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Why is Atalanti going so fast? During pre start manoeuvres a sailboat is expected to turn dramatically and often. I certainly understand that the rules of the road are always in effect but for a support vessel who is there for the sole purpose of supporting a race to get in the way of racing is not proper. Much the way a referee in a sporting event mustn't get in the way of a competitor charging down the field. It is their job to stay out of the way and not influence the game. It is possible that the boat in question Hawk was at fault but there may have been extenuating circumstances such as a broken engine etc on the RIB. At least no one was seriously hurt.

From Brian Trubovich
Why has the Farr 40 been so successful? Anyone who has raced class boats and suffered from the vagaries of any rating/handicap system -knows the answer. But why the Farr 40? Well, for a while it was the Mumm36, but maybe the 40 footer is an improvement, easier to sit on the rail for prolonged periods, embodies more technological advances, more status for the owners, and a very sweet looking boat!

From Robert B. Middlemas
Are picture galleries popular with you? I can think of nothing better than a photo gallery to bring the excitement and drama of a sailing event to people. While the written word is wonderful to delineate and to regale, nothing brings the immediate impact that pictures do. I would wager that this is indeed why such effort has been expended to send out pictures and video from boats participating in the VOR. It puts a person right where the action is, or at least was.

With video, it brings a person in almost as a member of the crew (a somewhat drier and more comfortable one) and let's you experience life on the edge with none of the fears. When I am at work and I open a photo gallery on the M.F.S. website, I always make sure to call my around my fellow workers, some of which who are not sailors, to view the photos with me. Almost without exception, when the photos come up, there are lots of "wows" and not a few excited expletives. Stories, articles and first hand accounts (like during the EDS Challenge) are wonderful. However, there is just something about photos....wow. Indeed, at least a thousands words worth.

From Peter Jackson
What do you think of IR2000? I think IRM should include a reasonable minimum accommodation standard. Now we're dealing with average 40 footers it can only shorten the rules life to force people to spend so much on big dinghies with no resale value. In fact it would probably need better standards than IOR to get big fleets and a world wide long life rule.

It should also now be 'make your mind up' time, and IRC should take a step away from IRM types. Most regattas will need to get some more trophies to present. The 'major' trophies can switch over with competitor numbers, IRC can deal with mainly older boats, and, ergo, IRC should end up being the one that requires updating or renewal first. (but please don't encourage Swans any more in IRC or everyone will have to buy them if they want to win!).

From Steven J Laurie
A fair review for the 707? Fair review except for the performance marks, 50% is a bit harsh when you consider she does 6 knots upwind and was regularly doing 16knots downwind at Cowes Week and the recent Nationals. Not bad for a 23 footer. I think your test team get a bit spoiled, this is the real world !!! Crazy Horses GBR 7035

From brian Trubovich
Hired talent good for 1720 class? Without doubt the top class sailors can only improve the general standard in the class.The 1720 is a really impressive boat that does not demand a huge athletic commitment and offers really good sailing to even the golden oldies.

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