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
Sailors Shut Out As Wind Fails To Cooperate
The mantra "a bad day on the water is better than a good day at the office" will resonate with many of the sailors who have been racing at the fifth BACARDI Miami Sailing Week Presented by EFG. While yesterday the breeze was higher than allowed for competition by some class rules, for today's finale there was so little wind it appeared as though a raft-up was taking place on Biscayne Bay instead of a regatta. Wrapping up a six-day schedule today, the 180 teams racing in six one-design classes - Audi Melges 20, J/70, Melges 24, Star, Viper 640 and VX One - completed enough races for the victors to collect the spoils, and, with the mid-day cancellation of additional races the sailors had ample time to enjoy the legendary hospitality of Bacardi.
Since 2000, there has been a jinx for the day one winning Star team as none in that position has gone on to claim the prized BACARDI Cup. That was the case again this year for Mark Reynolds (San Diego, Calif.) and Miami sailor Magnus Liljedahl, who won the first race of the series to jump to the top of the 55-boat Star fleet. The duo, who shared both Olympic Gold and a Star World Championship win in 2000, had not sailed together for 10 years.
Lars Grael of Brazil, the two-time ('88, '96) Tornado Olympic Medalist, with crew Samuel Gonzalves, moved to the top of the Star standings on the second day of racing and held that position to the end. They took the win with five points, holding a five-point lead over Reynolds and Liljedahl.
Lars Grael's older brother, Torben Grael, the 1990 Star World Champion, and crew Guilheme Almeida, finished third overall with 12 points; followed by the 2012 Bacardi Cup Champion Xavier Rohart of France and Serge Pulfer with 16 points. Brad Funk (Plantation, Fla.) and crew Mark Strube round out the top-five with 18 points.
In the 41-boat Audi Melges 20 fleet, reigning world champion John Taylor (Jupiter, Fla.) goes home the winner after posting finishes of 3-5 yesterday to move to the top of the standings with 35 points. Drew Freides (Pacific Palisades, Calif.) is second overall with 37 points; Russell Lucas (Little Silver, N.J.) placed third overall with 41 points; followed by Brazilian sailor Cesar Gomes Neto with 44 points. Defending champion Michael Kiss (Holland, Mich.), also a three-time national champion in the class, completes the top-five with 45 points.
In the six-boat Melges 24 class Kevin Welch (Anacortes, Wash.) won the series with six points. Italian sailor Nicola Ardito was second overall with eight points; Steven Boho (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) took third overall with 16 points; followed by Canada's Richard Reid with 19 points.
Full results for all classes:
www.yachtscoring.com
www.MiamiSailingWeek.com
www.BacardiCup.com
Gotta Love It
The Gotta Love It 7 team of Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton and Scott Babbage officially became the 2014 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff champions today after a magnificent regatta performance which saw the team score five wins and one second place from the six races which count towards the final points.
The win gave skipper Seve Jarvin his sixth victory as a skipper in the championship, equaling the record of Iain Murray (1977-1982, inclusive), who is now team manager for Gotta Love It 7.
In today's Race 7 of the 2014 championship, proudly presented by Sydney City Marine, Gotta Love It 7 failed to register a perfect score by just 12s when the Asko Appliances team of Marcus Ashley-Jones, James Dorron and Jeronimo Harrison took the honours after a long battle with '7' and third placed Yamaha, from New Zealand, which was only 7s behind '7'.
Mojo Wine (Chris Nicholson) finished fourth today, ahead of Pure Blonde (Nick Daly) and C-Tech (Alex Vallings, NZ).
Gotta Love It 7 finished on 7 points for a comprehensive victory.
Although only 11th today, Thurlow Fisher Lawyers (Michael Coxon, Dave O'Connor, Trent Barnabas) was runner-up overall on 24 points followed by Mojo Wine (Chris Nicholson, Mike McKensey, Ricky Bridge) on 28, C-Tech on 30, Yamaha 35 and Asko Appliances on 41.
Today, the three placegetters put on a great contest in the light ENE breeze for the entire course and only 19s separated the three teams at the finish. -- Frank Quealey Australian 18 Footers League
Final top ten
1. Gotta Love It 7, Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton, Scott Babbage, AUS, 7 points
2. Thurlow Fisher Lawyers, Michael Coxon, Dave O'Connor, Trent Barnabas, AUS, 24
3. Mojo Wine, Chris Nicholson, Mike McKensey, Ricky Bridge, AUS, 28
4. C-Tech, Alex Vallings, Chris Kitchen, Joshua McCormack, NZL, 30
5. Yamaha, David McDiarmid, Andrew Archibald, Mark Overington, NZL, 35
6. Asko Appliances, MarcusAshley-Jones,James Dorron,Jeronimo Harrison, AUS, 41
7. Coopers 62-Rag&Famish Hotel, Jack Macartney, Mark Kennedy, Peter Harris, 42
8. Smeg, Nick Press, Dan Phillips, Dave Ewings, AUS, 56
9. Lumix, Jonathan Whitty, James Hozack, Aron Everett, AUS, 57
10. Haier Appliances, Rick Peacock, Tristan Hutt, Nick Murray, UK, 61
www.18footers.com.au
www.18skiff.com
Inspirational Speaker - Dee Caffari MBE
British Yachtswoman Dee Caffari has made her mark in the record books. In 2006, she became the first woman to sail solo non-stop west/east around the world against the prevailing winds and currents. Only four men have managed to complete this gruelling route before - less than have walked on the moon!
For this she was awarded an MBE and named YJA Yachtsman of the Year. Two years later, Dee set out to become the first woman to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation in both directions by competing in the east/west Vendee Globe Race and finished a creditable sixth to claim her double world-first.
In 2011 Dee and co-skipper Anna Corbella, successfully completed the Barcelona World Race - 2-person solo non-stop round the world race which gave Dee her third record. The only woman on earth to have sailed non-stop around the world three times.
"We can do more than we think we can. We just have to dare to dream." she says.
Remarkably, Dee, a former teacher, only began sailing in 2000. Within 4 years, she had graduated to skipper one of the yachts in the Chay Blyth inspired Global Challenge yacht race around the world. In 2009, Dee and an all-women crew broke the Round Britain and Ireland monohull speed record, completing the 1,800 mile distance in 6 days 11 hours.
Dee's courage, determination and motivation to complete each voyage remains an inspiration to many. She knows the importance of self-belief, facing fears, and staying focused when times are tough. She also appreciates the importance of the team behind her who were so vital in preparing her yachts as well as supporting her efforts to achieve high performance and ultimate, success. "I couldn't have achieved any of this without them."
Dee is available for conferences, corporate events and after-dinner speaking.
www.pplmedia.com/speakers/dee-caffari.html
Or contact PPL Inspirational Speakers on 01243 555561 or email
Quantum Racing's Double Delight In Miami Heat
Doug DeVos' Quantum Racing completed a double title 'slam dunk' in the sweltering Miami heat and light winds as they collected the US 52 Championship title with a solid final day and also clinched the US 52 Super Series title, adding the Miami regatta win to their event victory in Key West in January.
While Takashi Okura's crew from Sled celebrated their own two bullets ending to their perfect day off South Beach Miami, Quantum Racing - with Ed Baird steering and Terry Hutchinson calling tactics - twice got the better of their duels with Azzurra.
Just as Quantum Racing had two reasons to celebrate, so also it was double delight for Okura's Sled team. Not only did they win both races today but their 2,2,1,1 finale over the last four races, easily the strongest of the fleet, elevated them to third overall in the 52 US Championship, the nine race Miami regatta. They edged out the Interlodge team - which had Dean Barker steering - but only on count back.
As the North American series concludes owners and crews contemplate the Barclays 52 Super Series, the four regattas circuit in Europe which starts late May in Capri, Italy.
TP52 US Championship Final Standings After Nine Races
1. Quantum Racing (USA) Doug DeVos, USA, 22 points
2. Azzurra (ITA) Pablo A Roemmers, ARG, 30
3. Sled (USA) Takashi Okura, USA, 33
4. Interlodge (USA) Austin and Gwen Fragomen, USA, 33
5. Ran Racing (SWE) Niklas Zennstrom, SWE, 41
6. Vesper (USA) Jim Swartz, USA, 43
7. Hooligan (USA) Gunther Buerman, USA, 51
IRC
1. Quantum Racing, 21 points
2. Azzurra, 30
3. Sled, 33
4. Interlodge, 36
5. Ran Racing, 38
6. Vesper, 45
7. Hooligan, 50
Sydney Harbour Regatta
Photo by Andrea Francolini, www.afrancolini.com. Click on image for photo gallery.
Middle Harbour Yacht Club's Sydney Harbour Regatta wrapped up on Sydney Harbour today, and as usual, winners were grinners while the rest did the congratulating; but all concurred it was another successful end to the summer/autumn season as they look forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary edition next year.
Competitors enjoyed another picture-perfect day on the Harbour, and although sea breezes were light, they were enough to propel the fleets in each of the 26 classes/divisions.
Local Middle Harbour sailor, Rob Reynolds kept his winning momentum from yesterday going to claim victory on the windward/leeward courses in the Premier IRC Division 1 class with Exile. Reynolds recently installed a new shorter mast and square top main on his yacht and it paid dividends today in the light airs off Sydney Heads.
Racing against some of the biggest names in sailing, Reynolds took his DK46 to a two point victory over 2008 Rolex Sydney Hobart winner, Quest (Bob Steel). Matt Allen's new Carkeek 60, Ichi Ban was third, 11 points behind the leader.
In all there were 170 entries and many other classes and divisions raced at the Sydney Harbour Regatta. -- Di Pearson
Full results (provisional pending any protests):
www.shr.mhyc.com.au
F18 World Sailing Championship Comes To Bangor
Ballyholme Yacht Club is the host for this summer's prestigious F18 catamaran World Championships which will be sailed on Belfast Lough, one of the best sailing areas in Europe. The event, one of the largest in Ireland this year, will run from 4th till 11th July.
The Worlds will attract 120 multihulls and crew and this contingent, together with their managers, trainers, friends and family will bring over 500 visitors to North Down. Local competitors include Adrian Allen and Richard Swanston.
The F18 catamaran is an International Sailing Federation (ISAF) recognised class with large fleets all over the world.
Ballyholme Yacht Club is highly experienced in running events of this magnitude and will have club member Bill O'Hara as Principal Race Officer. Bill is an Independent Sports Professional and an Olympian and currently Principal Race Officer for the Volvo Ocean Race. The Jury Chairman will be Ewan McEwan (GBR) who is Chief Umpire of the Extreme 40 series.
Strength In Depth
To take the factory tour at Premier Composite Technologies HQ, in Dubai, is to risk sensory overload as the facility buzzes with activity in every corner. PCT is a global supplier of advanced composite components, processing in the region of 1,000 tonnes of composite and 500 tonnes of resin annually. PCT is a key player in architecture, marine, rail, aerospace and renewable energies.
The company employs more than 1,200 people across its seven manufacturing facilities based in Dubai Investments Park, with an air-conditioned production area of 672,000sqft. The company also boasts the Middle East's largest 5-axis CNC milling machine and has produced in excess of 60,000sqm of composite panels in 2013 alone.
The 70-strong marine team consists of design leaders, engineers, project leaders and boatbuilders. Leading today's tour is Jeremy Williams (design engineer), currently responsible for building boat #1 of the Carkeek 40 mkII and boat #3 of the Carkeek 47 (C47), destined for Japan and the Mediterranean, respectively.
Jeremy is an experienced yacht designer who has been involved in building a range of high performance racing boats from America's Cuppers to TP52s and, most recently, the PCT-built Carkeek 60 - Ichi Ban. However, Jeremy is in auspicious company as many of his colleagues in the design office share similar backgrounds such as João Pinto Ferreira, (naval engineer/project leader), with experience in marine, automotive, and aerospace projects; Alexandre Mercier (marine engineer and naval architect) from Nantes; Alfonos Alviles Ramos, who has worked on both powercraft and A and C-Class catamarans; and most recently, Laurence Fauchelle, who comes to PCT having worked on both ACC and AC72 design and builds.
Fulll article in Seahorse:
www.seahorsemagazine.com/current-issue/
New Sailing Event For Cowes July 2014: The Etchells Invitational Cup
A new pure One Design keel Boat sailing event will take place in Cowes from the 28th to the 31st of July. Jointly hosted by the Royal Thames and the Royal London Yacht Clubs, teams from around the world will be sailing to win the International Etchells Invitational Regatta which will have the 140 year old Gertrude Cup as the Trophy.
20 identical Boats will be supplied by the Cowes Etchells Fleet so that no competitor has an equipment advantage, racing will take place over 4 days in the waters of the Solent after 2 optional coaching and practice days, and of course the event is supported by a full social program, all of which is scheduled just before Cowes Week so that competitors have the chance to stay longer in the area to enjoy the largest yacht regatta in the world.
The Royal Thames and the Royal London Yacht Clubs are collaborating to host the event and even prior to the official announcement have had 15 Yacht clubs from around the world registering their intentions, from countries a far afield as Malta, the USA, HK, Aus and NZ, and amongst the skippers there is a previous America's Cup winning Helmsman, 3 past Etchells World Champions, various Olympians and 2 female skippers.
Details from or skype davidsfranks or + 44 7768063868
IMX 45 For Bermuda Race Charter
YRC Partners has been offering yacht charter services, both racing and cruising since 2004.
Their main offering is an IMX 45 which is based on the East Coast of the US, this boat is delivered ORC Cat 1 compliant and is ready to tackle any and all of the major distance races from the Block Island Race to the 2015 Transat.
The IMX 45 is a solid and proven winning design. This is a boat truly capable of winning, as proven in the 2006 Bermuda Race when an IMX 45 "Temptress" won the highly competitive Gibbs High Lighthouse Trophy awarded to the boat with the best corrected time in the Bermuda Race and Cybele won her class in the St David Lighthouse Division.
The team at YRC Partners has worked diligently over the years to optimize all aspects of the boat's racing program. In 2008 YRC Partners engaged Evolution Sails in a sail development program. This partnership with Evolution has led to many optimizations and a current inventory of sails which maximizes the boats performance and minimizes the impact of both IRC and ORR ratings. In addition to the outstanding sail inventory YRC Partners has spared no expense in outfitting the boat, the boat is a navigators dream, and includes: B&G 3000, on board pc with 18" LCD monitor with Expedition software, a satellite telephone with 120 minutes for both voice and data, Radar, a cellular amplifier, AIS and a host of other features all designed to make this a winning platform.
Click www.yrcpartners.com for more info.
Mumbai To Muscat Trans-Ocean Voyage
Oman Sail's support of innovation in sailing shifts to the Indian Ocean next week when British quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister and Oman's Nashwa Al Kindi set out on an extraordinary journey from Mumbai, India to Muscat to set two new trans-ocean records.
The Trans-ocean crossing, which is sponsored by Omani companies Mistal - Ajit Khimji Group and United Engineering Services, will start on March 10th and will be the first to be completed by a severely paralysed woman and the first to be recorded by an Arab female sailor.
"Hilary and Nashwa are two remarkable women taking on a route that was used centuries ago when the Indo-Oman trading links were first established. This route was important to the development of Oman and is appropriate for this historic voyage," said Dharmesh A. Khimji, Managing Director, Mistal - Ajit Khimji Group.
Hilary is paralysed from the neck down but became one of Britain's best known sailors in 2009 when she sailed solo around Britain to set a new disabled record.
Nashwa, an Omani dinghy instructor at Oman Sail who last November won the ISAF President Development Award for outstanding achievement in the development of sailing, said: "I will be the first Arab woman to do this so if I reach Oman safely, this will be a record. I'm very excited. My friends and family keep asking me why I am doing this but the truth is I love sailing and one day want to sail solo so this is a small step towards my dream."
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The Last Word
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