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WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR: TROIA PORTUGAL MATCH CUP
In four flights of racing Thursday afternoon, six of the quarter finalists were decided, but it took another five flights, well into the evening, before the other two were able to claim their places. Throughout the day the northerly wind persisted in direction, although it varied in strength.

Gavin Brady, USA), Sebastien Col, FRA) and Mathieu Richard, FRA) were the first to claim their places from Group A; Brady the only one with a perfect 5-0 score. From Group B. Peter Gilmour, AUS), Ian Williams, GBR) and Philippe Presti, FRA) were the claimants, with Gilmour the only one with a perfect score.

Gilmour and his Professional Sailing Team, PST) had a tough match with Presti and another close one with Staffan Lindberg, FIN) with the two boats just one length apart at the finish.

The highlight of the Group B round was a match between old rivals Ian Williams with his Pindar Sailing Team and Paolo Cian, ITA). Williams wanted the left end of the start line, obtained it and started in a left hand shift. Cian went right and hooked into the first wind change, a substantial right-hander, and led for three legs of the course. Williams had closed towards the final mark and then gybe-set and went left into better pressure and was able to beat Cian to the line.

Cian, with a crew from Team Shosholoza, was the master in the five flights of the repechage, losing only once, and that to Sally Barkow, USA), striking a blow with her all-women's team. Otherwise he experienced little trouble in despatching his other four opponents. By beating Lindberg in their match, Alvaro Marinho, POR) claimed the other quarter final place.

Results:

Group A:
Gavin Brady, USA, 5-0
Sebastien Col, FRA, 4-1
Mathieu Richard, FRA, 3-2
Bjorn Hansen, SWE, 2-3
Eugeny Neugodnikov, RUS, 1-4
Sally Barkow, USA, 0-6

Group B:
Peter Gilmour, AUS, 5-0
Ian Williams, GBR, 4-1
Philippe Presti, FRA, 3-2
Paolo Cian, ITA, 1-4
Alvaro Marinho, POR, 1-4
Staffan Lindberg, FIN, 1-4

WORLD SAILING LEAGUE UNVEILS SPEED MACHINE DESIGN
The World Sailing League (WSL) has unveiled the innovative design for their futuristic 70 ft catamarans that will be raced in the new global Grand Prix series, the premier annual sailing competition.

With masts of over 98 ft and foiled hulls sitting at almost 40 ft wide, these catamarans represent the forefront of design technology. The boats will be crewed by nine professional sailors and one select guest and will be capable of speeds up to 40 knots,

The central pod and hulls will be constructed from carbon fibre prepreg foam sandwich to minimise weight, with single skin carbon fibre autoclaved prepreg used for the mast and beams. The centreboard on the pod will be 4.25 metres deep, with the option to raise it to 3.5 metres for racing close to shore. There will be five sails available to the teams, ranging from the 72 m2 staysail to a 260 m2 gennaker.

With the design now finalised, fourteen of these spectacular catamarans will be built in Portugal, with the first due for completion in June 2008. The remaining boats will be built over the following 18 months, in time for promotional regattas around the world in 2009 and the first full year of the World Sailing League in 2010.

The name of the new class will be announced at the unveiling of the first boat in July next year.

Design specifications
Weight: 5,700kg
LOA: 70ft
Width: 12metres
Mast height: 30 metres

Sail specifications
Main 168m2
Solent 115m2
Staysail 72m2
Code 0 155m2
Gennaker 260m2 (approx.)

THE FASTNET QUIZ...
Last week's question:
Which yacht won the first Fastnet Race?
Answer: Crusade

This week's question:
A storm overtook the race area causing many casualties in which year?

Two correct answer winners this week and for the following weeks of our contest: one will win a copy of the new Fastnet book "Beyond Endurance" ( see www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780771057557 ) Another lucky sailor wins a Dubarry Knot Ur Dubes T-shirt. With its soft handle and made from 100 per cent faded cotton, it's ideal for on and off the water.

At the end of the competition, one entrant will win a pair of Dubarry Fastnet boots - with elasticated top to keep water out and Dry fast-Dry Soft performance leather.

Cast your vote at www.scuttlebutteurope.com/index.php?option=com_philaform&form_id=5&Itemid=1

33RD AMERICA'S CUP DETAILS PUBLISHED
Just 22 days after the magnificent outcome of the 32nd America's Cup, with Alinghi's victory in Valencia, the Swiss Defender led by Ernesto Bertarelli, together with the Societe Nautique de Geneve and ACM, have made public most of the details for the 33rd edition of the oldest trophy in the world of sport.

Following a new agreement with the Spanish state, the Valencia Regional Government and the Valencia Municipality, the Host City for the 33rd America's Cup will be Valencia. The event will take place in 2009, between May and July, with two pre-regattas to be held in 2008. One of them will be in Valencia in July and the other one in another European country in the autumn. They will be raced on the existing America's Cup Class (Version 5) boats.

Challenges for the 33rd America's Cup have been accepted from four yacht clubs to date, the first one being the Spanish Challenger of Record, Club Nautico Espanol de Vela, represented by Desafio Espanol. This was followed last week by another veteran from the 32nd campaign, the South African Team Shosholoza, representing the Royal Cape Yacht Club, and early this week by the British newcomer TEAMORIGIN, flying the flag of the Royal Thames Yacht Club. Today, the latest challenger to be accepted is the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Team New Zealand.

The challenge period will remain open until further notice.

It was also announced today that the Class Rule, the technical definition of the boats for the 33rd America's Cup, will be published on October 31st. The Competition Rules, with the precise format of the different racing phases, and the Event Regulations will also be published on October 31st.

Michel Bonnefous, CEO of America's Cup Management (ACM), said: "We are glad to announce today the cornerstones of the 33rd America's Cup, which should extend the positive trend for the event that was launched with the 32nd edition. As the Event Authority, we have now secured a venue that has already proved to be ideal and we hope to have set the elements to facilitate a close competition."

"We are heartened by the challenges of Desafio Espanol, Team Shosholoza, TEAMORIGIN and Team New Zealand and we welcome more challenges from both new teams and experienced teams. We will continue to work hard over the next few months to recreate an outstanding platform for the public, the media and the sponsors. The 32nd America's Cup saw more than 6 million members of the public visit the racing venues and over 4 billion enjoyed the television coverage of the racing. We are looking forward to building on this in the future."

Francisco Camps, President of the Generalitat Valenciana, commented: "Our commitment is to making this event the best that it can be. We know that Valencia is under the spotlight and this is a great responsibility we are taking. With this kind of event, our country gains recognition and takes a step forward in the eyes of millions of people."

Elena Salgado, Minister of Public Administrations, said: "There is no doubt that the participation of Desafio Espanol turned the last America's Cup into a great event for Spain. They have helped to create a passion for this sport in Spain. We fully support Desafio Espanol and, with the permission of Ernesto Bertarelli, hope they will win!"

Rita Barbera, Mayoress of Valencia, said: "As the President of the Consortium that has worked with ACM to make the 32nd America's Cup the best ever, I would like to invite Larry Ellison and his team to withdraw his legal action and come back to Valencia and join us. We would welcome him with open arms to join all the other challengers in the 33rd America's Cup."

www.americascup.com

SPIDERTECH: THE LEGAL POSITION
FMG and Spidertech wins against Genesis International AS and Elvstrom Sobstad: Spidertech is an original Italian patent... For more:
www.fiorenzi-marine-group.biz/category/fmg/

18FT SKIFF GRAND PRIX: DENMARK
After a fairly light wind affair in Round 3, the European 18ft Skiff Grand Prix turned up to Sonderborg in Denmark to the inevitable rain but nearly 20 knots of breeze. The event, sponsored by Ullman Sails and GP Covers, is only the second time that the Grand Prix has visited Denmark however a healthy fleet of 15 skiffs have turned up.

Decision of the day was then of course big or small rig - the gusts of wind blowing through the dinghy park had everyone waiting until the last minute, but in the end most of the fleet went big gambling on having the power in the lighter spells. This was to prove eventually the right decision, but not after some fun and games keeping the skiffs upright in the choppy conditions. In race 1, locals and heavyweights GP Covers (DEN) shot off into the lead never to look back. They were chased in vain by the current Grand Prix Series leaders Pindar Radii (GBR), however this team could only focus on keeping the ever improving Gill / Wet and Wild Graphics (GBR) from chasing them down. In the end, the results stood like as that, with GE Commercial Finance (GBR) bringing in 4th.

The second race was a bit more of mixed affair with numerous places changes.

The third race was then sailed on a dying breeze as the predicted wind shifted round to the SW and died in the late afternoon.

Racing continues tomorrow and into Saturday, when its planned that 12 races will have been completed. -- Christophe Favreau

Results (after 3 races, no discards, 15 starters):

1. GP Covers, DEN, 9 points
2. Gill / Wet and Wild Graphics, GBR, 9
3. Pindar Radii, GBR, 12
4. UTI, SUI, 12
5. GE Commercial Finance, GBR, 13
6. Bodoted, DEN, 15

www.18footer.org

* Photos by Christophe Favreau www.christophefavreau.book.fr , in the Eurobutt Gallery: scuttlebutteurope.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=191

18FT SKIFF GRAND PRIX: GERMANY
The final day of the European 18ft Skiff Grand Prix in Travemunde bought with it finally some sunny skies and promise of a decent breeze - however on the horizon was the possibility of some storms so the race officer got the fleet out early to try and squeeze in the two remaining races.

Pindar Radii (GBR) having sewn up the series already were just spectators for the real battle taking place for second overall between Gill / Wet and Wild Graphics (GBR) and GE Commercial Finance (GBR). In the pre-start of the first race, a classic americas dial-up began between the two, both of them using the spectator fleet and committee boat to their full advantage in trying to get on each others tail - GE had the better discard so it was in their interest to get Gill down the fleet, however after a few minutes of duelling, it was Gill who came out on top even managing to get a penalty on GE for a simple port/starboard infringement. This left GE off the back of the start while Gill managed to get away mid fleet.

At the top mark it was the ever present Bodotex (DEN) who led the fleet, followed by Pindar Radii. On the downwind however they overhauled the Danes to take the lead and were only challenged near the end, taking their 6 th bullet of the series and re-inforcing their lead at the top of the rankings. GE raced through the field but only managed to get up to 5th, and meanwhile Gill had managed to creep up to 2nd, therefore ensuring the second place overall.

With black clouds on the horizon, the race comittee wisely decided to send everyone ashore, and sure enough 30 mins later a torrential downpour with associated lighting and thunder duly arrived. So the end of another eventful series - Pindar Radii stamping their authority on the event while the series contenders GE Commercial and Gill and to make do with runner up podium positions. -- Christophe Favreau

Results ( 7 races, 1 discard, 16 starters)
1. Pindar Radii, GBR, 6 points
2. Gill / Wet and Wild Graphics, GBR, 15
3. GE Commercial Finance, GBR, 19
4. UTI, SUI, 25
5. Bodotex, DEN, 31
6. PICA, GBR, 36

www.18footer.org

* Photos by Christophe Favreau www.christophefavreau.book.fr , in the Eurobutt Gallery: scuttlebutteurope.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=190

INTERNATIONAL 420 CLASS EUROPEAN AND LADIES EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
The weather in Istanbul has played it's part to perfection in the run up to the start of the International 420 Class European and Ladies European Championships. 64 entries in the Open fleet and 54 boats in the Ladies Championship have now been registered and measured.

The opening ceremony took place in calm, warm conditions with sailors and guests enjoying parades, music, fireworks and a spectacular display of fire-dancing followed by a little fully-clothed action in the swimming pool.

Overnight the temperature started to drop and the wind began to rise. The practise race saw challenging winds of 20 to 25 knots and medium seas, with both fleets having to work hard to complete the course. With conditions expected to remain this way for the start of the championships, this promises to be an excellent event.

Event website: www.istanbulyelken.org.tr/420european/
Class website: www.420sailing.org

DO YOU "ONE DESIGN?" WE DO!
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For a quote on Ullman's world class one-design sails, contact your local loft and visit www.ullmansails.com

TRAVEMUENDE WEEK
Competitors enjoyed another day of almost perfect sailing on Thursday (26 July) at the 118th Travemuende Week in Northern Germany. The Euro Cups in the RS classes had four more races on the scoring boards that showed tough fight in the British dominated fleets. After winning the Tornado competition the day before, Christian and Helge Sach (Zarnekau, Germany) were also dominant in the Formula 18 catamaran class scoring three bullets. However, top item of the day was Svenja Puls (Luebeck Yacht Club, LYC) being the new World Champion in the Europe class.

Strong to stormy wind is predicted for Friday (27 July). "A trough is moving across the North during the night. In the morning we expect thunderstorms and heavy gusts up to force ten," explained weather expert Meeno Schrader from Kiel, Germany.

Anyway the medium distance race for sea going yachts towards Groemitz on the other end of the Bay of Luebeck is scheduled for 10 h. The Eurocups of the five RS classes will finish. New at the starting lines are more than 50 Folkeboats. Another eleven classes continue their races at the 118th Travemuende Week. -- Andreas Kling

Top three by class:

RS 800 Euro Cup
Results after eight races:
1. Peter Barton/Bonnie Moody (Great Britain) 7 points
2. Andy Cornah/Orwin Murray (Great Britain) 12
3. Graham Simmonds/Chris Doe (Great Britain) 17

RS 700 Euro Cup
Results after eight races:
1. Nigel Walbank (Great Britain) 10
2. Jon Heissig (Great Britain) 12
3. Rob Chaplin (Great Britain) 12

RS 600 Euro Cup
Results after eight races:
1. David Annan (Great Britain) 8
2. Andy Heissig (Great Britain) 9
3. Martin Fear (Great Britain) 19

RS 400 Euro Cup
Results after eight races:
1. Ian and Sandy Johnson (Great Britain) 7
2. Giles and Heather Chipperfield (Great Britain) 17
3. Howard Farbrother/Louise Hosken (Great Britain) 21

RS 200 Euro Cup
Results after eight races:
1. Ian Pickard/Lucy Matthews (Great Britain) 11
2. Nicholas Charles/Juliet Kingsnorth (Great Britain) 13
3/ Trudie Fell/Peter Cruikshank (Great Britain) 14

Beneteau 25/Platu 25
Results after four races:
1. Kai Mares (Daenischenhagen, Germany) 9
2. Sonja Berger (Berlin, Germany) 18
3. Martin Gnass (Hamburg, Germany) 23

49er
Results after four races:
1. Florian Kemper/Michael Krause (Germany) 4
2. Tobias Maduro Norbo/Bo Schulein (Denmark) 13
3. Julian Ramm/Niels Siemsen (Germany) 20

Formula 18
Results after three races:
1. Helge and Christian Sach (Germany) 3
2. Justus Wolf/Susanne Hahn (Germany) 8
3. Andreas John/Hans-Christoph Brumberg (Germany) 10

Melges 24
Results after four races:
1. Markus Scheel (Germany) 13
2. Hendrik Witzmann (Germany) 14
3. Juergen Waschek (Germany) 14

A-Cat
Results after four races:
1. Donald Beike (Germany) 6
2. Joerg Horn (Germany) 7
3. Thilo Keller (Germany) 12

505
Results after three races:
1. Norbert Dasenbrook/Sven Meier (Germany) 3
2. Christian Niefert/Thomas Weber (Germany) 8
3. Martin Kittsteiner/Oliver Dr.Stieglitz (Germany) 12

Skiff Open
Results after four races:
1. Peter Ullmann (Germany) 6
2. Tobias Kunz (Germany) 8
3. Eckhardt Pagel (Germany) 10

Int. 14
Results after two races:
1. Peter Roocks/Ole Klingner (Germany) 3
2. Stephan Heim/Christian Stock (Germany) 4
3. Carmen Bernitt/Olli Holste (Germany) 6

FD
Results after three races:
1. Gerd and Jens Walter (Germany) 6
2. Christian Schaefer/Fabian Schweigel (Germany) 7
3. Michael Haupt/Wolfgang Hoeft (Germany) 8

29er
Results after four races:
1. Nonika Oikonomopoulou/Stelios Noutsos (Greece) 5
2. Christopher Horsch/Agi Ellerbroek (Germany) 7
3. Rico Hasler/Mark Griesmaier (Switzerland) 13

www.travemuender-woche.de

FLYING FIFTEEN UK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Flying Fifteen National Championship got underway today, 26th July, at Largs. With 37 boats entered and near perfect conditions the fleet launched and headed for the race area off the North end of Great Cumbrae.

The course was set with about 11 knots of breeze from the SSW. Both the open and classic fleets got off to a clean start with no penalties at the scheduled start time, 1400hrs. The sportscotland National Centre Cumbrae had their new work boat put to the test laying the full course with good angles and distances. Chris Nichol, Chief Instructor, said "I am very pleased with the new boat and it is the ideal equipment to support the mark laying for large championship events."

The racing was close throughout the fleet and the sailors were challenged further by a wind shift to the west. The course was altered to suit the conditions and the first boat finished after 1 hour and 49 minutes of racing.

Irish pair, Brian McKee and Ian Smyth, Strangford Lough, dominated the race right from the start with a port end start then tacking to cross in front of the whole fleet. They sailed extremely well securing 1st place and closely followed in 2nd by Peter and Sue Bannister, Hayling Island. European Champions, Steve Goacher & Phil Evans finished in third place. In the classic fleet Andrew McKee, the defending champion and youngest helm at 21 years of age finished in first place.

Two races are scheduled for tomorrow and there is a competitive atmosphere in the dinghy park but much more relaxed approach around the bar.

Results Day 1:
Open fleet: 1st Brain McKee & Ian Smyth, 2nd Peter & Sue Bannister, 3rd Steve Goacher & Phil Evans.
Classic fleet: 1st Andrew McKee, 2nd Jeremy Arnold & David Brown, 3rd Norman Hamilton & William Rutherford.

The full results are posted on www.scottishsailinginstitute.com

THE LAST WORD
We forfeit three-fourths of ourselves in order to be like other people. -- Arthur Schopenhauer

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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