Brought to you by Boats.com Europe, Yachtworld.com Europe, Scuttlebutt Europe 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

Thinking Past The Next AC...
Designer Giovanni Ceccarelli has written an open letter about the America's Cup. A few points from that letter:

Let's think about what will happen after the next event.. A return to monohulls, with a new set of rules, would leave space for real innovation which might then have fallout in the world of mass production and everyday yachting, which is one of the purposes of investment in research and sport.

So we may take it for granted that for the upcoming event, whoever the defender will be, we must return to a multichallenger format, with rules written in a democratic way, with match races and monohulls.

To my mind it would be more interesting to aim at a class governed by few but precise rules, managed by an unbiased Board and based on specifications that might be as follows:

- The main dimensions (LOA- BMAX - DRAUGHT - MAST HEIGHT) must be in multiples of 15 feet.

- A return to monohull keel boats in the spirit of the match race and the America's Cup, with great freedom of design and constructional technological development, with few restrictions and with a very simple rule that leaves broad margins for creativity and technological development.

- Only the power of the wind is permissible for the propulsive system, so it must be a sailboat.

- Multichallenge race, fixing the number of teams at a maximum of 12 including the defender. Each team will have a licence which it can sell should it decided not to take part in the next event. This will contribute to giving greater value to the assets of each syndicate.

- Defining a max. budget of 24 Million Euros per Cup. Only one boat may be built and a maximum number of sailors and technicians engaged; two boat testing forbidden.

Download the entire open letter (1.3m PDF) at scuttlebutteurope.com/pdf/ceccarelli.pdf

Swiss Will Race America's Cup in Ras Al-Khaimah if Appeal Successful
The current Defender of the America's Cup, Societe Nautique de Geneve, has revealed that it wants to return to race in Ras al-Khaimah (UAE) to contest the 33rd America's Cup in giant multihulls.

Far from trying to get the heat turned down on the legal action, the Swiss club have appointed a new firm of lawyers to represent them on the various actions, engaging Sullivan & Cromwell, their third in two years of litigation.

The Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court has received the arguments from the Swiss club and advised that they would not be hearing oral arguments, and would make a decision on the papers alone.

Key points in the papers filed today by SNG related to argument that the rudders should be included in the measurement of the Load Waterline Length - a move that could have see the US Challenger from Golden Gate Yacht Club disqualified for exceeding the 90ft maximum stipulated in the Deed of Gift for the America's Cup.

Arguing that they had no choice but to name Valencia as venue in their Notice of Race issued on 6 November 2009, as that was the 'only permissible Northern Hemisphere venue under Justice Kornreich's erroneous October 30 order'

The SNG response continues 'If this Court, as it should, vindicates SNG's legal right under the April 7 Order, and reverses the October 30 Order, then SNG will contest the Cup in RAK - a more temperate venue for a sailing race in February than Valencia.'

This response is quite contrary to the belief in yachting circles that the America's Cup was certain for Valencia, Spain starting on 8 February 2010. To date there has been no announcement of any hosting agreement with Valencia, although it is believed that some discussions have taken place. -- Richard Gladwell in Sail-World.com

www.sail-world.com

The Perfect Nautical Gift
Chart of the Isle of Wight. Click on image to enlarge.

3D charts are timeless pieces of nautical art, unique, made to commission by hand. More and more people are getting together to share a valued gift, so whether it is a special occasion, wedding or family gift . The 3D chart is a gift for Life, the perfect nautical gift! "Story board" charts are popular for capturing an event and are great mementos of that lifetime cruise or racing campaign... "From all the crew, thank you skipper!!!"

Check out the website today and talk to Latitude Kinsale about your commission.

www.latitudekinsale.com

Compression Theory
In theory they should have done enough. The leading trio of the Transat Jacques Vabre race from Le Havre to Costa Rica, Safran, Groupe Bel and Mike Golding Yacht Racing have a substantial cushion to fourth, and seem set to scrap over who wins which step on the podium, but there will still be some nervous hours ahead and the weather forecasts are none too stable.

The trio, the two French leaders and Britain's third placed Mike Golding who is racing with Spain's Javier Sanso on Mike Golding Yacht Racing, will tomorrow be first to hit a wall of lighter, even more unsettled breezes and compression - as the chasing pack catches miles back on them - is predicted to continue periodically for the next couple of days.

The margin back from third to fourth, to double-Vendee Globe winner Michel Desjoyeaux, is now 270 miles with less than 2000 miles to go.

Desjoyeaux, who has squeezed close to 100 miles ahead of Veolia Environnement since passing them, re-asserted today that there was no acceptance on his part that the race was a foregone conclusion, and clearly his legendary fighting spirit is undimmed. If there is one skipper out there who is as happy battling the mathematical odds as he is his opponents, it is him.

At midday today leaders Marc Guillemot and Charles Caudrelier on Safran were about 500 miles from breaching the gap between Antigua and Guadeloupe for the final trans Caribbean stage down to the finish at Puerto Limon.

The gap between first and second has been prised open again by the leaders Safran, standing at 52.5 miles back to Groupe Bel, whilst Golding and Sanso had sneaked back under the 100 miles from the lead line early this morning, but their gains have been nullified over the day and the third placed boat has now 125 miles to catch up.

www.jacques-vabre.com

VOR Stopover = High Economic Impact
The Volvo Ocean Race generated sufficient economic impact for the host port events to be regarded as "amongst the sports world's highest impact, short-duration major sports events", according to the findings of an independent study into the 2008-09 race.

The results put the Volvo Ocean Race considerably above the UEFA Cup Final and the Open Golf Championship.

The study, undertaken by the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, was carried out into the 2008-09 start in Alicante, in the Valenciana region, and the stopover ports of Singapore, Galway and Stockholm.

The methodology involved research with key stakeholders including teams, organisers, partners, and the media, and extensive spectator research and economic impact modelling.

The highlights of the Deloitte report show a Euros 89.2 million (US $131 million) total economic impact for Alicante - a 46% increase on the 2005-06 start port in the Galicia region.

Galway generated Euros 55.8 million total impact - 30% above initial projections. There were 40,500 international visitors and 46,000 visitors from elsewhere in Ireland went to Galway.

Singapore produced a total economic impact of Euros 33 million, with a direct impact of Euros 20 million, more than what was generated by the UEFA Cup Final in Scotland in 2007 (Euros 18 million).

In Singapore there were 1,400 corporate hospitality visitors and 74,000 visitor nights.

The race delivered almost Euros 32 million in direct economic benefits to Stockholm, the largest element being spectator spending with Euros 1,000 expenditure per head for international visitors.

More at www.volvooceanrace.org

A Modern Twist on a Classic Look
Camet Duffles These new duffles have a modern twist to the classic look and are constructed of Mylar and Vinyl/ Polyester laminate with Cordura ends and two side pockets. Handles are made of a heavyweight Nylon webbing. These duffles are strong and lightweight.

Outfit your crew today at: www.camet.com


Repairs In Cape Town
After having envisaged making directly for the technical base in Lorient, Franck Cammas and his crew have finally decided to make for South Africa to carry out repairs under good conditions. Cape Town is around five days away and Groupama 3 could be ready to head for France at the start of December... for a new attempt at the Jules Verne Trophy record in January.

Lionel Lemonchois, the designated 'foreman' in effecting temporary repairs to the beam bulkhead, explains the conditions required to totally resolve this structural problem that Groupama 3 suffered on the tenth day of this Jules Verne Trophy attempt. "Yesterday, there was still a chance that we could find a calmer zone of sea in which we could work on the breakage and then head straight back to Brittany. However, given that the boat is constantly in motion, we wouldn't be able to do a good job. We're still on the edge of the Deep South, in a grey seascape and messy seas, with birds gliding about and chilly temperatures...

It was necessary to work in a rate of humidity bordering on 100%, on our knees inside the float: it's not ideal for composite work! This has enabled us to make a good repair, but it's not sufficient to get the boat sailing at her full potential in complete safety: the wisest thing is to repair her properly in South Africa, as it's imperative that the float and the beam are immobile. We're 1,400 miles from Cape Town and, according to the weather forecasts, there isn't a zone which is sufficiently calm to resolve the problem at sea. -- translated by Kate Jennings

www.cammas-groupama.com

BT in Harbour in the Azores
BT in Harbour in the Azores The BT yacht is now inside the harbour in Terceira (Azores), all but submerged but safe from the Atlantic ocean waves that have been battering her since Friday. The BT Team technical crew let out a sigh of relief upon entering the port of Praia da Vitoria this morning. After more than 60 hours without any proper sleep, Charles Darbyshire, Rhys Mellor and Pierre-Emmanuel Herrise now have to wait for the 60-knot winds to drop before craning the monohull out of the water.

As Charlie reported at 0800 GMT this morning: "We're inside the harbour so things are better but we're waiting for daylight and a container ship to leave so we can get alongside. BT is completely underwater when upright and when she lists over you can just see the top of the BT logo on her topsides. We've come this far, we're determined to finish the job but even now it's not a done deal."

www.btsebjosse.com

ISAF IRO Renewals and New Appointments
The list of Race Officials successfully approved for ISAF International Race Official status in November 2009 has been published on the ISAF Race Officials microsite.

ISAF has a global network of over 500 ISAF International Race Officials who ensure fair and competitive racing at the world's top sailing events. At the ISAF Annual Conference in November 2009, 38 first-applicants have been appointed ISAF International Race Official status for the first time, together with 147 successful applications for renewal.

ISAF Race Officials fall into four disciplines: International Judges (IJ), International Measurers (IM), International Race Officers (IRO) and International Umpires (IU). ISAF International Race Official status is valid for four years (two years for Race Officials over 70), after which time Race Officials must apply to renew their International status.

To view the list of renewals and new appointments for 2009:

 

In addition to the 38 first appointments and 147 renewals made in November 2009, other appointments are under consideration. Full details of any additional appointments will be published on the ISAF Race Officials microsite at www.sailing.org/raceofficials.

ISAF Race Officials microsite - www.sailing.org/raceofficials

Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show: It's Your Show
London Boat Show Providing one of the most important starts to the boating season, the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show returns to ExCeL from 8th - 17th January 2010. With exclusive product launches and unique products, all under one roof, it is sure to bring more than a splash of water to the Capital.

Come along and enjoy the thrill of being on board one of the hundreds of fascinating boats on display; from historic replica vessels to the latest in marine technology. With over 500 exhibitors* showcasing power and sail boats, dinghies, deck equipment, charter holidays and sailing courses the Show promises to offer something for enthusiasts and first time visitors alike.

Don't forget 'Kids Go Free' aged 15 and under provided they are with a paying adult.

For the more discerning visitor looking for that little bit of luxury; the new, exclusive Platinum Ticket.

Numbers are limited so make sure you secure your place!

For more information visit www.londonboatshow.com

*taken from 2009 London International Boat Show

Industry News
* A luxury tax affecting superyachts and private jet aircraft imposed by Sardinia in 2006 has been judged illegal by the European Court of Justice.

The ECJ found that the tax infringed rules on the freedom to provide services as well as the free movement of persons under the EU Treaty.

The tax has been applied to all pleasure boats over 14m (46ft) and private aircraft carrying more than four passengers passing through Sardinia.

The tax involved payments of 1,000 Euros a year for yachts mooring in the region that were over 14m (46ft). Yacht owners were charged more thasn 15,000 Euros for craft over 60m (197ft). Yachts visiting for regattas or sporting events were exempted.

Superyacht Business / David Robinson, www.ibinews.com

* Auckland International Boat Show is delighted to announce the official sponsors and partners to the Auckland International Boat Show 2010.

This year sees the return of Boating New Zealand as Gold sponsor for the 12th consecutive year. Auckland City Council will share the joint Gold sponsorship with Boating New Zealand and provide vital support for the on-going success of the show.

The 2010 show sees Tourism Auckland, KIA Motors and Total Floating Systems return as Silver sponsors, and welcomes Pacific Blue as a Silver sponsor.

The tier of Bronze sponsors will comprise The Moorings, Line 7, Viaduct Harbour Holdings, Coastguard and newcomer Panasonic TOUGHBOOK.

Pacific Blue will be the named sponsor of the Pacific Blue Destination Hall and joint naming sponsor with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK and Jilly Beans Bean Bags of the VIP and Media Lounge. -- www.nzmarine.com

* The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is looking for a title sponsor to head up the four sailing regatta weeks which will make up one of sailings largest international events; the Laser World Championships to be held in Britain in 2010.

The event, set to attract over 1200 world class competitors from around the globe, will be held at two separate venues.

The Scottish Sailing Institute at Largs Sailing Club will welcome more than 500 sailors, including aspiring 2012 hopefuls for the Laser Radial Women's and Men's World Championships from 7-14 July 2010, with the Laser Radial Youth Worlds to follow from 18-25 July.

Meanwhile, Hayling Island Sailing Club will see in the region of 300 budding Olympic Champions contest the Laser (Standard) Senior and Junior World Championships from 27 August-5 September 2010, with the Laser Masters Worlds from 11-19 September welcoming around 400 sailors in four age categories from 35 years and upwards.

For more information about the opportunity please contact the RYA Sponsorship Co-ordinator Holly Adby at

* Chemring Marine has joined the call for a single UK Maritime Minister to provide a coordinated approach to the industry.

Managing Director Robert Hill raised the issue at a House of Commons lunch with major shipbuilding industry figures. He joined UK Ministers Ian Lucas, Nick Brown and MP Chris Mullin, along with other key maritime policymakers at the Shipbuilders' and Shiprepairers' Association (SSA) Networking Lunch.

The issue has also been discussed by many attendees at the recently-formed Marine Industries Leadership Council (MILC), of which Mr Hill is a delegate because of his role as Chair of the Marine Sector Advisory Group (MSAG). He leads the International and Export contribution to the strategy document, which is due to be presented to Business Secretary Peter Mandelson before the end of the year.

* Matrix Composite Materials Co Ltd in Bristol are first to offer real alternatives to the current fossil based products used in modern composite boat construction in the UK (such as Epoxy and other thermosetting resins and PVC and thermoplastics - all produced from oil). These new products are certain to arouse interest in the sailing world, with many sailors, led by Dame Ellen Macarthur, Francis Joyon and others acutely aware of the effect mankind is having on the planet and the fragile position mankind is in if we don't start acting more responsibly.

Core materials made from a new type of Cork - a sustainable and re-cycle-able product, modified for use with all the major resin systems available, including pre-pregs up to 150C and having remarkable properties when used in sandwich structures. A range of thicknesses and densities are now available for the new "CoreCork" as it is to be known.

Sicomin Epoxy Systems are first into the market with a revolutionary "High Biomass Content" Epoxy system. Called Greenpoxy 55 it contains 55% of its molecular structure originating from plants. Sicomin's point of view is that it is the carbon assessment, rather than the modified molecules which is the most representative quality measure.

Featured Brokerage
Featured Brokerage Boat 2007 Class 40, 179,995 GBP. Located in Devon, United Kingdom.

This particular Class 40 has been professionally campaigned and achieved success in a number of races. With her class certificate complete and equipment updated in 2008 (all running rigging replaced!)She has been put to bed correctly with all items removed for dry storage and put ashore. She is the Class 40 for sale with most things taken care of apart from a new sailor or racer.It would be difficult to find another class 40 with her build, equipment and pedigree for a similar price.The owner is also open to offers of part exchange on another boat, a house or a car.

Brokerage through Boatshed Performance: www.yachtworld.com/boatshedperformance/

Complete listing details and seller contact information at uk.yachtworld.com

The Last Word
Reality is only a Rorschach ink-blot, you know. -- Alan Watts

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