President Obama, born (yes, BORN!) and raised in Hawaii, looks forward to his annual Christmas vacation there with his family and close friends. Given the current economic crisis, President Obama understands that a Hawaii vacation is out of reach for many Americans.

And he feels sad about that. Which is why in a spirit of openness and transparency, President Obama is sharing his Hawaii vacation experience with the American People.

found on thegrio.com

Louis Vuitton Trophy – Dubai – Round Robin 2 Wrap Up

Well, it came down to the crunch today.  We needed three pieces of the puzzle to go our way, one of which was completely within our control.

In the first race today, Emirates Team New Zealand came from behind to overtake Synergy (RUS), that was the first piece of the puzzle. The second piece was our race against ALL4ONE.  It was a must win.  We had to win to have any chance of continuing through to the semi-finals.

The third piece was to have been Emirates Team New Zealand’s win over ALL4ONE in the last race of the day. The breeze was light and shifty and we were up against the French/German team in the first race of the second flight.  We wanted the left side of the course and to be tight to leeward at the start. We got both. Perfect.  But we made the wrong call regarding the course.  I think ALL4ONE must have wanted the right side.  They chose it and were off.  From there they comfortably crossed us at the first meet and despite our best efforts we just couldn’t get to them.

photography by Sander van der Borch/Aertemis Racing

found on artemisracing.com

photography by Oskar Kihlborg

found on kihlborg.se

Lightning Strike NY Harbor. This shot was captured during a major electrical storm. There was little wind and no rain which allowed me to stay safely inside and shoot from an open window. This was the 82nd exposure out of 150 made that night. The camera was mounted on a tripod, exposures made with a cable release for 5 seconds at f10. Except for a some minor level adjustments and a square crop this was what came out of the camera.

(Photo and caption by Jay Fine)

Yes it’s spring. Fishing on the end of the bridge.

(Photo and caption by Stan Bouman)
A supercell thunderstorm rolls across the Montana prairie at sunset.

(Photo and caption by Sean Heavey)

Liquid Planet. Another picture from the Liquid Vision Series, which shows a different point of view of waves. An angle that people are not used to seeing.

(Photo and caption by Freddy Cerdeira)

Cloud and ship. Ukraine, Crimea, Black sea, view from Ai-Petri mountain.

(Photo and caption by Yevgen Timashov)

found on boston.com

found  on boston.com

Photography by Sander van der Borch / Artemis Racing

Found on artemisracing.com

Located in St. Tropez, France, this stunning SWAN56 is preperd for a sailing vacation of your lifetime. Perfectly set for a two-family-set up, with double owners cabins.

Skipper and a chef is included.

Contact us on oceanstockholm.com

found on oceanstockholm.com

Belgian design studio PureSang and Glass Deco International are in talks with a major Dutch yacht manufacturer to produce this $200 millionoutragous vessel!

Inspired by Moby Dick and Pinocchio, “The Beluga – Emperor of the Seven Seas” features a two living levels connected by a glass staircases making it ultra extravagant!

The unique 90m boat offers five luxury suites, extendable balconies, a spa & state of the art gym, professional movie theater, a 650-square meter beach club including a 14m long swimming pool, whirlpool and cocktail bar.

Finally the tender garage which has the capacity to hold two custom made trailers can transform into a nightclub with a glass lit dancefloor and top of the range Function One sound system!

We can only hope and wait to discover this swanky super yacht on the seas!

found on planetluxus.com

California’s general coastline is 840 miles long.

California as a state is 770 miles long and 250 miles wide at its most distant points. The difference is due to they way the coast line curves in directions at various points like with the shape of the bays.

Here seen through the lens of photographer Rob Keith.

found on robkeithphotography.com

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (8 November 2010) –

Artemis Racing confirmed today the team’s entry as a Challenger for the 34th America’s Cup, which will include competing in the America’s Cup World Series in 2011-2012 and culminate with the Challenger Selection Series in 2013.

Speaking at today’s press conference Torbjörn Törnqvist, Chairman of Artemis Racing, shared his vision for the team and endorsed the new format for the America’s Cup.  Torbjörn Törnqvist also spoke of the important role of the Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS) in the team’s challenge.

The Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS), one of the world’s oldest yacht clubs, has a longstanding history with the America’s Cup, having had three Challenges since the America’s Cup began in 1851. KSSS Commodore Jacob Wallenberg stated: “KSSS is honoured to be alongside Artemis Racing for the next America’s Cup. This is an important milestone for the Club and sailing in Sweden. It is also important for Swedish junior sailors, as a project of this magnitude will inspire them and provide excellent role models.”

Over the course of the next three years, Artemis Racing will be focused on designing and building two AC72 yachts, while also developing a strong sailing team to compete in the AC45 World Series and the Challenger Selection Series. The clear goal is to challenge Cup holders BMW ORACLE Racing for the America’s Cup in 2013.

“We have been orienting Artemis Racing toward the America’s Cup for more than a year. With much of the plan for the 34th America’s Cup now defined by the Defender, and an early start for the team, we have a tremendous opportunity to mount a winning campaign.” said Paul Cayard, CEO of Artemis Racing.

photography by Sander van der Borch

found on artemisracing.com

It was at 15 hours 16 minutes 47 seconds (GMT) today that the skipper of Groupama took victory in his first solo transatlantic race! Beneath the glorious sunshine of Guadeloupe and surrounded by a horde of spectator craft, Franck Cammas couldn’t conceal his happiness and his emotion. He covered the 3,539 miles in 9 days 3 hours 14 minutes and 47 seconds, at an average speed of 16.14 knots… Franck Cammas’ achievement is a sizeable one on a trimaran spanning 31.5 metres in length and 22.5 metres wide! In fact she is the biggest boat that has ever competed in the Route du Rhum la Banque Postale! Hearty congratulations to Franck for expertly helming his Groupama 3.

found on cammas-groupama.com