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

NEW EXTREME 40 SAILING SERIES
At the Collins Stewart London Boat Show today iShares, the world's leader in Exchange Traded Funds, confirmed their sponsorship of a new European sailing series for the Extreme 40 catamaran class. 'The iShares Cup' will consist of four premium European grand prix style sailing regattas to be hosted in Germany, France, the Netherlands and the UK..

The four premium European events for 'The iShares Cup' will take place between May to October 2007 [dates will be confirmed once final venue negotiations have been completed]. Host cities include Munich [Germany] and Amsterdam [Holland], plus a venue on the south coast of France and on the Solent in the UK. OC Events, part of OC Group jointly owned by Dame Ellen MacArthur and Mark Turner, will be responsible for organising the new circuit: "We joined forces with TornadoSport, the creators of the Class back in October 2006, and it is great to be able to announce a major Title Sponsor to the new European circuit at this stage," commented Mark Turner, CEO of OC Group. "There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that this circuit reaches it full potential. iShares has made a major commitment to the Class to take it to the next level of commercial and competitive success."

There are currently five Extreme 40 catamarans planning to compete in 2007 - Team Basilica, Conrad Humphreys Racing and Holmatro, who competed in the inaugural 2005/06 race season. These teams will be joined by Team Denmark (ex-Tommy Hilfiger) and a new team soon to be confirmed. In addition, the Extreme 40 class manufacturer, TornadoSport, is planning the production of up to five new boats in time for the start of the 2007 race season, bringing the total number of potential competing boats to 10. Orders are being taken now email Daniel Koene for further information at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The four iShares Cup events will form the core of the European season, and shall be complimented by some other one-off events that might take the fleet to Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Extreme 40 Sailing Series for 'The iShares Cup' will be raced over a three-day format with one set-up day and one pre-regatta warm-up day. Each race day will include a session of 'informal' racing for the teams to take their all-important VIP and media guests out racing, and then a series of three to five windward/leeward courses raced daily that count towards 'The iShares Cup'. On-water judging will be implemented for the first time so no post-racing protests to complicate proceedings - 'first past the post' wins.

www.extreme40.com

WHY BRITAIN SHOULD COMPETE IN THE AMERICA'S CUP
If you thought the 16-year wait for an - albeit short-lived - Ashes success tried the patience of English cricket fans, consider this: in 1851, a lone Yankee yacht, America, snatched what was to become known as the America's Cup from under the noses of a fleet of Britain's finest, and since then they haven't got within a sniff of getting it back. That's 156 years of failure.

In the modern era, Britain has never even reached the main event of the America's Cup - their most recent efforts, in 1987 and 2003, ended before the semis - and later this year, when the Cup is contested off Valencia, they won't even have a team. But last Thursday, Sir Keith Mills announced that British boat Origin will challenge for the 33rd America's Cup, probably in 2010 or 2011. It's news that should delight every right-thinking Briton.

For a start, the British marine industry will benefit from a successful America Cup campaign. The New Zealanders have demonstrated how consistent support for Cup sailing has created a virtuous circle of national interest and success in both the sport and many of the accompanying industries (boat-building, sail-making, etc.). It could work like that in Britain - but not if we only have a half-hearted pop at the Cup every 15 years.

All of which Sir Keith seems to understand. He's already talking of a challenge for the next two America's Cups. And he's no reckless gambler - or if he is, then he's on a hell of a winning streak. He founded Air Miles loyalty scheme, and is chairman of the group that owns and manages the highly successful Nectar programme in the UK. More recently, he led the bid for the 2012 Olympic Games with Lord Coe.

And if Mills is a winner, British sailing also has what it takes. Dame Ellen MacArthur is just the leading light in a group of hugely successful short-handed offshore racers, while sailing is our most successful sport in recent Olympiads. A return of five medals from 11 events at both the last two games is a figure that UK Athletics would sell their grandmothers for - and the man most responsible for that success, Rod Carr, chief executive of the Royal Yachting Association, was shoulder-to-shoulder with Mills at last week's launch.

Full article by Mark Chisnell in the Guardian:
blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/01/08/why_britain_should_compete_in.html

LOOKING FOR A NEW DIRECTION IN 2007
OC Events, part of the OC Group owned by Dame Ellen MacArthur and Mark Turner, are looking to expand its events team in charge of a number of high profile projects including the inaugural double-handed Barcelona World Race and the new Extreme 40 European grand prix circuit. Primarily looking to fill two positions Account Director and Operations Director for the above two named events. The role could include overseeing the management and coordination of the events from a commercial, sporting and logistical perspective.

Candidates must be of senior manager to director level, have extensive experience in event sport management, realising commercial rights packages, sponsorship and marketing. A knowledge of the professional sailing world and languages, such as, French, Spanish and German, would be beneficial. Ultimately, the successful candidate(s) must have the right business experience, drive and commitment to make things happen. They will be joining a highly motivated and committed team of individuals at the OC Group who are proud to deliver some of the world's best sailing sponsorship projects.

Candidates will primarily be based in Cowes, Isle of Wight (UK) but extensive travel is also required. Full salary package available on successful application. Please send your CV and letter of motivation to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

AMERICA'S CUP
* Auckland, New Zealand: USA 98, BMW ORACLE Racing's second race yacht designed and built for the America's Cup in 2007, arrived at the team's temporary training base in Auckland this morning.

The 24-metre-long racing yacht departed from BMW ORACLE Racing's custom building facility in Anacortes, WA, USA, before Christmas via truck and container ship for the trans-Pacific voyage to Tauranga, New Zealand. USA 98 completed the journey to Auckland by road in the pre-dawn hours today. The race yacht is now being prepared for sailing on the Hauraki Gulf.

The BMW ORACLE Racing boat-building and shore teams are now fitting the appendages and preparing the mast for the new race yacht. The boat will be launched for the first time next week and then the sailing team will conduct sea trials before race training begins. The 2003-generation USA 71 will serve as the trial horse for the new race yacht. The team will focus on crew preparation for the 2007 Cup season with an intensive sailing programme over the next 5 weeks. -- Jane Eagleson, www.bmworacleracing.com

* SWE 96 is on the way to Valencia for the 32nd America's Cup. The new boat that Victory Challenge has built to take part in the world's most prestigious sailing competition left, according to plan, the shipyard in Goteborg at 10:45 this morning. Transportation to Spain will be done on a lorry.

"For SWE 96 it is the most effective method of transport, both as regards time and cost," says Sam Murch, shore manager.

When SWE 63, which was built for Auckland in 2002-2003 and was used in most of the pre-regattas of the 32nd America's Cup, was transported to Valencia at the start of Victory Challenge's efforts it was done by boat.

"Road transport is faster," says Sam Murch.

The next destination for SWE 96 is Trelleborg, from where it will travel by ferry to Travemunde in Germany on then onwards to Valencia. -- Bert Willborg, victorychallenge.com

* For 2007, and the final races of the 32nd America's Cup, Victory Challenge has further strengthened the sailing team, with two additional grinders. American Mark Strube, 38, is an America's Cup veteran from OneWorld Challenge, 2002-2003, and Abracadabra, 1999-2000. Swedish Gustav Morin has no America's Cup experience, as he is the youngest member of the sailing team. He is 22 and has a background that includes the Swedish national junior rugby team.

Both Mark Strube and Gustav Morin are, like the other members of the sailing team, in Dubai for winter training.

Mark Strube, who usually lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, moved there from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in August 1992, the day before Hurricane Andrew caused such enormous destruction. He had played American football during his time at the Northern Michigan University and been recruited to the AFL team, the Orlando Predators.

Mark Strube took part in his first America's Cup with Abracadabra in 1999-2000 and continued with OneWorld Challenge in 2002-2003. In association with OneWorld he met the Star boat sailor Mark Mendelblatt and has been his crew since then. They won the Baccardi Cup in 2005, Kiel Woche and the European Championships last year. Mark Strube is aiming for the 2008 Olympics.

Gustav Morin comes from the small Swedish town of Enkoping. He has been strength training since he was 13 years old and could do a 140 kilo bench press as a 17 year old. Strength training has been a complement to his rugby and handball training. Enkoping is Sweden's leading rugby town.

He began sailing as an 11-year-old. First in Optimists, and then Lasers, windsurfing and, recently, 49ers. -- Bert Willborg, victorychallenge.com

* Carsten Schon has joined the United Internet Team Germany sailing team

The 44 year old German, who has lived in New Zealand for more than 30 years, will come to the team as a trimmer with America's Cup experience and a Farr-40-class world champion title. He is the 15th German member of the sailing crew.

Carsten Schon was able to gain America's Cup experience in 2003 on board the former cup defender Team New Zealand. He was also sailing for the French team K-Challenge during the Louis Vuitton Acts in Malmo and Trapani in 2005.

Schon started sailing professionally in 1988. Winning the Farr 40 world championship in 2000 is one of his biggest successes so far. However, he took second 3 times in this class as well, including last year. Successful participations in the Admiral's Cup, Maxi- and ILC 40 World Championships as well as in the Sydney-Hobart Race are only a few steps in his sailing career. -- Oliver Laskowsky, www.united-internet-team-germany.de

BREATH TAKING PHOTOGRAPHY
Jon Nash one of the worlds most renowned yachting photographers is making available some stunning prints of his iconic sailing images which have been published in magazines and news papers world wide.

Visit the official site of the photographer and explore the gallery section. www.jonnashphotography.co.uk

SAIL TV UNFURLS ITS PLANS FOR 2007
The 24-hour internet-based marine sports and lifestyle channel SAIL TV is celebrating its 1st birthday at the Collins Stewart London Boat Show and working with National Boat Shows to bring the new-look Show to life to a global audience through Broadband TV or IPTV (Internet Protocol Television).

Regular features and newsworthy items are being filmed during the Show and are available on the Player at www.sail.tv . The channel is also showing on plasma screens at prime locations throughout the Show at ExCeL.

Starting Monday 15th January, Sail TV is the exclusive provider of marine content and the host of regular prime time slots on Solent TV's new satellite channel on SKY (available UK nationwide), providing 10 hours of sailing, powerboat and marine lifestyle programming at peak evening times during the week, on Saturday mornings and on Sunday evenings.

Sail TV is also working in association with producers and content providers such as APP Broadcast, Sportshows Television and TWI to consolidate the highest quality programming available on one channel at regular times.

During 2007 Sail TV will bring viewers exclusive coverage of the World Match Racing Tour and the ISAF World Championships as well as some unique insights into the America's Cup in Valencia and introducing more powerboating and cruising features into the schedule and video on demand service.

www.sail.tv

DEE CAFFARI RAYMARINE/YJA YACHTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Greenwich, London: Dee Caffari won the prestigious title of Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year - making it a double for the ladies, following Katie Miller taking the title of Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year.

Caffari was presented with the coveted award for the world record she set as the first woman to sail single-handed, non-stop around the world against prevailing winds and currents. For Dee the world challenge was a long-held ambition. Having fulfilled her desire to be involved in round the world yacht racing, by skippering a yacht in the Global Challenge, she set sail on a more personal voyage, the Aviva Challenge - her 178 day solo circumnavigation. Departing in November 2005, Dee arrived back a hero in May 2006 to a triumphant homecoming into Southampton.

Lady Pippa Blake presented Dee with her trophy at the awards ceremony, arranged by members of the Yachting Journalists' Association (YJA), held at The Painted Hall, The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich.

Finalists for the prestigious title included 470 World Champions Nic Asher and Elliot Willis, the first British team to win the 470 World Championship since 1988; and Steve Curtis, who has won an unbelievable eight Class 1 World Championships and is considered the best international powerboat racer of all time - Steve is a previous Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year title holder.

Following nominations by the general public and Royal Yachting Association affiliated clubs, the winner was selected by the voting of the YJA members.

* Katie Miller was awarded Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year at the London Boat Show on Saturday 6 January 2007. Katie, who is studying Yacht Manufacture and Surveying at Southampton Solent University, wins the award for her single-handed circumnavigation of the UK in her boat Elektra earlier this year. Her inspirational three-month voyage raised funds for The Ellen MacArthur Trust to enable even more children suffering with cancer to experience the thrills and beauty of sailing. Katie's initial plans were formulated in 2004 when she passed her Day Skipper course in Menorca - after two years of hard work she successfully completed her challenge.

FICO WORLD OCEAN RACING CHAMPION 2006
The last race in the FICO Oceanic calendar for 2006, the Route du Rhum, provided a thrilling set of results and a new Winner of the FICO World Championship. Going into the event Jean le Cam was leading the points table which covers Oceanic races held over a two year period. His second place in the Vendee Globe, third place in the Jaques Vabre and second place in the Route du Rhum secured the Championship.

Jean le Cam, one of the finest French seaman of his generation, fully deserves this honour. The World Championship trophy will be returned to France and he will be presented with a cash prize.

Runner Up Jean-Pierre Dick also receives a trophy and a cash prize in addition to the consolation of helping VIRBAC-PAPREC lead the sponsorship rankings. This is the first time the Winner has not been associated with the Winning Sponsor who plays such an important part in promoting Oceanic racing.

Skipper Ranking List
1. Jean Le CAM (FRA) - VM MATERIAUX - 289 points
2. Jean-Pierre DICK ( FRA) - VIRBAC - PAPREC - 220 points
3. Vincent RIOU ( FRA) - PRB - 200 points
4. Dominique WAVRE ( SUI) - TEMENOS - 191 points
5. Mike GOLDING ( GBR) - ECOVER - 182 points

Sponsor Ranking List
1. VIRBAC- PAPREC - 220 points
2. BONDUELLE - 209 points
3. PRB - 200 points
4. TEMENOS - 191 points
5. ECOVER - 182 points

www.fico-sailing.org

WOMEN'S TITLE FOR NZL IN 420 WORLDS
Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie are celebrating tonight after establishing an unassailable lead in the Women's 420 World Championships. While results from Takapuna today are still preliminary the pair of Laser Radial sailors appears to have sealed the Women's 420 World Championship title without having to sail the final two races.

Windy conditions suited Aleh and Powrie who were excited about hitting the water this morning.

Racing was tight amongst the top kiwi contenders; however Aleh and Powrie won the first race of the day, and then had a second place to consolidate their huge point's margin over second place. Now 22 points behind them in second overall, Sarah Bilkey and Rosie Sargisson can't catch the leaders even if they win both remaining races tomorrow.

The kiwi sailors contesting the Open division also relished the windy choppy conditions off Takapuna today. 16 year old defending champions, Carl Evans and Peter Burling continue to lead the 420 World Championships going into the final day on 13 points. They won race eight, and then placed second in races nine and ten, sailed today.

Simon Cooke and Scott Illingworth closed the gap on the leaders today leaping up the point's table after the second discard came into play. They performed well on the water with a second and then two wins in the three races sailed today.

With two final races remaining for the Open division, Evans and Burling have a six point lead over Cooke and Illingworth. Adler and Faria of Brazil are in third place overall.

Racing resumes at midday tomorrow if conditions allow. Stronger winds are forecast.

Top five, open, after five days:
1. Carl Evans & Peter Burling, NZL, 13 points
2. Simon Cooke & Scott Illingworth, NZL, 19
3. Marcos Adler & Bruno Faria, BRA, 44
4. Rowan Swanson & Bruce Kennedy, NZL, 51
5. Sam Kivell & Max Taylor, AUS, 62

Top five, women, after five days:
1. Jo Aleh & Olivia Powrie, NZL, 15
2. Sarah Bilkey & Rosie Sargisson, NZL, 37
3. Shelley Hesson & Bianca Barbarich-Bacher, NZL, 37
4. Sarah Tan & Tze Ting Lim, SIN, 47
5. Sarah Berry & Emma Berry, NZL, 51

www.420Worlds2007.org.nz

* Images of the 420 worlds held in Auckland are now posted at www.outsideimages.co.nz/420worlds/

THE LAST WORD
Level with your child by being honest. Nobody spots a phony quicker than a child. -- Mary MacCracken

OC Events, ocevents.org , 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) plus the Extreme 40 Sailing Series for The iShares Cup.

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