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A DELAY FOR THE NEXT AMERICA'S CUP?
From America's Cup Management:

ACM to reassess the feasibility of the America's Cup in Valencia in 2009

As a consequence of the uncertainty and the delays arising from the Golden Gate Yacht Club Law suit in New York, AC Management (ACM) is concerned that the feasibility of organising the next America's Cup in Valencia in 2009 has been effectively compromised.

ACM will in the coming days engage in consultations with the Defender, the Challenger of Record, the Competitors and the Spanish Authorities on this specific matter.

ACM is considering all options, including the possibility of postponing the event to a later date.

In the meantime, ACM understands that SNG continues to try to find a resolution of the dispute pending with Golden Gate Yacht Club in New York.

* Strictly speaking, under the terms of the Deed of Gift, it is the Challenger who sets the dates for the next Match. However under the Protocol negotiated between Societe Nautique de Geneve and Club Nautico Espanol de Vela, control of the event is effectively handed to ACM, who have absolute power in decision making.

Previously Mutual Consent has prevailed in all previous Cups, and such a change in dates, or even a consideration of a change, would be a matter of equal negotiation between the Challenger and Defender. under the current protocol, the Defender would consult with the Competitors Commission, but retains the decision making ability. ACM also carries all financial risk in the event which currently has less than half the number of challengers that entered the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup.

The move will cause further damage to the difficult sponsorship position of Challengers, and is somewhat surprising, given that the matter is due to be heard in the New York State Supreme Court in less than three weeks on facts which are substantially agreed by the parties. A quick decision looked to be on the cards.

Some breakthrough appeared in the stalemate late last week with a phone call taking place between Ernesto Bertarelli owners of Team Alinghi and Larry Ellison of BMW Oracle Racing. However any hope that progress was being made was dashed within 48 hours after an interview, given by Bertarelli, was published in a Swiss newspaper. -- Richard Gladwell in Sail-World New Zealand: www.sail-world.com/indexs.cfm?nid=37948

YANNICK BESTAVEN WILL BE AT THE HELM OF PARLIER'S OLD BOAT
Yannick Bestaven and the Cervin EnR Group, which specialises in renewable energy forms, have officially signed up today to compete in the Vendee Globe 2008 on board Yves Parlier's legendary monohull.

Parlier's former "Aquitaine Innovations" has been through a lot. The 60-footer with a prestigious past, one of the most innovative boats of her generation, had been languishing in Normandy for four years. However, the Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre, the Route du Rhum and the Europe race was still rearing to go. She was to be put back in service thanks to the stubbornness of two men, Yves Parlier, her godfather, and Yannick Bestaven her new skipper, a yachtsman, who first came to prominence in ocean racing by winning the Transat 6.50 in 2001.

The first observation round, the Transat Jacques Vabre that Yannick Bestaven will be entering with Ronan Guerin and the single-handed return voyage from Bahia - Port la Foret racing against fifteen or so other IMOCA 60-foot boats, will enable him not only to qualify for the Vendee Globe, but will also give him a chance to measure his boat against his rivals, test her, analyse her reactions, discover her strengths and her weaknesses. "Cervin EnR" is not yet fine-tuned. She will be worked on during a major refit in the winter, the results of which will be seen in May 2008 during the single-handed Transat. Between now and the start of the Vendee Globe, the boat will have taken part in 4 transatlantic races: the Transat Jacques Vabre and the return voyage, the English Transat and the Quebec-Saint-Malo crewed race.

www.vendeeglobe.org

TOP OF THE TRACK, TOP OF YOUR GAME
It's 6, gusting 7 and building. The brains trust banged the layline, you trimmed a beauty and now you're hiking hard and closing on the mark. You've had 30 seconds to look back down the track, see what's what. 'Pole up, hoisting in five boatlengths!' The guy's sneaking back and you know you've got to hike big before grabbing the sheet and getting up to the windward shrouds. Not easy when you're heeling at 30 degrees. No problem with soles that corner like an F1 car. Dubarry's new Fastnet boots: grip like no other.

www.dubarry.com

DECISION SHOWS DAUBNEY TESTED POSITIVE TO COCAINE
Alinghi sailor Simon Daubney tested positive to cocaine, and not cannabis as earlier reported, during this year's America's Cup match with Team New Zealand in Valencia.

Daubney believed a drink spiked by "a small unruly element" who opposed his move from Team NZ to Alinghi seven years ago was to blame.

An America's Cup jury accepted his contention that he had not knowingly taken a banned substance.

It said the International Sailing Federation had jurisdiction in respect of any penalty.

The jury's decision, issued at the weekend, said analysis of the sample revealed the presence of two metabolites of cocaine.

It said Daubney believed he had been the victim of a spiked drink which had been bought for him in the week before the sample was taken.

The genoa trimmer blamed people who had opposed his and five other New Zealand sailors' decision to leave Team NZ in 2000.

Daubney told the jury he had been subjected to considerable personal harassment at times over that decision.

He gave further evidence that he received in his mailbox at the Alinghi base on the day after the test a note stating: "I heard you were tested. How did you get on? Ha Ha."

Under cup rules, Alinghi will not lose the America's Cup because crew members are individually responsible for doping.

Daubney does, however, risk a two-year suspension, which would rule him out of the next cup regatta in Valencia in 2009. -- New Zealand Herald, full story at www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=106&objectid=10467038

GLASGOW: SCOTLAND WITH STYLE CLIPPER FEELS THE HEAT
Now most of the fleet has escaped the clutches of the Canary Islands, the next 24 hours will see the yachts move steadily southwards as they move into an area of strengthening winds.

The one exception is New York, which has struggled to move out of the lee of the islands and their overnight run of just 46 nautical miles could also indicate some sail damage.

Race Director, Joff Bailey, comments, "In ocean racing it is often the case that the rich get richer and with the leading pair, Durban 2010 and Beyond and Nova Scotia likely to benefit first from the steady trade winds, this is the likely scenario here - certainly as far as the Doldrums."

The 1200 GMT poll shows the front pair continuing to maintain their lead over the fleet, with Jamaica holding off Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper for third place. The latest positions can be seen on the Race Viewer at http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com

Steady wind conditions will be a welcome relief for the fleet after the constant changes since the departure from La Rochelle.

www.clipperroundtheworld.com

TOMAS HORNOS/ENRIQUE QUINTERO SNIPE WORLD CHAMPIONS
The North-Americans Tomas Hornos/Enrique Quintero are the new Snipe World Champions. The title was won at Leixoes Portugal. The TMN Snipe World Championship's most outstanding feature was the hard sailing conditions allowing only three races to take place.

At last the wind showed up for the Championship and allowed the realisation of a desperately needed third race, hence ratifying the World Championship. The effort of the Race Committee finally paid off after waiting since 08 am. A total of 57 crews, representing 18 countries raced

Tomas Hornos/Enrique Quintero, from the United States, prooved to be the strongest, succeeding their compatriots Augie Diaz/Mark Ivey, the latter finishing the championship in 4th. In fact, the North-American fleet showed their might on the last race by having three crews among the first 4 at the finish line, with the crew Peter Commette/Sheehan Commette, winning bronze.

Overall top ten

1. Tomas Hornos/Enrique Quintero - United States
2. Kenji Abe/Hiroshi Yamachica - Japan
3. Peter Commette/Sheehan Commette - United States
4. Augie Diaz/ Mark Ivey - United States
5. Pablo Defazio/Eduardo Medici - Uruguay
6. Bart Bomans/Jill Ponet - Belgium
7. Diogo Cayolla/Rui Castilho - Portugal
8. Brian Bissell / Danny Pletsch - United States
9. Goncalo Guerra/Tiago Guerra - Portugal
10. Pablo Fresneda/Cesar Travado - Spain

www.worldsnipe2007.org

GIPSY MOTH IV: STAR OF THE WHYTE & MACKAY EARLS COURT BOAT SHOW
The all-new Whyte & Mackay Earls Court Boat Show isn't just about exciting shows andChristmas shopping, it's shining with stars from sailing past, present and future. See Sir Francis Chichester's world-famous Gipsy Moth IV; watch Dee Caffari live by satellite in her first Transatlantic race; Michael Perham - the Transat Kid - auctions Cheeky Monkey; Gigi, the Cape Horn-rounding Contessa 32 takes a newly restored bow. There's the National Maritime Museum's Hall of Fame, the Steve Curtis Power Boat Display, good food, Guinness and much, much more. The all-new Whyte & Mackay Earls Court Boat Show: you can't beat boating in the heart of London!

www.earlscourtboatshow.com

TRANSAT JACQUES VABRE
Miranda Merron has had to withdraw from the Transat Jacques Vabre due to a minor health issue. Peter Harding, owner of 40 Degrees, will now race this November's Transat Jacques Vabre with the highly experienced, French sailor Anne Liardet.

Anne and Miranda competed in the last edition of the race together on Anne's then Open 60 Roxy after Anne had completed the Vendee Globe.

'I'm delighted that Anne is able to do this race', commented Miranda. 'Even though Peter and Anne haven't sailed together before, I'm sure they'll be fine. Anne is a fantastic person to sail with and is utterly undaunted about taking on someone for their first transatlantic. She'll be a great teacher and will continue this project in the spirit that was originally intended.'

'I feel very lucky to have access to such good sailors and I feel 100%confident sailing with Anne. Its just a shame that its not Miranda. In just 24 hours my French has already trebled!'

In the mean time, Miranda will continue to project manage '40 Degrees' and will advise boat owner Peter Harding in all aspects of pre race planning. Peter still plans to race in the Jacques Vabre and will shortly decide with whom he will be competing in his first ever transatlantic race.

Miranda's next race will be the solo Transat next May from Plymouth to the USA.

* Peter Harding will race this November's Transat Jacques Vabre with the highly experienced French sailor Anne Liardet. Anne and Miranda competed in the last edition of the race together on Anne's then Open 60 'Roxy' after Anne had completed the Vendee Globe. "I'm delighted that Anne is able to do this race", commented Miranda. " Even though Peter and Anne haven't sailed together before, I'm sure they'll be fine. Anne is a fantastic person to sail with and is utterly undaunted about taking on someone for their first transatlantic. She'll be a great teacher and will continue this project in the spirit that was originally intended."

"I feel very lucky to have access to such good sailors and I feel 100% confident sailing with Anne. Its just a shame that its not Miranda. In just 24 hours my French has already trebled!"

Peter and Anne will attend today's Jacques Vabre press conference in Paris together and set off for their qualifier, (Peter's second) next Thursday. -- Sophy Williams

* Crews from the 60 strong entry list for November's Transat Jacques Vabre gathered in Paris this afternoon. 60 boats, 120 crew, is a record number for this biennial doublehanded race between Le Havre and Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. Two years ago there were 38 boats while for the first race back in 1993 (when it was known as the Route du Cafe) there were just 13.

Part of the reason for the hike in entries is of course the advent of the Class 40, 30 of which will be moored in the Bassine Paul Vatine (named after the trimaran skipper tragically lost overboard in the 1999 race).

In the week prior to the two starts - the monohulls set sail on 3 November, the multis on the 4 November - a 7000sqm race village will be set up for the public to enjoy the proceedings. The boats must arrive in Le Havre by midday on Friday 26 October. -- TheDailySail.com, www.thedailysail.com/ism/articles.nsf/News/5407E3E9168BEF3E802573690060BA6C?OpenDocument&Page=1

www.jacques-vabre.com

ISA ALL IRELAND SAILING CHAMPIONSHIP
Ireland's national sailing event will see the best of Irish sailors compete to be crowned the 2007 All Ireland Sailing Champion. The National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire will host this premier domestic championship this coming weekend (6th & 7th October 2007). The Senior competition will be sailed in the J80's from the new ISA SailFleet and the Junior & Girls event will take place in Laser Radial dinghies.

"2007 Champion Peter O'Leary will be defending his title but he will have strong competition to contend with," said Ed Alcock, ISA Racing Manager. "One interesting wildcard nominee is Ger O'Rourke who recently added the title of overall winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race to his list of triumphs for 2007."

In the lead up to the 2008 Olympic Games it will be interesting to watch the two Olympic Squad nominees Gerald Owens, who earlier in the summer secured Ireland place at the 2008 Games in the 470 class, and Star campaigner Maurice O'Connell. Interestingly enough, the 2006 Defending Champion, Peter O'Leary, has begun competing internationally in the Star class.

Following on the success of 2007, this year's championship will see an even stronger Girl's presence within the Junior & Girl's competition which takes place in the Olympic class Laser Radial dinghy.

Returning to defend her title will be Rachel Guy (2006 Girl's Champion) however this year the girl's fleet will include nine strong competitors, including local sailor Annalise Murphy who campaign's her Laser Radial regularly on the Olympic circuit.

Last year there was a battle royal between Ben Lynch and Aidan McLavery as they chased the Junior title, which George Kenefick untimately clinched. Although Kenefick is not competing this year neither Lynch nor McLavery can expect plain sailing as the girls sail within the Junior fleet and can also aim for the Junior Title.

Event website www.sailing.ie/allireland/

FERNANDO BOLIN
It is with great sadness ISAF reports that Fernando Bolin (ESP), ISAF Vice-President from 1998-2004, passed away on 2 October, aged 77.

Fernando dedicated much of his live to sailing, gathering numerous offshore and dinghy titles before becoming involved in sailing administration, and going on to play vital roles at the Real Federacion Espanola de Vela and the International Sailing Federation.

Fernando was the Spanish Olympic Team Manager at the Montreal, Moscow and Los Angeles Olympic Games, and would continue his involvement with the Games through the remainder of his life in sailing. In 1991 he became an ISAF International Judge and served on the Jury at the Barcelona and Sydney Games, alongside numerous other high profile events from dinghy to offshore. Fernando's understanding of the importance of protocol and hospitality gave him the additional role as head of protocol across many ISAF events.

In his native Spain, Fernando served a total of 12 years as a Vice-President and President of the Real Federacion Espanola de Vela. Fernando was also a past President of the European Union Sailing Association - the predecessor to EUROSAF. Fernando was also instrumental in the development of disabled sailing in Spain. He initiated, organized and developed the framework to enable disabled sailing to become a reality and ensure sailing could be offered to all.

In 1998 Fernando was elected to the ISAF Executive Committee and was re-elected again for a second term in 2000. During his six years in the Executive Committee his portfolio included working with the Events Committee, and so he continued to be deeply involved in the Olympic Sailing Competition as well as all other aspects of ISAF events.

Upon retiring as an ISAF Vice-President, Fernando was awarded an ISAF Gold Medal in 2004 in recognition of his outstanding voluntary contribution to sailing.

ISAF extends our sincere sympathy and condolences to Fernando's wife, Mercedes, their family and friends. -- www.sailing.org/20517.php?PHPSESSID=3d55a24c1324017658fc40361d46a7d2

* Editor's note: I knew Fernando when I served as the ISAF's webmaster for many years... he was the epitome of the proper Spanish gentleman, gracious and courteous, and had a wonderful, wry sense of humour. The world is a lesser place with his passing.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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* From Mark Chew, Classic Yacht Association of Australia): Re ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE

Your mention of "Morna" is timely as she is in danger of soon becoming one of the more embarrassing stories of neglect in Australia's maritime history.

Your article is right in saying that "Morna" won LH in the 1946/47/48 Sydney-Hobarts.

But She also won LH again in 1956/57/60 as "KURREWA IV" , so Wild Oates XI still has a way to go equal her achievements. Bear in mind the last victory was 47 years after she was launched.

I think "Morna" is probably Australia's second most important sailing vessel. The most important is Australia II, the first ever non-American winner of the Americas Cup in 1983. Her story is recent enough to be still fresh in the public psyche, and her future has been guaranteed due to her acquisition by the Fremantle Maritime Museum

"Morna's" story is more complex. Her pedigree is immaculate (William Fife III). She was built to the 12 Metre First International Rule in 1913. She has had a series of illustrious owners, her achievements are unsurpassed, and yet her future is in serious doubt.

At present she is moored off Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in a state of serious disrepair. I don't think she has left the mooring for at least 10 years. Unlike Europeans Australians are not good at appreciating the roll that their past has played in their present situation. Wild Oats XI is a direct descendent of yachts like Morna. We need to keep them both.

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THE LAST WORD
The altar cloth of one aeon is the doormat of the next. -- Samuel Clemons

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.

www.YachtsandCruisers.com the new place to buy and sell prestige boats, the website has been designed to showcase high-end boats. People looking to buy prestige boats will be able to easily navigate their way around the site quickly. The portfolio of thousands of boats can be viewed by category, make, location and price. Alternatively the 'Advanced Search' facility will benefit those buyers who have a specific boat in mind.

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