In This Issue
Clipper Race Departs For China With 'Home' Teams Leading The Standings | Warren Jones International Youth Regatta | Scottish Series 2018 open for Entries | Australia Day Honours for Sailors | Land Rover BAR: Getting Ahead of the Game | Ocean Safety's Volvo safety inspections leave nothing to chance | Benefits of govt's America's Cup plan evaporating | Seahorse Sailor Of The Month | Donald Crowhurst biopic The Mercy trailer | Industry News | Featured Brokerage
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
Clipper Race Departs For China With 'Home' Teams Leading The Standings
After a relaxing break in the Whitsundays, the Clipper Race fleet bid farewell to Australia today to race to China; and fittingly at this halfway stage in the 2017-18 edition, it is the destination's two team entries, Sanya Serenity Coast and Qingdao, which lead the overall race standings.
Going into the seventh of thirteen individual races, Sanya Serenity Coast leads the Clipper 2017-18 Race overall standings with 65 points, just head of Qingdao (63), which has already played its Joker Card (which doubles its points for one chosen race), and Visit Seattle (60), which won Race 6 into Airlie Beach.
The start line for Race 7: The Forever Tropical Paradise Race to Sanya, is positioned 150 nautical miles off the coast on the other side of the Great Barrier Reef.
The first of two races which form Leg 5, the Asia-Pacific Leg, Race 7 is predicted to offer some of the most varied conditions of the entire circumnavigation. At 4,280 nautical miles long, teams will be tested mentally as well as physically as they adapt to a host of changing sailing and climatic conditions.
Whilst the fleet settles in for the long-haul, Clipper Race Meteorologist Simon Rowell explains that the light conditions that are currently challenging the fleet should remain for the rest of the day but looking ahead, the fleet is likely to encounter some squally conditions over the next 26-48 hours, and should expect to see wind speeds in the 40 knots bracket.
Race 7: The Forever Tropical Paradise Race will finish in Sanya Serenity Marina in Sanya, and the fleet is expected to arrive between 21 - 25 February after roughly 23-27 days at sea.
Warren Jones International Youth Regatta
Click on image for photo gallery.
Blustery and very close racing at the first day of the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta held in Perth waters right in front of the city skyline. A gusty E/SE breeze meant a very tight race track with 250 m legs due to the tight constraints of the busy Perth foreshore.
12 youth teams had to negotiate a number of obstacles around the course including ferries, barges, sand banks, mooring buoys and each other! There were plenty of umpire calls as teams used the boundaries and race management boats to their advantage.
The two teams that did come out best on day 1 of the Round Robins were returning to compete in Perth for a second time. Harry Price and his Down Under Racing Team from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney, was the highest ranked skipper coming in to this regatta and polished off 4 wins with no losses with some comfort. Will Boulden and his Alpha Racing Team from local host club Royal Freshwater Bay YC also finished with a clean sheet of 4 wins and no losses.
Of the visiting international teams, a semi-finalist last year, George Anyon from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, started his regatta strongly with only one loss from 4 matches, going down to James Hodgson and his team from CYCA in Sydney.
Day two of Round Robin racing continues on Tuesday 30 January with a 1230 hrs start time (local Perth time). The forecast is again for E/SE breezes promising some more fast and furious match racing. -- Jonny Fullerton on behalf of Swan River Sailing
Full Standings: www.swanriversailing.com
www.facebook.com/WarrenJonesRegatta/
Scottish Series 2018 open for Entries
The 44th Clyde Cruising Club Scottish Series (25-28 May) is now open for entries with the announcement at the London Boatshow. Set in the magnificent backdrop of Tarbert, Loch Fyne this event makes best use of the end of May Bank Holiday to provide four days of great sailing.
Scottish Series is the largest keelboat regatta in Scotland with 120 entrants in 2017, and for 2018 it will again incorporate the IRC Scottish Championships for which there were 43 entrants last year, making it a significant event in the IRC calendar. And, for those with other interests there are the One Design Classes, Clyde Handicap and White Sail Fleets, so there is definitely something for everyone.
Traditionally the One Design Classes are Sigma 33, Hunter 707 and Sonatas, but any class that can get enough entries will also have their own start. An early-bird discount for entry is available until 11 March (Mothers' Day).
Australia Day Honours for Sailors
The annual Australia Day Honours have recognised members of the sailing community for their contribution and achievements and Australian Sailing congratulates them on their Awards. Life member and former Australian Sailing President, Andrew Plympton has been acknowledged as a Member (AM) in the General Division for significant service to sports administration through governance roles, particularly to sailing and Australian Rules Football.
A passionate sailor, Andrew has been involved with Yachting Australia, now Australian Sailing, for many years including President from 2004-2011 and Director 2003-2011. His unashamed focus on high performance sailing during that time resulted in the establishment of the Australian Sailing Team and he has had a lengthy involvement with the High Performance Advisory Group resulting in success at consecutive Olympic Games. His personal achievements include a World Championship and numerous national and States titles. Andrew received Australian Sailing's President's Award for his contribution to sailing in 2011 and Life Membership in 2016.
Awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM) for service to environmental management and planning, and to the community is Angus Gordon from North Narrabeen. Angus is a former Vice-President and Member, Advisory Committee of Yachting New South Wales; served on Australian Sailing's National Safety Committee from 2012-2016 and member of Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club since 1989 including Commodore (2005-2008) and Board Director (2003-2008).
Recognised as a Member (AM) in the General Division is Professor Norman Saunders for 'significant services to Medicine in the field of neuroscience through research into spinal cord injuries and mechanisms protecting the developing brain, and to sailing'.
Land Rover BAR: Getting Ahead of the Game
Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing, who will be competing this season in the 52 SUPER SERIES, are stepping up their TP52 preparation and training programme as they seek to take full advantage of their proven, successful boat and aim to steal an early-season march on the nine teams that will be launching brand new boats this season.
But while the Land Rover BAR team's alliance with Tony Langley's Gladiator team means that Ainslie and crew will be equipped with the late 2016 launched Botín Partners design, which highlighted its potential by finishing second, tied on points with Azzurra, at 2017's last regatta in Menorca, their challenge is much more about catching up on the finer points of crew work that are so critical in this white-hot grand prix fleet.
Unfortunately, the team have just missed a training period due to bad weather in the UK, but, as Ainslie explains, the foundations of their pre-season prep will be warm-weather racing and training at San Diego Yacht club on Langley's US-based TP52, one of three that the British businessman owns and campaigns.
Land Rover BAR will bring in some of their same core sailing team as competed in Bermuda at the 35th America's Cup, rotating sailors in and out as necessary, mixing with Gladiator regulars like main trimmer Andrew Estcourt and trimmer Jono Swain, who will be paired with Joey Newton. Joe Spooner is named as grinder. Tom Wilson will do pit and run the boat.
While Langley will steer with Ainslie as tactician, Olympic gold medallist Giles Scott supports Ben as strategist, Andy McLean will be navigator, Matt Cornwell is on the bow, and the vastly experienced three-times Cup winner, Jono McBeth will play a key role.
52 Super Series 2018 Calendar:
Sibenik 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week
May 23rd - 27th, Sibenik, Croatia
52 SUPER SERIES Zadar Royal Cup
June 20th - 24th, Zadar, Croatia
ROLEX TP52 World Championship Cascais 2018
July 17th - 21st, Cascais, Portugal
Puerto Portals 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week
August 21st - 25th, Mallorca, Spain
52 SUPER SERIES Valencia Sailing Week
September 18th - 22nd, Valencia, Spain
Ocean Safety's Volvo safety inspections leave nothing to chance
The Volvo fleet is pushing to the limits and that means kit is getting tested, knocked, wet. The safety equipment provided by Ocean Safety is no exception and, although most of it is hopefully never called into use, it needs to be ready to go at a second's notice.
That's why two safety experts from Ocean Safety, Alistair Hackett and Steve Bockett, will be at the dockside at the Auckland half way stage after leg 6 to welcome the boats in and check over the all-important deck mounted Ultralite liferafts, Jonbuoy recovery modules and flares to make sure that all the components are still in top condition. They'll carry out servicing to any piece of safety equipment that needs it or any items that have been used.
Ocean Safety has provided the inventory of safety equipment to the Volvo Race for the fifth consecutive time. The new SOLAS Ultralite liferafts were developed especially for the race to reduce weight by over 20%.
Alistair Hackett of Ocean Safety comments "Our Auckland Servicing programme complements the strong relationship that we have developed over the years, supplying safety training programmes and quality products."
The yachts are expected to arrive in Auckland around 27th February 2018.
Benefits of govt's America's Cup plan evaporating
Design changes to the government's alternative plan for an America's Cup village in Auckland appear to be eroding the "point of difference" it originally had.
Auckland Council on Tuesday starts the planning process for its preferred village option, with the clock ticking on cabinet minister David Parker's determined bid to find an alternative.
Mr Parker wears two hats: as the Minister for Economic Development and Minister for the Environment, with the latter being the hat that seems to fit best in this pressured scenario.
He is mostly unhappy that the council proposal involves extending Halsey Street wharf by 75m, Hobson Wharf by 74m, and a narrow extension on Wynyard Wharf.
Mr Parker opposes the encroachment of piled-wharf construction over the open water of the inner port area to accommodate the sailing regatta planned for the summer of 2020/2021.
Over the summer however, the wharf extensions in government's own plan have grown: on Halsey Street Wharf from 15 to 25 metres, with Hobson Wharf as large as in the council option, and with some bases on Wynyard Point.
Mr Parker continues to argue that the Wynyard Point plan, which puts more bases on existing land, would be cheaper but updated costings have not been released.
Wynyard Point was originally costed at $16 million less that the council option's $128 million, and that was before government officials found that their Halsey Street wharf extension would have to grow by two-thirds.
Seahorse Sailor Of The Month
Last month's winner:
Jorg Riechers (GER)
'What a big honour to be nominated. When I was young Seahorse was my bible; so come on, guys, vote for me if you like me and if you do not like me then you are welcome to vote for me too' - Jorg Riechers! 'Give him a good budget and he will bring fresh air into every singlehanded class' - Patrik Mas; 'Bravo, Jorg, be successful with your rebuilt Imoca' - Sylvie Viant; 'Wunderbar, wunderbar' - Pierre Louis Attwell; 'Passion and love for sailing plus that belief that things can always happen!' - Doerte Dahm.
This month's nominees:
Montel Fagan -Jordan (GBR)
Seventy three per cent of pupils at London's Greig City Academy are categorised as 'disadvantaged' so when sixth form head Jon Holt started a sailing programme in 2013 it was a brave move. Last year Montel's young crew completed the Fastnet Race on the IOR racer Scaramouche. To get there Montel had delivered more than 50 fundraising talks... receiving support and mentoring along the way from his own sailing hero Lawrie Smith
Morten Brandt Rasmussen (DEN)
This year will see the fourth Silverrudder solo race in Denmark, launched by Rasmussen back in 2015. Every year the event's escalating fleet limit has been reached within hours of entries opening - this year 452 boats confirmed before noon on the first day of registration. Now Rasmussen has launched a new event, the Vegvisir Race, which in year one is outperforming the Silverrudder at a similar stage - before the end of January
Seahorse Sailor of the Month is sponsored by Henri Lloyd, Harken McLube & Dubarry. Who needs silverware, our prizes are usable!
Cast your vote, submit comments, even suggest a candidate for next month at seahorsemagazine.com/sailor-of-the-month/vote-for-sailor-of-the-month
View past winners of Sailor of the Month
Donald Crowhurst biopic The Mercy trailer
The much awaited film, The Mercy, which stars Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz as Donald and Clare Crowhurst, opens nationwide on 9 February. -- Katy Stickland
Industry News
A record 247,000 visitors from 94 countries attended boot Dusseldorf this year - a 2.1% increase over last year's edition and proof that the German trade show is the biggest event of its kind. Held from January 20-28 in 16 halls at the Messe Dusseldorf exhibition centre, the show attracted 1,923 exhibitors spread over a 220,000sq m area of space.
There was an increase in the number of international visitors too. The countries from which most visitors came were the Netherlands, followed by Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and France. Most of the trade visitors from overseas came from the US, China and Australia.
----------------------------------------------
Danish boating magazines merge
Denmark's Badmagasinet has acquired BadNyt from parent company Nordjyske Medier and is planning to merge the two publications to form one printed boating magazine.
The first issue of the newly merged magazine will be published before Easter. BadNyt and Badmagasinet will then co-produce one issue monthly.
"We will take the best from two good magazines," editor-in-chief Soren Overup told baadmagasinet.dk. "That gives us the possibility to focus on high quality and good variation.
"Together with a good mix of content the readers will get the best of the best from our magazines," he adds.
All subscribers of the two magazines will receive the new, merged version. -- Lars-ake Redéen
----------------------------------------------
North Sails today announced that Quinten ("Quinny") Houry has resigned from Doyle Palma and has joined North Sails. Furthermore, Doyle Palma informed North Sails that they have given notice to Doyle Sails International LTD to terminate their license agreement. The former Doyle Palma business will become a wholly owned loft within the North Sails Group once the 90 days notice period has been completed.
Quinny is part of dynamic team of experts including Fiona Bruce and Russell Thom, all of whom are amongst the leaders in their fields within the Superyacht community. The consolidation of operations, personnel, and expertise in Palma strengthens North Sails presence in the heart of the European Superyacht community.
----------------------------------------------
Peters & May Group has acquired Worldwide Yacht Shipping and Transport Partners as it expands across the Middle East, Far East and US.
Worldwide Yacht Shipping is already a strong player across the Middle East, while Transport Partners and its subsidiaries is thought to be the second largest shipper of boats worldwide from the US.
Transport Partners is headed up by Wim Spinhoven and specialises in yacht and boat shipping and any other oversized cargo delivery. It is headquartered in the Netherlands, with an affiliated office in Charleston, South Carolina, US and a further seven Asia offices through Transport Partners (Asia).
Royal Marine Packing, a subsidiary of Transport Partners, is located in Charleston and specialises in the packing and transportation of boats. The acquisition will offer Peters & May freight packing and cradling facilities, alongside safe warehousing for cargo.
Featured Brokerage
2011 AkilariaRC2 GryphonSolo2. 240,000 USD Located in Portland, Maine, USA
GryphonSolo2 Designed by Marc Lombard, this 2014 Atlantic Cup winner is a great all-around performer with exceptionally fast reaching capabilities.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Contact Andrew Sheriff, CPYB
Dion's Yacht Yard, Salem MA
978-985-7077 mobile
-----------------------------------------
Ker 40+ - PACE. 575,000 GBP. Located in Cowes, UK.
PACE is an incredibly well sorted and maintained modified Ker 40+. She has many modifications to the original design making her significantly faster, but without incurring a large handicap increase. National Champion in the Fast 40+ fleet, she wants for nothing, with a fresh wardrobe of sails and turnkey. Perfect yacht for the Fast 40+ fleet or any IRC / ORC regatta.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Ben Cooper
+44 (0) 1590 679 222
-----------------------------------------
2006 GP42 - Wan Ma Rang. 200000 USD. Located in Thailand.
"Wan Ma Rang" is a well optimised and cared for GP42 design, that offers huge potential under IRC and ORC racing, through a wide range of wind conditions. Continually upgraded throughout her life.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
+44 2380 016582
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
We were young, we were foolish, we were arrogant, but we were right. -- Daniel Ellsberg
Editorial and letter submissions to
Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html