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AND NOW IT HITS THE FAN...
New York, NY, USA: Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) filed a lawsuit today against the Societe Nautique de Geneve (SNG) in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, which has jurisdiction over the America's Cup Deed of Gift.

The San Francisco club is asking the Court to:

- void the purported challenge of the Club Nautico Espanol de Vela (CNEV) because CNEV does not qualify under the Deed of Gift as a challenger;

- declare the "Protocol Governing the 33rd America's Cup" agreed between SNG and CNEV null and void because (i) CNEV was an invalid challenger, and (ii) SNG is engaging in self-dealing by accepting CNEV's purported challenge and entering into a protocol which eliminates Challenger rights and omits basic information regarding match rules and conditions.

- declare that GGYC's challenge filed on 11 July 2007 for the 33rd America's Cup is valid; and

- require SNG to accept GGYC's challenge, and implement the terms of the Deed of Gift by participating with GGYC in the establishment of a proper protocol though a consensual process; or, failing that, to proceed with a match with GGYC under the rules expressly set forth in the Deed of Gift.

Key excerpts from the lawsuit filed today:

The action arises out of defendant SNG's violation of the clear, express terms of the Deed of Gift, a trust instrument executed under the laws of New York, on October 24, 1887. SNG is the present holder and successor trustee of the trophy known world-wide as the America's Cup. The Deed of Gift ("Deed") provides that the America's Cup is a "perpetual Challenge Cup for friendly competition between foreign countries." By failing to enforce the terms of the Deed, SNG has turned the Deed of Gift on its head and transformed it into a "Defender's Cup," dominated by SNG, in breach of SNG's fiduciary duties.

SNG has accepted a challenge that is invalid under the Deed of Gift from Club Nautico Espanol de Vela ("CNEV"), a brand new yacht club... specifically created to collaborate with SNG.

SNG used CNEV... to engineer a match Protocol in which virtually all Challenger rights are eliminated and total control of the event and its rules are granted to SNG, altering the very nature of the competition and giving unprecedented and unfair advantages to SNG.

By refusing to disclose...the basic elements of regatta venue, date and boat design rules, there is no opportunity for a fair and equitable competition.

Moreover, while SNG's Team Alinghi can begin to plan its campaign and design its yachts, all other competitors are stalled.

The Deed of Gift, a document dating from 1857, defines the rules for the America's Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport.

The Deed states that the Defender and first-in Challenger (known as the "Challenger of Record") "may, by mutual consent, make any arrangement satisfactory to both as to the dates, courses, number of trials, rules and sailing regulations, and any and all other conditions of the match." Since the 1992 Cup, such mutual consent has been called the "Protocol."

If the defending and challenging clubs cannot reach mutual agreement, then the Deed prescribes particular match rules. In all but one of the previous 32 editions of the Cup - in 1988 - the Defender and Challenger have adopted a Protocol, or "Conditions" as the document was known prior to 1988.

"Yesterday SNG left us no choice other than to go to court when ACM [America's Cup Management - SNG's company formed to manage Cup events] announced that SNG had accepted on Wednesday a second challenger under the invalid Protocol. This is a clear signal that SNG intends to ignore our challenge under the Deed and proceed with its efforts to dictate unilaterally the terms of the competition," said GGYC Commodore Marcus Young.

"The recently completed 32nd America's Cup, in which Alinghi raced Team New Zealand, delivered what many said was the closest and most exciting in the history of the Cup. The fact that the racing was so close brought the Cup to more people world-wide than ever before. It's a real shame that SNG is trying to change the rules to create an unfair advantage.

"We still hope SNG will accept GGYC as Challenger of Record even before the court has to rule on our lawsuit. If not, we hope the courts will swiftly resolve this matter so we can get back on the water for a fair and exciting 33rd America's Cup."

For more information, including a copy of the lawsuit: www.ggyc.com

REGATTA BREITLING ILLES BALEARS
Puerto Portals, Mallorca.: It was the same successful formula that served them well through the three previous days on the Bay of Palma which today ensured Vicente Tirado's Caixa Galicia won the famous Regatta Breitling Illes Balears for the first time.

With John Kostecki calling tactics for helm Roberto Bermudez de Castro, the new Botin and Carkeek design came off the start line close enough to the favoured left of the upwind track to benefit, but was able to keep their nearest rivals, the Russell Coutts skippered Artemis, at bay from mid-way up the windward leg.

Caixa Galicia's comfortable, conservative fourth today in the 24 boat fleet, to Artemis' seventh, in what proved the only race of the day, gave the Galician crew a ten points margin in the prestigious four day regatta.

They also now stand six points clear of Artemis on the overall, season -long Breitling MedCup TP52 Circuit standings.

Final Results after seven races:
1. CxG Corporacion Caixa Galicia (V Tirado-ESP, Botin Carkeek 2007) 24 points
2. Artemis (T Tornqvist, SWE - Judel-Vrolijk 2007) 34
3. Siemens (A Roemmers, ARG-Judel Vrolijk 2007) 59
4. Patches (E Conneely, IRL-Reichel Pugh 2007) 62
5. Windquest (De de Vos, USA- Botin Carkeek 2006) 66
6. Bribon (J Cusi, SM Juan Carlos, ESP- Judel Vrolijk 2007) 67
7. Platoon (H M Spreer, GER-Judel Vrolijk 2006) 76
8. Stay Ca lm (S Robinsonm GBR-Judel Vrolijk 2007) 79
9. Valle Romano Mean Machine (P de Ridder, MON-Judel Vrolijk 2006) 81
10. ONO (I Castaner-ESP-Botin Carkeek 2005) 83

www.medcup.org

* Photos by Thierry Martinez, www.thmartinez.com , in the Eurobutt Gallery: scuttlebutteurope.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=180

TP52 'PATCHES 2005' AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER
One of the most successful TP52's ever built, Patches 2005 is now available for charter in the Mediteranean. Winner of the 2006 Copa Del Rey, and Cuidad de Castellion events, Patches finished 3rd in the Medcup last season and is also an exceptional performer under IRC.

Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information

GROUPAMA SETS NEW 24 HOUR RECORD.. ON TARGET FOR ATLANTIC RECORD
On Thursday 19th July at 18:02'55''UTC, the maxi trimaran Groupama 3 passed the Ambrose Lighthouse off New York in a bid to challenge Bruno Peyron and his North Atlantic reference time set a year earlier (4 days 8 hours 23 minutes 54 seconds). Sunday, after over 2 days 20 hours at sea, 878 miles separate Franck Cammas and his crew from the finish line. Although the 32 metre trimaran has a 65 mile deficit on Orange 2's time, the crew is confident. Since this morning, the virtual difference between the two giants has continued to drop. Added to this, Groupama 3 is now on a direct course, its bows pointing straight towards Lizard Point.

After an initial exceptional day of sailing 794 miles in 24 hours, at an average speed of 33.08 knots, Franck Cammas and his nine crew robbed the record for the greatest distance covered in 24 hours from Bruno Peyron. In so doing they improved on the performance of the skipper of Orange by over 27 miles. Of note is the fact that overnight, Groupama 3 also set a reference time of 795.2 miles, a figure yet to be ratified by the WSSRC.

They're on a flyer once again at over 30 knots of boat speed... After the hellish pace of the first 24 hours and yesterday's slight drop in speed, Groupama 3, which is finally sailing on port tack, has regained its true potential. With the zone of high pressure astern of them, Franck Cammas' men are now positioned on a long tack, chasing after the tail of the depression that will bring them home. "At the current time we have 25-26 knots of wind and slightly messy seas which are slowing us down a little. We haven't yet completely caught up with the depression, so the wind isn't entirely stable. In 2-3 hour's time however, the situation will be more settled and we'll be able to make headway at a steadier and more homogenous pace" predicted Franck Proffit.

878 miles from the finish, the chances of Groupama 3 beating Bruno Peyron's record is occupying everyone's minds. According to Franck Proffit, contacted during the daily contact at noon: "It's feasible! We've always been very positive about the finish, even after breaking the foil... we haven't given up! The passage of the zone of high pressure was pretty tricky to handle as it was the section where big losses or big gains were possible. I think we came out of it well. Our chances of beating the record today? I'd say 80 %" said the watch leader before going on to say: "We're relatively confident, even if as I said before, it is still dependant on mechanical and technical failure..."

At 1500 hours UK time, Groupama 3 had a 65 mile deficit on Orange 2. A differential which Franck explains to us: "During its record attempt, Orange had a totally exceptional weather situation, which enabled them to adopt the shortest possible course, which hasn't been the case for us. We've been penalised by the number of miles we've had to cover but now we're going to close in on that shortest course and all the miles we do from now on will be on a direct course. I think that's where we're going to make up our deficit, if not more..."

www.cammas-groupama.com

VOLVO YOUTH SAILING ISAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Australia has won the Volvo Trophy at this year's Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship with 259 points, breaking France's domination of the event. Denmark was second (248 points) and New Zealand was third (230 points).

Awarded by Volvo to the best performing nation taking part in the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, the Volvo Trophy was first offered by Volvo in 1999 and has been presented every year since, with the exception of Madeira 2003. Australia last won the event in 2003.

The ISAF Youth World Championship is ISAF's longest running event, having taken place every year since the first Youth Worlds hosted by Sweden in 1971. The 37th Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship took place from 12-21 July, sailed out of the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Past notable winners include American's Cup skippers, Chris Dickson (NZL) and Russell Coutts (NZL), Volvo Ocean Race sailor Stuart Bannatyne (NZL) and many Olympic Champions including Robert Scheidt (BRA), Ben Ainslie (GBR) and Siren Sundby (NOR).

For the fifth year in a row the ISAF Athlete Participation Programme (APP) will assist young athletes from developing sailing nations attend the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship. Since its launch the APP has helped over 100 sailors attend the Championships, further spreading the appeal of youth sailing's premier event.

Top three final results by class:

Boys Laser
1. Pavlos Kontides, CYP, 20.0 points
2. Josh Junior, NZL, 32.0
3. Philipp Buhl, GER, 39

Girls Laser
1. Gabrielle King, AUS, 20
2. Anna Haeger, USA, 40
3. Sarah Gunni, DEN, 42

Boys 29er
1. Henrik Sogaard / Soren Kristensen, DEN, 30
2. Paul Snow-Hansen / Blair Tuke, NZL, 39
3. James Ellis / Robert Partridge, GBR, 60

Girls 29er
1. Emily Dellenbaugh / Briana Provancha, USA, 27
2. Sophie Weguelin / Sophie Ainsworth, GBR, 36
3. Hannah Nattrass / Michelle Muller, AUS, 38

Hobie
1. Richard Glover / Andrew Glover, GBR, 18
2. Emil Landry / Jacob Dannefer, DEN, 22
3. Jason Waterhouse / Michael Mccormick, AUS, 29

Boys Windsurfer
1. Pierre Le Coq, FRA, 14
2. Ron Asulin, ISR, 25
3. Dimitris Vlachakis, GRE, 27

Girls Windsurfer
1. Laura Linares, ITA, 12
2. Moana Delle, GER, 15
3. Nina Szymczyk, POL, 28

Top ten, Volvo Trophy
1. Australia, 259 points
2. Denmark, 248
3. New Zealand, 230
4. Germany, 212
5. France, 205
6. Great Britain, 197
7. United States, 195
8. Brazil, 175
9. Netherlands, 171
10. Italy, 152

Full results on the event site: youthworlds2007.org/home.shtml

PETERS & MAY OFFER SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR SUPERYACHTS
Peters & May proved instrumental in offering a comprehensive logistics support service for the Superyacht Cup, held in Palma during July. A number of the largest and most beautiful yachts benefitted from a continuous service offered by the Peters & May Palma and UK offices.

CEC - Peters & May international courier service also proved invaluable, delivering urgent small consignments to the yachts.

The P&M support RIB was shipped especially for the event where it proved to be a great benefit on the water. It will be at other international events this season. Peters & May now have 12 dedicated offices at major yachting bases around the world.

www.petersandmay.com

TROIA PORTUGAL WOMEN'S MATCH CUP
The United States skipper, Sally Barkow, was the leader at the end of the second round robin of this Grade 1 event at the Portuguese resort at Troia. She began the day with three wins that took her total to 12 for only one defeat.

The first race was an enthralling one in which an early mistake by Barkow and her crew almost wrecked her chances. They were well upwind of the starting line when the sequence began and as they endeavoured to return to the pin end of the line, Jenny Axhede of Sweden went after them on starboard tack, holding them away from the line until the time penalty for starting was applied.

Another penalty came for being ahead of the line when the five-minute signal was made and Barlow appeared doomed as one penalty had to be taken immediately after starting. As Axhede started ahead, she should have had this match under control, but when Barlow took her first penalty, the Swedish woman failed to cover.

Barkow was behind at the first mark but took advantage of a shift to gain ground on the right, gybe and obtain an inside overlap on Axhede as they both headed out to the left side of the course. Higher and higher they went until they were pointing upwind. It was the ideally contrived opportunity for Barkow to offload her second penalty, and she did to lead back to the leeward gate.

It was there that Barkow went to the right hand buoy, tacking immediately to cover Axhede who opted for the left hand buoy of the gate. Barkow drew away to be 18 seconds clear at the second windward mark and was not troubled on the run home.

Barkow's next two matches, against Rita Goncalves of Portugal and Sweden's Lotta Thorelius, were bread-and-butter affairs for the US skipper and her multi-national crew of Annie Lush (GBR), Sharon Ferris (NZL), and three Americans, Elizabeth Kratzig, Chafee Emory and Lindsay Bantel.

"We've go to nail her," said Annie Lush before the last race, but total control however was not to be. The final match of the day was between Barkow and Klaartje Zuiderbaan and the Dutch skipper gained the advantage in the last seconds of the pre-start and denied Barkow any chance of passing. -- Bob Fisher

Final scores after 20 flights (total of 14 rounds):

Sally Barkow, USA, 12-2
Klaartje Zuiderbaan, NED, 10-4
Jenny Axhede, SWE, 9-5
Claire Leroy, FRA, 8-6 *

Camilla Ulrikkeholm, DEN, 8-6
Rita Goncalves, POR, 5-9
Lotta Thorelius, SWE, 2-12
Julie Bossard, FRA, 2-12

*Claire Leroy wins fourth place into the semi-final round on countback.

The first to three wins semi-finals and final will be held tomorrow.

www.portugalwomenscup.com/cups/index.php?etapa=1

EUROPEAN LASER 4.7 CHAMPIONSHIP
The biggest youth sailing fleet seen on Dublin Bay successfully completed the opening two qualifying races for the European Laser 4.7 Championship at Dun Laoghaire Sunday.

With light variable winds forecast to increase in the afternoon International Race Officer Jack Roy postponed the scheduled start of race one by an hour. However conditions changed markedly throughout the day and race two provided quite a contrast.

Con Murphy, National Yacht Club Commodore, explained, "The first race was run in light winds of just 5-7 knots but race two was quite different. It was started in torrential rain and provided winds 10-15 knots."

With 262 young sailors on the water competitors are divided into four separate fleets - one female and three male. The initial four days of the championship is a qualifiying series for the male fleets, however after Wednesday they will be classified as either Gold, Silver or Bronze as they sail 2 races per day for the final series.

As expected the Spanish contingent is proving very competitive however our Irish summer is failing to impress Sara Hernandez Leon who won the second race in the female fleet.

The logistics behind an event of this size is astonishing with 262 boats launched this morning in just 55 minutes however the slip master's team broke that record later in the day when all boats were landed in less than 45 minutes.

Full results at www.nyc.ie

Photos by Gareth Craig, www.fotosail.com/07laser47euros , at scuttlebutteurope.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=181

METRE REGATTA GETS UNDERWAY AT COWES
The Metre Class Centenary Regatta opens on Monday with 78 entries. The Solent event is celebrating the 100th year of the Metre Rule which has spawned a range of racing yachts made famous through their competitiveness in different eras for different events, from the America's Cup 12-metres to the fiercely competitive pre-war six metres, which are enjoying a huge resurgence, having just completed their 2007 World Championships as a 50-boat fleet.

Nine 8 metres are taking part, including the 1931-build Australian Saskia, and a clutch of 5.5 and 5 metres are also entered, as are the 12-Metres Crusader, Italia, and the 1958 British America's Cup Contender Sceptre. The event is also being celebrated by the 2.4-metre class, a one-man hull, of which thirteen are already entered.

A fleet of Darings, which are built to the Metre Rule, will also be taking part.

A number of historic trophies are to be awarded, and other prizes are generously provided by regatta partners Harken, SLAM, and Spinlock.

The Metre Rule was first drawn up in 1907, which marked the beginning of an era of competitive racing, the most well recognized being the America's Cup which was raced in 12-metre yachts between 1958 and 1987. The 6-metre class also raced in good numbers throughout the first half of the 20th Century and now all the Metre classes are enjoying a resurgence, many having undergone immaculate restorations.

www.rys.org.uk/metreregatta
International Metre Class Association: www.imeta.org

THE LAST WORD
Science fiction writers foresee the inevitable, and although problems and catastrophes may be inevitable, solutions are not. -- Isaac Asimov

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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