In This Issue
• Game on for national selection: 49er, 49erFX and NACRA 17 Worlds
• Laser Standard World Championship
• Winter Refits, Essential Work Ahead Of The Vendee Globe
• Make your website an 'installable' web app
• Dennis the Menace says No to the Oxford Blue
• Round Ireland Yacht Race Entries Already Going Big On Size & Variety
• Entries are Open for The International Paint Poole Regatta 2020
• Brewin Dolphin RS Elite International Grand Prix
• Jean-Luc Van Den Heede Winner of 2019 Blue Water Medal
• Successful rehearsal for the SB20 World Championship 2021 in Singapore
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Swan 45-030 Yes Too
• • SB20
• • Volvo Open 70 - Ocean Breeze
• The Last Word: Buckaroo Banzai

Brought to you by Seahorse magazine and YachtScoring.com EuroSail News 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

Game on for national selection: 49er, 49erFX and NACRA 17 Worlds
Gold fleet racing kicked off at the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 2020 World Championship in Australia, a benchmark regatta for those countries still to select their representatives for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Five-time 49er world champions Peter Burling and Blair Tuke from New Zealand have fallen to second in the men's skiff competition by two points, the Austrians Benjamin Bildstein and David Hussl the new number ones two days out from the final finish line.

Nacra 17
Australians siblings Nathan and Haylee Outteridge continue to show their mettle, moving into the top spot in the Nacra 17. Their national teammates, Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin (AUS), are also vying for a country spot for Tokyo 2020 and closing in at this world championship, now third overall.

Sandwiched between the two country contenders are the Brits, John Gimson and Anna Burnet.

The Nacra 17 fleet of 34 will be whittled down to 10 teams for the medal race on Saturday February 15, 2020.

49erFX: Spanish Redemption
Second by two points in the 49erFX is Spain's Tamara Echegoyen, the 2016 World Champion with a different crew, and Paula Barcelo. The duo sailed through injury at the 2019 worlds and suffered, only managing a silver fleet finish. With the pressure of the Spanish trials on, these champions are in contention for the lead and are looking to give the Spanish selectors a hard choice.

In a similar situation is Anne-Julie Schutt and Iben Nielsby (DEN). They are in a tight domestic selection fight for the second straight Olympiad, and continue to sail at the highest level.

With a one-point lead in the 49erFX are Charlotte Dobson and Saskia Tidey (GBR).

Two days remain before the 2020 World Champions in all three classes reveal themselves - and country selectors are watching. Nations like Italy, Australia and New Zealand have to keep the mindset of their sailors strong and the team cooperating, while at the same time scrutinizing each and every result at this last major championship prior to the Olympic Games. Battles are getting heated.

The morning session of three races for the Nacras and 49erFXs was punctuated by the waiting game while the ENE breeze transitioned to a very pleasant afternoon of summer sunshine, giving the 49ers the best conditions of the day - SSE 8-10 knots.

The live telecast continues on Friday February 14.

49er.org/event/2020-world-championship/

Weather and sailors on best behaviour as Buhl shines at Laser Standard World Championship
A glorious Melbourne day with clear blue skies and a challenging wind from the south-east greeted sailors on the final day of qualifying at the ILCA Laser Standard Men's World Championship at Sandringham Yacht Club.

The sailors responded with good behaviour on the start line and, in contrast to the previous day's black flags and general recalls, all three fleets got away cleanly whenever they came under starter's orders.

All six races of the qualifying series have now been sailed and the fleets will be split into Gold, Silver and Bronze for the remaining three days of the championship, meaning the top 40 placed sailors will come together for the first time in the regatta.

Five Bullets

Philipp Buhl (GER) leads at the half-way mark after another superb display of Laser sailing. Buhl finished fourth in the first race of the championship, but the German has now recorded five consecutive bullets to go into Gold Fleet with a remarkable 5 points after discarding his worst result.

Unfortunately, the forecast for the first day of Gold Fleet sailing is not encouraging. There is likely to be little wind, but with thunderstorms and rain showers expected to sweep across the course area.

To date race management has been excellent, getting two races in on each of the three days despite a wide variety of wind strengths and directions. They will certainly be tested tomorrow, but while the forecast for Saturday is also for rain, the wind should be stronger and from the south.

Provisional results after 6 races:
1. Philipp Buhl, GER, 6 points
2. Jean Baptiste Bernaz, FRA, 8
3. Tonci Stipanovic, CRO, 12
4. Matt Wearn, AUS, 16
5. Luke Elliott, AUS, 17
6. Filip Jurisic, CRO, 18
7. Michael Beckett, GBR, 18
8. Sam Meech, NZL, 21
9. Thomas Saunders, NZL, 21
10. Rutger Van Schaardenburg, NED, 21

Results can be found at sailingresults.net/?ID=80326

Winter Refits, Essential Work Ahead Of The Vendee Globe
In about three months, the IMOCAs embark on what is their last stretch before the before the Vendee Globe. First is the Transat CIC which races from Brest to Charleston before the New York Vendee which races back across the Atlantic to Les Sables d'Olonne in June. So there are two major solo transatlantic races on which to validate (or not) the major changes made this winter, and only the summer to make any very late changes.

As they prep for the Vendee Globe the teams are hard at in the yards all over France and northern Europe, looking to make as many changes as their budgets stretch too and the design of their IMOCAs allow.

A protected cockpit becomes more and more necessary

As the new generation of foiling IMOCAs will average much higher speeds the days are long gone from when the intrepid solo skipper could steer at the helm of his or her monohull for hours in the big South. The faster the boat goes, the more important the protection of the skipper is.

The ultimate solution so far is to fully enclose the cockpit, as initiated for this Vendee Globe 2020 by Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) and Charlie Dalin (APIVIA). Now several teams are following this initiative Fabrice Amedeo (Newrest Art et Fenetres), Louis Burton (Bureau Vallee), Jeremie Beyou (Charal) have all now opted for complete or almost completely enclosed cockpits.

Others have chosen to better protect themselves: lowering the floor and extending the cockpit are among the solutions of Alan Roura (La Fabrique), Alexia Barrier (4myPlanet), Damien Seguin (Apicil Group) and even Thomas Ruyant wih his new boat (Advens for Cybersecurity) and Sam Davies (Heart Initiatives) have chosen what they think represents the best possible compromise between effective protection of the skipper but still true to their desire to stay in direct touch with the elements.

More on winter IMOCA work:
www.vendeeglobe.org

Make your website an 'installable' web app
In 2020 it's all about the mobile experience for the web. Google engineers developed and released code for "Progressive Web Apps" that turn a website into a hybrid of mobile and app. Items get stored in your device for fast loading (even loading with no internet connection). Add an app icon to your home screen. No need to make separate apps for Apple and Android, the web again becomes the great equalizer. There's even support for laptop and desktop screens. Your website works exactly as before on older browsers or if not 'installed'.

We've developed code specifically for Wordpress and Joomla based sites. Some of our recent work:

Snipe Class
NYYC Foundation
JBoats
ILYA
WSSRC

The cost depends on the size of your site and a few other factors... but will be under 500 GBP. Interested? Contact David McCreary at or

Dennis the Menace says No to the Oxford Blue
Following fast on the tail of Storm Ciara, this weekend's heinous forecast and the dreaded arrival of Storm Dennis has forced the cancellation of the Oxford Blue, what would have been the final event of the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series...

With deteriorating weather forecasts for Saturday and the imminent arrival of Storm Dennis, Oxford SC have reluctantly decided to cancel the 2020 Oxford Blue. What would have been the final event of this season's barnstorming Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series will not go ahead, but the champions after seven events will be crowned on 29 February, Saturday morning of the RYA Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace.

With more than 120 entries already signed up to compete on Farmoor Reservoir this weekend, it would have been a dramatic conclusion to the Series. But Storm Dennis looks set to hit at just the wrong time, and with the hard-sided concrete walls of Farmoor Reservoir there would have been a high risk of damage and injury to any boats and sailors that lost control in the windy conditions.

All competitors who entered online will receive a refund by the end of this month.

Meanwhile the winners of the overall series and the many different category winners will be announced in the coming days. Sailors have enjoyed some of the best racing of their lives, with the Tiger Trophy being a high point for those that survived such a challenging day. Here's some great video of the action at Rutland, with thanks to Jon Williams who filmed it:

The prizegiving for the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series takes place at 1015am soon after doors open on Saturday morning of the RYA Dinghy Show.

www.SailJuiceSeries.com

Round Ireland Yacht Race Entries Already Going Big On Size & Variety
It may be only mid-February, but entries for the 704-mile 40th Anniversary 21st edition SSE Renewables Round Ireland Yacht Race from Wicklow on June 20th are already on the two dozen mark, and the fleet is remarkable for its variety of size and type, writes WM Nixon.

In an initial lineup which has 15 boats from outside Ireland, the most exotic has to be Neptune 3 from Malta, the 26-metre alloy Fitzroy cutter (with Judel Vrolik input) which is skippered by Greg Miller.

Another biggie is the former Volvo 70, Telefonica Black, while smallest is the First 310 More Mischief, just 9.15 metres long and entered by Grzegorz Kalinecki of Dun Laoghaire. At the moment there's only one J/109, Outrajeous from Howth entered by Johnny Murphy, who co-owns her with ICRA Commodore Richard Colwell, but doubtless others of this famous marque will throw their hat into the ring in due course.

Paul O'Higgins' otherwise all-conquering JPK 10.80 Rockabill VI (RIYC) is down to go for her third campaign in a circuit where victory has eluded her so persistently - despite conspicuous successes in every other offshore competition - that it's all beginning to be reminiscent of Saoirse Ronan and the Oscars...

afloat.ie/sail/

Entries are Open for The International Paint Poole Regatta 2020
Enter the International Paint Poole Regatta today at pooleregatta.co.uk. Competitive racing across 17 classes will be taking place from 23rd to 25th May 2020 in scenic Poole Bay and Harbour.

With 4 National Championships, the Spinlock IRC Southern Area Championship, Race Circuit Rounds for the Fast40+, Performance 40 and IC37 fleets, alongside class starts for the Quarter Ton and one design yachts including J80s, J24s and new RS21s, everyone should be looking forward to three great days of action on and off the water. Over twenty years The Poole Regat-ta has become renowned for excellent race management with professional and amateur sailors racing alongside each other on five dedicated race courses.

Over 160 yachts are expected to once again race for one of the most historic trophies in yacht racing, the coveted Canford Cup, dating from 1849 and awarded at the modern Poole Regatta since 2016 after being rediscovered and purchased at auction in 2015.

The International Paint Poole Regatta is also renowned for its welcoming pre and post race so-cials hosted by the combined yacht clubs of Poole. On Friday night the Competitors Reception allows crew to mingle prior to racing, whilst post racing socials and prize givings at Poole and Parkstone Yacht Clubs on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday enable everyone to relax with friendly banter after the days' action.

For those looking to travel from further afield and race at both The International Paint Poole Regatta and The Round the Island Race, special berthing offers and feeder race access has been arranged for a seamless experience. If you have never competed at Poole Regatta make sure not to miss out this year.

"The International Paint Poole Regatta only takes place once every two years, and if it hasn't come on your radar before then I highly recommend you try to fit this into your schedule for 2020" Mark Jardine - Managing Editor - yachtsandyachting.com

Brewin Dolphin RS Elite International Grand Prix
The RS Elite Association is pleased to announce Brewin Dolphin as the Headline Sponsor for the Brewin Dolphin RS Elite International Grand Prix, to be held at the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes from 9th to 12th July 2020. The event incorporates the RS Elite UK National Championship and an International Invitational Regatta. It is set to be the largest RS Elite event to date with a projected entry of up to 60 boats, with entries expected from the UK, Guernsey, Germany, Norway, Italy, Australia and the USA.

The RS Elite Class held a highly successful National Championship at the Royal Yacht Squadron in 2012, when there were in excess of 40 entries. Since then, the Class has grown in the UK and internationally. The 2020 Brewin Dolphin RS Elite International Grand Prix will be a showcase for the boat, which is known for highly competitive sailing by top sailors who include Olympic medallists and World Champions. The Class looks forward to returning to the Royal Yacht Squadron, where it can expect superb race management and excellent social events.

www.rselite.org
rys.org.uk

Cruising Club of America Names Jean-Luc Van Den Heede as Winner of 2019 Blue Water Medal
Jean-Luc Van Den Heede is the recipient of the Cruising Club of America's 2019 Blue Water Medal, awarded for his achievements in single-handed sailing. Most notable among his accomplishments are six solo circumnavigations, including victory in the 2018 Golden Globe Race and setting the world record for fastest west-about circumnavigation.

The Cruising Club of America (CCA) established the Blue Water Medal in 1923 to reward "meritorious seamanship and adventure upon the sea." Previous winners include Eric Tabarly, Sir Francis Chichester, Bernard Moitessier, Rod Stephens, and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Born in France in 1945, Van Den Heede completed two Mini Transat races in 1977 and 1979 before sailing his first solo circumnavigation in the 1986 BOC Challenge Race. He placed second in his class of 40-50 foot yachts, covering the four legs of the race in 161 days. He followed this achievement by entering in the inaugural Vendee Globe. This solo round-the-world race was founded by Van Den Heede's fellow competitor in the BOC Challenge (and winner of the 50-60 foot class), Philippe Jeantot, who wished to create a non-stop race that would be the ultimate test of an individual's endurance at sea. Van Den Heede finished third, completing the race in 112 days.

With the first Vendee Globe, Van Den Heede, formerly a mathematics teacher, decided to devote his life to sailing. He entered the second Vendee Globe in 1992 and finished second. Soon thereafter he entered in the inaugural Transat Jacques Vabre, following the historic coffee route from France to South America. While this has been a two-handed competition since 1995, the first race, from Le Havre to Cartagena (Colombia) in 1993, was for solo sailors. Van Den Heede placed fourth. In 1994-5, Van Den Heede was again racing in the BOC Challenge, in the 50-60 foot yacht class, this time placing third. He competed in the single-handed Route du Rhum transatlantic race in 1998, after which he began attempts to beat the record for the fastest east-to-west circumnavigation.

Van Den Heede won the Golden Globe Race on January 29, 2019, having been at sea 212 days aboard Matmut, his Rustler 36. He did so despite a capsize in the Pacific which required that he repair his rigging. Of the 18 entrants in the race, only five finished; of those who retired, five were dismasted. In winning the Golden Globe, Van Den Heede took over from Sir Robin Knox-Johnston as the oldest sailor to complete a solo round-the-world race. Reflecting on the race, he commented that morale is more important than physical strength.

cruisingclub.org/about

Successful rehearsal for the SB20 World Championship 2021 in Singapore
Photo by Anna Zykova. Click on image for photo gallery.

The SB20 Asian Grand Slam Week from 5-9 February 2020 at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove has been a great practice regatta for the SB20 World Championship 2021. Two regattas were arranged back to back, with 9 teams competing in the Singapore National Championship and a record breaking 25 teams in the Asia Pacific Championship.

During five days of sailing, race officer Jonathan Kwek and his team have flagged off 19 upwind-downwind races with only three general recalls and one abandoned race. The predictable February monsoon provided a north easterly breeze with 10 to 20 knots every day. With the breeze coming off land, the wind had a habit of shifting in both strength and direction, giving the sailors many strategical challenges. The sailing conditions for the World Championship next year are expected to be similar to what the sailors experienced this year and will provide excitement throughout the regatta.

Last year's winner and favourite before the regatta, team Glasgow Kiss with Nils Razmilovic, Nik Burfoot and David Salambier won the trophy once again and are one of the favourites for the world championship next year.

Full results

www.sb20worlds21.com

Featured Brokerage
Swan 45-030 Yes Too. 285,000 Euros VAT Paid. Located in Valencia, ES

The Swan 45 is a modern classic and one of the most aesthetically appealing yachts ever conceived.

Hugely successful on the international regatta circuit over the past decade, these yachts are more popular then ever and have become the iconic performance cruiser.

Nautor's Swan 45 Yes Too is an excellent example of this hugely successful one design fleet.

Since her delivery she has only been used for class racing hence her interior is in immaculate condition.

She still has everything it takes to be competitive in the Swan 45 one-design class and is offered for sale at a very attractive price. The vessel has been completely refitted during summer 2019.

See listing details in Nautor's Swan Brokerage

Contact
Jerome Mainemare
Nautor's Swan Brokerage
T. +34 630 846 490

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SB 20. 30,000. EUR

Designed by Tony Castro, the SB20 is a British-built strict one-design 6.15m keelboat conceived as a wide appeal, affordable, competitive sportsboat for teams of three or four sailors. It is also, arguably, the most successful sportsboat in the world with 800 owners competing regularly in a programme of exciting local, national and international events.

Originally known as the Laser SB3, the SB20 continues to deliver on its pioneering promise: a boat that is fun, fast and easy to sail by anyone of any age; the best value-for-money sportsboat in the market.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
email:
Tel: +44 (0) 23 8045 4722
Mob: +44 (0) 7836 322 443

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2008 Volvo Open 70 - OCEAN BREEZE. 495000 EUR. Located in Amsterdam, Holland.

Ex - TELEFONICA BLUE and SANYA LAN. Now subject to a huge refit, including a set of 7 unused sails, new generator, batteries, wiring, NDT tested and all recommendations undertaken. She really is ready to go, with spare rig, 2 x 40 ft containers, high and low cradles and a support trailer. Results recently for the Volvo 70 class yachts in the major offshore races are very strong. Please do call for full details of this very real opportunity.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
Telephone: +44(0) 1590 679222

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

The Last Word
Don’t be mean; we don’t have to be mean, cuz, remember, no matter where you go, there you are. -- Buckaroo Banzai

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