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

RACING Mark Chew RACING Mark Chew

A Month Out from the Cup Regatta.

The racing fleet did however get a boost this week with commitment from Tim Phillip’s to bring and race the magnificent STORM BAY. This is a rare occurrence for this legendary fishing boat. As a near sistership to Percy Coverdale’s WINSTON CHURCHILL, she will not only be a stunning addition to the fleet but also provide a living narrative on the interwoven fabric of fishing and racing boat design, from this part of the world.

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RACING Mark Chew RACING Mark Chew

Save the Date- CR2024

As I write British Classic Week is half way through its program (report to come), and the Aucklanders run a good Racing Weekend, but apart from the Sydney Hobart Veterans Regatta on the Harbour, there is a dearth of genuinely competitive sailing events exclusively for heritage boats in Australia.

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RACING Mark Chew RACING Mark Chew

Timber to Hobart- The Annual Audit

Entries closed this week for the 78th Rolex Sydney to Hobart. As we did last year, let’s have a quick scan of the timber vessels that are making the trip south. As far as I can tell there are only four genuinely timber boats… unless I’ve missed something.

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RACING Mark Chew RACING Mark Chew

An old Regatta renewed

Planning and executing Wooden boat events can be a chicken and egg situation. People will sign up if they know it will be a rousing event, and yet it will only be rousing if people sign up! We urge you to take a leap of faith.

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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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