Check out this exciting YouTube video of crash tests for the Hobie 33 monohull sailboat. The Hobie 33 is a lift-keel boat designed to be ultralight and ultrafast. Between 1982 and 1986, a total of 187 Hobie 33’s were built. The Hobie 33 continues to be a competitive offshore sailing yacht. Find out more about Hobie 33 sailing events at the Hobie 33 website.

Buying a boat is a life-changing event.  Besides requiring a major investment of money, owning a boat requires a time investment.  Many people dream of buying a boat for years, but after they purchase one they find they don’t enjoy the challenges of boat ownership.  The best way to find out what you’re getting into before buying a boat is to make sure you do all your homework ahead of time.

These are some questions to ask yourself before shopping for a boat:

The answers to these questions will give you a better idea about the type, size and model of boat to buy.  You can research different types of boats online at a website like BoatTest.com.   Compare different models and read articles about independent tests of each model.  Attending boat shows is another great way to see and compare boats.

Queensland is being considered as a possible venue for February’s America’s Cup challenge.  The location is currently being decided in court after Oracle, the challenging American team, disputed the Swiss team’s choice of the Persian Gulf.  Now it appears that the Swiss are willing to move the event to the coast of Australia.  Sydney was initially considered until it was conceded that the waters outside Sydney harbor are not conducive to yacht racing.  Southport in Queensland was then suggested and is now under consideration.  The decision is now before the New York State Supreme Court.  Read more about the America’s Cup in Australia on the Sydney Morning Herald website.