The latest insights on racing and cruising yachts, keelboats and dinghies. Plus all of the latest gear, boating accessories, equipment and sailing clothes from Australia and around the world.
Lowrance has announced an all-new line of marine VHF radios, the fixed-mount LVR-880 and LVR-250 and the handheld LHR-20. The LVR-880 is the first powerful, fixed-mount, DSC-equipped 25/1 watt radio to offer dual VHF and FM radio capabilities. It also…
The Shipmate Pocket Directory, now in its fourth print edition and available free all around Victoria, is also published online at www.shipmate.com.au. Both versions include A-Z listings of marine trades and services by category, plus listings of yacht clubs, marinas,…
McMurdo is introducing a new model in the Smartfind 406MHz EPIRB range called the Smartfind A5. It has been developed and approved in response to Australian government legislation stating that all recreational craft travelling offshore by more than two nautical…
Sunsail Yacht Charters, based at Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays has added six new yachts to its Australian fleet: two Sunsail 36is, two 39is, one 49i and a 464 catamaran. The Sunsail 36i has two berths and two showers while…
The new Sydney City Marine maintenance facility is scheduled to open later this year at Rozelle Bay. Facilities will include a 600 tonne shiplift, a 100t shiplift and a 47t submersible trailer ensuring efficient movement of craft out of the…
ARRIVALS The IC-M33 represents a new industry benchmark in marine handheld radio technology. Introducing the world's first 5W VHF floating marine handheld. Loaded with advanced features, the IC-M33 boasts a waterproof submersible design and a high capacity lithium Ion battery…
Melbourne sailor Chris McSorley’s footwear company has developed Active Casuals, extremely light and comfortable shoes for wear at the beach, the barbecue or on the boat. They are available in men’s and women’s sizes and various two-tone colours to complement…
The latest Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) from RFD features 406MHz satellite technology combined with GPS to deliver a complete safety beacon package. The RFD ResQFix fits into pockets or safety grab bags and can easily be attached to clothing for…
ARRIVALS RYA Catamaran HandbookThe RYA Catamaran Handbook is a brand new title that we have published in response to the increasing popularity of this fast and exhilarating sport. Covering all key aspects of catamaran sailing, including safety, planning, tacking and…
The Dragonfly 35, a 10.68m trimaran from Quorning Yachts of Denmark took the European yacht of the year award in the multihulls category at the most recent Dusseldorf Boat Show. The jury of 11 from leading European boating magazines gave…
Like the original 10-inch version, the 8-inch Lewmar OneTouch winch handle has the same patented OneTouch mechanism to allow sailors to squeeze the release lever (which runs the entire length of the handle) and pull to unlock in one easy…
ARRIVALS Tasman Fleece The popular Tasman Fleece has under gone a few changes and is now back on the market in time for those chilly winter days on the water. Using a DF300 performance fleece, the jacket has technical features…
Henri Lloyd has used its own pioneering technical fabric, TP2 Alpha, to produce its new Phantom wet weather gear. The fabric has been created to deliver a high level of protection to the wearer, while eliminating the debilitating effects of…
Simrad has introduced two new autopilots, the AP24 and AP28. Easy to use features include programmable, integrated turn patterns, such as S-turns or zig-zags; contour or water depth steering; no-drift and advanced wind steering to keep you on course regardless…
ARRIVALS Ronstan CL66 deck boots Ronstan's new CL66 deck boots are guaranteed to keep sailors' feet dry in the harshest of conditions, including the 2006 Sydney-Hobart. Ronstan has developed the boots for recreational sailors and inshore racers, but with practical…
Lewmar’s rigging division Navtec applied the first of its fully continuous PBO fibre rigging to the 23m carbon spar for the American Andrews 50 It’s OK. In comparison to discontinuous rigging, where each span is linked by tip cups,…
The Pro Deck Shoe is the latest addition to the Burke Marine range. The high performance boat shoe is made from quick dry materials and mesh for drainage and ventilation, offering excellent comfort and support. The “no tongue” design allows…
Henri-Lloyd 2007 With splashes of blossom, bark and butter, the new Henri-Lloyd collection has a sexy European look to make its mark on the classic nautical style the British company has made its signature. For this collection, think blue blood…
My boat. Ralph Chant and his wife Cheryle bought their CAL21 as a stop-gap, but have found that she fulfills their requirements admirably. Splash is my wife Cheryl's and my third trailer-sailer. In 2001 we went looking for a TS to…
Gill has added the new Crosswind suit to its thermal line up for sailing in cold conditions and/or overnight races. Using the latest laminate fabric technology, these salopettes provide a soft, low-bulk mid-layer combined with thermal insulation provided by a…
ARRIVALS GME GR9000 The GR9000 series Marine Stereo System has been designed with both the music buff and boat owner in mind. The unit is available in two colours (black or white) and in two discrete configurations, according to vessel…
ARRIVALS The AirDock is a new inflatable dock that is designed to be rigid and stable for many water activities. Its compact and portable design makes it ideal for boaters, campers and cabin owners. The company's AirWeb proprietary design is…
Built to meet the demands of active women on or around the water, Edgewater Sport Zip Water Shoes have lateral support with side mesh vents and neoprene for breathability and easy stretch for a perfect fit. Low water-absorption materials and…
ARRIVALS Tacktick Race Master Wireless instrument maker Tacktick has just released a new model, Tacktick Race Master The solar powered technology is used by GBR Star sailor Ian Percy which rates the instrument's new Start Line function particulary – “‘really…
Two new Dufour models will make their Victorian debut at the 2009 Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show later this month – the Grand Large 425 and 525. According to Antill Marine (the exclusive importer and distributor of Dufour) director…
My boat. Ross Barnett believes his Arends 33 is the ideal vessel for a couple to cruise the east coast of Australia in. In the late 1980s after 14 years sailing a Boomerang 20 trailer-sailer Sue and I went looking…
Jeanneau’s deck saloon cruising models are becoming increasingly popular in Australia with the 42DS rapidly becoming the biggest selling model in the range. The DS models offer ease of handling, quality finish and the best owners’ cabin of any aft-cockpit…
ARRIVALS SunSignals UV sensors SunSignals are a new innovative, sun smart product designed to help take the guess work out of sun protection and prevent sunburn. SunSignals are UV sensors which are small, water-resistant patches that change colour to alert…
On a fine Friday in Sydney Harbour, 16 Bavaria Yachts jockeyed for position at the start of the annual Bavaria Yachts Sydney Harbour Regatta. The day dawned sunny and with light, cool easterly breezes, a relief following the three preceding…
After being involved in several world championship campaigns, Nick Hutton proffers a handy check list SO you're off to the worlds! Well done. All the hard work has paid off and you have been selected in a team to represent…
The home town of the US Naval Academy is the namesake for Timberland’s latest boat shoe series. An update of their classic boat shoe from 1973, the premium leather Annapolis offers performance on the water and comfort on land. Features…
High Definition Digital radar is now available as a compact full colour radome system Radar target detection has undergone massive evolutionary changes in the last year, thanks to the introduction of High Definition Digital technology. Now the superior benefits of…
2009 sees the introduction of the brand new Octogrip Trainer from Henri Lloyd. The trainer's upper is constructed using lightweight, non absorbing, fast draining mesh panels and feature an injection moulded TPU ‘exo' skeleton and rear footplate for added stability….
Seawind officially announce the launch of the new 41ft Seawind 1250 in development, with plans and images being released for the first time. Following the huge success and world acclaim of the 38ft Seawind 1160, an all new blue water…
Looking for a well appointed performance cruiser? Barry Henson, editor of Australian Yachting, takes a look at the Hanse 430e. If you're looking for a performance cruiser, something that will put you in the rankings at your club and keep…
The inaugural Catalina Owners Group Rendezvous was held in October. Starting from the Catalina Anchorage in Middle Harbour, 12 Catalinas ranging in size from the C28 Brown Eyed Girl to the grand C470 Migaloo owned by Ross and Jan Hetherington…
In an historic ocean racing victory, Ian Kiernan’s classic timber yacht Sanyo Maris today celebrated the 50th anniversary of her launching with an IRC handicap win in the 414 nautical mile Hempel 35th Gosford – Lord Howe Island Race. The…
Peter Hrones, founder and managing director of Windcraft Australia, has a big smile on his face. He is now celebrating a decision made 10 years ago in the small but historically significant boat building town of Greifswald, on Germany's Baltic…
Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi has reminded boat owners a “sea change” in marine safety will come into force early next year when new digital emergency radio beacons (EPIRBs) take over from the old analogue system. From February 1,…
Boat-share schemes can be a low-cost way to sail, but making the right decisions for your pocket and sailing preferences are important, reports Jim Murrant. I bumped into an old sailing mate the other day, one I hadn’t seen down…
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