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SOLING WORLDS
Buenos Aires, Argentina: The Soling Class World Championship is being organized by the Club Nautico San Isidro which welcomes this opportunity to bring the World´s best crews to its home waters in the River Plate.

Buenos Aires , located on the edge of the extensive flat and fertile plains world known as the "Pampas", is in the temperate latitudes and has very pleasant Spring weather in November.

Impressions from Roman Koch after Wednesday's sailing:

After a very cold and rainy night again, weather slowly clears and so some words about the wind situation. I was very surprised to see every day such wonderfull conditions. Since our arrival end of october we had one day without wind and two days with too much wind. All other days good to very good conditions with winds between 2 and most of the time 4-5 bft., starting in the morning or blowing through the whole night and day.

Looking on the schedule, I saw start always at 1 pm and so I asked why? Most of you probabely know the situation, having a bad wind in a regatta and everybody says: this is not normal! Here we have the situation, that the good winds through the whole days is not normal. Due to the unusual cold temperatures the system gets crazy and the thermical breeze cannot build. Mostly the thermical breeze should start at 12 am and build through the day to have a first race with 2 bft. and the second with up to 5 bft.

The weather forecast for the next three days looks perfect: raising temperatures up to 28 degrees... but what will the wind do?!? Following the "normal" procedure or simply not building?

Racing continues through Saturday 24 November

Top ten after six races:

1. Cicero Hartmann / Flavio Quevedo / Andre Renard, BRA, 20 points
2. George Nehm / Marcos Ribeiro / Lucio Ribeiro, BRA, 24
3. Hans Fogh / Roger Cheer / Gord Devries, CAN, 24
4. Martin Busch / Tomas Peuvrel / Maximo Feldtmann, BRA, 24
5. Henrik Dannesboe / Eki Heinonen / Claus Lauritsen, DEN, 32
6. Alejandro Chometowski / Alejandro Cherro / Nicolas Chometowski, ARG, 33
7. John Mac Call / Carlos Fioriti / Ezequiel Mendonca, ARG, 39
8. Gustavo Warburg / Hernan Celedoni / Maximo Smith, ARG, 41
9. Gyorgy Wossala / Peter Nemeth / Karoly Vezer, HUN, 41
10. Peter Hall / Christean Hartmann / Jey Deacan, CAN, 42

Full results: www.soling.com/results/ShowResults.asp?ID=391

MONSOON CUP TO DECIDE WORLD CHAMPION
Frenchman Mathieu Richard and his Saba Sailing Team are on fire having won the last two stages of the World Match Racing Tour. After taking wins at the Bermuda Gold Cup and the recently completed Brazil Sailing Cup, Richard has taken an 8 point lead going into the fifteenth and final stage of the World Tour. Richard is in prime position to be the second Frenchman to win the ISAF Match Racing World Championship at the Monsoon Cup in Kuala Terrenganu, Malaysia which starts next week, November 28 - December 2nd. However, there are still five teams that could win the World Championship title in Malaysia.

The top six skippers on the leader board will be attending the Monsoon Cup which is worth double the points of a regular World Tour event and must be counted in the skippers final score. Mathieu Richard leads with 140 points followed by Team Pindar's, Ian Williams on 132. Italian Paolo Cian of Shosholoza is in third place with 115 followed by Frenchman Sebastion Col on 93 and Bjorn Hansen on 87. However, each skipper will drop there worst race and count the final score making the scores even tighter. With a drop the score line reads:

Matthieu Richard (FRA) - Saba Sailing Team: 130 points
Iam Williams (GBR) - Team Pindar: 122 points
Paolo Cian (ITA) - Shosholoza: 107 points
Sebastion Col (FRA) - Areva Challenge: 89 points
Bjorn Hansen (SWE) - Team Apport.net: 87 points
Peter Gilmour (AUS) - PST: 66 points

There will be 200 points up for grabs to the top eight places out of the 12 competing teams. Points will be allocated as follows: 1st - 50 points; 2nd - 40; 3rd - 30; 4th - 24; 5th - 20; 6th - 16, 7th - 12 and 8th - 8points. A zero score at this event could cost any of the skippers dearly and could decide the ISAF Match Racing World Championship. In addition to the top five teams, Dato' Peter Gilmour the defending World Champion will be sailing and still has a shot at making the podium at his home event.

The line up for next week's Monsoon Cup includes:

1. Mathieu Richard FRA - Saba Sailing Team
2. Ian Williams GBR - Team Pindar
3. Paolo Cian ITA - Team Shosholoza
4. Sebastien Col FRA - Areva Challenge
5. Bjorn Hansen SWE - Apport.Net
6. Dato' Peter Gilmour AUS - PST
7. Jesper Radich DEN - Radich Racing Team
8. Staffan Lindberg FIN - Alandia Sailing Team
9. Torvar Mirsky AUS - Mirsky Racing Team
10. Katie Spithill AUS - Team Acuity
11. Adam Minoprio NZL - BlackMatch Racing
12. Tiffany Koo MAS - UK Halsey Gapurna

www.worldmatchracingtour.com
www.monsooncup.com.my

'THE' NEW TOY TO HAVE THIS CHRISTMAS!
B&G have launched their NEW wireless, handheld, On-Deck, Tactical Navigation PC and it's a cracker! RaceVision3000 builds on previous versions of RaceVision, which has proven to be a vital tactical tool in today's competitive racing scene. Designed to meet the tough requirements of the racing navigation environment, the new model has a sophisticated yet rugged appearance and feels comfortable in the hand. Complete with the latest version of B&G's Deckman Tactical Software, the RV3000 provides the navigator with access to navigation data from all areas of the boat, allowing optimum boat performance.

Check the new RV3000 out at www.bandg.com

THE QUEST FOR 50 KNOTS
The Canal in Saintes Maries, France, delivered two solid days of Southeast wind that was an excellent start to the 5-month period in the chase for the 50-knot barrier, national records and individual personal bests.

The wind was strongest during the early afternoon with a range between 35/40-knots with the occasional bigger gust. Patrik Diethelm set a new production board record with an excellent time of 44.71-knots on his F2 XS Missile and Antoine Albeau set a new French windsurfing record with a speed of 46.55-knots.

Unfortunately the wind was too square for a chance at the world record with a constant orientation of 105-110 degrees, which made the apparent wind in the face feel like the wind was much stronger. The speeds from Antoine and Finian were impressive considering that the conditions were far from perfect with exceptionally gusty winds that were very unusual for this wind direction.

Next week there is a long-term forecast for Mistral wind that we are closely monitoring. If world record conditions arrive we expect our media partner windsurfjournal.com to begin our live coverage straight from the Canal and we will put our live ticker online for immediate information.

www.mastersofspeed.com

MIKE GOLDING'S SECRET WEAPON
TheDailySail speaks to designer Merfyn Owen about 'the Platex' inceptor device on Ecover III

Prior to the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre we wrote about one of the secret weapons fitted to Mike Golding's new Owen-Clarke designed Ecover III Open 60, namely what appeared to be an 'interceptor' as spotted by prying eyes when the boat was lifted out of the water in the Gosport.

Since then we have managed to corner designer Merfyn Owen, to find out about this innovation.

From the photos we saw of the boat during her inversion test in New Zealand, there appeared to be a slight wedge-shape to the underside of Ecover III's hull right at the transom. In fact this proved to be an optical illusion covering up something completely different, for as we saw in Le Havre prior to the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre, Ecover III is indeed fitted with an interceptor. Typically on power boats and ships, this device comprises a vertical plate, fitted to the transom, that drops down an inch or so (depending upon the size of the vessel) and is used to dampen pitching, but as Tom Weaver, newly moved over to the 'dark side' of the power boating world, informed us, is also in some cases used to improve lateral stability. -- Full story for subscribers (superb gift idea! -- Ed.), at www.thedailysail.com

HOLMATRO CUSTOM HYDRAULICS
Dutch manufacturer Holmatro Marine Equipment has extended its capabilities re. custom-built rigging hydraulics for superyachts. Holmatro is now able to produce custom-built boom vangs, cylinders, mechanical lock cylinders and double acting cylinders ranging from -60 up to -320. All products are designed according to customer specifications and are available in stainless steel or aluminium.

Contact us for more information: www.holmatro-marine.com

FROM TURMOIL TO TRANQUILITY: TAHITI 2008 NOR POSTED
With the sailing world in turmoil over the changes of Olympic classes and billionaires butting heads about how to run the next America's Cup, maybe it's time to try the tranquility of the South Seas.

Entries for the Transpacific Yacht Club's 13th race to Tahiti next summer will open Dec. 1.The Notice of Race and entry form are now posted at www.transpacificyc.org

The 3,571-nautical mile race will start Sunday, June 22, at 1 p.m. off Point Fermin in San Pedro, cross the equator and finish at the historic Pointe Venus lighthouse on the north end of the island, six miles east of Papeete.

Unlike the Olympics or the AC, participants may sail any kind of boat they have, subject to approval by the eligibility committee and as long as it complies with part 4.1 of the NOR that reads: "Monohull yachts must be at least 33 [feet] LOA , be self-righting and properly ballasted. Monohull yachts may not be slower than a Southern California PHRF off-wind course rating of 114 sec/mile . . ."

The lower speed rating is equivalent to that of a Cal 40. All boats also must pass inspection for 2006-2007 ISAF Special Regulations for Category 1 standards of safety and accommodation ( www.ussailing.org/safety/isaf_new.asp ).

There is no upper limit on boat size, as long as it fits in the Pacific Ocean. All entries must have a minimum crew of four.

Also, unlike the 2012 Olympics, according to the new format, multihulls are welcome, as long as they're 45 feet LOA minimum.

Finally, women will have equal status. They can sail alongside men on any boat -- or sail by themselves.

SMALL AND SIMPLE
Small and simple. Henry Adams's 26ft Folkboat Ariel is all you need to cross the Atlantic. There's no need to wait for retirement, or until you can afford a big boat or a big budget. As I said before, you don't need special boat or special downwind sails or expensive gear like a generator or watermaker. If these useful but inessential things are stopping you, liberate your mind.

There won't be too many comforts for Henry and his friend Tim Fosh, but do they look bothered? This year alone, they've sailed round Britain and down to the Canaries, and the two 23-year-old graduates are going cruising until February.

Ariel is Henry's family's boat, a modern glassfibre Folkboat built in 2001. It's the smallest boat in the ARC rally this year, but I reckon it's a safer proposition that some larger mass-produced boats. The only thing is they'll have to take it easy to start because Ariel normally displaces 2 tonnes and she'll be 50 per cent heavier by the weekend. -- from Elaine Bunting's blog, www.yachtingworld.com/yw/blog/elaine_bunting.html

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 and Christmas 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 in association with Yachting World, 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

LAUNCHINGS
* In summer, 2007 a grand celebration took place at Bodrum Marina, Turkey, as Aegean Yacht unveiled its new vessel Galileo, the 50 meter classic three-masted schooner. This superyacht has become the 40th yacht launched at the Aegean Yacht boatyard and the biggest of her type in the history of Turkish boatbuilding.

The 50 m steel-hulled Galileo is a total "in-house" design with over 500 sq. m of luxurious interior and 400 sq. m exterior living space. The exterior of Galileo is designed by veteran naval architect Yavuz Mete and Tansel Taskiran, and the interior design is done by Osman Aslandere.

The designers of Aegean Yacht were able to recreate the classic elegance of the schooners of the '30s of the last century with modern flare and technology.

The decks are Burmese teak. There is a wet-feet bar, 42' plasma screen TV and al fresco dining on the aft deck. The sunbathing upper deck will certainly prove to be a favorite spot for open-air living. An open-air Jacuzzi is the ideal spot to watch the sunsets. On the fore deck there is plenty of space for any favorite "water toy".

The 3 masts carry a sail area of 1.100 m2. Galileo will have the ability to make fast passages both under sail or power with the help of twin MAN 760 HP engines. -- MegaYachts Russia: megayachts.ru/en/news/9/341/

* Belfast, Prince Edward Island, Canada: NorseBoat Limited has introduced the NorseBoat 12.5 Sailing & Rowing Cruiser. Designed by Laurie McGowan as a sistership to the NorseBoat 17.5, the traditionally styled 12.5 uses a proven hull shape known for both speed and shallow draft utility. Her lines are distinctly NorseBoat and offer the ideal multi-use yacht tender, daysailer and mini camp-cruiser all in one package. With a 4-person capacity, the 12.5 accepts a small outboard motor and features two rowing stations, positive flotation and cockpit seats that convert to a full-size double berth.

All rowing and sailing gear fits neatly into a padded bag that stores easily in the cockpit. The optional camp tent fully encloses the cockpit creating comfortable overnight accommodations. Standard features include large cockpit storage compartments, deck hardware, two rowing thwarts, one set of oars and a complete sailing kit with free-standing carbon mast, fully battened mainsail, and Harken hardware. Optional equipment includes a trailer, second set of oars, roller furling headsail and storage cover.

The 12.5 is available in two models, a glass/wood hybrid with infused resin fiberglass hull and wood/epoxy deck and interior, or an all wood version with modern wood/epoxy glue-lap construction. Both models are professionally built or offered as an easily assembled amateur kit and will be available in early 2008.

* Last Friday, another classic yacht Rainbow was launched in Auckland, after a full restoration undertaken by the partners, Hamish Ross, David Glenn, Brad Butterworth and the Dymock family of Nelson.

Now 108 years old, Rainbow is one of the iconic boats of the Waitemata, where she was launched and raced.

Here was one of the most graceful yachts ever to adorn the Waitemata Harbour. She was thirty-four feet on the waterline, beam was 8.8 feet and draught 6.8. Bow and counter were lean but her midship section showed firm bilges, and her fore and aft underwater lines gave a flat run. She carried her 1,200-odd feet of sail (gaff cutter rig) quite comfortably. She was immediately Auckland champion. Forty years later she was able to give the longer (sixty-foot) Ranger, then the latest thing with her new-fangled Bermudan rig, a close run for her money. -- John Bertenshaw in Sail-World.com

Photos of this absolutely beautiful craft at www.sail-world.com/cruising/index.cfm?rd=n&SEID=2&SRSID=&eid=&pid=&nid=39277

* Following the alluring result achieved with the SW 100 DS - 7 yachts commissioned and built in just 3 years - Southern Wind Shipyard is now proud to present the new SW 110 Mini-Series.

Once again the project has been entrusted to Farr Yacht Design for the naval architecture, sail plan and appendages, and to Nauta Design for the general concept, the interior design and exterior styling.

The SW 110 is available in two main versions: RS (Raised Saloon) with open transom and DS (Deck Saloon), whose open transom version is still in progress.

In both cases the deck layout, with double cockpit, is featured by easy manoeuvres, which are all concentrated to the aft cockpit, and by ergonomic solutions to benefit the navigation and the general aesthetic of the yacht, such as the recessed furlers (Genoa, Code 0, staysail).

The recommended version is the SWS classic one, which features the clear separation between crew quarter, aft located, and guests and owner's cabins, in front. The owner's area can include 3 or 4 cabins, the 3 cabins version allows to have a double level saloon.

megayachts.ru/en/news/10/340/

* The ubiquitous Mirror has just received a makeover and saw its first public airing at the Southampton Boat Show.

The Mk 3 Mirror features a new modern interior, which has been designed to be easily moulded and durable. The first Mk 3s produced by top UK dinghy builders, Winder Boats are finished in epoxy for greater longevity, which combined with foam reinforcement gives an immensely strong hull.

Commenting on the new Mk3 Mirror, International Class Secretary, Simon Lovesey said "The Mirror was originally designed for easy home construction in wood, in recent years production GRP Mirrors have proved successful but inhibited by class rules originated for wood boats, making construction over complicated. The new Mk 3 rules makes building a GRP production Mirror much easier, whilst maintaining the key features of the boat, this can only be good for the future of the class"

For those who still hanker for a timber boat, wood Mirrors are still being built, either professionally or by home builders, with Duffin offering kits from 795 GPB. Mirrors are very versatile boats, proving very popular for cruising and racing, the Trident Cruising Mirror at 2995 GBP ready to sail has found many friends.

See www.ukmirrorsailing.com

* The first Veolia Oceans one-design for the SolOceans is being tested at the moment in Cherbourg-Octeville (Lower Normandy - France) and Caen (Lower Normandy - France) by a team lead by Erwan Tabarly. Yvan Griboval, the initiator of the one-design and designer of the SolOceans summarises those first tests in light wind, medium wind and breeze, in which he actively participated.

"The results are above my wishes. The designers Jean-Marie Finot, Pascal Conq and their team have made the perfect oceanic one-design for the SolOceans program and its additional oceanic races. In one word, it's an easy yacht, not demanding for the sailor but who will allow him (or her) to go far safely and at a high speed. Very high even! Her power is impressive while still being easy to steer, without digging in the breeze on the run, without beating the steep wave on the wind. At the helm, it's a real treat and you just need to read the pleasure on Erwan Tabarly or Liz Wardley's face - who is also taking part to the sail tests - to realize how seducing this Veolia Oceans is".

The sail tests and final adjustments will go on for the next three weeks. The starts of the first leg of the Reconnaissance Tour of the SolOceans is set for mid-December from Caen (Lower Normandy - France) towards Wellington (New-Zealand) round the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) and Leeuwin (Australia). The second leg will link Wellington to Cherbourg-Octeville (Lower Normandy - France) round the Cape of Horn (South America).

FEATURED BROKERAGE
50ft Judel Vrolijk (JV 49), 280,000 Euros, Lying Germany.

49 ft Racing Yacht (ex RUBIN XV), racing the last years in Baltic sea and noth sea with good results. the last race was the WC in Hanko, Norge still competitive under IMS, ORC and with some mods also under IRC.

Brokerage through YachtsAndCruisers.com: www.yachtsandcruisers.com

Complete listing details and seller contact information at www.yachtsandcruisers.com/boat/50ft/22659/

THE LAST WORD
A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice. -- Thomas Paine

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 Artemis 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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