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BAIRD, LINDBERG AND CIAN LOOKING STRONG
Hamilton, Bermuda: As the rounds robin at the King Edward VII Gold Cup wind down, time's running out for some crews in Hamilton, Bermuda.

The three group leaders - American Ed Baird, Staffan Lindberg of Finland and Italy's Paolo Cian - are all undefeated at 4-0.

Second in each group - Bermudian Blythe Walker, Mathieu Richard of France and Glenn Astwood, also of Bermuda - have one loss each and control their destiny.

Behind the top two in each group a mad scramble's about to ensue.

The top two from each group at the end of round robin racing advance to the Quarterfinal Round. Third and fourth from each group advance to the second chance Repechage Round, from which the top two advance to the quarterfinals.

That means that accomplished skippers such as New Zealander-cum-Californian Scott Dickson, Sweden's Magnus Holmberg and Bjorn Hansen, and American Sally Barkow, a past Women's Match Racing World Champion, could be eliminated tomorrow.

Racing today was postponed for nearly five hours while the race committee waited for the wind to settle on Hamilton Harbour. An 8- to 10-knot southwesterly eventually filled. -- Sean McNeill

Group A Standings
(After 5 of 7 flights)
1. Ed Baird (USA) Alinghi, 4-0
2. Blythe Walker (BER), 4-1
3. Alvaro Marinho (POR) Seth.pt Team, 2-2
4. Ian Williams (GBR) Team Pindar, 2-2
5. Scott Dickson (NZL) Dickson Racing Team, 2-3
6. Eric Monnin (SUI) Team Monnin, 1-3
7. Peter Wibroe (DEN), 0-4

Group B Standings
(After 5 of 7 flights)
1. Staffan Lindberg (FIN) Alandia Sailing Team, 4-0
2. Mathieu Richard (FRA) Saba SailingTeam, 3-1
3. Johnie Berntsson (SWE), 2-2
T. Jon Eriksson (FIN), 2-2
5. Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Victory Challenge, 2-3
T. Chris Van Tol (USA), 1-3
7. Sally Barkow (USA) Team 7 Sailing, 1-4

Group C Standings
(After 5 of 7 flights)
1. Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Shosholoza, 4-0
2. Glenn Astwood (BDA), 4-1
3. Daniel Glomb (BRA), 3-1
4. Brian Angel (USA) King Harbor Match Race Team, 2-2
T. Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Team Apport.net, 2-2
6. David Tabb (GBR), 0-4
7. Robbie Allam (GBR), 0-5

www.BermudaGoldCup.com

ISABELLE JOSCHKE HEADS FOR CAPE VERDE
It was apparent yesterday, from her speed and route considering, that Isabelle Joschke was in trouble. This was confirmed, at 4 pm (French time), when "Maya" an escort boat, that had rerouted to meet Isabelle, relayed the information that she had problems. The bowsprit/pole pivoting axis had broken and attempts at a repair had failed.

Isabelle first decided to return to the Canary Islands, but – in view of the wind conditions - has decided to continue racing, before the wind, until Cape Verde. She is expected to head for Mindelo (Sao Vincente Island), the only port likely to offer the facilities for repairs. Toda,y at 5 pm, she was over 600 nautical miles away from Cape Verde.

The Cape Verdean funnel has started to have an effect on the fleet. Yves Le Blevec (Actual) still leads and has chosen a direct route. He is sailing very fast (almost 13 knots), taking advantage of a 15 to 18 knots northeast wind. Adrien Hardy is still heading east is 180 nautical miles far from Cap Blanc (Mauritania); he is trying to get back to the direct route, but has lost precious miles. It's the same situation for Nicholas Brennan on Rafiki, who made a great second leg start, Yann Riou on Cameleon, Peter Laureyssens on Ecover, Ronan Deshayes on Pco Technologies and Olivier Cusin on Energies autour du monde.

Kristian Hajnsek, on Adria Mobil, stayed much further west and could possibly soon head on a direct route to the Santo Antao/Sao Vicente channel.

In the series boats, Francisco Lobato (BPI) is still heading on an almost direct route. He is now only 52 nautical miles from Stephane le Diraison (Cultisol-Institut Curie) and Herve Piveteau (Jules-Imprimerie Cartoffset) isn't far behind. -- From BYM News: www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=16465

Event site: www.transat650.org

ALREADY ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS
Philippe de Villiers, Vendee Globe race organiser, officially presented the 2008/09 Vendee Globe in Paris on Wednesday 10th October 2007. Twenty years after its first edition, when this race was first created around an idea, which was both simple and crazy: sail single-handed non-stop around the world via the three capes without any external assistance. The countdown for the 2008/2009 edition has now begun and the event is going to be historic, because of the record number of sailors pre-registered, the quality of the 25 yachtsmen from all four corners of the sailing world, and finally because of all the innovative treasures aboard the latest generation of 60-foot Open boats.

Twenty-five contenders lining up for the supreme title of ocean sailing. Never has the Vendee Globe attracted so many. Ten yachtsmen and women from abroad - never has the Vendee Globe been so international. Sixteen new boats, two completely refitted, all by the seven most innovative design teams in ocean racing. Never has the Vendee Globe brought together so much talent, using so much technology, with such great passion and skill. Two former winners - Vincent Riou (2005) and Michel Desjoyeaux (2001) - and 23 other competitors, trying to get the Holy Grail of single-handed sailing.

Sixteen new boats and two completely refitted will be there at the start. A record. The seven most prestigious design studios in the world of ocean racing have worked for the top yachtsmen. Should they have gone for power or lightness? This is the great debate. A powerful boat will show its potential in moderate winds and heading into heavy seas… Others, however, and not the most insignificant, like Jean Le Cam, Roland Jourdain, Marc Guillemot and Kito de Pavant are continuing along the path towards lightness. All sorts of innovations will be brought into play, in particular concerning the ease of handling, the choice of mast, the type of canting keel system, etc. We shall have to keep an eye on the astonishing trim tab on Jean-Pierre Dick's boat.

Sodeb'O is renewing its commitment as Headline Partner to the Vendee Globe. One of France's most dynamic food groups and one of the most present in ocean racing, will once again be the headline private partner for the Vendee Globe in 2008.

The Vendee Council, whose support has been vital in ensuring the creation and the lasting success of the Vendee Globe event, is already at the forefront of the organisation of this global event and is strengthening its image as France's leading ocean racing department. Behind the Council, the whole of Vendee and its people support the Vendee Globe and its skippers.

List of the 25 skippers that have pre-registered

Yannick Bestaven (FRA)
Jeremie Beyou (FRA)
Arnaud Boissieres (FRA)
Dee Caffari (GBR)
Samantha Davies (GBR)
Kito De Pavant (FRA)
Michel Desjoyeaux (FRA)
Jean-Pierre Dick (FRA)
Yann Elies (FRA)
Mike Golding (GBR)
Marc Guillemot (FRA)
Derek Hatfield (CAN)
Sebastien Josse (FRA)
Roland Jourdain (FRA)
Jean Le Cam (FRA)
Armel Le Cleac'h (FRA)
Anne Liardet (FRA)
Jonny Malbon (GBR)
Loick Peyron (FRA)
Vincent Riou (FRA)
Bernard Stamm (SUI)
Alex Thomson (GBR)
Dominique Wavre (SUI)
Steve White (GBR)
Rich Wilson (USA)

www.vendeeglobe.org

B&G RELEASES NEW DECKMAN V8.2 WITH INTEGRATED GRIB.US WEATHER DATA
Following the teaming up of B&G and GRIB.US, B&G has launched a new version of its highly regarded Deckman tactical navigation software, offering sophisticated new functionality, including integrated weather data delivery.

Deckman v8.2 includes as standard integrated GRIB file functionality in the form of UGRIB from leading weather data specialist GRIB.US. This gives Deckman users instant access to high quality and reliable weather information, enabling enhanced routing decisions and increased tactical prowess for navigators.

UGRIB weather data that can be viewed within Deckman as a weather overlay, integrated into Deckman routes for optimal tactical decision making. Free upgrades available within v8.

www.bandg.com

BLACK BORA WINDS DELAY START OF RC44 TRIESTE CUP
Trieste, Italy: In the week leading up to Italy's most popular regatta - the Barcolana, three new owners plus an impressive group of professional sailors is gathered here for the final event on the RC44 Championship Tour - the RC44 Trieste Cup.

Following on from an exciting and windy practice race day yesterday, the fleet of ten RC44s waited out the Race Committee's decision as to whether or not the scheduled fleet racing would take place today. Winds gusting up to 35 knots (indicative of the region's 'black bora') however, led the Race Committee to cancel today's racing.

Racing is due to resume tomorrow morning. The format, match or fleet racing, will be announced at the Skippers Briefing.

rc44.com

ALFA ROMEO RETURNS TO THE BARCOLANA
Skippered by New-Zealander Neville Crichton, Maxi Yacht Alfa Romeo is looking for a fourth win at the Barcolana event after her three victories in 2003, 2004 and 2006, and returns to sail at Trieste as the "defender" of the maxi yacht world speed record. Meanwhile, and following the success of the most recent edition, Alfa Romeo Automobiles has renewed its partnership deal with Barcolana.

On the back of five Line Honours at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, and real time wins at the Giraglia Rolex Cup and the Millennium Cup in Palma de Majorca, maxi yacht Alfa Romeo is readying herself to take on the 2000 craft expected for this 39th edition of Barcolana, a veritable feast of sailing, eagerly awaited every October and warmly greeted by thousands of sailing enthusiasts and onlookers.

"It really is a unique event on the world scene," said owner and skipper Neville Crichton (above). "The warmth of the city and the huge crowd of boats and sailing enthusiasts all around us makes for a really unique sight that gets to us every time".

The Barcolana main sponsorship is the latest in Alfa Romeo's initiatives in world of sailing for the 2006-2007 season.

thedailysail.com

* There are 775 competitors for Barcolana 39 so far. Today even Banca Generali entered the race chartering one of the six Farr80 that will take part in the Autumn Cup. Mauro Pelaschier will be at the helm with a team of 20 sailors (all clients of the Bank) and will challenge his friend-rival Cino Ricci, who will be at the helm of the Army's yacht (another Farr 80). And if Ricci said he wants to beat his rival and "come first at sea and at the bar", Azzurra's fabulous helmsman gave him an answer in perfect Barcolana style: "As to Cino Ricci's challenge - I will always be grateful to him for having chosen me as helmsman of Azzurra - I can only say that in a race with almost 2000 boats it would be out of place to concentrate on only one opponent. Our aim is to come ahead of the greatest number of boats - says Pelaschier - possibly in front of all, and thus leaving him behind is part of our objective."

The 39th Barcolana starts at 10 AM local time on Sunday 14 October.

www.barcolana.it

FEDOR KONYUKHOV SETS SAIL FOR AUSTRALIA
Famous Russian sailor Fedor Konyukhov will set sail from Falmouth UK on Friday 12th October on a shake-down solo voyage to Albany, Western Australia in preparation for his attempt to become the first man to sail solo non-stop around Antarctica.

The 56 year-old yachtsman and his 27 metre (88ft) yacht Trading Network Alye Parusa will set out from the National Maritime Museum dock at 10:00am. He will be sailing solo, non-stop and expects to complete the 12,500 mile voyage to the historic port of Albany by December. Fedor and his team have spent the past 3-months preparing his Open 85 yacht for the challenge ahead at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth. The Russian adventurer, who has completed four previous global circumnavigations plans to set out on the 14,600 mile Antarctica Cup Race Track in January and set a benchmark record as a prelude to the Antarctica Cup Race planned for 2009/10 to coincide with the Centenary celebrations of the Princess Royal Sailing Club in Albany.

The record attempt will be ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) to provide a benchmark for others to beat.

Bob Williams, the CEO of the Antarctica Cup Management said today: "We wish Fedor good speed and look forward to welcoming him in Albany. The extreme nature and historical significance of this record attempt will appeal to audiences way beyond normal ocean sailing events. His voyage Down-Under offers the best possible preparation and we will be monitoring Trading Network Alye Parusa' progress throughout the voyage and will publish weekly updates on www.antarcticacup.com

21ST CANADA'S CUP BATTLE BEGINS FRIDAY
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: As temperatures on the Great Lakes cool, the competition between two hardened yacht-racing crews is about to heat up on Lake Ontario. The first starting gun on Friday morning will mark Michigan's Bob Hughes' third straight attempt to wrest the Canada's Cup away from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, which sent Hughes and his Heartbreaker team home in defeat in 2001 and 2003.

The massive silver trophy is one of the oldest in sailing, and shares more than looks with her better-known sister, America's Cup. Both are named after the original racing yacht that first defended them - the RCYC's Canada won the first-ever match in 1896 on the waters of Lake Erie. Conceived as a tool to help "encourage the building of larger fleets by fostering class racing" on the Great Lakes, the Canada's Cup is the most prestigious sailing trophy in the United States today.

The RCYC took the Cup away from Detroit's Bayview Yacht Club 2001, when Olympian Terry McLaughlin beat Bob Hughes by the tiniest of margins after 5 days of racing. In 2003 Hughes, now representing Lake Michigan's Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, came up short in Toronto, again losing by a narrow margin to McLaughlin. Hughes' and new partner Ted Etheridge now return for a third attempt in 7 years, and they are hoping that the third time's a charm.

This 21st Challenge marks the first time that the Canada's Cup will be broadcast live on the internet. Ionearth.com's race telemetry system will send each boat's position, speed and bearing to the web via satellite, where the data will be plotted on a high-resolution photographic chart of the course area. Ionearth will also fit their SRT units to the marks of the course and to the start/finish boat, allowing spectators around the world to see this unique match race unfold second by second. Live commentary will be available in a separate window, bringing explanations of the action to those watching it on Ionearth's interface. Outside the America's Cup, this is the first time that this technology is available for the public's enjoyment of short-course racing.

Viewers can follow the action at www.ionearth.com or www.cancuplive.com

EARLS COURT: PUTTING THE 'SHOW' BACK INTO BOAT SHOW
From 1-9 December, the revamped Earls Court opens its doors to sailors, Christmas shoppers and show-goers visiting London. There's music and fashion shows, Riva, a spa for the footsore, the original special events Guinness bar, the National Maritime Museum's Hall of Fame, dozens of drams from the Whyte & Mackay family, acres of chandlery and boats! From a 'boat in a bag' to Gipsy Moth IV, a display of yachts on the pool and headline musical entertainment! The all-new Whyte & Mackay Earls Court Boat Show: you can't beat boating in the heart of London!

www.earlscourtboatshow.com

AUSTRALIA II'S MINI PREDECESSOR SAILS AGAIN
For a very small boat, the Taipan played an enormous part in what is arguably Australia's most significant international sporting victory, Australia II's 1983 America's Cup win.

Fifty years ago, the 18-foot skiff was launched with tiny wings on her keel and rudder, the brainchild of visionary yachting designer Ben Lexcen.

Today, after several years and $100,000 spent restoring this nautical relic to its original condition, the Taipan sailed again.

Yachtsman Carl Ryves, who sailed with Lexcen in the early days, remembers watching the Taipan's successor sail to glory in 1983 with "great excitement".

"What a race - what a day. This thing looked like it came from another planet," he said.

In 1983, Taipan's giant direct descendant, Australia II, won the America's Cup with a very sophisticated winged keel as its secret weapon.

The Cup's traditional holder, the New York yacht club, has repeatedly claimed Lexcen did not invent the revolutionary keel.

The Taipan proves he did.

"Lexcen was always full of bright ideas," says Ryves.

"Benny had an idea when he was lying in Brisbane with a broken back and came up with an idea for a supercharged flying Dutchman. This is the only thing that Lexcen designed, built, sailed - and here it is."

There will be one more piece of history for this little boat in November when John Bertrand, the man who sailed Australia II to victory in the America's Cup, takes the Taipan for its final sail.

After that, she takes her rightful place on permanent exhibition at the National Maritime Museum. -- Peter Harvey in Australia's National Nine News: news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=304495

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 Suzie Marwood re: Oldest Sailor...Paul Miller, the helm of our Daring, Audax, is 100 years old. Oh! No! Sorry, I forgot, he only says that so much time passes when we fail to get the spinnaker up/down fast enough that he just feels that way by the time it's been accomplished.

THE LAST WORD
I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen. -- Ernest Hemingway

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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