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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 The engine room
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Without them we are lost. This is about the things aloft both ahead and behind the stick. Without them we are lost. This is not about the tiny little room under the companionway stairs. Rather, it is about the things aloft both ahead and behind the stick.Yes. The rags. Only, they are anything but for wiping up spills. They are supreme tech.
Posted on 9 Feb PBMY - 30 years to become an overnight success
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Palm Beach Motor Yachts turns 30 in 2025 Palm Beach Motor Yachts turns 30 in 2025. Commencing operations in Palm Beach, Australia with the Palm Beach 38, it wasn't long before more space was required. They then moved to Mona Vale, just a bit further down Sydney's Northern Beaches peninsula...
Posted on 28 Jan Freight Train Running
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Checking in with Cole Brauer and ZaZa Tucker in the Southern Ocean Back at the beginning of November 2024 in 'When diminutive is massive' we warned fellow mariners in the Atlantic and Southern Oceans, then the Tasman Sea that First Light may resemble more of a freight train on her delivery to Australia than a Class 40.
Posted on 27 Jan Safety first (like DRRR)
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Safety first was definitely the first rule of the sea, as explained to me when I was young Safety first was definitely the first rule of the sea, as explained to me when I was young. You know, one hand for you, one hand for the boat, and so forth. Nothing has changed, but what of the regulations surrounding it all?
Posted on 12 Jan Make me smile
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Smiles and cash can always do amazing things. No cash, no splash, after all… Manly's pathway to progress looked at a way to attract and keep youth in sailing. Nice. Really nice. Now, what to do when you cannot replicate such a successful model?
Posted on 15 Dec 2024 The birthing suite
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Due date of December 13 for the first offspring - eager parents await Due date of December 13, 2024, for the first offspring. It will be a natural birth. There are extra parts that have already appeared that are also eagerly anticipating the arrival, so they can marry up and finally we will have the first Cure 55.
Posted on 6 Dec 2024 Big Cats IV
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
You have made this series oh-so-popular, and oft requested more instalments Thank you. You have made this series oh-so-popular. Additionally, you have oft requested more instalments, which is also greatly appreciated. So, we started all this back in September of 2021 with Big Cats I.
Posted on 2 Dec 2024 The Traditional Hobart
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Interesting. You hear the term a bit, but what does it really mean? You hear the term a bit, but what does it really mean? One thing is for sure. It is not like we are hearing people saying they are buying up all the full-keelers to go to Hobart at six knots, no matter what direction the breeze is coming from.
Posted on 1 Dec 2024 He loved to laugh, and a good time
by John Curnow
Vale Ian Wall. What a guy. Man of action, joviality, plans, adventures, miles and smiles Ian Wall. What a guy. I am not sure anyone knows how many people ‘Wallie' taught to sail, but judging by the number of people he kept in contact with, all over the world, it was thousands. Wallie was industrious, but in many ways he WAS the industry.
Posted on 24 Nov 2024 Gloves off! (Or is that actually gloves on?)
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
After last year's spectacular Hobart win, can LawConnect claim underdog status anymore? Well now... Isn't that actually a really good point. Normally, you'd say it was gloves off, time to get physical in a bare-knuckle street fighter sense.
Posted on 17 Nov 2024 Trust your instincts - Trust in Maverick
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
An amazing looking craft, full of interesting tech, and a brilliant project title How could you not get into this? An amazing looking craft, full of interesting tech, a brilliant project title, and the pedigree of two of the greatest names going around. Yes. I'm going to get my teeth into that, all right!
Posted on 8 Nov 2024 Making time to take time
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Selene might not be top of mind, but you'll be happy you took time to find out Funny thing is that this title applied to both parties. Me, because we had to make time to find out more about Selene, as they are not what you might refer to as 'top of mind'. It's OK. They admit to that.
Posted on 6 Nov 2024 When diminutive is massive
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Let there be light. Indeed. Elizabeth Tucker has acquired Cole Brauer's Class 40, First Light Let there be light. Indeed. Elizabeth Tucker has acquired Cole Brauer's Class 40, First Light. Come November 23(ish), the pair will undertake a 12,000nm journey from Spain to Australia via two of the Capes, thence under Tasmania and into Sydney.
Posted on 3 Nov 2024 Completely Polarised
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Nothing splits the field quite like a discussion about the America's Cup Nothing splits the field quite like a discussion about the America's Cup. Good thing that is exactly what we are going to get straight into.
Posted on 20 Oct 2024 50% is no mere pass mark
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
We're talking about half the planet here Some parts already in place, and others that needed much more time on low heat, in order for them to distil down. Make the grand sauce, and all that...
Posted on 7 Oct 2024 Look familiar?
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
OK. So the delivery system is different, to say nothing of the overall mission parameters OK. So the delivery system is different, to say nothing of the overall mission parameters, but the AC75 and the Soviet, Cold War era Lun-class Ekranoplan do both use ground effect. Both are designed to be combatants. Both get the job done smartly.
Posted on 25 Sep 2024 Who makes a better BBQ?
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Hold that thought. We'll revert, as this story about Sabre is right in the middle of our wheelhouse Hold that thought. We'll come back to it, because this story is right, bang, smack in the middle of our wheelhouse. Sabre is part of a small group of boatbuilders who started out making yachts (sailboats) before venturing into motor yachts.
Posted on 24 Sep 2024 What comes after good?
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Well if you get it right, then it's usually, great Well if you get it right, then it's usually, great. Miss the mark, and the slide down and out the other side is not so glorious. Good thing then that Jeanneau's new Sun Odyssey 350 is all about the former, and none of the latter.
Posted on 17 Sep 2024 For when looks not only matter, they count!
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
It's in the way the canopy integrates, and her amazing folding bulwark It's the look of her, for sure. She's just got something about her. It's in the way the canopy integrates, and her amazing folding bulwark. It is like the boat is sort of on steroids, but remains elegant, and everyone's interested to see her.
Posted on 10 Sep 2024 How hard can it be?
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
PredictWind really has a coming-of-age event at this 37th America's Cup Regatta PredictWind really has a coming-of-age event at this 37th America's Cup Regatta. Their Founder, Jon Bilger, explains “PredictWind was born out of the America's Cup, and the three challenges over 10 years that I did with Alinghi."
Posted on 8 Sep 2024 Do it on an empty stomach
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Now I bet you thought that means this editorial is going to be about seasickness. Uh-uh Now I bet you thought that means this editorial is going to be about seasickness. Uh-uh. Actually, it is about hospitality. More specifically, Turkish hospitality, which is incredibly generous, and always involves heaps of food.
Posted on 28 Aug 2024 Reefing your hat
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
Being sun aware is kind of top of mind. I love the stuff, just don't want to be in it too much As an Australian, being sun aware is kind of top of mind. I love the stuff, but these days just don't want to be in it too much. You'll often see me opt to stand in the shade when I can. It's a sort of as long as it is there, not here, kind of thing…
Posted on 26 Aug 2024 Architect of the grand design
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
You're talking about one hell of a journey, thus far, and there are a few things that could help I have had several conversations with one, Mick Miller, in the last few weeks. Typically, they've lasted around 40 to 60 minutes. An interesting guy, for sure. Now did I just hear a collective 'Whoop-de-do'? It's OK. I got it.
Posted on 25 Aug 2024 Magnificent journey and an awesome passage
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
43 years and 7000 nautical miles. The former is the journey, and the latter is the passage 43 years and 7000 nautical miles. Both are very weighty numbers in their own right. Both have tremendous significance. Both apply to the same greater subject here. Now the former is the journey, and the latter is the passage.
Posted on 14 Aug 2024 A man called Dingo
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Australia has just sent its largest ever team to the Olympics. Now it is time to look at the AC Australia has just sent its largest ever team to the Olympics. They have competed in more events than we have before. We have also had our best ever medal haul (In terms of Gold and overall count for an away Games). Nice. Very nice. Well done all.
Posted on 12 Aug 2024 Talk about a bad rap
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
For whenever you think you have it bad, ponder these guys For whenever you think you have it bad, ponder these guys. Now rather than just the whole of them, it really comes down to the Big Four, albeit the stature of one of them is nowhere near as big as its reputation.
Posted on 31 Jul 2024 Good times
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
I had a distinctly Bernard Edwards and Nile Rogers flashback with the Tesoro T40 Yes. I had a distinctly Bernard Edwards and Nile Rogers flashback. Actually. Stop the press! It was a halleluiah moment. The reason? Got to catch up in person with the Tesoro T40...
Posted on 30 Jul 2024 From the Olympics to ocean passages
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
1.5 million users and counting: from Olympians, to ocean racers, cruisers and powerboaters Yes. The best there are on the water use PredictWind. However, it is not just limited to the Olympic Classes. Ocean racers and cruisers, as well as powerboat passage makers comprise the 1.5m users of the renowned system, and there is good reason why.
Posted on 29 Jul 2024 Never again! (Except for next time…)
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
What's it like to take a Cruiser/Racer racing? And not just any old race What's it like to take a Cruiser/Racer racing? Not just any racing, mind you, but two of the world's most famous courses. The Transpac and the Hobart. This was the premise presented to Charles Ettienne-Devanneaux ahead of our most recent chat.
Posted on 17 Jul 2024 It's called fishing. Not catching…
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Time for a Q&A with Andrew Ettinghausen ahead of the Sydney International Boat Show Ahead of the impending SIBS we were fortunate enough to get time for a Q&A with ET (Andrew Ettingshausen). As one of the most recognised fishing experts in Australia, we were keen to understand how someone can make a start from a pier, and be waterborne.
Posted on 16 Jul 2024 It's upon us
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Paris 2024 happens this month. Little wonder it seems like it has come back around quickly Paris 2024 happens this month. Little wonder it seems like it has come back around quickly, when this current quadrennial actually started in 2021. Still. Is what it is… 12 sailors comprise the Australian Olympic Sailing Team.
Posted on 2 Jul 2024 The Devil Wears Detail
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Amazing renders have a nasty habit of not being completely thought through Amazing renders do indeed have a nasty habit of not being completely thought through, so complicated as to have a build cost factor of times three, or the proverbial snowflake's chance in hell of ever being built. Sometimes it is even an amalgam.
Posted on 18 Jun 2024 It's just a stick
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
It was just like watching an enthusiastic kid It was just like watching an enthusiastic kid. Alinghi's Silvio Arrivabene was totally in the 'nothing to see here' mode, and moreover, was keener to get into the ‘maybe exceeding them' remarks about their targets. Did someone say, ‘Spinal Tap'?
Posted on 17 Jun 2024 Affordable meets Versatile meets Reliable
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
It was a real hurdle for me, nay, it was a complete roadblock It was a real hurdle for me. Nay, it was a complete roadblock. I simply felt like I had the most underwhelming headline. For me, this is often the peg in the wall to hang everything off.
Posted on 4 Jun 2024 Your silent partner
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
A not insignificant amount heavier, and maybe 15-20% more expensive?! A not insignificant amount heavier, and maybe 15-20% more expensive. Sounds a lot more like a large drogue, rather than a ride along a travelator at a huge airport. Sure, but like all things, it is a matter of perspective.
Posted on 3 Jun 2024 Going to publish the 'F' word
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
There was a distinct, if decidedly unfair, hint of the Darwin Awards when I first saw this There was a distinct, if decidedly unfair, hint of the Darwin Awards when I first saw this item come in. Most specifically, it related to the one where the guy had strapped a JATO rocket to his car.
Posted on 3 Jun 2024 Things Do Change…
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
ZF POD 4600 brought about a lot of change. The new ZF POD 4900 will do just the same! It's quite some time ago now. Three decades for sure, and into its fourth, quite possibly. It was one of those unwritten laws. An adage, if you will.
Posted on 21 May 2024 The most famous boat in the world
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor
Goes by a lot of nicknames, but you'd think Comanche fits the bill wherever she goes Goes by a lot of nicknames, but you'd have to think Comanche fits the bill wherever she goes. Right oh. Well, for just another eight months or so, she's not going anywhere. The most famous boat in the world has another, albeit short, charter with one aim.
Posted on 20 May 2024