More sailing news

Near-perfect weather set the scene for a comfortable crossing of the Bay of Biscay for the crews of the 18 boats taking part in the annual ARC Portugal rally, which departed Plymouth yesterday (3^rd June). Crossing "the Bay" is often the first long offshore passage for many cruising sailors, and with its reputation for strong weather combined with busy shipping lanes, it can be a challenging sail. However, the lure of sunnier southern sailing in Spain, Portugal and into the Mediterranean is the reward for making the 550nm passage to NW Spain.

The Monaco Globe Series will start on Sunday (3rd June). This event is the first in the new IMOCA GLOBE SERIES world championship, which is the result of a shared desire and a lot of work done over the past few months, spearheaded by the IMOCA Class and the organisers, OC Sport and the Saem Vendée.

This year, 30 crews are coming to challenge themselves in a rather particular Tour Voile format, alternating between coastal racing and nautical stadium, which will determine the most complete sailor. This year’s field features an exceptional group of skippers ready to push their limits. All want to win this adrenaline-filled 17-day marathon of unrelenting confrontations. But this marathon will be more like a Sprint over the 15-days of scheduled competition. One will have to demonstrate both physical and mental toughness to stay in contention.

The Team Brunel crew held its nerve to take a hard-fought win in Leg 9 and move within striking distance of the overall Volvo Ocean Race lead...

The 34th Medemblik Regatta has been sailed from 22 to 26 May 2018. Sailors were confronted with difficult conditions, but the sun made up for it. All races have been sailed and competitions got really close this week. The medal race in boundaries made the races exciting to watch!

The fourth day of racing is all about getting qualified for the medal races. Some sailors still had to work hard to get that spot in the top 10. For the Laser, Nacra 17 and 49er sailors there were some interesting battles.

What a line-up! This week (from 23-27 May) these 10-metre flying catamarans, unanimously favoured by the international sailing elite, have converged on Lake Garda for the first World Championship in the history of the GC32 Class. Skipper Franck Cammas, winner of the GC32 Racing Tour in 2016 with NORAUTO, returns to this exceptional event after competing in Bermuda last year in the America’s Cup with Team France.

The second day at the 34st Medemblik Regatta starts with light winds. During the day the wind builds and gives the day a strong finish. This kind of weather is difficult for most sailors, but some know how to handle these conditions and took their advantage.

The race to be ready for what promises to be the most competitive 52 SUPER SERIES yet ends on Tuesday. Months of interpretation, innovation, inspiration and thousands of hours of sheer perspiration come to a head on Tuesday when 12 TP52s – nine of them being brand new boats – line up on the start line for the first regatta of the 2018 52 SUPER SERIES.

The different type of challenge offered by distance races attracts a myriad of different sailors, both racers and cruisers. Quantum's Dave Flynn details how you can increase your odds of success in this unique type of event.