Bangkok--19 Dec--Sail-World Asia
Only nine days to Christmas, and the world's sailing and boating calendar is showing no signs of pausing for breath before settling down for seasonal festivities. Not even in Asia, where today marks the opening of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous (ASR) in Phuket. Yes, Matilda, there will be sailing superyachts too. Big boats coming to Asia for both owners' cruising purposes and looking for charter work is a subject that has been kicked around and talked about for a long time now – ‘The Third Destination' (after the Med and the Caribbean) is an oft-used expression. There has never been a sudden, massive, influx of superyachts into Asia, but the word among big boat owners is gradually spreading. The ASR will play host to nine or more seriously deluxe vessels – meaning good business for marine business in Asia generally. Marinas, boatyards, victuallers, and everyone from florists to fuel suppliers benefit from these visitors. All good news for the further development of leisure marine industries in this part of the world. And that means good news for everyone with a boat – or even sailing on someone else's!
Dongfeng, the Chinese Volvo entry with French characteristics, made it into Abu Dhabi at the end of the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 16 minutes behind Team Brunel. That's two twos in a row, and skipper Charles Caudrelier can be excused for feeling a bit like the proverbial bridesmaid. Never mind, there's a long way to go yet, and three boats on equal points after the first two races – Brunel (3,1), Abu Dhabi (1,3) and Dongfeng (2,2). Tight at the top? Tighter than an elephant's Speedos.
The Extreme 40s have been putting on a spectacular show in Sydney. First time in the southern hemisphere, and the first day of racing got blown away by too much wind – something that wouldn't happen somewhere else that springs to mind. Sydney and the Sydneysiders have been sailing-mad as long as anyone can remember – where else in the world would crowds turn out in the tens of thousands to watch the start of an ocean race on Boxing Day? Andrea Francolini's images of the Extreme 40s sailing right in front of the Sydney Opera House are spectacular.
There's a great deal more sailing happening on a local level over the next couple of weeks, so stay with us and we'll be bringing you all the news that we can lay hands on. And remember, you don't have to wait for a newsletter to arrive in your mailbox – the www.sail-world.com website is updated on a continuous basis, day by day, hour by hour, and you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter too.
Guy Nowell, Asia Editor