5th September, 2007. Bob Oatley’s Wild Oats has been dismasted in the second race of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. The accident happened a few minutes into the second race when the rigging gave way. Sea conditions were described as choppy with winds of 11 knots. ‘Wild Oats’ was beating upwind on a starboard tack. One crew member is reported to have sustained a rib injury.

5th September, 2007. The Rolex Maxi Yacht Cup is taking place in Porto Cervo, Sardinia from the 2-8th September. The first race took place on Monday 3rd. Yesterday, Tuesday, racing was called off due to high winds. Today’s race has so far led to the dismasting of ‘Wild Oats’. Further news on the races was not available at the time of writing this report. Here follows the photographs and report of the first day’s sailing.

The Daily Mail reports that Tony Blair, the UK’s former Prime Minister together with his wife Cherie and the kids have been on the charter motor yacht “Amadeus’ in the South of France. Also on board is Bono of U2 fame. Photos from the site show a very delighted Cherie together with Bono in St Jean Cap Ferrat to inaugurate a peace fountain bearing the inscription ‘Coexist’. Tony’s been in good form soaking up the sun. This was his last day of holiday before setting off to Israel to organise a Middle East conference that hopefully will lead to peace. No doubt he deserves a break before his new job. Photos and more of this story with the Daily Mail.

USA Today reports that Star Clippers is to build the largest sailing ship ever. It will be 518 feet long and weigh 7,400 tons. This is 48% larger than Royal Clipper which is currently the world’s largest fully rigged sailing ship. This barque will carry 296 passengers and 140 crew. The rig will rise 217 ft from the waterline and their will be 5 masts with 37 sails. The beam is to be 61 feet allowing for an open sun deck of 8,000 sq. ft. Passengers will have 3 pools to choose from. One of the pools will have a glass bottom, allowing light to filter down into the piano lounge and dining room. The aft pool, meanwhile, will feature a swim tube that extends down into the dive/sports bar and into the library.

This Volvo Sailing Podcast features a fascinating interview with Paul Cayard, who reflects upon his career to date, reveals his thoughts on the new-look Volvo Ocean Race, and discusses what he hopes to achieve with the establishment of the World Sailing League.Listen to the Volvo Sailing Podcast.