Issue 74 of the International Sailing Federation's e-mailed newsletter 'Making Waves', ISAF President Paul Henderson's message described how competitive sports are structured and supposedly conducted Internationally in a perfect world. Although he mentioned a few pitfalls being experienced at club level within the system he overlooked the problems arising when sailing as a competitive sport becomes a activity concerning National shipping and International Maritime laws. How many of the 120 National Authorities (MNA's) that form the ISAF are considered undeveloped countries that have yet to format their own pleasure yacht handling scheme (Similar to the RYA) to train and certificate their sailors with? An area where probably over half the world's population live! Surely a topic the ISAF need to urgently address if sailing as a participatory sport is to go to the forefront in the next millennium of marine and sporting tourism.

Isn't it time that the ISAF and it's representative committee's took the bull by the horns and become the true International authority on yachting by introducing a safe and educated International yacht handling scheme (Similar to the Asian Yachtmaster Scheme ) that can become aligned with the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952, using the applicable IMO International Maritime Conventions. The scheme can then be adopted by developing member countries Maritime authorities to establish formal training schools and teach the safe use of pleasure craft in their respective regions. Thereby overcoming the stalemate situation and teething problems presently being experienced as the industry begins to blossom in these areas.

This would go a long way to further develop sailing Internationally and allow interested people in developing areas to safely acquire the skills to survive the savage sea, plus develop one's own character, teamwork, volunteerism and above all, be a worthy contribution to life.

Paul Henderson's message and Peter Bentley's editorial are available from the ISAF website www.sailing.org where you can also subscribe to their newsletter.

Asian News

1. AsianYachting proudly announce that they have been appointed to cover the sailing section of the XXI South East Asian (SEA) Games for the Malaysian Yachting Association to be held in Port Dickson from the 8th - 17th September. For up to date info go to http://AsianYachting.com/news/S.E.A.Games.htm

2. Don't miss out on one of Asia's classic offshore races, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's biennial race to San Fernando in the Philippines from Thurs the 12th to Mon 16th April. This is a major event for yachtsmen in Asia and an important sporting event for Hong Kong. AsianYachting will keep you updated at http://asianyachting.com/news/SanFern.htm or visit their website www.rhkyc.org.hk

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston's Times Clipper 2000 fleet are joining the HK to San Fernando race as a leg of their ongoing round the world sailing odyssey.Up to date reports as the fleet passes through SE Asia can be found at http://asianyachting.com/news/TimesClip.htm and for further route information with updated positions every 6 hours visit their Website www.clipper-ventures.com

3. A record 10 students began the first RSYC Competent Crew Courses for 2001 on Sat 24th & Sun 25th of March. They hope to get a taste of what sailing on a yacht is all about and pick up a few of the necessary skills that it takes to sail around Port Klang and the surrounding waterways.

 4. Amongst the yachts for sale on AsianYachting's free brokerage page is a traditional Indonesian Bugis Prahu. Originally built on the island of Sulawesi she comes from a long line of traditional barter-trading craft that have been converted into cruising vessels with large aft decks suitable for entertaining. Air conditioned throughout and ready for long distance cruising she may be of interest as a live aboard to my many friends in Northern Australia.
Click on http://asianyachting.com/boats/yachtsforsale.htm to browse current listings and return email your yachts particulars for a free listing.

5. Sunsail, one of the world's largest yacht charter companies and Malaysian Airlines Service have just signed a agreement to package fly/sail holidays to their newest charter yacht base amongst the scenic duty free islands of Langkawi in Malaysia. Some attractive rates for the coming low season are being offered for those wanting to explore a new region where the weather is usually kind enough to sail all year. For further information contact Simon James on Tel: +66 76-239057, Fax: +66 76-238940 or e-mail: sales@sunsailasia.com

International News

1. In a briefly worded statement, the RORC announced the cancellation of the Admiral's Cup 2001. "It is with great regret that the Management Committee of the Admiral's Cup have decided not to run the 2001 series. The Management Committee had agreed that for the event to continue there had to be at least four national teams plus one recognised country grouping team. The Notice of Race called for Challenges to be logged by 2nd April 2001, and on this date only France and the UK were the only confirmed entries. Reasons cited included the lack of interest among owners in supporting the entries in the IC 45 and Sydney 40 classes, two of three one-design classes named by the RORC to compete in the event this year. The Committee therefore had little option but to cancel the series. 

2. There is still plenty of action on the high seas to be viewed by searching the Internet.
BT Global Challenge
The struggling final finishers of The Race
April 25-29 37th CONGRESSIONAL CUP Long Beach Yacht Club
April 29 - May 5 Antigua Sailing Week
Biennial Transpacific Yacht Race from L.A. California to Honolulu Hawaii 2225n.m.

My thanks once again to those who have emailed me about the newsletter.
Wishing you the best of luck in your yachting endeavours.