EuroSail News #5167 - 13 September
In This Issue
• Rolex Swan Cup
• Defi Azimut
• Genoa International Boat Show
• Rolex Big Boat Series
• Southampton Show Not Open on Monday
• British Sailing Team seeks hands-on help for Paris 2024
• 2.4mR World Championship
• Celestial
• The Bermuda Fitted Dinghy
• Featured Charter: Reichel Pugh 86 - Way of Life
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Dubois 90 - Genuine Risk
• • MC68 multihull
• • Infiniti 52R
• The Last Word: Ian McDonald
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
Rolex Swan Cup
Porto Cervo, Italy: The skipper's briefing in the Piazza Azzurra and the welcome cocktail on the terrace of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, overlooking Porto Cervo Marina, marked the start today of the 21st edition of the Rolex Swan Cup, a biennial regatta organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in collaboration with the Nautor Swan shipyard and with the support of title sponsor Rolex.
The first starting signal is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday 13 September, at 12 noon, and the event will conclude on Sunday 18 September with the prize giving ceremony in Piazza Azzurra, at the YCCS.
Owners and crews are particularly enthusiastic for this edition, delighted to return to the docks by the YCCS for the Rolex Swan Cup after a break of four years. The fleet of over 90 yachts enrolled, which gathered in Porto Cervo from yesterday, 11 September, ranges from the most recent models launched by the Finnish shipyard, such as the 48- and 58-feet boats, to classic Swans dating from the 1960s to the 1980s. The smallest boat in the fleet is the 36-foot Josian, the seventh example of the first model ever built by the shipyard, while the largest is the Swan 120 Audrey the First, launched in 2021 and entered in the Rolex Swan Cup as 'Not Racing', but attending to take part in the social events and enjoy sailing the waters of the Costa Smeralda.
The competing yachts have been divided according to their characteristics into two main divisions, which in turn are split into various classes. For Division 1 the schedule includes five days of coastal racing between the islands of the archipelago of La Maddalena, with a rest day scheduled for Friday 16 September. Division 1 includes 7 Maxis, 10 Mini Maxis, 9 Classic Sparkman & Stephens, and 22 Swan Grand Prix who will race under the ORC rating in compensated time. The Swan 65 S&S sloop King's Legend is also racing in this division, a boat that took part in the 1977-78 Whitbread Round the World Race and finished second.
Division 2, which completed a practice race today, encompasses the one-design classes. Here we find 8 Clubswan 36 models, 9 Clubswan 42s, 4 Swan 45s and 15 Clubswan 50 boats. For this division the schedule sets out five days of windward-leeward racing and one day dedicated to the long coastal race along with Division 1, scheduled for Thursday 15 September, and no rest day scheduled.
Defi Azimut
Lorient, France: It's the start of the autumn term for offshore racing and Lorient La Base is fervently preparing to play host to nearly 30 Imocas for an unprecedented four-day challenge.
Runs, singlehanded and crewed racing and a time to beat: the programme for the sailors
Wednesday 14 September: between Lorient and Groix Island, Runs Azimut - Brittany
There will be a series of outright speed runs against the clock. The skippers will cast off from the port of Lorient at 10:30 UTC in a bid to establish the fastest time over the 1-mile course, with their steeds fully powered up. A dazzling opportunity to see the Imocas in action, 6 of them making their public debut on the racetrack (Charal, Holcim-PRB, Initiatives Cœur, Malizia-Seaexplorer, Biotherm, V and B - Monbana - Mayenne).
Thursday 15 September: 48h Azimut in solo format
A Défi Azimut highlight concocted by Race Director Hubert Lemonnier: one skipper and one Onboard reporter (OBR) to sail a course of at least 500 miles. These 48hrs of offshore racing will enable the skippers to size up the competition prior to the Route du Rhum (start on 6 November in Saint Malo)
48h Azimut - The Ocean Race in crewed format
4 boats* will compete in crewed format + one OBR over a course spanning around 600 miles as a warm up for The Ocean Race, a crewed round the world race setting sail from Alicante in January 2023. Starts at 12:30 UTC with some crazy images and close racing on the cards. Boats due to return on Saturday 16 September.
Sunday 18 September: Tour of Groix Island
Note the record to beat: 1hr 08' 10 seconds set by Vincent Riou in 2015! The crews will dock out from Lorient La Base at 09:00 UTC for a race around Groix Island with guests aboard. A battle royal and magical images will ensure it's a showstopper…
* There will be a total of 5 Ocean Race teams, but only four will race in crewed format
Anticipation is building ahead of next week's Défi Azimut regatta in Lorient, France when five of the IMOCA teams so far confirmed as entries in The Ocean Race 2022-23 will line up against each other for the first time.
Four of the five international teams - Charlie Enright and Mark Towill's 11th Hour Racing Team (USA), Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia (GER), Benjamin Dutreux Robert Stanjek's GUYOT environnement - Team Europe (FRA/GER), Paul Meilhat's Biotherm (FRA) - will race with with four crew (including at least one female sailor) as well as an additional onboard reporter (OBR) whose role is to chronicle their crew's performance in words, images and video.
Meanwhile, French skipper Kevin Escoffier has opted to sail his Holcim - PRB IMOCA in solo mode.
Genoa International Boat Show - Fountaine Pajot combines solar with sailing
Fountaine Pajot confirms its environmental approach with the brand new Aura 51, which will be presented at the 62nd Genoa International Boat Show.
In fact, on the large flybridge of this 15.54 metres long and 8.08 metres wide cat with a sail area of 154 square meters, the yard has installed a series of solar panels that are both “flush” and completely integrated into the structure, capable of providing 2000 watts of renewable energy.
In addition, the model’s designer Olivier Racoupeau Design has conceived a full opening between the cockpit and the interior saloon which facilitates communication between the kitchen and the large cockpit table.
Inspired by the concept of maximum customisability the Aura 51 is available in four versions, starting with the Maestro version featuring a large owner’s cabin in the left hull, then we have the double or triple Maestro with the owner’s cabin and one or two VIP cabins, and finally the version with six cabins each with its own bath. The auxiliary power system features two 60 Hp or 75 Hp engines.
Rolex Big Boat Series
Rolex Big Boat Series is the Ste. Francis Yacht Club's signature event, and the club constantly strives to evolve and improve the experience for all participants. Changes for the 2022 edition include adopting handicap rules established by the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC); adding a four-person Rules Committee; retaining Platinum-level status with Sailors for the Sea's Clean Regatta's program; and establishing StFYC's new Yacht Club Trophy.
The decision to contest the 2022 event under ORC handicap rules furthers StFYC's reputation as a leader in international yachting.
This change will apply to all handicap classes except the Classics, which will still race under ORRez rating certificates. A newly established Rules Committee will be on hand to advise Race Committee on matters ranging from ORC rules interpretations to class divisions and scoring, while largely operating behind the scenes.
2022 marks the third year Rolex Big Boat Series will be a Platinum-level Clean Regatta with Sailors for the Sea, the organization's highest designation.
For visitors travelling to the regatta, organizers are encouraged that the country has finally reached a better, safer place in terms of COVID-19. StFYC recognizes that the pandemic isn't over, and, as such, will host all large gatherings in outdoor spaces. Racers and visitors are no longer required to show proof of vaccination, but StFYC kindly requests that all attendees have a negative COVID test result before arriving at the regatta. Anyone who isn't feeling well is politely asked to remain at home.
Racing begins at 1100 on Thursday September 15. Racing continues through Sunday Septembr 18.
Southampton Show Not Open on Monday
Southampton International Boat Show at Mayflower Park, Southampton from 16-25 September 2022.
Following the announcement of the state funeral of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September, Southampton International boat show will not open that day as a mark of our deepest respect for her and her family. Tickets remain on sale for all other days of the show.
"Following discussions with our many stakeholders it was agreed that closing the show as a mark of respect would be the most appropriate course of action," commented Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine. "Closing the show on Monday 19 September will allow everyone, from those manning the stands, to those teams behind the scenes, the opportunity to join the nation in remembering The Queen on this day of national mourning."
Visitors who have purchased tickets to attend the show on Monday 19 September will now be able to attend another day of the show. This will be completed automatically by our ticket partner Ticketsellers and you do not need to do anything. Visitors with further queries regarding their ticket should contact
British Sailing Team seeks hands-on help for Paris 2024
With less than two years to go until the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a rare opportunity to join the British Sailing Team has arisen.
Team GB's sailors are the most successful in history - and now we're on the hunt for a practical, hands-on boat technician to work alongside our world-class technical team to help keep that title.
The role will involve working with the British Sailing Team's Chief Technical Officer and Boatbuilder at our base in Portland, Dorset, preparing and maintaining a variety of Olympic sailing dinghies and boards, and to help with the day to day running of the workshop.
Adam May, Chief Technical Officer for the British Sailing Team, said: "This is a really rare opportunity to play a major role in the team's preparation for Paris 2024.
"Olympic sailing relies on equipment and we need someone who can help ensure we have the best-prepared kit in the world."
High level practical skills, measurement experience, and attention to detail, ideally in boatbuilding or surface finishing, are required. In addition, you will need to be able problem solve, work independently and have good people skills.
Does this sound like you? If so, please contact for an informal chat.
2.4mR World Championship
Davis Islands, Tampa, Florida: Davis Island Yacht Club is proud to host the 2022 2.4mR World Championship Regatta November 5-11, 2022.
The event is expected to draw around 80 sailors and their coaches from Europe, Central and North America, Asia, and Australia. Nine countries are already being represented with room for more.
The 2.4mR is described as a "one-person keelboat for all," designed to be "the most inclusive sailing boat available," regardless gender, physical strength, or age. The boats can be sailed by able-bodied and disabled sailors alike.
The boat harks back to the golden age of yacht racing with classic lines calling to mind America's Cup 12-meter boats. It evolved from what was known as a "mini-12." Established in 1993, the modern 2.4mR is just under 14 feet long, with 81 square feet of sail area, and draws 39 inches with a large bulb keel for stability.
The 2.4mR sailboats will launch on November 6; racing can be observed from the Davis Island Seaplane Basin park and on the water.
The fleet will set sail each day, racing around inflatable marks in Upper Tampa Bay before returning to harbor.
diyc.org/racing/2022-2-4-mr-world-championships/
Registration on YachtScoring.com
Celestial
A group of students use their knowledge of the lost art of celestial navigation in a prestigious sailing race to discover a pure form of sailing and a new connection to the sea.
In June 2019, he cfew of S. S. V. Tabor Boy - primarily students - embarked from Marion, Massachusetts towards Bermuda in the bieniel Marion to Bermuda Race dueling against the vessel Spirit of Bermuda.
They got there exclusively using celestial navigation.
Director/Producer/Editor: Jack Gordon
The Bermuda Fitted Dinghy
The fitted dinghy Elizabeth. Click on image to enlarge.
These are in the opinion of your humble narrator absolutely the coolest dinghies in the world. I've had the pleasure of witnessing a number of races in Hamilton Harbor, back when a fitted dinghy race was part and parcel of the festivities at the Bermuda Gold Cup. I damn near got a ride on one, when RBYC's Roger Mello tapped me as a rider on a very windy day (being built like a cigarette machine is an ideal body shape on windy days on a fitted dinghy, apparently). Ultimately they cancelled the race, as the odds of lots of damage was about 100% and these beasts are all custom made and cost tens of thousands of dollars.
What's not to love about a class whose rules allow the jettisoning of crew?
Here's some info on the one owned by the Red Hole Arguing and Drinking Club *:
Elizabeth II is the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club's Bermuda Fitted Dinghy, and RHADC is also host to the Bermuda Fitted Dinghy Association. The Association runs races through summer beginning May 24th and running to late August each year.
The dinghy crew makes a considerable commitment to getting our little boat on the start line each race day. The cups and trophies can be seen in our showcase in the club house.
The Bermuda Fitted Dinghy is a type of racing-dedicated sail boat used for competitions between the yacht clubs of Bermuda. Although the class has only existed for about 130 years, the boats are a continuance of a tradition of boat and ship design in Bermuda that stretches back to the earliest decades of the 17th century.
The dinghy racing, today, is an inter-club activity, fought between the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC), the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC), the St. George's Dinghy and Sports Club and Sandys Boat Club.
The racing is carried out on set dates in a variety of locations including Hamilton or St. George's Harbours, Granaway Deep, and Mangrove Bay. The dinghies sail windward leeward courses and the number of legs is decided based on the conditions at race time. Boats always finish to windward. The boats, despite their small sizes, are each normally crewed by six people, necessary to handle the large areas of sail, and also to continually bail the dinghies, which have very little freeboard, and which are often capsized by powerful gusts. A unique rule to racing states that the number of crew to finish a race can be less than the number that started. This can encourage boats to have crew dive off the transom during a race to push the boat forward, help lighten the boat and increase performance.
* As described by the late Shorty Trimingham CBE.
Featured Charter
Reichel Pugh 86 - Way of Life. Located in Mediterranean & Caribbean 2022/2023.
WAY OF LIFE is quite simply an iconic Super Maxi 86, with an enviable racing history across the globe. Her immediate successes in the top offshore events at the time made the world turn their heads to canting keel technology.
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
2004 Dubois 90 - Genuine Risk. 350000 AU. Located in Sydney, Australia.
This is an incredible opportunity to join an ownership programme for one of the fastest supermaxis in the world. In great condition and benefiting from recent optimisation. 1/3rd share
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Ben Cooper
Berthon UK
Tel: 0044 (0)1590 679 222
E-Mail:
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MC68 multihull. POA USD.
One of the largest models in our innovative multihull series, the MC68 is designed with the performance cruiser in mind.
At 68ft length overall, the MC68 offers increased interior volume, enhanced performance and impressive capabilities for spending long periods at sea.
The MC68’s accommodation arrangement offers three guest cabins and one crew cabin as standard; a four-cabin layout (all en suite) or two variations of a five-cabin layout, which are ideal for a boat that will run with a live-aboard crew.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
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Infiniti 52 R POA EUR.
The Infiniti 52 R is a custom-designed Grand Prix racing yacht developed to take full advantage of the performance benefits of DSS. Ideally suited to race coastal and offshore in locations all over the world and competitive under all rating systems, the Infiniti 52 R changes the game in this size range. Developed in conjunction with 4-time Whitbread/Volvo winner Stu Bannatyne, the Infiniti 52 R was developed to fulfil the wishes of a number of clients who were looking for a yacht that would provide a significant performance increase over current options but able to sail and race with 50-60% of the crew traditionally required for yachts of this size.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Infiniti Yachts
Tel: +44 7920 395397
Email:
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
Any AI smart enough to pass a Turing test is smart enough to know to fail it. -- Ian McDonald
Editorial and letter submissions to
Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html
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