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An article from Emma Westmacott crew on Amer Sports Too prompted Douglas Rogers to send this response to whether an all girl crew could win the Volvo Ocean Race

Yes! Women are probably tougher than men in this situation. It's more a cultural thing that has held them back. In the past where women out perform men - like in swimming the channel the media hasn't really noticed. It is about time women proved that they can take on a male initiated test and win! Then we can see if some of the chauvinists among us can pass the pineapple test....

We might pass on the pineapple Douglas...that was all Grant Dalton's idea and we 'll leave it at that. But it would be interesting to see how a female campaign would do if they were sponsored up to the hilt like illbruck were this time round. If Volvo do choose a boat with less sails or even roller furling then this will certainly work to the girl's advantage next time round.

Mike Cooke agreed with the jury's decision after finding one boat had sailed without weights in the 49er worlds

If I raced my National 12 without its lead in it, it would no longer be a National 12. I could not expect to count any results from any races that I took part in, and even if I did sail I would retire afterwards. I suppose in a performance equalised class, it would be easy to 'forget' your lead every now and again! For sailors at this level you would really expect them to know what is asked of them. It was the right decision. What I am more curious to know, is the number of people who race in performance equalised classes (eg a Laser 5000) who sail with maximum width wings and no lead in handicap racing in this country. I have heard of several people at the top of their various fleets who neglect to fit any lead for this type of racing, where the class is not having any responsibility to ensure the boat and crew measure and it falls down to the helm and crew... Mike Cooke National 12 sailor with nearly 10 KG of lead to play with...

Our America's Cup update brought these comments in from James
One World should be let off. This rule about information is out of date in the year 2002. It is a sport not a business deal. Further more One World employ a lot of people and bring added competition to the table that should increase the pubic awareness of the sport.

The prospects of seeing a $50 million campaign thrown out of the event are hard to imagine. Clearly the America's Cup arbitration panel are worried about the ramifications of any decision they make to the extent that they have refused to make a ruling until they are personally indemnified. I find it hard to believe that the America's Cup Deed of Gift and the Protocol cannot be amended to tidy up the many grey areas which exist in the rules for this event. Or is it that part of the America's Cup contest is the tradition of it being fought in the court room as well as on the water. Maybe there should be a points system for the best legal actions brought about by the syndicates? 5 points for good old fashioned spying, 10 points for selling design secrets, 20 points for industrial espionage, etc. Suggestions please...

Despite having the record broken, this year the Three Peaks race only had seventeen entries, Ralph Marx has an idea why
Banning multihulls was a stupid idea. Multihulls have limited race possibilities and, therefore, when allowed to compete in the Peaks Races, provided a healthy contingent. Address the needs of the monohull fleet in a different way other than banning multihulls.

Couldn't agree more Ralph. The gentlemen in Barmouth need their heads examining. Aside from the logistical problems, I also think the Round Britain & Ireland race has turned into a B-division event ever since the Royal Western limited multihulls to 40ft. This would be a great event in the ORMA calendar.

Bertrand A takes a philosophical view on the pitchpole that put Booth in hospital on the Round Texel Race
Sailing and racing is always a pleasant hobby when is goes well ... But as many things it could turn around suddenly into a nightmare due to real world life with inherent risk associated. As individuals we must keep this it in mind and avoid to find bad reason afterwards on why it happens : there is not always a responsible to blame, that's life unfortunately. Sailing as many things is not always a "sea-sex and sun" party but that so exciting. All my best to Booth for a quick recovery.

High speed sailing of any description inherently has its dangers, but one cannot help feeling that a racing catamaran, which by its very nature is capable of pitchpoling, should not be fitted with razor sharp daggerboards into which the helmsman is automatically propelled when the boat goes down the mine. Maybe I'm being a girl's blouse, but that strikes me as being somewhat unsafe.

Gordon sends us this endorsement on the Swedish Archipelago Raid
Possibly the finest event known to mankind. The real challenge will be avoiding midsummer celebrations that will be in full swing in the islands. Truly one of the most stunning locations to sail, and at midsummers.........awesome. Essential equipment will be a lighter, firewood and sufficient essential fluids of the wind is light and an alluring blonde invites you ashore......one of the most enchanting locations in the planet

Yes, we have our airline tickets booked for next year. There is definitely a market for running yacht races in more exotic locations. We look forward to covering the Round Tristan da Cunha race.

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