FEATURES

Street-fighting man
ED BAIRD seems to have found a spiritual home at Alinghi, where an emphasis on delivery rather than PR lies at the heart of a great sailing team

A (big) step in the right direction
ROBIN KNOX JOHNSTON is setting the next Velux 5 Oceans onto a new and significant path

It’s (now) a small world
The reality of the America’s Cup saga down at ground level remains less than encouraging

Auckland wrap
But when the family does get itself together - out on the water - the results are still cause for celebration

Reasons to be cheerful
BOUWE BEKKING continues to attract a lion’s share of the adversities handed out in yet another Volvo Ocean Race

Virtual phenomenon
Router and software developer DAVID BRAYSHAW tries his hand at the very much bigger Volvo Race that is taking place online

Just a big fan, right?
A visit to Auckland University just became even more relevant for grand prix programmes with the latest improvements to its unique Twisted Flow Wind Tunnel. DAVID LE PELLEY

Beyond Sinbad
MARK TURNER examines the reality behind the emergence of the Middle East as a major player in the market for international regattas

REGULARS

Commodore’s letter
ANDREW MCIRVINE

Editorial
ANDREW HURST

Update
GRANT DALTON is having to work hard to keep his America’s Cup show on the road, TERRY HUTCHINSON reminds BMW Oracle of its promises, MINOPRIO opens his account in perfect style, the Cup Arbitration Panel gets its extra names and MUNDLE wants his prizes!

World news
We take a close look at Emirates’ innovative new TP52, why the legal troubles at US Sailing could spell disruption for everyone, in Spain the keys are passed into a safe and well-respected set of hands and a look at the idiosyncracies and consequences of the Italian way of sailing. DOBBS DAVIS, IVOR WILKINS, ROB MUNDLE, GIULIANO LUZZATTO and PATRICE CARPENTIER

Paul Cayard
Surely, two boats for the Alinghi defence is the real answer?

ORC news
The beginnings of some long overdue wider international co-operation...

Olympic and small boat news –
Steady development, escalating competition
Skiff champion ROB BROWN reviews the latest JJ Giltinan world series and talks development with new 18-foot champion EUAN MCNICOL

Design – A fine pair
DOBBS DAVIS talks with MARK MILLS and BARRY CARROLL about the new Summit 35 and MALCOLM RUNNALS reports from Australia on a focussed new IRC 39 one-off

Seahorse raceboat build table – A quantum leap?
If it does everything that it is cracked up to do, then Hall Spars’ new carbon-titanium standing rigging system could be just that. ERIC HALL

RORC news
A fine first 600, says EDDIE WARDEN OWEN 

Seahorse regatta calendar

Sailor of the Month
Two quiet but important stars of the big game