In This Issue
• "The weather models have improved so much it is more like a video game."
• The Swiss challenger in pursuit of the World Sailing Speed Record
• Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
• Future Fibres and the IMOCA 60 class
• Conrad Colman sets the scene
• BVI Announces Official COVID-19 Visitor Protocols Required for Entry
• North Sails Vendee Globe video series
• For the Record
• Road to Gold
• 2020 Palamos Christmas Race cancelled
• Featured Charter
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Botin 65 - 'High Spirit'
• • jv36 Multiplast Daysailer - Roljack
• • BoatThree
• The Last Word: Stephen Colbert
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
"The weather models have improved so much it is more like a video game."
Christian Dumard and meteo company Great Circle are the weather suppliers to the Vendee Globe. Dumard is a very successful weather router in his own right, working with - among others - Thomas Coville, Route du Rhum winner Francis Joyon, recent Sydney Hobart winner Ichi Ban and many successful IMOCA and Figaro programmes.
So these new high speed latest generation boats will require different strategies?
The new boats are very fast upwind from 55 to 60 degrees TWA up to 130 TWA much faster than before and really similar speeds and angles to the ORMA 60 multihulls we had 12 or 15 years ago. And so it is interesting because upwind when they bear away ten degrees they can go much, much faster say up to 17-18kts. Dead downwind in lighter winds is not good for them. If the first few days ahs the boats going west in stronger winds it will be good for the new generation boats. If they have to go in light winds down the Portuguese coast to the Canaries downwind it could be better for the older boats which are lighter. The other thing about the new boats is even when they are not fully flying they can sail better than the older boats in bigger waves, it is probably tough on the boat, brutal on the boat and the skipper, but the foils help them get a little bit above the waves. It is interesting because they and still handle the sea conditions quite well.
How will this impact on strategy?
We could have very different scenarios between the newer boats and the older boats. We could see the newer boats go far to the west at 18-20kts and get the big windshift and disappear, and the older ones be slow in light winds. They can be a weather system apart after the doldrums, probably splitting into two or three groups quickly. Sometimes the difference between the latest generation boats and the 2016 generation boats is not so great, mainly reaching. The newest generation are sailing higher angles downwind and lower angles upwind, so they tend to sail between 130 degrees and 60, that is when they are fastest.
Full interview: www.vendeeglobe.org
The Swiss challenger in pursuit of the World Sailing Speed Record
Reaching 80 knots (150 km/h) in sailing, beating the current record set at 65,45 knots and hence becoming the fastest on water in 2022: therein lies the objective of the SP80 project. The young Lausanne team has been testing a reduced-scale prototype of the boat on Lake Geneva since June. The first results, revealed for the first time in video, are promising!
- A year ago, SP80 unveiled the design of its boat to beat the World Sailing Speed Record. Today the team, composed of more than forty engineers and students from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), conducts test after test on Lake Geneva with a prototype scaled down to 1⁄2 of the final boat. The launch of this prototype, with dimensions 4,5 by 3,5 meters, constitutes a key stage of development in the race for the record. It enables the team to validate certain concepts and start the optimization process in anticipation of the construction of the final boat which will begin in 2021.
A dozen tests have already been carried out and the results, presented in the video, are very conclusive for the team. They validate the latest simulations and demonstrate the stability and control of the boat at high speeds. These qualities, indispensable for the record, were notably attainable because of a mechanical stabilization system invented and patented by SP80.
Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
Here's one that will warm the soul (and spike the blood sugar)
Irish Creme
3-1/2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
3/4 cup Wight Vodka
1/2 cup eggnog
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Grated chocolate and additional chocolate syrup
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients; beat until smooth. Set aside.
Place grated chocolate and additional chocolate syrup in separate shallow bowls. Hold each glass upside down and dip rim in chocolate syrup, then dip in grated chocolate. Pour drink mixture into prepared glasses. Serve immediately.
Submit your bar here: eurosailnews.com/sailors-bars
Future Fibres and the IMOCA 60 class
Future Fibres first supplied its rigging during the Vendee Globe 2004 on Hugo Boss, and in 2010, on StMichel-Virbac. Both were early adopters of the ECsix rigging. Since then ECsix has become the Official Rigging Supplier for the IMOCA 60s competing within the class.
The last Vendee Globe 2016 had seen a large recasting of the gauge, especially around appendices. During the last edition, the majority of new foiling IMOCAs built were from the VPLP-Verdier collaboration. For the 2020 edition, new designers have pushed boundaries. Four different design studios, all with very different ideas.
The first of the new boats to launch was Jeremie Beyou's Charal in 2018 by VPLP, winner of the recent Vendee Arctic Race. VPLP followed that with Alex Thomson's radical Hugo Boss and Kojiro Shiraishi's DMG Mori Global One.
Meanwhile, Verdier launched his new design Apivia in August 2019, as well as LinkedOut. New to the class, Samuel Manuard designed the unique scow of the VG2020, L'occitane en Provence. For this edition, Juan Kouyoumdjian also returned to the IMOCA design board with his first design being Arkea-Paprec who launched July 2019. The second Kouyoumdjian boat is the very last to be launched before the Vendee Globe: Corum L'Epargne who went in the water in May this year.
As the Official Rigging Supplier to the IMOCA CLASS, all eight of these latest generation foiling IMOCA 60s come rigged with Future Fibres ECsix. Other IMOCA's such as PRB, skippered by Kevin Escoffier and Time for Ocean, skippered by Stephane Le Diraison have been refitted with ECsix, with PRB opting for multistrand rigging after previously trying solid carbon. The product being the only rigging resilient enough to make a solo round the world trip possible, whilst sailing in the toughest conditions.
There is now just under a week to go until all the contenders will take pass the starting line in Les Sables-d'Olonne, and we look forward to seeing all of our rigging make the trip around the world once more.
To find out more about ECsix, visit our web at www.futurefibres.com
Conrad Colman sets the scene
We are delighted to announce that New Zealand yachtsman Conrad Colman has joined Yacht Racing Life's coverage of the 2020-21 Vendee Globe.
In 2016 Conrad became the first New Zealander to compete in the iconic solo, nonstop around-the-world race, when he finished the race under jury rig after breaking his mast in the final stages of the course.
In his first piece for Yacht Racing Life Conrad sets the scene for the upcoming race with just three days until the 33-boat fleet sets off into the unknown from Les Sables D'Olonne on Sunday.
The fact that I'm not going to be on the start line this Sunday is testament to the fact that even for somebody who successfully has a race under his or her belt, making it to the startling is incredibly difficult. COVID-19 quite certainly didn't help!
After the finish of the last Vendee Globe I worked for the Volvo Ocean Race where I spent nine months translating the complexities of ocean racing into layman's terms. I am now happy to be joining the team at Yacht Racing Life to try to do the same during the next three months as the Vendee Globe skippers battle their way around the world.
Each week I will endeavour to use the experience from my accumulated years at sea, along with my undying passion for the sport to explain what is going on out on the racecourse - as well as trying to give you some insight into the dark corners of the mind of a solo sailor!
Full interview in Yachtracing.life
BVI Announces Official COVID-19 Visitor Protocols Required for Entry
In an address on 10/26/20 Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, presented the final decisions on the reopening of the borders and COVID-19 protocols required for entry into the British Virgin Islands during "Phase One of the Re-opening of the Tourist Industry".
To summarize the requirements, they are (as we understand it):
- By Air (Starting 12/1/20): Visitors can arrive at the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) on Tortola.
- By Sea (Starting 12/8/20): Details will be forthcoming.
- Test: Proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 5 days prior to day of travel.
- Insurance: Proof of medical insurance that includes coverage for COVID-19.
4 Day Quarantine: Visitors MUST quarantine for four (4) days at the compound (property) of their approved accommodations. Tourism properties and businesses must be "Gold Seal Certified" to receive visitors. This will allow visitors to quarantine at the hotel, villa or guesthouse of their choice as long as it is "Certified". Also, visitors will be allowed to move about the property including going to the beach, for example, if the property has one. In the case of a yacht, visitors will be able to quarantine on their yacht.
www.bvitraveller.com/official-covid-19-protocols-bvi/
North Sails Vendee Globe video series featuring Loick Peyron: Episode 4 - The Solo Experience
In this fourth episode, Loick looks back at the history of sailors venturing onto the sea and speaks to special guests including IMOCA newbie Charlie Enright, as well as Vendee Globe skippers Kevin Escoffier, Jean Le Cam, and rookie Clarisse Cremer, all three of whom will soon be setting off around the world on the 2021-22 edition.
For the Record
The WSSR Council announces the establishment of a new World Record:
Record: Around Ireland doublehanded Outright World Record.
Yacht: "R L Sailing" Beneteau Figaro 3.
Name: Pamela Lee and Catherine Hunt. IRL.
Dates:.13th to the 17th October 2020.
Start time: 06; 47; 15 GMT on the 13/10/20
Finish time: 02;28;54 GMT on the 17/10/20
Elapsed time: 3 days 19 hours 41 minutes and 39 seconds
Course length: 698 NM
Average speed: 7.61 kts
Comments: Benchmark time was set in the 2004 Around Ireland Race by Yannick Lemonnier and Aodhan Fitzherald, IRL in 4 days 6 hours.
This attempt by Lee and Hunt also established the initial Around Ireland records for Women and the 40 ft category
John Reed
Secretary to the WSSR Council
Road to Gold
Road to Gold is a brand new 12-week practical course that demystifies the secrets of campaigning at the highest level of sailing competition. Designed by world-class sailor and coach from New Zealand, Hamish Willcox, in partnership with British sailing journalist and commentator Andy Rice, Road to Gold uses online video and live webinars to communicate and interact with sailors. At the end of the Road to Gold is 'The Test', which will enable students to identify the gaps in their sailing and campaigning skills, and how to bridge those gaps until they become world class in all areas.
As well as setting new standards in small-boat racing, Willcox's passion for the weather, meteorology and its importance on the race course has made him one of the go-to strategy experts for America's Cup teams including Luna Rossa and Oracle Racing. Having coached Pete Burling and Blair Tuke to six 49er world titles and Olympic gold four years ago at Rio 2016, Willcox is working closely with New Zealand's dynamic duo in their build-up to defending two major titles in 2021, firstly the America's Cup in Auckland and then their Olympic title in Tokyo next July.
The Road to Gold has the backing of some of the biggest and most successful names in the sport including Sir Russell Coutts. "This tool has been missing from sailing," said the Olympic gold medallist, five-time America's Cup winner. "Some months back I said to Hamish that it'd be great if we could do this, so I think it's fantastic that he has put it together. It's not only a great tool for coaches, but also sailors can use it to self-coach themselves and assess how they're going." As well as driving the top of the sport forward with his SailGP Grand Prix racing circuit, Sir Russell is equally passionate about the grass-roots coaching programs that he supports in New Zealand. "We'll certainly be using Road To Gold going forward," he said.
Version 1 of the Road to Gold opens in mid-November. To find out more, get on the Priority List at www.roadtogold.net
2020 Palamos Christmas Race cancelled
Due to the current situation of the global pandemic, the Organising Committee of the Palamos Christmas Race officially announces the cancellation of the 2020 edition of the traditional Olympic classes' regatta.
After 45 years, this year, exceptionally, the Organisation has been forced to make this difficult decision due to the constant increase in infections as well as the lockdown measures and mobility restrictions that would have impeded the normal development of the regatta.
Unfortunately, we cannot host our annual Christmas meeting in Palamos this coming December but the Christmas Race team will continue to work so that we can meet again, with all necessary measures, next year.
Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you all in Palamos from 18 to 22 December 2021.
Featured Charter
Designed as a cruiser-racer, ELISE WHISPER is ideal for both bluewater navigation and competitive races.
See listing details in Seahorse Charters
Contact
Lisa Spiller
Charter Manager
Bernard-Gallay
Phone 1 : +33(0)6 33 42 45 09
Phone 2 : +33 (0)467 66 39 93
Mail :
See the the Seahorse charter collection
Featured Brokerage
There were no costs spared in building this magnificent racer, from her design and construction to the addition of high tech equipment. During the winter of 2016, she was intensively prepared for racing. She now has a stable heading in any wind and easily hydroplanes in 10 knots.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
www.bernard-gallay.com
Tel +33 (0) 467 66 39 93
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The jv36 ROLJACK is a custom project by the well respected and experienced Jack Setton in collaboration with Americas Cup designer Rolf Vrolijk. Both icons worked together on this unique project to create the “perfect daysailer”. After having built many one-off yachts among others also the 60ft Daysailer CIAO GIANNI Mr. Setton had very specific requirements for ROLJACK. Foremost easy handling and easy maintenance followed by excellent sailing performance and comfort.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
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Newest MOD70 available Highly optimized Turn-key package
Turn Key - Race ready
- Extensive sail wardrobe
- New tramps 2019
- New lifting foils 2019
- Spare set of foils
- Osprey installed H500 electronics
- Spare rudder
- Wheely and static Cradles
- 1 x 40ft workshop container
- 1 x 40ft storage container
- Foldable Pusher Rib Boat
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Please contact: Ned Collier Wakefield
+447809212039
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
Thankfully, dreams can change. If we'd all stuck with our first dream, the world would be overrun with cowboys and princesses. -- Stephen Colbert
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