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ACT 13: TESTING CONDITIONS
The final season of the 32nd America's Cup opened with racing on a complicated spring day in Valencia. The changeable weather meant the leaderboard was shuffled on each leg of the race course, with a massive wind shift on the final run of the first race denying +39 Challenge a fairytale ending.

Instead, BMW ORACLE Racing charged out of nowhere, passing six boats on the final run, with the South African Shosholoza team close behind. +39 Challenge, after leading for most of the race, was forced to settle for a heartbreaking 10th place. The Italian team had been fortunate just to make the starting line on Tuesday afternoon, after sailing with a new mast for the first time after sunset on Monday.

In one of the most extraordinary races ever witnessed in America's Cup racing, BMW ORACLE Racing sailed from 7th to 1st on the final fickle run of Race 1 in Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 13. Starting in 7 knots of breeze, the American team had won the left-hand end of the start line an hour and a half earlier but, with Emirates Team New Zealand next to them, sailed into oblivion as the boats on the right started to benefit from better wind from that side of the race track.

Alinghi who broke the right-hand end of the start line too early and had to go back to restart, then found themselves on the favoured side, climbing all the way back to fourth place at the top mark. Meanwhile, +39 Challenge tactician Ian Walker liked the look of the breeze on the right-hand side and made a break away from the rest of the fleet working up the left. The gamble paid off, launching +39 Challenge into a comfortable lead which it held for the next lap and a half of the two-lap course. The right-hand side of the course had been paying throughout, and not surprisingly the first few boats gybed around the final mark to consolidate their advantage.

Alinghi and BMW Oracle on the other hand, saw something new on the left-hand side of the race course near the top of the second windward leg. Both made late gains there, and elected to pursue that side on the final run to the finish as well. +39 skipper Iain Percy, attempting to protect his lead, sailed down the middle of the course. But the Italians broke a spinnaker, before sailing into a wind hole from which they would never recover. The pack in the middle of the course slowed down while Ed Baird steered SUI 91 around the outside with Chris Dickson not far behind.

BMW ORACLE held further to the left and started to threaten the leaders on board Alinghi. As both boats converged, with Alinghi holding starboard right of way, Dickson launched USA 87 into a gybe while the foredeck crew executed a perfect peel to a new spinnaker midway through the manoeuvre.

This proved the winning move as Alinghi was forced away to the right. The Defender never recovered as the American boat sailed off to a whopping winning margin of 3 minutes 34 seconds as the wind became very light and variable.

The Race Committee then kept the fleet at sea for 90-minutes, hoping the shifty conditions would settle enough to have another race. But at 18:00, racing was cancelled for the day.

Two races are scheduled for Wednesday.

Flight 1 results:
1. BMW Oracle Racing (USA 87) in 1:25:41
2. Team Shosholoza (RSA 83) at 3:34
3. Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team (ITA 99) at 4:18
4. Alinghi (SUI 91) at 5:04
5. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL 84) at 5:16
6. United Internet Team Germany (GER 89) at 5:33
7. Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA 94) at 5:51
8. Desafio Espanol 2007 (ESP 97) at 6:15
9. AREVA Challenge (FRA 93) at 9:26
10. +39 Challenge (ITA 85) at 9:43
11. China Team (CHN 95) at 10:40
12. Victory Challenge (SWE 96) at 20:32

Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 13 Provisional Scoreboard
1. BMW Oracle Racing (USA 87) - 12
2. Team Shosholoza (RSA 83) - 11
3. Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team (ITA 99) - 10
4. Alinghi (SUI 91) - 9
5. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL 84) - 8
6. United Internet Team Germany (GER 89) - 7
7. Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA 94) - 6
8. Desafio Espanol 2007 (ESP 97) - 5
9. AREVA Challenge (FRA 93) - 4
10. +39 Challenge (ITA 85) - 3
11. China Team (CHN 95) - 2
12. Victory Challenge (SWE 96) - 1

www.americascup.com

* Photos of today's racing from Gilles Martin-Raget and BMW Oracle in the Scuttlebutt Europe photo gallery: scuttlebutteurope.com/photos/

DALTON RETURNS TO FORTALEZA
It would appear that our intrepid kiwi Skipper, Graham Dalton seems to be facing one incident after another. Having worked tirelessly to re-construct a new keel bulb and successfully re-attach it to the keel fin, disaster struck once again. The rudder reference unit that is connected to Dalton's autopilots blew up when he was out testing the boat. He cannot leave Fortaleza without fixing this, as Bernard Stamm said when he arrived into Norfolk " A broken watermaker is not a problem, but losing your pilots now that is like losing your crew." Dalton, ever optimistic, confidently told race director, David Adams that he will fix the problem and he will be leaving Wednesday.

Despite his best efforts the nightmare continues for Dalton as his chances of remaining in the competition dimishes by the hour. He must be ready to leave Norfolk, Virginia, USA at 1300 on the 22nd April having completed a mandatory stopover of 72 hours in the Virginian host port in order for him to be able to carry on in the competition which means he must arrive in Norfolk by the 19th April. This leaves him only 14 days to complete the 3000 mile journey. There is very little margin for error in this timeframe so the pressure is now mounting.

www.velux5oceans.com

32ND AMERICA'S CUP: THE OFFICIAL BOOK
Now available at the 32nd America's Cup webstore is the official book of the 32nd America's Cup. This 216 page hardcover edition features the best photography from the Louis Vuitton Acts and the preparations for the biggest sailing event ever.

Available in standard and deluxe verisions, 32nd America's Cup is written in five languages with contributions from Olin J. Stephens, Brad Butterworth, Michel Bonnefous, among others with the outstanding photography of Carlo Borlenghi and many more.

A virtual sample can be viewed online. Be sure not to miss out.

www.americascupstore.com/cart/add_to_cart.asp?id=32BOOKS.1

BARING ALL FOR THE CUP
Excerpts from Matthew Sheahan's must-read keel bulb analysis in Yachting World:

The Kiwi's NZL84 and NZL92 were both good starting points for those unsure of where some of the key measurement points in the America's Cup rule lay. All you had to do was to look for the distortion or abrupt change in shape and close by was a key measurement point. A slight exaggeration perhaps, but it's clear from the angular aggressive lines that the concept has been to work the rule hard. Nowhere was this more obvious than in the bow sections where, from certain angles, the forward couple of metres look like a triangular nose cone that's been stuck onto a hull that until then didn't have a bow at all.

Overall the Kiwis' bold looking boats suggest a team that has not only spent a great deal of time exploiting every possible detail, but feel confident and punchy.

By contrast, Alinghi's SUI91 and SUI100 were both so full and rounded, especially in their forward sections, that they looked as if someone had accidentally over-inflated them. From amidships forward these two boats are staggeringly different from what we've seen so far from the Cup holders. Gone is the distinctive double knuckle, in comes a rounded, convex forefoot that sweeps up towards a plumb bow.

Despite some of the chat doing the rounds, there's a quiet air of confidence about the BMW Oracle Racing camp and the overall style of both of their boats seemed to justify this.

Whatever the final configuration of the big four, three of the teams appear to have produced a pair of boats along broadly similar lines, developments of a central theme. Luna Rossa's boats are not like this at all and represent two very different basic configurations.

ITA86 is the conservative boat, ITA94 the wild child.

Full story at www.ybw.com/auto/newsdesk/20070301200425ywamericascup07.html and in the June issue of Yachting World. Subscribe at www.yachtingworld.com/iywau

STAR WESTERN HEMISPHERE CHAMPIONSHIP
The highlight of the [third race] was watching Freddy Loof and Anders Ekstrom engage Andy Macdonald and Mike Wolfs in a tacking duel during last beat. Andy and Freddy spent a lot of time training together prior to the 2004 Olympic trials. Despite sailing their first regatta together, Andy and Mike took on the challenge and most importantly never lost sight of the layline to the finish. After nearly two dozen tacks, Freddy and Anders threw one last tack to the right and Andy and Mike headed off on starboard in a full hike to take the gun. John MacCausland and Bob Schofield sailed up the left side of the course to finish third, followed by Australians Iain Murray and Andrew Palfrey and Bermudians Peter Bromby and Bill McNiven.

Freddy Loof, over twenty years younger than Andy Macdonald, admitted to Andy that he had gotten a workout during the tacking duel when he smiled and asked his friend, "Is your heart rate up?" -- Lynn Fitzpatrick

Top ten after three races:
1. Fredrik Loof / Anders Ekstrom, 7 points
2. Rohan Lord / Miles Addy, 16
3. Jock Kohlhas / Larry Scott, 18 (leading Masters)
4. Andy MacDonald / Mike Wolfs, 20
5. Iain Murray / Andrew Palfrey, 20
6. Elvind Melleby / Petter Morland Pederson, 24
7. George Szabo / Andrew Scott, 26
8. John MacCausland / Bob Schofield, 26
9. John Dane III / Austin Sperry, 28
10. Karl Anderson / Edward Morey, 31

Event site: diyc.home.att.net
Class website: starclass.org

SWAN 601 ARTEMIS IS AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER FOR THE 2007 SEASON
This is a rare opportunity to charter this 2005 stunning high performance German Frers-designed Swan. Sporting full carbon composite construction and renowned Nautor Styling, Artemis will provide you with the ultimate racing experience. She is fully race-prepared to the highest standard and raring to go.

Racing with a maximum crew of 16, Artemis is available for Caribbean and UK based race charters and corporate entertainment. She will also be available in the Mediterranean for America's Cup 2007 series viewing.

Please contact Peter Bresnan on +44799097081 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

LONDON 2012
Planning applications for new world class sailing facilities were submitted on time on 30 March, ensuring Weymouth and Portland remain on course to become one of the first venues ready for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Following the public consultation, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) submitted planning applications on 30 March to build 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.

Sebastian COE, Chair of the London 2012 Organizing Committee, said the developments will leave a sailing legacy in Weymouth and Portland well beyond the Games, '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.' More - www.sailing.org/default.asp?PID=20551

London 2012 - www.london2012.com
ISAF Olympic Games microsite - www.sailing.org/olympics

BMW LAUNCHES AMERICA'S CUP CHARITY AUCTION
As racing for the 32nd America's Cup is about to commence in Valencia, Spain, BMW has launched an auction of 32 unique artworks - with all the proceeds going to support under-privileged children in Latin America.

Located in the heart of the redeveloped Port America's Cup in Valencia, the BMW ORACLE Racing base offers a spectacular environment for VIP guests and spectators. The team base is also on of the locations where BMW is displaying samples of the "32 Originals" - superb mementos of the 32nd America's Cup. The collection of artworks comprises sections of a mainsail from BMW ORACLE Racing's America's Cup yacht, USA 87. Each piece is mounted and framed and comes with a plaque signed by a member of the racing team afterguard to confirm its authenticity and indicate where it came from on the mainsail. Three of the artworks are 150 X 100cm, while the remaining 29 are 60 X 42cm.

USA 87 made its racing debut in the Louis Vuitton Act 10 match race event in Valencia last year and won the regatta over 10 other challengers and the Swiss Defender, Alinghi. The artworks have been created from hand-selected sections of the 218 sq m mainsail used in that regatta.

The auction opened on April 1 and closes at midnight Central European Time on July 7. During that period, a sample artwork will be on display at the BMW ORACLE Racing base in Valencia, Spain. Photographs of all 32 pieces can also be seen online at www.bmw-32originals.com

Bidders can select the specific artwork of their choice and enter the auction. The format is a 'silent auction' in which the bids remain confidential. Each bidder therefore has only one chance to enter a bid - so they should take their best shot from the outset.

Bids can be made on-line at the auction website, or via terminals in the public area of the team base in Valencia, or on the BMW ORACLE Racing website ( www.bmworacleracing.com ). The minimum bid is 10 Euro. There is no upper limit.

All the proceeds from the auction will go to QUE CHIDO e.V, a registered charity in aid of underprivileged children in Latin America. QUÉ CHIDO e.V won the BMW Group Award for Intercultural Learning in 2006.

For more information, please visit:
www.bmw-32originals.com
www.bmwgroup.com/award-life
www.bmworacleracing.com
www.que-chido.de

SOLO AROUND THE ISLE OF WIGHT
The second edition of RIOW Solo, a testing single-handed race around the Isle of Wight will start at from Egypt Point, Cowes on Saturday 28th April 2007. The race is aimed at mono-hull and multi-hull yachts from 25 feet to 40 feet overall, there is also a special class for Mini650's

This event is the latest in the innovative series of single-handed races that have been organised by Racing at Petit Bateau ltd over the last four years. One objective of RIOW Solo is to encourage skippers who are new to this exciting discipline to gain experience in the familiar and convenient location of the Solent, with ample opportunity to meet fellow soloists at the Island Sailing Club on the evening of Friday 27th and Saturday 28th for the prize giving.

Race Director Paul Peggs is pleased with the quality of the entry, which includes several skippers new to solo racing and strong support from the established short handers. Winner Mike Moxley returns in Malice (Hod 35) to defend his title from last year's podium of Simon Curwen (J105) and Rory Carter (Dehler 34). There is already a strong entry showing from the J 105 class regulars and the new J122 will make its debut. Paul anticipates 40 boats will start the second edition of this challenging event, the smaller boats start first at 0900hrs. on the JOG line off Egypt Point.

The details of the race can be found at www.petitbateau.org.uk where entries can be made and paid on line. Entries close on Saturday April 21st.

All Petit Bateau events are OPEN races to encourage development in shorthanded design and techniques. IRC or Mocra certificates are not required, but corrected times will be calculated for those with valid certificates and handicap prizes are also awarded. The champion Sigma 38 Festina Lente and the Figaro one Fluffy gained IRC trophies last time. -- Jerry Freeman

JPMORGAN ASSET SPONSORS MICHAEL PERHAM
Michael Perham sailed into English Harbour in Antigua on Wednesday January 3rd 2007. At fourteen he became the youngest person ever to sail single handed across the Atlantic Ocean, sailing a total of 3,500 miles, the journey took 47 days. Michael hit news stands around the world as people learned of his amazing achievement, this Atlantic trip confirmed Michael's entry into the Guinness Book of Records.

After completing his record breaking crossing of the Atlantic in January this year, fourteen year old Michael Perham was unable to fund the delivery of his boat "Cheeky Monkey" back to the UK. Upon hearing in a news article that he wished to compete in the world famous Round the Island Race, title sponsors JPMorgan Asset Management stepped in to make this dream become a reality, and paid for the shipment of his boat back to the UK, as well as his entry and berthing fees for this year's race.

JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race is the third largest sporting participation event after the Flora London Marathon and the Great North Run. It is one of the biggest events in the sailing calendar with approximately 1,500 boats and 13,000 competitors racing around the 55-mile course. Currently there are over 800 entries for this year's race, which takes place on Saturday 23rd June, nearly a third higher than the number of entries that were received this time last year.

www.roundtheisland.org.uk

RED FUNNEL EASTER CHALLENGE
With well over 60 entries now confirmed for the Red Funnel Easter Challenge, the 16th edition of this event shows that it has not lost any of its popularity with the competitors. There are over 15 different designers or brand of yacht racing which will make for some interesting comparisons. The background of the competitors is just as varied, with America's Cup and Olympic sailors rubbing shoulders with newcomers to the sport.

Entries are from all over Europe as well as closer to home and several new designs of yachts will be competing for the first time. The Red Funnel Easter Challenge is a competitive regatta, but the on-the-water tuition and the events position at the beginning of the season, means it is an ideal opportunity for new owners and crew to get involved in racing for the first time.

RORC's Racing Manager, Janet Grosvenor said: "I have noticed that the standard of racing seems to improve year after year. The feedback that we have been getting from the competitors at the Red Funnel Easter Challenge is that the tuition is invaluable for all of the classes, that is why this year we will have no less than six top class coaches on the water."

Weather for the Solent is always difficult to predict but at present indications are for a predominantly light airs regatta with plenty of sunshine. Historically there is often one windy days racing and this could well be true for Easter Sunday. However it is worth reminding competitors that although air temperatures may be very comfortable, the sea temperature is at its coldest at this time of the year!

A list of entries will be available on the event website shortly: www.rorc.org

THE LAST WORD
This is no democracy. However, I do like to hear any well thought out reasonable suggestions, once. -- Emile ('Bus') Mosbacher

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.

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