The day has finally arrive.

Johnsee is gone…

…

……

But it’s not all bad!!! He is on a plane bound for San Francisco which is the starting point to his 3 month international adventure!!! And in true geek form he will be keeping a blog so we can all check out the antics he and his mates get up to.

Here is the link to his blog >> www.trip.johnsee.com.au
Map of where he is going >>

So this means that I am now seriously in need of content coming into the busy regatta period. If you have anything please send is through to team @ livesaildie . com

Johnsee is back in Brissy (Oz) on the 23rd February (and comes back to work on the 25th!)

Cheers,
OG

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A teenage student attempting to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world has admitted he is “a little crazy” to do it at his age.

Michael Perham, 16, from Potters Bar in Hertfordshire (UK) is the youngest person to have sailed across the Atlantic alone.

He set out on his latest voyage from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, on his Open 50 Racing Yacht on Saturday morning.

He will be alone at sea for over four months and his only contact with family will be through satellite link-ups.

Michael said: “I’m a little bit nervous but otherwise really, really excited.

“It’s just the feeling of being completely in control, relaxed and at one with nature. It’s just fantastic. But you don’t look forward to the fact you are alone for about four months.”

Psychologists have helped prepare him mentally for the challenges ahead and he said his experience crossing the Atlantic would also stand him in good stead.

His mother, Heather, said the family was right behind him: “We’re all really excited, we’re so proud of what he’s going to be doing.

“He’s just such an inspiration for other young people - for anyone really - we’re just amazed we’ve got to this point.”

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SLAM continues its association with the high end of sailing announcing they have secured the position of Official Clothing Supplier to the 2009 Audi Etchells Worlds hosted by Royal Brighton Yacht Club from March 5 – 14 2009.

“It only seems like yesterday that we were involved in the 2006 Audi Etchell Worlds off Fremantle in WA” SLAM’s representative, Jack Young commented.

“SLAM made a strategic plan to partner with a strong international class that Australia and New Zealand participate in, and the Etchell class fits that perfectly. It’s the class that draws the best sailors from around the world, especially in the non Olympic or America Cup years,” he continued.

Following Freemantle in 2006, SLAM involvement continued internationally as the Major Sponsor of both the 2007 Etchells Worlds held in Cowes and the following year at the 2008 Etchells Worlds in Chicago.

They have also been active nationally, supporting the class at the Australian Etchells Championships in 2007 and 2008 as Official Clothing Supplier.

Young went on to thank the class for its support of SLAM, with competitors and families showing great interest in the brand both from a technical sailing gear and casual perspective.

“As always, we will have our marquee store at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club (RBYC) venue with event merchandise along with a range of technical apparel and footwear for sale. We will also present our new 2009 Core Sailing Range. Our event online regatta store will be open prior to the event for those competitor wanting to get in early or for those who will need gear specifically branded for the event.”

The 2009 Audi Etchells Worlds promise to make for exciting racing with talk of America’s Cup legends such as John Bertrand joining other sailing champions to compete in the 90 strong fleet.

The 2009 Audi Etchells Worlds will take place from 5-14 March 2009.

www.audietchellsworlds2009.com.au

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The 29erXX was chosen by the Women’s Committee at ISAF by one vote over the women’s 470 as preferred equipment for the women’s double handed boat for the 2012 Olympics.

Also the ISAF Equipment Committee is reported to have selected the 29erXX as preferred equipment for the doublehanded women’s event by an 11 to 2 vote over the 470.

Although not a done deal, the support of these committees and others hopefully to come, is an indication of great changes for the world of sailing.

The 29er was also supported unanimously for addition to the ISAF Youth Worlds and will go to Council for the final vote by this weekend.

These results, reported on the 29er website, are only recommendations and have to be agreed by the ISAF Council at its meeting at the end of the week. If confirmed this would be a huge change, removing the long serving 470 from its Olympic spot.

The XX version of the popular 29er has an enlarged rig and took part in the trials in 2007 to evaluate a new boat for the Women’s Olympic sailing disciplines. Female skippers already compete at the highest level in the 29er class and have won two world championships a good point in the 29erXX’s favour.

Earlier the Committee recommended the Elliott 6m, already used widely in match racing events in Oceania including at the 2008 ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championship in Auckland, as their top choice. for the Women’s match racing choice.

By Event Media.

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Event organisers cancel Whitehaven Beach Day

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week event organisers have decided to take a different approach to next year’s social activities and have cancelled Whitehaven Beach Day.

Hamilton Island CEO Glenn Bourke said Hamilton Island is moving in a new direction and Whitehaven Beach Day is no longer relevant to the crews that attend the high calibre sailing event.

“Numerous modifications were made to Whitehaven Beach Day over the years but Race Week has out grown this social event,” he said.

“Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2009 will focus on the opening of Hamilton Island’s two new world-class facilities – the Hamilton Island Yacht Club and Hamilton Island Golf Course.

“The beach party has been a wonderful celebration during the 25 years that it has been run by Hamilton Island.

“It has, however, simply run its course.”

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Manager Damien Head said the EPA supported Hamilton Island’s decision to cease the annual event.

“Hamilton Island has done an excellent job over the years in working with the EPA to limit the potentially significant impact on the natural and cultural values of this iconic World Heritage destination,” he said.

“The decision to cease this event will have longer term conservation benefits for the Whitehaven Beach.”

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2009 will be held on 22 – 29 August.

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