Yachting: Our reporter Dana goes along for the ride - Sport - NZ Herald News

"It may not be so memorable to you, but for me, Team New Zealand's win over China Team in round robin one of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series would have to rate as one of the best moments of the regatta. In fact it could quite possibly have been the greatest yacht race of all time.

Slightly hyperbolic perhaps, but it's not often that we in the media get the chance to be a part of the performance"

Sail a small boat day

"In a small boat you're with the water and wind and in the water and wind. It demands all of your attention to make the boat go fast -- it is the perfect mind-clearing experience.
-Doug Kidder, President of Kidder Racing, maker of the Hoot

Doug hits on exactly why small boats are fun. You are connected to the water more and the sailing is more pure. Not only are small boats more fun but since they are cheaper and easier to transport, they are more accessible than big boats."

Drunk sailing to be banned in Venice

"It has been illegal to drive under influence in Italy for ages, but not in Venice. In Venice they don’t drive, they sail, and in Italy is hasn’t been illegal to sail a boat while drunk or under the influence of drugs.

This is about to change now.

An amendment to a law called “Milleproroghe” (”A thousand deferments”) will make it illegal to sail a recreational boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for the first time ever. Offenders can lose their license to sail and be fined up to €8000."

Groupama 3

"France - While attempting the Jules Verne Trophy a year ago, Franck Cammas and his nine crew capsized the sailboat Groupama 3 off the coast of New Zealand. Just before the dramatic capsize, the trimaran was sailing 24 hours ahead of the reference time set by the current Jules Verne Trophy record holder Orange II, and all eyes were on Franck and his team to beat Bruno's world record. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be"

FINE ART: NEWPORT HARBOR

"I liked the reflections of the boats and buoys in the quiet harbor waters. This was painted during a plein air workshop I taught in Newport Beach. The view is from Balboa Island, facing toward the “Fun Zone” on the peninsula very near the ferry landing.

Thanks for stopping to look. Have a peaceful day."

Yacht owners to be subject to breathalyser drink-drive rules - Telegraph

"When the new laws come into force later this year, any sailor making unsteady progress back to shore will be detained by 'marine officials' until the police are called to administer a breath test.
Anyone found guilty of the offences would face a maximum fine of �5,000 at a magistrates court.
The legal drink-drive limit is 80mg per 100 millilitres of blood."

Matsu worshipers to sail from Chiayi to Meizhou in Fujian - Taiwan News Online

"Taipei, Feb. 11 (CNA) A group of over 400 worshipers of Matsu -- known as the Chinese Goddess of Sea or Empress of Heaven to believers around the world -- will sail directly from Budai Port in southern Taiwan's Chiayi County to Meizhou Island in China's Fujian Province Thursday.
The pilgrimage, organized by the Tienhou Temple in Chiayi City, dedicated to Matsu, will take the visitors to the Tienhou Temple in Meizhou Island, which is the ancestral temple for the large number of Matsu followers across the globe, including those in Taiwan."

Work on a Boat | Find Yacht Jobs

"Have you ever wanted to work on a yacht? Get paid to sail around the world? Get a cruise ship job? This site is a growing resource of links and information about working on boats!"

Millionaire Michael sells his yacht

"Packing magnate Michael Smurfit is selling his luxury yacht for €16.5m after buying it eight years ago for more than €40m.

Fifty metres in length and containing six luxury cabins, the Lady Ann Magee is capable of accommodating 12 guests.

A jacuzzi, a swimming pool and an en-suite sauna are among the features of the 12-crew boat.

For the past number of years, the yacht has been available to charter for €200,000 a week."

Sail-World.com : Marina of the week: Marsden Cove in New Zealand

"Located on the north island of New Zealand, half way between the cruising grounds of the Bay of Islands and the capital of Auckland, is Whangarei Harbour, and here you will find New Zealand's new port of entry, located in the new and luxurious Marsden Cove Marina.

Cruising Yachts of the world will find arrival into New Zealand a simple process by using Whangarei Harbour and the services of the marina"