EuroSail News #5314

In This Issue
• Poole Holds Lead In Congressional Cup Round Robins
• AON 2023 Etchells Worlds
• The finest china - Harken
• Semaine Olympique Francaise
• Clarisse Cremer confirms return to sailing
• 69F Women Foiling Gold Cup
• CCA Digital Maine Cruising Guide
• Training courses for women
• Cowes Week Weekend Warriors Cup
• Featured Charter: Mat 12 - Sailplane 3
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Kinetic Catamarans - KC54
• • Oyster 885 KARIBU
• • RM 890+
• The Last Word: George Bernard Shaw

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

Poole Holds Lead In Congressional Cup Round Robins
Chris Poole (USA) remained undefeated on Day Two of the 58th Congressional Cup, as the fight for position in the semifinal stage ramps up. Ten of the top-ranked skippers from around the globe are vying for the chance to advance in this prestigious Grade One match racing event, hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club.

Conditions could not have been more idyllic for the sailors – nor spectators, volunteers and officials who took in the racing off the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier; with blue skies and a cool breeze that built from 6 to 14 knots.

At the top of the leaderboard and undefeated after 12 flights, is Poole.

Chris Poole has been coming to Long Beach to race for a decade: competing first in Ficker Cups 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2019; and climbing the rungs to Congressional Cup 2019, 2021 and 2022. Over that time he's steadily ascended from sixth place to fourth, finally landing on the podium in third place in 2022.

In second place, with nine points each, are defending Congressional Cup champion Ian Williams (GBR) and rising star Jeppe Borch (DEN). Borch's victory in the 2022 Ficker Cup launched him into his Congressional Cup debut last year, and his ascent in the sailing scene has been meteoric.

Racing continues tomorrow Thursday April 20 through Saturday April 22. After completing the double round robin series the top four finishers will advance to the semifinal and final stages. The regatta takes place directly off the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier 'Congressional Cup Stadium' where spectators can enjoy the action and live commentary for free starting at 11:30AM. Live streaming will commence Thursday.

thecongressionalcup.com

AON 2023 Etchells Worlds
Wednesday was Bacardi Race Day and conditions on Biscayne Bay were ideal with northeasterly winds blowing 12 to 14 knots to start. Principal race officer Dave Brennan repeated his strategy from Tuesday, sending the 63-boat fleet on a four-leg course in Race 3 and a five-legger in Race 4.

Brennan set weather legs of 2.2 nautical miles for both races, but had to shrink the course after the breeze dropped to single digits midway through Race 4.

kipper John Sommi and his crew aboard Veracity were the big winners of Bacardi Race Day. Sommie steered USA 1477 to victory in Race 3 then tacked on a third straight single-digit result in Race 4.

Victor Diaz de Leon is serving as tactician on Veracity, which has a low score of 26 points. That is 15 clear of Oatmeal (USA 1453) and Skanky Gene (USA 1464).

Top ten after four races. A discard is allowed only when 7 or more races have been completed.

1. Veracity - John Sommi / Victor Diaz de Leon / Will Ryan / Beccy Anderson, USA, 26.0
2. Oatmeal - Peter Duncan / Andrew Palfrey / Mark Mendelblatt, USA, 41.0
3. Skanky Gene - Jay Cross / Taylor Canfield / George Peet / Franny Schulte, USA, 41.0
4. Lifted - Jim Cunningham / Steve Hunt / Erik Shampain / Serena Vilage , USA, 45.0
5. TONS OF STEEL - Stephen Benjamin / Michael Buckley / Ian Liberty / Dave Hughes, USA, 48.0
6. Racer Smithy - Mark Thornburrow / Malcolm Page / Mike Huang / Duncan Gregor, HKG, 48.0
7. Caramba - Jose Fuentes / Marc Gauthier / Tony Rey / Wilson Stout, USA, 52.0
8. Lydia - Josh Powell / Chris Bush / Patrick Powell, USA, 53.0
9. American Baby - George Francisco / Chris Larson / Chuck Norris , USA, 53.0
10. Big Dawg - Malcolm Lamphere / Greiner Hobbs / Key Becker / Sonia Lingos-Utley, USA, 60.0

Full results on YachtScoring.com

2023.etchellsworlds.org

The finest china - Harken
... for the finest applications. Meet Zircon, ceramic opening the door to the next level in precision sail trimming

By introducing ceramic bearing technology into its latest line of Zircon blocks, Harken has significantly improved the accuracy with which sail trimmers will immediately match sail shape to changes in conditions.

An undeniable leader in the field of premium deck gear for the past 50 years, Harken is renowned for being at the front of running rigging technology, both in its design and production. The company ethos and the demands of the world class sailors with which it collaborates, requires its technical team to constantly improve its products for racing and cruising alike, and line handling gear has always been one of its specialties.

In the early 1970s, Peter Harken forever changed the way sailors trimmed and eased sails when he dropped a handful of white highdensity composite bearings called Delrin by duPont to the floor. They bounced like crazy. To Peter it was obvious they changed direction very quickly - exactly what was needed to improve the heavy, slow-to-respond blocks that depended on plain bearings or the dead steel balls then universally used. Those Harken white ball bearing blocks began a quest Harken's still on. How much inertia can be overcome while safely delivering ever-increasing working load capability?

Full article in the May issue of Seahorse

Semaine Olympique Francaise - Toulon Provence Mediterranee
With almost 1,000 athletes from over 60 countries, the Semaine Olympique Francaise in Hyeres is once again the Mediterranean event not to be missed - along with the Trofeo Princesa Sofia - for the Olympic elite with under a year and a half until the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Like every year, "La SOF" continues to stage an event exclusively dedicated to the 10 Olympic classes: ILCA (women's and men's single-handed dinghy), 49er (men's and women's double-handed dinghy), Nacra 17 (mixed double-handed catamaran), 470 (mixed double-handed dinghy), Formula Kite (men's and women's kitefoil), iQFOiL (men's and women's windfoil), will compete on the Hyerois waters less than 500 days before the first Olympic events.

The Olympic champions from Tokyo (2021) and/or Rio (2016) competing in Hyeres will include:
- Brazilian Martine Grael (49er FX) - double gold medallist in Rio and Tokyo
- The Italians Ruggero Tita & Caterina Banti (Nacra 17 mixed) - gold in Tokyo - will be challenged by the gold medallists in Rio, the Argentinians Santiago Lange and Cecilia Carranza Saroli.
- Australians Matt Wearn (gold in Tokyo) and Tom Burton (gold in Rio) will face each other in the ILCA 7.
- France's Charline Picon (gold in the women's RS:X in Rio), will compete in the 49er FX.
- China's Lu Yunxiu (gold in the women's RS:X in Tokyo) will compete in the iQFOiL.

A powerful French team, gearing up for a home Olympics, will include:
- Jean-Baptiste Bernaz (ILCA 7 world champion)
- Lauriane Nolot (Formula Kite European champion and world silver medallist)
- Camille Lecointre (bronze in Tokyo in the 470) will be compete in the mixed duo with Jeremie Mion. Lecointre will face her gold medal winning partner from Tokyo (where there were men's and women's events) Aloise Retornaz, who is now paired with Hippolyte Machetti

Programme:
Friday April 21 : reception and registration
Saturday April 22 reception and registration
Sunday April 23: reception and registration
Sunday April 23: opening ceremony
Monday 24 to Friday April 28: qualifying phase
Saturday April 29: Medal Races
Saturday April 29: Prize giving and closing ceremony

sof.ffvoile.fr

Clarisse Cremer confirms return to sailing with new team
At 33, French sailor Clarisse Cremer is embarking on one of the most exciting challenges of her career: competing in the next Vendee Globe, in November 2024.

After her sponsorship was dropped in January 2023 - which left Cremer without a team or a boat and put her Vendee Globe dreams on hold - she will now be joined by new title sponsor L'OCCITANE en Provence for a return to sailing following the birth of her baby daughter last November.

With less than 20 months to go before the next Vendee Globe, Cremer will be able to count on the support, investment and motivation of L'OCCITANE en Provence. This partnership is based on the shared values for women's empowerment, team spirit and authenticity. The commitment to reconnect people with Nature and themselves has also motivated L'OCCITANE en Provence to accompany Cremer in this adventure.

She will also be joined by a reference in ocean racing - Alex Thomson. The 49-year-old British skipper, who has taken part in five Vendee Globe races and twice finished on the podium, is committed to supporting and bringing together all the skills needed to build a successful campaign.

Cremer will have one of the best performing boats of her generation, the former Apivia. On board, Charlie Dalin won the Transat Jacques Vabre (2019) and finished 2nd in the Vendee Globe (2021) and the Route du Rhum (2022).

A time trial has now begun in order to shape the technical team, take charge of the boat, confirm the competition calendar and start the mileage race, to qualify for the next Vendee Globe which starts 10th November 2024.

vendeeglobe.org/en

69F Women Foiling Gold Cup
69F has been working on organizing an all-female foiling regatta. Thanks to the enthusiastic response of several crews from different continents, the idea has become a reality, with the 69F Women Foiling Gold Cup to be held in Gargnano, Lake Garda, from August 28th to September 3rd.

The event will be held on Lake Garda, in Gargnano, well known for its conditions on the water and organization on land, thanks to the staff of the Circolo Vela Gargnano with its volunteers and race officials. The event is set to have a minimum of six to a maximum of 12 crews and will follow a schedule similar to that of the successful Youth Foiling Gold Cup, with teams taking turns on the six 69F-owned hulls for two days of qualifying, at the end of which there will be two days of finals to determine the final standings.

For more information: or

CCA Digital Maine Cruising Guide
Since launch of its unique, digital Cruising Guide to Maine in 2022, the Cruising Club of America (CCA) has continued to improve and expand on the original, leveraging 73 years of experience producing printed guides for cruisers. The foundation of the online Guide remains the same as the others - priceless local knowledge shared by 30 veteran CCA cruisers who either homeport in Maine or have cruised there for decades. Updated regularly, the site is free to all sailors to learn about and prepare to cruise the rugged and beautiful coast of Maine.

Constantly updated, richly illustrated, and well-researched, the Guide demonstrates the CCA's goals of supporting adventurous use of the seas, being a reliable source of information, and maintaining a spirit of helping others. The Guide is free for all to use - if you're considering a cruise in Maine, please come for a visit, and we'd appreciate any feedback to improve the Guide further. -- John Burnham

guides.cruisingclub.org

Training courses for women - registrations opened by World Sailing
World Sailing is inviting Member National Authorities (MNAs), Events, Class Associations and Sailing Clubs to register for training courses designed to broaden the skills of women in sailing as part of this year's Steering the Course global women's sailing festival.

Courses and clinics will be funded by World Sailing and available to Member National Authorities (MNAs), Events, Class Associations and Sailing Clubs.

The coaching pathway allows participants to take the first steps towards becoming an instructor or build on existing experience to be a sailing coach. Each course will teach how to safely prepare boats and equipment, develop sailing skills, tactics and strategy, while also helping to set performance goals and training plans for sailors at all levels.

The Race Official, Umpiring and Measurers Clinics are intended to introduce the different disciplines to countries where there is no formal certification and provides a ground level for improving their Race Management and Judging.

Details on courses and registrations at World Sailing

Cowes Week launches Weekend Warriors Cup for Club Cruisers
The Club Cruiser division, sponsored by the Cruising Association was introduced in 2021 to create a racing class for those boats which are genuine dual-purpose cruiser-racers and create a home within the regatta for boats with family crews and without the latest in sail technology. It's been a great success with growing interest.

The Weekend Warriors Cup is a mini- series within Cowes Week, taking place on Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th and Monday 31st July, with a separate trophy for the overall winner of those three days. Cowes Week itself remains the full seven days, but the Weekend Warrior Cup gives you a chance to race for 3 days at a reduced entry fee of 200 for boats up to 10m and 250 for boats over 10m.

Three days of racing, the opportunity to attend the Cowes Week Cocktail Party on the lawn at the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Sunday evening (tickets sold separately) and a chance to enjoy the ambience of the world's longest running regatta, which will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2026.

Any questions, please contact Regatta Director, Laurence Mead () or call 01983 295744 and speak to Event Manager Mary Scott-Jackson.

cowesweek.co.uk

Featured Charter
Mat 12 - Sailplane 3. Located in the UK.

Sailplane is a pure-bred 41′ IRC Racer blending performance, comfort in a true dual-purpose yacht. The design concentrates on good all-around speed in a wide range of conditions. Although being a boat designed for racers, her deck was built with comfort and safety at the foremost importance, with a modern rig with twin spreaders, a non-overlapping jib, and her interior a comfortable layout makes MAT 12 a real dual-purpose yacht.

The selection and location of deck gear reflects the race-winning capability of the design, allowing a skilled crew to extract the racing potential. The Mat 12 design concentrates all-around speed in a wide range of conditions. The 3 cabin interior provides spacious accommodation, with full galley and nav facilities with a fully enclosed head. Results show the MAT 12 brings a new level of performance to the Cruiser/Racer market offering a faster design with a better deck layout and more enjoyable sailing than its competitors

Available for charter in the UK.

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
Kinetic Catamarans - KC54

A performance catamaran that can be comfortably sailed by a cruising couple. The KC54 offers a modern stylish design and all of our standard features.

The KC54 maximizes living space with panoramic 360-degree views from inside its large main salon. The coach roof-mounted mast and traveler facilitate a large forward cockpit for both sailing and leisure and an aft cockpit free of sail controls. It is built for fast coastal and offshore cruising in comfort. It can also be configured as a competitive racer.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Kinetic Catamarans
USA Tel: +1 954 732 2836
Kinetic Catamarans
SA. Tel:+27 44 382 0439

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2013 Oyster 885 'Karibu'.5,250,000 VAT paid EUR

Oyster 885 KARIBU is an exceptional example of Oysters flagship model. Purchased in 2021 by her current owner, the yacht was entirely refit and re-launched in 2022 with a stunning new livery on show. During the refit no stone was left unturned. KARIBU is absolutely a turnkey option for a prospective buyer. In the knowledge that all onboard systems have been overhauled and attended to KARIBU offers complete peace of mind and certainty.

She has New sails, a 4.8m jet tender, new EC6 carbon rigging, hull paint, interior upholstery’s and the latest onboard IT/AV systems to name just a few! Turning heads in the Caribbean this Winter, KARIBU provides four en-suite guest cabins and sleeps 8 in true comfort. She is MCA Cat2 commercially compliant and has already proven exceptionally popular during her first Mediterranean and Caribbean charter seasons.

4 crew members are well accommodated in 2 spacious cabins. Her contemporary interior was beautifully re-designed in 2022 by the multi-award winning interior superyacht stylists Design Unlimited, UK. The yachts vibrant colours and use of luxurious materials truly make Karibu a stand out example in her class. KARIBU is also VAT paid and currently registered in Guernsey, Channel Islands.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Alastair Shove
Mobile: +44 (0)747 6888 639
Email:
carrswoodyachts.com

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RM 890+. From 134,400 ex VAT EUR.

RM890+ is the smallest model of the RM family but she has everything: wood-based building process, space, comfort and natural light, seducing design and performance under sail! rm-yachts.com/rm-890

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
RM Yachts
Zone Industrielle des 4 chevaliers
Rond-Point de la Republique
17180 Perigny, France

+33 5 46 44 73 00