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

REGATTAS Mark Chew REGATTAS Mark Chew

The Triple “I”

And we had to find the “right” people. They had to have experience of competitive yacht racing, but also an appreciation for timber craft, and above all an understanding that the wellbeing of the crews and craft must be placed well ahead of a desire to win. And without wanting to sound boastful…. we nailed it!

Read More
NEW BOATS Mark Chew NEW BOATS Mark Chew

Plum Tum

This is the first new boat of this design to be built and launched in Australia for about 50 years. One sprightly eighty year old, Doug Jack, set himself the task in 2020 of building a cold moulded version in his basement.

Read More
RESTORATION Charlie Salter RESTORATION Charlie Salter

Selim & Yvonne #97

Nurminen was regarded as a wizard for his ability to work his chartered Tumlare class yacht YVONNE to windward. He was rarely beaten by the top skippers pitted against him. In YVONNE, he won over 300 races, including 17 State titles, the last 11 in succession.

Read More
WOMEN ON WATER, ADVENTURE Sal Balharrie WOMEN ON WATER, ADVENTURE Sal Balharrie

The Nearest thing to Heaven

“I have always been a bit eccentric and done my own thing. My mother thought it would ruin my skin and make me unladylike, which it did, and I wasn’t encouraged. So that for me was a great challenge, I did it in spite of everybody.” From teaching sailing during WW2, to commissioning her own boats and founding a magazine - Sheila’s story remains an inspiration.

Read More

SWS IS A SURPRISING SUCCESS STORY

BUT TO CONTINUE, WE NEED YOUR HELP.

Your donation will help us to publish your weekly source of
woodenboat inspiration and grow this unique community.