In This Issue
• RORC Caribbean 600 | Leopard 3 declared overall winner
• Cocody (FRA) victorious in IRC One
• Class40 division - A nailbiting thriller
• We Are Hiring! Marine Canvas Fabricator
• Tales from Sailing Folk Lore with British Adventurer Pete Goss
• User guide - Double Handed Offshore Series and Sea Ventures
• 18ft Skiffs Club Championship
• IRC Rating publishes valid boat data
• End Of Leg 3 Mcintyre Ocean Globe
• Swiss feature in SailGP's Sydney Show
• Featured Charter: Alegria 67 - Semper Fidelis
• Featured Brokerage:
• • ClubSwan 50 Proxflyer
• • Ker 40+ - "Elvis"
• • Skeeta Foiling Craft
• • SY LADY 8
• • Pegasus 50
• The Last Word: Rene Descartes

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 | Leopard 3 declared overall winner
The Royal Ocean Racing Club has announced that the Farr 100 Leopard 3 (MON), skippered by Joost Schuijff is the overall winner of the 2024 RORC Caribbean 600.

Leopard 3 Crew: Joost Schuijff, Chris Sherlock, Mitch Booth, Aaron Reynolds-Lovegrove, Antonio Cuervas Mons, Carlos Hernandez Robayna, Charlie Wyatt, Dennis Frederiksen, Gerard Mitchell, Gian Ahluwalia, Giles de Jager, Guillermo Altadill, Mark Bartlett, Matthew Lester, Paul Standbridge, Samuel Wright, Stephen Booth, Tom McWilliam, Will Best.

Cocody (FRA) victorious in IRC One
Richard Fromentin's JPK 1180 Cocody (FRA) secured a decisive victory in the IRC One class. Cocody's victory, reminiscent of their coastal racing experience in Brittany, underscores the team's tactical acumen and adaptability.

"The race presented a complex challenge filled with 'traps' due to island wind shadows and shifting weather conditions," commented Fromentin, who credited Jean Pierre Dick's expertise as pivotal in navigating these obstacles and gaining an advantage over two competing JPK 1180s, Sunrise and Dawn Treader.

Class40 division - A nailbiting thriller
Sogestran Seafrigo LHOR One (FRA), skippered by Guillaume Pirouelle won a nail-biting thriller in the Class40 division of the 2024 RORC Caribbean 600. Melwin Fink's Sign for Com (GER) was second and third was James McHugh's Tquila (GBR). A fierce battle for supremacy came to a conclusion after three days and nights of boat-on-boat combat around 11 Caribbean islands. James McHugh's Manuard Mach 4 Tquila took the early lead against boats with over four years of additional design development. LHOR One, a 2023 Manuard Mach 5 showed great speed on the reach up to Barbuda after the start, as did Mathieu Jones' Manuard Mach 5 Alternative Sailing - Constructions du Belon.

Read the full report.

caribbean600.rorc.org

We Are Hiring! Marine Canvas Fabricator
Ullman Sails St. Maarten is currently looking for a qualified Marine Canvas Fabricator to join our full service loft. Requirements

- Must be an experienced Marine Canvas Fabricator capable of manufacturing repairs etc.
- Be able to work independently or as part of a team
- Good dexterity and proficiency in operating heavy duty sewing machinery
- Possess a positive work attitude

Send Resume To:

Tel: +1 (721) 5445231

Tales from Sailing Folk Lore with British Adventurer Pete Goss
This month, Shirley Robertson's Sailing Podcast talks to British offshore adventurer Pete Goss, an accomplished offshore sailor famed for executing one of the bravest solo ocean rescues of all time.

Talking at his home in the south west corner of the UK, Robertson and Goss kick their discussion off with chat about his formative years, his time in the British Marines, and how, in the nineteen nineties, he found a love of offshore sailing through Chay Blyth's British Steel Challenge, a round the world yacht race that was the forbearer to today's amateur offshore circumnavigation events. Goss was an instructor and skipper on the first event, and it was during that time, he hatched a plan to enter the Vendee Globe, the legendary non stop solo offshore race also, in the mid nineties, in it's infancy.

As one of the first British entrants in the then famously French race, Goss' tales of pre-internet sponsorship gathering are inspiring, and with a new boat, he managed to make the start line, for the third running of the race. What followed was one of the most brutal editions the Vendee Globe has ever seen. Of the sixteen boats that crossed the start line, just six finished. Tragically, one competitor, Canadian Gerry Roufs was lost at sea, but it was the rescue of French sailor Raphael Dinelli that for several days between Christmas and New Year 1996, was headline news around the world.

Pete's telling of the rescue, his memories of the vicious Southern Ocean storm, and his fight to find Dinelli's rapidly sinking boat are compelling.

Parts One and Two: shirleyrobertson.com/podcast/

User guide - Double Handed Offshore Series and Sea Ventures
Lessons learned from racing two-handed in a rough 2023 Fastnet race

The 2023 RORC Rolex Fastnet Race had its toughest weather conditions in recent years. Three frontal systems crossed its track, the first of which was a SW gale force eight, gusting nine from the Needles to Portland Bill. In these conditions, with only two co-skippers aboard, any equipment failures can have significant consequences as there can be little slack before you are overwhelmed by the conditions. After the race I spoke to a range of different boats in the UK Doublehanded Series fleet to find out what worked and what didn't.

The biggest failure across the doublehanded boats was the electronics. Despite some carrying out extra waterproofing pre-race, the persistent rainwater and waves found their way into the network and on most boats, electronics failed.

Autopilots are critical on a doublehanded boat, especially in a long race, so many shorthanded boats carry two autopilots. On Cora the autopilot malfunctioned, probably from a short circuit in a damaged cable elsewhere in the system.

Full article in the March issue of Seahorse

18ft Skiffs Club Championship
Yandoo, Club champion for 2023-24. Photo by SailMedia. Click on image for photo gallery.

The Yandoo and Fisher & Paykel 18ft skiff racing teams took out the two major club racing championships conducted over the 2023-24 season by the Australian 18 Footer League, which concluded on Sydney Harbour today.

Each of the Club Championship and Season Point Score series are raced over the entire season, leading up to next week's JJ Giltinan World Championship and are unique in that every race is counted (there are NO discards allowed). Both are a true test of consistent performances.

The Club Championship covers 16 races; the Season Point Score covers 21 races.

Yandoo's team Micah Lane (standing in for the 'sidelined' through injury regular skipper, John Winning), Fang Warren and Lewis Brake won the Club Championship after an incredible season performance of seven victories, two seconds, two thirds, and four fourth placings from the 15 races sailed.

Unfortunately, today's racing had to be abandoned due to a lack of wind and couldn't be sailed later in the day as Sydney Harbour had a restricted area allocated to SailGP.

Team Yandoo finished with a total of 33 points, which was less than half the score of the second-placed Vaikobi (Kirk Mitchell, Andrew Stephenson and Daniel Barnett) on 76.

NEXT WEEK IS THE BIG ONE!!!

75th JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship 2024

Race Dates
Friday - March 1, 2024 - Invitation Race
Saturday - March 2, 2024 - Race 1, George Calligeros Trophy
Sunday - March 3, 2024 - Race 2, Cliff Monkhouse Memorial Trophy
Tuesday - March 5, 2024 - Races 3 & 4, Alan Cole Memorial Trophy
Wednesday - March 6, 2024 - Races 5 & 6, A.J. Reynolds Trophy
Thursday - March 7, 2024 - Race 7, Bill Miller Memorial Trophy
Saturday - March 9, 2024 - Race 8, Big Kite Memorial Trophy
Sunday - March 10, 2024 - Race 9, Ribbon and J.J. Giltinan Trophy

Racing on each day will start at 2:45. -- Frank Quealey, Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.

18footers.com

IRC Rating publishes valid boat data
In a major move towards increased transparency IRC Rating is now publishing the valid boat data for all boats with an IRC certificate issued since 1st January 2024. This initiative marks a significant step forward in promoting fair sailing, openness and accountability within the sport; it will foster trust and confidence in the integrity of the IRC rated data and prevent misunderstandings or disputes regarding boats' measurements, as all relevant data is openly accessible.

Anyone can now download the valid data for boats IRC rated since 1st January 2024

The published valid boat data is easily accessible through the IRC Rating website, enabling sailors to review the rated information for their competitors, and allowing race organisers and equipment inspectors to benefit from more efficient access to boat data. The data is in the form of a PDF download for each boat showing the rated data along with an approximate image of the boat showing appendages and rig configuration and other relevant information, closely mirroring the IRC certificate page 2 that was introduced in 2023.

One of the founding policies of IRC, and one of its strengths, is that the IRC formula is not published. Keeping the formula confidential helps prevent designers and competitors from exploiting potential loopholes to gain an unfair advantage, preserves the integrity of the rating system and ensures that results are determined by sailors' skill and performance rather than by strategic manipulation of boat ratings.

Valid boat data and listings will be found in the IRC Racing menu.

ircrating.org

End Of Leg 3 Mcintyre Ocean Globe
Still smiling despite many, many, many broken spinnaker poles. Photo by OGR2023 / Jacqueline Kavanagh The final two yachts racing leg three of the McIntyre Ocean Globe Race are in! Just as day broke under a cloudy gray sky, Sterna SA (42) the South African Swan 53, crossed the Yacht Club Punta del Este finish line at 09:16 UTC, 24th February. The eight crew onboard the smallest yacht in the fleet (IRC leader Triana being the other) were evidently ecstatic to have finally finished the notorious Cape Horn leg, with Turkish Ebru Yaral helming effortlessly across the line in 15 knots winds.

After 42 days at sea, looking remarkably pristine, the Swan 53, skippered by former Golden Globe Race sailor Jeremy Bagshaw, was the first of two Swans finishing within hours of each other and both skippered by former GGR sailors Mark Sinclair AKA Captain Coconut, skippering the Swan 57, Explorer AU (28) arriving just 4 hours after Sterna.

All spinnaker poles broken, challenging conditions after passing Cape Horn and no winds leaving them becalmed for days in fog slowed progress for Sterna, who sit 11th in line honours and IRC ranking. But the crew have won the admiration of many for their dogged determination and work ethic - displayed in their quick turnaround in Auckland, which saw them restart Leg 3 just 6 days after arriving from Cape Town and completing a myriad of maintenance.

Race starts March 5th - Punta del Este to Cowes, UK. ETA for the fleet between April 11th and 26th.

oceangloberace.com

Swiss feature in SailGP's Sydney Show
Sydney Harbour delivered for the fleet and fans this weekend, with two days of action packed and exciting racing at the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix.

Race day one saw epic foiling racing action in gusty conditions that tested the teams. Switzerland SailGP Team maximised the racecourse, showed improvement and sailed a consistent first day, placing 7,7,6 on the scoreboard.

Race day two brought some of the best conditions the fleet has raced in so far this season. The more classic Sydney thermal conditions were perfect for the F50 fleet and suited the Swiss.

The tour Down Under continues; the SailGP fleet returns to Christchurch for the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour on 23-24 March 2024.

KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney // Final Standings // 1. Australia - 10 points 2. ROCKWOOL Denmark - 9 3. New Zealand - 8 4. France - 7 5. Spain 6 6. Germany 5 points 7. Emirates Great Britain 4 points 8. Switzerland 3 points 9. USA 2 points 10. Canada 1 point

sailgp.com

Featured Charter
Alegria 67 Catamaran 'Semper Fidelis'. From 40,000 per week EUR. Located in Nassau, Bahamas.

SEMPER FIDELIS, a pristine 67 ft catamaran constructed in 2022, offers an exceptional charter experience tailored to guests’ preferences. Guest accommodations comprise a master suite with a double bed and ensuite bathroom, a VIP suite with similar amenities, and two additional cabins, each with a double bed and ensuite bathroom. She has a variety of entertainment available, from sunbathing nets, a heated jacuzzi, and a cinema to thrilling water activities and excursions to scenic coastal beaches. She also has an external sound system, televisions, and Wi-Fi access.

See listing details in Seahorse Charters

Contact
Charter Department Bernard-Gallay Phone : +33 (0)467 66 39 93 Mail : or bernard-gallay.com/yacht-charter/semper-fidelis

Featured Brokerage
ClubSwan 50-019 'Proxflyer'. 980,000 EUR Ex VAT Located in Sandefjord, Norway

The CS 50 ‘PROXFLYER’ is ‘race-ready’ and has been maintained by a professional team.

Interior and equipment is adapted as per Chief Measurer instructions, meeting CS50 ISAF Class Rules minimum weights and functionality (cruising setup delivered ready for installation)

She will be sold with everything needed to race, including cradle.

She was delivered in 2018 and is waiting for her new owner to step on board.

See listing details in Nautor Swan Brokerage

Contact
Jens Petter Flesvig

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2017 Ker 40+ - "ELVIS". 450000 EUR Located in Hamble, UK.

Ker 40+ hull #5 is a full grand prix racer, which has been raced and optimized in the UK and been a top competitor in the FAST 40 Circuit (IRC). Crucially this team did not push the boat too far into the box rule so she retains a lot of coastal potential and of course inshore performance.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
+447759 424900

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Skeeta Foiling Craft. POA EUR

Whether you’re looking to take your first steps in foiling, or an experienced thrill-seeker, there’s a Skeeta Foiling Craft for you!

The Skeeta is a singlehanded foiling designs built by Jim and David French in Melbourne, AUS. The scow’s stability and ease are only further enhanced by the performance and durability of the wings and aluminum foils.

Skeeta is the latest foiling dinghy that incorporates all-around performance. Sailors are no longer left waiting for a breeze to go sailing. The Skeeta is fun and capable of sailing in all safe wind ranges. It is more stable than narrow skiffs and can be sailed without hydrofoils, making it more versatile as an all-purpose dinghy. The hull is simple, robust, unsinkable, and quick to rig.

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

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SY LADY 8. 3,950,000 ex VAT EUR.

2008 built CNB 95 ‘Lady 8’ is new to the market having completed a very comprehensive refit at STP shipyard during Winter 2022/23.

Every conceivable system was checked, renewed or overhauled. The finished result is spectacular and includes a New Awlgrip hull paint (May23), all new navigation systems, mast re-wire, engine room and systems overhaul, completed 5yr class surveys and so much more. Lady 8 sleeps 8 guests in 4 very good sized guest cabins making her the ideal family yacht or commercial charter yacht. Viewing is highly recommended.

See listing details in Nautor Swan Brokerage

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

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Pegasus 50. POA EUR.

Blue water cruiser for freedom at sea

Comfort, safety, quality and speed, the cardinals of the Pegasus yachts team. The Pegasus 50 offers an exclusive modern layout boasting an open flow from deck to interior for maximum comfort. Attention to details throughout this gorgeous and innovative yacht delivers the ultimate in quality and safety... for a short getaway or an ocean crossing adventure, with multiple crew or single-handed! With remarkable performance and agility, she will take you the distance and deliver superb sensations. The Pegasus 50 delivers the perfect harmony for your sailing adventures.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Miha Breskvar
E-mail:
Skype: miha.breskvar
Mobile: +386 41 686 096

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

The Last Word
The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest (people) of the past centuries. -- Rene Descartes

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