Support for US at record high, says survey

AUSTRALIANS are increasingly concerned about the number of asylum seekers arriving in boats and much happier with the US now that Barack Obama is running the superpower.

Performance

WHAT The Wind in the Willows

The Grand Old Game Is Never Be Calmed For Long

ALTHOUGH Mitchell Johnson's explosive performance on Thursday wasn't the panacea for the ills and uncertainties faced by Test cricket, it was an example of what makes the traditional game so compelling. As the shadows lengthened at the WACA Ground on the second day of Australia's opening Test against South Africa, the contest appeared to be tipping slightly the visitors' way. Predictions that Australia's invincibility at home could be threatened by the Proteas looked well founded.

Denying Destiny

Here's a performance artist with a sense of humour, writes Fiona Scott-Norman.

Maine Entry To Caviar Cruises

IN the US, up Maine way, they fondly refer to their recreational trawlers as "Down Easters". It's because the stout little lobster boats that share their DNA head east to brave the North Atlantic swells.

Austi On Song For Men's Title At Nationals

AUSTINMER'S all-conquering surf boat crew "warmed up" with a gold medal performance on the opening day of the Australian surf-lifesaving titles in Perth.

Cd Reviews

New rules for boats thousands=(EMI) 4/5 Pnau pnau=(EtcEtc/Universal) 3/5 The hot 8 brass band ROCK WITH THE HOT BRASS BAND=(Tru Thoughts/Creative Vibes) 3/5 Queen ROCK MONTREAL & LIVE AID=(Rajon Vision) 3.5/5

Allen Cleans Up At Sydney Surf Meet

BULLI'S Ben Allen conjured up a golden performance at the weekend's state surf-lifesaving titles at Cronulla.

Favourites Leave Rivals In Their Wake

WILD Oats XI has laid down the gauntlet from the outset of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race with a formidable performance in the opening stanza, leading the fleet out of Sydney Harbour and down the NSW coast.

Maxi Pack In Pursuit Of Wild Oats

WILD Oats XI has laid down the challenge from the outset of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race with a formidable early performance, leading the fleet out of Sydney Harbour and down the NSW coast.

Awesome Austinmer Crew Powers Through

AUSTINMER showed off their enviable depth with a defiant performance in Saturday's second round of the Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club Surf Boat Series at Woonona.

Floating Onhappiness

When Adrian Mole creator Sue Townsend signed up for a canoeing course, the aim was to conquer her fear of deep water. Instead, she found herself deep in love and on course for a life of messing about with boats - and books.

Bell Takes On Whale Of A Quest

John Bell's solo performance of Moby Dick in Tasmania may tour, writes Andrew Darby.

Propellers That Pull, Not Push

Volvo Penta's believes its radical new Inboard Performance System (IPS) is a stroke of genius from an engineering department tired of trying to reinvent the wheel. But it could just as easily have been the result of an executive looking out the window of a jumbo.

By Jingo, This Is A Good 'un

From performance to looks, this coupe is more than a fancy Commodore with two doors, writes David Morley.

Foes Push To The Max In Battle Of The Giants

RIVAL Sydney to Hobart skippers Stewart Thwaites and Grant Wharington have a lot in common. They are both property developers and will be in charge of the two largest boats in this year's fleet.

Boats And Forecast Make Hobart Record Ripe For The Taking

A combination of bigger, faster yachts and a forecast of strong winds means the Sydney to Hobart race record is within reach for the top end of the fleet that sets out on Boxing Day.

Under Full Sail

Boats crammed the harbour and people crowded the foreshores as the Queen opened the Sydney Opera House on October 20, 1973. Those who worked on and in that magical building share their memories of its first 30 years.

Look, Like And Dream On

IF I had a dollar for every time I said ``Now there's a nice boat" at Sydney International Boat Show last weekend I would have enough money to buy one of those nice boats.

Multiple Ship Skills

IF successful, Fincantieri's proven and established multiple-ship construction methodology will be used to build the boats at Forgacs in Newcastle.