The major networks have abandoned sailing, except for a rare show - usually produced with a demonstrated lack of enthusiasm for our sport. However, there are other options developing on the web. And, with most new television sets being able to take input from computers, redirecting shows through a laptop (or other pc) to the television provides a very good picture on the large screen.

While web broadcasts are in their infancy and still taking baby steps - they are beginning to be more plentiful.

www.sail.tv is dedicated to covering sailing and currently runs continuous coverage in four areas: "Sailing News", the "World Match Race Tour", "Boat Show", "The Sailing Channel" and "Action". In addition, they have a series of "on demand" shows. On a high speed connection, the picture quality is excellent.

The World Match Racing Tour is covered at http://www.worldmatchracingtour.com/ and high quality broadcasts of past events are also available.

www.t2p.tv covers many of the major sailing events with a show put on their web site after racing has concluded for the day and they have had time to do some editing. Their web site has a number of other sailing video features including boat handling and interviews. Low resolution video is available free and a high resolution, stereo version is available for $6.95 a month.

ESPN 360 (http://broadband.espn.go.com/ivp/splash), occasionally carries sailing - often featuring Gary Jobson productions of important sailing events.

So, try one or more of these "channels" out when you need your sailing fix.