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HOLMBERG CAPTURES 2ND ANNUAL MONSOON CUP
Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia: In one year the Monsoon Cup will conclude the 2006-'07 World Match Racing Tour schedule. But it'll be hard-pressed to deliver a more exciting final than today's series between Peter Holmberg and Mathieu Richard.

Holmberg (ISV), the 46-year-old helmsman candidate for America's Cup defense syndicate Alinghi, defeated Richard, the 30-year-old French surgical match-racer, 3-2 to win the 2nd annual Monsoon Cup.

The series was a sea-saw affair, with each crew landing and absorbing repeated blows. Holmberg, however, pulled out the championship despite being on the verge of elimination just 36 hours earlier.

Holmberg's Alinghi crew included Rodney Ardern, Lorenzo Mazza, Piet Van Nieuwenhuyzen and Dean Phipps. They finished with a 14-9 record and won MYR250,000 (approx. $69,500) of the MYR 1 million (approx. $278,000) prize purse.

Richard sailed with regulars Thierry Briend, Greg Evrard, Olivier Herledant and Yannick Simon. The Saba Sailing Team finished with a 14-10 record and won MYR150,000 (approx. $41,700).

Holmberg and Richard got to the final by beating Peter Gilmour (AUS), PST, and Ian Williams (GBR), Team Pindar, respectively. Each match was decided by 2-1 scores.

In the Petite Final, Williams solidified his position atop the Match Racing World Championship standings when he defeated Gilmour 2-1. Williams now leads the series with 62 points, 12 points ahead of Richard who leaped into second with his runner-up finish.

The events of the World Tour serve to determine the ISAF Match Racing World Champion. Next year the Monsoon Cup will be the final event of the 2006-'07 season, and will crown the 2007 World Champion. -- Sean McNeill

Final Standings

1. Peter Holmberg (ISV) Alinghi, 14-9
2. Mathieu Richard (FRA) Saba Sailing Team, 14-10
3. Ian Williams (GBR) Team Pindar, 15-5
4. Peter Gilmour (AUS) PST, 11-6
5. Jesper Bank (DEN) United Internet Team Germany, 9-6
6. Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Team Apport.net, 9-7
7. Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Shosholoza, 6-8
8. Sebastien Col (FRA) Areva Challenge, 6-8
9. James Spithill (AUS) Luna Rossa Challenge, 5-6
10. Adam Minoprio (NZL) Black Match Racing, 2-9
11. Wearn Haw Tan (SIN) China Team, 2-9
12. Tiffany Koo (MAL) Team Selangor Gapurna, 1-10

www.WorldMatchRacingTour.com

THE FRENCH TAKE THE MUMM 30 WORLDS
Miami Beach, FL: It was a picture perfect day for sailboat racing off South Beach for the final race of the Mumm 30 World Championship. Erik Maris and his crew on Twins are the new World Champions, won in convincing style. It is his first ever World Championship title, and the team "convinced" him to take the obligatory victory swim in the harbor after getting doused with Champagne Mumm on the dock."

A gentle easterly breeze rolled across the course at 8-10 knots and filled in by the last leg of the race to 10-12 knots. A four leg course with 1.75 mile legs was set. Twins had a clean, conservative start mid line, and was off, reaching the top mark in first place and extending their lead for their victory laps around the course and across the finish line. Seven boats pushed the envelope and were called over the line early, including podium contenders Groovederci and Mean Machine. A collision between Groovederci and Glory at the first leeward mark forced both boats to retire from the race, moving Groovederci into sixth overall. Mean Machine sailed their way to a 12th place finish, for a fourth overall in the series.

The next Mumm 30 World Championship will be in Porto Cervo, Italy on October 3-6, 2007.

Final top ten:
1. Twins, Erik Maris, FRA, 50
2. Foreign Affair, Richard Perini, AUS, 61
3. Sixx, Tom LIhan, USA, 65
4. Mean Machine, Peter de Ridder, NED, 75
5. Cheyenne, Frederico Strocchi, ITA, 80.50
6. Groovederci, Deneen Demourkas, USA, 86
7. Matrix, Luigi Melegari, ITA, 92
8. Mammy, Diarmuid Foley, IRL, 106
9. UKA UKA, Lorenzo Santini, ITA, 119
10. Barking Mad, Jim Richardson, USA, 122

www.mumm30.org

GERMAN FRERS - A PASSION FOR DESIGN - BY BARRY PICKTHALL
The perfect Xmas present for owners and crews of all Frers designed yachts. This magnificent limited edition, 4-colour coffee table book that provides an insight into the lives, designs and passions of one of the most prolific and successful line of yacht designers - all named German Frers. It's a book to delight all Frers yacht owners, those that have crewed on them, and all students of yacht design. Priced 65.00 pounds sterling. Special Xmas offer. Buy four books and get one free from www.southatlanticpublishing.com

RECORD FLEET FOR 20TH PHUKET KING'S CUP REGATTA
The biggest fleet on record, 101 yachts will face the start tomorrow morning for the Phuket Kings Cup Regatta. Regatta Director Simon James said this afternoon. 'This year's fleet is the largest on record anywhere in Asia, will will have 13 different classes of boats will be racing at this year's regatta.

The Racing division will be sailing under IRC and it's an impressive fleet.

The largest boat in this racing class is one of Frank Pong's fleet of racing boats, Jelik. The Reichel Pugh 76 was formerly owned by Roy Disney and named Pyewacket. Jelik is a full-time competitor on the Asian regatta circuit, and has competed in the China Coast Regatta (Hong Kong), Hong Kong-Hainan Race, China Sea Race (Hong Kong - Philippines), Koh Samui Regatta, Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta, the Manila-Boracay Race, President's Cup (Philippines), and the King's Cup.

Paul Winkelmann's TP52 Fling was previously Bambakou. She was shipped to Hong Kong for the 2006 RHKYC China Coast Regatta in which she placed second. Then she won the Hong Kong-Vietnam Race immediately afterwards gave her the points to win China Coast Race Week 2006 overall.

Sam Chan's second Ffree Fire, this TP52 arrived in Hong Kong from San Francisco this summer (2006). Formerly Flash, she is one of the 'first generation' TPs which were designed specifically as a one-design class for the TransPac Race (Los Angeles-Hawaii).

Farr-designed, Mills-adapted, 51 footer Mandrake is owned by Fred Kinmonth and Nick Burns. She is a full-time Asian circuit competitor, and has participated in China Sea Races, the Phuket King's Cup, Raja Muda, China Coast Regatta, Hainan Race, and HK-Vietnam Race.

Neil Pryde is the most successful competitor on the Asian regatta circuit. At various times he has won the China Sea Race, the China Coast Regatta, Singapore Straits Regatta, Raja Muda, Phuket King's Cup, the Omega Asian Yachting Circuit and the Lipton Trophy - the latter, four times. Hi Fi is a Farr 52, formerly Ray Roberts' Hollywood Boulevard, and is frequently crewed in major regattas by 'off duty' members of the Oracle BMW America's Cup team.

One thing is certain, there is depth and breadth across this record fleet and the competition is expected to be tough in the 13 classes of boats, racing until next Saturday 9th December.

This year's Phuket King's Cup Regatta will be sailed over five days, in the first week of December to coincide with His Majesty the King's birthday on December 5. -- Rob Kothe

www.kingscup.com

STAMM CLOSING IN ON FREMANTLE
The defending champion, Swiss, solo round the world skipper and sailing hero, Bernard Stamm is expected to arrive into the port of Fremantle, today, Monday 4th December, ETA currently at midnight . When he gets to Fremantle he will be the first boat to cross the finish line in the 1st leg of the Velux 5 Oceans solo circumnavigation.

On the dock to greet him in Fremantle, will be his partner and two children and his support crew, as well as a host of Fremantle supporters.

The course has taken Stamm on an emotional rollercoaster from Bilbao, Spain traversing some 11,000 miles over 43 days, through hurricane force winds, icy seas and mountainous waves travelling at maximum speeds of 30 knots.

* From Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: Contrary winds are beginning to raise a serious issue. I had fuel enough to get to Fremantle and keep my batteries charged on the basis of a voyage of 55 days at sea. Currently I have been at sea 34 days since Corunna, about 10 days longer than expected thanks to adverse wind conditions, and if these conditions continue I am not going to get to Fremantle before I run out, and that means no electricity, which means no autopilot.

There is no point in Saga Insurance heading towards South Africa as we have strong northerlies due in a couple of days, so Kergeulen Island, where the French have a small research station would probably be my best bet. "

Sir Robin and his shore team are currently working through options and calculating his fuel consumption. There are several ways in which he can cut down on fuel usage including minimal use of his autopilots, which would involve more hand steering of the boat. This is less than ideal in the Southern Ocean given the extremely low temperatures. He could also reduce use of telephones and computers, which use a lot of power and potentially only use them for downloading weather information and routing software.

Saga Insurance is currently several days away from Kergeulen Island allowing plenty of time to make a decision. Race rules state that all boats must pass North of the island, so to pit-stop there would not involve many surplus miles to cover, but would involve the obligatory 48 hour stop.

* One week after their dramatic ordeal in the Southern Ocean, British solo skippers, Alex Thomson (GBR) and Mike Golding (GBR), finally arrived into Cape Town (South Africa). ECOVER docked around 19.00 GMT on 1 December with two very exhausted, very relieved sailors onboard. The start of the Velux 5 Oceans yacht race in Spain and the horrific storms of the first night, 41 days ago, now seem but a distant memory. It is time for Golding make a decision about ECOVER's future in the Velux 5 Oceans, whilst Thomson must come to terms with all that has happened and start to rebuild his life.

Golding commented: "It hasn't worked out the way we planned it, but all of that is put into perspective. HUGO BOSS is gone and Alex is not. To some extent maybe that is the reason I was here. If that is the only reason I was in this race then that is good enough for me. I am very proud of what I did. Do I feel like a hero? No, Alex would have done the same for me. I know that with single-handed sailors, or indeed sailors - anyone who puts to sea - there is a mutual bond."

"There will be a different relationship between us now. There is no onus on him or me for that to be so. Very early on I said to Alex: 'You are not a passenger and you are not crew. Do what you feel comfortable with. Treat everything on board as if it were your own."

* Race organisers Clipper Ventures PLC have announced that the start of Leg 2 is now set for Sunday January 14, a change from the original schedule of January 7.

The one week postponement has been introduced by organisers as a safety precaution for the skippers, following a gruelling first leg from Bilbao (Basque Country, Spain) to Fremantle (Western Australia).

The original schedule was created with a certain amount of flexibility already built in, and the change to the start of leg 2 will not affect the program of events or the start of leg 3 in Norfolk.

www.velux5oceans.com

YOUNG GUNS AND OLD SALTS
With one week until the close of entries for the 2006 Sydney International Regatta, entries are looking good and already are attracting some of the best sailors in the world. Olympic, Paralympic, Youth and Invited classes make up the 17 classes on offer to competitors at this years regatta.

In the 49er class it will be a case of the old guys trying to show the young guys how it's done. 49er world champion Chris Nicholson will again team up with his Athens 2004 Olympic crew Gary Boyd from Newcastle to race against the young colts who recently beat them at the NSW State Championship, Nathan Outteridge and Ben Austin.

Finn class regular at Sydney International Regatta Josh Beaver will be keeping a close eye on newcomer Brendan Casey who made the move from the Laser class earlier this year. Beaver has been racing in the Finn class at Sydney International Regatta since 2001 previously competing at the event in the Laser class.

The Yngling fleet will see the return of 2004 Athens Olympian Nicky Bethwaite and her crew Karyn Gojnich and Angela Farrell. Bethwaite is aiming to again represent Australia in Beijing in 2008 in the Yngling class. Young match racing champion Katie Spithill will be racing in the Yngling class taking advantage of an opportunity to race against Bethwaite and her experienced crew.

Sydney International Regatta Notice of Race and entry form are available on the Yachting NSW's website at www.yachtingnsw.com.au

MOULDS MADE FOR LEADING BOATBUILDERS
Furniss Composites, based near Falmouth UK, are specialist glassfibre plug and mould producers for several of the leading boat builders. The experienced team have more than 30 years engineering moulds to the highest quality.

This out of house service enables boat builders to continue their normal production without costly interruption whilst new or redesigned moulds are produced elsewhere. The new factory facility also has considerable storage space alongside for moulds under development.

Recent projects include the production of redesigned flybridge moulds for a 60 foot production powerboat.

wwwfurnisscomposites.com

GARMIN HAMBLE WINTER SERIES FINAL
Unfortunately, all racing on the final day of the 25th Garmin Hamble Winter Series had to be abandoned. High winds during the night were as had been predicted in the weather forecasts, with a maximum gust of 55 knots recorded at 06.30 by the Bramble Bank weather station, which lies within the course area.

The time an initial decision regarding racing had to be made by the race committee was 07.30, and the mean wind speed was then down to 23 knots with gusts over 30, so it was decided to postpone for one hour with the intention of starting the White and Black Fleets at 11.00, on the assumption that the downward trend would continue. However, the trend was reversed, and before 10.00 the mean went up to over 30 knots, with gusts to 40. Reluctantly, the race officers were forced to decide on abandonment, and the wisdom of their decision was seen when the wind peaked at more than 50 knots during the period when racing would have been taking place. Safety considerations had to come first, particularly at this time of the year.

While it was a pity that the final day's racing was lost in this way, there had been some seemingly miraculous escapes from bad weather right from opening day at the beginning of October, and the series will be remembered for very good conditions overall. Apart from everyone's disappointment at being deprived of a day's racing by the weather, the hopes of a small number of crews who were hoping to secure a class win on the final day were dashed, and one can only feel sympathy for them.

Once again, the Winter Series has been an excellent event, superbly organised both on and off the water by Race Director Jamie Wilkinson and a huge team of helpers drawn almost entirely from the membership of the Hamble River Sailing Club. The involvement for the past two years of the Garmin company as series sponsor has added greatly to the success, and the support of the local marine companies who have provided weekly prizes has been much appreciated. -- Peter Danby

Garmin Hamble Winter Series, provisional overall results, White Fleet:

Laser SB3, Royal Thames Lucky Lady, James Fox
J80, Savage Racing Team, Liz Savage
Hunter 707, Surfeit, Mike Foster
SBR Sportsboats, boats.com, Ian Atkins

Garmin Hamble Winter Series, provisional overall results, Black Fleet:

IRC 0, Windsong, Stuart Bowen-Davies & Huw Evans
IRC 1, Jump, Stewart Hawthorn
IRC 2, Quokka, Peter Rutter
IRC 3, Glide-X, Ian Dawson
IRC 4, Tangent Minus 1, Paul & Julia Aisher
J105, J-Dream, David & Kirsty Apthorp
J109, Zelda, Ben Richards & Michael Ewart-Smith
Sigma 33, Cerefe, Richard & Valerie Griffith
Sigma 38, Festina, Lente Meakins Family

Complete results for all classes can be found on www.garminhamblewinterseries.co.uk

YACHTWORLD SALES OPPORTUNITY
Yachtworld is the leading online boat sales portal, receiving approximately 4 million visitors each month to its websites http://www.yachtworld.com and http://www.boats.com. Our goal is to facilitate the matching of buyers and sellers of boats, boating equipment and boating services and we currently help our members to generate boat sales in excess of 40 million pounds per month.

Our growing business requires an enthusiastic individual to sell our Internet services and add-on products primarily to our core yacht broker and boat dealer customers in the UK. Candidates should be accomplished sales people with at least 2-3 years' experience in the technology/software industry or the marine sector. You must "get" the Internet and understand how it works in a sales context.

See www.yachtworld-international.com/vacancies/ to apply.

CALAIS ROUND BRITAIN RACE: ROUND THREE
As several prototypes complete their builds all around the world, the Calais Round Britain Race is set to be the first confrontation between the latest generation and the monohulls built for the Vendee Globe 2004. A 1850 mile warm-up for at least a dozen crews from 3rd June 2007, along a highly tactical course with some particularly varied weather conditions.

For its third edition, the Race will be venturing into uncharted territory since it will be inaugurating the season's race calendar for the IMOCA class monohulls (60 foot monohulls). An unmissable rendez-vous for the future duos of the Transat Jacques Vabre and the Barcelona World Race; two events that will bring the year to a close.

The line-up promises to be extremely rich: Vincent Riou (PRB), Jeremie Beyou (Delta Dore), Jean-Pierre Dick (Virbac-Paprec II), Marc Guillemot (Safran), Yann Elies (Generali), will all be coming to trial their new racing monohulls. They'll be doing battle against Roland Jourdain (Sill & Veolia), the event's title holder with a time of 6 days 16 hours 43 minutes 21 seconds (11.29 knots), Jean Le Cam (VM Materiaux), Bernard Stamm (Cheminee Poujoulat II, ex-Virbac-Paprec), Samantha Davis (Roxy), Brian Thompson (Artemis).

Added to this list are likely to be a handful of future Vendee Globe entries armed with slightly older models like Maisonneuve-Region Basse Normandie (Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty), Uunet, Kingfisher, VMI... Should the various deliveries of their new Imoca 60 footers run to schedule, we may also see our entries boosted by Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia), Armel Le Cleac'h (Brit Air), Ellen MacArthur (OC Challenges), Mike Golding (Ecover III), Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss II)... creating a line-up of some eight to twenty monohulls driven by crews of five!

The course for this third edition is identical to that in 2003 and 2005 with a start and finish in Calais incorporating a lap of the British Isles. The lap will include a 'climb' up the entire length of the Channel as far as Land's End and the Scilly Isles, a crossing of the Irish Sea bound for the infamous Fastnet lighthouse, the rugged Irish coast of Kerry, the Connemara and Donegal, the totally isolated island of Saint Kilda off the Hebrides and a 'climb' up to the Shetland Islands at the edge of the polar circle.

And once up at 61 degrees North, a latitude closer to the polar circle than during the Vendee Globe, the crews will have to 'drop down' the North Sea between Scotland and Norway, clearing the drilling platforms off Norfolk bound for Pas de Calais and rounding off with the individually timed Dover-Calais stretch. The current record time is still held by Objectif 3 (Charles Hedrich in 2003) of 1 hour 18 minutes and 50 seconds, at an average speed of 14.62 knots.

www.calaisroundbritainrace.com

THE LAST WORD
It's always helpful to learn from your mistakes because then your mistakes seem worthwhile. -- Garry Marshall

OC Events, organisers of two major IMOCA 60 oceanic events, the new double-handed Barcelona World Race 2007, and the original solo transocean race, The Transat 2008 (ex-OSTAR) www.ocevents.org

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