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LOUIS VUITTON CUP
It was a day of close racing and surprise finishes at the Louis Vuitton Cup where the bottom ranked China Team earned its first win of the competition over the leader, BMW ORACLE Racing, when the American team lost its headsail on the first upwind leg.

That wasn't the only upset of the form guide however. The French Areva Challenge, disappointed with its Round Robin One performance, went out and won its first two matches of Round Robin Two, while +39 Challenge suffered two devastating losses in matches that were desperately close right up until the finishing line.

Conditions on Monday were excellent for racing, with sea breezes of up to 15 knots on both race courses. The wind eased later in the day, but never dropped below 9 knots.

* The Jury for the 32nd America's Cup has fined the Italian Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team 10'000 Euros for a technical violation of the measurement rule for the America's Cup Class.

The Italian team used a different paint from that called for in the America's Cup Class Rule. Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia had declared this different paint manufacturer on a form filed with the Measurers, but it was not flagged at that time as a violation.

The Jury ruled that Mascalzone Latino did not gain any performance advantage through the paint, and that the breach of the rule was inadvertent. Due to this, the Jury decided no sporting penalty should apply. But noting that rule compliance is an important component of participating in the America's Cup, the Jury fined decided to impose the 10'000 euro fine. The team will begin repainting its boat immediately.

Ranking after LVC RR2 Flight 2
1. BMW ORACLE Racing, 23 points
1. Luna Rossa Challenge, 23
3. Emirates Team New Zealand, 20
4. Desafio Espanol, 19
5. Victory Challenge, 16
6. Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team, 14
6. Team Shosholoza, 14
8. Areva Challenge, 13
9. +39 Challenge, 6
10. United Internet Team Germany, 3 10. China Team, 3

Tuesday's Schedule:
Desafio Espanol vs. AREVA Challenge
+39 Challenge (ITA 85) - Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL 92)
United Internet Team Germany (GER 89) - Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA 94)
China Team (CHN 95) - Victory Challenge (SWE 96)
Team Shosholoza (RSA 83) - BMW Oracle Racing (USA 98)
Bye Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team (ITA 99)

Photos from today's racing, courtesy Oskar Kihlborg / Victory Challenge at scuttlebutteurope.com/photos

STAMM AND SHIRAISHI FINISH AT BILBAO
After 3,200 miles of North Atlantic racing, Bernard Stamm took his Open 60, Cheminees Poujoulat, across the Velux 5 Oceans Leg 3 finish line outside the harbour wall of Puerto Deportivo marina, Gexto, Bilbao, at 17:13 and 25 seconds European time (16:13 BST, 15:13 UTC) this afternoon. The outstanding Swiss solo sailor takes Leg 3 line honours and first place overall in this edition of the race after leading the fleet throughout a gruelling 29,000 mile circumnavigation of the world.

As the wind continued to drop this afternoon, Kojiro Shiraishi sailed Open 60 Spirit of Yukoh across the finish line offshore Gexto, Bilbao, to complete Leg 3 of the VELUX 5 OCEANS race at 17:56 and 45 seconds European time (16:56 BST, 15:56 UTC).

Kojiro's tenacious transatlantic crossing ensured that the Japanese skipper rarely let the race leader, Bernard Stamm with Cheminees Poujoulat, more than 100 miles ahead during the 3,200 mile, 11 day 'sprint' to Bilbao.

During the entire circumnavigation of VELUX 5 OCEANS race, Bernard Stamm spent a total of 103 days, 22 hours and 10 minutes at sea, holding a 14 day lead over Kojiro who completed the course after 118 days, 1 hour and 42 minutes at sea.

* Sir Robin Knox-Johnston:
"Unai (Basurko) was roughly 280 miles further from the finish last night, so there is still a very small chance of getting in ahead of him by 41 hours but it will need some luck with the weather, and that could go either way of course. He has lost his Sat C as well as his trackers, apparently, so I am not the only one who gets these electronic problems. Race HQ are due to speak to him later this morning when we will get an update on how he is getting on."

"Heavy blow yesterday morning, with sail right down to avoid ploughing the bow under too often, to light winds now. But more wind is on its way, this time from the south initially, but then veering round to the west, not expected to exceed Force 5. It is westerly at the moment and very light so we are losing time right now. SAGA Insurance's ETA is now dependant to what happens to a low forming off Finistere on the 2nd May and its a bit too early to know what to make of it except it could produce strong easterly winds along the north Spanish coast, right in our face."

"Spent the day plugging slowly eastwards, no excitement yet at the thought of the finish, there's interesting weather and traffic zones to negotiate before Bilbao comes in sight. Best indication of an ETA is Thursday 3rd May sometime."

www.velux5oceans.com

MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE, HAMPSHIRE
This is a high profile role, selling advertising on a number of leading magazine titles directly to clients and agencies, in the marine and other business sectors. You will be maintaining an existing client base, while developing new contacts, both nationally and overseas.

A good understanding of the market and the ability to identify potential companies whose products and services are in keeping with the high profile of the magazine will be key to your success. This is a great opportunity to join a young, dynamic fast growing company.

Email CV to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

BOL D'OR MIRABAUD
Geneva, Switzerland: The Mirabaud Bol d'Or, presented by Girard-Perregaux, on the 16th June, promises to be thrilling. Over and above the tremendous sight of the 550 sailing boats entered on the start line, new series and international stars of the sailing world are announced.

For the first time, the famous Extreme 40 English catamarans will sail on Lake Geneva. The Extreme 40s are high tech multihulls sailed by professional crews and regularly involved in regattas all over Europe as part of the iShares Cup. They are too big to be officially classified, but will benefit from a 'wild card', as did, for example, Dennis Conner and his fabulous 'Stars and Stripes' in 1989.

The Extreme 40s will certainly guarantee a good spectacle, faced with the ten Decision 35 catamarans. Amongst the skippers entered are Alain Gautier, Loick Peyron, Ernesto Bertarelli, and Karine Fauconnier. Finally, nearly 30 M2 catamarans have been announced.

For the monohulls, the 2007 Bol d'Or Mirabaud will bring together the series which usually make it internationally famous, (Psaros 40, Liberas, 18-footers and various other carbon sleds). Moreover, over a hundred Surprises (7.5m one design) have been announced, which will make this one of the biggest one-design regattas in the world.

For the second year running, it will be possible to follow the competition live, thanks to one hundred beacons distributed amongst the competitors by the Race Committee. The SNG will display the web site pages on various screens, allowing the public to follow the race live from the clubhouse (or anywhere else in the world via Internet).

A new start line will be adopted, to separate the monohulls from the multihulls and increase safety in the tricky start phase. The multihulls will start on a line reserved for them, 400 metres upstream of the monohulls' start line. -- Bernard Schopfer

www.boldor.ch

PETIT BATEAU RIOW SOLO 2007
Peter Newlands, World and Olympic Champion showed why he has been 12 years in the British Olympic squad to take both Class 1 and overall prizes in the second edition of this annual Petit Bateau solo event. Anticipation, his Beneteau 40.7 working steadily through the fleet took line honours in what was yet another light airs race. Class 2 (35 feet) was won by Simon Curwen in Voador, J105. Peter Olden's J92 Solan Goose took first in class 3 ( 30 feet) Simon Forbes Scooby III , Dragonfly 800, was the sole finisher in the Multihull class, as was Fabian Baetz, Pogo 2, Blue Gin in Classe Mini.

The forecast for this years race was promising with a suggestion of afternoon sea breezes but the day produced light conditions with some frustrating periods on the south of the Island as the sea breeze failed to materialise and served only to stifle the gradient wind.

The fleet enjoyed a fast fetch across Freshwater bay cheating the tide and some variable patches for those closest in shore but one mile past St Catherine's Point the front of the fleet had compressed with Solan Goose, Anticipation, Voador and Jbellino separated by no more that 200 Metres. After a short gap a further compressions saw seventeen boats in the lead group. The wind was still fading fast and the race at this stage was open to any challenger. Less was to come.

The late afternoon saw a significant reduction in wind strength and following a forecast of only 5Kts for the Chichester area the Race Officer Charles Allen made the only sensible decision and shortened course to Bembridge Ledge buoy. Anticipation was first mono home, crossing the line at 17.32.53 ahead of Catriona (1 minute 21secs) and then Voador only 31seconds later.

The prize presentation and the race supper took place at the very hospitable Island Sailing Club in Cowes, where overall winner Peter Newlands was presented with a magnificent Spinlock Deck vest, a generous award made by James Hall, Marketing Director of Spinlock UK.

Petit Bateau's next solo offshore event is the PB 2007 which starts in Mylor( Falmouth ) on July 17th and visits Kinsale, Baltimore, Fastnet and Dingle before returning to Mylor via the Bishop rock, 5 easy stages and 600 miles. -- Phillip Ryan

The full results can be found at www.petitbateau.org.uk and the race photographs at www.marklamble.com

TONY BULLIMORE CONFIRMS NOON START FOR SOLO CIRCUMNAVIGATION
Hobart, Tasmania: Repairs to the steering of his 102ft catamaran 'Doha' were completed today just in time to take advantage of a significant weather window that will send him out across the Tasman Sea, around New Zealand and across the Southern Ocean to Cape Horn.

The Blue Ocean Wireless Round the World Challenge takes Bullimore down into the Southern Ocean where the westerly winds in the Roaring Forty latitudes will push him across the first 5,000 mile stage to Cape Horn. He will then follow the South American coast northwards across the Equator from where he must pick his way through the calms of the Doldrums and those associated with the Azores high pressure system, to round the island of Flores before returning southwards to the Cape of Good Hope.

He will be guided throughout by American weather router Lee Bruce, who will advise him about impending weather systems on a daily, if not hourly basis. Once in the Indian Ocean, the Bullimore will rely on Bruce to help him to avoid the worst of the Roaring Forty winds that will speed Doha south of Cape Leeuwin marking the Western tip of Australia, and passed the point where Bullimore famously spent 5 dark days capsized during the 1997/8 Vendee Globe Race.

Once across the Australian Bight, he must navigate his way across Bass Strait and back to Hobart - all in 70 days!

The current record for a solo circumnavigation was set by Dame Ellen Macarthur in 2005 and stands at 71days 14hours 18mins 33seconds.

Lee Bruce points to fair but strong winds for the next three days.

www.teambullimore.com

ISAF SAILING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007
The second round of Commission Places for the 2007 ISAF Sailing World Championships in Cascais, Portugal have been decided. A total of 152 places have been allocated, bringing the total number of sailors heading to Cascais for 28 June-13 July up to a record breaking 1,616 from 75 nations.

262 applications were received by the Qualification Commission, with 152 Commission Places allocated in the second round for all events, with the exception of the Laser. There are now no more places in the Finn, Men's RS:X, Men's 470 and Women's 470 events. Commission Places were granted to Colombia and Antigua, two nations without a previous entry. With the withdrawal of Kuwait, this brings the total number of nations in Cascais to 75.

Applications for the second round of Commission Places for the Laser event are currently being processed and will be published shortly.

The entry process now moves into the third round of Commission Places. Go to the Championship microsite - www.sailing.org/worlds2007 - for full details of the Commission Places. More - www.sailing.org/default.asp?PID=20746

INDUSTRY NEWS
* Ace Marine Ltd, the Fife-based firm of naval architects, has acquired the oldest continually operating yacht design business in the world, A Mylne & Co - including the design archive, described by some enthusiasts as a "treasure trove".

Established in 1896 by Alfred Mylne, the design office produced some of the finest and fastest yachts of the 20th century. Within the collection are many unique examples of a vast range of craft, from race-winning 8 metres to Dunkirk little ships.

Famed for his part in the development of the metre class rule in 1906, Alfred Mylne successfully pressed for the introduction of scantling rules for racing yachts, ensuring that not only would the new metre class be fast but would also be "built to last 50 years".

As a young draughtsman, he drew the plans of the Royal yacht Britannia, the racing cutter first owned by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), which passed to his son, King George V.

Mylne boats gained a reputation as the bonniest, fastest and best-built boats of their time. Their sweeping lines are regarded as works of art.

This tradition will be continued through Ace Marine which currently is archiving the 400 or so designs in an operation due to be completed mid-September.

* North Sails appoint Frank Gerber to develop Scottish and South East regions

North Sails UK has appointed Frank Gerber to work as an integral member of their dynamic sales team. Based at Gosport a key part of this role will see Frank heading north to Scotland on a regular basis to initiate new business and service existing clients in the established market there. In addition to the North, Frank will also be looking further opportunities for new relationships along the South East coast and in particular the Brighton area.

Frank, 22 and a keen keel boat sailor, started work as an apprentice at Doyle Sail-makers in 2001 and has enjoyed working on several high profile programs such as Graham Daltons' Open 60 as a sail-maker and shore crew team member.

* The UK's Camper & Nicholsons Marina Investments (CNMI) has announced that it is to buy Grand Harbour Marina (GHM) in Vittoriosa, Malta for up to 15 million Euros.

Opened in November 2005, GHM is a 230-berth marina that can accommodate up to 30 superyachts from 30m-100m (98ft-328ft) in length. It offers 46,700sq m of lettable berth area, of which some 31,600sq m is for yachts of over 30m (98ft), while 15,600sq m are pontoon berths for yachts of up to 25m (82ft).

The marina was designed with superyachts in mind. To date, seven superyacht berths have been successfully sold on 25-year terms, and the remaining unsold berths are said to represent significant upside potential for CNMI. -- IBI news, www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20070325132404ibinews.html

* Canados, the long established Roman shipyard, announces that the European Private Equity Fund Balmoral Capital has acquired control of the company. The acquisition is in line with the fund's investment strategy to acquire companies with strong growth potential.

To pursue its strategic objectives, Balmoral Capital has appointed Maurizio Baldoni as the new CEO of the company. He has also invested personally in the share capital of the group. Maurizio Baldoni has been a leading figure in the nautical sector for over 30 years and was already responsible for Canados' growth at the end of the '80s. Having successfully led other prestigious North-Italian shipyards, he is returning to Canados. -- BYM News, www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=7003

* MarineBiz TV, billed as the world's first 24-hour maritime satellite TV channel, will launch May 7. The channel is owned by Aries Marine, an Indian company based in Dubai.

MarineBiz TV is a free-to-air channel that its owners hope will become the world's "window" to marine and maritime activities. Aries Marine described MarineBiz TV as the first single point of contact for the international marine industry.

The channel will first be available in eight languages in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, and will extend to the rest of the world by August. It will be accessible via DTH and other networks. Aries Marine has created two months of programming. -- IBI news, www.ibinews.com

* Awlgrip has announced the appointment of a new Global Marketing Manager. Caroline Shilton replaces Elenor Ekman, who is moving to North America to pursue new market opportunities within Akzo Nobel for another one of its marine coatings brands, Interlux.

Caroline is a professional marketer and chemist. She has extensive knowledge and experience of the yacht paint industry through her previous work with other Azko Nobel brands including International Paint and Sikkens, and will play a key role in continuing the development of the Awlgrip brand worldwide.

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 Craig Dymock: I thought your pieces on the Deer Isle ring was very interesting. I have an item given to me by a friend which I have often wondered about. The story goes that it was given to my friend's Grandfather by Sir Thomas Lipton for delivering Shamrock 3. There the story ends I'm afraid. I don't know where she was being delivered to or from.

The hallmark is 1903 and the silversmith was a William Hutton and Sons of Birmingham, England who was at that time a specialist in miniatures. The base on my Cup is black and I believe the silver base on the real thing was added at a later date because there was no more space on it to engrave. I wonder if any of your readers have similar objects and if they could shed any light in what must at four and a half inches, be the smallest America's Cup in existence!

See the photo at scuttlebutteurope.com/photos/displayimage.php?album=83&pos=0

Reply to Craig at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (and please cc This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it so that we can publish information gathered...)

THE LAST WORD
Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. -- W. Somerset Maugham

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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