2003 ADMIRAL'S CUP

Welcome back!
ANDREW HURST previews the first running since 1999 of this world-famous offshore team event and examines the wide-ranging implications for its outcome. Plus full details of this year's entry and the racing programme.

Design perspective
Bribon designer JASON KER explains why this formidable 55-footer is less a rating special and more a wholesome high-performance yacht.

FEATURES

A powerful ally
After its success with the VO60 Rule Farr Yacht Design has recently moved into the wider world of offshore box rules. DOBBS DAVIS talks to PAT SHAUGHNESSY and BRITT WARD

Ker... Pow
The world's most innovative, efficient and fastest accelerating sailboats have 'mislaid' their premier trophy. HENRY ELLIOTT explains

Diverse
TERRY HUTCHINSON is nothing if not active on a wide range of different racing fronts...

No more electrons
Last month it was all about harnessing modern electronics ­ now BILL BIEWENGA looks at the options when the worst really does happen and everything on the end of a wire just goes phut!

REGULARS

COMMODORE'S LETTER - Chris Little

EDITORIAL - ANDREW HURST

Update
Volvo Ocean 70 Rule nears completion, Farr 40s set to break records in Sardinia, a fourth Bol d'Or for Alinghi, Sir Peter Johnson remembered and a new 'Open Class' from Finot

World News
A maiden victory for Karine Fauconnier, Jonathan McKee sets the pace in the Minis, Spanish AC hopefuls battle it out, new speed record attempts, fresh start for Antarctica Race and Carroll Marine closes its doors. PATRICE CARPENTIER, IVOR WILKINS, CARLOS PICH, DOBBS DAVIS and ROB MUNDLE

America's Cup news
Musical chairs begin as the venue contest rages on

Rod Davis
A good look around leads to some radical ideas...

Olympic and small boat news
The very special TORBEN GRAEL talks to TIM JEFFERY about Prada, Star sailing and real life...

ORC Column
Loïck Peyron throws his hat into the ring

Design ­ Offshore dreamboats
Two new very fast and very cool offshore racers

Seahorse raceboat build table
DOBBS DAVIS takes a close look at J-P Dick's Virbac, the first Open 60 from Farr Yacht Design

RORC news

Seahorse Race Calendar

Seahorse Sailor of the Month
Two fast Americans for you to choose from

Unstoppable: Australians Darren Bundock and John Forbes have barely lost a Tornado championship in recent years - barring a rare 2nd place at the Sydney Olympics. Their latest win came in the 2003 European Open Championships in Sardinia. Second were Andreas Hagara and Michael Seidl (AUT), while keeping it in the family in 3rd were Roman Hagara and Hans Steinacher