The world?s ultimate sailing challenge
The Vendée Globe, non-stop solo around the world race starts from Les Sables d?Olonne on 5 November and such is the growing interest in this race ? and the Open 60 class ? that for the first time the French are facing stiff competition from favourite Mike Golding and fellow Brits Alex Thomson and Conrad Humphreys. We assess their chances against the new French boats.

Beyond the call of duty
Eight years ago Pete Goss, sailing the smallest boat in the Vendée Globe, the 50ft Aqua Quorum, pulled off one of the greatest feats of seamanship of modern times. In storm force conditions he turned around and sailed upwind for over 100 miles to rescue fellow competitor Raphael Dinelli after his boat sank, at times in great danger of losing his own boat. In Great Seamanship Tom Cunliffe recounts this incredible story.

Staying attached
Climbing and sailing have a lot in common, not least the necessity to stay attached. Spinlock have looked at climbing products to come up with a new take on the safety harness and added a revolutionary lifejacket. Plus Mike Kopman learns how Ellen and solo stars go aloft using climbing gear and talks technique with climbers.

They?re off ? again
The 2007 America?s Cup got under way in Marseille in September with the Act I prologue regatta. Matthew Sheahan was there for Yachting World to record all the action.

Plus
Three beautiful Swedes tested ? the Najad 380, Malo 36 and Hallberg Rassy 37; Argentario the yard that re-creates the great classics; and our report from the Southampton Boat Show brings you the latest boats and gear.