Fastnet 2023

The Fastnet Race is a prestigious offshore yacht race that has been held since 1925 1. It is closely linked to advances in yacht design, sailing technique, and safety equipment 1. The race has been sponsored by Rolex since 2001, and the prize is known as the Fastnet Challenge Cup1. The old race course covers…

Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club

Why is the Firth of Clyde so important to boat design and sailboat racing? Is the Firth of Clyde still an important sailing venue? What is the best way to learn about sailing the Firth of Clyde? was it the Monaco of the north for racing? The Firth of Clyde is an important sailing venue…

Royal Thames

The Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC) is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the world, founded in 1775 1 2 3. But it credits the start of it all to the Starcross Yacht Club which as The Starcross Society (a dining club) held a regatta in 1775 known as the Fete Marine. 10,000 spectators…

Longboard Hockey

Longboarding itself originated in Hawaii in the 1950s, when surfers sought to bring surfing to land. They created a new kind of skateboard made of thick plywood shaped into a smaller version of a surfboard, with trucks and wheels screwed to the decks, and used their surfing moves on small hills. Longboarding became popular in…

Clipper Race

King of Sports and King of Beers Would you do it again? I seek the answer at Seattle Clipper Race Village where I spot a childhood hero, Robin Johnston. He notices that I have taken his picture but is busy. I look for my answer from other Clipper Race participants. Perhaps 40 percent of the…

The Story of Finisterre

In 1954 the Olin Stephens designed yacht Finisterre was launched, to late for the Bermuda race that year. She was a 38 foot centerboarder and there is no more accomplished racing yacht. She ranks as one of the most significant yachts in the history of the sport. Carleton Mitchell, the owner of Finisterre, is the…