Sailing Articles
Alan ‘AJ’ Johnson, a stalwart of the UK dinghy racing scene, has sailed into the sunset. With a sailing career that spanned over six decades, AJ left a significant impact in various classes of dinghy racing.
It all began in 1963, when at the tender age of 16, AJ made his mark by finishing 13th in the GP14 National Championships, a competition with over 250 contenders. This was just the start for AJ, who went on to build a reputation in the GP14 and Enterprise fleets. His successes included two-time victor of the Enterprise National Championships, three-time Inland Championships conqueror, and Masters Championships triumph.
For close to five decades, the FIRST lineup from Beneteau Group has unveiled vessels of elegance and superior performance, specially crafted for sailors whose heartbeats align with the rhythm of the sea breeze and the gentle lapping of the waves. The Beneteau FIRST 60 marks a considerable milestone, as the largest First ever built, promising an undiluted sailing experience to those in pursuit of intensity and precision.
Adorned with a sleek profile and timeless lines, the FIRST 60 beautifully embodies the artistry and engineering brilliance of naval architect, Biscontini Yacht Design, and acclaimed designer Lorenzo Argento. Every element of this extraordinary yacht is meticulously honed to perfection - from the streamlined sailing systems that offer flawless interaction with the vessel, to the carefully arranged cockpit that affords breathtaking views of the surrounding water.