In This Issue
• Charlie Dalin: "There is no reason for it to be easy"
• French Flair in the RORC Transatlantic Race
• Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
• Bring alive the dream of a world circumnavigation
• Ainslie on Ineos Team UK 'siege mentality' ahead of Prada Cup start
• Kinsale Yacht Club Opens Registration for the 2021 Sovereigns Cup
• Bill O'Hara awarded OBE in New Year's Honours
• Saving a Dragon
• 2021-2024 Racing Rules Of Sailing
• Letters to the Editor
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Swan 40-115 Mataran
• • YYachts Y7
• • Reichel Pugh 60 - Wild Joe
• The Last Word: Ernest Hemingway

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

Charlie Dalin: "There is no reason for it to be easy"
Charlie Dalin (Apivia) - who took second place at 9 am this Thursday, January 7 - was at the morning session.

"I'm upwind towards this little depression, it's going to be like that all day. I should be able to tack in the evening to resume a course a little more east - north / east. Yesterday it was complicated with the center of the high pressure. If I put more north in my route, I would meet it earlier because it was further west at the time. If I put more east in my route, I would also meet it because it was shifting east so in fact the timing was right nowhere! If I luffed earlier, I took it earlier. I could turn the problem all over the place, I just couldn't avoid it .

Now I move on, I have changed the system. There I have a little windy phase with the depression, I should have 30 knots, yesterday I was 35. On the other hand, it's a little tighter than yesterday. The sea is not too rough it is rather pleasant. Then we should encounter a new area of ​​light wind, but the routing changes dramatically with each new output of weather files. But the bypassing of the depression does not change so there at least, I know what to do for the next twelve hours, it is already not bad! Afterwards the situation is not simple, but there is no reason for it to be simple. The descent was not easy, the south was not easy... It's consistent, we stay within the theme!

In the weak wind zone, something will happen... The race is far from over! So much the better in relation to my position. In terms of race time, I won't be surprised that we arrive in February. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little... In any case, I don't think we are breaking the Atlantic ascent record.

Since yesterday we have been on board with Thomas , we have met again. We will see what happens next. It's almost comparable because we're both on our injured foil . After the transfer we will be on the right foil, if the angle opens a little we will go a little faster.

Top ten at 04 Jan. 2021 - 21h (UTC)

1. Yannick Bestaven - Maitre CoQ IV, 5433.01 nm to finish
2. Charlie Dalin - APIVIA, 435.02 nm to leader
3. Thomas Ruyant - LinkedOut, 449.62 nm
4. Damien Seguin - GROUPE APICIL, 485.64 nm
5. Louis Burton - Valley 2 Office, 576.29 nm
6. Jean Le Cam - Yes We Cam!, 627.18 nm
7. Benjamin Dutreux - OMIA - WATER FAMILY, 627.68 nm
8. Giancarlo Pedote - Prysmian Group, 680.16 nm
9. Boris Herrmann - SEAEXPLORER - Yacht Club De Monaco, 726.33 nm
10. Maxime Sorel - V and B-MAYENNE, 746.1 nm

Tracker

French Flair in the RORC Transatlantic Race
The 7th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race in association with the International Maxi Association is set to start on January 9th from Puerto Calero, Lanzarote. The fascination of racing across the Atlantic Ocean is shared by a variety of offshore sailors, from professional teams racing the latest designs, to passionate amateurs fulfilling their dreams.

The 2021 RORC Transatlantic Race will feature two virtually identical Class40s from the drawing board of the highly acclaimed designer Sam Manuard. Both Redman and Palanad 3 were launched in 2020 and are very capable of taking line honours for the race. With a scow bow, massive sail plan and the latest in high tech systems, both are capable of completing the 2,735-mile race in just 10 days.

Louay Habib talks to Luke Berry acing on Class40 Palanad 3 in the RORC Transatlantic Race 2021

Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
Voting is now open for the 2020 Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar.

Here in alphabetical order are the top ten nominations for 2020 based on submissions, stories and drink recipes:

- Columbia Yacht Club, MV Abegweit, Chicago
- Foxy's Tamarind Bar - Jost Van Dyke, BVI
- Glenwood Pines - Cayuga Lake, Ithaca NY
- One Bar Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
- Pier View - Cowes, IOW, UK
- Royal Bermuda Yacht Club - Hamilton, Bermuda
- Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club - Hong Kong
- Royal Ocean Racing Club - London Clubhouse, England
- Soggy Dollar - Jost Van Dyke, BVI
- Swizzle Inn - Hamilton Parish, Bermuda

Please feel free to send us a note at as to why you chose the bar, and if you have a special drink recipe to pass along, please do!

VOTE HERE: eurosailnews.com/sailors-bars

Bring alive the dream of a world circumnavigation
The stunning islands of French Polynesia will be the location for Oyster Yachts next World Rally webinar available online on Thursday 25 February at 19.00 UTC/GMT.

Anyone wishing to join this live event can register here:

These webinars are part of an extensive programme of support, training and expertise provided by Oyster Yachts for participants in the Oyster World Rally, which starts on Sunday 09 January 2022 from Antigua. This rally is already fully subscribed with 30 Oyster Yachts registered to take part, and many hopeful entrants on the waiting list.

This live webinar about the French Polynesian Islands will focus on the passage sail from Galapagos to the Marquesas Islands, the highlights along the route, a presentation from Oyster's Tahiti representative, and a live Q&A session afterwards.

Previous destination guides on the Galapagos Islands and transiting the Panama Canal are available on the Oyster Yachts website in the dedicated Oyster World Rally section here: https://oysteryachts.com/oyster-world-rally

The 2022-23 Oyster World Rally will leave Antigua on 09 January 2022 and head south to the Panama Canal, before arriving at the Galapagos Islands, and then onto French Polynesia. After visiting the Whitsunday Islands in Australia, the fleet then head to Indonesia, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Mauritius. Christmas will be spent in the fantastic city of Cape Town, South Africa before setting off to the remote island of St Helena, en-route back in the Caribbean in early 2023.

The following webinar in the series will be live on Thursday 08 April 2021 and will feature Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu.

Ainslie on Ineos Team UK 'siege mentality' ahead of Prada Cup start
Although Ineos Team UK emerged from December's America's Cup World Series regatta in Auckland as the underdogs of the 36th America's Cup after failing to chalk up a single victory in the three-day series, the team could be set for a comeback when racing begins in earnest at next week's Prada Cup Challenger Selection Series.

There have been plenty of rumours and speculation in the media that the wheels were coming off the British bus, but when we spoke to skipper and team principal Ben Ainslie he said the entire team had rallied strongly behind the mission to transform the performance of the British AC75 Britannia.

"You hear a lot about siege mentality in sport," Ainslie told Yacht Racing Life. "It is something I have experienced before in the America's Cup - and I have got that feeling about this team."

That of course is a reference to Ainslie's experience with Oracle Team USA when his call up to the sailing team helped spark the American team's now legendary turnaround of fortune against Emirates Team New Zealand in the 34th America's Cup in San Francisco.

Justin Chisholm's interview with Ben Ainslie in Yachtracing.life

Kinsale Yacht Club Opens Registration for the 2021 Sovereigns Cup
Registration is now open for the 2021 O'Leary Insurance Group Sovereigns Cup which will take place 23rd to 26th June in Kinsale Yacht Club, click here to enter online.

Participants will sail in Classes 0, 1, 2, Coastal and White Sail under PRO Jack Roy and RO Peter Crowley.

Due to the uncertainty around Covid-19 the event will be limited to 50 boats as outlined by Anthony O'Neill, Regatta Director. "Our reason for making this revision to our plans for the event is driven by the potential uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions that may be required at different times during 2021. We are taking the prudent approach that will allow maximum flexibility to proceed with the event given the capacity of our clubhouse and marina."

With a limit of 50 boats, early entry is essential.

If KYC have no option but to cancel the event all competitors will be refunded their entry fees in full.

afloat.ie/sail/

Bill O'Hara awarded OBE in New Year's Honours
Olympic sailor, international race official and former RYA Northern Ireland Youth Performance Manager, Bill O'Hara, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours list.

Bill, who is a member of Ballyholme Yacht Club and Royal Ulster Yacht Club, was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to sailing.

The Bangor man has many proud achievements including competing in the Finn class in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. He has attended eight Olympic Games in total, a competitor at two, a coach at two, on the International Jury at two and a rules advisor at two.

In 2001 Bill became an International Judge and he took on the role of Youth Performance Manager for RYA Northern Ireland and the Irish Sailing Association.

He has also been at the centre of major sailing events such as the Volvo Ocean Race as Co-Chairman of the Jury in 2005/6 race and Principal Race Officer for the last four races. Bill has been been Chief Umpire at many of the professional circuits including the Extreme 40s, MOD 70s, 52SuperSeries, GC32s, M32s and the J Class.

He is one of only five people internationally who are a World Sailing Judge, Umpire and Race Officer.

www.sail-world.com/news/234329/?source=rss

* Bill is the owner of the famed Brown Trout Inn in Aghadowey. because his sister Jane tended to business during Bill's years of globe-trotting, alongside trusted bar Manager Gerry McIlwaine and general manager Joanna Martin, he feels they deserve a share of the reward.

www.colerainechronicle.co.uk

Saving a Dragon
Click on image to enlarge.

"I am the latest custodian of Siena AUS 118, a 1967 Borresen Dragon constructed in Denmark of Honduras Mahogany planks, oak ribs with teak deck and cabin top. Owning a timber Dragon has been a dream of mine for a long time, and when I was lucky enough to notice Siena on eBay in 2009, I knew my heart had to rule my head and I had to put in the winning bid.

Although in pretty bad cosmetic condition after languishing on a mooring in Double Bay on Sydney harbour, I had a friend go onboard and inspect her and take some photos, and structurally she did not appear too bad. I could see if you looked past the peeling varnish, missing fit out (the tiller was just an unshaped lump of timber!), rough antifouling and accumulated grime, there was potentially a beautiful varnished hulled dragon lurking in there somewhere that deserved to be saved.

Over the next 2 years the restoration was conducted by Johno Johnson, a recently semi-retired shipwright who was also restoring his own Dragon, a 1960 Barnett AUS 82. I spent weekends and holidays working on Siena on Raymond Island and in that time, we replaced broken ribs, redesigned the cockpit with a raised floor, fitted new keel bolts and refastened the Honduras mahogany planking with a few hundred screws. The layers of varnish and antifouling were removed, and we were able to revarnish the inside and outside of the hull. The mast was refurbished, and the running rigging completely replaced with modern systems, including a winch-less genoa system (which enabled the removal of 4 winches to give more room in the cockpit, lose some weight and allow trimming of the genoa from the windward side). We also took the opportunity to strengthen the 40-year-old-plus hull and fitted full bulkheads forward of the mast and at the rear of the cockpit as well as partial bulkheads at the rear of the cabin and traveller. Space frames were fitted between the mast bulkhead, the forestay and also where the runners enter the hull. The area around the chainplates were also strengthened with enlarged hanging knees attached to the deck beams and ribs.

Our goal was to compete the restoration in time for the 2011 Dragon World Championships at Royal Brighton Yacht Club and we managed to do this with a few weeks to spare!

Full story in Southern Woodboat Sailing: forum.southernwoodenboatsailing.com/news/saving-a-dragon

2021-2024 Racing Rules Of Sailing
The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) governs the sport of sailboat and sailboard racing. It is revised and published every four years by World Sailing. The RRS for 2021-24 will take effect on 1 January 2021.

You can download the complete document and related publications here - also available are details of World Sailing's Policy on the Reproduction of The Racing Rules.

Changes may be made to the RRS during the four-year period, but only when essential. These changes are published as Changes and Corrections to the RRS.

www.sailing.org

* Fernhurst Books has two new rules books updated for the new racing rules

Rules in Practice has been the best-selling guide to the racing rules for the last 40 years. Now, in its 10th edition, it has been updated for (and contains in full) the 2021-2024 Racing Rules of Sailing and features a brand new chapter on the luffing rules and how they are being applied. The latest rule changes are also described, along with their impact on you as a sailor.

With over 20 new scenarios, reflecting the courses we now sail, it is as up-to-date and relevant as the first edition was in 1985.

Racing Rules Companion is the invaluable pocket reference guide to the essentials of the racing rules, updated for the latest 2021-2024 Racing Rules of Sailing. Every racing sailor should have a copy! It will build their knowledge and make them more confident on the race course.

The book summarises the basic principles, definitions and rules and then covers every aspect of the race, with sections on starts, mark rounding, obstructions, signals, and dispute resolution. Splash-proof and spiral bound, this little companion stands up to frequent use and serves as a great aide-memoire that will fit into your pocket or kit bag.

Both books are written by the acknowledged rules expert, Bryan Willis, and have colour diagrams throughout to ensure the concepts are easily understood.

www.fernhurstbooks.com

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:

All seems a bit prophetical now!

Personally, I am an "old dinosaur" from the 12 metre era and remember well one of the greatest Cups in 1987 where with the rule "well worked out" by everyone racing was close, intense and attracted a worldwide competitive fleet and audience.

Of course, the winner always wants to make sure he retains the Cup and 87 was a bit "close for comfort" hence the introduction of the IAAC yachts which served a great purpose until 2007 when the same thing happened again:- a worldwide fleet and audience and the game had to be changed yet again!!

It will come as a surprise to many people that nearly 100 of this class were built between 1987 and 2007

Remember it is not about Sport!!

However you can never go back, the "genie is out of the bottle" and one way or another foiling is with us but it makes for pretty boring racing.

The TV public want to see lots of Oh F+++s and Gotchas (so see again my para on foils).

If Formula 1 can do it then so can the AC as its not rocket science. F1 has long recognised what is important to the TV audience and how vital it is to keep changing the rules around to keep interest alive though even their authorities have been thwarted by the recent success of Mercedes, however a new spending cap might increase competition this year.

Anyway I am now going to keep my powder dry and see what happens but 4 entries is hardly a fleet and you can bet that in NZ Govn financial circles some serious questions are being asked.

Featured Brokerage
Swan 40-115 Mataran. 195,000 EUR. Located in Pescara, Italy.

MATARAN has his homeport in Pescara (Adriatic, Italy) and has been sailed between the Adriatic and Croatia coast. The first owner had this boat from 1993 to 2018. The second owner is the current one.

See listing details in Nautor's Swan Brokerage

Contact
Stefano Leonardi
Nautor's Swan Brokerage
T. +39 0766 20602

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YYACHTS Y7. POA EUR.

The Y7 was created in collaboration with US designer Bill Tripp, considered one of the world's best naval architects. Our goal was to combine comfortable sailing performance with competitive sailing performance, even on the regatta course.

In conditions where other yachts still use their engines, the sails are already set on the Y7. A displacement of only 29 tons and almost 300 square meters of sail area at wind make move the yacht even in light winds; Y7 owners don't have to worry about the perfect weather all the time.

All halyards, sheets and stretchers run hidden to the steering columns - so the helmsman can operate the Y7 alone at any time. This is not a matter of course for a 70-foot yacht and allows the owner to sail with a very small crew or even on his own.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
T. +49 3834 5858 77-0
E.
www.yyachts.de/en/y7

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2002/2018 Reichel Pugh 60 - Wild Joe. 590,000 EUR.

Wild Joe was originally built as Wild Oats IX with full carbon/nomex construction. As times move on so has Wild Joe which is now fitted with a new DSS foil system installed early 2018. That coupled with her new Doyle Sails package and upgrades across the board, the boat is bang up to date once again.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
+447759 424900
+442380 016582

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

The Last Word
"Are you a communist?"
"No I am an anti-fascist"
"For a long time?"
"Since I have understood fascism." -- Ernest Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls

Editorial and letter submissions to

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html