Olympic chiefs have pledged to arrest fears that sailors and windsurfers at the next Games will not just have to deal with their rivals on the water but a potential super-bug under it.
See as 91 boats leave St Malo in Brittany to travel across the Atlantic to Guadeloupe for the Route du Rhum.
Four years ago, Shirley Robertson met Sidney Gavignet as he sailed off for the Route du Rhum.
Every four years, France's most intrepid off-shore sailors take part in the Route du Rhum.
In the cut throat world of big-time ocean racing, giant maxis are the undoubted leaders of the pack.
A drawbridge collapses on a yacht being towed during a heavy storm. WSVN reports.
Oracle Team USA will make its defense of the America's Cup in 2017 off the island of Bermuda, a British overseas territory in the Atlantic Ocean.
In parts of France, he is regarded as sailing's answer to David Beckham, but Alex Thomson is just happy to be alive rather than fretting about his potential celebrity status.
Dee Caffari did not seem born for a life on the high seas.
"It takes a special person not to barf in the trash bag."
CNN's Shirley Robertson shares highlights from this year's ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander, Spain.
Shirley Robertson goes behind the scenes at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander, Spain.
It was deemed arguably the greatest sporting comeback of all time as Oracle Team USA won the America's Cup in September last year.
This is no treasure hunt for a casket of gold at the bottom of the ocean.
When you're a billionaire, you can make an almighty splash.
When you're a billionaire, you can make an almighty splash.
How often do you see sports stars looking to the heavens in search of a little inspiration?
After years of coming so close to winning the Mini Maxi World Championships, could Alegre cross the line in first?
Mainsail's Shirley Robertson meets Sir Peter Ogden, the owner of Mini Maxi yacht Jethou.
Mainsail's Shirley Robertson meets the mega-rich owners who will compete in the Mini Maxi World Championships.
When clinging to life at sea, even a non-believer might be moved to pray for salvation.
The mission is anything but a Mickey Mouse task: Navigate the world's most treacherous seas, crossing 73,000 nautical kilometers in a confined space with stressed-out, sleep-deprived crewmates.
Gaze across the luxury stalls at this year's Monaco Yacht Show, and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled upon James Bond's secret gadget lab.
CNN's Shirley Robertson goes inside the nerve center of the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante, Spain.
CNN's Shirley Robertson meets the seven teams taking part in the 12th edition of the toughest race in sailing.
Robert Molnar has a vision: an ocean race from New York to the Canadian Pacific city of Victoria, via the Arctic.
The trip costs $20,000 to $150,000. For the money, you get a month crossing the world's final ocean frontier.
It produced one of the memorable sporting moments of 2013 and now the excitement is starting to brew all over again for America's Cup fans.
Over 300 miles from the nearest ocean, competitors in one of the world's fastest sailing races are battling against a moody wind.
The iconic boat of the America's Cup has been revived by wealthy owners. Shirley Robertson looks at the return of the J class.
CNN's Shirley Robertson visits the most iconic location on the planet for land yachting.
Double Olympic Gold Medallist Shirley Robertson tries to transfer her water sailing skills to sand.
Shirley Robertson masters the art of land sailing before the fastest race of her life.
London's new superyacht hotel is so enormous that when it first arrived in the city, authorities had to lower the water level by five meters just to fit it under a bridge.
His daredevil stunts have attracted over 3.5 million hits on YouTube and reached uncharted waters for sailing, but for his next trick Alex Thomson just wants to get back to doing what he does best -- circumnavigating the globe faster than anyone else.
Endeavour -- the boat's name is befitting of its journey twice to the brink of destruction and the tireless work that went in to restoring the 1934 vessel to its former glory.
Ship captains of the future won't be salty sea dogs with their hand at the helm, and the ocean at their feet.
Shirley Robertson continues to follow the progress of the revived J Class as owners give their insight into the boat's history.
The sailing world debate on whether the revived J Class has lost it's way as the traditional boat is fitted with latest technologies.
It's nearly 200 years old, and people still come back for more.
After gaining the royal seal of approval from the Duchess of Cambridge last month, Ben Ainslie's bid to bring the America's Cup to Britain for the first time in the competition's history has secured another important boost.
Are these the worst working hours in world sport?
MainSail's Shirley Robertson finds out which Chinese sailors will be representing their country at the Volvo Ocean Race.
As the Volvo Ocean Race grows in popularity in China, crews are searching for Chinese sailors to compete.
Dongfeng Race Team train work to integrate sailors from different countries to compete at sailing's toughest race.
The price of silverware just got a whole lot more expensive.
What could be more memorable than lounging on your sun-drenched superyacht in the world's most fashionable ports?
"I got the sailors to lash me to the mast to observe it. I was lashed for four hours and I did not expect to escape, but I felt bound to record it if I did."
CNN's Shirley Robertson meets France's most versatile sailor Franck Cammas who has taken on some of the sport's biggest challenges.
From the Jules Verne Trophy to the Volvo Ocean Race, Franck Cammas has conquered the world, setting countless records along the way.
Franck Cammas talks about leading France to victory in the America's Cup while trying to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio.
How do you get a foot on the property ladder, when you live in one of the most expensive cities in the world?
An underwater explorer who says he's confident he's discovered the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus' flagship, said Wednesday that there's evidence that the ship has been looted.
Is a sunken shipwreck off Haiti the long-lost remains of the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus' flagship from his first voyage to the Americas?
Hilary Lister had had the difficult conversation with her husband -- a few times in fact. The quadriplegic had finally made the decision to end her life, had prepared to say goodbyes to Clifford and the rest of her family.
There's one word a billionaire's servant should never say.
How do you design a superyacht fit for the billionaire who has everything money can buy?
MainSail explores the country's ability to produce some of the world's best sailors.
Six-time Skiff World Champion Iain Murray on being part of Australia's 18 Footers League and grooming his protégé for success.
Sailing champions Adam South and John Winning on what it's like to compete on the revolutionary 18ft Skiff.
MainSail explores the country's ability to produce some of the world's best sailors.
If this is one of the perks of being a crooked stockbroker, then perhaps it's not such a bad career choice after all -- just ask Leonardo DiCaprio.
It's like a stunt from the latest James Bond movie, only this isn't a movie.
Team Aqua owner Chris Bake talks about the RC44 class which is populated with big-hitting businessmen.
The most decorated sailor in the history of the America's Cup talks about leading Oracle Team as CEO in its next installment.
Russell Coutts has been tasked with shaping and securing the future of the oldest trophy in world sport.
"A service allowing travelers who like to get their thrills between the sheets to get them beneath the waves at the same time."
Richard Branson has never been one to shy away from sharing his ostentatious exploits with the wider world.
It's like motor racing on water -- deafening music blares out in the countdown to races, and fans flock to the water's edge. Welcome to the Extreme Sailing Series, extreme by name and extreme by nature.
CNN's Shirley Robertson joins Dutch skipper Bouwe Bekking as he embarks on a symbolic moment before the Volvo Ocean Race.
CNN's Shirley Robertson looks at how organizers are trying to level the playing field and make the iconic race more affordable.
CNN's Shirley Robertson meets Dutch master Bouwe Bekking as he prepares for his record equalling 7th tilt at the title.
Mike Fitzgibbons recalls 1973 with a mixture of fondness and tearful nostalgia.
Onne van der Wal was born to be on the water -- and after witnessing decades of incredible sailing innovations, the renowned photographer now feels like he's an "astronaut of the sea."
The tropical cruise was once the quintessential getaway of the elderly retiree -- a relaxing voyage through sun-soaked climes augmented by the soothing sounds of the open ocean.
New ships, expanded technology and pop culture phenomena are some of the factors making 2014 an alluring year for a vacation at sea.
After coming tantalizingly close in 2013, can Team New Zealand recover from their dramatic loss in 2014.
After failing to capitalize on an 8-1 lead in 2013, Team New Zealand are attempting to find the missing ingredient.
In 1983, Australia II broke the American stranglehold on the America's Cup. Can they recreate that magic over 30 years later?
Having cycled around the world and then swum the length of Britain, adventurer Sean Conway is taking on an altogether different challenge -- to restore a historic wartime ship which was set for the sailing scrapyard.
It is a cricket match with no bouncers, rain never stops play and the outcome is preordained.
It's not every day you get a chance to kiteboard across the Atlantic evading sharks after winning a social media competition.
It didn't come close to matching last year's record time but supermaxi Wild Oats XI won a record-tying seventh Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Saturday.
Six-time winner Wild Oats XI was involved in a tense battle for the race lead as the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht race entered its first night Thursday.
Shirley Robertson attends the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards to meet the contenders for 2013 honors.
Shirley Robertson meets more of the sailors nominated for the 2013 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards.
Which sailors excelled in 2013? Shirley Robertson finds meets the winners of the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards
It was on a platform of the Paris Metro that Michel Desjoyeaux realized he finally had to snap out of it.
When Enric Sala dips his toes in a pool of water, he does so in the knowledge he may well be the first man on the planet to do so.
Alex Caizergues toasts danger with a glass of bubbly in one hand and a clenched fist in the other.
Imagine lying in the back of a gondola, watching life pass by in one of the world's most picturesque cities.
"Cruising" -- the word conjures up images of overflowing buffets, arm-wrestling at the soft serve machine and death by deck quoits.
Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy talk about how the death of their friend and colleague Andrew Simpson has influenced them.
Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy race the Argo Gold Cup to raise awareness for the Andrew Simpson foundation.
Shirley Robertson talks to Team Oracle strategist Ben Ainslie about his team's dramatic turnaround at the 2013 America's Cup.
Take a walk along almost any beach in any part of the world and one's experience is often spoiled by the sight of trash -- flotsam and jetsam -- washed ashore from the ocean.
When I first meet Zaha Hadid she's as tight-lipped as a closed door. This is a woman who doesn't do idle chit chat. Why would you when you're the world's most famous female architect?
The world's most famous scientist, with his iconic wild hair, crumpled suit, and pens peeking from breast pocket, poses not in a laboratory -- but on the deck of a ship.
While the rest of us were watching two boats battling it out in one of the most thrilling sailing competitions of all time, there was another man soaring 400 meters above the waves watching our every move.
Shirley Robertson looks back at the build-up to the 34th America's Cup.
MainSail is on location as Oracle Team USA goes head to head with Emirates Team New Zealand.
Emirates Team New Zealand is close to winning the oldest trophy in world sport, but can they go all the way?
When strangers hear Peter Jefferson's voice, they can't quite place it at first, and then it hits them: "I know you. You've been sending me to sleep for years."
Australian tycoon Bob Oatley is turning from wine to water as he announced his intention to build a team to challenge defending America's Cup champions Oracle Team USA.
Oracle Team USA safely negotiated the choppy waters of sporting comebacks to pull off a memorable victory against New Zealand to defend the America's Cup.
For sailing fans, boxing references don't immediately spring to mind when describing the thrills and spills of their sport -- even if it is the biggest race of all: The America's Cup.
You've heard of the Miracle on Ice?
Oracle Team USA's improbable America's Cup comeback gathered further momentum on Monday after a fifth straight win over challengers Emirates Team New Zealand.
Gaze across Cannes Bay this week, and you'd be forgiven for thinking you had stepped back in time.
Shirley Robertson is in the heart of one of the world's ocean racing classics, the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Shirley Robertson follows the first all female crew to enter the Volvo Ocean Race at the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Shirley Robertson is in the heart of the Fastnet Rolex Race, following four crews from build up until finish line.
It is one of the most iconic ports in the world, the dramatic backdrop to everything from ancient Roman sailing ships to World War Two military vessels and gas-guzzling speedboats.
Big boats and big money. What it takes to win yachting's greatest prize, America's cup. Dan Simon has the story.
The America's Cup, the most prestigious yachting race in the world and its oldest at 162 years, will seemingly join the aviation age this weekend when a new design of boat sails as fast as 52 mph.
How much do you know about the America's Cup? Holly Firfer gives us the basics of the oldest sailboat race in the world.
It has been a stormy start to the America's Cup for the defending U.S. champions -- and the boats have yet to leave the safety of San Francisco Bay.
Could you survive on four hours sleep a day? What about coming face-to-face with waves the size of three-storey buildings? Or not seeing your loved ones for an entire year?
The man touted as the next savior of Australian swimming has arrived. Just don't ask him how much he knows about, well, swimming.
Imagine if your commute to work was as easy as stepping onto a sun-drenched yacht. Or if your office window overlooked the open seas. How about waking up each morning in a different exotic port?
A slew of hi-tech sailing vessels are making serious waves at this summer's America's Cup in San Francisco Bay.
Meet the owner of an early 1900s Fife yacht called The Truant which was used in the 2011 film "Shadows of Love."
Shirley Robertson explores the history of a Scottish yacht dynasty that has earned a worldwide reputation for their work.
CNN's Shirley Robertson explores the incredible legacy of Fife design and boards one of its yachts built in 1908.
On a misty afternoon in 1851, Britain's Queen Victoria watched a wooden schooner -- named "America" -- win what would later become one of the most famous boat races in the world. She asked one of her attendants who had come second. The answer? "Your majesty, there is no second."
You know a club is exclusive when they won't even let the Queen in.
Things which might distract you while having coffee with a friend: food in their teeth, attractive waiters, giant sharks circling your head.
Imagine this: in your hot little hands you hold a blueprint for a luxury hotel in one of the most idyllic -- and tiny -- locations in the world.
The sailboat crew chose an ocean-size ambition. They sought to land in Hawaii from Los Angeles with cruise ship-like speed, in less than five days.
With the launch of the gleaming new Azzam, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich can no longer lay claim to being the owner of the world's largest superyacht.
He's fired darts at a gray whale, sped through St Petersburg in an F1 car, and taken a supersonic flight in a bomber jet.
On May 9, a cool breeze blew across the waters of San Francisco Bay. Gliding across the surface, two teams of world-class sailors -- Oracle Team USA and Swedish Artemis Racing -- were hard at work preparing for the upcoming America's Cup. According to reports, the wind was "a little above normal" at 25 to 35 mph, but nothing that professional sailors couldn't handle. Across the waterfront, anticipation was building ahead of the first America's Cup to be held in the U.S. since 1995.
The racing competition made headlines when British double Olympic medalist Andrew Simpson died in May 2013.
Oracle Team USA's Jimmy Spithill and Emirates Team New Zealand's Dean Barker recall the day Andrew Simpson died.
MainSail looks at measures taken to increase safety after the death of Britain's Andrew Simpson, a double Olympic medalist.
Speaking to Fabien Cousteau is like plunging into dreamlike darkness. The sunlight falls away as you dive deeper and deeper underwater with him, and you can't help but hold your breath a little as he describes the alien creatures hovering at the edge of vision.
If this yacht could talk, one can only imagine the stories it would tell about one of the most high-profile romances of the 20th century.
Thousands of Latino immigrant doctors are living in America, but not practicing medicine. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports.
With her curved 'wings,' long pointed nose, and gleaming underbelly propped high above the waves, this space-age yacht might be better suited to the sky than the sea.
Nothing drives home the luxury lifestyles of the rich and famous quite like images of them lounging on a sun-drenched superyacht.
Wealthy owners compete with the world's best sailors in the RC44 over 5 days of competition.
