Hot contender for Sydney Hobart

Adelaide yachtsman Geoff Boettcher has unveiled his latest Secret Mens Business - a hi-tech ocean racing yacht designed to win the Sydney Hobart

The ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) which starts next Sunday (21 November) from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria promises a record entry

Vincent Riou extends his lead over Roland Jourdain but Mike Golding, now in third, should be watched carefully

Preview: January 2005

This is the big one, with 100 editorial pages packed with the best sailing features...

Contents: December 2004

Mirabella V goes back to VT for repairs after grounding in the South of France...

Dull and windless weather greeted the early morning arrivals for the Firefly Autumn Trophy competition at the Welsh Harp last weekend

Ten visiting National 12s journeyed through mist and drizzle on a windless morning to race in the annual Guy Fawkes Trophy at Middle Nene SC, Thrapston on 7 November

Next week's Nippon Cup marks the halfway point of the '04-'05 Swedish Match Tour season

The first leg of the Global Challenge finished yesterday with the arrival into Buenos Aires of Team Save the Children

Jean-Pierre Dick sailing Virbac has overnight taken the lead from the initial race leader Vincent Riou on PRB

Could a decision to add new waypoints for the Vendee Globe spell the end of fleet races going into the Southern Ocean proper?

The 21 Vendee Globe yachts are currently (at 0800) leaving the harbour of Sable d'Olonne for the 1305 start

Tears as the skippers say their final goodbyes, and Mike Golding gets the biggest send-off

Vincent Riou leads the pack as the Vendée Globe gets off to a slow-motion start

The 21 Vendee Globe skippers are preparing for a light wind start tomorrow