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Asian Games Winner Secures Golden Ticket To Alpari Tour Finals
Two time Asian Games gold medallist, Maximilian Soh and his Team Red Dot clinched victory over the weekend at the Monsoon Cup Terengganu Qualifier to the season finale of the Alpari World Match Racing Tour.
The Singaporean match racing genius conquered the waters of Terengganu in the final beating Frenchman Arthur Herraman. Soh and his team now gain an invite to compete against the best teams on the Alpari World Match Racing Tour at the season finale the Monsoon Cup Malaysia.
Match the World skipper Herreman, who has raced on the Alpari Tour at the Dutch Match Cup and the Argo Group Gold Cup this year had a consistent performance throughout the tournament. He lead his team from the start in the finals against Soh but had to contend in second place in his first Monsoon Cup Terengganu outing.
Eight teams including Tour Card holder David Gilmour's brother Sam Gilmour competed for the winning prize of USD10,000 and a ticket to the season finale of the Alpari Tour.
Gilmour put on a spectacular performance during qualifying but had to bow to the fast improving Herraman in the Semi-Finals. Another up and rising star in the world of match racing, Matthew Jerwood from Australia finished third overall at the event.
Final standings Monsoon Cup Terengganu 2014
Champion: Maximilian Soh (Team Red Dot)
Runner-up: Arthur Herreman (Match The World)
Third: Matthew Jerwood (Redline Racing)
Fourth: Sam Gilmour (Neptune Racing)
Fifth: Jeremy Koo (Sime Darby Foundation / 1Malaysia Match Racing Team)
Sixth: Morten Jakobsen (EM Thailand)
Seventh: Hazwan Hazim Dermawan (1Malaysia Match Racing Team)
Eighth: David Chapman (DC Racing)
wmrt.com
www.facebook.com/monsooncup
Lack Of Clout Costs San Diego America's Cup
Evidence continues to mount that Bermuda will host the 2017 America's Cup with a San Diego official claiming his city's bid was scuppered on financial grounds.
The formal announcement will be made by America's Cup bosses in New York on December 3 (NZ time).
It seems Bermuda's tax-haven status has been too big to ignore for Larry Ellison, the billionaire backer of cup holders Oracle Team USA. Despite his fortune, Ellison still wants to see yachting's biggest extravaganza try to pay its way.
That has left some yachting purists bemused, particularly in San Diego who felt they presented a compelling case given the city's cup history, proven record for hosting major sporting events and a plan to bring racing inshore for spectators.
Bermuda represents a speed bump for Team New Zealand. They have suggested they have a financial case to contest either location but San Diego has been their preferred venue, given the commercial opportunities in the American market for their sponsors and, particularly, the crucial government backing.
Bermuda isn't all bad for New Zealand yachting fans though.
One of its heralded advantages has been a better time zone for America's eastern coast and the crucial European TV audience, given the growing challengers from there.
A 2pm starting gun in Bermuda in November, 2017 would translate to 7am in New Zealand, 10am in San Francisco, 1pm in New York, 6pm in Britain and 7pm in Italy where challenger of record Luna Rossa are based. -- Duncan Johnstone
2017 America's Cup Would Have Been Great Fit
Our accomplished, distinguished local sailing community got the bad news last week: Bermuda had been chosen over San Diego to host the 2017 America's Cup.
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison - the Silicon Valley-based owner of the yacht that won last year's competition in San Francisco - hasn't explained his decision. Money seems to be the prime factor. Bermuda couldn't offer a better venue for sailing or viewing than San Diego, but Bermudan officials offered fewer taxes and more subsidies. So now we'll have the unprecedented spectacle of an American team choosing not to defend its America's Cup title in America - instead selecting a British territory 650 miles off the Carolina coast.
And so America's Finest City won't get a fourth chance to host the world's premier sailing event. Too bad. It would have been a great fit. -- U-T San Diego editorial board
Marinepool Ocean Racing Clothing For The 40knots+ Category
When Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe started on November 2nd two exceptional yachts - Spindrift2 and Oman Sail Musandam - were be at the starting line in the super fast Ultime class. Both capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots.
Marinepool is the official clothing supplier to Spindrift Racing and to Oman Sail. Skippers Yann Guichard and Sidney Gavignet, who finished this epic race in 2nd and 5th respectively, were sailing the single handed race in the very latest Marinepool Ocean Racing suits.
Made from revolutionary Dermizax NX fabrics by Toray of Japan the Ocean Racing suit offers ultimate protection from the elements. A smart non porous membrane provides exceptionally high waterproofness, moisture permeability and low condensation. The smooth texture of the fabric, its light weight configuration and high elasticity make the garments comfortable. The 3-layer stretch fabric is highly breathable and abrasion resistant, features include waterproof zippers and 3M™ reflex patches for increased visibility at night. Latex dry suit seals reliably keep the enormous spray at these speeds outside. The top is available with a high offshore collar with signal colour hood or without a hood for conditions when only a full face helmet is the answer.
Designed and developed with the skippers of the ultimate speed machines.
Marinepool | Design. Technology. Passion.
Salam, Abu Dhabi
With every mile gained, every sail trimmed and every watch completed, the Volvo Ocean Racing fleet gets closer to the next stopover - Abu Dhabi.
The Destination Village opens on December 12, 2014.
And the latest estimated time of arrivals for the boats is December 14, 2014/
Hosted by TCA Abu Dhabi, the Emirate will feature a village the size of five football pitches, and three weeks of jam-packed action, including live concerts, water-sports and family entertainment.
Oh, and there'll be some sailing. The Volvo Ocean Race Academy will welcome around 50 children selected from sailing clubs across the UAE, Oman and Bahrain.
Traditional dhow racing will also take place on December 27.
Position report at 24 November, 21:40 UTC
1. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing
2. Team Brunel
3. Dongfeng Race Team
4. MAPFRE
5. Team Alvimedica
6. Team Vestas Wind
7. Team SCA
Tracker: www.volvooceanrace.com/en/virtualeye.html
www.volvooceanrace.com
Wight Vodka Best Sailors' Bar Competition
One Bar Playa Blanca, last year's winner.
Scuttlebutt Europe is currently accepting submissions for the sixth annual competion to name the best sailor's bar in the world.
Anyone can submit any bar in the world... and tell the editor and the judges at Wight Vodka why it's so special to you. Tall tales of conquests and memorable nights welcome.
Submission deadline is December 1... starting the following week you can vote from the top ten chosen. The winner is announced on New Year's Eve and joins a serious lineup:
2013 Winner: One Bar Playa Blanca
2012 Winner: Sint Maarten Yacht Club
2011 Winner: IYAC in Newport, Rhode Island USA
2010 Winner: The Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke in the BVI
2009 Winner: Peter-Cafe Sport - Horta, Azores
Go to scuttlebutteurope.com/sailors-bars
Halo Outshines 104-Boat Fleet In Draycote's Light Airs
Photo by Tim Olin. Click on image for photo gallery.
Mike Lyons from raced his Halo singlehander to victory at the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash this weekend. Competing in a record turnout of 104 boats, the Burghfield sailor made the most of light airs on both days.
After four handicap races on Saturday, Steve Bolland was sitting in pole position after steering his RS300 to scores of 1,5,11,(29). However, the Bristol Corinthian sailor was unable to hammer home his advantage on Sunday, when Bolland finished 42nd in the non-discardable, double-points pursuit race finale.
Record-breaking Endeavour Trophy winner, Nick Craig with crew Toby Lewis beat their fellow Merlin Rocket competitors and put in a very consistent series with scores of 11,10,9,11, and an 8th place finish in the pursuit race. This put the Frensham Pond team just a point off overall victory, but discarding one of their 11th places, Craig and Lewis had to settle for 4th overall.
Racing was close throughout the starts though Saturday's Race 3 was tougher on some more than others. The breeze died right off towards the end of the race, but due to the finishing timing, some of the leading boats sailed an extra lap and got stung in the dying breeze. That's the luck of the draw in handicap racing, but with seven more events to go in the Series, there's plenty of time for those boats to get their revenge.
The next event in the GJW Direct SailJuice Winter Series is the Datchet Flyer on 13 & 14 December.
Top Six overall at Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash
1. Mike Lyons (Halo 812) Burghfield SC, 35 points
2. Craig Williamson (Laser 206880) Staunton Harold SC, 37
3. Jon Clarke (Solo 4748) Draycote SC, 44
4. Nick Craig & Toby Lewis (Merlin Rocket 3749), Frensham Ponds SC, 46
5. Simon Potts & Ally Martin (Merlin Rocket 3753), Burghfield SC, 55
6. Jack Holden& Megan Fletcher (RS200 1481), Arun YC, 55
events.sailracer.org and to enter other events in the Series: www.SailJuiceSeries.com
Wild Oats Xi Reveals New Livery For Her 10th Sydney Hobart Race Campaign
Photo by Andrea Francolini, www.afrancolini.com. Click on image to enlarge.
While more modifications are being mooted for the champion supermaxi yacht Wild Oats XI as part of her preparation for next month's Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race, a high-profile new member of the team was revealed on Sydney Harbour today.
When a new state-of-the-art mainsail was hoisted to the top of Wild Oats XI's 45-metre high mast, the logo of luxury German carmaker, Audi, was emblazoned across it.
It signalled that Audi had joined Channel 7 as a primary sponsor of the famous yacht. For Wild Oats XI's owner, Bob Oatley AO, having Audi as part of the yacht's campaign for the Hobart race, and other challenges in the future, is a welcome extension of the company's association with Hamilton Island Race Week, the tropical destination owned by the Oatley family.
In fact, there was cause for a double celebration for the Oatleys today as Audi also announced they will be extending their sponsorship of Race Week for at least another two years.
Wild Oats XI is the most successful yacht to have contested the Sydney Hobart race in its 70 year history. This year, in what will be her tenth start in the classic, the sleek racer will be going for an unprecedented eighth line honours. Since being launched for the 2005 Hobart race she has become the only yacht to secure the triple-crown - line and handicap honours and a race record time - on two occasions. She is also the only yacht to have achieved four consecutive line honours. -- Rob Mundle
Race Coach Vacancy
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, one of the oldest sailing and rowing clubs in Hong Kong, is looking for a high calibre individual to fill the post of Race Coach.
This is a full-time contract based in Hong Kong commencing February 15. Reporting to the Sailing Development Manager, the successful applicant will coach up and coming teenagers to high levels of racing expertise. The racing program aims to instil skill, confidence and ability within participants in order to achieve high levels of success in regional and international competition. Classes of boats include the Optimist, Laser, 29er and 49er. Coaching and mentoring at international events will be involved. Responsibilities include communication with parents and other stakeholders plus some basic administration tasks. Based at RHKYC's Middle Island facility, the Race Coach will be part of a professional development team. Middle Island has a clubhouse, hardstand, marina and launching areas serviced by a regular club ferry.
We look for people with:
- Extensive dinghy sailing experience and graduation from a internationally recognised sail training academy.
- Superior racing results at National, International or ISAF endorsed events board Olympic Class boats.
- Excellent interpersonal, team and leadership skills.
- Work history as an instructor / coach with a respected club or academy.
- Technical knowledge and experience in maintaining Optimist, Laser, 29er and other Olympic class boats.
- Flexibility to work weekends and midweek shifts.
- Good command of written and spoken English is required while Chinese would be an advantage.
- Athletic standard of fitness and health.
We offer attractive remuneration and excellent fringe benefits to the right candidate. Closing date for applications is 15 December 2015. Interested parties should submit a comprehensive CV to The Human Resources Manager, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Kellett Island, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong or e-mail:
Atlantic Rally For Cruisers Sets Sail
The 29th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) set sail today bound for Saint Lucia following a delayed start due to strong winds locally in the harbour of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria yesterday. For only the third time in the rally's history, the decision was made to delay the start, initially planned for 12:30 on Sunday 23 November by 20 hours. The ARC 2014 fleet remained in port for an extra night, and were greeted this morning with a fine NE breeze providing a swift departure for the first part of the passage across the Atlantic. In total, 176 boats and 1020 people, including 27 children aged under 16, are sailing with the route directly to Saint Lucia in this year's edition of the world's most popular transocean rally.
Strong winds blowing through the harbour of Las Palmas caused ARC organisers World Cruising Club to announce a delay to the start of ARC 2014. Whilst the front that brought 4 days of heavy rain squalls to Gran Canaria passed through, locally strong winds make it unsafe to manoeuvre boats in the harbour to set off on schedule. The majority of ARC boats are family cruisers, who will have a much nicer start to their Atlantic crossing after the delayed start.
While the ARC is a cruising rally, there is a start and finish line, and the boats are split into divisions according to size, type and competition. Two boats opted to depart Las Palmas early, so 174 yachts sailing under the flags of 24 nations crossed today's start lines.
All ARC boats are fitted with YB Tracking satellite trackers, allowing family and friends to follow the fleet from the comfort of home. As well as position, the online Fleet Viewer displays heading, speed and boat information. Wind direction and speed is also shown. Follow the fleet online at http://www.worldcruising.com/arc/eventfleetviewer
The majority of boats will take 18-21 days to make the 2700 nautical mile Atlantic crossing, arriving in Rodney Bay Marina, Saint Lucia.
Letters To The Editor -
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* From Brian May: Just to add to the progressively older evidence of on-water umpiring, I recall skippering one of the legendary Luders 44 yawls in a collegiate regatta in 1983 based out of the Annapolis based US Naval Academy. These older designs sported a long keel and were painfully slow to tack. Coming up to the weather mark I had placed our steed representing Stanford University on an easy starboard tack layline with one potential obstacle powering in on port tack. The competitor yacht, sailed by Teddy Turner, attempted a slam dunk close to the mark and under our lee bow but as predicted we started to over-ride and a luffing match ensued in his quest to lay the buoy. Sadly, Teddy over-luffed and once the breeze backed the jib a tack was completed, forcing us to keep clear. In the protest room, yes, shades of his father's determination, the committee listened to his side of the story and then asked me if I had anything to say. I simply looked into two of the jurors eyes and pointed out that they were in prime position to determine the facts having been on a boston whaler to windward of the mark mere boat lengths away. I needed no witness nor to make a comprehensive case. Teddy and I celebrated with a night on the tiles , taking in Marmadukes, and then, whilst attempting to climb back into the Academy well after guards' had closed all the dormitories, I badly sprained an ankle. Thankfully, there was little wind on day two and we gave the Americans (and their Admirals!) a lesson in Spinnaker flying whilst motoring backwards at a rate of knots never before seen at the Academy.
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Spirit 52 “Chloe Racing Spirit”
The construction and design of these great yachts naturally lends them to competing in classic style racing at local and international yachting events. The 52’ Chloe first competed in the 2012 Panerai Classics Regatta, Cowes, just days after being launched. It quickly showed that it had the performance to win, and she was entered in other events around the UK with good success.
Her major achievement was at the Antigua Classics Regatta 2014, where she beat all of her similar sized competitors and was only beaten by one much larger yacht. In the 2013 and 2014 Round the Island races, England, she performed outstandingly well against modern race yachts, beating most across the water. In 2014, she also won the Modern Classics Class. Her IRC rating offers a good prospect of winning races at many of the regattas and sailing events around the world. In racing mode she is a pleasure to sail, well balanced right up through the wind range and easily steered.
Crew work is straightforward and uncomplicated. There are no spinnaker poles and extra guy lines, just simple to use asymmetric spinnakers.
Fifty-four Spirit yachts - the most elegant and advanced wooden yacht fleet, have now been built and delivered to their owners around the world. For the 2014 Antigua Classics regatta, nine of those yachts participated in this great annual event. The 27th Antigua Classics Regatta was blessed with some of the most exciting racing ever seen at this event; 25-28 knot trade winds and 2-3 metre rolling seas producing demanding but truly exhilarating sailing. Chloe was 2nd in the Spirit Class behind Nazgul, a 76’ Spirit. In the Spirit of Tradition Class she was 3rd behind the 130 foot J Class Rainbow and the 76 foot Nazgul.
Contact:
Chloe French
Tel: +852 3689 6370
Spirit Yachts Asia Ltd
Suite 3206, 32/F., Tower 6, The Gateway, Harbour City
9 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsu, Kowloon, Hong Kong
The Last Word
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