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

WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND SAIL TOWARDS OLYMPIC GOLD
Weymouth and Portland, the venue for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition, are making waves to become one of the first venues ready for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The latest plans to regenerate Osprey Quay and the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), which will host the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events during the Games, were unveiled by the Olympic Delivery Authority, South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) last week.

Sebastian COE, Chairman of the London 2012 Organizing Committee, said, 'This scheme will transform Weymouth from an existing top class venue into a world class training and competition venue equipped to stage further major international sailing events and competitions after the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

'The enhancements will also open up this superb sailing site to people from a wide range of backgrounds, providing a marvellous sailing experience that will help to grow the sport.'

The plans include a new permanent slipway, more race-boat parking, and lifting and mooring facilities, all of which will deliver new and improved sailing facilities for use during the Games and in legacy.

A planning application for the new facilities will be submitted next month and construction work is due to be completed by the end of 2008, meaning Weymouth and Portland will be one of the first venues ready for the 2012 Games. -- ISAF, sailing.org/default.asp?ID=j1vFnAp1~&format=popup

London 2012: www.london2012.com

GILLY TALKS ABOUT 2007 AND BEYOND
Match Racing champion Peter Gilmour minces no words. He is a veteran of five America's Cup campaigns. His prolific use of the protest flag while at the helm of Kookaburra, the 1987 America's Cup defender, prompted the writing of a separate set of Match Racing Rules.

Alinghi have appointed the 2006 World Match Racing Champion Gilmour as coach to bring a new perspective to the team just four months ahead of their defence in Valencia.

As sailing director and skipper for OneWorld in 2000, Gilmour came to the decision he feels many teams have to make - does one man run the entire show, or does he split duties so he can focus his entire concentration in one area, be it the sailing team or team management? Gilmour stepped away from the wheel of OneWorld just days ahead of the Louis Vuitton Cup, making Australian phenomenon James Spithill the team's helmsman, and he believes that is the best plan of action.

'I believe it is extremely difficult for somebody to be in a position of running a campaign, making the design decisions and trying to skipper the boat,' says Gilmour.

'Yes, the Cup has been built on a foundation of charismatic leaders, but it's become so similar to something like Formula One racing, where it is too great a responsibility to put onto one person. That became obvious to me during the OneWorld campaign, when I put James Spithill in charge to run the sailing for me.

'When you examine the psychology of the teams, it seems to me that probably Alinghi is doing the best job at the moment of insulating the skippers away from that role of management,' hypothesizes Gilmour.

'The other campaign I look at is Oracle, where Chris Dickson is doing it all from what I can see. Knowing what you go through and knowing what you experience, it's going to be very difficult if he can't pull himself out of that role somehow or hand over the responsibilities.

'From where I'm sitting, there are probably at least six teams that seem to be wasting their time and money. They're clearly not going to have done enough, developed enough, don't have the right people and will probably have spent from 50 to 100 million dollars.

They manage to justify that somehow there's a greater good being served there but I'm surprised some of them don't retire gracefully to come back and fight another day.

'For me, the focus is always on the winningness, trying to win - you're in the America's Cup to win. There's enough experience and knowledge out there that could be utilized.'

Perhaps wanting to temper his commentary, Gilmour acknowledges that you have to start somewhere - 'at the same time, if you don't put your oar in the water, you're never going to learn how to do it.'

'If they have the resource and commitment for, say, 10 years that's fine. Likewise, there should be an absolute focus on winning. If you don't get that winning DNA, you're always going to be on the back of the grid. You're never going to be able to break out of it. I just don't see enough teams keen to actually capture that and have that. It breeds upon itself - good sailors bring good designers, good boat builders. -- Full article by Diane Swintal in SailWorld.com:

www.sail-world.com/indexs.cfm?nid=31152

GET THE BEST REGATTA SUPPORT THROUGHOUT YOUR 2007 RACING SEASON
We all know that yacht racing is not the cheapest leisure pursuit you can choose, so when taking part in an event you will of course want to ensure your boat is in full working order. As passionate sailors, B&G understand this and strive to deliver the best global regatta support available. Not only are we on the dock at a wide range of high-profile regattas to give advice and assist with your instruments but we are also out on the water racing and giving seminars ashore to help you get the best out of your yacht.

www.bandg.com/regattasupportcalendar.htm

UK FASTNET 6.50 GETS TITLE SPONSOR
We are delighted to announce that the title sponsor of the UK Fastnet 6.50 is Chris Parsonage Racing. Chris Parsonage is no stranger to the marine industry being both the owner and the throttleman of the successful class 1 powerboat, King Of Shaves. Further details may be found on his website www.chrisparsonageracing.com

We are also pleased to report that the notice of race and entry form is now online. They can both be found on the Royal Western Yacht Club's web page at www.rwyc.org/rwdb/article/view.asp?id=225

Entries open on the 26th of February. The event is limited to 50 boats so don't delay in getting your entry in, any mini is welcome from all parts of the world. The race has been sanctioned by Classe Mini meaning that the miles completed in the UK Fastnet 6.50 will count towards your Transat qualification. The French Mini Fastnet last year had over 180 entrants, so make sure you are quick with your entry!

The race director for the event is Chris Arscott. Chris was the race director for the OSTAR 2005 and has no end of experience of short handed racing. With Chris behind the wheel the race is guaranteed to be a success. The Royal Western Yacht Club continue to work closely with the UK Mini Class to help promote the class and organise what is shaping up to be a fantastic race for this season.

Further information about the event or the class can be found by contacting either This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it -- James Tingle, UK Mini Class Association.

AMERICA'S CUP
* It has been revealed that Areva Challenge is under threat to be penalized by the America's Cup Jury.

As a result of a regrettable combination of circumstances, the French Challenger entered in possession of 4 unauthorized pictures of the new Luna Rossa's ITA 94 taken by the independant photographer Philippe De Poulpiquet.

Areva concedes that there has been a violation of the Protocol by its team under Article 11.2, which prohibits to observe or capture images of another Competitor's ACC yacht within 200 meters of the Competitor's yacht.

"Fortunately, this foolish transgression was discovered and remedied the day after it occurred, with appropriate action taken immediately", explained George Clyde, Legal and Rules Advisor for Areva Challenge.

"We ask that the Jury consider an appropriate sanction without imposing a penalty that would have a competitive effect", he added. "No advantage has been gained by Areva, and no disadvantage has been suffered by Luna Rossa or any other Competitor as a result of the Protocol violation".

"Should the Jury believe it necessary or appropriate to impose a competitive penalty, we ask that it be imposed in the context of the current stage of the America's Cup, being the pre-regatta Acts", he concluded.

"A penalty imposed on Areva in Act 13 would be very significant (as Areva is currently barely holding a 2-point Valencia Plan position in a tie with +39 Challenge), but still allow the team, though a strong showing on the race course, to overcome the effect of the penalty".

The Jury will be considering submissions from other Parties, and a Decision will follow. -- CupinEurope.com, www.cupineurope.com/NewsEN/2007/Areva.htm citing La Gazzetta Dello Sport.it: www.gazzetta.it

* Ranked 12th in the international match-racing circuit, Damien Iehl is on the cutting edge of match racing sailing. At 31 years old, he comes aboard on the China Team, with considerable experience and a sure talent.

Thrown into the deep waters of sailing in his youth, he left with his parents to sail the Mediterranean for a year and a half. He wasn't to leave sea afterwards. The route of a child sailor passed through Optimists, 420s, 470s, and then entered the (sailing) Tour de France; he then threw himself into match-racing and won the world championships at only 25 years old in 1997. He flirted with the America's Cup for the first time in 1999 as a young talent selected by framework of the Yaka France organization led by Le Defi with the FFV to recruit a new generation of French sailors. He entered the Defi for the first time in 2002 while sailing aboard FRA 79 in the Lorient, France.

You sail generally on small boats, is the transition to the America's Cup Class easy?

DI: No, it is a long way from being obvious. The biggest difference is anticipation. The boat is heavy, big, and there are 17 on board. The anticipation level has to be much higher. But I still have a little bit of experience with the America's Cup Class. I sailed 7 or 8 months when I was in the Lorient (France) in 2002 as a genoa and spinnaker trimmer.

How are you going to work with the Chinese sailors?

DI: I have good experience in pure match racing. I am going to maximize this approach in the tactics. We started last week on Beneteau 7.50 s while waiting for CHN 95 to be ready and put emphasis on communication in the after guard. To encourage bringing out discussion is really important. To put in place effective communication, in function with the needs of each person, is a key element.

Which post will you fill while sailing?

DI: I will most likely be the mainsail trimmer.

www.china-team.org/china/news-en/art_120207

DUN LAOGHAIRE CHAMPIONSHIP AND SOVEREIGNS WEEK REGATTA
Cork based Sovereign Sailing has a race prepared 40.7 available for Dun Laoghaire Regatta Championship, Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Offshore and Sovereigns Week, Kinsale. This boat has recorded some impressive results both internationally and on Irish waters, the most recent been a class win in the 2006 Round Ireland Race (Ireland's West). Charter is also available for all Irish regattas, Kinsale-Fastnet-Kinsale and Calves Week all forming part of the West Cork circuit. Berths are also available on a skippered Sigma 38 for Sovereigns Week.

Do check out their web for full details. www.sovereignsailing.com

SINGAPORE AIRLINES SAIL AUCKLAND
The heat came on at Singapore Airlines Sail Aucklan with some front runners ousted from the top spot during the pressure of the double points medal race. The regatta was sailed over four days on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour.

Top three podium positions by class:

RS:X Men
1. Julien Bontemps, FRA, 23
2. Maxim Oberemko, UKR, 27
3. Jon Paul Tobin, NZL, 34

RS:X Women
1. Alessandra Sensini, ITA, 24
2. Laura Linares, ITA, 36
3. Barbara Kendall, NZL, 49

Laser
1. Andrew Murdoch, NZL, 36
2. Luka Radelic, CRO, 38
3. David Weaver, NZL, 56

Laser Radial Women
1. Krystal Weir, AUS, 43
2. Sophie de Turckheim, FRA, 45
3. Miranda Powrie, NZL, 47

470 Open
1. Geoff Woolley Mark Overington, NZL, 33
2. Carl Evans Peter Burling, NZL, 35
3. Stephen Keen Philip Keen, NZL, 36

Finn
1. Dan Slater, NZL, 9
2. Sander Willems, NED, 20
3. Ben Winters, NZL, 25

Tornado
1. Brett Sellers Nigel Williams, NZL, 15
2. Bruce Kendall Hayden Whitburn, NZL, 17
3. Paul Francis Aaron Duncan, NZL, 22

www.sailauckland.org.nz

NEW KITESAILING WORLD RECORDS
The WSSR Council announces ratification of 2 new World Records:

Outright World Record Women's KiteSail
Sjouke Brendenkamp RSA
20th October 2006
37.24 knots at Walvis Bay, Namibia
Board was a Custom Excellerator with an 8.0 Naish Raven kite

Previous record was 35.20 kts, Aurelia Herpin, FRA. Walvis Bay, Namibia, Oct 2005

Women's Nautical Mile World Record
Zara Davies GBR
31st October 2006
34.74 knots at Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Board was a Thommen 44 Custom with a 6.5m Gaastra Vapour sail

Previous record was 33.69 kts, Valerie GHIBAUDO, FRA, Walvis Bay, Nam, Oct 2005 -- John Reed, Secretary to the WSSR Council

sailspeedrecords.com

CHARTER "PLATONIC AFFAIR"
Racing this season? Let your family, friends, colleagues, sponsors or contacts share the thrill of yacht racing.

Charter "Platonic Affair" a classic Sunseeker, then they will be able to watch the racing in style and get informed commentary from experts in the sport.

Available in the Solent and on the South Coast of England from March to September. For details, contacts and quotations check out "Platonic Affair's" website:

charterasunseeker.co.uk

JPMORGAN ASSET MANAGEMENT WINTER CHALLENGE SERIES
The final qualifier for the JPMorgan Asset Management Winter Challenge Series (Feb 9-11) produced some of the toughest racing to date. Three of the world's top match racers battled for the remaining places in the grand final during the three-day event at Queen Mary Reservoir, Staines.

The biggest surprise of the Grade 2 event came from British World Match Racing Tour leader Ian Williams, who failed to reach the semi-finals. Finish sailor Staffan Lindberg, ranked number 10 in the world, took the honours in the round robin series followed closely by world number three Frenchman Matthew Richard. Mark Campbell-James one of Britain's best match racers took third, and Eric Monnin, ranked 15th from Switzerland stole the remaining semi-final place.

Conditions throughout the weekend were challenging, as the sailors faced a bitterly cold 10 knots on Friday, to very light and variable on Saturday, and gusts of up to 20 knots on Sunday.

The final on Sunday saw an international battle between world number three, Richard and world number ten, Lindberg. All matches were incredibly close eventually forcing a third tie-breaking race. The tie-break saw Lindberg trailing early on the first lap, but he made his move, passing at the final windward mark and holding Richard off for the downwind leg to take the victory.

With only the Women's Final left before the Grand Final (9-11 March), four British sailors Ian Williams, Andy Green, John Greenland and Mark Campbell James have now secured their places. Lindberg (FIN) and Richard (FRA) will join fellow international sailors Bjorn Hansen (SWE) and the only woman to qualifier for the grand final at this stage Claire Leroy (FRA). -- Jo Grindley

Results for Weekend 6
1. Staffan Lindberg, Magnus Hansson, Jonas Berntsson, Carl-Johan Uckelstam
2. Mathieu Richard, Greg Evrard, Olivier Herledant, Mathieu Renault
3. Eric Monnin, Jean Claude Monnin, Simon Brusser, Marc Monnin, Loris von Siebenthal
4. Mark Campbell James, Dave Mason, Andy Yates, Andy Clark
5. Ian Williams, Mark Williams, Mark Nicholls, Simon Shaw
6. Johnie Berntsson, Bjorn Lundgren, Johan Backman, Martin Berntsson
7. Jure Orel, Kario Hiteljak, Davor Glavina, Ales Bosnik
8. Peter Wibroe, Anton Wester, Chresten Plinius, Phillip Guhle
9. Christian Hamilton, Ed Hill, Maria Stanley, Mark Capps, Charles Osmond
10. Rasmus Viltoft, Christian Leblank, Martin Olsen, Morten Flamand

Future Events
Women's Final (23-25 Feb)
Final (9-11 March)

rya.org.uk

SEVEN DAYS TO REPORT NAPOLI WRECK FINDS
The Receiver of Wreck has warned that anyone who recovered wreck material from containers from the MSC Napoli has seven days in which to report the items recovered.

Many items of wreck, recovered from the Napoli incident, have now been reported to the Receiver of Wreck, including both commercially shipped material and some personal possessions. The Receiver of Wreck is now making contact with cargo owners, in order to establish what their wishes are.

Finders of wreck material are given 28 days from recovery in which to report wreck to the Receiver of Wreck. Anyone who has not yet done so, should download a report form from or can request one from the Receiver of Wreck office by telephoning 02380 329 474. Failure to report cargo recovered from the MSC Napoli to the Receiver of Wreck is a criminal offence in accordance with section 236 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

www.cowes.co.uk/cb/zone?p=story;story_id=2399

MITCHELL C. GIBBONS-NEFF
A tribute celebrating the life of Mitchell C. Gibbons-Neff, who passed away on February 4, 2007, is being held at the New York Yacht Club on Friday, February 23 at 1600 in the Model Room. Please join us in remembering, celebrating and sharing stories about Mitch.

If you have any photos of Mitch or great Mitch quotes you would like to share, please email them to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

THE LAST WORD
If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. -- Claudia Ghandi

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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