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MKB Bank Melges 24 European Championship
Balatonfured, Hungary. The sixty-two crews competing at the MKB Bank Melges 24 European Championship 2014 had a challenging first day of racing on Lake Balaton in Hungary today with two races completed in light, shifty and hard to predict breezes.

With the winds getting lighter and the shifts harder to read as the day went on, consistency was a rare commodity throughout the fleet.

Among those who did manage good results in both races were Italian Matteo Balestrero on ITA 693 'Giogi' with two second places and Geoff Carveth on GBR 694 'Gill Race Team'with a pair of thirds.

These two sit in first and second overall tonight, two points ahead of Ian Ainslie's Hungarian entry HUN 392 'Strange Brew'who followed up a seventh in the first race with a win in the second race.

A ninth and a fourth for Austria's Franz Urlesberger on AUT 681 'Schoenherr'leaves him in fourth place overall, five points behind Ainslie and two points ahead of fifth placed Italian, Matteo Ivaldi at the helm of Franco Rossini's Swiss entry SUI 825 'Blu Moon'.

Winner of the first race, Andrea Racchelli on ITA 735 'Altea', could only mange a nineteenth place in the second race and sits in seventh overall at the end of the first day.

Corinthian leader Tonu Toniste from Estonia, who sits in tenth place overall in the 62-boat fleet at the end of the first day, confirmed the light conditions had been taxing on the brain.

"It was quite light all day so it was very hard to work out which way to go,"Toniste said. "You had to pick a side on the first beat, give it your best shot and hope you were right by the time you reached the windward mark. We had some lucky moments in both races today."

Racing at the MKB Bank Melges 24 European Championship 2014 continues tomorrow when up to three races may be sailed. More light winds are expected.

The 10-race series runs through until Friday May 9 with up to three races scheduled each day.

www.melges24europeans14.com

Tactics and Endurance Pay
The domestic season for the RORC Season's Points Championship kicked off with a test of tactics and endurance for the international fleet of yachts racing from Cowes to Le Havre for the Cervantes Trophy. The main tactical conundrum was a windless area in the middle of the Channel. After over 24 hours of racing, a large number of the fleet were compressed in a tight pack, flying spinnakers into the finish line with many yachts finishing within minutes of each other. The Last boat home finished within three hours of the leader. 

Gaetan Bourdeaux's team racing French Sunfast 32, Callipyge was one of the last yachts to finish but after time correction was declared the overall winner of the race and lifted the Cervantes Trophy for the first time. Gaetan is from Brittany and bases the yacht in Deauville, Normandy. Callipyge is a family boat, and although Gaetan and his brother have sailed the boat since 2002, it is the first time they have competed it in a major offshore race. 

Line Honours went to  to Rob Lutener's, Ker 40, Cutting Edge withEd Broadway's Hooligan VII just behind as the pair finished the race locked in a duel for the line. Cutting Edge put in a text book light airs gybe to make the finish line first by just 20 seconds. However after time correction, Hooligan VII beat Cutting Edge by just over 4 minutes. Both of these yachts are vying for a place to represent England in the Brewin Dolphin Commodores' Cup.

In IRC One, Steven Anderson's Cracklin' Rosie was the winner, beating a field of very slippery boats including the two Ker 40s, Mills 39, Zero II and King 40, Cobra.

In IRC Two, Vincent Willemart and Eric Van Campenhout racing Belgian MC34, Azawakh were the winners.

Congratulations to other class winners; John Allison's J/109 Jumbuck was the victor in IRC Three, beating fellow British J/109 Diamond Jem, skippered by Robert Stiles by just 7 minutes on corrected time. Louis-Marie Dussere's JPK 10.10 was third in class, racing Two Handed.

In the 15-strong Two Handed Class three French yachts made up the podium, Jean-Louis Stalain's First 31.7, Max was the victorious, Philippe Auber's JPK 9.60 was second, whilst Pierre Viard & Nicolas Siloret's Prism 28, Adrenaline was third. -- Louay Habib

www.rorc.org

Marinepool Club And Crew Jacket Collection 2014 - A Sportive Look And Maritime Chic In Classic Style
2014 has seen the introduction of a new Club and Crew Jacket line that is the perfect outfit for get togethers in the clubhouse, an apres sail drink in the cockpit or for any trip both on water and land. Garments for all occasions and events that require a sportive look in a classic style.

There is hardly any other sport that is similarly demanding on clothing than sailing. Garments used on boats or for regattas require highest reliability in terms of waterproofness, breathability, abrasion resistance. Functional cuts, light weight and further intelligent design features are indispensable - and the ideal crew wear brings all these qualities together. Furthermore, sailing as a sport and lifestyle reaches beyond the action on board and on race courses. Maritime clothing has a wide appeal and has become a way of living for many. The functionality of the garments is a welcome add-on and asset. The new Club and Crew Jacket collection by Marinepool is designed for racing crews, club teams, the ambitious amateur and fashion conscious water sports enthusiast alike. The utilization of technical high-quality fabrics ensures crucial features in terms of function such as breathability, wind and waterproofness and highest wearing comfort.

Consequently, these products can be used for racing, day sailing and any other dynamic outdoor activities. Maritime colours and fashionable details such as the striped knitted sleeve cuffs, collar and hem of the "Storm Jacket", available for men, women and kids bring a casual touch to the functional jackets. In combination with jeans, chino trousers, shirts or polo shirts and with its stylish design, the "Cruising Jacket" is the perfect outer layer for casual looks or sportive elegant outfits.

The new Marinepool club and crew jacket collection.

Design. Technology. Passion.

marinepool.com

False Start To Finn Europeans After Wind Abandons La Rochelle
The Finn Senior and Junior European Championship got off to a slow start in La Rochelle, France on Monday with no races sailed. After three starts were attempted for the first race, it was eventually abandoned half way up the first leg and cancelled for the day, later in the afternoon.

After weeks of good wind, it wasn't the start that everyone hoped for. The fleet set out for a scheduled 11.00 start and finally got off the line on the third attempt. Two of the starts were under black flag with 11 boats pulled out including a lot of big players. The world champion Jorge Zarif (BRA) and world and European runner up from last year Ed Wright (GBR), were among the boats having to sit out race 1.

Included within the 101 sailors competing for the Senior European title, there are 25 sailors competing for the Junior title. So 25 per cent of the fleet here is under the age of 22. The defending champion Peter McCoy (GBR) is up against the likes of world champion Zarif and Junior world and European silver medallist Jake Lilley (AUS) who were both black flagged today.

Racing continues Tuesday at 11.00.

finnclass.org

Iain Murray Interviewed On The Protocol And AC62
'There has been a long and protracted discussion over the Protocol. Producing the AC62 class rule has been a really good experience, and I think it is a really good boat.'

That's Iain Murray's quick take on the seven month long negotiation over the new America's Cup class rule, and Protocol for the 35th America's Cup.

It would be fair to say that the Challenge from Hamilton Island Yacht Club, based in a resort owned by the Oatleys, was a surprise package for most of the yachting world. They'd expected a repeat of the Challenge from Sweden's Kungliga Svenska Segel Sallskapet (KSSS), with whom Defenders, Oracle Team USA had a very chummy relationship during the 34th America's Cup.

The Louis Vuitton Cup had been an all-time fizzer. But the wingsailed catamarans exploded the America's Cup Match into life as the home team pulled an incredible comeback, with the outcome of the regatta being determined only in the third leg of the final, 19th Race.

From the outset, the testy octogenarian, Bob Oatley made it very clear that Hamilton Island YC would be no push-over as a Challenger of Record. That was a charge that had been frequently leveled at KSSS, as they time and time again sided with the Defender's point of view, much to the chagrin of the other two stronger Challengers.

Murray was dropped in the deep end by the Oatleys who charged him with handling the Challenger of Record responsibilities, and running that vital function as it should be, under the 18th century Deed of Gift that governs the 162 year old America's Cup challenge trophy.

Richard Gladwell's interview in Sail-World.com:
www.sail-world.com

Atlantic Cup
The weather is looking fantastic and the teams are getting their game faces on for the 4th annual Atlantic Cup presented by 11th Hour Racing start on Saturday, May 10th.

The 2014 Atlantic Cup presented by 11th Hour Racing is the premier Class 40 sailing event in the United States. Teams will start in Charleston, S.C. on May 10th and depart on a 642-mile leg to New York City. Following a stop-over in New York teams will race a 231-mile leg to Newport, R.I., making The Atlantic Cup the longest offshore race on the east coast of the United States this year. The third and final leg will consist of two days (May 24th & 25th) of inshore racing in Newport.

For the very first time in the US, the top two offshore short-handed classes in the world will be together in Newport, Rhode Island. The IMOCA 60s are the big brother to the Class 40 (the boats in the Atlantic Cup). The 60s will be preparing for their prologue race to Newport in advance of the Ocean Masters NY-BCN race departing New York City June 1st. The Class 40s, of course, will be at the Shipyard gearing up for the inshore series.

www.atlanticcup.org

Fuel Cells....The Standard For On-Board Power?
Fuel Cell growth within sailing - and racing in particular - is increasing. Adopters of Fuel Cell soon become the strongest promoters of the technology:

'... one less point of failure to worry about. The fuel cell has become an essential part of our equipment ....
Richard Palmer, Jangada Too
Winner, BNY Mellon JOG Cascais Race 2013

'far easier and more reliable than any of the other power generation methods...... Easy to use, simple, clean, quiet - what more could you ask for'?
Pip Hare, The Potting Shed
Winner, Mini Fastnet Race, 2013

To users the benefits of Fuel Cell are undeniable:

'... delighted with the system... it has made our life on board so much better... we don't have to worry about battery charging by either shore power or running the engine. We were able to pick up cartridges in both Crete and Levkas ..."
Jacky Black, Arwen of Bosham, moored Crete.

...and media experts have joined the campaign to make on-board battery charging simple and reliable with Fuel Cell technology:

'Fuel Cells will soon be standard on-board equipment'.
Ian Galetti, Cruising Association Magazine June 2012

'Neat, noise and pollution-free'.
Yachting World September 2013

www.fuelcellsystems.co.uk

Carsington Summer Trophy - One Week To Go
The inaugural Carsington Summer Trophy takes place next Sunday, 11th May and all entries received by the end of Bank Holiday Monday are in with a chance to win a Garmin VIRB Elite action camera worth £350. First event of the new Garmin Summer Series, the winner of each event takes home one of these great little GPS enabled Garmin action cameras, but everyone entered by the end of today is entered into a prize draw for an additional camera.

All boats competing will be fitted with SailRacer's GPS tracker units with the tracking to be streamed live via the internet with an accompanying live blog. The tracks and data will all be available via the series website for replay and analysis at http://garmin.sailracer.org

Garmin VIRB cameras will be around the course and on selected boats to record the action for the event report.

Michael Sims, winner of the 2013/14 GJW Direct SailJuice Winter Series, heads a strong fleet of solos at his home club, the 700 acre reservoir in the Derbyshire, nestled in the beautiful peak district.

garmin.sailracer.org

Audi Melges 20 Russian Open Championship
Porto Ercole, Italy: Congratulations to Valentin Zavadnikov on Synergy with crew members Alexander Ekimov and Nikolay Kornev, as they are the very first ever Audi Melges 20 Russian Open Champions. Aleksander Ezhikov aboard Pirogovo placed second and Victor Emets' Phantome came third.

In the overall standings, American Wes Whitmyer on Slingshot with Max Fraser and Jonny 'Rockstar' Goldsberry celebrated a string of first place bullets, a second and a fifth to win. Italy's Mirko de Falco on Peccere finished second with Zavadnikov in third.

The Russian Open Championship was the perfect lead-up event to what is going to be yet another amazing forthcoming weekend of racing in Porto Ercole for the Audi Melges 20 fleet - the 2014 Audi-Tron Sailing Series Event No. 2, May 10-11 hosted by Circolo Nautico della Vela Argentario, organized by BPSE and Melges Europe. -- Joy Dunigan

Top Five Overall Results (Final - After eight races, one discard)
1. Wes Whitmyer/Max Fraser, Slingshot, 12 points
2. Mirko de Falco/Paolo Scutellaro, Peccere, 22
3. Valentin Zavadnikov/Alexander Ekimov, Synergy, 28
4. Stefano Speroni/Lorenzo Bodini, Maolca, 30
5. Aleksander Ezhikov/Daniil Odintsov, Pirogovo, 31

Top Three Russian Open Championship (Final - After eight races, one discard)
1. Valentin Zavadnikov/Alexander Ekimov, Synergy, 28
2. Aleksander Ezhikov/Daniil Odintsov, Pirogovo, 31
3. Victor Emets/Maxim Logutenko, Phantome, 39

melges20.com

Letters To The Editor -
Letters are limited to 350 words. No personal attacks are permitted. We do require your name but your email address will not be published without your permission.

From Ginny Jones: Many of you are aware that Doug Jones of Traditional Boat Works (619-993-9295 PST) has been storing the hull of ALTAMAR, which is # 2 in the acclaimed Nick Potter California 32 series, at his boatyard in San Diego, California since 2007. Last year Doug moved himself and much of the boatyard as well as PACIFICA to Port Townsend, Washington where he is busy with various projects.

During the past year he's continued to rent the space in San Diego where  ALTAMAR is stored and has been advertising her as a project. He's flying to San Diego on Wednesday to pack up the rest of his tools, machinery and wood which he will then drive up to Port Townsend.

There is no room for ALTAMAR in that load and Doug has asked me to advise everyone that she needs to move into different ownership or alternative arrangements for her storage by the 11th or he will be forced to cut her up. He mentioned that San Diego Boat Movers is just around the corner from her current location and can store the hull if a prospective owner can be found.

Further, rather than start the chain saw, he is willing to sell the hull for a dollar.

He would be willing to make the arrangements to move her to SDBM storage while he is in San Diego. He's guestimating that the storage would be around $500 - 600 a month.

Sharp eyed readers may wonder what happened to LAUGHING LADY, the 33' 1940's Luders powerboat that he was also storing -- several months ago he sold her to a New Zealander and can report that she's now in NZ in a shed where the installation of the various systems and work to finish off the interior is about to start.  If anyone is interested in a possible magazine story about the restoration of a classic power boat, contact Doug for details of how to get in touch with James Dreyer and his brother, the new owners.

Contact Doug Jones:

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Details

Bernard Gallay Yacht Brokerage: www.bernard-gallay.com

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
Time is a drug. Too much of it kills you. -- Terry Pratchett

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