In This Issue
• Transition time ahead of the first big low
• M32 Fleet Roars Back To Miami
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• McIntyre Ocean Globe Leader Issued Time Penalty
• 59th Annual Congressional Cup
• Cup Spy Jan 9: Four teams sail on Med. Brits start two-boat program
• Finport Finance - The battle to defend her title
• Why Ben Ainslie is Stepping Down
• Industry News
• Featured Charter: Beneteau First 36 #42
• Featured Brokerage:
• • C&C 66 Classic Cruiser / Racer - Phantom
• • IMOCA 60 Austria One
• • 2008 Ker 39 - Tiger 3
• • YYachts Y7
• • RM 970
• The Last Word: E. A. Bucchianeri

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

Transition time ahead of the first big low
A night of light winds and multiple gybes, passing about 30 miles west of Maderia and its no-go zone to protect its cetaceans, has seen Tom Laperche (SVR Lazartigue) take the lead on the Arkea Ultim Challenge-Brest.

Negotiating an anticyclonic zone since yesterday has been something of a high wire act, go too close to the centre and there is less wind and to the east the skippers are sailing further and taking longer to get to the favourable shift. But this morning speeds are back up in the order of 22-25kts in 12-15kts of SE'ly winds.

Undoubtedly the SVR Lazartigue routing cell led by Jean Yves Bernot has done the best job over this short term passage, though the VPLP design is known to be quickest in the light and upwind. Armel Le Cléac'h (Banque Populaire XI) has not done so well in the east and has dropped a few miles. Nonetheless it is all relative considering the big low which will is coming in for the fleet from this afternoon. It seems Banque Populaire XI was hoping for more wind further from the center of the and approached from further east and then he just had to deal with the conditions Armel found himself in.

Rankings:
1. Tom Laperche, Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue, FRA, 22576 nm to finish
2. Charles Caudrelier, Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, FRA, 22577 nm
3. Thomas Coville, Sodebu Ultim 3, FRA, 22630 nm
4. Armel Le Cleac''h, Maxi Banque Populaire XI, FRA, 22635 nm
5. Anthony Marchand, Actual Ultime 3, FRA, 22743 nm
6. Eric Peron, Adagio, FRA, 22920 nm

arkeaultimchallengebrest.com/en

M32 Fleet Roars Back To Miami
The M32 catamaran is making a return to the vibrant waters of Miami. With notable crew changes from the previous season, anticipation is high as sailing enthusiasts gear up for races featuring top-tier teams from around the globe.

The off-season saw significant crew changes, injecting a fresh dynamic into the M32 fleet. Don Wilson, alongside new tactician Adam Minoprio, clinched victory, securing the win with a race to spare. Meanwhile, the introduction of the new team "Lucky Dog," led by skipper Travis Weisleder, previously known for his prowess in the Melges 24, added an exciting dimension to the competition, showcasing their mettle and leaving a lasting impression.

Reigning world champions, Rated X, with skipper Jake Julien, had a challenging regatta, facing a few setbacks that landed them in a commendable second overall. The fiercely competitive field ensured that every race was a display of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. The podium was rounded out with Pursuit, skippered by class President, Bill Ruh.

M32 Miami Winter Series 2024 - January- Leaderboard
1. Convexity - Don Wilson, 26 points 2. Rated X - Jake Julien, 41 3. Pursuit - William Ruh, 54 4. Dingbat - Bobby Julien, 61 5. YoungBlood - Miles Julien, 67 6. Surge - Ryan McKillen, 73 7. Gold Digger - James Prendergast, 73 8. Closing Time - Ian Wooden, 94 9. Lucky Dog - Travis Weisleder, 101

m32world.com

Seahorse January 2024
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

Instant classic
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."

A big year (and for one so young)
A+T was only founded in 2015 and has now developed a complete range of extremely well engineered instruments, processors, autopilots and sensors. A high proportion of A+T's business is for upgrades to superyachts and systems for newbuilds.

Now you can always get what you want
Yacht-Match is a yachtbroker, dealer and service provider that is founded on a fundamentally different way of doing business

IMA - All good up top
And the Maxis are thriving. Andrew McIrvine

Perfect playground (magnificent toys)
ClubSwan Racing has enjoyed a vintage season of racing this year, not just in its core one-design classes but in ORC handicap racing too.

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McIntyre Ocean Globe Leader Issued 172Hr Leg 3 Time Penalty
With just days to the restart of the McIntyre Ocean Globe, race leader Translated 9 had been issued a total of 172 hours of time penalties associated with sending three sails to a sailmaker for repair, without approval and without any notice. This is not allowed under the Notice of Race unless specific processes are followed and advance notice and approvals are given.

In this instance, no OGR approvals were given to Translated 9 to remove sails for repair. When all entrants were asked later by the organizer if sails were delivered to a sailmaker for repairs, a declaration was provided by the captain of Translated 9 clearly stating they had not been removed and were onboard the boat. In fact, the sails had been removed three days before the captain's declaration was received.

On investigation, after the declaration was received, it was proven that three sails were sent to a sailmaker by the captain of Translated 9 before the declaration. OGR immediately commenced an enquiry. The captain admitted the declaration he supplied was wrong and that at the time he supplied the declaration he was aware sails were at the sail maker.

On that basis a total of 72 hours penalties were applied for the three sails sent without the authority or knowledge of the OGR. A further 100-hour penalty was applied for the supply of a wrong declaration when asked. As the captain acted against team orders and the direct instructions of the team manager and owner, and without their knowledge, this 100-hr penalty was suspended, subject to the entry not breaching any further NOR rules. IF that be the case the entry would be disqualified.

Full report

oceangloberace.com

59th Annual Congressional Cup hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club
The 2024 Congressional Cup promises action and excitement when Long Beach Yacht Club hosts the 59th edition April 24 to 28, 2024. Defending champion Chris Poole (USA) will lead the fiery line-up of competitors which also includes four-time Congressional Cup winner Gavin Brady (USA) who returns after a dozen-year hiatus.

The roster also includes top ten ranked match racing skippers such as 2009 Congressional Cup winner Johnie Berntsson (SWE), Jeppe Borch (DEN), Eric Monnin (SUI), Mati Sepp (EST) and Nick Egnot-Johnson (NZL) plus Dave Hood (USA). Two final contenders will advance from the Ficker Cup Regatta held the prior week, April 19 to 21.

Over five spirited days of racing teams will compete in a fleet of identical 37-foot Catalina keelboats which guarantee an even platform and thrilling action. 'Strategy and skill' is the name of the game as the crews pair off in a double-round robin format and battle round the course. It's a delight to racers and spectators alike who can watch the action directly off the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.

LBYC introduced the Congressional Cup in 1965, innovating the game of match racing and pioneering on-the-water umpiring. When the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) was launched in 2000, Congressional Cup became a premier, founding event.

Congressional Cup commences with an April 23 practice day and dinner to introduce the skippers and crews. Five days of racing follow, with nightly press conferences and social events at host LBYC. Competition takes place off the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, where spectators can enjoy live commentary for free. Plus, the event will be live streamed starting Friday April 26.

thecongressionalcup.com

Cup Spy Jan 9: Four teams sail on Med. Brits start two-boat program
Four America's Cup teams trained on the Mediterranean. The British team sailed their two AC40's against each other for the first time out of Barcelona.

It is not clear what direction their program will take from here. In the interview Ainslie was non-committal as to whether their test boat 'T6' would sail again. Emirates Team NZ has not sailed in 2024. As many of the sailing team are due to compete in the SailGP Abu Dhabi this weekend they may not sail until next week.

What happened in the Cup - January 9, 2024:

- American Magic - Sailed out of Barcelona on Tuesday in their AC75. This is the third day of sailing for the US team in 2024.

- Alinghi Red Bull Racing - Sailed their AC75 today for the first time in 2024, out of Barcelona. They last sailed their AC75 in mid-December, 2023.

- Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli - Sailed their LEQ12, for the first time in 2024 today out of Cagliari. They last sailed on December 20 and 21 after having a compression crack in its hull following an incident on December 4, 2023 in Cagliari.

- Emirates Team New Zealand - last sailed their LEQ12 out of Auckland on December 21, completing a pre-Xmas test block. They are sailing in the SailGP Abu Dhabi this weekend. It would seem that they will not sail until next week.

- INEOS Britannia - Last week INEOS Britannia Skipper, Co-helm and CEO Ben Ainslie announced he was stepping away from sailing duties on the Emirates SailGP team to focus on the America's Cup effort. The team may switch to a program involving their two AC40's (AC40-2) and AC40-10) and that is what they sailed today. In the interview Ainslie was non-committal as to whether their test boat 'T6' would sail again, or whether they would stay with their double AC40 program until their AC75 raceboat is launched.

- Orient Express Racing Team - No report, however they were on the water off Barcelona today. They will be sailing in the SailGP Abu Dhabi, this weekend.

Read Richard Gladwell's commentary in Sail-World.com:

sail-world.com

Finport Finance - The battle to defend her title
Click on image for photo gallery.

Despite a lack of interstate competition, the battle for victory in the 2023-24 Australian 18ft skiff Championship will be as tough as ever when the defending champion Finport Finance team of Keagan York, Matt Stenta and Phil Marshall line against both the Giltinan World champion, Andoo, and NSW champion, Yandoo, teams in Race 1 on Sydney Harbour this Sunday (January 14).

Finport Finance won a hotly contested championship in 2022-23 and followed this up with a win in the Mark Foy Trophy on Lake Garda, Italy during the Australian winter, but the form shown by the recently-crowned NSW champion Yandoo team of John 'Woody' Winning, Fang Warren and Lewis Brake is expected to test the rest of the fleet.

A number of teams, including Finport Finance and Andoo (John Winning Jr, Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton), had below full-strength crews in several races leading up to the break over Christmas and the New Year so accurate form is hard to predict before Sunday's opening race of the championship.

If the early weather forecast of a 20knot SSE wind for the entire race proves to be correct, the teams and ferry spectators are in for an exciting afternoon's action-packed race.

As well as the three leading teams, there are a number of newer and young teams showing promise which could earn them a spot on the podium after each race. -- Frank Quealey. Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.

Watch the racing LIVE on youtube

18footers.com

Why Ben Ainslie is Stepping Down
Sir Ben Ainslie explains why he has stepped down from driving his team's SailGP F50 foiling cat. Despite a couple of wins last year in SailGP Season 4, Emirates Great Britain has not managed to continue this momentum. Meanwhile, in Ainslie's America's Cup campaign the team has delivered some poor performances in the two America's Cup preliminary events. So, what has driven Ainslie to step down? Is it time to re-focus? Matt Sheahan finds out as Ainslie explains the thinking behind this move along with the strategy of the team going forward.

planetsail.co.uk

Matt Sheahan's blog

Industry News
North Sails invites you to join us for an exclusive firsthand look at NPL RENEW, our groundbreaking sustainable sailcloth. NPL RENEW is the start of a new and important shift in sailmaking towards a more sustainable sail that does not sacrifice performance or longevity. Join us at our stand for the official launch of NPL RENEW and meet the experts behind the products.

Tuesday, January 23rd 4:00 PM boot Dusseldorf, Halle 10 / H22

Industry professionals who wish to attend should RSVP to

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The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA) have announced the inception of the 1st ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference.

The inaugural event will be held and organised by ONE°15 Marina at Sentosa Cove in Singapore from April 23-24 in conjunction with the Singapore Yachting Festival 2024.

Key themes of the conference are sustainability and the decarbonisation of the recreational marine industry with ICOMIA's ongoing 'Propelling Our Future' campaign shaping much of the dialogue. The conference programme will include presentations on the latest research and innovation across the various aspects of the industry from propulsion systems to infrastructure development. In addition, panel discussions will engage on the potential and development of Asia's growing markets as well as industry-driven efforts to grow boating.

ICOMIA will be drawing on their global network of industry experts and thought leaders to create a dynamic programme that will stimulate discussion and creative ideation.

ibinews.com

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Archie Fairley, a veteran of the 2000/1Global Challenge Round the World Race has taken over the Chairmanship of the International Association of Cape Horners (IACH). He completed a full circumnavigation via the 3 Great Capes, including Cape Horn aboard the 75ft Challenge yacht Norwich Union, and has also competed in the Sydney Hobart, Fastnet and ARC classic races.

Archie takes over the reins from Ashley Manton who has chaired IACH for the past 5 years. With Archie Fairley acting as Secretary, the two have spearheaded major changes within the Association. A once dwindling membership made up largely of traditional sailing ship veterans, is now a thriving standard bearer for modern circumnavigators, promoting major events such as the Vendee Globe, Golden Globe and Global Solo Challenge events, Ocean and Ocean Globe fully crewed races and record circumnavigation attempts via Cape Horn made under the auspices of the World Sailing Speed Record Council.

In addition, the Association has taken over the record keeping of all modern solo and multi-crewed circumnavigations via Cape Horn and launched the Cape Horn Hall of Fame awards (now it its 3rd year) in partnership with Les Sables d'Olonne, the home of Solo Ocean Racing and the Cape Horn Hall of Fame.

Les Sables d'Olonne has used its link to the Hall of Fame to create the Cape Horn Yacht Club known as "Le Carre", which overlooks the Vendee Globe marina in the town and houses the Cape Horn Roll of Honour board and other Cape Horn related memorabilia.

As Ashley Manton, a veteran of the 1977/8 Whitbread Race, leaves his role as Chairman, the Association, is in a significantly stronger place, with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and French solo veteran Jean-Luc van den Heede becoming its President and vice President. -- Barry Pickthall

capehorners.org

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Osaka, Japan-based engine builder Yanmar Power Technology (YPT) announced on Tuesday that the company is developing a new four-stroke, high-speed marine engine to be powered by hydrogen.

Yanmar aims to begin onshore verification tests of its six-cylinder hydrogen engine later this year

The company plans to commence onshore verification tests later this year of its six-cylinder hydrogen engine, with the goal of conducting verification operations by 2026. By approximately 2030, the firm aims to achieve zero emissions for coastal vessels by promoting the adoption of hydrogen energy-based propulsion systems.

The Zero-Emission Ship Project, led by the Nippon Foundation, prioritizes the development of hydrogen-fuelled ships to achieve carbon neutrality in the coastal commercial shipping sector by 2050. Through this initiative, YPT aims to pioneer the development of hydrogen-powered vessels and conduct demonstration experiments.

The firm also announced work on a hybrid electric propulsion platform combining hydrogen-powered generators with batteries.

ibinews.com

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Cowes Week Limited is delighted to welcome the RNLI as one of the Official Charities for the 2024 edition of the Regatta. They will be joining the Tall Ships Youth Trust who became an official charity partner in 2023.

The RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, will be celebrating their 200th anniversary in 2024. RNLI lifeboat crews protect hundreds of communities around the UK and Ireland through their search and rescue service with RNLI lifeboat crews ready to answer the call to rescue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The RNLI team from the Cowes Lifeboat Station will be in attendance for the duration of the regatta on the Parade Regatta Village hosting a number of activities for visitors and competitors. Details of activities will be available closer to the Regatta.

cowesweek.co.uk

Featured Charter
BENETEAU First 36 #42. From 3150 Euros/week. Located in Marina Pirovac, Adriatic Sea, Croatia.

One of the most awarded boats in history is now available for bareboat charter in Croatia. Experience the thrill of high-performance racing boats on your family holidays without sacrificing onboard comfort. She is brand new and fully equipped for cruising and racing.

See listing details in Seahorse Charters

Contact
Portuss d.o.o., Tit Plevnik
Email:
Phone: +386 31 212 432
Booking Code: Seahorse First 36

See the the Seahorse charter collection

Featured Brokerage
C&C 66 Classic Cruiser / Racer - PHANTOM. 295000 EUR. Located West Coast, Italy.

An absolute gem of a yacht. She offers sublime sailing performance and beautiful lines. C&C 66 Classic Cruiser / Racer that’s been constantly updated and absolutely ready for the next owner.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
+44 (0) 1590 679222

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1995 IMOCA 60 Austria One. 145000 EUR. Located in Split, Croatia.

AUSTRIA ONE participated in the Vendee Globe 2008 2009 with the skipper Norbert Sedlacek and arrived at 11 th from 30 started boats.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
BERNARD GALLAY Yacht Brokerage
+33 (0) 467 66 39 93

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2008 KER 39 - Tiger 3. POA.

Tiger 3 was the last of the very successful Ker 39 design, built. She was finished as a bespoke project by the owner with no expense spared and considered by many to be the finest example of the design

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Chris Noble:

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YYACHTS Y7. POA EUR.

The Y7 was created in collaboration with US designer Bill Tripp, considered one of the world's best naval architects. Our goal was to combine comfortable sailing performance with competitive sailing performance, even on the regatta course.

In conditions where other yachts still use their engines, the sails are already set on the Y7. A displacement of only 29 tons and almost 300 square meters of sail area at wind make move the yacht even in light winds; Y7 owners don't have to worry about the perfect weather all the time.

All halyards, sheets and stretchers run hidden to the steering columns - so the helmsman can operate the Y7 alone at any time. This is not a matter of course for a 70-foot yacht and allows the owner to sail with a very small crew or even on his own.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
T. +49 3834 5858 77-0
E.
www.yyachts.de/en/y7

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RM 970. From 169,260 ex VAT EUR.

Hugely inspired by offshore racers, she inherits from their sporty lines, but also their dynamic benefits:

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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

+33 5 46 44 73 00

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

The Last Word
If you want to find out if someone is a true bookworm or not, give them a thousand page novel and see what happens. - E. A. Bucchianeri

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