The News, Culture and Practice of Sailing woodenboats
in Australia, New Zealand & The South Pacific.

RACING Mark Chew RACING Mark Chew

The 24th Summer-CYAA on Port Phillip

The Classic Yacht Association of Australia, held its first ever race on 11th October 1997. Twenty Four years later, this Sunday around 20 boats will start race one of the 2021/2022 CYAA Summer Series.

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RESTORATION, RACING Charlie Salter RESTORATION, RACING Charlie Salter

Cheoy Lee Shipyards

Cheoy Lee yachts have legions of fans and associations around the world. They are always advertised as a Cheoy Lee Robb or a Cheoy Lee Rhodes etc. and devotees are prepared to pay a premium. So what’s going on?

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RACING Charlie Salter RACING Charlie Salter

Are We Racing?

The Sydney to Hobart over 628nm has been sailed annually since 1945. The race was Covid cancelled in 2020 and there is a real possibility of no race in 2021. While waiting for a decision, SWS speculates about State based “on water matters” and possible alternatives.

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RACING, ADVENTURE Charlie Salter RACING, ADVENTURE Charlie Salter

Decades of Design

By 1963 things were getting professional with the CYCA getting graphic artists on board. The winner was still there on the cover but groovy fonts and relaxed super-graphics were in vogue. By 1967 the “Opera House Effect” was in play.

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RACING Mark Chew RACING Mark Chew

Tumlaren Sailing New Zealand Style

In 1963 after rounding White Island , we had some fresh headwinds , and after one very noisy crash off a sea , we hove-to for the night , sort of slept. Next morning , we cooked bacon and eggs for breakfast, and in moderated conditions got underway again.

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RACING Mark Chew RACING Mark Chew

A Sailing Life

The wind strength increased all night until in the vicinity of Bustard Head lighthouse it topped 100 knots. Our last remaining canvas, the Spitfire jib was hoisted, and KINTAMA lay ahull. The crew exhausted, replaced the storm boards, piled into the soaked bunks and fell asleep

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RACING, DESIGNERS Charlie Salter RACING, DESIGNERS Charlie Salter

Who is Knud Reimers?

Most sailors know Knud Reimers’ Tumlaren sailed in Australia since 1937. But it’s just one boat in a huge folio of successful designs over six decades. Here’s a look at Reimers and his boats.

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