Thank God he didn't!
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Back at Sandringham YC in 2014, I met a strapping young West Australian... Back at Sandringham Yacht Club, in December of 2014, I got to meet a strapping young West Australian lad. Incredibly personable and quite worldly already, especially considering his years, Matt Wearn was a delight to speak with.
Posted today at 8:00 pm Edward Woodward
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
He played Lieutenant (Henry Harbord) Harry ‘The Breaker' Morant in the film. He played Lieutenant (Henry Harbord) Harry ‘The Breaker' Morant in the Bruce Beresford film depiction of the famed bush poet's execution during the Second Boer War. Woodward was utterly superb at it, too.
Posted on 12 Mar Not a bag of liquorice
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
There was a standout notion. That would be all sorts, hence the title. However, after one of the many conversations I have with our Managing Editor, Mark Jardine there was a standout notion. That would be all sorts, hence the title.
Posted on 27 Feb Captain Adventure sets sail (again)
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Nick Jaffe has a history of taking it on. No doubt about it. Nick Jaffe has a history of taking it on. No doubt about it. There's also a scoreboard, if you like, but that's definitely not of his doing, or his style for that matter.
Posted on 23 Feb HMAS Enterprise (OK. M.Y. Enterprise)
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
What started out on a driveway, effectively as a one-man band, is now a 50 person strong enterprise. What started out on a driveway, effectively as a one-man band, is now a 50 person strong enterprise. (And there are very good reasons for that!)
Posted on 19 Feb A look back at the 2023 AWBF
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Immensely popular with participants and spectators alike, this is some of the fun had.... Immensely popular with participants and spectators alike, this is some of the fun from out on the water at the start of the 2023 Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
Posted on 14 Feb Two Boats. Same Direction.
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Well. You know what that means. There's a race on! Well. You know what that means. There's a race on! Never a truer word spoken, either... Well at least from my point of view, anyway.
Posted on 12 Feb All vessels great and small
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
January is a great time 'Down Under': Loads of annual regattas for coveted titles January is such a great time 'Down Under': A load of annual regattas for coveted Australian Championships, with many very much steeped in a grand history, and often a World title or two are in there, as well.
Posted on 29 Jan “Could have. Might have…
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
…but second still feels pretty good. Epic Hobart.” So read my message from Lee Condell. ...but second still feels pretty good. Epic Hobart.” This was the message Lee Condell sent me after he and Lincoln Dews arrived aboard Sun Fast Racing.
Posted on 15 Jan Can your Grandma use FaceTime?
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Perhaps not the most nautical of headlines, but it is definitely of the time... Perhaps not the most nautical of headlines, but it is definitely of the time, which is kind of the point with Alloy Boats.
Posted on 13 Jan Metaphors run thick and deep
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
The 2022 Sydney Hobart did many things Now you might think you show up with a well-prepared boat, great crew, some provisions, point South, and it all happens. The 2022 Sydney Hobart did many things, but the greatest, and most distinct element is that the plan that remains omnipotent.
Posted on 1 Jan Cure - the prequel
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Light, strong, modern, and fast: four adjectives that sum this up Light, strong, modern, and fast. Four adjectives, and they're pretty much the total summation of the Cure Marine Custom 70 you're looking at here.
Posted on 22 Dec 2022 For when inclusion is not just a byword
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
There is no doubt that this is my overarching sentiment regarding andoo Comanche There is no doubt that this is my overarching sentiment regarding andoo Comanche. From back on August 1 with Beginning a Winning to now, I have been afforded all that I could want.
Posted on 18 Dec 2022 Powered by LandCruiser - Towed by LandCruiser
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
There is many a thing to grab your attention about the brilliant, little Tasman80 It remains that there is many a thing to grab your attention about the brilliant, little Tasman80, so it was kind of hard to work out from whence to start.
Posted on 14 Dec 2022 Streaming to Hobart with LawConnect
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Christian Beck's supermaxi has already claimed first place in 2022 Hobart race... Christian Beck's supermaxi, LawConnect, has already claimed first place in the 2022 Sydney to Hobart race. And for that matter, every race hereafter. No. No. No. We're not talking Line Honours, which is the prime directive of the campaign.
Posted on 4 Dec 2022 They come in threes
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Ordinarily, you'd assume the worst when you see that line, but it's all good news! Ordinarily, you'd assume the worst when you see that line. It's like ‘Oh no', what's next if you're on the second, or ‘check this out' if you're looking back at all three in wonderment, if somewhat obscured by the tears in your eyes.
Posted on 30 Nov 2022 Location. Location. Location.
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
The Land Rats have it as a footnote on every page of their bible The Land Rats have it as a footnote on every page of their bible. In bold, too. And they probably chant it every morning at their group love-ins before hitting the phones.
Posted on 20 Nov 2022 Late to the party, or bang on time? (Part II)
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Following on from Part I of the Prestige M48 story So Part One of the Prestige M48 story covered off a lot of ground, and we now have the same mission parameters once again. By definition, a family called M-Line means there are others on the way.
Posted on 9 Nov 2022 No Bull (Actually, it's more like, Yes Bull!)
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Ben Durham is funny, and wonderful to talk with... Also, he's incredibly sharp and knowledgeable. Ben Durham is known to a lot of souls as Bull. He's funny, and wonderful to talk with, yet the overarching thing you feel when spending time with him is sharp.
Posted on 7 Nov 2022 Late to the party, or bang on time? (Part I)
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
An interesting conundrum, for sure… How to assess the very new Prestige M48? An interesting conundrum, for sure… How to assess the very new Prestige M48? For here is a powerhouse brand, with an enviable reputation in markets around the globe.
Posted on 25 Oct 2022 Gabo. An island, or an acronym?
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
The Foredeck Union T-shirt certainly had 'Got A Bit On' emblazoned on the back of it! So somewhere around the Iron Age, the Foredeck Union T-shirt certainly had 'Got A Bit On' emblazoned on the back of it... Can't be sure, for it was a long time ago, but I think the front said ‘Talk to me', or something along those lines.
Posted on 24 Oct 2022 Romancing the stone
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Strap in for a long editorial! It's about two cruisers who could really help you... Strap in. This is a long editorial. However, if you are already a cruiser, or planning on becoming one soon, long passages are/will be something you are way familiar with.
Posted on 18 Oct 2022 New age - New feel
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
You know the garden's full of furniture, the house is full of plants! There was a line in song quite a while back that went, “You know the garden's full of furniture, the house is full of plants!” Would have been easy to run with that as an opening, but this was not the first thought I had when I saw Sovereign Ships...
Posted on 11 Oct 2022 Just has to be that time
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
Every year, and sometime about now, the articles begin about Hobart Every year, and sometime about now, the articles begin about Hobart. For many people, the conversation actually begins much earlier. After all, you do not just show up on day, walk the quay, ask for a ride, and more than likely get on...
Posted on 10 Oct 2022 Full Stop = Full Bore
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
There is a new top dog in the World's Most Powerful Outboard title fight The King is dead. All hail the King. There is a new top dog in the World's Most Powerful Outboard title fight. The benchmark is now 633hp. Full stop. And probably with a few exclamation points after it, as well!!!
Posted on 5 Oct 2022 Powered by Water
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
There is the crossover between racing and cruising - but with sail and power? Plenty of times before, both here and also on our sister website, SailWorldCruisng.com, I have talked about the crossover between racing and cruising.
Posted on 25 Sep 2022 Off Kilter - Part II
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Thank you very much to the readers of Part I - we now have more for you Thank you very much to all of you, the readers of Off Kilter – Part I. We have more to get through, and some additional treats as well, so now is very much time to go WOT.
Posted on 14 Sep 2022 Bronze Age
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail World AUS
An all-conquering Adams 10 heading off to do some of the Asian circuit, well… When a call came through about an all-conquering Adams 10 heading off to do some of the Asian circuit, well… Seriously. They had me at Raja Muda.
Posted on 12 Sep 2022 Off Kilter - Part I
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Just one little thing swung the whole deal Just one little thing swung the whole deal. "It leans inward during a turn" was a not a headline on the Press Release, just a little stanza, part of a more complete sentence, about the second or third paragraph in.
Posted on 30 Aug 2022 Instantaneous Reflections
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
The gold foil wrap was easy; the opaque, light teal water in Lake Neufchatel worked too. The gold foil wrap was easy. The opaque, light teal fresh water in Lake Neuchatel was a tremendous addition, as well. So many thanks to SSL Gold Cup Team Brazil's Media Manager, Flávio Perez, for sharing his images with us.
Posted on 28 Aug 2022 Unprecedented vision. Unparalleled objectives.
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
After a week's worth of deep immersion into the SSL Gold Cup, many things have become evident. Having been afforded a week's worth of deep immersion into the SSL Gold Cup, many things have become evident.
Posted on 14 Aug 2022 Beginning a Winning
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
Could also have been winning from the beginning. So what does it all mean? Could also have been winning from the beginning. Either way I was able to seriously consider all that it takes to get into yachting, and the very essence of the difference between being a participant, and taking home the silverware.
Posted on 31 Jul 2022 One percenters
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Exactly how big can the difference be with the fast displacement hull form? Throughout the course of the journey, we have been privileged to have great intel from Naval Architect, Pat Bray. Resident of British Columbia, Bray has brought to the table brilliant insight into passage making for large vessels.
Posted on 27 Jul 2022 Nice way to celebrate
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
When is 100 not 100? When it is actually 115 J/99s When is 100 not 100? When it is actually 115. No matter. Any of it is cause enough for celebration. This all started when I was under hull #100 of the super-popular J/99 as she was being commissioned at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Brisbane.
Posted on 18 Jul 2022 The Changing Face(s) of Cruising
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
We looked at the changing faces of cruising boats, so now let's look at us For quite some time now, we have looked very closely at the changing faces of the boats we take cruising. I suppose we could go back and find the root article, but it is going to be more than a few years...
Posted on 8 Jul 2022 Just a second
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
Hull 1 of the Farr X2 has lost its keel offshore - the remains have washed up Hull #1 of the Farr X2 has lost its keel offshore, and the remains have washed up on a beach on the South Coast of NSW. Mercifully, the two sailors on board are alive, and subsequently had a wee sojourn in hospital to ensure all is well.
Posted on 3 Jul 2022 What do you get...
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
...when you cross The Jacksons, Milli Vanilli, and Engelbert Humperdinck? An unreal Centre Console! What do you get when you cross The Jacksons, Milli Vanilli, and Engelbert Humperdinck all together? Honestly, I have no idea, and it could get amazingly weird, but I do know we have the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s all covered in that lot.
Posted on 23 Jun 2022 Not just another...
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
…case of miscellaneous ramblings. You might say that, but you could well have missed the point. …case of miscellaneous ramblings. I mean, yes, you might say that, but you could well have missed the point right there.
Posted on 20 Jun 2022 Short and sweet.
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
A bit of a departure from some, for sure, but never fear. Well this particular missive certainly will be. Yes. I know. A bit of a departure from some, for sure, but never fear. It does not mean anything, other than this is just shorter…
Posted on 5 Jun 2022 The Jacksons with Milli Vanilli.
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Big day out. An absolutely burgeoning sector. Yes. it's all about day boating this time... Big day out. An absolutely burgeoning sector. Yes. it's all about day boating this time...
Posted on 25 May 2022 The changing face of sailing
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
I had been sitting there reflecting on Beken of Cowes type images of old J's and a cast of thousands I had been sitting there reflecting on Beken of Cowes type images of old J's with a cast of thousands on board. All that canvas is always easy to go with.
Posted on 22 May 2022 That other category.
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
There are plenty of sporting superstars. Thousands actually. Then there are those who are... There are plenty of sporting superstars. Thousands actually. Then there are those who are transcendent.
Posted on 8 May 2022 Beached whale
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Wondering how many of my beloved Dollies you'd get in the M600 fish well It had started out as me demonstrating just how many of my beloved Mahi Mahi (or Dollies) you'd get into the fish well of the new Maritimo M600.
Posted on 5 May 2022 So just supposing...
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
A video of the new Beneteau First 36 was enough to pique the curiosity When this video of the new Beneteau First 36 surfaced this week, reportedly punching out to 17 knots, well it was certainly enough to pique the curiosity. I mean this side of say a Pogo 36, it was quite impressive.
Posted on 25 Apr 2022 So many boats. Such little time
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Not so much an outright conundrum, as literally the full assortment of subjects What to do? Not so much an outright conundrum, as literally the full assortment of subjects. Accordingly, was it to be some of that, a pinch of this, and none of those?
Posted on 20 Apr 2022 The Eco Warrior
by John Curnow, Global Editor, SailWorldCruising.com
Thoughts around the theme of compare and contrast have been floating around It is not that long ago that the idea of a cruiser designed to stay off-grid for prolonged periods of time came in the form of a monohull with perhaps a raised coachhouse, but a small cockpit, and an undignified helm position.
Posted on 19 Apr 2022 Grass Roots
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
You won't have to go back to far into our editorials to find words like participation, and inclusion You won't have to go back to far into our editorials to find words like participation, inclusion, and juniors. Especially so from our Managing Editor, Mark Jardine.
Posted on 10 Apr 2022 Engelbert Humperdinck
by John Curnow, Global Editor, Powerboat.World
Looking for a place to start, I ended up with the line, 'Please say si si' As I mulled around the theme of this editorial looking for a place to begin, I ended up with Spanish Eyes playing in my head, and more precisely, the line, 'Please say si si'.
Posted on 29 Mar 2022 No surprise at all, really
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
Always been impressed by the short-handers (not on my own there, either) Always been impressed by the short-handers. Not on my own there, either. Over the last few years written a lot about it all, and to see them take off in famous races around the globe, like the Fastnet, has been more than a buzz.
Posted on 27 Mar 2022 Ready. Set. Sail.
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS
On the back of a good run, it is often the time to go and have a crack at events still on the list On the back of a good run, it is often the time to go and have a crack at some of the events still left on the list. You could even argue that the timing just doesn't get better. The iron's hot and all that…
Posted on 13 Mar 2022