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Brought to you by Yachtworld.com Europe and boats.com Europe, 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
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Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta
The record 267 crews contesting the annual Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta faced a more relaxed day as conditions were more user friendly and tonight the winners of each division were decided and one, the winner of the final Audi Drive Challenge tomorrow, will take home a new Audi A4, due for release in Australia this April.
The IRC Divisions sailed on the slightly more difficult offshore course off South Head today. Bob Oatley's Wild Oats X with Mark Richards skippering staved off a strong challenge by rival and Audi Hamilton Island Race Week winner Yendys (Geoff Ross) to take first place by four points. Wild Oats' two wins today changed the scoreboard. Melbourne entry Living Doll (Michael Hiatt) was a solid third, just one point away from Yendys.
Division 2 spoils went to Stephen Ellis and his well sailed Splash Gordon crew, four wins from six races too much for second placegetter Le Billet (Bill Ebsary) from Pittwater who finished on 16 points, seven behind the winner. Third place went to Ian Box's Toybox.
Peter Sorensen and his crew on Philosophers Club have confirmed their strong position as a serious contender for the Audi IRC National Championship with a solid seven point win in Division 3 today. Out of the six races sailed, Sorensen won four. He was the co-leader of the Audi IRC Championship coming into this series and has made it clear he would love to own an Audi.
Second in Division 3 was Anthony Dunn's Equinox, with Geoff Pearson's Arajilla third.
The Sydney 38 One-Design Division came down to a protest between the top two boats; Rush (Cameron Miles) and Transfusion (Guido Belgiorno-Nettis). This is the second time this year Miles has found himself in the Protest Room after provisionally winning a Sydney 38 regatta.
Transfusion came into today the leader following two wins yesterday, then notched up a further win, a second and a third today. Rush's scoreboard for the six race series read 3-2-2-1-1-2 for a two point lead, then came protests by both boats involving contact with each other.
In the first protest the jury disqualified Rush and subsequently Transfusion withdrew their second protest and won the series. -- Di Pearson
For full results of all classes go to: www.sydneyharbourregatta.com
Maktoum Sailing Trophy
Dubai, UAE: Ichi Ban, Westin Mina Seyahi and Rush Knot emerged at the top of the pile in Division 1, 2 and 3 respectively at the end of the 2008 Emirates Maktoum Sailing Trophy that concluded yesterday off the Mina Seyahi waters at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).
Held in ideal sailing conditions of winds touching 15 to 16 knots, the Matt Allen-skippered Ichi Ban proved it was in a class of its own during the entire event with yet another superb display of sailing to win the ninth race and finish second in the final race yesterday.
In the overall standings, Ichi Ban ended in the top spot with 9 points, followed by Yo! in second with 14 points and Pal Zileri SG in third with 27, leaving Team Aqua in fourth a further five points adrift.
The dominance in Division 2 belonged entirely to Westin Mina Seyahi as the Sultan Hareb and Marcus Wieser boat won both the races on the last day. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi took second in both races to finish second overall, while Yousuf Bin Lahej-skippered AGMC BMW walked away with the final spot on the podium.
Division 3 had an upset as Rush Knot took first and second during yesterday's racing to finish at the top of the pile with 13 points. The Christophe Vanek-skippered North Star took second and first to come in second overall with 15 points, while defending champion Eureka had a disappointing day with fifth and seventh places to come in third with 16 points.
Ghaith Al Ghaith from main sponsors Emirates Airline was the chief guest and gave away the trophies in the presence of Saeed Hareb, Managing Director of DIMC and Khalid Bin Dasmal from the UAE Marine Sports Federation.
The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with sponsorship from Emirates Airline, AGMC BMW, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, The Westin Dubai and Marine Pool.
Top three
Division One
1. Ichi Ban, Beneteau 44.7, Matt Allen, AUS
2. Yo, Pacific 50, Toby O'Connell, UAE
3. Pal Zileri S. Generale, JV 42, Kristian Tzanov, UAE
Division Two
1. The Westin Mina Seyahi, Archambault 35, Sultan Hareb, UAE
2. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Archambault 35, Alexandre Mercier, UAE
3. AGMC BMW, Beneteau 34.7, Yousef Lahej, UAE
Division Three
1. Rush Knot, Sequest SJ32, Phil Hoskings / Lee Turnbull, UAE
2. North Star, Surprise, Christophe Vanek, UAE
3. Eureka, E24, Niccolo Bertola, ITA
www.maktoumsailingtrophy.com
Z-System Ultra Rigging -
Higher Performance Through Lower Weight And Windage
Navtec has taken PBO rigging to the next level with Z-System Ultra - fully continuous fiber rigging that allows all shrouds to pass over the spreader tips without termination. That means fewer parts, 10% weight reduction over traditional PBO, 20% less windage and a lower chance of failure when you're out on the water. According to designer Alan Andrews, "In the case of It's OK, Navtec continuous rigging has 10 fewer end fittings than discontinuous rigging, making installation, tensioning and maintenance of the rig a lot easier." To find out more about Z-System Ultra, call + 1 203-458-6200
More on Z-System Ultra at en.lewmar.com/news/index.aspx?newsid=329
Australian America's Cup Challenge To Be Confirmed Soon?
The upcoming announcement of an Australian Challenge for the next America's Cup challenge is getting traction following a recent report on Al Jazeera TV Channels. ( english.aljazeera.net )
Although the yet to be formally announced team had a major set back with the current court case between the Defender Alinghi and the American Oracle, America's Cup veteran Peter Gilmour has shown a great interest in this project based on the youth of Australia and confirmed that West Australian rising star Torvar Misky could be skippering the boat.
This is great news for the Australian contingent however it is not clear if logistical arrangements to mount a challenge of the size and expenditures required are finalised. Although it is becoming incredibly difficult for potential teams to confirm their commitment, it is believed that the time allowed by the present court case is actually beneficial to several newcomers struggling to raise the funds.
Announcing their commitment to the next America's Cup when they pulled out of the 32nd edition a couple of years ago, the Australian project could includes some of the OzBoyz Challenge key players.
Will the situation be unlocked in 2008 when Australia will celebrates the 25th anniversary of their greatest achievement in sport when Australia II won the America's Cup in September 1983? -- Maja Kise
BMW Oracle Signs Jono Macbeth
Photo at right by Chris Cameron, www.chriscameron.co.nz
Team New Zealand has suffered its highest profile home-grown defection. Jono Macbeth has jumped ship and joined rival America's Cup syndicate Oracle.
The 35-year-old grinder has been a fixture in the Kiwi syndicate since he helped defend the America's Cup in 2000. But Russell Coutts, now chief executive and skipper of the Larry Ellison-owned Oracle, has been busy acquiring sailing talent in anticipation of a one-on-one duel for the Auld Mug against holder Alinghi.
Macbeth isn't the only Kiwi Coutts has poached. Big Andrew "Meat" Taylor has also switched teams. Taylor sailed for Team New Zealand in 1987-88, 1992, 1995 and 2000 then for Luna Rossa last year but the Italian syndicate has disbanded so Coutts snapped up him and fellow Kiwi Alan Smith, who was part of Team New Zealand's campaigns in '87 and '92.
Coutts has been actively courting others. -- Greg Ford, Sunday Star Times, full article at
www.stuff.co.nz/4422741a1823.html
DIAX2-LP from Bainbridge International
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www.bainbridgemarine.co.uk
Light Winds Put the Brakes on Most of Clipper Fleet
Every day the weather brings new challenges to the Clipper fleet as the tacticians try to keep the boats between the North Pacific high pressure system and the constant stream of depressions that come from the west chasing down the fleet.
Today is no exception as the leading eight boats have sailed into the southern edge of a small, locally-generated secondary high pressure cell which has given them light headwinds overnight, slowed them down considerably and caused all eight to lose miles to the south.
According to Joff Bailey, Race Director, "This system could be clearly seen on the weather information provided to the boats but it was very difficult to navigate around. This small secondary high pressure is very localised and hasn't affected either Jamaica or Nova Scotia who have continued to make good progress; in fact it is possible Nova Scotia's move south 48 hours ago may have been anticipation of this weather system developing."
This small hiccup in the fleet's progress will not persist for very long and will soon be replaced by the next in the constant stream of depressions that sweep west across the Pacific Ocean. But, while the crews may bemoan their lack of speed just now, the lighter winds will allow much needed repairs and maintenance to be undertaken.
Since the fleet left Liverpool on 16 September 2007, the Race Committee has not awarded any penalty points for sail damage. However, following the stopover in Qingdao, China, the Committee is currently considering the possibility that some teams may be penalised in accordance with the rules that govern the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and the outcome of their deliberations will be revealed in due course.
The fleet is currently expected to arrive in the Ala Wai Small Yacht Harbour in Honolulu, Hawaii, on approximately 20 March.
Positions At 0600 Gmt, 2 March 2008
1. Hull & Humber: Distance to Finish (DTF) 3087
2. Durban 2010 and Beyond: DTF 3096 (Distance to Leader 9)
3. Qingdao: DTF 3109 (+22)
4. westernaustralia2011.com: DTF 3112 (+25)
5. New York: DTF 3114 (+27)
6. Liverpool 08: DTF 3124 (+37)
7. Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper: DTF 3130 (+43)
8. Uniquely Singapore: DTF 3134 (+47)
9. Nova Scotia: DTF 3135 (+48)
10. Jamaica: DTF 3243 (+156)
www.clipperroundtheworld.com
Rolex China Sea Race
As of the February 29 entry deadline, a total of 23 entries have been received to date for the Rolex China Sea Race, which starts in Hong Kong on Thursday 20 March 2008. Several more yachts are expected by the late entry deadline of March 12. The biennial 565-nautical mile race is organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club with Manila Yacht Club and run under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). The 24th China Sea Race will finish in Subic Bay, northwest of Manila, the Philippines.
Overseas entries will include the Fidel/Echauz's Sydney 46, Subic Centennial from the Manila Yacht Club, together with Australian Geoff Hill's TP 52, Strewth, looking forward to her first offshore outing in the IRC Racing Division.
Strewth will face stiff competition from the 2006 winner, the Kinmonth/ Burns-owned Fortis Mandrake, with Sam Chan's TP 52, FfreeFire 52 and Neil Pryde's extensively refit Farr 52, Hi Fi, also promising a close race. Chris Meads' new Corby 43, Full Metal Jacket may be a dark horse, making her offshore debut in the first Asian sailing event to be sponsored by Rolex.
Boats must be a minimum of 10 m overall (LOA) to compete. There will be four divisions: IRC Racing, IRC Premier Cruising, Performance Handicap, and Cruising. Multihulls will be automatically entered in the Performance Handicap division.
The 2008 Rolex China Sea Race will continue to offer shore-based fans the opportunity to follow the action online ( www.rolexchinasearace.com ) using PurpleFinder technology to provide satellite-based positional data from each boat, which will be updated every two hours during the race.
The China Sea Race was first run in 1962, and it has been held every two years since then. In 1972 it was officially recognised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club.
www.rhkyc.org.hk/rolexchinasearace.htm
Deauville Week Welcomes Sportsboats
At the request of several series of Sportsboats, Deauville Week (28th May/ 1st June 2008) will welcome this brand new yacht type to the 2008 edition of the race.
The Sportsboat phenomenon has had an influence on European race zones for several years. The reasoning behind this is that it is new, innovative, very light and technologically advanced, it carries a large sail area, is very fast and is geared towards racing without concessions and pure speed.
The creativeness of the architects and yards is unreserved about this subject and numerous series have appeared in France and in Europe: Open 7.50, Open 6.50, Speed Feet 18, Laser SB 3, Open 5.70...
Again very recently, two new series have been developed: the Longtze (pictured at right, photo courtesy the China Team), on an idea from the Chinese/French 'Defi' team in the America's Cup and the K.6.50, thought up by the Karver Company in Honfleur, which has already made a great breakthrough in top of the range deck hardware on some great ocean racing craft.
The great events play host to these fine fleets, which are always numerous and very lively, like the hundred or so SB3s at Cowes Week or the 140 craft expected this year in the Grand Prix de l'Ecole Navale, innovatory in this domain.
In this way, this new request reinforces the range of craft welcomed to Deauville Week alongside other one designs and IRC fleets. -- Kate Jennings
www.deauville-week.fr
Letters To The Editor
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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 Jochem Visser: IRC strength has always been her ability to embrace any type of boat. It's great to see that boats like TP52's can race against true cruisers like a Swan 65. Canting keel yachts have been exciting newcomers to the IRC fleet and have given the fleet a great insight of things to come. To be honest the canting keel is probably the best investment when it comes to boat speed for your buck and they are truly great to sail with skiff type performance combined with the versatility of a mono hull yacht. Many yacht owners probably dream of owning one after seeing the V70 footage. The recent decision to stop these yachts racing in Cowes week seems strange.
The argument that these boat have a "different" performance curve is not valid as a TP52 is further apart from the Swan 65 in performance curve then the Cookson 50 for instance. The truth is that a specific group put pressure on the organizing committee to exclude them. This is clear when your read the statement carefully "It has therefore been decided that any boat over 14 metres overall with a canting keel will have to fix their keel amidships" Obviously all the arguments about unfair racing against the Canting keel yachts disappear as soon as they are shorter then 14m??
The fact is that these boats are accepted and measured under IRC and should be allowed to sail. All parties should understand that IRC is platform to compare a wide variety of boats with a very simple one number rating. It will never be truly fair like any other handicap rule. Cowes Week should embrace as many sailors and yachts as possible in the same way as it accepts a TP52, a pretty extreme boat compared to the majority of the competing IRC fleet. Cowes week should not be used to settle what is basically a rating dispute.
* From Bill Tripp: The canting Keel Ban- Rating rules always struggle when faced with innovation. It is troubling to see a grand event, so famously well run, abandon their rating rule. Simplfying the problem down to its essense-Cowes Week is discriminating against canting keel boats, because they bring uncertainty. By singling them out as unwelcomen they are prejudiced.
This type of boat represents part of the future of sailing. These boats are now sailed at the highest levels of the sport in both offshore events and inshore fleet racing, Cowes Week is sending a message; by trying to deny these boats,, Cowes Week is no longer interested in what the state of the art is doing.
That appearance would be at odds with its storied history.
Previous generations of boats have had their dtractors (and still do). Sport boats, carbon rigs, Marconi Rigs, in fact change. Fin keels and more. Ketch vs sloop.
Canting keels are not a threat-they are handicapped and many owners and designers recognise the steep rating penalty they pay under IRC when sailing inshore. Rating them is the proper course of action- not bannishing them. They are undeniably part of sailing's fabric now.
While Cowes Week is an independent entity, it is a storied and important part of the sailing world. It is not hopeful for the future of sailing to see their role of leadership deny part of our future.
* From Bruce Williams: Following on from the comments as to Cowes Week in this regard, it shows the problem of having a fixed number IRC(TCC/TCF) for any yacht in all wind conditions and across all wind ranges.
Every yacht has a sweet spot as to wind range and sailing angles with its rating, and if sails outside it's prime environment it may do better or worse on corrected time. With most rating systems being distanced biased on upwind legs (the slowest point of sail), any yacht designed to outperform the fleet on fetching or reaching angles will outperform the fleet in an event where the course is more in line with the linear random / circular random layout.
Most club "cruiser/racers" have a downwind speed of about 1.1 times greater than hull speed, whereas, the sportboats and canting keel racers can travel at up to twice their nominal hull speeds. Beyond 20 kts of windspeed, most all of sportboats and canting keel yachts sail beyond their ratings.
With this bias and the single IRC number it would only be fair to race in bands where the IRC numbers and SA/D relationship is comparable. The course should also be a true windward/leeward event.
In any case, how can a sporting event run under ISAF rules, rule #52 "manual power" refers , allow the use of power/generators to trim the keel? Any yacht racing under IRC and requesting waiver of this rule should not be eligable for the main trophy of any event but should "sail" / compete in an experimental class to allow the huge majority of amateur yachtsmen to fairly compete under ISAF rules?
The Last Word
All progress is based upon a universal innate desire on the part of every organism to live beyond its income. -- Samuel Butler
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