'The Proving Ground' is the story of the 1998 Sydney to Hobart boat race. By focusing on a handful of yachts and those who crewed them, Knecht recreates those dramatic hours and the fear of those caught in the storm, battling for their lives.

In 1925 DH Lawrence described a huge, restless, modern Sydney, whose million inhabitants seem to slip like fishes from one side of the harbour to the other. What was true then had been the case for centuries before, and decades since. Explores the story of this great waterway.

The Australia Day Regatta has been held on Sydney Harbour every year since 1837. Believed to be the oldest continuously held annual regatta in the world, it has grown and flourished and today involves close to 700 vessels − from ocean-going yachts to small sailing dinghies − and thousands of participants. Illustrated with vibrant images of regattas past and present, this book offers a slice of Sydney’s history through its enduring yachting traditions. It traces not only the fascinating history of this unique event, but the story of sailing in Sydney since the early years of the colony, and the regatta’s dedicated supporters and patrons.

Winner of the Small Business Book Awards from Small Business Trends 2013 The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is among the most demanding sailing competitions in the world. Unpredictable seas make the 628-nautical-mile course grueling under the best conditions, but the 1998 race proved to be the most perilous to date when a sudden and violent storm struck. Winds gusted over 100 mph and monstrous 80-foot waves towered over boat masts. Six sailors perished and another 55 were saved in what became the largest search and rescue operation in Australia's history. In the face of turmoil and tragedy, a crew of "amateur" sailors piloted their tiny vessel, the AFR Midnight Rambler, not only to the finish but to overall victory. While bigger, better-equipped yachts attempted to maneuver around the storm, Ed Psaltis and his crew made the daring decision to head directly into its path. Their triumph--perhaps even their survival--owes itself to an extraordinary level of teamwork: an alchemy of cooperation, trust, planning, and execution. Into the Storm chronicles their nearly four-day ordeal and draws parallels to the world of business, revealing 10 critical strategies for teamwork at the edge. Illustrated with examples from the story and compelling case studies, the book sheds light on what teams need to do to succeed in tough times. Finally, Into the Storm provides resources and tools to support teams as they navigate the chaotic seas of business today.

This new book on Australia's most famous blue water classic, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, will become a collector's item for anyone who has an interest in the race. Participants and spectators alike will revel in photographer Andrew Wilson's amazing array of intimate portraits of some of the absolute legends of the race, including owners, crew, administrators and even the odd journalist. Backed by extensive interviews from journalist and race media manager Di Pearson, who probably knows more about the race than anyone else alive, this is a book that examines the people who make the race. It is not about the boats. As David Kellett AM says in the foreword, "Andrew has covered all aspects of the race from the preparation to the finish and everything in between, including the personalities involved in the control of the race, the safe haven of Eden and the officers of the vital search and rescue organisations. A great insight into what goes on behind the scenes each year." If you have competed in the race, are planning to in the future, or if you just love great stories about people doing exceptional things under difficult conditions, then you will love this book. It packs an enormous amount of content and some truly remarkable photographs into its 520 pages. It is a book you can immerse yourself in for days on end. All the adrenaline and drama of the great race is here - the heroes, the villains, the folklore and everything in between. Settle in for one of the best yachting reads of your life.

History of a class of 21-foot waterline yachts that raced for the Forster Cup at venues around Australia 1920s-50s, with details of the individual boats, races and people associated with them. Also details and photographs of the revival of the class, especially the fleet now placed at Goolwa, South Australia, and preservation of the famous TASSIE II, winner of the most individual Forster Cup Races, in Tasmania.