrition - plateau arrives
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Looking at it and seeing Comanche doing just two knots SOG. Problem? Or realisation? Looking at it and seeing Comanche doing just two knots SOG. Problem? Or realisation?
Posted on 27 Dec 2025 RSHYR 2025 - a selection of racing images
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
A selection of official images from the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race A selection of official images from the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
Posted on 27 Dec 2025 Sydney Hobart – Surprised it took this long
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Since the start, things have been good from a damage POV, anyway. Not so flash on the rail. however So, at what is basically 24 hours since the gun went off for the start of the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, things have been good, from a damage point of view, anyway.
Posted on 27 Dec 2025 Sydney Hobart – The rise of the plateau
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
There is but 1.5nm separating the race leaders as Wild Thing 100 becomes the latest to retire Here we are, about 15 hours into it all, and there is but 1.5nm separating race leader, Master Lock Comanche from LawConnect, with SHK Scallywag about another 1.5nm further adrift. Note that Lucky is right there too, and Callisto is in 12th place
Posted on 26 Dec 2025 Sydney Hobart – I should be so…
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Lucky. It was ominous. Why so incredible? Well, it was only for around five minutes, but the signs.. Lucky. It was ominous. Why so incredible? Well, it was only for around five minutes, but they deployed their new North Sails A2 just about as quickly as LawConnect, who definitely won those bragging rights BTW, as well as first out the Heads.
Posted on 26 Dec 2025 Sydney Hobart – Death Valley or Plateau of Pain
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
It could be Death Valley that gets you. If it doesn't, then perhaps it will be the Plateau of Pain It could be Death Valley that gets you. If it doesn't, then perhaps it will be the Plateau of Pain caused by the large and slow High that is sitting over Tasmania. This particular Editorial stems on from Ocean Graders' Delight
Posted on 25 Dec 2025 Ocean Graders' Delight in the Sydney Hobart
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
What's in a gradient, and what's that got to do with the Sydney to Hobart race? What's in a gradient, and what's that got to do with the Sydney to Hobart race? Consider a path up to a picnic spot with a grand view – think gentle slope. One that makes you crane your neck back as your eyes go skyward – think goat track.
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 Like watching a big front build
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Deploying the 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 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 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 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 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025