Two big launches at opposite ends of the world. On top, the 32m Ultim trimaran Gitana 18 headed out from her base in Lorient on the west coast of France for her maiden sail. Down under the Kiwis slipped their dock lines in Auckland to take their newly reconfigured AC75 out for its first sail. Both are big steps forward, both were carefully choreographed affairs and both represent the first steps in two new generations at the very leading edge of the sport.

0

0

0

425

0

0

0

0

3,067

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

0

1,602

Some people buy a boat before knowing what it takes to sail and maintain it. Different rig options require more or less physical labor. For example, we have slab reefing allowing us to sail faster due to a fully battened main HOWEVER we have to climb into the boom to straighten the sail before covering it. Alternatively, having a main that can be furled requires much less effort (but the boat goes a wee bit slower). Make sure you are happy with what it takes to make a boat work…with so many options, there’s a right boat for you. :) #sailinglife #sailing #sailboat

0

0

0

1,685