In This Issue
• Father son duo in Rolex Sydney Hobart
• ‘Woody’ The Ageless 18Ft Skiff Champion
• Instant Classic - Aegean 600
• Caribbean Multihull Challenge
• Global Solo Challenge
• Toulon Provence Regatta: An Exceptional Maritime Event
• Cup Spy Dec 20: Kiwi test program strikes an unusually perfect day
• Internationai 12 Metre Association Annual General Meeting
• Industry News
• Featured Charter: MOD 70
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Alexa Of London
• • 2017 J/V Pac52 'Warrior Won'
• • 1964 Kialoa II S & S Classic Racing Yacht
• Merry Christmas... returning on Boxing Day
• The Last Word: Cindy Lou Who

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

Father son duo poised to race into the Rolex Sydney Hobart record books
Chutzpah races in 2022. Photo by ROLEX Carlo Borlenghi. Click on image to enlarge.

Collectively, Bruce and his son Drew Taylor have spent the best part of a lifetime sailing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Sailing on Bruce Taylor’s Reichel/Pugh 40, Chutzpah, this year’s race will be their 30th together from a total of 72 starts between them.

It will mark a record for a father and son combination in the race that is organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney.

While Drew Taylor will get to celebrate his 30th start in the 628 nautical mile, it will be the 42nd for Bruce, who sailed in 12 Hobarts before Drew took to the event.

Bruce has entered various iterations of Chutzpah, claiming more division wins than any other. The overall win eludes him, but he has come close, with a best result of second overall in 2014, a little less than 39 minutes behind Roger Hickman's race winner, Wild Rose. Taylor also finished second in 1990, but on a different Chutzpah. -- Rupert Guinness | RSHYR Media

rolexsydneyhobart.com

‘Woody’ The Ageless 18ft Skiff Champion
Woody, Lewis Brake (with NSW trophy) and Fang Warren in the League ckubhouse after last Sunday's final races. Photo by Jess Nearn. Click on image for photo gallery.

Age is just a number written on a piece of paper when it comes to the newly-crowned 2023-24 NSW 18ft skiff champion John ‘Woody’ Winning, who skippered Yandoo to victory in the eight-race series which concluded on Sydney Harbour last Sunday.

Woody’s crew of Fang Warren, on the sheet, and Lewis Brake, in the bow, were practically faultless throughout the variety conditions which challenged the fleet over the four race days in November and December, and the team’s victory was definitely well deserved.

The 71-year-young ‘Woody’ competes each Sunday in the Australian 18 Footers League’s fleet against several international champions who compete regularly in many of the best international competitions, plus world and Australian youth champions and for the past two seasons has achieved a great run of results.

In the 2022-23 season, Yandoo won the Spring Championship, was runner-up in the Club Championship, was third in the NSW Championship and finished third in the Club’s Season Point Score. The team also finished fourth in the Australian and sixth in the JJ Giltinan World championships.

Along with his weekly racing in the high-powered, high-pressure modern skiffs at the Australian 18 Footers League every Sunday, Woody races one of Historical 18s (Aberdare) with the Sydney Flying Squadron every Saturday.

2023-24 is John ‘Woody’ Winning’s 39th season of 18ft skiff racing, since he first skippered Travelodge Hotels-sponsored Bruce Farr designed boat in 1975-76.

Obviously, age is not something ‘Woody; thinks about, preferring to leave that to others, who wonder “how does he do it”?

Once the Sydney-Hobart is completed and life returns to the more regular 18ft skiff competition, the gloves come off and ‘Woody’ and ‘Herman’ become fierce rivals again as they contest the Australian (in January) and JJ Giltinan World (in March) championships on Sydney Harbour. -- Frank Quealey, Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.

18footers.com

Instant Classic - Aegean 600
The Aegean is one of the best places in the world to stage an offshore race, as the Aegean 600 has shown

It’s not easy getting new offshore races organised, established and popularised in the racing community - particularly when they are held every year. Yet in only three editions since the first race was run in 2021, the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC) has done just that with the Aegean 600... prompting referral to this event as “the perfect 600- mile race.”

The race itself was conceived as a vision to attract the international racing community to what Greek offshore sailors already know: the islands and waters of the Aegean Sea are some of the best in the world for testing one’s offshore sailing skills. The conditions are idyllic: bright sun, cloudless skies and warm air and water make sunscreen and hats the most important equipment to pack.

Full article in the January issue of Seahorse

Caribbean Multihull Challenge
With a bit more than a month remaining before kicking off the 6th Caribbean Multihull Challenge, arrangements are on fire for this historic event.

An early glance at registrations point to some great match-ups in CSA 1. That class that will see five races with three of them distance romps; i.e. the 60 mile around St Bath’s Sprint™ sponsored by FKG Rigging; the Around Saba Dash sponsored by the Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau, and the around island Circle Race sponsored by Amstel Bright Beer. All other classes will have racing in various formats.

Riccardo Pavoncelli’s 66’ Gunboat Mana and the 66’ HH Nemo owned by Todd Slyngstad will face off with Nemo looking to defend its winning performance in previous CMC editions.

Perennial winner Anthony McVeigh’s speedy 2 2 Tang. . a Schionning 53 will face off with a newcomer - Richard Wooldridge’s Triple Jack Kelsail 47 for another interesting match-up. And we welcome back the legendary Guy Chester aboard his rugged Crowther trimaran Oceans Tribute - there to set new records.

we will have at least ten VPLP designed French-built Diam 24 open trimaran’s racing for four days in and around the southern shore of St Maarten.

Time Trials for Cruising Multihulls.

This an answer for those skippers who do not want to officially race, but who want a chance to grab a podium spot at a prize giving. NOT A RACE; but rather a timed event with a parade start and no turning marks where collisions can happen, the Time Trials will test a skipper’s speed through the water point A to point B adjusted for a simplified rating each skipper will receive from CMC officials.

Register at YachtScoring.com

The balance between speed and risks, a week of maturation in the Global Solo Challenge
We’re in the week approaching Xmas at the Global Solo Challenge and the whole fleet seems to have found the rhythm and pace of the roaring forties. The majority of boats progressed under gray skies and in cold weather in the vicinities of the Crozet and Kerguelens Islands. Philippe Delamare on the leading boat Mowgli, much further ahead, has just crossed the antimeridian, on the same day that the fastest boat in the fleet, Vento di Sardegna sailed by Andrea Mura, crossed the Greenwich Meridian.

Andrea’s entry in the great south did not spare him a baptism of fire and when sailing south east of Tristan da Cunha the boat wiped out, followed by a breaker hitting Vento di Sardegna and pushing it to bear away causing an involuntary gybe. With the mainsail against the runners the boat was knocked down and pinned flat on the water until the Italian skipper could regain control of the situation and, fortunately, reported no damage.

The week had begun with the announcement of Dafydd Hughes’ retirement from the event in Hobart who did not feel his Bendigedig in its current state was fully fit for the long stretch in the Pacific to Cape Horn. Dafydd had sailed an inspiring and impeccable journey which saw him stop in Hobart following primary autopilot issues. However, even if he were to repair the autopilot, concerns would remain for the remainder of the event as the budget had not allowed the skipper to install redundant and reliable backup steering systems leading to the considerate realisation that he had achieved what he had set out to achieve, and that he should not put himself and his family under the stress of 3 more months of sailing knowing a technical issue, especially in the remoteness of the Pacific, could spell disaster.

globalsolochallenge.com/speed-and-risks/

Toulon Provence Regatta: An Exceptional Maritime Event
From 7 to 12 May 2024, the Toulon Provence Regatta will bring together approximately twenty 12mR Class yachts - an event that should be acclaimed by the general public.

Among them will be France (F-1), Jenetta (K-1), Thea (D-1) and European champion French Kiss (F-7). They measure between 19 and 22 meters, are as beautiful as they are effective for tacking, and each require about fifteen sailors to sail them. The oldest, Cintra, was built in 1909. They belong to the 12 Metre Class, yachts that raced in the biggest international competitions, from the Olympic Games (1908, 1912 and 1920) to the America's Cup (1958-1987).

An event within the event will capture the attention during this Toulon Provence Regatta, organized by the Yacht Club de France, the Marine Nautical Club and the International Twelve Metre Association, in collaboration with the Metropolis and the town hall. "These ships will support the passage of the Olympic flame on Friday 10 May. -- Mathieu Dalaine

Read more

Cup Spy Dec 20: Kiwi test program strikes an unusually perfect day
What happened in the Cup - December 20, 2023:

- Alinghi Red Bull Racing - Have not sailed so far this week.

- Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli - Suffered a compression crack in the port topside of their LEQ12 on Tuesday. The repair is underway.

- American Magic - Have sailed for six days from Barcelona in their AC75. There have been some modifications as they step up for the launch of their AC75 race boat in May 2024.

- Emirates Team New Zealand - Have been test sailing for four days, out of Auckland in their LEQ12 since winning SailGP Dubai and the second America's Cup Preliminary Regatta in Jeddah.

- INEOS Britannia - Have had rudder/rudder box issues for the second time in mid-November, but are expected to be switching to a twin AC40 program, to sail post Xmas.

- Orient Express Racing Team - No report, however they competed in the SailGP Dubai in the first week of December, placing 4th overall.

Richard Gladwell's full commentary in Sail-World.com

Internationai 12 Metre Association Annual General Meeting
ITMA’s 2023 Annual General Meeting of Members held by video-conference on October 28th was attended by 21 Regular (voting members), 3 Associate (non-voting members) and 1 Subscriber Member. After a welcome by ITMA President, Chris Winter, three regional fleet updates were provided by ITMA Vice Presidents including a look back at the 2023 World Championship at Newport and a look ahead to 2024 regattas including the 12mR World Championship at Porquerolles and Coupe de France Series.

Chris Winter presented event options for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons with a discussion of timing and locations for future Regional and World Championships.

Divisional Owners committees were formed; these will be led by volunteer representatives: Gran Prix: Johan Blach Petersen (KZ-7), Modern: Peter Askew (US-27), Traditional: Jeptha Tausig (US-21), and Vintage: Fredrik Malmberg (US-15).

Three Member Submissions were considered; the first proposed extending validity of Measurement Certificates (from 2 years to 4 years) was approved by the Membership without objection. ITMA By-Laws will reflect this change after notification / approval of World Sailing. Two other submissions were discussed-- one suggested leveraging ITMA brand assets to financially benefit the Class; the third considers alternative sail cloth fabrics.

Technical Committee, chair Ken McAlpine introduced new committee member-Bob Campbell. Among the Tech Comm’s ongoing projects / research: sail cloth, masts, First Rule “Desktop” Certification, Appendix E revision (+5 year horizon). Treasurer Dennis Gunderson presented 2023 expense budget and noted that Membership fees will not increase for 2024.

Finally, the proposed slate of Officers for 2024-Chris Winter, President; Dennis Gunderson, Treasurer and SallyAnne Santos, Secretary were re-elected without objection.

12mrclass.com

Industry News
Hundreds of delegates attend first RYA Connected conferences

540 delegates from 285 affiliated organisations attended the first RYA Connected conferences. If you missed your local conference or want to know more, don’t miss our ongoing series of Connected webinars and online drop-in sessions. See what’s coming up...

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In 2024, Beneteau - the flagship of the yachting industry - will be celebrating its 140th anniversary. Proud of its Vendee origins androots, the brand will also be celebrating 20 years of partnership with the Vendee Globe as the official supplier of support boats.

Over the past 20 years, Beneteau and the Vendee Globe have built up a special relationship, born of a shared passion for the sea and sailing. The Vendee-based company has been an official supplier to the event since 2004. For the 10th edition of the Vendee Globe, the organisers will be counting on a fleet of fourteen boats from the Antares and Swift Trawler ranges to welcome the media and the organisation's cameramen and photographers at the start of the race on 10 November 2024, as well as at the finishes of the 40 competitors. This choice of seaworthy, powerful and manoeuvrable boats will enable them to safely face the rough weather conditions that can sometimes occur at this time of year. The Wellcraft brand, part of the Beneteau Group, will also be present with the Wellcraft 355 and 435.

This collaboration extends to the New York Vendee - Les Sables d'Olonne transatlantic race, the final qualifier for the Vendee Globe, which starts off New York on 29 May.

beneteau.com

vendeeglobe.org

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New Sales Director at Arcona and Najad

Marcus Jungell will join as new Sales Director for Orust Quality Yacht Group (OQY Group), which comprises of Swedish brands Arcona Yachts, Najad Yachts of Sweden and the service yard, Orust Yacht Service. Marcus will join the Group on 15th January 2024 and take the lead for sales of Arcona as well as Najad Yachts. Marcus has a strong background from several senior leadership positions within sales and business development in the yachting industry, mainly with sailing yachts, including many years at both Nautor’s Swan, Baltic Yachts and most recently at X Shore, manufacturer of electric boats.

To streamline the operation within OQY Group, the management team of OQY Group is being restructured with the addition of Marcus Jungell as Sales Director. Marcus Lindström is Head of Production at Najad Yachts and now Orust Yacht Service too. Magnus Larsson is now Head of Production at Arcona Yachts. Urban Lagneus has left Arcona and the Group wishes him every success for the future. Fredrik Malmqvist will continue in his role as CEO of the OQY Group including both Arcona & Najad.

arconayachts.se

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Next year will see boot Düsseldorf’s sustainability offensive get off to a powerful start. From January 20-28, everything at the blue innovation dock (bid) in Hall 10 will revolve around innovative technologies, alternative drives and materials as well as the sustainable management of marinas and moorings.

European and national policymakers will also be on board. The bid will be opened on 20 January at 11.00 am by Dieter Janecek (Bundnis 90/The Greens), the Coordinator of the Federal German Government for Maritime Economy and Tourism, and Kestutis Sadauskas, Deputy Secretary General for Maritime Affairs at the European Commission.

The bid programme will then kick off with a panel discussion on the topic of “Mission Net Zero: Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Boating” and the expectations of politicians and the industry in this regard. Given the very international nature of both exhibitors and visitors all discussions and lectures will be in English. Register here.

Another highlight is the Pitching Competition on 23 January, where start-ups introduce themselves to a ‘Lions’ Den’-style panel of investors and industry experts. The winning start-up will be awarded with a complimentary stand at boot Düsseldorf 2025.

ibinews.com

Featured Charter
MOD 70

One of the fastest offshore racing boats in the world, the Multi One Design 70 Trimaran offers premier ocean racing to the world's best sailors. With maximum speeds of up to 40 knots and full ocean racing capabilities, the MOD 70 is a force to be reckoned with. Available in the Mediterranean

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
1992 Gaff Cutter 'Alexa Of London'

Gaff cutter ‘Alexa of London’ is a beautiful yacht with stunning classic lines and a gracious yet powerful rig configuration. Alexa has been meticulously maintained year on year by her passionate owners and long standing crew. Without doubt she is the ‘belle’ of any anchorage and is much admired wherever she sails. Alexa truly is a turn-key package and would suit the owner who loves powerful gaff yacht sailing but with the onboard luxuries of a modern day superyacht. Commercially compliant to charter up to 150nm from a safe-haven, Alexa of London has an excellent charter record who’s guests have repeatedly booked her year on year. Alexa easily achieves 8 weeks charter at 40-50k EUR per week.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Carrswood Yachts Limited, UK
email:
Tel: +44 (0)7476 888639

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2017 J/V Pac52 "Warrior Won". POA USD.

2017 J/V Pac52 "Warrior Won", one of the worlds most potent offshore racing yachts is for sale.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Collin Leon
+1.516.361.9156

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1964 Kialoa II S & S Classic Racing Yacht. 920,000 ex Vat EUR. Located in Hamble, UK.

A rare opportunity to purchase a classic boat with huge provenance.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Owen Clarke Performance Yacht Brokerage Services
Unit 21, Hamble Yacht Services
Port Hamble
Hants
SO31 4NN
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 2380 174 134

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

No Issues Friday or Monday
Your humble narrator is taking the long weekend to gather the flock and spread good cheer (and whiskey and eggnog). Next issue for Boxing Day and the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart. Merry Christmas!

The Last Word
No one should be alone on Christmas. -- Cindy Lou Who

Editorial and letter submissions to

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see eurosailnews.com/advertise/