As the super-syndicates get going for America’s Cup 2003 there are already hints of an ironic switch in public sentiment over the event.

In Europe, at least, there will always be a strong desire to see the event won by one of our ‘local’ teams, principally to see the event come to Europe for the first time since it began its expensive journey in 1851. However, over and above understandable self-interest, the way the odds are stacking against Team New Zealand will undoubtedly catalyse an unprecedented switch of sentiment in favour of the defenders.

Everyone involved in the America’s Cup admires the way in which New Zealand ran its last two campaigns on a relative shoestring. With New Zealand’s outstanding marine industry, and many of the world’s best sailors and technicians on side they have previously been able to contain costs very effectively.

Next time, however, the world knows the Aucklanders have lost many of their key assets...........

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A rare departure

It’s not often that we stray into ‘mainstream boating’, there’s plenty of places to read about that. But there is an unhealthy trend developing out there, largely without comment and I believe it needs stamping on. And, as we are gratefully aware, you are an influential lot!

It is increasingly frequent that you read of someone being rescued at sea after making a call by mobile phone...... 

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Nothing is tougher

The start of the world’s toughest yacht race is just weeks away. This year’s Vendée Globe has attracted a record entry of 24 boats, including our own Patrice Carpentier, who is returning to the event for the first time since he took part in the first race in 1989/90......

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IRC, IRM… dangerous territory!

One of the chief complaints levelled against IRM is that the racing is so good in IRC why bother? Plus, if a stiff, quick IRM-type boat can win in the bigger arena of IRC, then why go off and play somewhere less popular?

But things are going to change......

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