In This Issue
• Rolex Big Boat Series to Race Under ORC Rating Rule in 2022
• J Class reveals 2022 racing plans
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• This week: Nick Thompson, double Laser World Champion
• Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
• Pace picks up on AC37 venue selection
• Royal Lymington Yacht Club Centenary in 2022
• Prince Philip in Pictures: The best moments of his maritime life
• Sail Melbourne returns to Port Phillip in 2022
• Jade's Journey Week Three
• Featured Charter: SW105 Wolfhound
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Davidson Custom 70 (Mini Maxi) - PENDRAGON VI
• • Maximizer. Farr 73’ Cruiser-Racer
• • EVA - William Fife III Gaff Cutter
• The Last Word: Sylvia Beach

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

Voting for the 13th annual Wight Vodka Best Sailor's Bar search is on... Top ten voting open until January 19

Rolex Big Boat Series to Race Under ORC Rating Rule in 2022
On September 15, 2022, when handicap fleets line up to compete in the Rolex Big Boat Series, they will be racing under rating rules established by the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) rather than the Offshore Rating Rule (ORR). The four-day regatta, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California, has been racing under ORR since 2014; now in 2022, the handicap divisions will be split according to ORC rules and ORC certificates will be required to compete.

"The mission statement of St. Francis Yacht Club is to serve as the inspirational center of boating activities regionally and a leader of yachting internationally. Adopting the ORC rating rule, which has become the dominant rating rule internationally, reflects our commitment to leadership in the sport and in West Coast sailing," said William H. Dana, Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club.

St. Francis Yacht Club will also employ the ORC rule when scoring other handicap regattas on its 2022 regatta schedule, including the Stone Cup (May 21-22) and Phyllis Kleinman Swiftsure Regatta (August 19-21), often used as a tune-up event for Rolex Big Boat Series.

For over 50 years, the Offshore Racing Congress has managed and developed the IOR, IMS and now ORC rating systems used in inshore and offshore racing around the world. Globally, it is the most popular measurement-based handicap system, with over 10,000 certificates issued in 45 countries.

The 2022 Rolex Big Boat Series will likely feature three ORC divisions, in addition to a number of one-design classes. The Classics division, for classic yachts built prior to 1955 and greater than 48 feet in length, will continue to race with ORR-EZ rating certificates.

An informational ORC Q&A with Dobbs Davis and the ORC support team will be hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club via Zoom on January 19 at 6:00pm PST. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Sign up for the Q&A

J Class reveals 2022 racing plans
After a 2021 season which comprised only mixed fleet racing under various handicap rules, the J Class have made provisional plans to convene at three key events this season as activity and interest ramps up and key owners and teams return to the racetracks.

Now in new ownership, J5 Ranger has undergone a substantial refit and is currently in the Caribbean, set to compete for the first time since the passing in 2018 of long-time owner and J Class enthusiast John Williams.

A new crew has been hand-picked including double America's Cup winner Ed Baird as helmsman. Together they will set out to enjoy the first ever racing season for a newcomer owner whose first racing boat is the 2003 built, steel hulled Ranger replica.

The recent J Class AGM signalled an upturn in interest and the intention is to look to develop a longer-term racing programme for two or three years. The 2022 calendar will include Saint Barth's Bucket (17th -20th March), Superyacht Cup Palma, Mallorca (22nd -2 5th June) and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (4th - 10th September).

The fleet will race under the new J Class rule, which was written, and purpose developed to best account for the features of the modern, active class boats and was first used at the last class racing event, the Antigua Superyacht Challenge in 2020.

Three J Class teams are already signed up for Saint Barth's Bucket: JK6 Hanuman, J5 Ranger and JK7 Velsheda. All three are expected to race at the European regattas joined by J8 Topaz.

jclassyachts.com

Seahorse January 2022
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

The right thing
A great race on the water but sadly that is not what this year's Middle Sea Race will be remembered for. Rob Weiland

Years ahead of its time
When the St Francis Yacht Club first launched its now legendary Junior Programme even they could not have guessed at the impact it would have. And it still does... Paul Cayard

When Size Is Your Friend
Over 100 years after the first (successful) diesel-electric yacht, Southern Wind explain how hybrid marine power is taking a big step forward in a size range that allows better use of industrial developments in other sectors

Lucky AND good!
What can you say about a world-class one-design sailor whose first major title was won in 1971 and his latest last month... Carol Cronin tries to keep a straight face interviewing Augie Diaz

A bold experiment
Robert Clark would end his yacht design career as a pillar of the establishment. It certainly did not start out that way... Clare Mccomb

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This week: Nick Thompson, double Laser World Champion
Two world titles in the Laser class mark out Nick Thompson as one of the best dinghy racers of his generation. His first world title came in 2015 after four previous times standing on the podium at Laser World Championships. Persistence paid off.

The British sailor has since proven himself as a top coach, and these days is technical director for the Guatemalan Sailing Federation and working with Juan Maegli in the ILCA/ Laser for Paris 2024. Tasked with restructuring Guatemala's sailing program from Optimists to the Olympics, it's been quite a cultural shift for Nick after being part of the well-oiled medal-winning machine of the British Sailing Team for so many years!

WHEN: Thurs 6pm UK / Fri 8am NZ

The Q&A kicks off on Zoom at 1900 hours UK time Thursday evening 6 January/ 0800 hours NZ time on Friday morning 7 January.

Join the Live Q&A call this Thursday/Friday

Zoom Meeting with Road To Gold + Nick Thompson

Meeting ID: 821 4862 7593
Passcode: 897749

The Q&A kicks off on Zoom at 1900 hours UK time Thursday evening 6 January/ 0800 hours NZ time on Friday morning 7 January.

To subscribe to Live Coaching Calls: roadtogold.net/p/calls

Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
Tonight's featured establishment is one that has been around for many years, is always nominated as one of the best in the world and is in our Top Ten for this year. Bayview Yacht Club is also one of the first yacht clubs to have an extensive presence on the internet, with a website that's gone through many iterations since the mid 90s. BYC was the home club of our departed friend Luiz Kahl of YachtScoring.com

Their famed drink was created by the late Jerome Adams who served old and new friends for decades. The Hummer:

The recipe:
1-1/2 oz. Bacardi
1-1/2 oz. Kahlua
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
A couple of ice cubes
It works best if you blend and then let sit in the freezer for a bit to make sure it is milkshake consistency.

Fire up your blender, and then go vote for our 2021 winner...

eurosailnews.com/sailors-bars

Pace picks up on AC37 venue selection
Part of the review process is to look at rejuvenation plans for the locations, which can be accelerated by the requirement for the new venue to be ready at least six months before the America's Cup.

The upcoming venue announcement is a critical one for several potential teams, who are expected to be commercially backed, and may have issues if the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah is selected as a venue.

Details of the second Irish proposal were leaked to the Irish Examiner in by sources believed to be within the Irish Ministry of Sport, in late November, 2021.

While the Irish venue may be getting the publicity, and are understood to be well advanced, Sail-World understands that multiple venues are still in play, with the busy Spanish port of Malaga reported to be one of the options.

Emirates Team NZ have been very open about their budget for the regatta which includes $120million for the team operation, of which ETNZ expects to be able to commercially fund $80million, with the venue covering the balance of the $200million total budget for the team and event.

After a mid-December Council meeting the Cork Live reported that "the Fianna Fáil councillor Gillian Coughlan, the mayor of Co Cork, said she had been skeptical of the venture to begin with, but after some research, was very much in favour of having the event held along the Cork coastline.

"There is an estimated 12-18 month economic boost — and it is not just for Cork, but for the wider Munster region," she said.

"She also said the impetus to upgrade and repair infrastructure in advance of the event was an additional benefit." -- Richard Gladwell

www.sail-world.com/news/245261/

Royal Lymington Yacht Club Centenary in 2022
It was in 1922 that the Lymington River Sailing Club was formed, in the aftermath of the Great War, which had frustrated all previous attempts to bring together local sailors. Many of "the great and the good" lived in Lymington and were members of the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, but they wanted their own Club on their home river. That year, Major Cyril Potter and his friends got together at Potter's house, near the ferry terminal, to form the Club.

They bought the disused Coastguard Boathouse which was ideally situated on the town side of the river. Since then, it has been expanded to become the excellent facility enjoyed by members today. "Royal" status was bestowed on the Club in 1938, which complemented Royal patronage of the Club since 1925, the current Patron being HRH The Princess Royal.

Explore the history of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club since its foundation in 1922 at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club History website.

The archives of Royal Lymington Yacht Club were largely lost in the great flood of 1989 when much of Bath Road and both clubs were inundated. An attempt was made to save them and they languished in a container outside the club until they were rediscovered. An official Club Archivist was appointed to oversee their preservation.

rlymyc-history.org.uk

Prince Philip in Pictures: The best moments of his maritime life
With the Prince of Wales, Uffa Fox and his yachting adviser LCDR Alistair Easton on Bluebottle. Credit: PA Archive/PA Images. Click on image to enlarge.

Prince Philip, who passed away on Friday 9 April was well known for his love of sailing, as well as his long standing naval career.

The Duke of Edinburgh trained at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in 1939 before going on to serve with the Mediterranean and Pacific fleets in the Second World War.

The young Prince Philip continued to serve until his wife, Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II in 1952, leaving the Royal Navy with the rank of commander.

A keen yachtsman, the Duke of Edinburgh became a friend of the boat designer and Cowes-native Uffa Fox, racing in Cowes Week in 1957 in the Dragon Bluebottle.

See YBW.com for images and stories

Sail Melbourne returns to Port Phillip in 2022
The 2021 Sail Melbourne regatta is set to bring some excitement and on-water action to kick off the calendar year of racing.

Held from 12th January 2022 until 17th January 2022, sailors are looking forward to making up for lost time on Port Phillip following the cancellation of the event in 2021 due to COVID.

Hosted jointly by the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria and Royal Brighton Yacht Club and supported by Mordialloc Sailing Club, Black Rock Yacht Club and Hobson's Bay Yacht Club, the event will attract competitors from around Australia.

Over 20 classes will be participating in Sail Melbourne 2022 - everything from juniors through to Paralympic and Olympic classes. A special feature of this year's event will be the inclusion of different foiling classes, including the inaugural appearance at Sail Melbourne of the iQFOil, Wind Foil and WingFoils.

www.sailmelbourne.com.au/home/

Jade's Journey Week Three
Father and daughter duo Sebastien and Jade Destremau are sailing into the New Year within striking distance of Cape of Good Hope.

Following three weeks blasting across the Indian Ocean, and despite having faced some severe weather conditions along the way, the duo has only 1000 nautical miles to go before rounding the Cape of Good Hope, reputed to be one of the three most treacherous capes on the planet.

"Sailing a Vendee Globe yacht across the Indian Ocean can be daunting at times but the 18y/o Jade has handled the pressure magnificently" said a relieved skipper.

"Since leaving Australia on December 13, it's funny how these last three weeks have felt so long at times, yet looking back on them they seem like a blur. I am not going to forget this unconventional New Year that's for sure" said Jade.

The duo has discovered a small technical issue and want to make sure that it is fixed and the boat is in top condition before tackling the Atlantic. Hence, they have organized a quick stop in Cape Town early in the New Year.

"Renowned South African ship builder Manuel Mendes and his team are getting ready to assist us in order to make this stop swift and efficient" said Sebastien before opening a freeze dried bag for New Years Eve.

"Look Dad, this one is a Coq au Vin, a real gourmet one" Jade laughed before sending her best wishes to friends and followers on social media.

Follow "Jade's Journey" including our tracking on www.faceocean.fr

Tracking link

Featured Charter
SW105 Wolfhound. 75000 p/w plus expenses and applicable taxes EUR.

Featuring the latest in design and technology, SW105 Wolfhound is the most recent sailing yacht available for charter today in this size and class. A Wolfhound yacht charter is the perfect choice for family or adventure seekers. With her comfortable interiors and high-performance capabilities, Wolfhound offers 8 guests the best standards expected of a luxury sailing yacht. Since delivery in 2018, this yacht has been carefully maintained by a top-level crew. She is currently available for charter in Italy and the South of France.

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
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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1994 Farr 73 Cruise-Racer "Maximizer". 560,000 EUR. Located in Northern Caribbean.

Cruising-Regatta For Sale - a boat with an interesting and long history in regattas

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact:
email:
email:
Tel: Pachi Rivero: +34 628251492
Tel: Ana Roses: +34 659726641

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

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1906 William Fife III Gaff Cutter - 'EVA'. 375000 EUR. Located in France

With the benefit of hindsight, it is clear that some of William Fife III's best designs were those built speculatively as ‘stock boats’; perhaps because they were purely what he thought was right, with no outside influence from a commissioning owner or the requirement to fit a rating rule.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Sandeman Yacht Company Ltd
22 Market Place
Poole
BH15 1NF

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

The Last Word
Fitting people with books is about as difficult as fitting them with shoes. -- Sylvia Beach

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