In This Issue
• GC32 Racing Tour Revises Its 2021 Schedule
• Luna Rossa's control systems explained
• Youth Match Racing World Championship
• 8,000 Nautical Miles Aboard Hugo Boss: A Unique Sailing Experience
• British Lawrence Warner Is The 16th Entry In Global Solo Challenge
• SailGP: Coutts confident of Bermuda event proceeding if dispensations can be obtained
• Industry News
• Bob Holmes, A Truly Great Champion
• Featured Charter: Swan 68 - Defiance
• Featured Brokerage:
• • SW78 KIWI
• • SY SOJANA
• • Swan 45-041 'Yakima'
• The Last Word: J. Edgar Hoover

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

GC32 Racing Tour Revises Its 2021 Schedule
With many countries around the world, including those in southern Europe, still in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, the GC32 Racing Tour, the board of the GC32 class and their stakeholders have made the mutual decision to delay the start of their 2021 season. This prudent decision follows the advice of authorities at both the national and local levels and is made for both the safety of competitors, the GC32 Racing Tour's staff and volunteers plus that of its local partners and fans.

The decision also improves the chances of GC32 crew being able to take part in the World Sailing-approved foiling catamaran circuit from Australia, New Zealand, the west and east coasts of the USA and South America, who would otherwise be unable to travel or unwilling to put themselves at risk.

The 2021 GC32 Racing Tour will now start with two events in Lagos on Portugal's magnificent Algarve coast. The first, as originally scheduled, will take place in late June/early July and will be followed by a second in late July/early August. The circuit will then continue on as planned to southeast Sardinia.

New for this the ninth season of the GC32 Racing Tour will be its grand finale, a return to Spain but this time racing on the Mar Menor in early November. Located within the Autonomous Community of Murcia near Cartagena, the Mar Menor is a 170km2 salt water lagoon separated from the Mediterranean by a 22km long sandbar, ranging in width from 100 to 1,200m. Being nearly land-locked enables the Mar Menor to provide flat water regardless of the wind strength. Together with the high salinity of the water, this should provide near perfect conditions for the GC32s not just to foil, but to achieve their maximum speeds too. It is for this reason that Mar Menor is a popular destination for all high speed sailing yachts and dinghies, especially teams with foilers looking to train over the winter months. The flying catamarans will be hosted at the Club Náutico Lo Pagán on the Mar Menor's northern corner.

Revised schedule for 2021 GC32 Racing Tour:

30 June - 4 July: Lagos (POR) - as planned
28 July - 1 August: Lagos (POR) - new
15-19 September: Villasimius Worlds (ITA) - as planned
3-7 November: Mar Menor (ESP) - new

www.gc32racingtour.com

Luna Rossa's control systems explained
Handling a boat like the AC75 requires the use of sophisticated management and control systems actioning a compact network of valves and pistons.

The AC75 is an extremely complex boat both from an engineering and a sailing point of view. The boat weighs about 7 tons and can reach 30 knots with just 12 knots of wind, without touching the water and balanced on a foil of a few square meters. An engineering gem, but also of a complex hydraulic and electronic system.

There are four main systems that rule the functioning of an AC75: - the FCS (Foil Cant System) which manages the movement of the foil arms. This is a one-design component, i.e. the same for all teams, and is provided by the Defender - the ILS (Instrumentation and Logging System) which manages the data provided by the onboard instrumentation (compasses, GPS, measurement sensors, etc.) - the CIS (Crew Information System), which is the interface between the boat and the sailor - the ECC (Electronic Control Circuits), which manages the boat's hydraulic system.

The regulation states that these four systems must work independently and communicate with each other only through fixed "channels", i.e. through the Media System provided by the Defender, which allows the various systems to exchange information according to pre-established protocols.

See www.sail-world.com

Youth Match Racing World Championship
The 2021 Youth Match Racing World Championship will be held at the Balboa Yacht Club in Corona del Mar, California, from August 9-14, 2021 in Gov Cup 22's. To compete, sailors must be under the age of 23 in 2021. US Sailing announces that the selection process for the skipper representing the U.S. will be by resume.

In order to be considered for selection, skippers must meet these eligibility criteria:

- Athletes must be US Citizens, or eligible permanent residents with written authorization from World Sailing for an exemption under World Sailing Regulation 24.5.4
- Athlete must hold a valid passport that will not expire for six months after the conclusion of the Event.
- All athletes shall be under 23 years old on 31 December of the year of the Event.
- All athletes shall obtain a World Sailing Sailor ID by registering online at www.sailing.org/isafsailor
- Athletes must attend for the entire duration of the Event.
- Athletes must be a member in good standing with US Sailing.
- Applications must be submitted by midnight Central time on May 1, 2021

www.ussailing.org

The notice of race has been posted by World Sailing

8,000 Nautical Miles Aboard Hugo Boss: A Unique Sailing Experience
It's not often that a VPLP architect gets the chance to sail an IMOCA designed by the firm over a great distance. But that's just what Antoine Lauriot Prévost did when he seized the opportunity to crew HUGO BOSS on her 8,000-mile return trip from Cape Town to Gosport, following her withdrawal from the Vendée Globe.

Under the remote supervision of Xavier Guisnel, who coordinates the engineering team at VPLP Design, Antoine harvested precious information on how an IMOCA behaves on the open sea. The resulting data will contribute to improving the firm's tools for analysing performance. Antoine's experience will also bring to the table a greater appreciation of the "feel" of the vessel, knowledge which can be leveraged during the preliminary design phases of future IMOCAs. Antoine and Xavier told us about their experiences.

HUGO BOSS departed from Cape Town on 9 January 2021 with Skipper Alex Thomson, two crew members and Antoine Lauriot Prévost onboard. "Before leaving, I was a bit concerned about how the four of us were all going to live together for four weeks! But it turned out that she's large enough below decks, especially as we alternated watches in pairs. Before the trip, it was difficult for me to imagine how the enclosed cockpit works but quickly you realise that it is a real luxury and much easier for the human to operate and perform at 100%. And of course Alex is a nice bloke. He's curious and always ready to share his experience. It was nice to see him totally committed to getting the best out of the boat after the disappointment of the race" said Antoine.

"We were sailing VMG downwind for much of the 8,000 nautical miles in winds of 10-30 knots and waves up to 7m. HUGO BOSS was specifically designed to be able to foil at VMG angles and it was interesting to monitor the effects of wave height, angle and period on the performance and usability of the boat".

vplp.fr/fr/informations-fr/news-fr.html

British Lawrence Warner Is The 16th Entry In Global Solo Challenge
British Lawrence Warner lives in Mallorca Spain where he works professionally on super-yachts. He has a very extensive sailing experience with over 250.000 nautical miles at sea. He bought his 1978 Argentinian built 48ft German Frers "Debaser" in 2006 with a view to sail solo around the world. Then, wife, family and children changed his priorities for well over a decade. When he saw the opportunity to participate in the Global Solo Challenge, however, he felt this was his call for the high seas.

What prompted you to sign up for this event?
I bought my boat to sail solo around the world, 16 years ago! However, not long after, I met my future wife and had children, which meant I had to put my dream on hold. I felt it would have been irresponsible to give up my job and financially commit to such a major project... .until now. Having an event like this has given me the opportunity to do it.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
Getting the boat ready is going to be a huge challenge... it has been sitting in a shipyard in Ireland since 2006 and has not had any maintenance in that time. Managing my RA at sea will be difficult, but I believe that this will be as much a mental challenge as physical. Remaining psychologically strong will be critical to push through the difficult times. During the race, I think attrition will be a big factor for all competitors, so not pushing too hard is, in my mind, going to be crucial, because finishing the race is the most important thing.

Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.
My boat is an old aluminium cutter built in Argentina in 1978, German Frers design. She is very sea-worthy and rumour has it, she was built for the Argentinian Navy Whitbread team. As soon as I saw her, I knew I had to buy her, even though she was in a poor state of repair. I could see the potential.

globalsolochallenge.com/lawrence-warner-british/

SailGP: Coutts confident of Bermuda event proceeding if dispensations can be obtained
Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP has told Bermuda Tonight that he is more confident of the first regatta in the 2021 circuit getting underway as scheduled, despite there being only 10 days left until the scheduled start on April 24.

Coutts says the team in Bermuda are following the Bermudian Government health requirements, in regards to social distancing and other COVID containment practices.

The regatta is set to be broadcast to 175 territories, making a strong follow-on for the tourist dependent Atlantic archipelago, from the 2017 America's Cup held using very similar AC50's in the same venue.

Despite over almost 60% of Bermuda's population having had at least one vaccination, and 25% with two and full immunity, a third wave of COVID-19 infection seems to be underway. The concerns of the Bermudian Health authorities centre around the view that the virus is being circulated by local transmission, triggered by a non-observance of social distancing requirements, and despite the high vaccination rate.

The conditions of the lockdown are more severe than the two ordered in Auckland during the Prada and America's Cups.

Some of the eight teams are already in Bermuda, but others are en route, or like the NZ SailGP team are due to leave. There is no prohibition on visitors arriving in Bermuda, however they are required to follow restrictions on arrival including the return of a negative test - which can take up to four days - making a tight schedule even tighter.

www.sail-world.com

Industry News
With in-person events expected to go ahead later this year, the global leisure marine sector is anticipating the return of METSTRADE 2021 from 16 to 18 November in Amsterdam. RAI Amsterdam has announced the parameters for this preeminent event which promises to be well-attended by both exhibitors and visitors.

The main goal of RAI Amsterdam and its partner ICOMIA will be to host a safe and successful in-person event in Hall 1-7 and the Elicium building of the RAI Convention Centre. With over 1,100 exhibitors already signed-up, preparations are well underway for METSTRADE 2021. RAI Amsterdam is carefully planning for different scenarios and will be deploying its robust and comprehensive protocol to enable a safe and comfortable return to in-person meetings. The Early Bird deadline for exhibitor registration will end on May 1 and the aim is to complete the allocation of show floor spaces in July.

METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek and his team recognize there may still be challenges with international travel from some countries this November. To ensure no-one is left out, METSTRADE 2021 will be boosted with a digital package from the RAI studios. These will include a strong online METSTRADE Connect programme with awards ceremonies, pitches, panel discussions and networking options.

This 2021 edition will feature a layout applicable only to this year's edition: the floor plan will be adjusted so that the complete event can take place in Halls 1-7 and the Elicium building. Still in line with the confirmed sign-up of exhibitors and accommodating 80 percent of the net exhibition space at the record breaking 2019 event, the result will be a secure, easy-to-navigate trade show. Exhibitors will be notified about their specific METSTRADE 2021 stand allocation in July.

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After 30 expressions of interest, 11 proposals received followed by three sail makers selected to submit sail packages, the decision has been made to use the new 49er and 49erFX North Sails 3Di main and jib sails.

The selection panel, which was made up of multiple Olympic medalist sailors and coaches, along with the 49er and 49er FX Class measurer, a builder's representative and the copyright holders, used three key criteria to drive the decision. These were: improve consistency of the finished sail, improve longevity and decrease overall cost for sailors. Feedback was also considered from rigorous trialing in Australia and New Zealand with Olympic squad 49er sailors and coaches.

The new 49er and 49erFX sails will be built using the 3Di technology which is a 3D full sized molding construction process that uses composite materials. The technology enables sails to be built to the desired shape and retain shape over time. The 3Di durability has been proven with examples of VOR teams using one main sail for 35,000 miles where formally two or three laminate sails would have been used.

Testing of the gennakers will continue in the UK and Holland with a decision on the supplier of gennakers likely in mid-April 2021.

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This month, Spirit Yachts has announced changes to its senior management team. Previously Spirit Yachts' Operations Director, Karen Underwood becomes joint Managing Director alongside Mike Taylor, former Head of Group Commercial at Oyster Yachts.

After nearly seven years as Managing Director, Nigel Stuart is moving into a non-executive director role and remains a company shareholder.

Managing Director and Head of Operations, Karen Underwood, added, "We are delighted to welcome Mike Taylor to Spirit Yachts. From a personal perspective, Mike and I were colleagues for many years during our time at Oyster and I am very much looking forward to working alongside him again."

As joint managing directors, Karen and Mike will share the day to day running of the company. Karen continues to oversee the operations side of the business, whilst Mike will manage production.

After more than 30 years in the marine industry and having project managed over 70 yachts, Mike Taylor joins Spirit Yachts from his previous role at leading blue water cruising yacht company Oyster Yachts.

spirityachts.com/spirit-yachts-announces-new-management-team/

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West Marine and financial partner Monomoy Capital have entered into an agreement under which private equity firm L Catterton will take a controlling interest in the company's ownership, West Marine announced today.

Terms of the agreement, which is expected to close in May, were not disclosed.

West Marine operates 237 locations in 38 states and Puerto Rico, as well as two e-commerce platforms reaching domestic, international and professional customers.

L Catterton has experience investing in enthusiast consumer brands that include Truck Hero, Peloton and Heartland RV, among others.

www.tradeonlytoday.com

Bob Holmes, A Truly Great Champion
Click on image for photo gallery.

The recent death of Robert Joseph (Bob) Holmes was the passing of one of the truly great Australian 18ft Skiff champions.

Bob was five times JJ Giltinan world champion and five times Australian champion, and won many other state and club championships over a ten year career in the class.

He was also the first Australian skipper to win more than one JJ Giltinan world Championship.

After competing for several seasons in the 16 footers, at the Middle Harbour club, Bob joined the 18ft skiff ranks in the 1964-1965 season and immediately had success when he won both the 1964-1965 NSW and Australian Championships, on Sydney Harbour, as well as the 1965 JJ Giltinan world Championship, in Auckland NZ, with his team of Hugh Cooke, Bob Sheridan and Bob Hagley.

At the 1965 JJs, Holmes and his crew sailed superbly and were clearly the outstanding team in the contest. The skiff won four of the five races and, but for gear failure in Race 3, would have won all five.

In Race 3, the team held a clear early lead before the skiff's jib carried away. After losing several placings in the fleet, the crew made makeshift repairs and came back to finish second behind New Zealand's champion Miss IGA.

It was a remarkable beginning to a great career.

The story of Bob's rookie season was just as remarkable off the water as it was during the victories on the water.

Ken Beashel, who was the son of the long-time League Secretary Alf Beashel, was a very successful designer, builder and competitor in the 16 footers, and won the Australian 16 Footer Championship in 1961-1962.

His success in the 16s naturally drew offers to join the 18ft Skiff fleet at the League. Ken preferred the 16s and, although reluctant at first, he finally accepted an offer to sail the Len Heffernan-built Schemer and won the 1963 JJ Giltinan world 18ft Skiff Championship in Auckland.

Despite the victory, Beashel returned to the 16s and had to be persuaded by Schemer's owner, Benny Walsh, to contest the 1964 championship. This was only temporary and Walsh had to look elsewhere for a crew in 1964-1965.

Bob Holmes and his 16 footer crew took over the skiff and won the 1964-1965 Australian Championship as Schemer.

At the same time, Alan Greenway, who was the Chairman and Managing Director of TraveLodge, saw the potential of Schemer and decided to sponsor Holmes and his team. The association was an instant success and lasted until Bob Holmes retired in 1974, after winning five JJ Giltinan world championships for Travelodge. -- Frank Quealey, Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.

www.18footers.com.au

Featured Charter
Swan 68 - Defiance. Located in Mediterranean

Defiance is a German Friers designed Swan 68 built for competitive racing and fast luxury cruising. Defiance has a phenomenal racing pedigree, winning the Swan Cup overall in 2000 and she is capable of performing on the race course. Available to Charter in the Mediterranean 2021.

See listing details in Seahorse Charters

Contact
Lucy Jackson - LV Yachting
Call: +44 (0) 20 3920 6261
Email:
lvyachting.com

See the the Seahorse charter collection

Featured Brokerage
2002 | 2016 SW78 KIWI. 1800000 VAT Paid EUR. Located in Ancona, Italy.

SW78 Kiwi is the result of the combined skills and knowledge of Reichel-Pugh Design, Nauta Yacht Design and the Southern Wind Shipyard, each adding their expertise to deliver the ultimate 24m performance cruiser. The second of five SW78 that were constructed between 2002 and 2005, she was originally launched as Mrs. Marietta and was commissioned by an experienced owner as his second SWS yacht. Sold to her current owner in 2012 and renamed Kiwi, she has been based in the Mediterranean since and used for private family cruising with the occasional regatta appearance.

Subject to a rigorous maintenance program with a substantial investment made each year, she underwent a major refit in 2016 to restore to her original condition with many upgrades and improvements to keep her modern and competitive.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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

Tel. +39 010 570 4035

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SY SOJANA. Built in 2003. Complete refit in 2016.

115' (35m) Sojana is now for sale and offered in exceptional condition for the 2021 sailing season. Maintained fastidiously this Farr designed performance carbon ketch has excellent accommodation for 6-8 guests. If you have a passion for sailing this yacht offers you a perfect blend of exhilarating cruising, fast ocean passage making and regatta winning pedigree

See listing details in Carrswood Yachts Brokerage

Contact
Carrswood Yachts Limited, UK

Tel: +44 (0)7476 888639

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2004 Swan 45 Yakima. 330000 EUR. Located in Marina Cala Galera, Italy.

The Swan 45-041 stands out for its excellent conditions and for having been used mainly for cruising and little in racing. For this reason, some changes have been made for greater comfort, plus solutions to get her ready to race. Available for visits to Cala Galera.

See listing details in Nautor's Swan Brokerage

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

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

The Last Word
Justice is merely incidental to law and order. -- J. Edgar Hoover

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