SUMMER IS HERE in the Northern Hemisphere and over the next few months many people are planning to take to the water in a sailboat, either to rest and explore while on holiday, compete for an Olympic medal, battle for racing honours at the yacht club, or simply enjoy that special feeling when the sails go up and the engine is turned off.
SUMMER IS HERE in the Northern Hemisphere and over the next few months many people are planning to take to the water in a sailboat, either to rest and explore while on holiday, compete for an Olympic medal, battle for racing honours at the yacht club, or simply enjoy that special feeling when the sails go up and the engine is turned off.
There’s nothing like it, and Asia Pacific is a fantastic place to enjoy sailing – even if it’s also winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
In this issue, there is a Special Feature about Sailing in Asia – from Vietnam and the Olympics, to grassroots disabled sailing, and an Australian boat builder making high-tech yachts in Zhuhai, China. There is also a Special Feature about marinas in Southeast Asia.
The Features include a focus on SoftBank Team Japan, which is competing in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series in hopes of claiming the Challenger role at America’s Cup Bermuda 2017.
Plastic straws and drinking glasses were recently banned at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, part of a global effort to reduce the material’s impact on the environment. The Marine Conservation article explores the issue of plastic waste what else is being done about it.
Other Features include a look back at Sir Francis Chichester and his pioneering solo around-the-world voyage 50 years ago, at the age of 65 with only his Rolex Yacht Master to help guide him, and we climb aboard the Indonesian phinisi superyacht Dunia Baru to find out what makes her so special. The Destination feature explores Borneo, one of the more exotic places you can visit in the region.
The Spotlight section begins at the big end of the sailing world with the recently launched 43m Royal Huisman Sea Eagle that was custom built for a Taiwanese scholar and philanthropist. We also take ride on the CNB 76 and Jeanneau 54 yachts that have begun sailing in Asian waters.
Fans of motor yachts haven’t been forgotten, with sea trials of the Absolute Navetta 52, Ferretti Yachts 700 Tai He Ban edition, Princess 75, Majesty 122 and Sunseeker 131.
The Brand Story is about the award-winning Australian company Multihull Solutions, which is expanding rapidly throughout the region to keep up with the popularity of catamarans and trimarans.
Elsewhere in this issue you’ll find the usual wrap-up of news about recent launches, design, races and regattas, boat shows, destinations and the industry.
Sailing is an exciting and rewarding activity for people of all ages and abilities. Here’s wishing good speed and fair winds to all those who choose to enjoy sailing in Asia Pacific, and elsewhere.
