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More debate about the Commodore's Cup and the new Bethwaite trapeze harness

Our article about the new Julian Bethwaite harness has prompted much interest. 49er Olympic contender Paul Brotherton gave us this insight....

Haven't seen one in the flesh so can't really give much comment of Bethwaite's new design. However have sailed with the new Musto harness with a quick release for 8 months. Hook detaches and harness can be removed in seconds thanks to neoprene section under the hook. This harness is very similar to the traditional system (maintaining ease of hooking up and keeping down the bulk - Julian's system looks a little bulky?) Also as the system fits a standard hook as fitted on all current trapeze boats, there's no need for extra expense!

Another reader had this to say...

I think I'd happier if JB were to consider making the thing available to other manufacturers for a minimal royalty rather than as an exclusive supplier. If it's genuinely a major safety improvement that would make for much wider distribution, and bearing in mind the number of trapeze harnesses in the world probably still a reasonable income... I suppose the worry is that they'd do the equivalent of adding the sticky tape with harnesses with all those buckles and so on.

Peter Hankey of Hankey marine sent us this...

As the builder of the new 370 intermediate youth trainer - which encompasses a trapeze,I am particuly concerned about safety with youth in mind and the development of a harness not using the hook arrangement is brilliant. I would be interested to see more of the product and only hope that existing makers of harnesses would also feel likewise.

Brian Bracken had a 'top web moment' (known in the trade as a TWM - you get them all the time on madforsailing...) watching the Star Worlds on line...

I watched the live commentary unfold on the Star website of the final race and was glued to the text waiting for the last beat to finish. Even though the race took part on the other side of the world it was great for the boys to do so well and to feel a part of it. I also went into the street to tell passers by - well it is cowes after all!

David Kuegler was also impressed with the commentry and points to the interesting slide show function on the Star Worlds website .

Having seen Rick Tomlinson's photo gallery of the new GBR Challenge boat Wight Lightning, an awe-struck Denis Inman sent this from California...

Very nice photos. It is difficult to find good photographs of new AC boats sailing. I see the old AC class boats sailing and out of the water (un-draped) up on San Francisco Bay once in a while. The SF Bay would be a great place to hold an America's Cup if it weren't for all the ship traffic. I guess we would have to win it back first though...

While John Stapleton wonders....

Great shots. I wonder what's in the box at the back of 70? Surely this isn't a permanent feature?

Not entirely sure what you're referring to - it could be the pit for the 17th man...You can see it clearly on page 5

On Karen Hodges' round Britain voyage in the wake of Ellen Macarthur , Rene Serrao from Portuguese Cove, NS, Canada had this to say...

Best dam read I've had for a long time!! This plucky gal has reached me both with her determination and her story telling. She deserved to feel smug after outmanoevering the motorsailer and, like Ellen - she'll continue to "go far". I'll be looking forward to her future "confessions" Best wishes to Karen