Feats, events, technique, unforgettable sailors: it’s SAIL of May!

Why get on board with us for the May issue of the Sailing Journal? For many good reasons. Read on, we are already revealing ten of them for you to preview: starting with the great guide to the TAG Heuer VELAFestival of Santa Margherita (May 7-10) to make sure you don’t miss anything, passing through the exploits of the forty unforgettable sailors that have made sailing history, to the secrets of a perfect anchorage And much, much more.

1. THE GUIDE TO THE GREAT FESTIVAL OF SAILING AND THE SEA
Over 20 pages containing everything you need to know about the TAG Heuer VELAFestival in Santa Margherita Ligure, the great festival of sailing and the sea (May 7-10). With the “dictionary” from A to Z we reveal all the secrets of the VELAFestival, with the map you discover where to find the boats, accessories and where all the activities take place. The guide also contains a detailed schedule of all events day by day, hour by hour and focuses on the main ones (the VELA Cup, the Sailor of the Year etc…).

2. THE UNFORGETTABLE FORTY
They made us dream and, at least once, we wished to be like them. We present the forty sailors who, in our opinion, made the history of modern navigation. From Christopher Columbus to recent solo navigators, whether they sailed for work, passion or sense of challenge matters little. The fact remains that they have all accomplished extraordinary feats, each in their own way!

3. THE PERFECT ANCHORAGE
Roberto Ritossa, our anchoring guru, takes us through the second installment dedicated to discovering all the secrets to anchoring in any condition. We set off on an imaginary boat ride and face different situations with him in which to anchor. Lots of useful tips to avoid damage and … unplanned late-night risings!

4. EIGHT BOATS MADE “IN PIECES”
Very fast or old style, comfortable or spartan, simple or convertible, with two, three or four cabins. By now, in every length range, yards (and designers) are able to come up with the most diverse models. We compared eight with different characteristics, divided according to their size. Four “challenges “in which we analyze, one by one, all the most diverse aspects of each hull, from ergonomics on deck to design style, from sail plan to interior room space layout, to help you understand which type of model best suits your needs.

5. YOUR IDEAL BOAT
When the long-dreamed-of moment of boat purchase arrives, it is always the heart that rules. To make sure you make the right choice, put yourself to the test with our test and find out which hull is right for you. How important is the refinement of finishes and materials on board? Or do you prefer boats with virtually “naked” interiors? This and many other questions you will have to answer in the quiz!

6. TEN ACCESSORIES THAT CHANGED OUR LIVES
Some of them have radically changed the way of boating, others are changing it. From winch to autopilot, lazy-jack to navigation apps. Only key word: comfort. And now, where is the accessories market going? Definitely toward greater integration and toward the world of renewable energy…

7. THE HEROES OF THE SOUTH SEAS
They covered more than 7,000 miles including 4,400 in the cold Southern Ocean and Roaring Forty but not all of them managed to round Cape Horn (the Chinese dismasted) in the fifth “monster leg” of the Volvo Ocean Race. They are the new heroes of the Ocean. Because in the midst of the South Seas, no technology will do. Getting out of this requires “attributes”!

8. USED BOAT? NO, NEW
In this survey, we cast ourselves in the “triple guise” of a boat owner who wishes to best sell, buy second-hand, or simply “upgrade” a boat. What work needs to be done but more importantly how much do you need to spend to refurbish your boat? Knowing the costs of interventions will help you avoid “duds”…

9. ARE YOUR SAILS READY FOR THE NEW SEASON?
We asked Roberto Westermann, owner of Wsail Sailing, what are the essential checks to make sure the sails and their rigging are in place to get back out to sea. Simple interventions are often enough to get everything in order, without the need to buy a new sail game.

10. THE SEA IS NEVER THE SAME
A great journalist, his sea voyages, encounters and sailings. All collected in John Porzio’s new book, “The Sea is Never the Same.”. You can find “The Sea is Never the Same” enclosed with this issue of the Journal of Sailing for only €12.40 more, or at giornaledellavela.com, bookstore section and at nauticplace.com, bookstore section, for €18 including shipping directly to your door. If you prefer, a digital version is available for 7.99 euros.

Remember, there are also many other good reasons not to miss the new May issue of the Sailing Journal. On newsstands, on iPad, iPhone and all Android tablets and smartphones.