The AC45 test crew push it to the limit on a trip ’round Rangitoto Island
Archive for the ‘Boating’ Category
Brian Thompson* is a crew member aboard the Maxi Trimiran Banque Populaire V, which is attempting to break the ‘fully crewed’ Jules Verne record. **Â
Tuesday 1 February evening updateÂ
The train has finally pulled out of the station, after we have been waiting around on the platform for three days!
We are now feeling the effects of a small low pressure and For the first time since the equator we have have wind of over 20 knots and we are making the most of it, sitting at a steady 30plus knots of speed in relatively flqat seas. The sky is now cloudy, and it is starting to cool down outside as we rocket down through the 30s in latitude … More
Thomas Coville narrowly averted disaster at the start of his quest to set a speed record for non-stop solo-sailing around the world.
The video below shows Coville’s boat, a 105-foot trimaran named Sodebo, nearly capsizing just after he set off from Brest, France. It could have quickly put an end to his record-setting attempt–and left him seriously injured … Details
Thomas Coville almost capsized on his trimaran Sodebo while crossing the starting line of the Round the World singlehanded record January 29th 2011 in Ushuant. the wind was strong and gusty. Heavy weather sailing!
Over three years ago, when I rowed away from the tiny island of La Gomera I never actually expected to return. But it seems the island has a special draw. In 2009 I spent a happy week back in San Sebastian helping the Atlantic Rowing Race entrants prepare. Then last year I again found myself enjoying some winter sun, roadside cafes and traditional Spanish music, but on the other side of the island in Valle Gran Rey. And the reason? An ocean going raft called An-Tiki!Â
About 12 months ago, I received an email from a chap called Robin Batchelor. Robin is actually a balloon pilot, and one of his many claims to fame is having taught Richard Branson to fly balloons – as well as being mistaken for Sir B on a regular basis! If you’ve ever seen a movie with a balloon stunt in, then the chances are that you’ve seen Robin hard at work. But this request was nothing to do with flying. Instead, Robin is the project manager for his friend Anthony Smith and was hunting for information on how to cross the Atlantic on a raft  … Pictures & More