Foil and dolphin phenomena, Sailors of the Year, record! The new issue of the GdV is on newsstands now.

Welcome aboard the new February issue, on newsstands with the 2017 Accessories Special, the only true guide to outfitting your boat. Take note, the latest generation of boats have put a “nose” on the bow that lengthens them by as much as a meter. The new trend is called the “dolphin boat”, it serves to keep the anchor from beating against the hull, since the bows now no longer have the momentum that preserved the hull from accidental contact with the anchor swinging. But above all, the dolphin guard makes it possible to move to the extreme bow the tack point of the now indispensable light-wind and wide-going sails, such as the gennaker and especially the practical Code 0, which can thus be kept rigged without obstructing the forestay where the jib is hoisted.

DOLPHIN PHENOMENON
A first of its kind? No, the dolphin boat has a long history behind it. Is it possible to mount the forward “nose” on an existing boat? Yes, and we explain how to do it on any boat. Because the dolphin boat is destined to be not just a passing fad, but a practical accessory that makes it easier to navigate and anchor. In short, you get the picture: one of the focuses of this issue (of the other, the 100 sailors competing for the title of Sailor of the Year, we’ll tell you about it below) is the “feature” where we reveal everything there is to know about bowsprits and dolphins: how to mount them, who to turn to, their history.

This, and much more, you will find in the February issue of the Sailing Journal. Find out in advance with us, here are some “goodies” you will find… but first….

ATTACHED IS THE 2017 ACCESSORIES SPECIAL
We’re early in the season, fresh off the news of fall and winter boat shows-it’s a good time to equip your boat. To help you “see it through,” we have prepared for you the new 2017 Accessories Special, attached to the issue on newsstands. A guide with the best products on the market, divided into convenient categories, from electronic instrumentation to safety, from anchoring to onboard power, complete with fact sheets, comparisons, prices and ratings from our experts. A little “bible” for renewing your beloved at its best!!!

1. HERE ARE THE MAGNIFICENT 100 SAILORS OF THE YEAR
Standings, articles and your reports in hand, in the editorial office we have taken stock of the past season by identifying 100 “nominations” among racers, drifters, owners, sailors (the ocean sailors or those who showed off their “long sailing” skills), designers and builders. In some cases we also felt compelled to nominate boats with a special story (after all, every enthusiast knows that the boat has a soul and that without the boat the sailor can accomplish very little). Find out who the magnificent 100 are, their stories, and then run to vote for them in the poll on our website!

2. ALL THE FAULT OF FOILS
Sailing is no longer a dream but a reality within everyone’s reach. We tell you about the history of foils (you’ll be surprised to find out that this technology has its roots back in the 1920s) and review all the boats you can buy, too, to have fun–without touching the water!

3. SIX YEARS ON THE BOAT WITHOUT MISSING A DAY OF SCHOOL
A Finnish family sets off on a round-the-world boat trip without disrupting aspects of everyday life. Like raising three children from ages three to six–thanks to technology and careful planning. We met them before the big jump.

4. BOATS OF THE MONTH
We tried out two boats that are very different but in their own way unique: the first is the Lagoon Seventy7, a 23-meter seaside cata-villa with three floors of space where you can live your life aboard to the fullest with no divisions between inside and outside. The other is the Dehler 34: the German shipyard’s new 34-footer enhances sailing performance and provides remarkable habitability. We explain how it was possible.

5. ITALY 1936 – WHEN WE WON THE OLYMPICS.
Eighty years ago an all-Italian crew and boat brought home the first five-ring gold for Italian sailing (only two more would follow: that of Agostino Straulino in Helsinki in 1952 and in 2000 in Sydney with Alessandra Sensini). We relive a feat that remained unique in time, in Germany where the Nazi swastika waved.

6. THE GREAT RECORD SAGA
Vendée Globe, nonstop crewed and solo round-the-world races, ARC, speed records. In recent months we have seen so many records fall. Technology is advancing, times at sea are getting shorter, and it really seems that by now skippers have learned how to better manage their latest generation boats…

7. WHEN THE WIND IS THE ENEMY
Now, when there is little traffic in the harbor, it is time to practice mooring and egress. We have selected eight tips and tricks for maneuvering in strong or adverse wind situations even if there are only two of you on board or even alone.

8. MAXIMUM COMFORT, LOW CONSUMPTION
To reduce onboard consumption as much as possible, a good method is to set a daily onboard “energy budget.” We reveal some tips for consuming a maximum of 120 amps per hour without making any sacrifices, from batteries to refrigerator, from shower water to LED lights.

9. PAUL CAYARD: I AM ALIVE AND WELL AND WILL AMAZE YOU
Paul Cayard, the hero of the Moro di Venezia, at 57 reinvents himself as a tactician on the tiny J/70s. He speaks his mind about the America’s Cup, the future of sailing, sailors, and has no intention of retiring. Meanwhile, he goes on a cruise to the Caribbean.

10. WHAT BREAKS DOWN MOST FREQUENTLY ON BOARD?
Based on a study implemented on the 262 boats that took part in the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, nearly 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to St. Lucia in the Caribbean) in 2015, the most frequent failures on board during the legendary crossing were sail failures. In detail we review the “disaster-list” of the transatlantic.

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

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