In This Issue
A navigation mistake at first Gate of Lanzarote
Exciting First Days Of The Bermuda To Hamburg AAR Race
UBS 20th Jersey Regatta
Sail Melbourne International Entries Open
Plastic Is Killing our Oceans - The Issues, Facts, and Possible Solutions
Industry News
Featured Brokerage
The Last Word: Sylvia Beach
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
A navigation mistake at first Gate of Lanzarote
He is still in first place, but French Golden Globe Race leader Philippe Peche threw away a hard-fought 3½ hour lead at the first gate in this 30,000 mile solo non-stop round the world race today after mistaking the lighthouse marking the southern end of Lanzarote today.
It was not until his Rustler 36 PRB had reached the northern tip of Fuerteventura in the Canaries that the Frenchman realised his mistake and had to turn back into the wind and beat the 7 miles Marina Rubicon at the southern end of Lanzarote,
Why he missed the lighthouse's distinctive pattern of flashes in the early dawn is not fully explained. If he had done so, Peche would have rounded the the mandatory turning mark at 06:30. Instead, it was 10:30 before he had passed across his film and letters to waiting organisers and had set off again.
This time wasting closed the gap between himself and second placed Mark Slats and his Rustler 36 Ohpen Maverick to little more than 9 miles.
Third placedv Frenchman Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, sailing the Rustler 36, Matmut a further 6 miles behind was equally delighted with the news. The 73 year-old, who has five previous circumnavigations under his belt, said, "I'm very comfortable with my position. This is a long race, and to win,you first have to finish."
Fourth placed Norwegian Are Wiig sailing his OE 32 Olleanna, one of the smallest in the fleet of 16 yachts, was 75 miles behind the leader holding a 20 mile lead on 5th place British sailor Susie Goodall (Rustler 36 DHL Starlight) are expected to round the Marina Rubicon mark during the night with the remaining fleet following on Friday and Saturday
The next compulsory turning gate is off Hobart Tasmania
GGR Leader board: 15:30 UTC 12.07.18
1. Philippe Peche (FRA) Rustler 36 PRB 23 600 miles to the finish
2. Mark Slats (FRA) - Rustler 36 Ohpen Maverick + 9 miles
3. Jean-Luc Van den Heede (FRA) Rustler 36 Matmut + 15 miles
4. Are Wiig (NOR) OE32 Olleanna + 75 milles
5. Susie Goodall (GBR) Rustler 36 DHL Starlight + 95 miles
Fleet Tracking: goldengloberace.com/livetracker/
Mobile tracking APP: www.ybtracking.com/race-app.php
Exciting First Days Of The Bermuda To Hamburg AAR Race
The first days of the Atlantic Anniversary Regatta's final leg were truly breathtaking: After Line Honours favourite Rambler 88 had to retire from the race due to a rudder issue, Varuna and Malizia - Yacht Club Monaco rose up to the challenge of taking Line Honours. Meanwhile, the Class 40 division is having its own shake-up: RED, who is currently second after Class 40 Eärendil, suffered a rudder damage as well. The entire fleet's forecast skills were challenged by Hurricane 'Chris', who temporarily increased his speed to about 30 knots.
In the early morning hours of July 12, Rambler 88 arrived safely in Newport, RI (USA). The 88ft Maxi had to retire on July 10 when she lost her port rudder after contact with an unidentified object in the water.
Rambler 88 dominated the fleet on the water right from the start. While sympathizing with Rambler's early retirement, her return to the US East Coast also opened a window of opportunity for the remaining fleet. Ker 56 Varuna and IMOCA 60 Malizia - Yacht Club Monaco are continuing their epic battle for the top podium spots.
At times, the two yachts seemed to be almost overlapping on the YB Tracker, pacing through the waves with 18 to 19 knots boat speed, bow-to-bow in true match-racing style. Varuna is currently leading in IRC Zero, whilst Malizia - Yacht Club Monaco has overtaken them on the water (at the time of writing at 03:00pm UTC). With more than 1,800nm to go until the finish line, their fight on the water is promising to be an epic battle until the last moment. One milestone on their route to success will be the estimated passing of the modified Swan 441R Best Buddies, which had started in a special division six days prior to the main fleet, and is just about 200nm ahead on the water.
For Mathias Müller von Blumencron, German skipper of Class 40 RED, the journey home might be a bit longer than expected, having lost their left rudder fitting after contact with an unidentified floating object on July 11. This has forced them to navigate towards the Azores for a pit-stop and the necessary repairs. In the meantime, the experienced crew was able to put a nut from the railpost above the broken end, fix the fitting and get the rudderbolts into the water. Despite heavy swell, they were back to normal twin-rudder boat mode in record speed.
With this temporary solution, plans had to be changed: "On the way to Europe we would encounter the fronts of Chris, winds up to 35 knots. Not a good option. So we decided to go towards the Azores, only 950 miles away. The routing promised fair weather and fair winds all the way to the islands", says Müller von Blumencron. "[...] We had to give up our spot in the race which started so promising for us.". But RED is still ahead of Class 40 Iskareen, and not giving up yet: "In the evening the dolphins were playing around the boat. We took this as a sign of sympathy and encouragement."
UBS 20th Jersey Regatta
Scheduled for 14th to 16th September and sponsored for the sixth year running by UBS AG Jersey, this year sees the 20th edition of the combined clubs' Jersey Regatta, the Island's 'flagship' sailing event.
The Regatta schedule provides racing for sportsboat, IRC and NHC cruiser/racer, Quarter Ton, dayboat, dinghy, sport catamaran and windsurfer classes, a veritable 'catch-all for both local and visiting sailors alike.
In this special year, the Regatta programme will include:
- The fifth Spinlock IRC Channel Islands Regional Championships for IRC-rated Classes 1 & 2 cruiser/racers and
- The British Kona One Windsurfer Championship
The event opens on the Thursday evening with a welcoming reception followed by a coastal race for the sportsboat and cruiser/racer classes on Friday morning. Saturday and Sunday sees these classes racing in and off St Aubin's Bay over round-the-cans and Olympic-type courses. The 'small boat' classes race over Olympic-type courses entirely within this beautiful Bay.
As ever, Jersey Marinas will be providing complimentary berthing for competitors during the lead-up to and throughout the Regatta whilst Condor Ferries is offering discounted boat, trailer and passenger fares on all routes to those competitors wishing to ship their boats to the Island to join the event.
The Regatta is an open event to which visiting boats are assured of a very warm welcome.
The Notice of Race is available in the clubs and on www.jerseyregatta.com. Entry is 'on-line' with enticingly low entry fees made even more attractive with an 'early bird' fee for those entering no later than 6th August. The definitive closing date is 7th September.
For further information, e-mail or call the Regatta office, 00 44 (0) 1534 732229.
Sail Melbourne International Entries Open
Entries are now open for the 2018 Sail Melbourne International to be hosted out of Royal Brighton Yacht Club on the shores of Port Philip Bay from 12 December through to 16 December 2018.
The Notice of Race and online entry system as well as many other regatta details have now gone live on the Event's website at www.sailmelbourne.com.au
The 2018 Sail Melbourne International will also be hosted in conjunction with the inaugural Australian Para Championships.
The Invited, Junior, Youth and Para classes will again have the unique opportunity of mixing and competing alongside their Olympic heroes, providing a fantastic inspirational pathway for up and coming passionate young sailors.
The event will be held at Royal Brighton Yacht Club and will be raced in a split format with four days of racing for the Olympic Classes (Wed 12th to Sun 16th Dec) and three days (Thurs 13th to Sun 16th Dec) for the majority of the Invited Classes.
Classes for 2018 are:
Olympic Classes
Laser (Standard)
Laser (Radial)
Finn
470
49er
49erFX
Nacra 17
RSX (9.5m2)
RSX (8.5m2)
Invited Classes
2.4mR
SKUD 18
Hansa 303 One Person
Hansa 303 Two Person
Laser 4.7
International 420 Dinghy
International 29er
Nacra 15
Optimist (Open & Intermediate)
Bic Techno 293/Plus
OK Dinghy
Waszp
Plastic Is Killing our Oceans - The Issues, Facts, and Possible Solutions
Approximately 40% of the world's 7.6 billion people live within 62 miles (100km) of an ocean coast. For the other 60%, some of whom may never have even seen an ocean, the seas still play a vital role in their lives.
Oil and consumer goods are moved around the world on vast ships, keeping the wheels of commerce, and vehicles, turning. Most importantly, the ocean is vital to the food chain.
Unfortunately, we collectively treat the oceans worse than most of us treat the inside of our cars. Every year, anywhere from about 8 to 12 million US tons of plastic end up in the world's oceans.
For perspective, that's close to three times as heavy as all the elephants on Earth combined.
The scale of the problem is enormous, but it's not a lost cause. Just like when your dentist says you can avoid further problems with your gums if you brush better and floss often, a change in how we live could be the catalyst for cleaner oceans in the future.
Read on to learn about the true scope of the issue, why plastics in our oceans are such a problem, why we at itsafishthing.com are so concerned, and why you should be too.
www.itsafishthing.com/plastic-in-the-ocean/
Industry News
The Atlantic Anniversary Regatta (AAR) will be a pinnacle event for German Yachting in 2018. In this series, we present supporters of the AAR who help creating this great event in celebration of the NRVs 150th Anniversary.
When it comes to shipbuilding and craftsmanship, Lürssen is among the most well-known companies for bespoke luxury yachts worldwide.
Founded in 1875, Lürssen is on top of its game of custom-built superyachts through the combination of German engineering and extraordinary craftsmanship. The family-owned yard in Bremen, Germany has been associated with some of the most spectacular build-projects both in the history and in present age of the yachting industry and thus holds a distinct maritime heritage.
"The Lürssen-Family is building yachts since 143 years and maintains eight state-of-the-art shipyards in North Germany. Lürssen has achieved several milestones in the yachting history like the world's first boat propelled by an internal combustion engine in 1886. In 1911, Lürssen did win the Champion of the Sea race in Monaco and set a new world speed record with the Lürssen-Daimler. Many milestones followed. The Atlantic Anniversary Regatta celebrates the 150th anniversary of the NRV. Lürssen and the AAR make a perfect match when it comes to the conversation of values", said Sylke auf dem Graben, PR & Marketing Manager of Lürssen.
A goodie-bag filled with useful helpers will be presented to the yachts prior to the start in Bermuda. After the finish, every competitor will receive a unique AAR/Lürssen bag, which not only serves as a souvenir but is also a proud proof to have participated in this spectacular regatta.
www.lurssen.com
www.facebook.com/Lurssenyachts
Instagram.com/LuerssenYachts
Youtube.com/luerssenyachtsgermany
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Groupe Beneteau reports they have become the majority shareholder with a 60% stake in the Slovenian company Seascape which specialized in designing, building, and marketing performance sailing yachts.
Seascape's founders, Andraz Mihelin and Kristian Hajnšek, will continue alongside the Group and retain 40% of the capital. Seascape will be included in the Group's scope from its acquisition date on July 9, 2018.
"Our acquisition of a stake in Seascape will enable us to offer a selection of small sailing yachts designed for both novice sailors and enthusiasts, often younger and first-time buyers," explains Herve Gastinel, Groupe Beneteau CEO.
Founded in 2008 by two Mini Transat Class sailors, Seascape has in just 10 years become a leader in the transportable performance cruiser segment. With their innovative design and advanced ergonomics, these affordable performance sailing yachts combine great sensations and speed with easy use and simple transportation. They offer multi-functional and adaptable designs, covering a range of sailing programs, from regattas to family trips and raid events.
"Our commitment to our Seascape owners and community remains the same: we will continue to develop sailing boats, events and services in line with the spirit that has been central to our brand's success, while benefiting from Groupe Beneteau's global scale and expertise," notes Andraž Mihelin, Seascape CEO.
Seascape currently offers four models, from 4.3 to 8m, designed by Sam Manuard. The yard generated revenues of €4.2 million in 2017. This acquisition is in line with the strategy to ramp up the product range with Groupe Beneteau's Transform to Perform strategic plan. It will further strengthen the Group's global leadership in the liveaboard monohull sailing segment by including performance cruisers.
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The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has announced the appointment of Howard Pridding in the role of interim Director of External Affairs.
No stranger to recreational boating, Pridding previously worked in a variety of roles at British Marine for over 27 years and served as Chief Executive for more than five of those. Having taken the decision to seek new opportunities, Pridding is joining the RYA later this month and will head up the Cruising, Legal and Government Affairs division.
In his new role, Pridding will work closely with the Chief Executive and senior management team to ensure that recreational boating interests are represented effectively and that Government, in all its forms, takes full account of the sector's activities when balancing competing interests. The role has been appointed for an interim period of six months to enable a review of the existing structure and accountabilities of the Cruising, Legal and Government Affairs team.
The Director of External Affairs role also has an ambassadorial role as spokesperson for the recreational boating industry, the RYA's 111,000 valued members, and the organisation.
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The Yacht Racing Forum is pleased to announce a three years partnership with Gunboat, a very dynamic and innovative company that focuses on high-tech yet confortable cruise-racing catamarans.
Founded in 2002 and owned by Grand Large Yachting, Gunboat has established itself as the gold standard for cruising catamarans. The brand offers Grand Prix monohull performance with the space, comfort, and volume of a cat, and the seaworthiness to handle the toughest blue water passages. Gunboat leads this specific market, thanks amongst others to the new Gunboat 68; a boat that combines luxury, performance and refinement.
Gunboat will showcase their latest productions during the next Yacht Racing Forum, and actively participate in the Design & Technology Symposium, discussing the trickle down effects from the America's Cup and other top level sailing events on production boats.
The Yacht Racing Forum is the leading annual conference for the business of sailing and yacht racing. The event will take place on October 22-23, 2018 in Brittany, in the town of Lorient, at the heart of the mythical Sailing Valley, one of the world's most dynamic venues for the sport and the industry of sailing and yacht racing.
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An aspiring chef has been selected as the second beneficiary of a maritime education scholarship co-funded by Sailors' Society and Garrets International, and administered by Homer Foundation.
Kristina Kamatoy, 18, from Quezon in The Philippines, was awarded the scholarship to train at the Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA) in Manila. The Sailors' Society - Homer Foundation Scholarship enables Filipino students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue culinary careers in the shipping industry.
Kristina said: "This scholarship will serve as a stepping stone for me to become a successful chef on board a ship, see the world and secure a stable job that will help me to extend my hand for my family. I'm so grateful to Garrets International and Sailors' Society for this opportunity to fulfil my dream and reach my full potential as a chef."
Garrets International, the leading provisions and stores management partner to the global shipping community, and maritime charity Sailors' Society will provide funding to support Kristina's living costs for the duration of the one-year course.
www.sailors-society.org/ourprojects/nautical-education/
Featured Brokerage
2013 NOMAD IV. 5,900,000 EUR. Located in South France.
NOMAD IV is a fantastic sailing yacht that functions superbly for either racing or cruising. She is built entirely out of carbon by the famous shiphard Maxi Dolphin in Italy from a design from the well-known architects Finot Conq. NOMAD IV is a 100ft extrapolation from the Vendée Globe Imoca 60,
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Bernard Gallay Yacht Brokerage
www.bernard-gallay.com
Tel +33 (0)467 66 39 93
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2012 PRINCE DE BRETAGNE. 1,200,000 EUR. Located in Brittany, France.
PRINCE DE BRETAGNE II is an Ultim Maxi 80 trimaran born from an extrapolation of the Orma 60 trimaran Sodebo skipped by Thomas Coville. PRINCE DE BRETAGNE II is a 24 m long trimaran with the weight of a 18 m long trimaran. Therefore, she is much more seaworthy specially for single handed races.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Bernard Gallay Yacht Brokerage
www.bernard-gallay.com
Tel +33 (0)467 66 39 93
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2012 Morelli Melvin 33 foiler - "FOILED" Modified SL33. 235000 EUR. Located in Auckland,
"FOILED" is a custom built, fully foiling cat, using the hulls from the hugely successful SL33 Class. Above and below the waterline, she has been further developed in EVERY department, making her probably the fastest 30 footer in the world today. Upgraded foil package allowing upwind foiling >12kt
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
+64 277733717
+44 2380 016582
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
Fitting people with books is about as difficult as fitting them with shoes. -- Sylvia Beach
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