In This Issue
• First day of Youth World Sailing Championships
• Antigua Sailing Week Fundraising Auction Launched
• Merry Christmas from BSI Group
• Better than hope for - IMA
• Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
• Last call for Portsmouth Yardstick submissions
• Father-daughter duo sailing around the world
• British Sailing Team retirements
• Belgian Dirk Gunst is the 38th entry in the Global Solo Challenge
• Brad Butterworth tipped to skipper Alinghi for next Cup challenge
• Featured Charter: SW 82 Ammonite
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Bashford Sydney 46
• • Pazienza - Bermudan Cutter
• • BREEZE GBR1866N - CAL 40 (no. 93 – 1967)
• The Last Word: Douglas Adams
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 13th annual Wight Vodka Best Sailor's Bar search is on... Send us your stories and drink recipes...
First day of Youth World Sailing Championships sees Italy's Beach Boys flying
Day one in Oman delivered stunning weather for the start of the 2021 Youth Sailing World Championships presented by Hempel.
The breeze started around midday at 5 knots and as the warm Oman sun rose higher above the Barceló Mussanah Resort, the thermal sea breeze climbed to around 12 to 13 knots by late afternoon. All 11 events completed their schedule of races for the first day of world-class competition between 433 sailors from 59 nations.
The beach sports are becoming a bigger part of Olympic competition, and the same is now true at the Youth Worlds. In the boys' kitefoiler division, Italy's Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) was fast out of the blocks as he powered his 21-metre kite to first place in the opening two heats, followed by a second and third place in the next. This puts the Italian two points ahead of Max Maeder (SGP) who recovered from a DNF (Did Not Finish) in the opening heat, the 15-year-old from Singapore bouncing back with a fourth and two race wins.
In the other boys' beach event, the windsurfers known as Techno 293+, Pianosi's team mate proved utterly dominant. Federico Alan Piloni (ITA) opens his Youth Worlds account with three first places, putting the Italian two points ahead of Great Britain's Boris Shaw (GBR). Perhaps it's no surprise to see Italy doing well in the beach sports considering that the team manager at the Youth Worlds is one of Italy's most highly decorated Olympians, the windsurfing legend Alessandra Sensini.
Meanwhile in the boat events there was plenty of action across all the courses.
Mirroring the Nacra 17 Mixed Multihull in the Olympic Games, the smaller youth catamaran, the Nacra 15, also sees boys and girls racing together on the same trampoline. Two traditional strongholds of multihull racing - France and the Netherlands - hold the top places, Thomas Proust and Eloïse Clabon (FRA) winning two heats and Olivier Jaquet and Femme Rixt Rijk (NED) taking the other.
Competition continues on Tuesday 14 December, starting at 12:00h local time [GMT +4].
Antigua Sailing Week Fundraising Auction Launched
The organizers of Antigua Sailing Week (ASW) announce their online fundraising auction starting December 13th and running for a period of 7 days until December 20th, just in time for the gift giving season.
A non-profit national event, the organization relies on the annual revenues from yacht entries, sponsorships, ticketed events and merchandise sales to cover operational expenses. The unprecedented situation the world finds itself in has restricted the event from taking place for 2 consecutive years, therefore the organization has experienced a significant decline in operational funds.
"This has been a hard 18 months for the yachting business community, but we decided to pursue the avenue of 'community crowdfunding', reaching out to businesses and individuals who are essentially the main stakeholders in the success of extended the yachting season. We are grateful to all who have agreed to help the organization reach its fundraising goal of $US15,000," says ASW president Alison Sly-Adams.
A descriptive list of the available items can be found on the dedicated AUCTION page on the Antigua Sailing Week website starting on December 13th at 12pm AST. Bidding ends December 20th at noon AST, and participants must register on our secure website in order to be able to place bids. Plus here's the possibility that new items may be added through out the week, so like & follow our social media and stay tuned for updates.
Benefactors interested in supporting at any time or alongside the auction can commit to one of the options available on the Friends of Antigua Sailing Week campaign.
Race Supporter
Chase Supporter
Corporate Supporter
More on the website at www.sailingweek.com/friendsofasw/
Merry Christmas from BSI Group
Merry Christmas to sailors near and far from the BSI Group. It's been quite a year. In December 2020 we purchased OYS Rigging, and since then both OYS and BSI Rigging have been working around the clock to supply new rigging and service existing rigging in wire, Kevlar, and rod. It's been one of our fullest years and as our World Superyacht and Custom Sales Manager says, 'the lights are always on at BSI' and he's right!
Customers of GORI Propeller have been busy breaking sailing records and we have seen pictures of some amazing propeller upgrades and cruising adventures. Hundested Propeller celebrated 100 years of manufacturing propellers and has seen a significant increase in demand for our hybrid propulsion systems. Whilst Jefa Steering celebrated 20 years and also launched a new wire steering system.
"Helping you maintain your yachts for regattas and blue water cruising is our number one priority. We work around the clock to make sure you have the highest quality marine equipment providing peace of mind," comments Morten Madsen CEO for BSI Group. "Thank you for choosing our brands, we wish you a merry Christmas and an adventurous 2022."
Whether you are heading to the warmer shores of the Caribbean or to your local hard standing, we are here to help you keep sailing and carry out your refit and repairs ready for next season.
Information on the BSI Group brands and to find your nearest agent or distributor please visit bsidk.com
Better than hope for - IMA
We are now at the end of the Maxi season so time for a bit of a round-up… Overall this year has been remarkably successful for the International Maxi Association. Especially given the global picture at the start of 2021. That said, inevitably with the continuing pandemic the events in the early part of the year had to take place under considerable restriction with travel between European countries and even regions within those countries remaining extremely limited.
However, in a brave move by Yacht Club Italiano, they pressed on with the planned launch of their new opening regatta for Maxis; the Regate di Primavera in Portofino had already been 'resting' for a few years and so it was a bit of a gamble to relaunch it in 2021. Even at the last moment it had to be postponed for a week due to Covid, which then presented a knock-on problem as the event became overlapped with Rolex Capri Week. That the final entry was almost entirely local and Italian was hardly surprising.
Full article in the January issue of Seahorse
Wight Vodka Best Sailor's Bar
We choose the winner of this year's contest with three factors: Best story about the bar, best recipe from the bar, and voting. You can submit a new entry for voting while sending us a story and recipe.
And while mulling over your decision... enjoy this seasonal cocktail. Very summery... whether you're in the Southern Hemisphere, wish you were, or just trying to shake off a sleet storm, this one fits the bill:
Layered Lemonade Drops
6 oz. Wight Vodka
1 c. mango lemonade
1 c. pink lemonade blended with ½ cup of strawberries
1 c. regular lemonade
1 c. ice
Fill blender with 1/3 of vodka and mango lemonade and ice. Blend and set aside. Repeat 2 more times, first with strawberry/pink lemonade then regular lemonade.
Chill each mixture, and keep each layer chilled until ready to pour in glass.Pour into serving glass in layers starting with mango mix, then strawberry/pink lemonade mix, and lastly regular lemonade.
Tell us about your favourite pub: eurosailnews.com/sailors-bars
Last call for Portsmouth Yardstick submissions
Time is running out for clubs to log their Portsmouth Yardstick data so that the RYA can ensure numbers are as accurate as possible for 2022.
At the end of each year, clubs submit their results data to the RYA which collates and analyses it then adjusts PY numbers accordingly. The more data received, the more accurate the PY numbers will be.
Due to a lack of racing in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, PY numbers stayed the same for 2021 - but it's hoped that an influx of submissions this year will allow for the numbers to be updated.
There is just one week left to get submissions in ahead of this year's deadline of December 20.
Club handicap and results officers can submit their data online at http://www.pyonline.org.uk
For more information or assistance, contact
Jade's Journey. Father-daughter duo sailing around the world onboard Merci
The IMOCA Merci, yacht of the Vendee Globe, departed Fremantle Sailing Club (Australia) today at 2PM on "Jade's Journey" with Sebastien Destremau and his daughter Jade (a dancer of 18) onboard. A non-stop 18,000 kilometer journey from Australia (Perth) to its home port in France.
"When I asked Dad if I could come with him, he didn't hesitate to say yes. However, he did offer me the warning : "Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into, Jade?". And no, I don't know what to expect, as apart from a Toulon-Porquerolles trip when I was little, I have never sailed on a boat before. I'm sure the voyage will be long, and scary at times, but I'm excited to live this adventure with my Dad. " said an anxious Jade a couple of hours before the big departure on Monday December 13th.
A perilous journey awaits the father and daughter, who are preparing to take a trip halfway around the world. They will cross the Indian Ocean, circumvent the Cape of Good Hope bypass Africa and finally ascend the two Atlantic oceans (South and North) before arriving in France in the middle of winter.
"It was a surprise and a real joy to me when my daughter, barely 18 years old and knowing nothing about sailing, asked if she could come with me. It's going to be a unique experience for her and for me " says the two-time Vendee Globe participant.
"Jade's Journey" should last between seven and eight weeks, however, father and daughter embark with sixty days of food "plus a few extras just in case" Jade's mother concluded.
Follow "Jade's Journey" on www.faceocean.fr or the tracking updated every 10 minutes HERE
During the journey, Jade & Sebastien will be available on or via WhatsApp +33 688 911 231
British Sailing Team reflects on Olympic successes as stars announce retirement
British Sailing Team boss Mark Robinson has heaped praise on a host of sailing stars after they announced their retirement from Olympic campaigning. Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Hannah Mills, Giles Scott and Stuart Bithell are among those calling time on their Olympic careers.
London 2012 silver medallist Luke Patience, three-time Olympian Ali Young, two-timers Charlotte Dobson and Chris Grube and Rio 2016 Team GB athlete Ben Saxton have taken the decision to move on.
It follows a stellar performance from Team GB's sailors at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, at which the team secured the top spot on the sailing medal table for the fifth time in six Games with three golds, a silver and a bronze.
"All good things must come to an end, and as such these incredible athletes have taken the decision to step back from Olympic campaigning," said Robinson, the RYA's Olympic Performance Manager.
"These individuals have made such a huge impact on our sport, their achievements speak for themselves, and they've inspired countless youngsters to follow in their footsteps. I feel very proud to have led a team full of such great athletes, and those retiring will be sorely missed.
"However as a team we are well-prepared. Lots of our Tokyo team are going again, plus there are a whole host of talented sailors who've been waiting patiently in the wings to get their time to shine.
"With Paris 2024 less than three years away the British Sailing Team is full-steam ahead, with the number one goal of defending our title of the world's most successful Olympic sailing team." -- Will Carson
www.sail-world.com/news/244751/
Belgian Dirk Gunst is the 38th entry in the Global Solo Challenge
Belgian Dirk Gunst from Ostende has an impressive sailing experience both cruising on long distance passages and racing in the double-handed Round Britain & Ireland and Azores and Back Race and Single-handed in the OSTAR 1996 and 2000. Dirk estimates that in his lifetime he has clocked in excess of 300 thousands miles at sea having started as a very young boy to go fishing with his dad. He will sail a proven offshore racer cruiser by X-Yachts. At 55ft he is also the the largest boat entered so far, although not a light displacement racing hull.
He defines the Global Solo Challenge as climbing "Our Mount Everest without Sherpas" (the guides or carriers hired for mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas) with a reference to the reduce budget required to take part in the event. In fact Dirk "soon realised one can go bankrupt without being sponsored" after having done some offshore racing in the 90's.
Where does your passion for sailing come from?
I started going at sea on my father's motorboat that was used as a pleasure fishing craft (with nets) in 1963. Ever since 1967 I've been constantly teaching sailing, training both with dinghies and offshore and ocean going yachts.
What lessons have you learnt from sailing?
One cannot possibly foresee all the situations that can happen at sea. You can play chess (trying to predict the following steps), use the sea (waves, wind, currents) as an alley… but at the end of the day the sea is always the Master. So stay humble!
What brought you to like single-handed sailing?
The personal challenge, pushing oneself's limits.
Brad Butterworth tipped to skipper Alinghi for next Cup challenge
Alinghi's return to the America's Cup appears to be gathering some steam, with former Team New Zealand tactician Brad Butterworth tipped as the Swiss syndicate's next skipper.
Alinghi, Team NZ's old nemesis that took out the Auld Mug in Auckland in 2003 and defended it in 2007, is set to challenge the next America's Cup after an 11-year absence, having paid the initial $1.47 million entry fee for the 2024 regatta.
Italian sailing website Giornale della Vela reports Butterworth - who was part of Team NZ's 2000 Cup defence before leaving for Alinghi with Sir Russell Coutts and several other Kiwi crew members - could be in line to help lead Alinghi's latest challenge alongside its Swiss billionaire owner Ernesto Bertarelli.
However, Butterworth's potential skipper role will reportedly be off the water in a "technical management" capacity, similar to the way Max Sirena led Luna Rossa earlier this year.
The 62-year-old Butterworth lacks the skillset for the new foiling monohulls of recent years, and also doesn't hold the passport requirements to be on the boat, but will bring a depth of experience as one of the most successful tacticians in the Cup's history.
The Hall of Fame recipient has reportedly maintained a relationship with Bertarelli since Alinghi's America's Cup loss to Oracle in the 2010 Deed of Gift challenge.
Featured Charter
SW 82 Ammonite. 35,000 / week plus expenses and applicable taxes EUR. Located in West Med (summer 2022 Italy and France)
Southern Wind 82 Ammonite is the ideal yacht for a luxury and performance oriented cruising. She features a lifting keel which guarantees access to many shallow harbours and allows you to sneak into private bays and take the best spot right off the beaches. 6 guests in 3 double cabins. 3 Crew.
See listing details in Seahorse Charters
Contact
Pegaso Srl a Socio Unico
Salita Dinegro 7/1 16123 Genova Italy
Ph +39 010 570 4035
Fax + 39 010 570 4065
https://www.pegasoyd.com
See the the Seahorse charter collection
Featured Brokerage
1998 Bashford Sydney 46. 170,000 EUR. Located in Liguria
Lightweight E-glass rocketship from Bashford International in Australia. Wickedly-fast Iain Murray hull lines coupled with carbon rig and rudder blade. Perfect for both racing and fast-cruising, the Sydney 46 is a true all-rounder.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Michele Antonini - Grabau International (Italia)
Tel: +39 333 74 89 281
Email:
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PAZIENZA - Bermudan Cutter. 695000 EUR. Located in United Kingdom.
It is known that PAZIENZA raced regularly in the Mediterranean in the late 1950s, winning the Giraglia in 1959 with Andrea Giuseppe "Beppe” Croce at the helm. In 1960 she was used as an official yacht to transport important personalities during the Rome Olympics including;
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Barney Sandeman
Sandeman Yacht Company
22 Market Street
Poole
BH15 1NF
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1967 Breeze GBR1866N - CAL 40 (no. 93 - 1967). 74,950 VAT PAID GBP. Located in Hamble, UK.
Iconic William Lapworth design from 1963. Famous for numerous outright (overall in fleet) and Class wins in the Transpac and Bermuda races (as well as many other races) from 1964 to the present day. Listed in the American Sailboat Hall of Fame.
- Comprehensively re-fitted in 2012/13 by David Heritage Racing Yachts of Cowes
- Updated since with a new 35hp Beta engine and 16inch Maxprop installed in 2017
- Placed 1st (out of 35) in Class 4 Division B in the 2013 Fastnet race
- Awarded 1st in Concours (Fiberglass Yachts) at the Royal Southern’s 2016 Classics, she continues to turn heads wherever she goes
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Robert Boulter
+44(0)7932 110746
email:
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
The impossible often has a kind of integrity to it which the merely improbable lacks. -- Douglas Adams
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