Brought to you by boats.com Europe with the support of OC Events, 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

VELUX 5 OCEANS
Bernard Stamm, onboard his Open 60 Cheminees Poujoulat, this evening crossed the finish line of leg 1 in the Velux 5 Oceans at 19:18 local time (10:18 UTC). Stamm's victory establishes a commanding lead and reflects a flawless display by the Swiss hero since the boats left Bilbao (Basque Country, Spain) on October 22.

Speaking on the dockside, Stamm commented, "I am very pleased to be here, to have won this leg and to be back on dry land. It really was a very difficult leg; I had to go up the mast three times, once with strong winds over 25 knots. The start was hard, but the hardest moment was two days ago, when I suddenly got hit by a blast 50 to 60 knots. The South is always difficult, with strong winds and big waves, but I made it hard for myself by forgetting my thermal clothes, it was terrible."

"Now I'm going say hello to my team, eat something nice, drink some champagne and get some sleep. I am very happy to sail for my country and pleased there is such a big interest in this sport in Switzerland. It is one of the few remaining sports where one cannot cheat. There is just the wind and the water and you must take them on. For Mike and Alex, I am of course happy that they are safe and well, but it is a shame for Alex to have lost his boat and a real shame that Mike will not be re-joining the course."

The 43 year old now holds a lead of 968 miles over second-placed Kojiro Shiraishi (JPN) on Spirit Of Yukoh, one of the largest leads in the history of round the world sailing.

* At 05:45 GMT this morning, British skipper Mike Golding (ECOVER) telephoned David Adams, Race Director of the Velux 5 Oceans, and informed him that he will retire from competing further in the Ultimate Solo Challenge. After reflecting on all his options, Golding has decided he will no longer compete in the single-handed circumnavigation.

Commenting on his decision, Golding added, "The decision to retire has been a very difficult one and one that has been taken in consultation with my sponsor, ECOVER. Clearly the timings and costs are a major factor, but from a competitive and safety standpoint there are additional factors that have finally led us to make this choice."

"To win the Velux 5 Oceans has been my focus for the past year, but successfully rescuing Alex has put everything into perspective. I would not trade that success for anything else. I wish the Velux 5 Oceans race organisers and all the competitors, a safe and successful event. I will continue to follow their progress daily."

* Sir Robin Knox Johnston:
"I think we are all disappointed that Mike has decided to withdraw from the race. I can only sympathise with the difficulties he must have faced getting a spare mast to Cape Town and the inevitable delays that would have meant. The Velux5Oceans is one of the toughest challenges for any human as recent events have shown, the ultimate test of a boat and its sailor. On the question of safety cover we all have our own views and I'm currently tethered by my keel to a fishing line, in a Force 7, and I am not going to offer any hostages to fortune."

"I have come to the conclusion that I have not entered a race, I have entered an obstacle course and the actual race is becoming increasingly irrelevant to this particular leg.. I just need to get to Fremantle but the moment I start to make decent progress a new obstacle is invented. This time it is a nasty one as it is in the form of a fishing line that must have been strung out across my path. We ran straight into it so it caught the keel, slid down to bulb and that is where it is stuck fast. The weather conditions are a Force 7 with rough sea and a frantically dropping barometer, which indicates a front on its way. That is my best hope as if the front is there and passes the weather is likely to improve.

www.velux5oceans.com

ATLANTIC RALLY FOR CRUISERS: MIRABELLA V IN RESCUE
Mirabella V, the largest single masted yacht in the world assisted a 33 foot yacht in an Atlantic rescue. At nine o'clock yesterday morning Falmouth Coastguard were contacted by their colleagues at Thames Coastguard who received a telephone call from a lady crew member on the yacht Compromise competing in the ARC Challenge 2006.

Falmouth Coastguard contacted the yacht and spoke to the lady crew member who reported that she had a medical emergency on board.

Falmouth Coastguard initiated broadcast action to locate any vessel in the area that could assist. They received a response from the Mirabelle V, who offered their assistance to go and evacuate the three crew from the 32 foot yacht Compromise.

At eight o'clock this evening, the Mirabelle V contacted Falmouth Coastguard to report that they had safely evacuated the three, and had set adrift the 32 foot yacht Compromise with a mast head light showing.

* The strong winds and Atlantic swell have taken their toll on the ARC fleet with two major breakages occurring Sunday 3 December.

Canadian yacht Mustang, a Camper & Nicholson 25m sloop, suffered a break in her mast, losing two-thirds of the rig over the side late on Saturday evening. "One of our rigging screws failed unexpectedly," explained skipper Matthew Cote. "The rig is less than a year old, and failed on the leeward side. We have rod rigging, so it was a big job to cut away the damaged sections."

Assistance was called for from within the ARC fleet, and several yachts responded with offers of cutting equipment and spare fuel. ARC yacht Petite Lune of London, a Grand Soleil 56, was best placed to reach Mustang first and lend a hand with a powered angle grinder. "We'd almost finished cutting the rig, when Petite Lune arrived" said Matthew, "but by then the teeth on our cutters were almost blunt, so it was a great help having Lune's cutter to finish the job."

After visually inspecting the hull for damage, and taking onboard additional fuel from a merchant ship, Mustang is now underway again and motoring towards St.Lucia. "We are all determined to cross the ARC finish line, even it we are motoring with a jury rig!" said the yacht's owner Kim Dunfield.

arc.worldcruising.com

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE RULES?
If you'd like to feel more confident about racing near other boats, you should get Learn The Racing Rules! This new two-part DVD, written and narrated by David Dellenbaugh, uses live sailing action and computerized animation to explain all the important right-of-way rules in the 2005-2008 rulebook. Part 1 covers the essential rules that apply whenever boats meet. Part 2 explains the often-confusing rules about marks and obstructions. Each is an hour long and includes the text of all rules discussed. Produced by SEA-TV - makes a great gift!

To learn more or place an order, go to www.SpeedandSmarts.com

WRECKS OF U-BOATS DISCOVERED
A hydrographic survey team working on the Coastguard Tug, Anglian Sovereign, have discovered the wrecks of two submarines during a routine sonar survey off the Orkney Islands.

They were discovered approximately 70 miles east of Sanday Sound and may prove to be uncharted German U-Boats from the First World War.

Plans of two U-Boats reported missing in the area in 1918 have been examined by experts who have identified the wrecks as U102 and U92, which may have been sunk on the Northern Barrage, a series of mines laid east of Sanday Sound. Rob Spillard, Hydrography Manager of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: "One of the subs, it seems, was commanded by quite a famous commander - the man who sank the ship that Lord Kitchener was on - so this is his watery grave, so to speak."Researchers have been examining the history of the submarines. On 23 May 1916, the U-Boat U-75 under the command of Commander Kurt Beitzen laid 22 mines after travelling around the west coast of Orkney undetected.

Less than a month later Secretary of War, Lord Kitchener, on an important mission to Russia, was lost at sea together with most of the crew of the cruiser HMS Hampshire when the warship ran into a mine. Beitzen later transferred to U102, which was on its way back home to Germany in autumn 1918 when it was lost with all 42 hands.

Full story from All At Sea: www.allatsea.co.uk/news_summary.php?page=item&news_id=10

HILARY LISTER'S ROUND BRITAIN DREAM
Hilary Lister, the first quadriplegic to sail solo across the English Channel will this winter be finalising her plans to sail round Britain. Having secured specific support from Pindar, the print and electronic media company, Hilary has been able to appoint a Project Manager for the venture. With fundraising in full swing, Hilary today launches her revamped website http://www.hilarylister.co.uk detailing the challenge ahead.

Hilary, 34, from Canterbury, Kent, overcame severe physical pain when she navigated her way solo across the English Channel in August 2005. Able to move only her head, eyes and mouth, Hilary used a sip-puff controlled 26 foot Soling keelboat, loaned to her by Pindar, to sail the 22 mile course. Her latest goal is to circumnavigate Britain in a series of stages, beginning on the south coast next summer.

Hilary has confirmed the support of a number of parties to enable her to begin planning the exciting adventure and is actively seeking further support in all areas of her campaign. Pindar, who have been affiliated with Hilary since she first met Emma Sanderson (nee Richards) in January 2005, continues to support her by funding her recently appointed independent Project Manager, Kels Gilkison. Kels, who was involved in the organisation of the 2002-2003 Around Alone solo round-the-world yacht race which Pindar's own Emma Sanderson took part in, will manage Hilary's website and fundraising in the run up to Hilary Lister's Round Britain Dream. Hilary has identified the boat in which she will sail round Britain; the Artemis 20, built by Vizual Marine in Chichester, UK, and given to her by Artemis, one of the UK's leading investment companies and sponsor of Brian Thompson's Open 60 campaign. Having secured support for her most basic requirements, a yacht and project manager, Hilary now continues her quest to secure support in all other areas of her campaign, from RIB fuel to food, and from motorhomes to telecoms.

SILVA LTD AT LIBS 2007
If you are visiting the London Boat Show next month then the Silva Ltd stand (S087) should be your first stop. As the leading specialist in navigation related products Silva Ltd will be displaying the very latest in marine electronics including the 2007 range of chartplotters and echo sounders from Lowrance, the brand new NXR and NX instrumentation systems from Nexus Marine, state-of-the-art VHF radios and NMEA2000 engine management systems. Also on display will be examples of the widely respected range of Silva binoculars, compasses, handheld weather stations and much more. Our knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer all your queries, so drop by the Silva Ltd stand and see what 2007 has in store for you.

www.silva.ltd.uk

SEAHORSE SAILOR OF THE MONTH
Last Month's Winner: Ian Williams (GBR)
Ian Williams is not the first match racer to attempt to establish himself without the foundation of Olympic class success; Peter Gilmour, Harold Cudmore and most recently James Spithill followed similarly-direct paths and their careers seem not to have suffered too much as a result.

However it's a gutsy call when you first start having to fund, not just yourself, but also three or four crew to attend events when many of your rivals are on the payroll of some pretty "monstrously-funded' America's Cup teams. But Williams' persistence has paid off in recent months, success in the Bermuda Gold Cup being followed almost immediately by a sponsorship agreement with Andrew Pindar's media group, hopefully taking off some of the pressure as Williams continues to press - out on the racecourse - for a future role in a good America's Cup team.

This month's nominees:

Patrice Carpentier (FRA)
Patrice Carpentier it was who sowed the seed for the Class 40, which in the Route du Rhum - the class's first big event - boasted no less than 25 boats on the startline. Groupe Finot's Pogo Class 40 is sold out for two years and at least five other designers now have boats in production. The class is a HUGE success. So huge that Patrice got a charter offer that he could not refuse for his own boat for the Rhum itself...

Phil Sharp (GBR)
More fortunate was English skipper Phil Sharp, who defeated a tough fleet to take the Class 40 prize in this year's Route du Rhum, with a healthy margin over second placed finisher and professional Figaro racer Gildas Morvan. To add significance to Sharp's victory, his was the only entry in this year's Class 40 fleet not to enjoy the support of a title sponsor. Twenty-four other Class 40 sponsors might bear this in mind

Seahorse Sailor of the Month is sponsored by Harken McLube, Dubarry & Henri Lloyd.

Cast your vote at seahorsemagazine.com

YACHT: A HANDMADE BOOK ABOUT HANDMADE BOATS
The paintings of Classic boats by Michael Frith, renowned artist, are reproduced on watercolour paper, hand-bound with a slipcase evoking the character of the Classic boat; 4 colour endpapers; ribbon head and tail bands; rich mahogany-coloured leather spine and corners, and gold-blocked title, with over 40 paintings and sketches. Contributions from Harry Spencer, MBE, and Dan Houston, editor of Classic Boat magazine, quotes from around the world and a specification of each Classic boat included. Bespoke editions can be created for corporate clients.

Full details at www.spotred.co.uk

CHARITY PURSUIT RACE
The last race of the year on the Royal Southampton Yacht Club's calendar runs this coming Sunday, December 10, and provides a great opportunity for yacht racing fans to get out on the water for one last blow before Christmas.

It is the Club's Charity race and proceeds go to the Commodore's charity, the Jubilee Sailing Trust. The event is a pursuit race, so boats start at different times, and try to catch the boat in front.

Captain of Racing, Kathy Smalley said: "For anybody who's not done much racing, this is an ideal opportunity to join the fun. If you're not so good at navigating, it really doesn't matter - just follow the boat in front.''

Three trophies are awarded
- For boats that normally sail under IRC
- Those that normally race under RSYC ratings
- Multihulls

Back at the Club, the bar will be open and there will be a raffle and a sweepstake, so even if competitors are not among winners on the water, they can still be a winner ashore.

For More Information:
Cathy Crawley
Sailing Secretary
Royal Southampton Yacht Club
023 8021 0872 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

INDUSTRY NEWS
* Formula Spars has extended its relationship with the Louis Vuitton and America's Cup by creating two more masts for the German team, UIT Germany. Having already delivered two masts for the first German yacht, Formula will now deliver two further masts for the team's new yacht, which will be ready for the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup on April 16th 2007. The masts for the team will be accompanied by booms and poles, made purely of carbon fibre at the Lymington factory.

In addition to supplying the German team, Formula has also created two masts for the Team Shosholoza challenge from South Africa, the first African challenge in the history of the America's Cup. The French entry, Areva Challenge, will also be supplied by Formula's French company, Black Flag, with a new carbon fibre boom and spinnaker poles. Spar orders from other challenges are expected in the near future. -- www.formulayachtspars.co.uk

* French classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) has announced that it has made an offer to buy Germanischer Lloyd for an undisclosed sum. Once completed, the proposed alliance will create the global leader in ship classification.

The combined marine divisions of Bureau Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd would have more than 13,000 vessels in class around the world, and a market share of 16 per cent in tonnage and 26 per cent in number of vessels. The planned alliance would become the world's number one market operator in terms of the numbers of classified vessels, orders in hand, and turnover.

The worldwide headquarters of the new division combining Germanischer Lloyd and Bureau Veritas marine activities will be based in Hamburg, Germany. -- IBI, www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20061015115151ibinews.html

* The South African boatbuilding industry contributed about R1.5 billion to the country's economy last year, according to officials with the Cape Town Boatbuilding Initiative (CTBi). Veda Raubenheimer, the managing director of the trade group, told the Cape Town Business Report that South African boat manufacturing facilities were capitalising on the slightly weaker Rand to make them more competitive, particularly when it came to exports.

Raubenheimer told the paper that boatbuilding was booming in the Western Cape, where about 3,500 people were employed in the industry. After France, said Raubenheimer, South Africa was the second-largest producer of catamarans in the world. -- IBI, www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20061104134454ibinews.html

* The British Marine Federation (BMF) has revealed that more than 36 companies have already signed up for next year's first-ever Mumbai International Boat Show, which runs from February 22-25 at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai, India.

Boatbuilders will include Princess Yachts, Sunseeker, Nautor's Swan, Azimut, Ferretti, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Rodman, Gulfcraft and Cobalt, while boating supplier and support companies include Edmiston, Henri Lloyd, Raymarine, Dixon Yacht Design, C&N Marinas, Peters & May, boatshed.com, Marine Track, Spencer Rigging and Petersen Stainless. There will also be a number of entry-level companies in attendance.

On February 23, a one-day stakeholder conference attended by politicians and key business people from India and abroad will focus on the continued growth of the leisure marine industry in India. The organiser is also arranging a cricket match between exhibitors — an Indian XI against Rest of the World XI, which will be captained by IBI's very own publishing director, Nick Hopkinson. -- IBI, www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20061104153252ibinews.html

* A South Devon harbour is officially open for hosting sailing championships again with the opening of a new slipway and extended quay area.

The opening of phase two of a multi-million pound waterfront redevelopment at Torquay's Beacon Quay is designed to attract national, European and world class sailing and powerboat championships and also holiday makers wanting somewhere safe to launch their craft.

Costing around 3.5m pounds, it is the culmination of many months of work and includes the new 10m wide slipway and an extended quay area big enough to store more than 100 dinghies and trailers when events are held.

THE LAST WORD
I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally. -- W. C. Fields

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

Over 80,000 boats for sale on www.boats.com

Scuttlebutt Europe is available via email:
To subscribe, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit scuttlebutteurope.com

Editorial and letter submissions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/content/view/7/6/