In This Issue
• At the Sharp End - Cowes Week
• Season 2 of Shirley Robertson's Sailing Podcast
• Oyster Design Manager
• Why sargassum weed is posing increasing problems for Transatlantic sailors
• Guernsey and Ireland are making tentative preparations to lift the COVID-19 lockdown.
• Alex's 8 Tips to help you Go It Alone
• Transatlantic sailing clothes: Pip Hare explains how to pack light
• 2020 Tornado Europeans to be moved to 2021
• Queen Of The Harbour: 18 Footers History
• The Voiles de Saint-Tropez: Stay on course, trim sails accordingly
• Featured Charter: Ker 40 - Keronimo
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Grand Soleil 50
• • Swan 90-708 Alix
• • SW100RS Mrs. Seven
• The Last Word: Evangeline Anderson, Planet X

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

At the Sharp End - Cowes Week
There's no dividing line between adventure and photography as this medley illustrates. A snapshot of great Cowes Week 2019 memories reminds us of the annual pilgrimage to the Isle of Wight.

This event is always such a pleasure to photograph. Enthusiastic youngsters sharing start lines with Olympians and offshore heroines, heroes and everything in-between. All four seasons test the skills across one week and the enjoyment is captured through the lens.

From a Tiffins breakfast bacon sarnie, via the race course through to the yacht haven and parade throbbing with music and merriment Cowes Week would be a welcome tonic as the first regatta of this English season.

The regatta has provided countless photo opportunities many of which are on show at: www.ingridabery.com

Season 2 of Shirley Robertson's Sailing Podcast gets underway with Australian Offshore legend Nick Moloney
Shirley Robertson kicks off Season 2 of her Sailing Podcast with an insightful two part interview in celebration of the eighteen year anniversary of the day Aussie Nick Moloney won the Jules Verne Trophy.

It was on May 5th 2002 that Moloney, on board Bruno Peyron's catamaran 'Orange', crossed the finish line as one of thirteen onboard the record breaking circumnavigation. The non-stop blast around the planet had taken 64 days 8 hours and 37 minutes, and for Moloney, sailing with French offshore legend Bruno Peyron was just one of many highlights in an incredible voyage...:

"Bruno had a lot going on....so you didn't see a lot of him, but whenever you were out of control, which was pretty often in those boats, before we knew it, before we actually knew we were out of control, he'd put his wet weather gear on, his harness on, and as soon as the situation got critical he appeared like a fairy, and just grabbed the helm, laid down command and got the situation back in control immediately, and that for me was absolutely amazing.

"I remember getting the trophy, and having said to myself 'I'm gonna put my name on that trophy', everyone's name's on the base.....and the trophy itself is this chrome canoe body suspended on a magnetic field.....and when the (black silk sheet) dropped off the base, my name was right there! It was so emotional!"

Success in the Jules Verne came at a time when Moloney had been making a name for himself in Europe in the competitive world of offshore sailing. His route to the round the world record though, was a star studded one. In similar fashion to many of his Australian peers, Moloney's career was given an early boost by the talent spotting of the legendary Syd Fischer, who initially invited the young sailor into his 1992 America's Cup campaign "Challenge Australia". Moloney then talks of his time at the same Cup with the Italians, 'Il Moro di Venezia' under Paul Cayard, before sailing for John Bertrand's 1995 Cup campaign "oneAustralia". The pair then discuss Maloney's excitement at being called up to sail on Dennis Connor's 1997 Whitbread Round the World Race entry "Toshiba", a boat with, at the time, one of the most phenomenally experienced crews to have ever attempted the race.

More recently, Moloney and Robertson both held key roles as skippers in the fledgling Extreme 40s Series, the groundbreaking, fast catamaran series that paved the way for inshore, 'stadium' style racing. Their recollections are of wild early days, racing fast boats in small spaces, with the inevitable collisions and dangers of the new sport pushing them all to their limits.

This edition of the podcast is in two parts and is available to listen to via the podcast page of Shirley's own website, at www.shirleyrobertson.com/podcast or via most popular podcast outlets, including iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcast and aCast. The podcast is produced and written by Tim Butt - for further enquires, please contact

Oyster Design Manager
An opportunity has arisen for a creative dynamic yacht designer to take responsibility for the management and development of our design team.

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/

Why sargassum weed is posing increasing problems for Transatlantic sailors
To the usual list of concerns facing transatlantic sailors - too much wind, too little wind, gear failure - a new one must be added: seaweed. Specifically, sargassum. Sam Fortescue reports

Sargassum's yellowish-brown straggles in the water have traditionally been considered a sign that boats are nearing the tropics, but record blooms of the weed in recent years have created a vast raft straddling the Atlantic, dubbed the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.

The first mass bloom was seen in 2011, while the record bloom recorded in 2018 was ten times bigger - sargassum is an increasing problem. Reports by participants of the ARC transatlantic rally suggest that the weed can be a real nuisance on the crossing.

Camilla Ljungberg describes seeing "big orange carpets" several kilometres wide during her Atlantic crossing in 2015. "It's very strange stuff; had the texture of shredded cabbage," adds Grant Jamieson-Hesk, who crossed in 2017.

Full story in Yachting World

Guernsey and Ireland are making tentative preparations to lift the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Irish Taoiseach has issued a five point plan to re-open the country in a phased way whilst Guernsey has issued guidance to recreational boat owners.

The five point plan in Ireland has been broadly welcomed by the sailing community although clarity is needed. From 18 May, outdoor spaces and tourism sites in Ireland can re-open, a move which has largely been seen by marinas as allowing them also to re-open. Phase 2 from 8 June will put boats back on the water for sailing and training and Phase 3 beginning on 29 June might allow racing to restart. Phase 4 on 20 July will see sports competitions resume with limitations on spectator numbers whilst phase 5 on 10 August sees a further relaxation with gyms re-opening and close physical contact sports and festivals resuming, again with caveats such as regular cleaning and social distancing.

Guernsey

Recreational boat owners in Guernsey will now be able to use their boats in local waters provided the latest weather forecast has been obtained, the vessel inspected before use and all surfaces and objects frequently cleaned. Social distancing must be followed with skippers only accompanied by members of their own household or, where the boat is large enough to allow social distancing, one other person from a different household.

Landing on Alderney, Sark and Herm is not currently permitted and skippers and crew are advised that they must self-isolate for 14 days if they make landfall outside of the Bailiwick's waters.

www.boatingbusiness.com

Alex's 8 Tips to help you Go It Alone
Isolation is a concept that British sailor Alex Thomson is all too familiar with. When Thomson sails solo, non-stop around the world in the Vendee Globe, he must solve problems, overcome challenges and remain mentally strong all without the support of anyone else around him. Using that experience, here Alex shares his advice on staying positive, even in the most challenging of times.

1.Train your mind to make the distinction between loneliness and isolation. Are you isolated at home? Yes. But are you lonely? No. You can't possibly be lonely because you have loved ones at the end of the phone, thinking of you. It's sometimes easier when we're able to separate those two emotions.

2.To help make this period more manageable, try to view it as a privilege, a rare chance to spend uninterrupted time with those closest to you, which you probably won't ever have again.

3.It's important to introduce routine. But remember, these are exceptional circumstances and achieving everything we normally would in a day is not going to be possible. So don't set yourself up to fail.

4.Give yourself realistic goals each day, and work towards those. If you start to feel overwhelmed, change them, make them smaller. Every time you achieve one, you'll feel a little bit better.

5.When you start to feel overwhelmed, transfer your focus away from whatever it is that you're looking at - such as the TV or computer - and switch to a peripheral focus. Take a step back and alter your perspective. This can help to de-emotionalise the moment.

6.When I race alone in the Vendee Globe, I try to persuade myself that 3 months is not a long time. Try to do the same. Although we might not know when social distancing will end, most of us would not consider a matter of weeks or months a considerably long time.

7.If you don't manage to achieve everything you wanted to in a day, or you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, try not to be too hard on yourself. Take each day as it comes and slowly things will start to get easier.

8.Happy people perform better. And - although it may sound very simple - the easiest way to feel happy is to look happy. So even when times arez tough, try to smile. And you may just find some sense of happiness in that moment.

www.instagram.com/alex_thomson_racing/

Transatlantic sailing clothes: Pip Hare explains how to pack light
Packing light for a transatlantic crossing can seem like an impossible task as these trips take you through a vast range of temperatures and conditions

In November last year I completed my 18th transatlantic so my kit bag is now fairly trimmed down. Here's a rundown of the sailing clothes I pack when crossing the pond:

2 sets of foul weather gear
Boots and trainers
1 full midlayer + 1 fleece
2 full sets of thermals
2 long sleeve t-shirts
1 short sleeve t-shirt
3/4 leggings
Running shorts
4 hats
1 sun hat
4 sets of gloves
3 pairs warm socks, 3 pairs light socks
2 sets of sunglasses
Travel towel

Pip's full article in YachtingWorld.com

2020 Tornado Europeans to be moved to 2021
Following actual developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation across Europe and the World, the International Tornado Association Event Committee for the 2020 European Championship's Organising Authority (OA), has decided to postpone the European Championship by one year to the 23rd - 27th of June 2021.

The decision has been taken first and foremost to preserve the health and safety of all participants,helpers and their families as well as friends joining the event.

As of today, there is no evidence that the World Championship event in Thessaloniki, September 26th to October 3rd, 2020 will be cancelled. We will take further decisions mid June, and involve you in the decision making process.

We hope that the Tornado family and community stays safe and motivated in these difficult times. We also want to thank all sailors who registered in the event so far (15 crews from Austria, Australia, Belgium, Czeck Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain and Switzerland) the registration will remain valid for 2021. If payment has been made and you need a refund, please let us know.

We wish you and your families health and resilience and we look forward to seeing you on the racecourse soon! -- Jurgen Jentsch

ITA and SCFF Club President, on behalf of the Event Organisation of the Tornado Open, Mixed and Youth European Championships 2020

www.tornado-class.org

Queen Of The Harbour: 18 Footers History
Click on image to enlarge.

It was unfortunate that we had such a sudden end to our 2019-2020 Sailing Season, but well done to all to get the JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship to be completed. It wasn't possible to save the time-honoured 'Queen of the Harbour' event but there's no doubt the club will arrange a suitable date as soon as all restrictions are lifted.

To say that the Queen of the Harbour (originally known as the 'Queen of the Waves') is one of the most important events to the Club is not over-stating the truth as the annual event has a history almost as long as the League itself.

The League was formed in 1935 and by 1936 inaugurated a competition to raise funds for the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown. To achieve their goal, a decision was made early in 1937 to stage a Queen of the Waves competition each year.

The aim was to use the proceeds from the competition "to build a school at the hospital to have crippled children transported from their homes to the hospital, receive treatment and education, and then taken back home each day."

Co-operation of both individuals and businesses enabled the scheme to get off to a successful start. Candidates for the honour of being named the 'Queen' were nominated, more than $6,000 raised, and plans were made to build the school on the Booth Street frontage of the hospital.

Due to the world unrest at the time, activities were curtailed and the $6,000 was handed to the hospital as a trust fund. Hospital authorities then decided to build the school with other funds they had and named it the Fred Birks Activity School. Authorities then suggested that a wing of the school be named after the club.

The League weren't happy about that arrangement as the donations by members were made specifically for the purpose of building the school. An agreement was finally reached for the club to use its funds to take over a ward at the hospital, have it renovated, and use it for in-patients on nearly the same lines as the club had originally intended.

From then, the Queen of the Waves (now known as Queen of the Harbour) Competition has been held each year until it had to be postponed this year.

We can only look forward to getting the go-ahead ASAP to recommence our racing and make up for the race we lost on March 29, 2020. -- Frank Quealey, Australian 18 Footers League

18footers.com

The Voiles de Saint-Tropez: Stay on course, trim sails accordingly
In agreement with the French Sailing Federation and in accordance with government directives, the Societe Nautique de Saint-Tropez confirms the following in terms of organisation for the 2020 edition of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez for modern and classic boats from September 26th to October 10th.

At this stage and taking into account the information available, the organisers are working on a number of options : a "normal" version with a capacity to welcome 2,500 people at the same time, a reduced version with a capacity of 1,000 people, a restricted version with a capacity of 500 and a version closed to the public.

Despite the situation, requests for participation from competitors are higher than last year at the same period, reflecting a readiness to race. "The signs are that there is a strong demand to participate, which is not surprising in light of the regatta cancelations that have to date marked this season." Explains Tony Oller, the Director General of the Societe Nautique. "The popularity of the Voiles is long standing, and each year there is a waiting list which, for logistical and security reasons, we are often unable to accommodate. It is for this reason that the event is "by invitation". We may have to do the same this year because of the restrictions that will be imposed on us, particularly with regards to foreign boats and crews. The other question concerns the on-shore organisation, receiving competitors and the public, the village festivities, the crew parade and all the entertainments which could, potentially, be restricted".

The format of the event will be reviewed monthly
- at the end of May
- end of June
- end of July
- end of August
in order to better specify the conditions for welcoming competitors and the public, as well as ensuring the protection and safety of the staff and volunteers involved in the organisation.

www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr

Featured Charter
Ker 40 - Keronimo

Keronimo is the original Ker 40, built by McConaghy in China. This boat has an impeccable race record and is instantly recognisable everywhere. She is an offshore capable, truly competitive, performance racing yacht.

Keronimo is in immaculate condition, having been meticulously maintained her whole life. This winter she is undergoing a refit with further upgrades.

Keronimo has twin carbon wheels and has a large sail inventory, B&G 3000 instruments, a smooth underwater finish and a Gori 420 Racing Prop. Keronimo is available for whole boat charter, with an owner’s rep/skipper, to help you get the most from the boat and the regatta.

For full details please go to........bit.ly/LVY-keronimo

See listing details in Seahorse Charters

Contact
Lucy Jackson - LV Yachting
Call: +44 2392 161272
Email:

See the the Seahorse charter collection

Featured Brokerage
2007 Grand Soleil 50. 250000 EUR. Located in Sicily.

Well-equipped example of the Judel Vrolijk designed Grand Soleil 50 aft cockpit performance cruising yacht. FREETIME 5 is still under her first ownership and she is presented in great condition inside and out.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Michele Antonini - Grabau International (Italia)
Tel: +39 333 74 89 281
Email:

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2009 Swan 90-708 Alix. 4,100,000 EUR. Located in Genoa, Italy

Another successful collaboration between Germán Frers and Nautor, the Swan 90S 'Alix' is the quintessential performance cruiser combining elegant and powerful lines with Finnish quality to achieve an aggressive beautyThe anthracite grey colour scheme and customized four-cabin interior with Wengé and tinted oak give Alix a modern edge while maintaining the classic and timeless appeal of a Swan yacht.

Alix is under original ownership since new and has been based in the Med with light usage during the summer months except for two winters in the Caribbean (2011/2012 and 2016/2017). She has done a few charters each year but not more than three weeks annually. The owner has carefully selected the charter clients.

Alix has been maintained to the highest level and benefits from three substantial maintenance periods in 2014, 2015 and 2018The new engine, carbon standing rigging and complete paint job have kept her looking and working like new.

The yacht is MCA LY2 coded for commercial use and was inspected by MCA in June 2018.

See listing details in Nautor's Swan Brokerage

Contact
Lorenzo Bortolotti
Nautor's Swan Brokerage
T. +377 97 97 95 07

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2008 SW100RS Mrs. Seven. 4,900,000 (Under Leasing) EUR. Located in Monfalcone, Italy

High performance version of the Southern Wind 100 mini-series, Mrs. Seven features a sporty deck and four cabin interior. Recent major refit, currently lying in Italy

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Southern Wind Shipyard (Pty) Ltd
Salita Dinegro 7/1
16123 Genoa Italy

Tel. +39 010 570 4035

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

The Last Word
Just because they’re not humanoid doesn’t mean they’re not intelligent, Krisa. You can’t label something an animal and just dismiss it as unworthy of respect. -- Evangeline Anderson, Planet X

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