Dennis Conner's 1987 America's Cup comeback
Feb 03, 2012 12:00 amThe National Sailing Hall of Fame reminds sailing history and America's Cup fans that ESPN Classic will broadcast the story of Dennis Conner's comeback win in 1987 when he recaptured the America's Cup from the Australians. Included in the show, which airs on Saturday, Feb. 4, are scenes of Conner's Oct. 23, 2011 induction into the National Sailing Hall of Fame at the San Diego Yacht Club.
From the press release: ESPN Classic presents 1987 America's Cup Retrospective this Saturday, February 4, 2010.
Dekker circumnavigates at 16
Jan 22, 2012 12:00 amFinishing up her trip in St. Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles on Saturday Laura Dekker at the age of 16 became the youngest sailor to circumnavigate solo. Despite her travails fighting Dutch authorities who tried to prevent her setting off, Dekker eventually received permission and began her voyage on St. Maarten in January of 2011. According to a report in The Guardian, Dekker's family may move to New Zealand.
Blog analyzes Concordia tragedy from marine perspective
Jan 19, 2012 12:00 amThe blog gCaptain has a special section up analyzing many aspects of the recent demise of the cruise ship Costa Concordia, including some interesting material not found in the mainstream press. For example, it is reported that the president of RINA, the Italian classification organization that certifies ships for seaworthiness and safety (similiar to Lloyds), has resigned in relation to the incident. Well worth checking out the link.
Fun college racing video
Jan 13, 2012 12:00 amCheck out this fun video of college sailors competing at the 2011 Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta at Larchmont Yacht Club on Long Island Sound last fall. The video was made by the Villanova sailing team and it won first place as the best video. Looks like they could have used some wind during the races!
Solo sailor rounds Cape Horn
Jan 09, 2012 12:00 amWhile many of us were busy with New Years activities, stalwart American solo sailor Matt Rutherford was rounding Cape Horn in his Albin-Vega 27. Rutherford sailed 18,341 miles in 208 days to get to Cape Horn, and is well past the halfway point of a circumnavigation of North America. Rutherford is sailing to benefit Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB), a nonprofit sailing program for people with disabilities, based in Annapolis, Md.
New anchors now available in U.S.A.
Jan 05, 2012 12:00 amUpdating a previous story here on Running Fix Blog, Sea Tech and Fun USA now has information and pricing on its new Spoon and SeaBlade anchors on the website. A company representative said that some anchors are available now, with more soon arriving for spring delivery.
Chinese satellite system begins operation
Dec 29, 2011 12:00 amThe China Daily news service recently announced that the Chinese Compass satellite navigation system — similar to American GPS — has been declared operational on a limited basis. This follows the December 2, 2011, launch of the tenth Compass satellite. The system will provide navigation, positioning and timing data on a pilot basis to China and the neighboring area.
Sydney Hobart ends in controversy
Dec 29, 2011 12:00 amThe 64th running of the Sydney Hobart Race ended with a bit of controversy after a protest against super maxi Investec Loyal was dismissed by the yacht race jury, according to reports. Competitor Wild Oats XI had filed an official protest claiming that Investec Loyal had been aided by sail set and trim information relayed by a helicopter crew hovering near the race finish.
Sydney Hobart Race underway
Dec 27, 2011 12:00 amThe 2011 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has started from Sydney, Australia, and there are already drop outs due to damage. The 64th running of the race, known as one of the toughest ocean challenges in the world, has seen 12 yachts retired, with 76 still remaining in the race. The leader of the moment is super maxi Investec Loyal.
Boat Bog plugs leaks
Dec 20, 2011 12:00 amI can't say that I've ever seen it, or for that matter tested it, but I just have to mention a product with such a catchy name: Boat Bog. This Australian product is claimed to be the perfect goop to use to plug a leak in your boat. It requires no preparation and you don't have to wait for it to harden. Just slap it on the leak and head to shore for a more permanent repair.