In This Issue
• RORC Caribbean 600 Start
• Caudrelier: "I want a great finish, to share with my team"
• Harken Electric Winches Help Sailing Gloves Last Longer
• Leg 3 of McIntyre Ocean Globe
• Life forward of the beam - Southern Spars
• Unfortunate end to Brits session in Barcelona
• ORC European Championship
• 18ft Skiffs Andoo Race 6 Australian Championship
• Sailing "World on Water"
• A new Women's Cup in the 42nd edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE
• Featured Charter: Champagne Hippy
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Nautor Swan 48
• • Reichal/Pugh 69 - Moneypenny
• • Melges 24
• • Kobe 43 Pegase
• • Shogun 43
• The Last Word: Ted Hughes
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
RORC Caribbean 600 Start
The 15th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 started in glorious conditions on Monday 19th February off Fort Charlotte Antigua. Sixty-four boats with over 500 sailors from all over the world took to the start for the non-stop 600nm race around 11 Caribbean islands. The south easterly breeze gusting up to 17 knots produced a fast start to the Caribbean classic.
IRC One & IRC Two
The outer distance mark was very busy for the first start with four charter boats giving their guests on board the thrill of winning the pin end: Harmony 52 Sao Jorge (GBR) skippered by Anne Tyler-Morgan and First 40.7 Escapado (GBR) skippered Andy Parritt jostled for position along with Elan 450 Emily of Cowes (GBR) skippered by Richard Laver, and Katy Campbell's Salona 45 Panacea X (CAN). Andrew & Sam Hall's Lombard 46 Pata Negra (GBR) got a great start near the pin, as did Gavin Howe's Sun Fast 3600 Tigris (GBR) all the way inshore.
Approximately five hours into the race, the leader on corrected time in IRC Two is Peter McWhinnie's JPK 1080 In Theory (USA). The leader for IRC One was Richard Fromentin's JPK 1180 Cocody (FRA). Joel Aronson's Hylas 49 Rule One (USA) was over the line but returned to start correctly.
IRC Zero & Class40
The second start was a combination of some of the most technically advanced boats in the race, and the race to the line was just as competitive as the first start. RP42 Rikki (USA) skippered by Bruce Chafee was the closest to the line in the minute before the start. Frederic Puzin's Ker 46 Daguet (FRA) made a bold move reaching in from an offshore position into a ball of boats but managed to find enough room to get onto Rikki's tale and then just get the bow down for an electric start. Niklas Zennstrom's Carkeek 52 Rán (SWE) made a good start inshore of Rikki and Daguet. Peter & David Askew's Botin 52 Wizard (USA) also got away well. James Neville's Carkeek 45 Ino Noir (GBR) was over the line, but returned to start correctly. Five hours into the race, leading the IRC Zero Class after time correction was Peter & David Askew's Wizard.
In the Class40 division, Richard Palmer's Jangada 40 (GBR) skippered by Rupert Holmes made a clean start inshore. James McHugh's Tquila and Mathieu Jones' Alternative Sailing - Constructions du Belon (FRA) also got away to a flyer. Five hours into the race Tquila was the clear leader in the Class40s. -- Trish Jenkins
Caudrelier: "I want a great finish, to share with my team"
Today, Monday, four of the five Arkea Ultim Challenge-Brest skippers were reached for a press conference. Charles Caudrelier revealed he has some damage that he has had since the very early days and spoke of his ideals of prudence and precautions which will be implemented before he finishes. Second placed Thomas Coville is happy to be the skipper who covers the most ground at the moment. In fourth Anthony Marchand is enjoying his sailing and has a race on his hands with Éric Peron 400 miles behind. Peron is delighted to be carrying on his race with the prospect of a fight with Marchand on ULTIMs which are now more evenly matched.
Some 1,800 miles from the finish in Brest, leader Charles Caudrelier sees a tough, potentially hazardous finish in prospect. Two depressions will follow one another across the Bay of Biscay, bringing quite fierce conditions. These have been looming large on the agenda for Caudrelier and the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild routing team for a good few days now. Should he risk getting into these big systems, with a potentially 8 meter sea or not? As a consequence right now Caudrelier's ETA, estimated time of arrival, varies depending on the risk they assume (Friday February 23 if he passes it) or Monday 26 (if it does not pass through it).
Then at 2300 and 2800 miles behind, Thomas Coville and Armel Le Cleac'h are progressing towards the northern hemisphere. The equator is still 800 miles ahead for Coville's Sodebo Ultim 3. In the southern oceans, Anthony Marchand (Actual Ultim 3) and Éric Peron (ADAGIO), are closing in on Cape Horn, which Marchand should round during Tuesday night and Peron on Wednesday morning.
arkeaultimchallengebrest.com/en
Harken Electric Winches Help Sailing Gloves Last Longer
Electric winches have been called the best non-liquid attitude adjusters ever created for the sailor. If you've recently solo-cranked a main to the top of a rig and enjoyed that first-thing-in-the-morning combination out-of-breath/ crook-in-the neck feeling, you can imagine how electric winches put smiles on faces like no other equipment you can add. Here's a secret; if you own manual Harken winches, they were designed upfront to be electrified right now. All you need is an extended center drive shaft, a motor with mounts, electrical wiring and switches. Every Harken winch built since 1999 comes ready for electrification. And Harken offers electrification kits that include motors, gearboxes, electronics, switches…everything you need. It's easier than you might imagine.
You don't have Harken winches? No worries. We make a full range of electrics with geometries and motor sizes to make replacing your existing manual models easy. Included in that range: our unique "Rewind" models that are activated by IN and OUT buttons to safely ease or trim loaded sails without ever removing sheet from self-tailer. You've suspected electric is the way to go for quite awhile. If not now, when? February was made for electrifying winches. Let's GO!
This refit project starring new Harken Electric winches just might convince you.
Leg 3 of McIntyre Ocean Globe
It was a rainy, nighttime arrival for the former Whitbread winner, L'Esprit d'equipe FR (85), as the wind built in a large rain squall for their Punta del Este finish. Skippered by Les Sables d'Olonne sailor Lionel Regnier, this French yacht has a powerful historical link to the Whitbread Round the World Race - formerly known as "33 Export" in the 1981 Whitbread, then "L'Esprit d'Equipe" in 1985 when she won the Whitbread, and "Esprit de Liberte" in the 1989 race.
Crossing the line at 07:12 UTC after 35 days of racing, it was obvious how delighted the nine recently inducted Cape Horn sailors were. In fact, most were so pleased with having made the infamous Cape Horn passage, they were sporting their new left earring hoops - a nod to the old sailing tradition of getting your left ear pierced when sailing eastwards past the horn.
The crew will now be busy investigating issues with their mast which developed problems in the last week - so much so that they were concerned they might dismast, forcing more conservative sailing up the east coast. They now sit sixth in line honours and 9th in IRC.
Just 2hr 46 minutes later, the resplendent Finnish yacht Galiana WithSecure FI (06) graced the finish line at 09:58 UTC. The classic Swan 55, the oldest yacht in the fleet and with national heritage status in Finland, flew three different sponsor spinnakers in the approach, while filming with a drone to capture the moment keeping their partners happy. They have raced hard over the last 35 days - achieving 7th in line honours, and 3rd in IRC for this leg.
Meanwhile, there are still five boats to cross the Punta del Este finish line. Both White Shadow ESP (17) and French yacht Evrika FR (07) continue to battle light winds and with over 250 nm until the finish are due to arrive on the 20th. Sterna SA (42) on the 22nd and Explorer AU (28) a day later - if the winds are kind.
Life forward of the beam - Southern Spars
The new generation of large, high-performance luxury cruising catamarans are making great use of the latest developments in AC rig technology
You simply can't miss them, big cats on the prowl. Their numbers have exploded in recent years as the market for luxury multihulls grows by the season. But this is far more than the product of a new trend. The rapid development of the modern performance cruiser cat scene is feeding off some of the latest and most advanced technology at the sharp end of the sport where it nurtures fast, easily driven boats that are comfortable and easy to handle. Essential to this impressive growth is a new breed of sail plans and rigs where Southern Spars is at its centre.
Full article in the March issue of Seahorse
Cup Spy : Unfortunate end to Brits session in Barcelona. Swiss 2-boat in Jeddah
INEOS Britannia - AC40 - Day 32 - February 13, 2024 - Barcelona. Photo by Paul Todd/America's Cup. Click on image to enlarge.
Two America's Cup teams sailed - all in AC40s - from Barcelona and Jeddah. Alinghi Red Bull Racing continued with their two AC40 sail testing program. The team sailed with custom design mainsails and J2 and J3 jibs. The British did two boat race practice. But the breeze faded.
What happened in the Cup - February 13, 2024:
- INEOS Britannia - Sailed their two AC40s off Barcelona for the second successive day. The day started early, docking out at 0745hrs. After racing and start sessions, the wind eased. Sienna (Dylan Fletcher and Ben Cornish) had problems staying on its foils and then suffered what could have been ingres from one of these incidents. Several of the sailing team will head for Sydney mid-next week for the SailGP regatta.
- Alinghi Red Bull Racing - resumed their sail testing program off Jeddah, in a 5-15kts breeze, sailing their two AC40's. Former ETNZ and American Magic AC helmsman Dean Barker once again joined the session as a co-helmsman. The boats sailed with one design wing foils and tested two custom design mainsails, and four custom design jibs J2 and J3 custom design jibs. The J1s were also loaded, but were carried off before the dock-out. Yesterday the J1s and J2s were tested while the J3s remained in the bag on the tender.
- Orient Express Racing Team - No report. The sailing team will head for Sydney mid-next week for the SailGP regatta.
- Emirates Team New Zealand - Did not sail. Both Chase and Recon boats on the hardstand on Tuesday, while light winds in Gulf as forecast. It is not known if the team will sail for the rest of the week. Several of the sailing team will head for Sydney mid-next week for the SailGP regatta.
- American Magic - Sailed their other AC40 (AC40-8) set up with one-design wingfoils and wingarms. They sailed for over three in near perfect foiling conditions. Take-off speed was estimated at 16kts in these conditions. The team were able to undertake 108 tacks and gybes for a 96% dry foiling record. The US team used a single custom designed J2 and M1 all day.
- Orient Express Racing Team - were spotted in one image sailing their AC40, presumably in one-design mode.
- Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli - No sailing reported by the LEQ12. However their AC40 performed a very spectacular and violent nosedive when being sailed off Cagliari by a Youth crew.
Richard Gladwell's full commentary in Sail-World.com
ORC European Championship
The spotlight of European ORC racing will shine on the picturesque Aland Islands this August as it plays host to the highly anticipated ORC European Championships 2024. Organized by the Finnish Offshore Sailing Association, the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) and hosted in the ASS Marina, this premier event is slated to take place from August 9th-17th 2024.
With registration now open, teams from across Europe are invited to vie for top titles in what promises to be a thrilling competition with three days of registration and practice followed by six days of inshore and offshore racing.
The event is set to feature a robust fleet of participants, with early indications showcasing entries from nine nations. Among the contenders is Karl Kwok'sformidable TP52 BEAU GESTE(shown at right), the reigning 2023 ORC Class A class European and World champion.
Starting this year ORC championships will feature an enhanced four-class division format, where Kwok's team and other very fast boats will be competing in a new Class 0 while others are divided into three additional classes to provide even closer racing among boats of similar rated performance. The fleet in Aland will be defined according to the following CDL limits:
• Class 0: 16.400 ≥ CDL > 13.550
• Class A: 13.550 ≥ CDL > 11.270
• Class B: 11.270 ≥ CDL > 9.630
• Class C: 9.630 ≥ CDL > 8.000
Race managers from ORC and Alandska Segelsallskapet will conduct races in groups: check out the Notice Race on the ONB orceuro2024.com/notice-board and enter via the Manage2Sail portal.
18ft Skiffs Andoo Race 6 Australian Championship
Smeg cruises to victory in today's final race of the Australian Championship. Photo by Sail Media. Click on image for photo gallery.
Despite finishing in fourth place today, the Yandoo 18ft skiff team of Micah Lane (skipper), Fang Warren (sheet) and Lewis Brake (bow) officially became the 2023-24 Australian champions following the completion of the national series after the Andoo Race 6 of the championship on Sydney Harbour.
It was a great victory for the team which sailed brilliantly throughout the entire six races despite being without Yandoo's regular skipper John 'Woody' Winning, who was sidelined through injury.
For Micah Lane, it was a great opportunity to add to his record as he previously won the 2006-07 Australian Championship in Macquarie Real Estate.
In today's final race of the championship, the fleet was subjected to a typical light easterly breeze with unpredictable conditions, particularly approaching the Rose Bay weather mark. Tough on the crewsm but always guarantees a number of lead changes, and today was no exception as there were four different leaders before the Smeg team crossed the finish line a well-deserved winner.
Shaw and Partners won the handicap section of today's race, which is also one of the races included in the Australian 18 Footers League's Season Point Score series.
Fisher & Paykel, sailed today by Ryan Ewings in place of her regular skipper Jordan Girdis, leads the Season Point Score series with a total of 118 points, followed by Smeg on 123 points and today's handicap winner Shaw and Partners on 131. -- Frank Quealey, Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.
Sailing "World on Water"
Anthony Marchand the skipper of Actual Ultim 3 is back at sea after spopping in New Zealand. He is having to work hard aboard his boat which effectively has no foils. The starboard foil is locked in the 'up' position and he has no port foil. Regardless, the 38 year old ex Figaro ace knows how to make the most of everything despite adversity and continues to progress with Cape Horn in his sights. Here is a report on his stop in Dunedin.
A light weather day on the water helped decide the final outcomes of both the ORC NSW Championship, supported by Sydney Marine Brokerage and the Pittwater Regatta, organised by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC). A mix of conditions and races throughout gave everyone a thorough workout.
Despite eagerly anticipated preparations, the commencement of the Dubai Duty Free SB20 World Championships was unfortunately postponed by one day due to adverse weather conditions in Dubai. Day 2, however, finer weather prevailed, allowing the championships to start with resounding strength.
The stunning Pen Duick VI FR (14), skippered by the indomitable Marie Tabarly, roared across the Yacht Club Punta del Este finish line at 15 55 UTC on February 13th, taking first place in the Cape Horn leg of the Mac-Intyre Ocean Globe Race. -- Geoff Waller
A new Women's Cup in the 42nd edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE
Palma, Spain: 2019 was a year of great changes in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE. One of the major novelties of the 38th edition was the launch of the Women's Cup, which aimed to encourage the participation of women in the sport of sailing. Five years later, the Real Club Náutico de Palma continues to vouch for this model of women's sailing and announces a brand-new format of competition for this year's 42nd edition of the Mediterranean's prime sailing event.
One of the major features of this new edition is that the one designs used for the competition will be supplied by the organization, which significantly reduces costs and facilitates the logistics for the crews wishing to participate in the event.
The competition format will also be different in this year's Women's Cup. The teams will be facing each other for the title in a 'Round Robin' form of racing, with all teams lining up against each other in various eliminatory rounds until reaching the grand finale.
Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th July have been reserved for team registration and measurement, and the first official race of the Women's Cup will be on Wednesday 31st July. Four intense days of competition that will decide the new champions of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE.
Featured Charter
Champagne Hippy. Location: Caribbean
The Oyster 825 Champagne Hippy epitomizes opulence on the high seas, boasting a majestic 25-meter profile renowned for its unparalleled performance, graceful design, and opulent onboard features. With lavish lodgings for up to 8 discerning guests across 4 sumptuous cabins.
Following an extensive and transformative refit, culminating in June 2023, this yacht has undergone a magnificent metamorphosis. It now stands as the zenith of luxury, ensuring paramount safety, contemporary style, and optimal functionality for those privileged enough to set sail aboard her.
Summer Destinations: North Europe & West Mediterranean
Finland | Norway | Sweden | French Riviera Corsica | Balearic Islands
See listing details in Seahorse Charters
See the the Seahorse charter collection
Featured Brokerage
Nautor Swan 48. 1300000 EUR. Located in Sardinia.
OHANA is a beautifully-presented one owner example of the award-winning latest generation German Frers designed Swan 48. Fitted out with a huge specification for fast and comfortable cruising and competitive club racing, OHANA ticks pretty much every possible box.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Michele Antonini - Grabau International (Italia) Tel: +39 333 74 89 281 Email: grabauinternational.com
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Reichal/Pugh 69 - Moneypenny. 750,000 EUR.
Moneypenny has been maintained to the highest standards by Noakes Group and dry sailed from its Sydney yard.
She has a significant sail wardrobe from Doyle. Recent modifications and improvements to water ballast systems and keel have been carried out.
Moneypenny finished 3rd in IRC overall, 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and was the CYCA’s 2022-23 blue water champion. This is an exciting and rewarding yacht for sailing at the highest levels on the world’s yacht racing circuits.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
For more information, please contact Sean Langman by email:
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Melges 24. POA EUR.
The reputation of the Melges 24® precedes itself. Best known for its very competitive disposition and easy-to-sail personality, this modern sportboat maintains its status as a leader in high-performance, one design sailing.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Melges Performance Sailboats
W3730 Forest Glenn Street
Zenda, Wisconsin 53195
USA
Phone +1 262 275 1110
Email
melges.com
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2009 Kobe 43 PEGASE. 350,000 EUR.
Launched in 2009, PEGASE sailed locally in Brittany in 2009 & 2010 in order to fine tune her development. She sailed around the world between 2011 and 2018, passing through Cape Verde, the West Indies, the Caribbean arc, Panama, Galapagos, Tuamotou, Tahiti, New Caledonia, the Torres Strait, Singapore, Thailand, the Seychelles, Madagascar, Cape of Good Hope, St Helene, Brazil, Azores and La Trinite landing. An impressive 30,000 miles of trouble-free navigation. PEGASE's days of offshore sailing at 200 nautical miles are proven.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Bernard Gallay Yacht Brokerage
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Shogun 43. POA EUR.
Developed with a focus on performance and ease of use, this yacht goes beyond conventional and traditional design, taking performance cruising to the next level. It is the yacht for you who love speed and want to sail fast without a full crew. It is for you who want to have fun on the water and maximise your sailing experience every time you go out, but still want comfort onboard. Shogun 43 gives you both.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Nacka Strand, Stockholm, Sweden
shogunyachts.com
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
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Than as two wolves, come separately to a wood. -- Ted Hughes
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