MEMO from the publisher

For readers of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED and the million people in this country who make sailing a constantly growing sport, 1959 bids fair to bring more activity than ever. Judging by the comment we have already received on the instructional series by Lightning Champion Bill Cox (Mastery of Small Boat Sailing, SI, Feb. 23 and March 2) some of this activity is going to be at a new level of proficiency.

As I finished Cox's lessons on how to tune, rig and sail a small boat, it seemed the time to ask Boating Editor Ezra Bowen what further sailing articles are projected for this season.

To begin with, Bowen pointed out, in this issue is Carleton Mitchell's report on Miami's One-of-a-Kind Regatta, which holds special interest for small-boat sailors because it tests the relative speed of the one-design classes. And the owner of the winner is Bill Cox himself.

Next week we visit St. Petersburg, Fla., in one of the country's most boat-populated areas. Against four pages of color photographs Carleton Mitchell describes the phenomenon of this water-oriented city—starting point for many big races and frequently for Mitchell as well, who is a three-time southern-circuit champion.

Sailing is boats and places—and also personalities. Later on comes a CONVERSATION PIECE with the No. 1 brother act in sailing, Bus and Bobby Mosbacher. An insight into their techniques and tactics, it will also be an advanced seminar in fleet and match racing.

For those who cruise, under sail or power, Mort Lund will report on the island-studded north shore area of Lake Huron, which offers not only rare scenery, fishing and tests of seamanship, but landlubbing variations in hiking and climbing.

During this summer's Snipe championships a half dozen Snipe champions will explain both why and how they sail this most popular of class boats.

As for ocean racers, one of the favorites in this year's Honolulu race is so fascinating in her rigging that as part of its preview SPORTS ILLUSTRATED will do a complete dissection of her. Then Carleton Mitchell, the only man who has twice running won the Bermuda Race, the eastern classic, will climb aboard her to report the western classic—from what looks like a pretty good vantage point.

And from my own vantage point, it looks like a pretty brisk year.

THREE ILLUSTRATIONS