Brought to you by YachtsandCruisers.com with the support of OC Events, Scuttlebutt Europe is a digest of sailing news and opinions, regatta results, new boat and gear information and letters from sailors -- with a European emphasis. Contributions welcome, send to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

NEW WORLD RECORD FOR JOYON
Francis Joyon onboard the IDEC trimaran has broken the singlehanded 24 hour distance record, after covering 614nm at an average speed of 25.9 knots.

The record is subject to ratification from the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC). The previous best distance was set last year at 610.45nm by Yvan Bourgnon (FRA) onboard Brossard (average speed of 25.76 knots).

Francis Joyon (FRA) initially broke the record at 01:16 UTC this morning with a distance of 611.2nm, and has extended the record at every hourly poll since. At the 06:18 UTC poll the distance was up to 614.0nm and Joyon was polled at 25.8 knots, so the French skipper may well further extend his record distance later on today.

So far Joyon's passage across the Indian Ocean has been remarkable. As he enters his 19th day at sea this morning, Joyon was 1,960nm ahead of Ellen MacArthur's (GBR) pace for the solo round the world record. He is just about to pass the Kerguelen archipelago, with Cape Leeuwin the next big marker after that. However, Joyon is expecting his incredible pace to drop off somewhat soon, as the weather changes. This at least will offer him an opportunity to try and get some rest and recuperate.

The Record To Beat

Record: Longest Distance Run in 24 Hours, Singlehanded
Yacht: Brossard
Skipper: Yvan Bourgnon (FRA)
Dates: 6-7 August 2006
Distance: 610.45 nm
Average Speed: 25.76 knots

The Record To Beat

Record: Round the World, non-stop, singlehanded
Yacht: B&Q
Skipper: Ellen MacArthur (GBR)
Dates: 28 November 2004-7 February 2005
Elapsed time: 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds
Distance: 21,760 nm
Average Speed: 12.66 knots

Trimaran IDEC - www.trimaran-idec.com
World Sailing Speed Record Council - www.sailspeedrecords.com

"E.T." JOINS CAMMAS CREW FOR JULES VERNE ATTEMPT
As announced a few days ago, the crew compiled by Franck Cammas and Franck Proffit to attack the Jules Verne Trophy aboard Groupama 3 in the near future, comprised nine names. The only one missing was that of the navigator set to replace Dutch sailor Marcel Van Triest, forced to remain onshore for personal reasons.

After a chance encounter at the Paris Boat Show, it is the navigator from Arcachon, SW France, Yves Parlier, who has been chosen for this key position aboard. An atypical profile which makes him stand out not simply through his weather expertise, but also for his experience of circumnavigations and his enthusiasm.

Nicknamed the Extra-terrestrial, Yves Parlier will have the onerous task of tracing the best routes to hunt down Orange 2's record time around the planet. A challenge worthy of this man whose track record abounds with both sporting and human exploits...

Winner of the Mini Transat 1985, the Solitaire du Figaro 1991, the Route du Rhum 1994, the Transat Jacques Vabre 1997... Victories and podium places aren't lacking for Yves Parlier, who has graced all the ocean-racing circuits for the past twenty years.

Renowned and recognised for his great finesse in weather analysis, it was to this complete and eclectic sailor that Franck Cammas has chosen to entrust the navigation aboard Groupama 3.

"This role, which Franck has entrusted me with on this adventure, is a position I adore and in which I feel at ease. Groupama 3 is also a fabulous, accomplished boat at the height of what can be best achieved today. I wasn't necessarily of a mind to doing the Jules Verne Trophy but I am profoundly attracted by a Round the World. I like the Southern Ocean and I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to return there. As a result this proposition is like a big Christmas present... especially on a boat like this!" confided the now tenth man aboard Groupama 3.

Officially a member of Team Groupama for this Jules Verne Trophy campaign, Yves Parlier has already put on his onboard navigator jacket and has taken winter quarters in Lorient, NW France, the maxi-trimaran's base. During this attempt, the Arcachon sailor will be off-watch and will spend the majority of his time at the chart table, with his privileged onshore discussion partner, Sylvain Mondon from Meteo France.

www.cammas-groupama.com

HOW TO BE A WINNING SKIPPER
Do you ever wonder why the teams that win regattas also look good when doing so? It is most likely that they have spent a lot of time practicing...and skippers and owners have dressed their teams in team gear. So don't you think that it's time you and your team look AND sail like winners? Come to Camet.com and see our line of sailing gear and start winning!

www.camet.com

THE IRISH VOLVO OCEAN RACE TEAM
Portsmouth, England: The Green Team has confirmed it will be the seventh entry into the Volvo Ocean Race 2008 -09, and British sailor Ian Walker is named as skipper.

Ian Walker's achievements in the last 12 years include two Olympic medals, four World Championships and being skipper and tactician for two America's Cup campaigns (GBR Challenge and +39). His most recent success has been as skipper of the TP52 Patches where he worked alongside owner Eamon Conneely to secure the global championship in 2006.

As skipper of the Green Team entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, Walker will oversee both the design and build programme along with crew selection.

Ian will get his first taste of sailing on a Volvo Open 70 in this year's Sydney Hobart Race.

The build of the Green Team Volvo Open 70 is underway at McConaghy Boats in China. The moulds are completed and the hull lamination has begun. Reichel Pugh and the structural engineers at Applied Structural Analysis Ltd (ASTA) are working on all the drawings to a strict timescale. The deck plan is well advanced as is the sail plan. The rig is under design and the team have completed their first sail wind tunnel testing in Auckland New Zealand. The aim is to have the boat commissioned in June 2008.

The team has secured initial funding for the team from a combination of private investment (led by a project board which includes John Kileen, Enda O'Coineen, Eamon Conneely and Jamie Boag as Team CEO), commercial sponsorship and government backing.

"To be able to announce Ian Walker as skipper and show we have a framework in place for a competitive entry is fantastic. We believe we have the necessary ingredients in place for a highly competitive entry at this stage," said Jamie Boag, CEO for Galway stopover and the Green Team.

www/.volvooceanrace.org

GRUMBLING SYNDICATES...
* Jochen Schumann, Co-CEO and team leader of United Internet Team Germany considers the latest announcement of the America's Cup Management (ACM) to postpone the 33rdAmerica's Cup as a severe backlash for the event and the future of the America's Cup. ACM decided today to adjourn the event indefinitely due to the uncertainty of the result of the law suit. "We are extremely disappointed. During the recent weeks, we did our utmost by discussing with all parties to secure the holding of the 33rdAmerica's Cup in 2009. Unfortunately, we did not succeed. We will keep our Team in Valencia together, to review our strategy and to discuss the latest situation with our business partners."

* Statement from Desafio Espanol

It is with great concern that the Desafio Espanol views the current situation regarding the America's Cup. The delay in making decisions about the format and dates for an event in which teams can participate other than the Defender and the new Challenger of Record is alarming. Without wishing to point the finger or apportion blame anywhere precious time is being lost.

With this loss of time comes undue uncertainty, which is dramatically affecting all teams, their families and sponsors, saying nothing of the image of the event as a whole. Desafio Espanol implores both parties to use common sense and basic sportsmanship to resolve this conflict now. Put aside personal agendas and think of a greater good.

The Defender and the Challenger of Record must assume their respective responsibilities within the America's Cup community, including the potential challengers of the 33rd America's Cup and all other parties involved. They must find an exit to this conflict that will allow the finalisation of a schedule for the competition.

The lack of certainty today and into the future is only of both parties' making. The damage that is being wilfully done can only be blamed on them both. Maintaining today's situation into the future is a serious irresponsibility which they may have to assume.

A THRILLING READ FOR CHRISTMAS
Competing in the Sydney Hobart race is a risky business. Combine the ever-present dangers with a prophecy of cataclysmic storms and the stakes couldn't be higher. But should the Sydney Coastguard take this unconventional warning seriously? Bestselling author Hector Macdonald's tempestuous new thriller, The Storm Prophet (Penguin), is "a terrific read" declared ABC Sydney. "I was glued to it," said Bob Fisher. "A beautiful book" and "just wonderful" say the reviewers.

And Scuttlebutt Europe's verdict. "Absolutely mesmerizing". For the perfect Christmas present, order a signed and dedicated first edition (10.99 GBP) from www.hectormacdonald.com

AINSLIE HEADLINE ACT FOR FINN GOLD CUP IN MELBOURNE
One of the greatest showdowns in Olympic history is set to take place when the Finn Gold Cup (world championship) gets underway at Sail Melbourne from January 20-29 on the challenging waters of Port Phillip.

To be held simultaneously with the Finn Silver Cup (the Finn Youth World Championship) and hosted by Black Rock Yacht Club, one of the world's most outstanding Olympic sailors will feature in a showdown for a place in the British Olympic team for Beijing in 2008 and for the prize of the Gold Cup.

Ben Ainslie, gold medallist in the Laser at Sydney 2000 Games and in the Finn at the 2004 Athens Games, will take on fellow British sailor Ed Wright, who feels he can defeat the double medallist for selection.

Currently holding a world ranking of No. 5 in the Finn, Wright's feats include victory at Skandia Go for Gold, third at the Breitling Regatta, fourth at Hyeres and sixth at the ISAF Worlds, against Ainslie's gold medal haul and four successive Finn Gold Cup wins and match racing trophies.

With Ainslie tied up at the America's Cup, and therefore missing the 2006-07 Gold Cups, gold still eluded Wright, who finished third in 2006 and sixth this year. Whichever way it goes, it will be a huge stoush* and not to be missed viewing.

The Royal Yachting Association has indicated Olympic selection between the two will place at either the Sydney International Regatta or at the Finn Gold Cup in January.

The Finn Gold Cup is one of five world championship events to be held at Sail Melbourne in 2008. To be hosted by Black Rock Yacht Club, which also hosted the Cup in 1995 and 1999; it will be sailed from 20-29 January on challenging Port Phillip.

Only six Beijing Olympic berths remain in the Finn, giving those nations that are yet to qualify a final opportunity to do so in Melbourne and like Ainslie and Wright, others will be vying for selection to their Olympic squads. -- Di Pearson

www.sailmelbourne.com.au

* Austral. or NZ slang v to thrash or beat (a person); to fight n fighting; a brawl or fight, a scrap

COLLINS STEWART LONDON BOAT SHOW
London's largest annual event, the Collins Stewart London Boat Show, will take place at ExCeL - the heart of London's entertainment district - from 11-20 January 2008. Now in its 54th year the Show promises to offer something for all, and will welcome some 140,000 people, encouraging visitors to take to the waters.

Visitors to the Show have a plethora of exciting features to explore and enjoy such as Start Boating, Deck Games, an interactive Watersports Zone, Anchor Watch, Classic Boats and the Guinness Bar. There will also be a chance to climb aboard the HMS Exeter, the very first Royal Naval Destroyer to the Show.

www.londonboatshow.com

INDUSTRY NEWS
* Peter Harris has resigned as CEO and president of West Marine, according to a statement released today. He will be replaced by Geoff Eisenberg, a former executive at West Marine who held a number of senior positions from 1976 to 1994.

Harris' resignation is effective today, though he has agreed to help with the transition period through the end of the year.

Harris oversaw store closures, staff reductions, and vendor reductions at a time when the national marine accessories retailer reported both lagging sales and profits. When he joined the company in January, 2005, the stock was trading at US$27.05 per share. Yesterday, it closed at US$9.20 per share.

Despite tough market conditions and several lower earnings guidances for 2007, the changes Harris instituted were beginning to show some results. In its most recent third quarter, the company reported a net income gain of 81 per cent over the previous year.-- International Boat Industry news, www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20071111132716ibinews.html

* Sinera Rigging, Lewmar's Spanish distributor, has just opened an office in Palma to provide technical and after sales support to the increasing number of its customers based in, or sailing out of Mallorca.

Sinera Rigging has worked with Lewmar for ten years and has acted as the company's exclusive Spanish distributor from its head office in Barcelona for the last three years.

Sergio Pinole (32) will head up Sinera's new base in Palma de Mallorca. He has a degree in Marine Engineering from the University of Barcelona and is a certified second engineer in the commercial navy. For the last three years Sergio has worked in Marina Barcelona 92 superyacht shipyard as Dry Dock Works Project Manager. During this time he collaborated on a number of projects with Sinera Rigging and has now moved to Mallorca to work as Technical Support Engineer for the company. -- www.lewmar.com

* Bob Fisher has been awarded the White & Mackay/Yachting Journalists Association Media Book Award for his book An Absorbing Interest The America's Cup A History 1851 - 2003

The award was announced at The Earls Court Boatshow on Friday 30th November 2007. The judge for the book category was the bestselling writer and sailor Clare Francis.

Bob's award winning book charts the history of the world's oldest porting contest in two volumes, from 1851 in Cowes to 2003 in Aukland. It is illustrated throughout with photographs, cartoons, paintings and figures and can rightly claim to be the definitive history. 200 GBP. 2 Volume Set. Bound in Cloth. -- Purchase at southatlanticpublishing.com

* The 2008 Marine Industry Regatta - the fourth in the series - will run on April 22 and 23 out of Port Solent. The boats are to be collected on the early evening of Tuesday April 22 and the racing takes place on the Wednesday 23.

On the Tuesday evening there's dinner in the Portsmouth Harbour Yacht Club in Port Solent - all included in the price, which (as promised) remains the same for the 2008 event as this year's at 654.00 GBP a boat, plus VAT. Plus a separate cheque for 100 pounds made out to the John Merricks Sailing Trust.

The total is 868.45 for a great evening and day out on the water in the Solent just outside Portsmouth. And you're donating to a very worthwhile charity as well.

For your 868.45 you get a whole day's racing for eight people, including the Tuesday dinner, bare boat charter, pre-packed lunches and soft drinks for all eight crew, race management and the race officer, prizes and the prizegiving after the event in the PHYC. All you have to do is provide the sailors and take a few extra drinks on board for the day - tea, coffee and a few chocolate bars; that sort of thing. The event should finish around 18.30 on the Wednesday.

And we're all racing for The Lewmar Trophy with three races out of four to count.

If you don't have sailors in the company, Sunsail will hire you a qualified skipper. If your crew lacks foul weather gear, Sunsail can hire oilies and things to you.

It's a great day out. Come and join us - email Peter Nash with your interest and he'll take it from there - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Take a look at the website at www.marineregatta.com to see what we got up to last time out.

The Marine Industry Regatta is sponsored by Boating Business, Yachting Monthly, Practical Boat Owner and Saltwater

www.boatingbusiness.com/archive/2008/january/news/2008_marine_industry_regatta_set_for_april

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 John C. Ripard: Having served as a member of the International Juries of the 1988, 1992 and 1995 America's Cup Regattas, I find it shameful that matters have been allowed to deteriorate to the current state.

Alinghi's course of action can only result in diminishing the attraction, glamour and mystique they so successfully achieved in Valencia in the 32nd. Cup.

I shudder to think of reverting to a stopgap catamaran match; my memories of the non event in 1988 are still too vivid. Surely common sense will prevail and ultimately we can all look forward to a repetition of the success of AC32.

* From Kirt E. Simmons: Does no one else think that at this point Ernesto actually WANTS the 33rd Cup race in catamarans and he is planning to lose. He's already putting forward his "excuses" and by "allowing" Larry to win he will put the "monkey" of being Defender on Larry's back and will then immediately secure the Challenger of Record position. Since Larry has publicly declared he wants the AC90's and to race in Valencia once he is the "Defender" he will be obligated then to follow through on those "promises". Meanwhile Ernesto will have been working toward the AC90 all along while Larry will have put much time/effort into the catamaran race neglecting the AC90 or at least shortchanging it. It will (?) get Ernesto off the hook for any promises to Valencia since he won't be the "Defender" anymore and put them on Larry. Sometimes you have to lose the battle to win the war...

FEATURED BROKERAGE
Schock 40, 58,100 GPB, Lying England

Bow sail storage, enclosed head aft and to port, (2) single berths in main cabin, (2) single quarter berths. Extensive electronics and navigational equipment.

Brokerage through YachtsAndCruisers.com: www.yachtsandcruisers.com

Complete listing details and seller contact information at www.yachtsandcruisers.com/boat/Schock/27007/

THE LAST WORD
Blessed is the wooing that is not long a-doing. -- Richard Eugene Burton

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.

Scuttlebutt Europe is available via email:
To subscribe visit scuttlebutteurope.com

Editorial and letter submissions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/content/view/7/6/