Scuttlebutt Europe #3591 - 19 May
Brought to you by Seahorse magazine, Scuttlebutt Europe is a digest of sailing news and opinions, regatta results, new boat and gear information and letters from sailors -- with a European emphasis. Contributions welcome, send to
Remembering Hans, 10 Years On
Ten years ago today, the Volvo Ocean Race family lost one of its own.
It was May 18, 2006, that 32-year-old ABN AMRO TWO, sailor Hans Horrevoets, was swept overboard.
The Dutch boat nose-dived into a big wave in 25 knots of wind during the transatlantic leg from New York to Portsmouth. The Dutchman's loss sent shockwaves across the whole sport - and beyond.
"He was a really important member of our team. Everyone has such fond memories of him," said Simon 'Sifi' Fisher, who sailed his first Volvo Ocean Race on the boat, and most recently won the trophy as navigator onboard Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.
Horrevoets was a senior member of the crew, which was largely made up of under-30s. After 40 minutes of extraordinary seamanship, the crew located Horrevoets' body and hauled him back onboard, but he could not be resuscitated.
The Hans Horrevoets Rookie Award is given to the outstanding young sailor of each Volvo Ocean Race and was most recently was won by Team SCA's Sophie Ciszek, one of the stars of the all-female campaign of 2014-15.
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Thompson Takes Second Straight Laser Worlds Title
Nick Thompson admitted he was 'elated' to capture a second consecutive World Championship crown as the Laser Worlds drew to a close in Vallarta, Mexico, on Wednesday (18 May).
The Lymington sailor clinched victory by 12 points over French rival Jean Baptiste Bernaz to add a second world title to his maiden victory in 2015, having led the seven-day regatta from the outset. Bronze went to the Netherlands' Rutger Van Schaardenburg.
Thompson is the third British World Champion to be crowned this year in the ten Olympic classes with just 79 days to go until the Rio 2016 Games, joining Laser Radial Alison Young and four-time Finn Worlds winner Giles Scott on top of the Worlds podium and seeing the British Sailing Team top the 2016 World Championship medal table across the Olympic disciplines.
Overall top ten after 14 races with 2 discards
1. Nick Thompson GBR 61 points
2. Jean-Baptiste Bernaz FRA 73
3. Rutger van Schaardenburg NED 88
4. Matthew Wearn AUS 90
5. Marco Gallo ITA 93
6. Tom Burton AUS 101
7. Tonci Stipanovic, CRO 118
8. Philipp Buhl GER 123
9. Jesper Stalheim SWE 123
10. Robert Scheidt BRA 127
Harken Tech Team Ready To Roll
Francesco Canzi and Pietro Schiaffonati will keep your gear rolling during the first event of the 2016 TP52 Super Series in Scarlino, Tuscany, Italy.
Francesco and Pietro will be onsite from May 23-29 to provide technical support, with plenty of spare parts on hand for emergencies. If time allows, they'll also handle standard service requests: winch maintenance, system tuning, pedestal set-up, etc.
Look for the red flag on the Harken service truck or call +39 346.0718148 or +39 344.0690705.
Olmix Hits The Atlantic Expressway
The Multi50 fight to The Transat bakerly finish nears its conclusion today, as skippers Pierre Antoine aboard Olmix and Erik Nigon aboard Vers un Monde Sans Sida, battle it out over the final 100nm for the final podium position.
Since reporting his failed daggerboard yesterday, Antoine was propelled forward on a direct route to New York overnight. The French skipper now has a 65nm lead on Nigon, and an anticipated arrival time in Manhattan of 06:00 BST tomorrow. Nigon is expected to conclude his epic Atlantic adventure early afternoon.
In the Class40 fleet, Thibaut Vauchel-Camus aboard Solitaire en Peloton - Arsep holds onto his lead, positioning his boat well on the approach to the home straight. Despite there being only 300nm between Vaucel-Camus and the finish line, there is no room for error as the skipper constantly looks over his shoulder at the chasing Louis Duc aboard Carac, who favoured a more southerly route.
The British skipper Phil Sharp has dropped into third, as his Class40 Imerys limps towards the finish line under a seriously damaged mainsail. Reporting this morning, Sharp described his sail as a "useless flag."
World Match Racing Tour Newport
The world's top match racing sailors from the U.S. and nine additional countries will travel to Sail Newport to participate in a high-speed stadium racing event within yards of the shoreline of Fort Adams State Park. Sail Newport is the host for the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) Newport, scheduled for May 30-June 4.
Eighteen teams with sailors from the U.S., Great Britain, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, France, Denmark and Spain have already qualified for the Newport series. There are two team slots still open and sailors hoping to qualify for the event, which starts on Memorial Day, will arrive early in Newport to earn a berth. The qualifying series before the event will take place on Friday and Saturday (May 27-28) on Narragansett Bay.
WMRT Newport officially starts on Monday, May 30 with fleet racing (all of the boats across the starting line at once) and continues on Tuesday, May 31 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day (weather dependent). Sixteen race are scheduled for each of those days and up to 80 races are scheduled for the entire series overall.
www.wmrt.com
www.sailnewport.org
Racing Between Continents
Istanbul, Turkey: It is one of the most remarkable events on the international sailing calendar. It is sailed on the natural strait that separates the European continent from Asia, divides the seventh biggest city on the planet, and whose shores are lined with historic, landmark architecture. Celebrating its fifteenth year in 2016, Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup takes place from 26 to 29 May.
The race attracts up to 80 yachts from 6 metres to 27 metres in length, racing under IRC with participants from Turkey, France, Bulgaria, Greece, Russia and Italy.
Event Schedule
- Wednesday, 25 May: Skipper's Briefing, Feriye Palace
- Thursday, 26 May: Practice Races, Caddebostan
- Friday, 27 May: Inshore Races, Caddebostan
- Saturday, 28 May: The Race on the Bosphorus
- Sunday, 29 May: Inshore Races, Caddebostan, Prize giving, Setur Kalamis Marina
Moving Fast And Staying Dry
The all-new KB1 Racer range from GILL is the product of 10 years of evolution
he new KB1 Keel Boat Racer range has more than 10 years of product development behind it. In that time our experts have refined the KB1 Racer into what it is today through continuous engagement with the best competitive sailors to completely understand and respond to their requirements on the racecourse. In its latest version we are delivering the most streamlined and resilient racing system that we have ever produced.
During the development process we've been working with many top names in the racing community, including those in our own Gill Race Team. While other brands may value a fashion-first approach, we view our garments as items of high-performance technical equipment just like any other. So it was important we perfected even the smallest details by speaking to the people who put the KB1 Racer kit through its paces.
Points Level With Two Races To Go At Finn World Masters
Nothing can separate the top two sailors at the Finn World Masters in Torbole. Rafa Trujillo (ESP) and Vladimir Krukskikh (RUS) continue to collect race wins and now have six apiece with two races to go. Mike Maier (CZE) stays in third after a third and first.
Otherwise it was an interesting day on Lake Garda with several new race winners. Dimitri Petrov (RUS) and Christoph Burger (SUIR) won a race each, as did Marc Allain des Beauvais (FRA), who followed that with a second place to move up to fifth overall and has all but clinched the Grand Grand Masters title.
Inclement weather and light winds were forecast for Thursday so a change to the programme was made to run two races on Wednesday.
On Lake Garda, battle resumes on Thursday at 12.00 with one race scheduled. The forecast is for light winds and rain.
Dinner in Arco tonight was arguably the largest Finn dinner of all time. After three tough days, the sailors deserved it.
Results after six races - Top 10 from 355
1. 100 Rafael Trujillo, ESP, 5 points
1. Vladimir Krutskikh, RUS, 5
3. Michael Maier, CZE, 7
4. Piet Eckert, SUI, 9
5. Marc Allain Des Beauvais, FRA, 14
6. Harles Liiv, EST, 15
7. Christoph Burger, SUI, 15
8. Paul Mckenzie, AUS, 16
9. Laurent Hay, FRA, 16
10. Yuriy Tokovoy, UKR, 19
Newport Bermuda Race Strategy
With less than a month to go to the start of the Newport Bermuda Race, the navigators and tacticians are studying up on race strategy.
A new post on the race website (bermudarace.com) focuses on one of the most important factors for doing well (or poorly) -- the Gulf Stream. Our guide to this endlessly fascinating topic is oceanographer and race-winning navigator, Dr. Frank Bohlen.
As a professional oceanographer and a lifelong amateur sailor, Dr. W. Frank Bohlen has deep and broad experience with both scientific and practical study of the sea. He has sailed 18 Bermuda Races, including one as the race-winning navigator. He is a longtime member of the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee.
His tutorials and analyses may be found on the race website under the "Resources" tab and at this link: http://bermudarace.com/resources/gulf-stream-and-weather/gulf-stream-tutorials/
There you will also find his article on Bermuda Race strategy, titled "Gulf Stream Analysis and Prediction," originally published in the 2016 race program and comparing types of Gulf Stream analysis. And we're including a replay of the YB track of the fleet in the 2014 race.
British Sailing Legends Unite To Support Sailing Is Great For UNICEF
British ocean racing legends Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Dee Caffari MBE and Ian Walker are all throwing their support to an exciting fashionable cause run by the GREAT Britain Clipper 2015-16 Round the World Yacht Race team to benefit the event's official charity, Unicef, and to get Britons talking about why sailing is GREAT.
GREAT Britain Skipper Peter Thornton and his team have launched special, limited edition t-shirts, emblazoned with 'Sailing is GREAT', in return for a £15 minimum donation to Unicef, as part of their team's fundraising efforts for the event's official charity, and with half of the 800 already sold, these shirts are fast becoming this season's must have item.
On the fundraising target, Debbie adds: "We are looking to raise £12,000 although more would obviously be better. The t-shirts are available for a minimum £15 donation via www.justgiving.com/sailingisGREAT
There are only 800 in production though, and once they are gone, that's it. So move quickly!"
The UK Government's GREAT Britain campaign showcases the very best of what Britain has to offer and welcomes the world to visit, study and do business with the UK. It celebrates British culture, tourism, business, adventure, sport, heritage, technology, innovation, and much more on a global scale. This is the second consecutive biennial edition of the Clipper Race to feature a GREAT Britain team.
For more information on the campaign: greatbritaincampaign.com
One Week To Go
The 2016 52 SUPER SERIES starts in Scarlino, Italy in one week.
The 2016 52 SUPER SERIES has enjoyed a longer and more active pre-season build up than throughout its five years of history and so there is a considerable air of anticipation among the racing teams which are assembling now in Scarlino, Tuscany as the five regatta circuit prepares to start racing for the first points of the new season on Wednesday 25th May.
Eleven TP52 crews have entered to compete in Scarlino representing eight different nations, Italy, USA, GBR, France, Turkey, Sweden, Germany and Russia.
Entries for Scarlino
Alegre (Andy Soriano GBR/USA)
Azzurra (Roemmers family, ITA/ARG)
Bronenosec (Vladimir Liubomirov, RUS)
Gladiator (Tony Langley, GBR)
Paprec (Jean Luc Petithuguenin, FRA)
Platoon (Harm Müller-Spreer, GER)
Provezza (Ergin Imre, TUR)
Quantum Racing (Doug DeVos, USA)
Rán Racing (Niklas and Catherine Zennström, SWE)
Sled (Takashi Okura, USA)
Xio Hurakan (Giuseppe Parodi, ITA)
Storm Trysail Club 71st Block Island Race
Most racing sailors are familiar with the Storm Trysail Club's (STC) penchant for running world-class races across the country, and it's safe to say New England sailors particularly prize the organization's Block Island Race, which starts on Friday, May 27 at 1400.
In its 71st year, this 186 nautical mile race for IRC and PHRF boats starts at The Cows off Stamford Harbor (Conn.), runs down Long Island Sound, around Block Island (R.I.) and back to Stamford. (A Plum Island Course of 125 nautical miles is a shorter option for PHRF, and doublehanded classes are hosted on both courses.)
The Block Island Race was first held in 1946 and is a qualifier for the North Ocean Racing Trophy (IRC), the Double Handed Ocean Racing Trophy (IRC), the New England Lighthouse Series (PHRF), and the Gulf Stream Series (IRC). It is also a qualifier for the Caper, Sagola, and Windigo trophies awarded by the YRA of Long Island Sound and the 'Tuna" Trophy for the best combined IRC scores in the Edlu (40%) and the Block Island Race (60%). Last year's Tuna Trophy was won by Christopher Dragon with first place finishes in both events.
Featured Brokerage
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2003 Elan 40. 80,000 EUR. Location on request.
Very well maintained Elan 40.Engine has been serviced yearly.
She was always stored inside for the winter. Very nice equipment list.
Designed by top international yacht designer Rob Humphreys, the Elan 40 succeeds in combining modern technology and expertise with a respect for tradition, elegance, and stylish good looks.
The deck layout of the Elan 40 reflects the many years of designing, building, and sailing experience that were put together to conceive this boat. The clean deck features the very best deck hardware available, while the ergonomically designed cockpit guarantees comfort for both the crew and the skipper. Down below the Elan 40 is just as thoughtfully designed and well-laid out. The high-quality joinery, flowing lines, and beautiful craftsmanship shine through in every detail.
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Nautor Swan 56 - ZINGALA. 495000 GBP.
Exceptional example of her class, a Regatta Swan with deep keel and tall carbon spar. Comes with all the go faster Kit from North as well as the whole cruising kaboodle. Also has nice blue hull.
Contact
Ben Cooper
+44 (0) 1590 679222
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Soto 53. 750,000 EUR
Fast cruising Sloop (design n. 44) made by Javier Soto Acebal who also supervised the construction of the boat.
The construction of the boat and of its installations was carried out following the protocols of the European Economic Community (EEC) in order to get CE certification. The designer Javier Soto names her the perfect cruiser-racer.
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
Socrates had it wrong; it is not the unexamined but finally the uncommitted life that is not worth living. -- William Sloane Coffin
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Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html
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