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Laser Standard Masters World Championship
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico: The wind gods smiled once again for the last day of the Laser Standard Masters World Championship, capping off the regatta with epic sailing conditions for the final two races of the event. The sailors enjoyed winds of 12-16 knots off the coast of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico to wrap up this year's event in spectacular style. Most sailors favored the right side of the course again today, but the left side seemed to pay just enough to keep the sailors on their toes.

Defending champion, Mark Bethwaite from Australia, closed out a near flawless performance to once again claim victory in the Great Grand Masters Division. Mathematically, Bethwaite did not even need to rig his boat today in order to win his division, but as a true sportsman, he took to the water and enjoyed one of the best racing days yet. American, Doug Peckover, and New Zealander James Temple rounded out the top-three overall.

In perhaps the most tightly contested fleet, Australian Gavin Dagley sealed his win with a first and fourth place today to top the Grand Masters Division in front of Cristian Herman of Chile and Canadian Allan Clark.

In the Masters Division, defending champion Brett Beyer dominated the fleet today by going hard right on the upwind legs to take two horizon-job wins. Beyer's speed advantage was clear as he keeps a second place finish as his worst score for the event.

Top-Three Standings by Division:

Apprentice Masters Division:
1. Pablo Rabago MEX 10 points
2. Guilherme Roth BRA 18
3. Alejandro Rabago MEX 29

Masters Division:
1. Brett Beyer AUS 11
2. Ernesto Rodriguez USA 26
3. Andrew Dellabarca NZL 43

Grand Masters Division:
1. Gavin Dagley AUS 25
2. Cristian Herman CHI 33
3. Allan Clark CAN 42

Great Grand Masters Division:
1. Mark Bethwaite AUS 10
2. Doug Peckover USA 22
3. James Temple AUS 29

www.laserworlds2016.org

Cammas Steers Norauto to GC32 Riva Cup Victory
Franck Cammas and his crew on Norauto have won the GC32 Riva Cup after a shifty, rainy final day on Lake Garda. After three sunny and windy days that brought the best of Garda, today's rain prevented the Lake's famous sun-powered wind machine from ever spluttering properly into life.

At least the nine-boat fleet had a chance to enjoy one last blast around the lake in the only race that could take place, in a brief half-hour of 14-15 knot winds. Appropriately enough, the top two places went to the two stand-out teams of the week, Norauto leading Team Tilt across the finish line.

The teams that competed on last year's Tour might have the greatest appreciation of just how good this week has been, after a 2015 season that didn't manage to deliver as much foiling breeze as the fleet would have liked.

This season the GC32 Racing Tour has been structured around five venues that aim to give the sailors the best possible chance of delivering awesome sailing conditions. Lake Garda and Fraglia Vela Riva have delivered that in spades. All the teams hit peak speeds in excess of 35 knots, and as Ashby said of Team Tilt's current record of 39.7 knots set two days ago: "I don't think that's a record we'll keep for very long."

The next event takes the GC32 Racing Tour further along the shores of Lake Garda for the GC32 Malcesine Cup, which takes place alongside The Foiling Week from 7 to 10 July.

Final Overall Results After 19 Races

1. Norauto (FRA), Franck Cammas, 37 points
2. Team Tilt (SUI), Sebastien Schneiter, 50
3. Armin Strom (SUI), Flavio Marazzi, 79
4. Gunvor Sailing (SWE), Gustav Petterson, 86
5. Team Engie (FRA), Sebastien Rogues, 111
6. Spindrift racing (FRA), Yann Guichard, 112
7. Argo (USA), Jason Carroll, 121
8. Malizia (MON), Pierre Casiraghi, 127
9. Orange Racing (NED), Laurent Lenne, 160

Owner-Driver Trophy - Final Results After 19 Races

1. Argo (USA), Jason Carroll, 121
2. Malizia (MON), Pierre Casiraghi, 127
3. Orange Racing (NED), Laurent Lenne, 160

www.gc32racing.com

Gill Performance Boots - Up To £50 Off For Two Weeks Only
Gill's Performance Breathable boot shares many key characteristics with its sportier partner, the Gill Race Boot. Both feature a lightweight, injection-moulded outsole - a two piece construction of impact absorbing and waterproof TPU and a non-marking natural rubber compound for a secure connection with the deck. Sure-footed grip is guaranteed by a combination of water expelling drainage channels and an outsole compound chosen for the perfect balance of grip and durability. This non-slip material extends over the toe for wear protection and additional grip whilst on your knees.

Waterproof protection in both styles is delivered by our moulded outsole which prevents ingress whilst in standing water and the use of a breathable membrane protected by TecTuff leather that resists abrasion, oil and stains together with a lightweight ripstop Nylon. To optimise the transfer of moisture vapour and to enhance wearer comfort, we've used a soft-touch lining that actively wicks perspiration and laminated this to an open-cell foam that offers cushioned support.

Unique to the Performance Breathable Boot, as well as a higher fit, is the addition of low profile grab handles that take the strain out of donning your boots and reflective detailing. Both boots are equipped with a number of additional consumer-led features - silicon ankle impact protection, removable contoured insole and a moulded heel kick.

Performance Breathable Boot - was £210, now £160
Performance Race Boot - was £175, now £135

www.gillmarine.com

Damages And Retirements In NY-Vendee
Pieter Heerema heads for port

At 12:22 UTC Dutch skipper Pieter Heerema pointed the bow of his IMOCA 60 No Way Back towards Newport, Rhode Island. Overnight he suffered four collisions with unidentified objects in the water. Finally the fourth impact damaged his foil and foil casing, creating a small leak.

No Way Back is not retiring, but a technical assessment is required before setting off on an Atlantic crossing in a safe state.

After a first night spent in close contact with other competitors in the New York-Vendee (Les Sables d'Olonne) presented by Currency House and SpaceCode, Yann Elies contacted his shore team this morning at 0840 UTC, reporting that his yacht Queguiner-Leucemie Espoir had just hit something in the water with her port daggerboard.

*IMOCA60 Queguiner-Leucemie Espoir / Yan Elies suffers collision with UFO

Elies explained that the impact had caused a small rupture in the daggerboard's case and has damaged the bottom of the board itself.

Given the position of his boat and in agreement with Claude Queguiner, Chairman of Groupe Queguiner, the decision has been made to head for Newport located some 100 miles from Queguiner-Leucemie Espoir's current position. Here the aim is to effect repairs and get underway again as quickly as possible. For Elies, the main objective of this race was to train for the Vendee Globe with the aim of reaching the start line of the singlehanded round the world race as best prepared as possible.

Queguiner-Leucemie Espoir's shore crew is currently en route to Newport, Rhode Island where Queguiner-Leucemie Espoir is expected this afternoon UTC.

* Banque Populaire VIII / Armel Le Cleac'h diverting to Newport

Armel Le Cleac'h, skipper of the IMOCA 60 Banque Populaire VIII has told his shore team that his boat has collided with an unidentified floating object which has caused a small leak in the case for one of his foils. Neither skipper nor the boat are in danger but Le Cleac'h has chosen to divert to Newport, Rhode Island where he should arrive in 12 hours.

* Safran / Morgan Lagraviere also going to Newport

Around 1000 UTC this morning, Morgan Lagraviere, skipper of Safran, contacted his shore team to inform them that his IMOCA 60 had suffered a collision with an unidentified floating object. The impact broke one of his yacht's foils and caused a leak in the foil casing.

Lagraviere is well and is diverting to Newport, Rhode Island. He is due to arrive there this evening where he will rendez-vous with his shore crew who will assess the damage and carry out necessary repair work.

www.ny-vendee.com

RORC Myth Of Malham: Pintia By Eight Seconds
Tenacity and dogged determination were to the fore for the class winners of the 230-mile Myth of Malham Race. With a light fickle northerly breeze, staying alert and making the best of the light conditions was the recipe for success. Yachts from Britain, France, Germany and Oman were the class winners.

Gilles Fournier's French J/133, Pintia was the overall winner of the Myth of Malham Race, after a tremendous battle with Suzi and Nick Jones' British First 44.7, Lisa. The two boats were literally side by side for the 230 mile race and after IRC time correction Pintia was the winner by just eight seconds after 38 hours of racing. Lisa was second but now leads the RORC Season's Points Championship. Past RORC Commodore Mike Greville racing his Ker 39, Erivale III was third overall.

The battle of the MOD70s in the Multihull Class was won by Musandam-Oman Sail, skippered by Sidney Gavignet. Tony Lawson's Concise 10, skippered by Ned Collier Wakefield, was just under 12 minutes behind after a cat and mouse chase lasting 21 hours.

Piet Vroon's Dutch Ker 51, Tonnerre 4 was the first boat home racing under IRC but a building breeze favoured their German rivals, Avenarius & Gondesen's Ker 46, Shakti was the winner of IRC Class Zero, after time correction. It was Shakti's second class win of the season and puts the team narrowly ahead of Tonnerre 4 for the class.

In IRC Two, Gilles Fournier's French J/133, Pintia scored a commanding victory, winning the class by nearly five hours after time correction.

In IRC Three, Benoit D'halluin's A35, Dunkerque - Les Dunes de Flandre took both line honours and the win on IRC corrected time for the class.

In IRC Four, Noel Racine's JPK 10.10, Foggy Dew took line honours for the class but the winner on IRC corrected time was Stuart Greenfield's Half Tonner Silver Shamrock.

The RORC Season's Points Championship continues with the 125-mile Morgan Cup Race on Friday 10 June from Cowes to Dieppe.

www.rorc.org

From Raceboats To Wallys
America's Cup and Maxis... now Persico enters the Superyacht field

ith a well-established reputation for innovation in building highperformance racing yachts Persico Marine is poised to enter a new chapter with the build of the fourth member of the steadily growing Wally Cento series. Created in partnership with Mark Mills and Pininfarina design, this new 30m beauty, when launched in 2017, will be the absolute latest in combining style, innovation, advanced technology and design. This exciting project will add to Persico's impressive record of producing the highest-quality composite raceyachts for the top teams in the America's Cup, TP52 and Maxi 72 classes, Volvo Ocean Race, Imoca 60 and other grand prix fleets.

When looking for the best in reliability and durability in advanced composites, the managers of the Volvo 65 one-design class approached Persico for their hulls. These boats have now raced around the world without a serious failure, with one spectacular exception: when Vestas grounded on a reef it was Persico that took on the major rebuild to put this boat back in the race in one-design trim. This impressive feat convinced Volvo race organisers to contract Persico to build any additional boats needed for the next edition of their gruelling event.

So it was not surprising that after evaluating bids from other teams, and with performance the key criteria, the owner and project manager of Wally Cento No4 selected Persico for their project.

Full article in Seahorse magazine:
www.seahorsemagazine.com

Tech Deck
Land Rover BAR, the British America's Cup team looking to bring sports oldest international trophy home to Britain are now welcoming the public to book sessions to come and experience the team's interactive 'Tech Deck' and Education Centre, after the successful opening last week by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.

The 'Tech Deck' offers a unique behind-the-scenes experience with hands-on interactive exhibits, enabling young people to get close to the boats and technologies that will allow the team to fly faster and sail smarter and help to bring the America's Cup home. Through the 'Tech Deck' the team hopes this to inspire more young people into careers within the marine industry.

Visits to the 'Tech Deck' can be booked online

Based on the second floor of Land Rover BAR's home on Portsmouth's waterfront, the 'Tech Deck' features sixteen exhibits and an education centre where lessons focussing on key stage 3 STEM subjects can take place from October 2016.

Take a look inside as David 'Freddie' Carr gives a 360 tour of the facility
(Watch via Chrome or Firefox)

Ted Heath's Yacht Crew Urge End To 'ludicrous' Sex Abuse Probe
Former crewmates of Sir Edward Heath have accused police of dragging out a "ludicrous" investigation into claims he abused and murdered children on his yacht.

The late prime minister's reputation was left in tatters when a senior officer announced an inquiry at his home in Salisbury and called for victims to come forward.

The investigation, which has so far cost more than £370,000, has taken almost a year amid claims it has failed to find any evidence.

Friends of Sir Edward are astonished that the inquiry, Operation Conifer, could last two more years. Police have interviewed a dozen people who sailed with the world-class sailor on racing yachts called Morning Cloud.

Former crew told officers they did not see any wrongdoing but police refused to tell them when and where crimes allegedly occurred.

One claim alleges Sir Edward took boys from a children's home on Jersey to go sailing before abusing one and dumping his body at sea.

Anthony Churchill, 81, said: "We don't believe a word of it. I know of eight of us who have been interviewed. We are all telling them exactly the same thing: there was nothing untoward. We are now feeling victims unless police clear this up quickly. There is a nod-nod, wink-wink for those of us who sailed with Ted."

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said it has "a duty to, on behalf of people who have told us they have been abused, proactively investigate. We seek to be proportionate, impartial and fair, in order to provide the public with confidence in the police response. We cannot discuss the details of the on-going police investigation as it would not be fair to any party ... before the investigation is complete." -- Robert Mendick in The Telegraph

www.telegraph.co.uk/news

Featured Brokerage

2004 Farr 520 Performance Cruiser - BRAVE. 299,950 EUR. Located in Athens, Greece.

A true Performance Cruiser from the successful hull shape of the Farr 52. In sparkling order and very well looked after, minimal maintenance yacht for round the world sport.

Details

Contact
Ben Cooper
+44 (0) 1590 679222

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2009 Beneteau First 40 ZEPHYR/ 135,000 GBP. Located in Port Hamble, UK

The boat benefits from some very attractive go-fast improvements, including a professionally faired hull (in mint condition), upgraded carbon rig package and a fixed carbon bowsprit for asymmetric and reaching sails.

"Zephyr" has led the from the front of the fleet for the last three years and is the perfect boat for some serious IRC racing in 2016 and beyond.

Details

Contact
Joe Hall
Farr Yacht Sales Europe
+44 1983 200901

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2005 Grand Soleil 37 B&C. 109,000 EUR.

The GS37 is a genuine dual purpose cruiser-racer. Not only did she immediately score impressive podium regatta finishes under IRC and IMS, but the GS37 also proves that performance and speed do not need to be gained by sacrificing either the comfort or liveability of a yacht.

The hull and deck are built in a sandwich of closed cell foam and vinylester resin in the first layers. Further reinforcements are positioned in high stress areas. An internal grid of galvanised steel is glued with acrylic glue and bonded to the hull. This grid absorbs the load of the keel mast and shrouds.

Details

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

The Last Word
On a day when the wind is perfect, the sail just needs to open and the world is full of beauty. Today is such a day. -- Rumi

Editorial and letter submissions to

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html