FEATURESPushing Toward ExtremityThe Northeast’s Vineyard Race is a mere 238 miles; toss in an explosive weather pattern and it seems at least twice as long.by Howard LapsleyMarch of the ChampionsIn the balmy tradewinds of the British Virgin Islands, seven teams are driven by the overpowering urge to win and replenish.by Dave Reed, Photos by Peter McGowanHome Cookin’South Carolina’s Charleston Harbor is a cauldron of shifting currents and winds, but this Sunfish veteran had the native ingredients for a win at the Sunfish Worlds.by Dan DickisonTECH REVIEWSailmakingThe latest laminate sails put the fibers exactly where you need them.TechnologyE Skeeter fanatics are setting the ice on fire.Tech NewsTacktick advances wireless race electronics, and the new X-41 One Design arrives.FROM THE EXPERTSTechniqueGrab your buddies and rig up– Pease Glaser shows us how to run an effective fleet practice.Winner’s DebriefEtchells world champ Jud SmithTacticsTo win the regatta, says Scott Ikle, tackle the race at hand.RulesHere’s what to do (and not do) the next time an inside boat hails for room.GRAND PRIXThe Power of ThreeOcean records are there to be broken, and Groupama 3 is about to get down to business.LaunchesYendys, Reichel/Pugh 55According ToDSK Comifin’s Danilo Salsi and Pietro d’AliREGULAR DEPARTMENTSEditor’s LetterSailors’ ForumStarting LineFour-Up Is Smith’s Prescription for Victory, Railey’s Rolex, Areva Challenge Sailing Team Coordinator Tom McLaughlin, Baird’s Unique Trip Continues in Dubai, Christmas in Valencia, Competition Out, Stamm Soldiers On, Thomson Reassesses, Rebuilds, Caribbean Mainstay Makes ChangesJobson ReportFor the RecordFinish LineContributorsAsk Dr. Crask