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Didn't race. Had a few beers, kebab, curry. Watched a bit of telly. Did a bit of ironing. Quite a nice weekend really. How was yours?


After madforsailing's comments on the Skiff Pro tour Thomas Wolff writes
after watching several races of skiff pro tour over the last two years I don t think it is a circus! The girls and guys are really ambitious and we have seen a lot of good racing. Especially for German skiff sailing the pro tour did a lot to get new friends for the "art of flying". We ourselves bought an International 14 at Travemünde last year. Because of different reasons for sure I will never ever be in state of racing an 18 at this level but others should do some fair play also. Take part and discuss after the season or just quit but then also stop complaining about it. Thomas Wolff


Following the 1720 National Championships Sean has this to say on 1720 racing
1720 rocks! Fast, fun, and yes comfortable as well as safe and thriling. And a very large and competitive fleet. The racing is the some of the best day sailing I have ever enjoyed.


At the same event madforsailing voted Mike Riley the most boring boat in the fleet
I have now subscribed and paid full wack due to your support for the event. However since your comment I think I will suspend my payment! Boring I think not we caught fish , had many twists, got hit up the rear by Ian Atkins, barged by Running Guns, moved up and down the fleet it was like playing snakes and ladders, 720's, Crew were drunk (Tim, Claire and Milky). I will leave out the rest to protect the innocent. Anyway for the most boring boat we had a pretty exciting time. But we finished 10th - halfway - I suppose that is boring. Anyway glad to assist and thanks for the coverage. Mike Riley


T Matthews on the Volvo Ocean Race
Am I alone in finding it strange that a race committee who send their boats through the Southern Ocean, then set a line to miss icebergs in another ocean? I am not complaining about the Southern Ocean - it was fantastic to read the stories that emanated from those two legs of the race - just wondering why the line has been set for this leg.


Are outriggers a bad idea? Don Mitchell 'an old mast designer' has this to say
What a silly question - have you asked "Are spreaders a bad idea"? They broaden the shroud base and lower compressional loads by a huge amount. Properly designed, they improve boat safety. An old mast designer, Don Mitchell


George Tinley wishes to congratulate the crew of Orange
Absolutely fantastic. I am lost in admiration and as for 18 knots average through the water.....well, I have never sailed at 18 knots at all, never mind round the world!! The only damn shame is that I was obviously born too early cos it must be incredible to be able to take part in these things, but now I am simply too bloody old!! Congratulations to all, especially Nick of course.


David Bains comments on Peyron's stratergy
Peyron's approach is very sensible and analytical and successful. It reminds me of the way Prost won so many GPs. Unfortunately people without his experience accuse him of not pushing enough, but I think he's quite good at thoughtfully explaining and defending his tactics. I see no contradiction in heaving to in extreme conditions while racing. I can think of several races where more yachts should have done the same. He and his brother are the most successful brothers sailing, because they do not take unnecessary risks. In fact bearing in mind the awful conditions in the Indian Ocean, I think it's fair to say another less experienced skipper might have lost the boat.

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