Best on Best Facing Off in Hyeres

It is rare in sailing for the best to consistently race each other as sailing has so many classes and styles.  It’s far more common for promoters of every class to talk up their own champion, without any way of ever proving definitively who’s better.  The ISAF World Cup of Sailing – Hyeres is one […]

Grael Claims Victory in Decisive Downwind Leg – Kiwis Win Again!

Martine Grael (BRA) and Ida Nielsen (DEN) were each looking to win here in Palma with only 4 points separating them and three 10 minute races to compete. The first race solved little with Grael pulling an extra 2 points ahead, and then in one decisive downwind leg, a 2 minute run, Grael shot from […]

49er Class Leaders Showing the Way – Plenty to Play for in 49erFX

Day 5 – 2014 World Cup of Sailing – Palma The day began ominously with the 48 hour storm still in full effect.  By game time however, the wind had decreased from 28 knots to 20 and racing started on time.  The 49er fleet was first up after a tempestuous Thursday, and had 3 races in […]

Big Power Conditions Challenge Top Sailors

April 3, 2014 – Sailing World Cup of Palma Overnight the USS Harry Truman, a Nimitz Class Aircraft carrier, came into the bay of Palma, quite possibly to escape the weather.  At the same time, the 49erFX fleet took to sea and thrived under tough conditions.  Almost one year ago to the day, these elite […]

Wild Day Pushes Top Sailors Up the Standings

April 2, 2014 – Sailing World Cup – Palma The 49er Gold Fleet was treated to a strong offshore wind today of up to 20 knots that threw crews around like it was their boss. Well, almost all the crews. Many of the favorites took advantage of the shifty and puffy conditions to march up […]

Solid Start to Qualifying in Palma

Both the 49er and 49erFX managed to get three races each on the first day of Qualifying in Palma.  After an overcast start to the day, the clouds parted and a light sea breeze formed to allow racing to begin around noon on all courses.  The 49er sailors had the majority of the fleet stuck […]

2014 Palma World Cup Preview – 49er & 49erFX

49er Preview The 49er fleet is massive this year in Palma, reaching the 80 boat capacity set by the organizers.  Qualifying will be shear madness as the two 40 boat qualifying fleets will only have two days to sort themselves into the 25 boat gold fleet.  If the forecast holds, and the qualifying is held […]

Office Space

Olympic sailing becoming ever more professional, the tweets of ‘another day at the office’ are heard increasingly.  2008 Gold medallist, Jonas Warrer, and 2012 Olympic Bronze medallist, Peter Lang, are really pushing the boundaries now.  Not only are they working at sailing like it’s their job, they’re even dressing the part!  This is not a […]

49er Class Pushes for Theatre Style Conclusion in Rio

Finals Day Format for 49er Racing Olympic and World champions overwhelmingly support 3-race proposal Objective To run three, single-point, 10 minute races in Theatre Style on Finals Day.  This competition format adds value because it: Displays to fans and broadcast media the intensity, skill and beauty of 49er sailing. Showcases the sport’s best sailors in live […]

The Six Best Winter Training Videos of 2013-14

Heil Ploessel Screenshot

Olympic campaigning isn’t just about the gym and the water.  There is also the creative component, and these talented sailors show some great creativity in these training videos.  Check out these spectacular videos from this off season! GBR 96 – Dylan Fletcher & Alain Sign – Super Breezy Training Session GER 12 – Erik Heil […]