Ericsson 4 currently leads the Volvo Ocean Race. The second generation V70s are faster and hopefully less glitchy than their predecessors – but they aren’t any drier. © Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race As the days grow colder and sailboat racing goes into hibernation across most of America, two events blasted off the launching pads this past weekend that should warm the cockles of online sailors everywhere: the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race, and the Portimao Global Ocean Race. More »

Tragedy struck the opening race of the Regates Royale off Cannes yesterday. British attorney Wilf Tolhurst, 64, was killed when his classic 50-ft 8-Meter Safir collided with a larger British yacht shortly after noon. More »

Christophe Bouvet (right) and his savior, Paul Meihat. © 2008 Figaro Cap Istanbul Twenty-nine solo sailors were about eight hours into the second leg of the Figaro Cap Instanbul Race when word arrived at race headquarters that one skipper had apparently fallen overboard. More »

It would be funny if it wasn’t real. Most animals who get tangled in trash aren’t lucky enough to be found while they’re still alive. © 2008 NOAA/Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Brenda Becker Tomorrow is the third Saturday in September, which means it’s International Coastal Cleanup Day. More »

The man considered by many to be the best known and most successful yacht designer of the 20th century died over the weekend. Olin Stephens passed away in his hometown of Hanover, New Hampshire, on Saturday. More »

Pyewacket V – whether you call her a ‘racey cruiser’ or ‘cruisey racer’, she’s a beauty to behold. © 2008 Rich Roberts/Westerly Marine Roy Disney is one of those guys who just can’t seem to get enough of ocean racing — even when he doesn’t personally go along. More »