Adventures, racing, technique. It’s SAIL of December/January

Why get on board with us of the December/January issue of the Sailing Newspaper? For many good reasons. Read on, we already reveal ten of them for you to preview, starting with the three major “services” of the month: the first on the Case of the resounding flop of the new IMOCA 60s. flying at the Transat Jacques Vabre, the second on the planet sails (how much they cost, how to get them made, and how to use them to the top) and the third on the Places to navigate to feel in the wake of great people (writers, singers, scientists). And much, much more…

1. FEAR AND DELIRIUM IN THE ATLANTIC
We reveal why, in this hellish Transat Jacques Vabre chock-full of retirements, the new IMOCA 60 flyers failed. Four out of the five retreated (Hugo Boss even risked sinking): to think that their designers, Guillaume Verdier and Van Peteghem/Prevost had warned the teams to “take it easy” but their advice went unheeded. And we tell you the story of the blue hero of the moment: Giancarlo Pedote, winner among the Multi 50 who dreams of the Vendée Globe.

2. SAILS, HOW MUCH DO YOU COST ME?
A diamond is forever. The sails of your boat do not. Unfortunately. And so you have to be able to assess when the time is right to change them. Choosing new sails is an important time to change the soul of your boat. Let’s see in this service how much they cost, how long they last, and under what conditions they should be used so that they give their best.

3. I WANT TO SAIL IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GREATS
Often the myth of a place is created by the caliber of the person who tells about it and has experienced it. Set sail with us to destinations frequented by great men. Writers, musicians, captains of industry, brilliant scientists (you will get surprises: some were truly “unsuspected” sailors. One name out of all? John Lennon): all had a place of the heart to sail. Waiting for you.

4. HOW TO READ POLARS?
Who said that only racers can optimize boat performance? An expert, Matteo Polli explains how to read those strange “hieroglyphics” called polar. The expert in question is Matteo Polli, the designer behind the successful Italia 9.98 World Champion and who has overseen the optimization of many winning offshore boats.

5. THE VERY LATEST 20 NEWS OF 2016
The Paris and Dusseldorf shows are an opportunity to see the many new models churned out by the shipyards. There is no real predominant market segment, but in each category designers have been able to innovate. And the desire for drifts also returns.

6. BOATS OF THE MONTH
This month we tell you about three boats that are very different in spirit and and concept: from the Pilot Saloon 48, the hull that brings you the sea … inside to the new ICE 62 EVO, the essence of Made In Italy. Moving on to another flagship of Italian shipbuilding: the Advanced A44. An elegant, fun, fast boat but different from others….

7. FIXED, MOVABLE OR DOUBLE KEEL?
We asked a real “guru,” Marc Lombard. The great designer reveals the secrets of various keel configurations. Because draft is one of the big questions in choosing a cruising boat: prioritize performance or access to shallow water, that’s the question…

8. SAILBOAT OR ROBOT?
Harken and Jeanneau invent AST (Assisted Sail Trim), a self-controlling winch system that adjusts the sails, depending on changes in heading, wind direction, and angle of heel. And the topic is causing debate: there are those who hail this innovation as yet another revolution in the world of easy sailing, and there are those who turn their noses up at it. Whose side are you on?

9. STRONG IN THE OCEAN, CHAMPION OF HUMILITY
Michele Zambelli finished in second place on the final leg of the Mini Transat, 2,770 miles from Lanzarote to Guadeloupe. How did he do it? Putting aside his pride and “stepping on the gas.” The tale of the toughest challenge faced by the Romagna sailor, who has now decided to leave the Mini class to devote himself to larger projects.

10. ESCAPING SAILS.
Seven years on a family boat as a crew. This is the beautiful sea story told by Fabio Pozzo: Elena Sacco, a successful publicist who left everything behind for a voyage to dream islands aboard a Hallberg Rassy 38. A search for happiness with the adventure of return.

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