In This Issue
• 40 Years of IRC Rating
• Semaine Olympique Francaise de Hyeres
• Fox's are Hiring! Experienced Electronics Engineer
• Dolan 11th on Solo Guy Cotten Offshore
• Moving Parts
• J/24 World Championship
• Royal Cork YC reports strong early entries for Volvo Cork Week
• Celebrating Women's History Month
• Industry News
• Featured Charter: Swan 82 - Stella
• Featured Brokerage:
• • MOD 70 - Maserati Multi 70
• • Weddell Racing Yacht
• • Gunboat 70
• • Bavaria C42
• • 2011 Judel Vrolijk TP52 / IRC 52
• The Last Word: Groucho Marx
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
40 Years of IRC Rating
In 2024 the International Rating Certificate (IRC) celebrates 40 years of yacht rating around the world.
Back in the early 1980s, most boats were racing under the International Offshore Rule (IOR), but it was starting to be more concentrated on racing boats and leading to extreme type-forming and pinched sterns, causing "too much rock and roll" in the words of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Commodore at the time, the late Robin Aisher. In 1983 he and the Commodore of l'Union National de la Course au Large (UNCL) Jean Louis Fabry, whilst enjoying an evening out in Paris, decided that a rule was needed that would rate any size and shape of boat. Follow-up conversations, usually held at the end of a RORC cross Channel race and including RORC Racing Manager Alan Green, clinched the deal. A brief summary of the idea was jotted down on the back of an envelope, and the RORC-UNCL joint venture: Channel Handicap System (CHS) was born to allow cruiser/racers to compete with a simple but mathematical rating rule while IOR continued to cater for the top end racing boats.
The first CHS certificates were issued in 1984 and the system evolved into IRC in 1999. It became a World Sailing (ISAF) international recognised rating system in 2003. Over the last 40 years IRC has continued to rate a huge variety of monohulls including IOR, production cruiser/racers, superyachts, sportboats, classics and cutting edge race boats, always with the fundamental policy of protecting the existing fleet. It has been at the forefront of permissive development taking an early stance on rating features such as retractable bowsprits, asymmetric spinnakers, canting keels and water ballast. For decades IRC has been used for the major trophies in world-renowned inshore and offshore events and continues to provide a simple, inexpensive foundation for competitive sailing around the world.
Read more.... ircrating.org
Semaine Olympique Francaise de Hyeres - Toulon Provence Mediterranee
For over 50 years, the best Olympic sailors have been meeting in Hyeres in late April. In 2024, from 20 to 27 April, the 55th edition of the French Olympic Week will be a very special event, being the last major multi-series meeting for the world's best sailors before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The French Olympic Week in Hyeres - Toulon Provence Mediterranee 2024 will feature two events:
The French Olympic Week will host the "Qualified Nations*" in Hyeres harbour, with two participants for each nation and class.
The Last Chance Regatta, which will bring together the nations that have still to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and which will have a chance to secure the last 39 places still up for grabs.
All 10 Olympic classes will be competing in both events: ILCA (men's and women's single-handed dinghy), 49er (men's and women's skiff), Nacra 17 (mixed multihull), 470 (mixed double-handed dinghy), Formula Kite (men's and women's kitefoil), iQFOiL (men's and women's windsurfing).
This exceptional line-up means that the SOF is set to break its record for the number of participating nations in Hyeres. With nearly 1,000 athletes and 500 support staff from 90 countries across 5 continents, Toulon Provence Mediterranee's French Olympic Week will welcome around 20 nations more than its annual average figures. The prospect of securing the last 39 places at the Olympic Games is a high stakes event for these countries and promises to be a tale of joy and tears.
Fox's are Hiring! Experienced Electronics Engineer
Located on the River Orwell, Fox's Marina & Boatyard is one of the UK's leading yacht refit and repair centres uniquely positioned to provide a comprehensive array of marine services.
Their in-house electronics team offers a comprehensive service in all areas of marine electrical and electronic installation. With an unrivalled level of experience in all types of craft and their systems, including power, sail, private, and commercial vessels, their qualified marine engineers offer installation, integration, and full-service support for the leading names in marine electronics.
This busy department is on the lookout for another experienced electronics technician. If you are interested and fulfil the criteria below Fox's would love to hear from you.
Experienced Marine Electronics Engineer:
- Up-to-date knowledge of marine electronics systems
- Experience in multi voltage - 12, 24 and 230v systems
- Experience with Seatalk, NEMA and system interfacing
- Good communication skills - written and verbal
- Solid organisational skills with the ability to multi-task
- Physically fit - able to work inside and out on vessels ashore and afloat
- Comfortable working at height
- Team player with the ability to work alone when required
- Proven experience in the marine industry is preferred
Flexible working hours considered, based around 40hr week.
If you are ready to embark on an exciting career with a great team visit foxsmarina.com/career-opportunities
Dolan 11th on Solo Guy Cotten Offshore
Tom Dolan overcame a torn spinnaker to finish in 11th place on the 370 miles offshore race of the Solo Guy Cotten-Concarneau, the Irish solo skipper's first offshore race of the 2024 season.
The spinnaker tear happened within the first couple of hours of the race. With a small initial cut threatening to open up the sail completely Dolan hung on adeptly until the big gennaker finally tore its full length.
Required then to use a smaller sail on the longest downwind leg of the course he lost a few places, but ultimately this morning he was moderately happy with the way he had sailed and, especially the strategic choices he had made.
Skipper of Smurfit Kappa-Kingspan was objective "Mea culpa, that's operator error in a mechanical sport like this and you can't get away with it in this fleet. I was lucky it held on as long as it did. I had hoped to repair it on the long leg to Rochebonne but it was too far gone. But, otherwise I sailed well and made some good calls."
Looking ahead Dolan says, "Next thing is the Laura Vergne Trophy. I have Class40 training this week before that.
Top ten, Solo Guy Cotton Offshore (all from France)
1. Skipper MACIF 2022 - Lois Berrehar
2. Voile Passion Sante Transforme - Romen Richard
3. ORCOM - Jules Delpech
4. Edenred - Basile Bourgnon
5. Groupe Reel - Alexis Loison
6. Tizh Mor - Amo Biston
7. Demain - Martin Le Pape
8. Selencia CERFRANCE - Mael Garnier
9. Wings O The Ocean - Alexis Thomas
10. Region Bretagne CMB Performance - Gaston Morvan
Moving Parts
Meet Mark Hobbs, Structural Engineering Lead at INEOS Britannia, carrying the responsibility for all the structural engineering across the yacht.
2024 J/24 World Championship Set for Seattle in September
Registration for the 2024 J/24 World Championship presented by Beecher's Handmade Cheese, to be sailed September 28-October 5, is open. Framed by snow-capped mountains, Puget Sound promises to provide picturesque and challenging conditions for the competitors on the water while the famed Pacific Northwest will provide plenty of activity off the water.
The host Seattle J/24 Fleet 26 has assembled an experienced and enthusiastic organizing committee that includes two-time world champion Keith Whittemore. Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle, which is a veteran of many national and international championships over the decades, will be running races along with renowned Principal Race Officer Mark Foster. There will also be on-the-water judges. Sailing conditions can vary from steady light breezes to 35-knot blows, all punctuated by the region's challenging currents.
In addition to the title sponsor Beecher's Handmade Cheese, major sponsors include Bank of America, Investco, Diamond Parking, Slingshot Kiteboards and Cheap Diver.
Entertainment and parties will be on-site, spectator boats will be available and live video coverage is planned. Opening Ceremonies will be nearby at the Nordic Heritage Museum.
For information email the organizers:
Royal Cork YC reports strong early entries for Volvo Cork Week
156th to 19th July
Entries have been steadily climbing with a huge variety of boats and sailors from Ireland and all over the world expected to be competing at the Royal Cork's famous regatta.
The championship fleet boasts a fine array of race boats, including high performance carbon fibre flyers to Quarter Tonners. Racing in sportsboats at Volvo Cork Week will be the 1720 Class for the European Championship, the phenomenal Cape31 Class, and new this year, the RS21 Class with boats available for charter. For those new to racing, or for cruising boats that don't want to bring a massive crew, the non-spinnaker / White Sail Class offers an ideal programme to enjoy. For a unique experience, the Beaufort Cup provides offshore and inshore racing as an inter-services regatta within Volvo Cork Week.
The championship fleets are always a big feature of Volvo Cork Week 2024, with a several well-known names and boats already entered. Quarter Tonners already entered include Anchor Challenge, Panic and Diamond. Half Tonners already entered include 2 Farr, with reigning ICRA Boat Of The Year Swuzzlebubble planning to enter soon. Visiting boats such as Raptor, Flyover, Meridian, Allig8r and Valentina will have to get the better of local boats such as Ellida, Magnet and North Star, if they are to lift the trophies.
There has been particular interest from the Welsh fleet, some of whom will also compete in the Kingstown to Queenstown race as part of the ISORA series. Entries include Impetuous, Faenol and Mojito. Several entries from Portishead have been received, including ScrumpyJ, Assassin and Ctrl-J.
For more information including Race Documents, Marina Facilities, accommodation and the superb social programme visit: corkweek.ie
Celebrating Women's History Month
Thora Lund Robinson. Click on image to enlarge.
Thora Lund Robinson and the First Bermuda Race to Today's female skippers
In honor of Women's History Month, we shine a spotlight on a remarkable woman whose adventurous spirit and determination made history in the world of sailing. Thora Lund Robinson at age 20, aboard the yacht Gauntlet, participated in the inaugural Bermuda Race in 1906, leaving a legacy that resonates to this day.
The first race was organized by the Brooklyn Yacht Club and spurred by English yachting enthusiast Sir Thomas Lipton's generous £100 Cup donation, it was considered a bold endeavor that faced significant criticism and public scrutiny. Under the leadership of Commodore Ambrose Gosling, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club orchestrated the finish line and post-race festivities, demonstrating a commitment to fostering camaraderie and excellence in sailing.
Amidst the skepticism and controversy surrounding the race, three courageous yachts - Lila, Tamerlane, and Gauntlet with Robinson onboard - braved the start line in Gravesend Bay on May 26, 1906. Unfortunately, Lila encountered rigging damage early on, prompting her return to shore. Tamerlane, skippered by Race Founder Thomas Fleming Day, persevered through a 5-day, 6-hour, and 9-minute passage to Bermuda.
Meanwhile, Thora Lund Robinson aboard Gauntlet faced her own set of challenges. Caught in a gale within the treacherous Gulf Stream, Gauntlet endured a stormy passage, veering far east of the intended route to the islands. Despite the adversity, Thora and her crew's seamanship prevailed, and she was at the helm across the finish line.
The history of the Race through 2004 is told in the book A Berth to Bermuda, published by the Cruising Club of America and Mystic Seaport, written by John Rousmaniere, and is available online. Select chapters, including this one about the First Thrash, are available on our website.
Industry News
IBI and METSTRADE are pleased to announce the continuance of their decade-long collaboration with headline sponsor Raymarine to produce the globally unique Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, culminating in a celebratory dinner under the starlit canopy of the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam on Wednesday 20 November.
The Boat Builder Awards was founded to cast a spotlight on the industry's essential endeavours of boat building companies, personnel, and allied trades. This year's awards has opened for entries with categories that draw strong focus on three key pillars that lie at the heart of future sector success - innovation, the environment, and people.
Raymarine has been at the heart of the Boat Builder Awards as headline sponsor since inception. IBI and METSTRADE are pleased to announce the continuity of this strong partnership.
Awards will be presented in 11 categories with three industry priority themes - on innovation, environment, and people.
The 2024 Categories
Breakthrough Launch of the Year - sponsored by HP Watermakers
Innovative Design Solution - sponsored by Fusion
Collaborative Solution between a Builder and its Supply Chain Collaboration
Retail Marketing Initiative
Sustainability Project of the Year - sponsored by ePropulsion
Eco-focused Boat of the Year - under 10m LOA
Eco-focused Boat of the Year - over 10m LOA
Designer of the Year
People and Skills Development
Rising Star - sponsored by Lumishore
Lifetime Achievement Award - sponsored by Sleipner
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Spirit Yachts has announced that Kevin Wallis, a keen sailor and yacht sales consultant, is to represent the UK boatbuilder in Australasia.
Wallis has raced yachts in New Zealand and Australia, including competing in the famous Sydney Hobart Race. Combining his love of sailing with 30 years as a management consultant, he has a well-established reputation in Australasia in blue-water yacht sales.
Kevin Wallis has raced yachts in New Zealand and Australia, including competing in the Sydney Hobart Race
Wallis and his team represented Spirit Yachts at the Auckland Boat Showand will be at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show (SCIBS) in May and the Sydney International Boat Show in August.
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The International Multihull Show (03 to 07 April ), the world's leading multihull event, keeps going from strength to strength.
For this 15th edition, the port of La Grande Motte will once again be staging an event for enthusiasts, visitors and exhibitors alike. Several previews, new boats and new versions are on the menu this year, as the world of multihulls will be showcased both afloat and ashore, covering an area of over 4,000 sq. metres.
A growing event, the 2024 edition will feature 150 exhibitors, 16% of them new and representing 13 nationalities.
In numbers and highlights, the show will feature:
2 world premieres (New Windelo 54, Aventura 37 Day Charter)
2 European previews (Nautitech 48 Open, GP70)
New versions on display (such as C-Catamarans).
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Singapore is to be the inaugural venue for the International Council of Marine Industry Associations' (ICOMIA) Boating Industry Conference, taking place this year from April 23-24 at ONE°15 Marina at Sentosa Cove, Singapore. The conference is being held in conjunction with the Singapore Yachting Festival, also at Sentosa Cove, from 25-28 April.
The conference finishes with an industry roundtable on the need for collaborative engagement in Asia, with discussions about the key ideas raised during the conference.
Further information about the conference is available from ICOMIA at . To purchase conference passes, visit the Singapore Yachting Festival website. Early bird rates end on 31 March 2024. -- Mike Derrett
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Organisers of the Rhode Island, US-based Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) presented by Bank Newport have confirmed that the 53rd annual yacht festival will run from September 12-15, 2024, at the Newport Yachting Center.
The Newport International Boat Show presents more than 600 exhibitors spread over 13 acres along the city's historic waterfront
One of the largest in-water boating events held in the US, the Newport International Boat Show spans an area exceeding 13 acres along the city's historic waterfront. More than 600 exhibitors display a range of both power and sail vessels from 15ft-90ft, along with an extensive selection of marine equipment, services and accessories.
The Newport show was acquired by South Florida Ventures - a business unit of Informa Markets - in late February.
Featured Charter
Swan 82 - Stella. Located in the Mediterranean.
Stella, A Swan 82FD was designed by German Frers and is recognised around the world as one of the greatest performance cruising yachts ever conceived. She is an iconic yacht that offers exhilarating sailing whilst not compromising on comfort and luxury
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
MOD 70 - Maserati Multi 70. 1,450,000 EUR.
WILD, EXCITING, FAST AND FUN - A real opportunity to have a ocean racing MOD right away. Step onboard and be competitive!
Maserati Multi70, flying trimaran holder of the Channel record, Fastnet record, record in the Rorc Transat and winner of many other ocean races, is for sale, ready to race.
The only full electric MOD 70, Maserati Multi 70 has been massively optimized and developed to fly over the ocean. The boat is race and record ready, with impressive recent results.
Sale includes two sets of foils: MOD original foils and new flying foils, an equipped container, and a large sail wardrobe.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
email
ph. +39 335 276311
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1996 Weddell Racing Yacht. 250000 EUR. Located in Nova Scotia.
Grand Mistral Maxi One Design. Fantastic sloop with Kevlar hull and carbon spar and boom designed by Bruce Farr for long distance crossings, racing, sailing school or cruising.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
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Gunboat 70
Building on the best, now we invite you to explore the Gunboat 70, the latest integration of sailing and lifestyle, elegance and comfort, in an ultra high-quality, ocean-going catamaran.
When a Gunboat sails into an anchorage people stop what they’re doing. Heads turn and mouths open - It’s part of the joy of owning one! First impressions are as important as the view from two feet away, from any angle. The design is seamless, the finish millimeter perfect and the luster unusually deep. This is no ordinary yacht, but one with intoxicating looks and sailing prowess that most will only dream about.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
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Bavaria C42. POA EUR.
Perfect sailing performance. Pure sailing pleasure.
The BAVARIA C42 is the logical progression from the BAVARIA C-line, but has its own distinct character. A modern, innovative hull shape with chines and a V-shaped bow developed by BAVARIA YACHTS guarantee both the best sailing performance and an unusually large amount of space below deck.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
bavariayachts.com/service/dealer-locator
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2011 Judel Vrolijk TP52 / IRC 52. POA EUR. Located in Western Australia.
This TP / IRC 52 has so much pedigree, built as Azzura then to become Shogun, Ichi Ban, Envy Scooters and now Crush. She has as excellent performance record under IRC and ORC and comes complete with an extensive up to date inventory that will sure to impress.
- Offshore and Inshore modes
- Wheel steering & Tiller steering
- Optimised IRC /ORC keel package 2023 by Judel Vrolijk
- New standing rigging & turnbuckles 2021
- Excellent North sails wardrobe
- Cat 1 offshore safety
- Professionally maintained
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies. -- Groucho Marx
Editorial and letter submissions to
Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see eurosailnews.com/advertise/