De Lage Landen, the Dutch entry in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race, has arrived in Qingdao, China, today to a hero’s welcome, after taking its first victory in one of the toughest legs of the world’s longest ocean race.

The De Lage Landen team was greeted at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre with a spectacular ceremony including fireworks, drums and, not least, dozens of Chinese and international media who all fought to get pictures and interviews with the heroic crew that has claimed their first victory in the Clipper 11-12 Race.

George David's RP90 Rambler has a commanding lead in the battle for line honours in the RORC Caribbean 600. The American entry is over 20 miles ahead of the 214ft Ketch Hetairos, even though Rambler is less than half the size. 
 
Rambler rounded Tintamarre just after dawn this morning to begin the 160-mile power reach south to Guadeloupe. Rambler barely stalled for speed right through the night.

The American maxi cut the corner at Nevis, as better than expected breeze hurried their progress. Except for dropping below ten knots in the wind shadow of St.Martin, Rambler has been absolutely launched.

In formal recognition of the Royal Southern Yacht Club's 175th. Anniversary being celebrated this year, a private luncheon was yesterday hosted for 150 members of the Hamble-based Club at the invitation of its Patron, H.R.H. Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh K.G. K.T.

The RYA has made it clear to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that the proposals set out in its consultation documents published yesterday present a real problem for recreational boaters.

As the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011 - 2012 gets underway from Sanya, China to Auckland, New Zealand, all the competing teams will be chasing the early leaders, Team Telefonica, skippered by Iker Martinez.

There are few U.S. yachts as famous or celebrated as the 52-foot yawl Dorade, built at the Minneford Yacht Yard in City Island, New York, some 80 years ago.

Designed by a young naval architect named Olin Stephens—the creator of multiple America’s Cup winners and the founder of the legendary Sparkman & Stephens design firm—she was an immediate success, the winner of the epic 1931 Transatlantic Race.
 
When Olin and his brother, Rod, who both helped sail Dorade to victory, returned to New York, they were treated to a tickertape parade through the streets of Manhattan.

The free-to-visit event, which will be held at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth from May 11 to 13, is expected to attract more than 80,000 people. Among the attractions will be a wide selection of RIBs, powerboats and associated products for sale, the opportunity to trial boats on the open water and free Suzuki RIB rides.

Gareth Lumsdaine, Sales and Marketing Manager for Suzuki GB’s Marine Division, said:

“Suzuki is proud to sponsor The Powerboat and RIB Show in this very exciting year of change and we are looking forward to a great show. It has always been a fantastic event and fits perfectly with our exhibition strategy of focusing on shows where customers can get out on the water and try our range of lightweight and fuel-efficient four stroke outboard motors.”

Anton Dahlberg and Sebastian Östling will represent Sweden and Sperry Top-Sider in 2012 Olympic Games

British Waterways has started to uncover a 200-year old aqueduct by removing the trees, bushes and overgrown ivy which has hidden the Grade I listed Marple Aqueduct from full view.

Marine safety experts have renewed their call for World Leaders to reconsider the use of armed guards onboard commercial ships following the tragic shooting of Indian fishermen by Italian Marines.
 
Last week Italian Marines guarding the oil tanker, the Enrica Lexie, shot dead two Indian fishermen in the Indian Ocean they mistakenly believed were pirates. 

The deaths come just days before World leaders are due to discuss the issue of sea piracy at the London Conference on Somalia.