In This Issue
• Double Bullet Day
• A touch of west, a touch of south
• Spotlighting Women in the Industry
• With nailbiting anticipation - Infiniti Yachts
• A Statement by the Royal Malta Yacht Club
• Team NZ sign Nathan Outteridge
• RORC Baltic Sea Race 2022 - new offshore race is launched
• America's Cup: Avoid Saudi Arabia or else
• Featured Charter: Ultim Emotion 2 – Trimaran Ultim Maxi 80
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Davidson Custom 70 (Mini Maxi) - PENDRAGON VI
• • CUILAUN McGruer 55 ft Bermudan Ketch 1970
• • SB20 - ready to sail
• The Last Word: James Madison

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

Double Bullet Day
Photo by Max Ranchi, www.maxranchi.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

With two solid wins today Hasso Plattner's South African flagged Phoenix team lead the Rolex TP52 World Championships and moved to the top of the overall 52 SUPER SERIES leaderboard with four days of the 2021 season remaining.

With Tom Slingsby and Cameron Dunn combining on tactics and strategy respectively on Phoenix the red hulled TP52 started strongly in both races and led at all but one mark of the two windward-leeward races on a tricky, challenging Bay of Palma. The first race was contested in a very light westerly breeze which was strongest near the bottom of the course and faded towards the windward mark.

The second test was sailed in 8-9 knots. Phoenix showed good speed, especially upwind and sailed astutely with good crew work, defending once they were ahead and, with project manager Tony Norris steering, looking like a team which have all the ingredients to win the world title.

52superseries.com

A touch of west, a touch of south
There has been little or no change in the general scenario between the Canaries and Cape Verde over the past two days. A stationary low-pressure system is continuing to sprawl lazily across the Atlantic and to its south lies a band of calm conditions, whose influence is stretching out for over 100 miles. Within this context, the 84 competitors still out on the racetrack in the 23rd edition of the Mini Transat EuroChef are continuing to zigzag their way along in a bid to gain southing, where there is more pressure, and also westing, which will take them closer to the goal, before they are finally able to hang a right at the given moment.

The descent southwards continues for the sailors competing in the Mini Transat EuroChef, who now boast a lateral separation of over 300 miles, with almost as big a gap in relation to the distance to the goal. Put plainly, there are boats every which way and the skippers are seeking to position themselves as best they can whilst regularly performing a sequence of gybes. Though the strategies vary widely, the speeds of each of the groups remain relatively similar since they're all tending to fluctuate between 7 and 9 knots. Over the past 24 hours, some have pulled off better moves than others. Such is the case among the prototypes for example, where the option chosen yesterday by Irina Gracheva (800 - Path) and Arno Biston (551 - Bahia Express) to plunge due south has really paid dividends. As a result, this Tuesday they're back in the Top 10, tickling the moustache foils of Tanguy Bouroullec (969 - Tollec MP/Pogo), Sebastien Pebelier (787- Decosail) and Fabio Muzzolini (945 - Tartine sans Beurre) at the latest position report. A position report which sees Francois Champion (950 - Porsche Taycan) still at the head of the ranking thanks largely to his position closer to the direct route.

minitransat.fr

Spotlighting Women in the Industry
One of the things I enjoy most about my job at Harken is...doing my job at Harken. I've been an engineer here for a lot of years. In that time, I've been assigned all kinds of very interesting projects and worked within all the facets of the engineering department. Within the last 8 years, I have moved into software development and have fallen in love with it.

Most recently I've been writing software that controls a very large testing bench we designed and built ourselves and brought online in our Pewaukee factory. It allows us to test the performance of some of our largest custom hydraulic equipment, like vangs or cylinders that adjust rig tension or underwater foils for Grand Prix and megayachts. I admit it, I'm all quantitative, and I'm rational. But I fit right in with the rest of the socially challenged geniuses in this department. I have been told that I am hysterically funny and brutally sassy. But without some humor and sass, engineering can be dreadfully boring. And I'm a sailor. That is helpful but not required around here.

I'm one of two engineers in our company who happen to be women. I don't think that defines me here. That said, I am writing for this issue of At The Front probably because I'm a woman. Hmmm. Yes, Heather and I would like to have some more women on our engineering team to bring more excitement to our monotone boys' team here. So, if I had any advice to give any women who are engineers or thinking of becoming one...I'd say, the next time we have an opening, send your resume...get in here!

The November issue of Harken At The Front

With nailbiting anticipation - Infiniti Yachts
...is no overstatement when it comes to awaiting the arrival in Europe for sea trials of the first DSS-equipped - unarguably dramatic and beautiful - Infiniti 52 which was recently completed at Composite Builders in Michigan

The first Infiniti 52 is about to sea trial in the UK before heading south through Biscay in November as part of its training programme and its first race in January 2022, the RORC Trans-Atlantic Race. Joint developer of the DSS patent and founder of Infiniti Yachts, Gordon Kay talks us through the gestation of the genredefining project.

The boat will have to be trucked from Composite Builders in Holland, Michigan to Baltimore and then shipped to Southampton, where the team at Racetec Rigging will carry out the final fit-out and commissioning in conjunction with Infiniti Yachts.

Full article in the November issue of Seahorse

A Statement by the Royal Malta Yacht Club
The 42nd Rolex Middle Sea Race, which started on Saturday 23 October 2021, had the hallmarks of being a spectacular success. The make-up of the fleet and the weather forecast suggested records would fall and that yachts would have wind throughout the course area making for an exciting contest.

Late on Tuesday 26 October the weather situation changed. A severe north-easterly gale was predicted to hit the east coast of Malta some time on Wednesday 27 October. The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) Race Committee recognised it as a danger to those crews still to complete the race. Crossing the finish line at the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour in such circumstances would be extremely hazardous. An Alternative Finish Line at South Comino Channel is designed to address this possibility and all yachts are required to take their time at this point in the race, irrespective of whether the line is in use. The Sailing Instructions are clear and unequivocal on this point.

When invoking the Alternative Finish Line, the Race Committee acted with the safety and wellbeing of those still sailing in mind. The decision was not influenced by the possibility that other boats, safe in harbour, might find their result materially affected.

The RMYC is sympathetic to those competitors and followers of race that feel aggrieved by the eventual outcome. It recognises that, in this instance, in writing a sailing instruction related to safety it inadvertently, but seriously, impacted the race results.

The RMYC will take action to make sure that a similar situation does not arise again. It will do its utmost to ensure that the rules and regulations surrounding future editions of the race are fit for purpose. In this regard, the Royal Malta Yacht Club has already sought guidance from appropriate authorities within the sport.

Over the years, the RMYC has prided itself on the hospitality and the welcome it shows to all participants. It has put huge effort into making sure visiting crews become the most effective ambassadors for the race. The last thing the club wanted was the frustration, disappointment and anger provoked by the circumstances of the 2021 race.

The 43rd Rolex Middle Sea Race is scheduled go ahead next October. The club hopes that those who enter will see that changes have been made and will trust it to continue to apply all rules fairly and correctly to all those who participate regardless of size, nationality or ambition.

Further Background

The Royal Malta Yacht Club traces its roots back to 1835. It is a volunteer-run club promoting all aspects of sailing from its junior programme to its pinnacle offshore event, the Rolex Middle Sea Race. The club exists to serve the sailing community of Malta and all visiting sailors including those who participate in its most famous race. It has a membership of 700.

The Middle Sea Race was launched in 1968 to offer a course in the Mediterranean that would match the Newport Bermuda Race, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Fastnet Race in distance and challenge. The time of year was chosen because of the increased likelihood of strong winds ensuring a worthy test of ability and seamanship.

In its early years the race caught the attention of many of the world's most respected crews. Then, from 1984 to 1995 the race dropped out of the calendar following a decline in interest.

In 1996, a group of RMYC members decided to reinstate the race. It was not without difficulty. Some of those involved are still active today and have watched the race grow from a fleet of 20 yachts to consistently over 100 with 25 countries represented.

Although the Race Committee is entirely volunteer, it is regularly reminded that it is running an elite level competition that demands the highest standards. A plan was already in place to review and streamline the race documentation at the end of the 2021 race and to improve the registration experience.

The Race Committee is also aware that its obligation is to the entire fleet, not just the top one or two, or even top ten. Its obligation is to be impartial and to apply the rules as they are written. It accepts that it may be protested by a competitor, and for the rules or their application to be tested. A properly constituted, independent International Jury is in attendance for that purpose. Once the decision to use the Alternative Finish Line was made, all yachts had to be scored for the purposes of time correction (handicapping) at South Comino Channel. Submitted times, verified by the tracking system, were uploaded to the results programme. It was a very real shock that the reduction in the 606nm course length by 12nm would have such a significant effect on the first two boats - one 30.48m/100ft and one 11.80m/39ft.

Since making the decision, the RMYC has had its conduct and integrity, and the competence of its race management, questioned. It is only too aware that the outcry has damaged the reputation and legacy of its most important race, something it is committed to rectifying.

Sailing instructions

Results of all Jury Hearings

Team NZ sign Nathan Outteridge
Team New Zealand have signed outstanding Australian helmsman Nathan Outteridge.

The champion America's Cup syndicate made the move on the back of their successful defence in Auckland earlier this year.

And it comes as Kiwi superstars Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have yet to fully commit to Team New Zealand.

Team New Zealand see it as a way of strengthening their sailing squad with a real desire to move Burling and Tuke from their retainers to long-term deal for the 37th edition of the Cup to be sailed at a venue still to be announced.

Outteridge's signature follows a thorough independent review of Team New Zealand's effort against the Italians. While they won the Match 7-3, the review was critical of the sailing crew which had troubles in the starting box and spluttered to 3-3 before finding the momentum to retain the Auld Mug.

Outteridge qualifies for Team New Zealand under the strict nationality rules to be introduced for the next America's Cup.

The 35-year-old's wife Emma is the daughter of long-time Team New Zealand manager Ross Blackman and the couple have an Auckland house.

www.stuff.co.nz/sport/

RORC Baltic Sea Race 2022 - new offshore race is launched
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) together with the Ocean Racing Alliance (ORA) are delighted to announce a new offshore race to start on 21st July 2022. The RORC Baltic Sea Race is open to boats racing under IRC, MOCRA, Class40 Rules and other class associations.

The race of approximately 630 nautical miles will start and finish off Helsinki in the Gulf of Finland. The course will incorporate the Swedish island of Gotland, located approximately 250nm southwest of Helsinki.

The race is supported by the City of Helsinki, the Nylandska Jaktklubben (NJK), Finnish Ocean Racing Association (FORA), Helsingfors Segelklubb (HSK), FINIRC and the Xtra Stærk Ocean Racing Society. The local class association, Finnish Offshore Racing Association (AMP) will also work together with other offshore class associations in surrounding Baltic Sea countries to promote the race.

With over 5,000 miles of coastline, nine countries border the Baltic Sea, all with profound seafaring tradition and racing history: Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Russia. Interest for the RORC Baltic Sea Race is also expected from Ireland, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

The Ocean Racing Alliance (ORA) mission is to create international alliances to make it possible to have longer world class offshore races in the Baltic Sea. The Ocean Racing Alliance (ORA) Commodore and Class40 skipper, Ari Kansakoski has competed in three Rolex Fastnet Races, the Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland Race, the RORC Transatlantic Race and the RORC Caribbean 600: "We expect strong interest from teams participating from Finland and from all of the nations that border the Baltic Sea. The 2021 test event showed that the course for the RORC Baltic Sea Race is very interesting," commented Kansakoski. "The course is very strategic with land influences in the Gulf of Finland and around Gotland. In addition, it is basically on a windward leeward axis, so we expect tactical decisions on which side of the course to choose, as well as managing wind shifts." -- Louay Habib

rorc.org

America's Cup: Avoid Saudi Arabia or else
Dr. Hamish Ross, a legal advisor for America's Cup teams who completed a PhD at the University of Auckland on the legal issues surrounding the America's Cup, has been questioning the actions of the principal characters in the 37th America' Cup.

Ross has claimed that Team New Zealand's chosen Challenger of Record, the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS), was invalid as the challenge was made in the name of a limited liability company owned by RYS, rather than by the yacht club entity itself, and arguably in breach of the Cup's governing Deed of Gift.

He also considers the pursuit of Team New Zealand to select an offshore venue to host the competition is extending beyond what is permitted, as one of the options revealed - Jeddah in Saudi Arabia - would be in conflict with a 2009 New York Supreme Court decision regarding venue selections where human rights (as in NY and the US) are not respected.

With the next major date as November 17 for the planned release of the protocol which is to outline the rules and regulations for the boats and event, Ross offers a warning for any arrows that point toward the Middle East.

Read the full report in Scuttlebutt

Rock n Roll
The news that the New York Yacht Club is about to appoint Clare Harrington to the position of Rear Commodore is seismic.

The waters around have certainly grown but the Club is on the front foot with this appointment and it's brilliant...the way the system works at the world's second-best yachting institution (ahem) is that you serve two-year terms at Rear and Vice Commodore before taking the top job.

So, by 2025/2026, Clare will be the first female commodore of this mighty institution. Think about that. It's massive...and with the way things are going in the America's Cup, she might just be the driving force behind a bid to win the Cup back from the world's top club, the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, in 2028. What a story that would be...

Bravo to the Club. It's coming out of the corner having taken a pummelling of Tyson Fury-esque proportions and it's slugging...perhaps it was a rope-a-dope in the finest Ali tradition and we are all the chumps for doubting?

Personally, and I have said as much, it's very clear that the New York Yacht Club has wise heads pulling the strings behind the scenes. It's a club that knows what it's doing and it knows not only what its membership demands, which is the highest quality, but crucially it has the foresight to read the room and take the temperature of the global yachting scene. As I've said before, the Cup needs the Club far, far more than the Club needs the Cup.

And in Clare Harrington, the future doesn't just look bright, it's positively glowing...

Full editorial in Rule59Blog

Featured Charter
Ultim Emotion 2 - Trimaran Ultim Maxi 80

The Ultim’Emotion 2 is a giant of the seas, combining power, lightness and robustness. Extremely powerful and able to pick up speed immediately, she provides the ride of a life time. Designed to race, there is no other option like her, ensuring performance, speed and durability.

Recently (Jan 2020) breaking the World record for the fastest South Atlantic crossing with Lovewater Sailing Team, and receiving Line Honours in the Cape2Rio.

See listing details in Seahorse Charters

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

See the the Seahorse charter collection

Featured Brokerage
2009 Davidson Custom 70 (Mini Maxi). 650000 EUR Located in Pesaro, Italy.

Davidson Custom 70 (Mini Maxi) designed by the ultimate America’s Cup designer Laurie Davidson. Large investment in 2020 and her trophy cabinet proves her ability as an impressive coastal racer that really goes well in light airs! Comfortable interior unlike many of her sisters.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
Berthon Yacht Sales
Tel: 0044 (0)1590 679 222
E-Mail:

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1970 CUILAUN McGruer 55 ft Bermudan Ketch. 480000 GBP. Located in United Kingdom.

For a yacht to look so stunning - like new - after so much use does not just happen by accident. It takes special owners and an occasionally deep pocket. CUILAUN demands it, deserves it, and pays it back and more. She is quite simply one of the most special yachts ever conceived at this size.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Sandeman Yacht Company
22 Market Street
Poole, BH15 1NF
Email: Tel: 01202 330077
www.sandemanyachtcompany.co.uk

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SB20 - ready to sail 30,000 EUR.

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
The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe with blood for centuries. -- James Madison

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