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WORLD SAILING LEAGUE
Sailing legends Russell Coutts (NZL) and Paul Cayard (USA) have teamed up with internationally renowned Portuguese sports promoter, Joao Lagos, to create a new annual global sports series. The World Sailing League (WSL) will be held at premier sailing locations around the world with the series winner receiving a cheque for $2 million.

Twelve teams, representing nations, will compete in identical, state-of-the-art 70 foot catamarans. It is anticipated that there will be venues in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America and South America.

The World Sailing League will use a fleet racing format although a number of other innovative concepts such as time trials and slalom racing will be tested using the prototype yacht. It will also have a customised support ship to transport the boats and equipment to each venue. The ship will be akin to a transportable pit lane, with all the technology required to maintain the 70 foot catamarans.

The design of the boats will be finalized by early summer of this year with the first prototype being launched in the latter half of 2007 to allow sufficient testing and refinement. The 14 one-design yachts will start being built in 2008, ready for the launch of the series during 2009.

The new boats have been designed by a team including leading ORMA 60 naval architects, Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prevost. -- ISAF, sailing.org

* Had Russell Coutts and Paul Cayard not given the launch of the new World Sailing League (WSL) a massive shot of credibility, the temptation among many of the press in Lisbon last week would have been to stifle a yawn and refer to a history of failed attempts at establishing a Formula One series on water. Cayard admitted that the vision of a professional fleet-racing grand prix series had been a subject for barroom debate for more than a decade now and a personal crusade for at least three years. The question is whether the brash American, Cayard, and the quietly spoken Kiwi, Coutts, two of the most charismatic figures in sailing, can turn their dreams into the reality of a worldwide, multi-million-pound, televised sporting spectacle.

The chances are not favourable, not even for men accustomed to battling the elements. At the launch of the new WSL last week, the most significant facts were ones of omission. No venues have been secured, no teams or sponsors have been signed and no distinctive marketing plan yet formed. Like F1, there will be an element of nationalism in the identity of the boats, but if each of the 12-14 planned teams attract global sponsors to fund the 3.3m-4m pounds annual running costs, there will be a natural dilution of an obvious point of contact with the public.

Fourteen identical 70-foot catamarans will be built this year, underwritten to the tune of 33.3m pounds by Joao Lagos, a former Davis Cup player whose company Lagos Sports organises, among other sporting events, the Portuguese Opens for tennis and golf. If realised, that is a handsome start. Races will be quick, ultra-competitive and, at 30 to 45 minutes, tailored to TV. Provisionally, the series will include 10 races across four continents, scheduled to start in 2009. The myriad complexities of the America's Cup, a match-racing event, will be replaced by an easy-to-understand spectacular brought directly into viewers' homes via onboard cameras and media wizardry pioneered so successfully on the recent Volvo Challenge.

Full article by Andrew Longmore in the Times:
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/sailing/article1364817.ece

* Excellent commentary and graphic renderings of the new boats at TheDailySail.com: thedailysail.com

WSL site: http://www.wsl2009.com

MAUD FONTENOY DISMASTED
Saturday 10 February at about 11hr GMT, L'Oreal Paris, Maud Fontenoy's boat on which she was attempting a solo circumnavigation the "wrong way round", broker her mast. Maud Fontenoy is save and sound on board her boat is currently 900 miles off the Australian coast. It was possible to speak to her at 16.30 local time. In a state of shock and feeling extremely disappointed, she is waiting for dawn to break to take stock of the damage.

"I was sailing at a speed of 7 knots in the most normal of seas with a 20 to 25 knot wind. The mast suddenly fell down and broke in half. It fell right next ot me but I had time enough to jump into the cockpit and get into a safe place. Now half of it is in the water anc constantly knocks against the hull. It is the middle of the night and I have no light nor any navigation instruments. I am in a state of shock."

"It was getting dark when it happened, the helmswoman had verly little time to assess the damaage and try to set the mast fee to prevent it hitting against the vessel. Thankfully, L'Oreal Paris's hull is made of aluminium and is highly resistant."

Maud Fontenoy got in touch with Jean Luc Van den Heed, the boat's former owner and skipper, to examine among other things the possiblity of putting up some jury rigging. "I have the life raft ready with water cans and come food. My thermal suit is also on hand."

After 119 days at sea, she was only 10 days away from Reunion Island and her finish line.

www.maudfontenoy.com

* A German container ship, diverted by the Australian maritime authorities, is expected to rendezvous with Maud Fontenoy at about 1500 GMT. The time in the Indian Ocean will then be 2200 hours and the cargo vessel will stand by L'Oreal Paris, throughout the hours of darkness.

Tomorrow, Maud will attempt to jury rig the yacht, so she can complete the voyage to Reunion Island. The German sailors will only assist if she fails to do so. -- BYM News

BOATING BUSINESS EXHIBITION
The second Boating Business Exhibition - BBEx 2007 - runs this week on Wednesday February 14 and Thursday February 15 at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC).

'The first BBEx last year had 125 exhibitors,' said BB editor Peter Nash. 'This year we've had to turn five companies away because we're full up with 200 exhibitors.'

The show will offer new product launches for all sectors of the UK leisure marine industry, plus a seminar programme to interest everyone. Last year's Breakfast Briefing on the Thursday had standing room only for a seminar on the future of the Internet for the UK leisure marine industry. This year's Breakfast Briefing on Thursday focuses on Bricks v Clicks – the thorny problem of how the retailers deal with 'Internet jockeys' who hold little stock and undercut conventional outlets.

Chaired by David Lewin, chairman of the Marine Trades Association (MTA), with a panel of John Gardner from Piplers of Poole representing conventional chandlers, Tim Millinder of Marathon Leisure representing the suppliers and Karl Pentin of Safety Marine UK representing the Internet chandlers, the seminar throws the subject open to the floor to question the speakers on how Internet traders, suppliers and conventional retailers can learn to work alongside each other.

Other seminar subjects include 'Rejection of goods - the defences', with speakers Nigel John (British Marine Federation), Tim Reynolds (Dyer Burdett + Co) and Russell Kelly (LA Marine). And 'Anchoring lean in marine, CAUTION... forecast rough seas ahead!' has Tim Walrond, from the Manufacturing Advisory Service South West offering advice to those about to put a toe in the lean ocean.

More details from www.bbex.co.uk

XXIIIRD PRIMO CUP - TROPHEE CREDIT SUISSE
220 boats representing 20 nations made their way to Monaco over the two weekends, demonstrating the importance and reputation of the Primo Cup - Trophee Credit Suisse. Sailors came from as far afield as the USA, Russia, Ukraine, Spain and Croatia to participate in this major regatta.

Unusual enough sea conditions greeted the participants of this XXIIIrd Primo Cup - Trophee Credit Suisse during the last race. The conditions did not unsettle the race committee, chaired by Thierry Leret, nor the rankings established during races over the previous two days, proving just how high the standard was amongst competitors taking part in this weekend's series: Mumm 30, Melges 24, Platu 25, H22, First 40.7 and Smeralda 888. The format was identical for the weekend before which brought together the following series: Dragon, Star, Surprise, Laser HB3 and J/24.

Final rankings

Platu 25, 9 participants) - 7 legs - 6 counted to final result
1. La Revoltosa, Joachim Hellmich, GER, 8 points
2. Bitipi, Savino Formentini, ITA, 9
3. Black Flag, Christophe Chaffardon, FRA, 20

First 40.7, 15 participants) - 7 legs - 6 counted
1. Spirit of Ad Hoc, Thierry Bouchard, FRA, 14
2. Sayann 2, Cyril Baillie, GBR, 18
3. Celinou, Herve Peduzzi, FRA, 22

H22, 19 participants) - 7 legs - 6 counted
1. Bleak, Giovanni Punteno, ITA, 7
2. Mintakino, Nicola Polti, ITA, 27
3. Kikkio -Next People, Alberto Valli, ITA, 28

Melges 24, 23 participants) - 7 legs - 6 counted
1. Spider, Lorenzo Bressani, ITA, 12
2. Big Ship Marseille, Maxime Paul, FRA, 20
3. Airis, Sandro Montepusco, ITA, 24

Mumm 30, 19 participants) - 7 legs - 6 counted
1. Thule, Fausto Rubbini, ITA, 10
2. Enfant Terrible, Gianluigi Serena, ITA, 15
3. Dangerous But Fun, Gianluca Perris, MON, 25

Smeralda 888, 13 participants) - 7 legs - 6 counted
1. Giada, Alderico Paganini, ITA, 16
2. Smeralda V, Agostino Randazzo, ITA, 17
3. Out of Reach, Guido Miani, MON, 21

All the results from both weekends: Yacht Club de Monaco: www.ycm.org

SINGAPORE AIRLINES SAIL AUCKLAND
All of last night's overnight leaders retain their top spots in the Olympic classes at Singapore Airlines Sail Auckland after day three of racing. The ISAF Grade 1 regatta being sailed on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour concludes tomorrow.

One further race in each of the Olympic class fleets to be sailed tomorrow will decide the top ten to sail the double-points medal race. Medals will be decided later tomorrow.

The forecast for tomorrow predicts easterly winds of 10 knots rising to northeast 15 knots for a time in the afternoon and evening.

Top three by class after three days of racing:

RS:X Men
1. Maxim Oberemko, UKR, 12
2. Julien Bontemps, FRA, 19
3. Jon Paul Tobin, NZL, 25

RS:X Women
1. Alessandra Sensini, ITA, 19
2. Laura Linares, ITA, 30
3. Barbara Kendall, NZL, 36

Laser
1. Andrew Murdoch, NZL, 23
2. Luka Radelic, CRO, 26
3. Michael Bullot, NZL, 47

Laser Radial Women
1. Jo Alehm, NZL, 27
2. Krystal Weir, AUS, 31
3. Olivia Powrie, NZL, 36

Laser Radial Men
1. Andy Maloney, NZL, 29
2. Blair Tuke, NZL, 36
3. Cam McKee, NZL, 39

470 Open
1. Geoff Woolley Mark Overington, NZL, 22
2. Carl Evans Peter Burling, NZL, 26
3. Stephen Keen Philip Keen, NZL, 30

470 Women
1. Shelley Hesson Bianca Barbarich-Bacher, NZL, 45
2. Sarah Bilkey Rosie Sargisson, NZL, 80
3. Sarah Berry Emma Berry, NZL, 109

Finn
1. Dan Slater, NZL, 9
2. Sander Willems, NZL, 20
3. David Hoogenboom, NZL, 25

Tornado
1. Brett Sellers Nigel Williams, NZL, 9
2. Bruce Kendall Hayden Whitburn, NZL, 14
3. Paul Francis Aaron Duncan, NZL, 23

www.sailauckland.org.nz

SWAN 45 MEMORIAL GIORGIO FALK
Scarlino, Italy: A wonderful springtime day with winds from the north west at 8-12 knots was the perfect setting for the end of the first manche of the Swan 45 "Memorial Giorgio Falk" organized by the Club Nautico Scarlino. Starting February 9th eleven boats from four different nations have been competing against one another in a total of eight races.

Vixen (USA) helmed by her owner Dick Weismann is so far dominating the scoreboard having won six out of eight races. The Italian Startrading is second and Talj (ITA) is third.

The next and final series of races for the Memorial Giorgio Falk is scheduled for the 9th -11th March.

Enrico Chieffi, world champion of the Star class and today vice president marketing and sales for Nautor's Swan explained his view: "These races are set in one of the most beautiful sceneries in the Mediterranean. The weather conditions are excellent and the race course is relatively simple. This means that all the challenge lies in the handling of the boat. One must cross the starting line well, have great control of the boat and a top notch crew." Chieffi then went on to illustrate the peculiarities of this event: "Together with Club Nautico Scarlino we wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity coming from the participation of the Swan 45 fleet to the Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo. Many of the international boats decided to winter here in the Mediterranean and embraced our idea of an international winter championship with enthusiasm. An event that is unique in its kind in Italy."

The provisional scoreboard at the end of the first series is as follows:

1.Vixen, Dick Lecismann, USA, 8 points)
2.Startrading Stefano Masi, ITA, 18
3. Talj, Vittorio Ruggiero, ITA, 22
4. Atlantica, Carlo Perrone, ITA, 25
5. T.Too-Pilot, Francesco Martino, ITA, 28
6. Kora 3, Enrico Scerni, ITA, 28
7. Jeroboam, Vittorio Codecasa, ITA, 33
8. Charisma, Nico Poons, NED, 34
9. Cuor di Leone, Leonardo Ferragamo, ITA, 39
10. Mandolino, Diego Visconti, ITA, 45
11. Blue Nights, Tea Ekengren, FIN, 48

www.clubnauticoscarlino.com

50 YEARS OF JEANNEAU TO SUPPORT THE SAUVETEURS EN MER
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Jeanneau is paying tribute to the evolution of pleasure cruising, its iconic boats and most powerful moments through a striking photo exhibit, "Sailors to the core since 1957," which will be sold at auction for the benefit of the non-profit marine rescue unit, the Sauveteurs en Mer.

This superb gallery of 100 photos, digitally reproduced on canvas and certified digigraphie*, represents the significant talents of such notable marine photographers as Philip and Guillaume Plisson, Gilles Martin Raget, Jean-Marie Liot and many others. From its first appearance on the Renan footbridge at the 2006 Salon Nautique in Paris, the exhibit has been well received by visitors and marine professionals alike. Currently, the exhibit is travelling for display at other 2007 European boat shows.

In light of the success of these magnificent images and in answer to popular request, the Jeanneau factory and shipyards will organize a sale by auction during the 2007 Grand Pavois show in La Rochelle, France of both the photo exhibit and artwork by the painter, Franck Bouroullec.

In keeping with traditional maritime values, Jeanneau has chosen to mark its solidarity with the men and women who keep our seas safe by organizing this sale by auction for the exclusive profit of the charitable marine rescue society, the "Societe Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer."

*Digigraphie is a label that certifies a limited edition original impression that has been signed and numbered by the artist. These digital images were created in collaboration with Epson France.

www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=3287

LAUNCHINGS
* The Far Harbour 39, an 11.8m (39ft) motorsailer that is specifically designed to fit inside a standard shipping container measuring just 8ft by 40ft, is coming to Europe.

The UK's Saltwater Public Relations, a marine PR company based in Poole, Dorset, has been chosen by Container Yachts in the US to handle the introduction of the yacht in Britain, The Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia.

The yacht, which has a beam of just 2.3m (7.4ft), will arrive in The Netherlands on the first stage of a European tour in May, which will include a visit to the UK's Southampton Boat Show in September. -- IBI News, www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20070030120459ibinews.html

* Two new yachts from bluboats, the blu26 and the blu30, will be presented at the national Swiss Boat and Watersport Show (Hall 220 / A013) in Bern 17-25 February

Christian Scherrer will return from Valencia especially to be at the show for the first weekend along with Patrick Huguenin. On Saturday 17, Christian Scherrer will be giving two presentations on the official show stage of the Suisse Nautic Center, the first will be on Match Racing (12.00) and the second will be looking forwards to the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia (16.00).

* SWE 96 was launched in the America's Cup harbour in Valencia after a private ceremony with the Victory Challenge team.

Immediately afterwards the structure tests on the new boat started, a boat that was built for the decisive races in the 32nd America's Cup.

Because the mast was lifted on yesterday, the bow of SWE 96 stuck out of the boat hall all night. This caused quite a stir in the America's Cup harbour because of the new look that the specially formed Red Bull gives the stem of the boat.

Just after 12:00 noon today SWE 96 was lifted out of the hall by the mobile crane. The keel was covered; only stem and stern were visible.

It has taken 27 000 man hours to build the SWE 96 at the boatyard in Lindholmen Science Park in Goteborg. The boat building started on the 14th of June last year under the supervision of Killian Bushe, who also built the two winning boats for Illbruck and ABN AMRO in the two latest Volvo Ocean Races. The boat left Goteborg on the 8th of January this year, and arrived in Valencia on the 13th of January, where she was equipped with winches, hydraulics, and electronics.

After today's launch there are 52 days until the Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 13, the concluding pre-regatta before the challenger series Louis Vuitton Cup that starts on the 16th of April.

* The new version of the RS800 is to be entered in the ISAF Women's High Performance Dinghy Trial. Although the class have not yet voted on the changes to the hull, LDC Racing Sailboats have entered the RS800 in its modified form in the upcoming ISAF Women's High Performance Dinghy Trial in Hyeres in mid April.

This timescale is in order for a report to be completed by the ISAF Mid-Year Meeting in May and is the first stage of choosing a possible new trapeze boat for women in the 2012 Olympic Games. A 29er with the larger XX rig and added second trapeze is also expected to take part., other entries to be confirmed by 15 February.

The RS800 development to production schedule for 2007 :
February - Discussion (and any implementation) of trial feedback.
March - 30 day vote period.
April - Vote result (early april). ISAF Trials in Hyeres, France mid April.
May - Production boats available (early May).

Photos at www.sail-world.com/indexs.cfm?nid=31080

THE LAST FRAME
Keith Beken of Cowes has died aged 92. The pioneer of 20th Century marine photography, he joined his father Frank's shop in Cowes during the 1930s.

After his father died in the 1970s he established beken of Cowes with his son Kenneth.

He retired in the 1990s.
www.ybw.com/auto/newsdesk/20070109134707ymnews.html

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Letters are limited to 350 words. No personal attacks are permitted. We do require your name but your email address will not be published without your permission.

* From Andrew Hurst, Editor Seahorse Magazine: Infiltrated? Nice to see the UK Labour Party spin doctors have infiltrated our friends at Boatsandoutboards ('Yachts of money for Kylie's e'x).

Given the typical costs of running a vintage boat like the lovely White Wings, let's say about 100,000 pounds per annum, let's do the actual math: 180,000 minus 3 X 100,000 comes to circa 'negative' 120,000 pounds, turning a profit of 50,000 pounds into a loss of 300,000 pounds.

Now that error is actually pretty much in line with the rest of our pitifully-dishonest government's accounting (NHS, 2012 Olympics etc) - case proven. Check your phones, guys!

THE LAST WORD
In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher. -- Dalai Lama

OC Events, www.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.

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

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