Archer Global is an independent journal for people who read the weather for fun — kiteboarders, offshore sailors and instrument pilots who all share one obsession: the wind.
From flat-water lagoons to big ocean swell, kitesurfing turns a sea breeze into pure acceleration. Hydrofoils have changed everything — riders now fly silently above the chop in winds that once kept everyone on the beach.
Massive jumps in strong wind, judged on height, hang time and style. Riders regularly boost well over 20 metres in a gale.
A hydrofoil lifts the board clear of the water. Efficient in light air and the basis of Formula Kite, the Olympic racing class.
Strapless directional boards, ocean swell, and a kite used to sweep you into position — part surfing, part sailing.
Unhooked rotations, handle passes and technical tricks, best on flat water with steady wind.
Size follows wind and rider weight. Most quivers cover the range with two or three kites — say a 9, 12 and a light-wind foil kite.
Side-shore is your friend; offshore is not. Know your quick-release, launch with help, and never ride beyond your ability to self-rescue.
Yacht racing is chess played at speed on a moving board. Whether it's a Wednesday twilight race or 600 miles across Bass Strait, the boat that reads the wind shifts first usually wins.
Starts on Boxing Day from Sydney Harbour and runs about 628 nautical miles down the coast and across Bass Strait to Hobart. Brutal, beautiful and quintessentially Australian.
Dating to 1851, it is the oldest trophy in international sport. Today's AC75 foiling monohulls fly above the water at speeds once unthinkable for a sailing yacht.
National teams racing identical high-performance foiling catamarans in short, stadium-style races close to shore.
Solo, non-stop and without assistance around the planet — the ultimate test of a sailor and their boat.
Warm Whitsunday water, trade winds and a social calendar to match — the most relaxed way to go racing in Australia.
Most yacht clubs run weekday evening races and are always short of crew. Turn up, be keen, bring gloves — it's the best way in.
Every one of these sports begins with the same question: what is the wind doing?— The Archer Global view
Sleek composite airframe, a glass cockpit and genuine touring speed — the SR22 is the owner-pilot's IFR machine. Here's to the discipline that goes with it: planning well, flying precisely, and knowing when not to go.
The best-selling high-performance piston single for two decades. Normally aspirated or turbocharged, it's a genuine cross-country tourer that rewards a well-trained pilot.
A Garmin-based glass flight deck with synthetic vision, a coupled autopilot and envelope protection — built for single-pilot IFR.
Freezing levels, convective outlooks and alternates decide the flight long before the engine starts. The best IFR decision is often made on the ground.
Brief every approach, set up early, and let the automation fly while you manage. Stay ahead of the aircraft and the clearance.
Automation is a tool, not a crutch. Regularly hand-fly approaches so the skill is there when the autopilot isn't.
Being current isn't the same as being proficient. Regular practice approaches, simulator time and recurrent training keep the edge sharp.
Boxing Day start, then New Year's in Hobart. Kite season peaks on WA's sea-breeze coast.
Settled air and cooler temps make for great cross-country flying and IFR practice.
Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island regattas in warm northern waters; Mauritius waves fire.
East-coast sea breezes switch on — prime time for kiting on the Sunshine Coast.
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