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.

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.”

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.

The Mon & Brec 200 celebrations were launched earlier this month (Friday 10th February) with the Ringing of the Bells, recreating the canal’s opening ceremony 200 years ago. 

A single bell was rung by Cllr Bob Wellington, Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council and Robin Herbert, the Great, Great Grandson of Sir Benjamin Hall who gave the name of ‘Big Ben’ to the bell of the clock installed in the tower of the Houses of Parliament in 1857. 

This special event marks the joining of the Brecknock & Abergavenny Canals with the Monmouthshire Canal. 

Due to the success of the Gill OS1 range and the popularity of the brands’ female specific designs this season sees the launch of the Women’s OS1 suit. Built for the worst conditions imaginable, the OS1 Women’s range is tough, totally weatherproof and perfectly at home on any ocean crossing.

Designed specifically for the female form it incorporates a more flattering fit, whilst incorporating all of the technical features of the unisex product.

This high performance range uses a 5Dot™, 3-layer shell fabric that is ruggedly durable, waterproof and highly breathable, making it perfect for extended use.

With less than three weeks to go before the starting gun fires on March 1st to begin the 32nd annual edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, the entry list continues to grow, promising yet another stellar fleet for a round of “serious fun.” As always, the entry list is comprised of the latest Grand Prix racers, timeless classics, souped-up cruising boats, and bareboat charter yachts.
 
Many of the 141 current entrants are familiar St. Maarten Heineken Regatta veterans, who are drawn to the mix of great competition and sensational parties year after year. Among these sailors are Hank Schmitt on the Swan 48, Avocation; Richard Wesslund on the J/120, El Ocaso; Bernie Evan-Wong on the Mumm 36,High Tension; Christopher Marshall on the Melges 24, Budget Marine/Gill; Ian Hope-Ross on the Beneteau First 36.7, Kick ‘em Jenny; Sergio Sagramoso on the J/122,Lazy Dog; and Christian Reynolds on the Swan 51, Northern Child.