Publisher's Log

There is great excitement surrounding this edition of the Volvo Ocean Race and it’s easy to see why. I hope you have the same sense of urgency about getting up to Newport as I. This is one event that I will not settle for witnessing on a screen…

Look at any current international sailing event and you’ll notice that amongst the headlines about sailing routes or event venues, the subject of trash in the water is prevalent.

Much has been written recently about retaining sailors as they age out of junior sailing, or are attracted to alternative sports. Certainly great strides have been made with regard to big boat training, and many manufacturers have been producing boats designed to appeal to the late-teen, early-twenties crowd.

We discuss important environmental topics on the pages of WindCheck each month. This issue, in particular, is loaded with articles with an environmental focus, and the message from each is clear: We may be on track toward healthy oceans, sounds, bays and coastlines, but we have a long way to go.

If a race or a cruise has been eluding you in years past, consider taking the time to research what it takes to make it a success. Spring and summer 2015 is going to be action-packed for sailors from the Northeast

I write often about the ‘been there – done that’ aspects of my sailing life. I’m lucky to have raced actively and cruised extensively for many years, but as we all know our sport continually offers new opportunities and experiences. This season I enjoyed a few firsts – truly enjoyed them – and was reminded yet again of how special sailing is. I competed with old friends and new in races ranging from weeknight series races to…

At the fall boat shows, I like walking the docks and looking at the new and interesting design changes that emerge every year, I enjoy learning about new products that make our lives on the water easier and more enjoyable, and I love the latest technology – and the clever ways we are able to bring our electronic lives aboard (if we so desire).

Sail Park City Regatta, a fundraiser for St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound run each July by Fayerweather and Black Rock Yacht Clubs and Housatonic Boat Club.

To see American sailors gaining the recognition of other professional athletes is interesting and exciting, I think, for a few reasons. To me, this says that kids are really getting into the sport on a deeper level and are more excited about the people making waves out there.

A marathon drive to a distant venue to launch the boat and go racing can be a difficult undertaking, often filled with comedic occurrences…comedic in hindsight, anyway. An away regatta is something that every sailor should attempt at least once. It will become readily apparent whether it is – or isn’t – for you.