In This Issue
• Emirates Team NZ resume on the water testing after 5 weeks in Lockdown
• Governor’s Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship
• Robline Kitelines enriching water sports
• The Ocean Race: Phil Harmer on 2021-22 route
• Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association
• Oyster Design Manager
• Knot Tying at Mystic Seaport Museum
• HKYC Team Agiplast Welcome Expert Foiling Coach - Chris Rashley
• Industry News
• Letters to the Editor
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Johan Anker Flush Deck Cutter - 'Bojar'
• • Nautor Swan 65 - 'Eden'
• • SB20
• The Last Word: Meher Baba
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
Emirates Team NZ resume on the water testing after 5 weeks in Lockdown
Emirates Team New Zealand resumed their on the water development and testing program this morning after being forced off the water on March 23rd by the Alert Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown.
After dropping their test boat Te Kahu into the water at 8.00 am, the 12metre foiling monohull was put through a tow-test to check some new modifications that have been ready for testing since the day prior to the national lock down.
On the basis that test was satisfactory, the team was expected to sail-test the new design feature later in the day.
The government ordered lockdown has cost the team almost six weeks of their vital development time, which is unlikely to be recovered by rearranged scheduling.
Grant Dalton told Sail-World by phone: “Emirates Team New Zealand is a commercial enterprise in terms of COVID19 alert level 3 and its test boat is an extension of that business activity. We have been in communications with all appropriate parties and received a letter from MBIE that did not disagree with this position."
Late last week the team announced that it was using personal social distancing devices developed by Dunedin's Igtimi who are also responsible for developing the GPS based positioning hardware and software for use in the regatta and vessel management for the 36th America's Cup regattas. -- Richard Gladwell
Governor’s Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship
Newport Beach, CA: 2020 and 2019 Youth World Match Racing Champions, Australians James Hodgson and Tom Grimes, respectively, along with “GovCup” defending champion Nick Egnot-Johnson (NZL), lead the field of skippers selected by Balboa Yacht Club for this year’s Governor’s Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship, presented by Disc Sports and Spine Center. The Governor’s Cup is the oldest youth match racing event in the world and the 54th Annual Championship will be held July 20-25 in the Pacific Ocean off Newport Beach, California.
The caliber of the skippers is reflected in World Sailing’s Open Match Racing Rankings (nonage limited) with Egnot-Johnson in the #2 position and fellow invitee Jordan Stevenson (ZL) at #8. With virtually all of the skippers ranked in the most recent WS tally, the GovCup has more than enough “skipper points” to justify a regrading of the regatta by World Sailing to Grade 1, the highest graded regatta other than world championships, reflecting a quality of competition generally reserved for professional sailors. BYC believes the 2018 Governor’s Cup was the first age limited regatta to be retroactively granted Grade 1 status in the world. The 2019 application is pending.
For the second year in a row, the presenting sponsor will be Disc Sports and Spine Institute, founded by BYC member Dr. Rob Bray. One of the top neurosurgeons in the United States. Dr. Bray and his wife Tracey Kenney Bray are committed sailors and supporters at BYC and beyond. In 2013, Dr. Bray served as team doctor for the Oracle Team USA America’s Cup team.
Identical “GovCup 22” sloops designed by former BYC Commodore Alan Andrews and built by Westerly Marine in nearby Santa Ana in 2016 will be provided to all competitors. They are optimized for Newport Beach conditions and are considered by competitors to be among the best boats used in similar regattas in the world. They feature a “flat top” mainsail, masthead spinnaker, modern “T” keel and an “all up” weight of only 1470 lbs (666 kg).
The 54th Annual Governor’s Cup, presented by Disc Sports and Spine Center, will be held July 20-25, 2020. A double round-robin of racing is scheduled Tuesday through Thursday with the top four teams advancing to knock-out Semi-Finals on Friday; the Finals are on Saturday, July 25.
Robline Kitelines enriching water sports
One kite needs around 120 meters of different lines per year whereas the biggest role is played by the Flying Line. The reason is that Depower Lines, Leader Lines and Bridle Lines mostly do not face access ware out but Flying Lines are to be changed regularly. Most typical kites need a bar with 4 flying lines each maximum 30 meters and in ideal way different colors in front and back lines to see the difference.
For this reason, we decided to offer from now on standard kitelines on minispools, each in 2 different colors, to be able to sell full replacement kits to customers. Besides this, these kitelines will also be available on big spools with a standard length of 1000 meters.
The Ocean Race: Phil Harmer on 2021-22 route
When we spoke to Phil recently he was in Sydney, Australia.
What was your immediate reaction to the confirmed route for the next edition of the race? What are the most notable elements of the course in your opinion?
I was pleased to see some “semi traditional” legs announced but I was also surprised by some parts of the course. The notable element for me is the long leg to Asia! That will be tough and long, but saying that, those sort of legs are usually my favourites!
The race is shorter (estimated to be 38,000 nm) and has two less pitstops, what are your thoughts on that?
The “shortness” is no issue for me. It’s in the ballpark of previous races and still a bloody long race! I am pleased to see the reduction of pitstops though, as they are tough on the sailors, the shore teams and the sponsors, so no love lost there.
What stands out for you as likely to be the most challenging leg from a sailor’s perspective?
For sure Cape Town to Shenzhen is the standout leg by miles - literally - a good mix of upwind, reaching and downwind sailing in all conditions.
It’s always difficult leaving Cape Town, then you face a week of tough Southern Ocean sailing, before transitioning into light airs, and sweltering hot conditions in the Indian Ocean, only to then face a battle through the islands of Asia.
Full interview in YachtRacing.life
Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association
The ISORA Race Management Team held a 'zoom' meeting earlier this week to consider the ISORA programme for 2020 and a meeting of the Race Committee on Sunday 26th April.
The first two coastal races have already been postponed and the flags have just been raised today to announce the postponement of Race 3 and Race 4 - these were the first two offshore qualifying races from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead scheduled for 2nd May and the Conwy to Dun Laoghaire on 23rd May .
Looking at reshaping the 2020 series Chairman Peter Ryan said 'we are committed to running a full series in 2020 by providing the offshore racing requested by competitors. To achieve this, we will continue to listen to suggestions and consider all options. We will introduce all of the cutting-edge technologies to achieve this'
There is, however, a lot of speculation about when the lock-down restrictions will be eased or lifted, what form of social distancing will be imposed and for how long these will last. We then need to consider the impact these restrictions will have on sailing and offshore racing. We are, of course, reliant on the advice given by our National Governing Bodies RYA & IS. Whilst considering options the safety of our competitor and those who support us is of paramount importance.
ISORA does, however, have the ability to be very flexible in setting a revised programme and will react very quickly when there is clarity in what will be allowed.
We have looked at a number of options in what may be a very crowded calendar for late summer and autumn. In considering options we are conscious that ISORA has always provided the races required to qualify for the round Ireland Race and we hope to provide this again this year. The new date for RI is 22nd August. We also want to support other established Championships and Regattas, such as the Wave Regatta 11th - 13th September and the IRC Welsh National Championship 14th to 16th August. The ISORA-organised 160-mile Dublin Bay to Cork Harbour Race is also in the mix with a proposed start date of 31st July.
Oyster Design Manager
Activities are in two parts; maintaining a flow of design information to support production at our facilities in Southampton and Wroxham and working in conjunction with third party designers on the design and development of new models.
Oyster has a worldwide reputation as a leading builder of quality cruising yachts and the successful applicant is likely to be a qualified naval architect with relevant experience in yacht design, construction and management. Oyster yachts are created with modern design tools, efficient build systems and the skilled hands of some of the UK's finest craftsmen.
Our Oyster design manager will need an in-depth understanding of value engineering as it applies to yacht building and share our passion for creative design and quality.
This is a significant opportunity for the right candidate.
No agencies please
Applications in confidence to Paul Adamson, Oyster Yachts - CCO
oysteryachts.com/news/oyster-design-manager/
Knot Tying at Mystic Seaport Museum
Join Sarah Clement, Museum Rigger, in this Digital Class on knot tying. Come to the session with your own piece of rope so you can practice along. Learn different types of knots used on the Museum vessels, how particular knots are better for specific purposes, and review proper terminology.
HKYC Team Agiplast Welcome Expert Foiling Coach - Chris Rashley
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Rashley to be the Head Coach of the Club’s entry into the Youth America’s Cup, RHKYC Team Agiplast.
Chris, an experienced international foiling coach from the United Kingdom, started sailing at the age of nine and his passion and enthusiasm for the sport has never wavered. At 16 he left school to pursue a career in sailing and in 2005 as Tornado helm was part of the British Sailing Team’s development programme. Having switched from Tornados to 49ers when the Tornados were deselected as an Olympic sailing class, in 2010 he was appointed Head 49er Coach of the Irish Olympic Team. Chris returned to the British Sailing Team in 2013 to take a role as Podium 49er FX coach during the Rio Olympic cycle. In 2016 he started sailing the Nacra 17 and once again joined the British Sailing Team in 2017.
In addition to juggling full time coaching commitments, he was also an integral part of the Exocet Moth development project working with Kevin Ellway and Simon Maguire and won four European Championships and placed five times in the top 10 at the Moth Worlds, twice finishing 2nd. Within the Moth class he has also coached Paul Goodison, Brad Funk, Victor Diaz de Leon, Dylan Fletcher and Rome Kirby, to name a few, who all went on to win or medal at major Championships.
Industry News
Beneteau has restarted production at three of its sites as half year earnings announced; CEO takes salary reduction, new strategic plan to follow in July to reflect deep transformation of its markets
Groupe Beneteau has announced 2019-20 first-half consolidated revenues of €519.4 million, up +4.7% year-on-year (+4% at constant exchange rates), thanks it says, to a sustained level of business for both its Boat and the Housing divisions. The global boatbuilder also reported a robust financial position, with €609 million of equity at February 29, 2020 and over €300 million of credit lines already in place and currently being confirmed - to be supplemented with a €120 million government-backed loan..
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Yachting Developments yard resumes operations after five-week nationwide Covid-19 lockdown
It has been an interesting time dealing with business operations here in New Zealand under Covid-19 Alert Level 4. Today marked the official return to work for Yachting Developments under the country's new Level 3 status which came into play today after nearly five weeks of Level 4's total country-wide lockdown for all but essential business. To meet the stringent requirements for safe work we have chosen to scale our workforce's return to work. This allows us to get organised to have the whole team at the yard over the next two weeks.
We are pleased to report that there is plenty of work ahead and we are busy with the refit on the Tripp 88 Black Pearl, finishing service work on a Volvo 65 and we are looking forward to Level 2 when we can launch the first 9m AC9F Youth America’s Cup boat for testing. We can also announce the safe delivery of 33m Al Duhail to her home port following her February launch. Our Upholstery department and 3D printing facilities will be back up and running and from 12 May 2020 and will have the capacity to expand to new projects and jobs.
Like all businesses returning to work under the Covid-19 Level 3 status, our staff will be practicing safe distancing within our workplace and we will expect the same from people that come on site. There will be restrictions on movements within our site, while entry to buildings/offices will only be permitted to Yachting Developments staff members and approved accredited contractors.
Our usual delivery acceptance systems will be unaffected but we will be enforcing strict contactless procedures for all our transactions. Please do not be offended if we ask to record your full contact details for tracking in the unlikely event that this is required. All deliveries and pickups must involve safe distancing. We have a designated area for deliveries at our stores door, at the south eastern side of the building.
We kindly ask for no sales reps to visit the site until the country has transitioned to Alert Level 2, but please do contact us via telephone as we want to maintain our relationships with your business.
Ian Cook
Director
Yachting Developments
www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz/
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Hallberg-Rassy works as normal and we see no reason not to continue to deliver boats on time, as we have always done.
The number of ill workers is so far on a completely normal level, or even less than normal. Also deliveries of components from sub suppliers work as normal.
Our financial situation is strong and we are debt free.
We are getting our first demonstrators ready in the water. It is more a question of that many non-Swedish visitors have issues getting to us. But if you can get to us and you feel healthy, you are welcome visiting us and we can show you boats, sail and deliver boats.
The Swedish Krona has weakened considerably since the Düsseldorf boat show and that makes an excellent opportunity to order a new Hallberg-Rassy for 2021 now.
We continuously follow the development and take precautions to stay healthy.
* The Hallberg-Rassy 40C has been nominated to the German Design Award 2021. This prize is said to be worthy of being won by the best: it honours innovative products, their manufacturers and designers, who have made pioneering contributions to the German and international design landscape.
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The organisers of the Palma Superyacht Show today announced that the rescheduled edition of this year’s event, planned to run from June 4-7, has been cancelled due to the ongoing nature of the Covid-19 pandemic. The next edition will be held next year, from April 30 to May 4, 2021.
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Ancasta’s first Virtual Boat Show has been deemed a great success, with 7,000 visitors, nearly double the usual traffic to the company’s website.
The ten-day show, which brought together a large display of Group Beneteau boats in one place, was devised in response to many spring boat shows being cancelled or postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Website traffic increased 70.8%, compared with the same period in 2019, with more than 72% visiting for the first time. The most popular models were the Prestige 460S, the Oceanis 51.1 and the Lagoon Seventy8.
Visitor feedback called the show a positive and fun event which helped them plan new adventures. The show has also resulted in a list of customers who are now waiting to physically view specific models once the lockdown is over.
Ancasta will be hosting a Virtual USED Boat Show on the 21 - 25 May 2020 with more than 100 used boats on display.
Letters To The Editor -
Letters are limited to 350 words. No personal attacks are permitted. We do require your name but your email address will not be published without your permission.
* From Jock Wishart: re: Mariquita Round the Island in 2015
I was privileged to be on board that day as I was in 2013 and 2014 when we won the Panerai Mediterranean Big Boat series (and thanks to John Caulcutt who made it all possible).
It was a marvellous 3 years for sure and memories are still treasured.
What I do remember off that race was the shock loadings we encountered round the back off the Island going through some short steep seas.
A few days later we were just off the Brambles leading in Mariquita's final race in UK waters and the top of the rig came down when the main halyard inexplicably failed.
Fortunately we had George and Matty on board who understood where all the "jungle" of lines went and while the cream of British yachting looked up in awe and as we gently bumped off the Brambles the two of them cooly sorted it out.
Back in Cowes that evening and by the end of the day the spare top mast was fitted
Great memories
Great crew
Great mates
I will remember it always.
Featured Brokerage
BOJAR is a boat of breathtaking and effortless beauty. She is also an extremely effective sailing boat: rarely off the podium at any classic regatta.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Barney Sandeman
+44 (0)1202 330077
33 High Street
Poole, Dorset
BH15 1AB
United Kingdom
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This Swan 65 has been extremely well cared for throughout her life. Her list of upgrades is endless and her previous owners have all treated her incredibly well. In recent years she has had sails, bow thruster, generator and rebuilt engine.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Ben Cooper
Telephone: +44(0) 1590 679222
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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
Tel: +44 (0) 23 8045 4722
Mob: +44 (0) 7836 322 443
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
No amount of prayer or meditation can do what helping others can do. -- Meher Baba
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