BMW ORACLE Racing won the 33rd America’s Cup yacht race in February 2010, beating the Swiss team, Alinghi, decisively in the first two races of the best-of-three contest.
BMW ORACLE Racing’s victory in the America’s Cup challenge was a lesson in sailing skill, as one of the world’s most experienced crews reached speeds as fast as 30 knots. But if you listen to the crew in their postrace interviews, you’ll notice that what they talk about is technology … Details & pictures
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Conditions have turned nasty for Australia’s Jessica Watson as she gets closer to completing an around-the-world sailing odyssey that began last October.
Watson, 16, who is trying to become the youngest person to solo-circumnavigate the planet in a sailboat, is inside home waters aboard her 34-foot pink sloop, but has spent the past several days enduring 50-knot winds and dodging electrical storms, while attempting to pass beneath Australia toward Tasmania.Â
She is expected to complete her nonstop, unassisted journey in early May … Details
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Many world records have fallen during the first three years of the Luderitz Speed Challenge, boosting kiteboarding to the top ranking in speed sailing. Taking place October 4-31, the 2010 Luderitz Speed Challenge will continue to expand upon previous years’ innovations that have made the location the fastest kiteboarding spot in the world over the past three years.
A canal dug at last year’s challenge created a near perfect water state that allowed kiters to go faster than ever before in less wind (40 knots max)  … Details
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Mallorca – Sailors of both sexes battled it out at the Sofia Mapfre this week, and when it came down to the best of the best, once again the big winner of this sailing event was a woman. Alessandra Sensini of Italy dominated the competition, winning not only her RS:X class, but taking the overall event, her first big win since earning the windsurfing silver medal at the last Olympics. Sensini hadn’t been training for the Sofia Mapfre for long, and she said her only goal was to place in the top five. Not expecting to earn the top place on the podium among such tough competition, she smiled and simply said: “Surprisingly, I have won!” … Details & Pictures
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