“There's something in this magazine for everyone who races sailboats,” is how the new editor of Australian Sailing, Roger McMillan, describes his first issue of the magazine.
At the big boat end there's a comparison of the trimaran and catamaran that are likely to be the America's Cup contenders, written by multihull designer Tony Grainger, and a detailed story from John Curnow about the birth of the new CC52 Scarlet Runner, with plenty of photographs.
Strategies and tactics are covered by David Delenbaugh and Tony Bull – changing gears to get better upwind performance and putting yourself in the right position at the gun.
If you service your own winches and blocks, you'll want to keep Bob Ross's very detailed “how to” on the subject and there are five full pages of new gear including lighter-weight and longer-life batteries, fender covers that are also a fashion accessory, “real size” folding bikes and a light source that doesn't require electricity or batteries.
At the off-the-beach end of the sport, there's an interesting article about how a Far North Queensland yacht club revived it's flagging fortunes by introducing an indestructible little boat, the O'pen BIC; a “how to” on teaching your own kids to sail; and a detailed analysis of how Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia are all running successful programs to get more young people into sailing. There's also a nostalgic look back at an old wooden Skate and some advice on buying new and used Tasers.
If you think your club rooms are getting a bit tatty and a new building is in order, make a point of reading about the amazing new Hamilton Island Yacht Club building, which is sure to win awards and have other clubs around Australia re-evaluating their design-by-committtee approach to club buildings.
You can also read the wrap up of both Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach and Audi Hamilton Island race weeks, with pictures of some of the competing boats in action.
“It's not easy to pack big boats, multihulls, sports boats, dinghies and club information all into one package, along with tactics and strategies to help everyone go faster, ” said Roger McMillan. “I think this time we managed to do just that.”
You should be able to buy your copy of Australian Sailing at your local news agent right now, but a much safer way to ensure you get every copy is to call 1800 807 760 or email subscriptions@yaffa.com.au. One year's subscription will cost you only $52.80 and two years is $95.04.
You can get all the up-to-date racing news here at mysailing.com.au but for in-depth strategies, tactics and stories about people, boats and events you need the magazine too.
