It doesn't have the brutality of rugby or the physical intimidation of a boxing match, yet sailing is still one of the most dangerous sports in the world. We take a look at yacht racing's worst disasters as the Volvo Ocean Race gets set to begin in Alicantes, Spain.

• Discover the worst yachting tragedies

Boat shoes, weather-beaten skin and a good knowledge of knots all tie in with sailing -- now it seems a love for marine art also does. The Royal Society of Marine Artists has its annual exhibition in London this month and its hoped 2008 could be its biggest.

• See an RSMA exhibition preview here

Forget the Royal Navy and the U.S. Marines -- the 'computer navy' is on its way and media on the high seas are set to make a comeback with internet giant Google's plans to establish data centers at sea.

• Read about ocean-based data centers

British sailor Ben Ainslie is one of the world's most formidable yachtsmen. After claiming his third Olympic gold at Beijing, Ainslie talks to Mike Steere about success and the future.

• Find out what Ben Ainslie is planning next

There are few things in the world shrouded with as much secrecy as the super-yacht industry. Get an insight into these luxury vessels with the world's oldest yacht design company.

• Read more about super-yacht design
  

They adorn movie screens and children's books as popular villains, but, on the high seas modern-day real-life pirates are vicious, deadly and "totally out of control".

• Find out how pirates are causing havoc