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Happy To Head North To India
By Bouwe Bekking
Big seas, strong winds, giant squalls, breakages, sickness, sailing through huge amounts of krill - "like sailing through a smelly brown soup"-. The first week of the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race was anything but boring. From the start in Cape Town, the fleet went south before turning east to the scoring waypoint at 58 degrees E and, now, finally north heading towards the finish and the Indian port of Cochin. Reading through the quotes from the boats received since last Saturday, one finds all manner of the difficulties to be suffered when sailing the Southern Ocean.
"A tough day in the life of a Volvo sailor", Bouwe Bekking wrote on Wednesday, after sailing day after day in winds consistently blowing 30 to 40 knots and waves up to 6 metres with "70% of the crew out due to a combination of flu, seasickness and throwing up". Some tough handicaps for the Dutch skipper and no time to relax, with seven other boats in the race just as focused on obtaining the maximum speed no matter how extreme the conditions or difficulties.
These heavy running conditions caused more than one crisis point across the fleet. One of the most bizarre expressions found in the reports from the boats last week was "Chinese Gybe". It sounds like a kung-fu move, but when you are sailing in big seas in the middle of the Southern Ocean, it is substantially more painful than that, according to Bouwe: "Basically you lose control. The boat rapidly turns the wrong way, away from the wind and the mainsail moves at speed to the other side of the boat."
"The problem is that the mainsail can't fly all the way through the gybe because it gets trapped by the runner that is still on. The mainsail becomes pinned in the middle, so you don't have any steerage and the boat ends up going head to wind. Once you realize what is happening, the best solution is to get the new runner ready, so that you can ease the one pinning the main. Once you have steerage again, most people would opt for a rest to get their nerves back under control! We don't have that option. We drop the spinnaker (if it is still one piece), gybe back to the preferred course, pack the spinnaker, hoist it immediately and off we go again. We make it sounds easy, but often you lose 10 miles or more; plus in the immediate aftermath of the unintended gybe you need to realise that the boat is heeled over up to 60 degrees, so walking is impossible. Climbing skills come in handy. Even with a totally professional crew which knows exactly what to do it takes precious time."
The second Equator crossing of this Volvo Ocean Race is waiting for the fleet before getting to Cochin, meaning a new challenge: the Doldrums (again). Theoretical light winds conditions, good news for Telefonica Blue, although Bouwe prefers to stay cautious: "There's not much information about what to expect at the Doldrums right now, but for sure it is going to be light air affair. and maybe even a Neptune visit on board." -- www.bouwebekking.com
* It has been a dramatic week for the Volvo Ocean Race fleet but it has been the Dragon and the Cat who took the brunt of the damage. Green Dragon first broke her steering gear, which caused the boat to Chinese gybe and culminated in the boom breaking in two. PUMA have also been battered by the Southern Ocean conditions, twice slamming off waves and causing structural damage to the big cat.
After such a dramatic week, Green Dragon's skipper Ian Walker was very happy to pick up three valuable points, crossing the scoring gate in third despite sailing for three days without a boom.
Over the last 24 hours, Ian Walker and his crew have been making good progress into the north leaving the Southern Ocean behind and hoping for more settled conditions ahead.
Repairs to the broken boom will have to wait until they get north as for the moment it is too cold for the glue and epoxy to go off. -- www.greendragonracing.com
www.volvooceanrace.org
3-Layer System By Helly Hansen
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Enjoy your day out!
www.hellyhansen.com
A Furious Pace... A Totally Calm Skipper
It's gone quickly, very quickly for Sodeb'O, which has left over 1,400 miles in her wake since setting out from Brest last Tuesday (1354 GMT). The week isn't yet over but already the maxi trimaran is sailing along the latitude of the Canaries and since 0430 hrs this morning, her average speed over 24 hours has exceeded 23 knots, which perfectly demonstrates the gigantic tradewind glide Thomas Coville is currently enjoying.
Since shifting across to the west in three gybes over the first two days, Thomas is now plunging southwards at over 25 knots. "It's a pure glide in an atmosphere where the ambient temperature regularly increases beneath the very low, grey clouds. There have been a lot of squalls since last night with gusts of over 35 knots". Sodeb'O is currently sailing under large gennaker and full mainsail; the maximum sail area she can carry, namely 620 m2.
The pace isn't proving very gentle for the sailor but this is the rhythm he has to maintain to stand a chance of competing with Francis Joyon's performance, who set a blistering pace during this section of the course. The skipper of IDEC had his foot to the floor and shattered all the speedos with a time of 6 days, 16 hours and 58 minutes to the equator. Today, Friday, Sodeb'O has an 88 mile lead over the record holder but rather than staying focused on Francis' performance, Thomas has opted, along with his team, to set himself an objective of miles to cover the next day and for the time being he's fulfilled his contract! "It's a way of taking things as they come and to concentrate on getting the boat making headway above all else."
Sodeb'O's routers are still watching the small low level with the Cape Verde archipelago. The wind and the pace are set to ease but this is in no way a real concern. -- Translated by Kate Jennings
www.sodebo-voile.com
Booth/Nieuwenhuis Win Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
Photo by Claire Matches, www.clairematches.com. Click on image for photo gallery.
On Friday November 21 2008, Mitch Booth and Pim Nieuwenhuis (NED) officially won the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta for the second time. They were already secured of this year's victory, but they still came out for the last race and took the bullet in style. Mischa Heemskerk and Eduard Zanen (NED) took it easy and capsized in a moment of not paying attention. However, that did not affect their second place anymore. William Sunnucks and Simon Farren (GBR) remained in third position. Father and daughter Van der Velden (ARU) kept their lead in the small class.
William Sunnucks and Simon Farren defended their one point lead on Xander Pols and Frank de Waard, by finishing fourth. That leaves the British sailors in third position overall.
Preparing for Dart 18 Worlds
Although Martin and Nicole van der Velden (ARU) scored a fourth this afternoon, they still won the small class regatta by two points. Manfred Thomasch (AUT) and Amanda Westera (ARU) came second, followed by the locals Henk-Johan Hankart and the Grijpma brothers, who took the final bullet. Mother Francis van Baaren and daughter Frederieke Grijpma (17) were fourth. According to Van Baaren, the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta is always a sailing highlight of the year: "The atmosphere is great and we learn a lot." From now on, all Dart 18 sailors from Aruba will continue practicing for the Dart 18 Worlds 2009, to be organized on Aruba. About seven local teams will join the championship. Van Baaren: "The dads already talked about stop working earlier once a week, to train the youth. We miss a proper trainer on the island." Mother and daughter hope to compete as well: "That depends on Frederieke's time schedule, since she will start studying in the Netherlands."
Top five -- 35 entries after ten races and two discards:
1. Booth/Nieuwenhuis, NED, F18 Hobie Tiger, 9 points
2. Zanen/Heemskerk, NED, F18 Hobie Tiger, 19
3. Sunnucks/Farren, GBR, F18 Nacra Infusion 27
4. Pols/De Waard, NED, F18 Nacra Infusion, 31 points
5. Gummer/Bogaards, GBR, F18 Capricorn, 37 points
Top three Dart 18 fleet (6 entries) after ten races and two discards:
1. Van der Velden/Van der Velden, ARU, Dart 18, 13 points
2. Thomasch/Westera, Dart 18, AUT, 15 points
3. Grijpma/Hankart, Dart 18, ARU, 16 points
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The 12 Metre Golden Year Of Racing Begins
A yearlong calendar of racing and events will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the classic and elegant 12 Metre Class of boats in the America's Cup Competition. This "Golden Year" will highlight the famous 12 Metres with regattas in Boston, MA (immediately following the Volvo layover), Newport, RI, Edgartown, MA, Nantucket, MA and New York City, NY.
The centerpiece of the "Golden Year" will be the 2009 12 Metre World Competition in Newport on September 22-27. Special events open to the public will include competition viewing, a dockside party, a lecture series, book signings and film presentations. The 12 Metre Worlds Co-chairs are Gary Jobson, W. H. Dyer Jones, and Jan D. Slee, 12 Metre Class President.
In 1958, the elegant 12 Metre Class made its debut in the America's Cup as the victorious Columbia (US16) defeated the British challenger, Sceptre (K17). In the 2009 Worlds, not only will Columbia again compete, but as many as 35 boats including 14 from Europe and Australia are anticipated. Fierce competition will capture memories of times past and attract sailing stars, fans and media from the world over. Not since the America's Cup competitions have the waters and winds of Rhode Island Sound hosted such a collection of 12 Metres.
A full calendar of events can be found at www.Goldenyear2009.com
The official charities for the year are Seamen's Church Institute of Newport (Newport, RI) and The Olin J. Stephens Young Sailors Fund.
Perham Stops For Repairs
British teenager Mike Perham has been forced to put his round-the-world plans briefly on hold after his generator and autopilot developed faults.
He plans to make a quick stop in Cascais before restarting his circumnavigation.
Mike writes: "At around 18:00 yesterday I switched on the generator within a few minutes it switched itself off and came up with an alarm saying "exhaust overheat" . Incredible how these days your generator will actually tell you what's up. A shame they don't tell you how to fix it though."
He eventually mended the generator, but the autopilot then started to malfunction.
"For the last two days it's been resetting itself more and more. Twice today. I've been lucky in that I've been wide awake and ready to jump straight to the helm before she goes into a nasty gybe.
I wasn't quite so lucky last night though! I was asleep when I heard the reset alarm and thought "Not good!" I scrambled up but was too late. The boat had swung itself into a crash gybe and was now being pinned down pretty hard by the main on the runner. I wound on the other back stay, eased the now leeward runner off and the boat came back more upright. After the jib was sorted and everything cleared away I gybed the boat back round onto its original course and off she flew again."
Spokesman Kizzi Nkwocha said: "Unforeseen complications like this are bound to arise on a project of this scope. However, it's a minor hitch and Michael remains confident in his boat, TotallyMoney.com, and eager to get under way. His world record bid will not be affected by the delay as it will mean that he will be travelling around the world from Portugal to Portugal."
Read more on Mike's Totallymoney.com blog: www.totallymoney.com/sailmike/
From Yachting Monthly:
www.ybw.com/auto/newsdesk/20081021110836ymnews.html
Yachting Monthly
Yachting Monthly is at the heart of the British yachting market and is for people who actively sail their boats - whether cruising across the channel, around the coast or further afield in blue waters. It provides an entertaining mix of vital information for cruising yachtsmen with all levels of experience, which maximises their enjoyment, increases their skills and gives them the confidence to broaden their horizons.
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IKA Statement On The Outright Speedsailing Record
We have encountered a lot of confusion about the ratification of the 50.26 knots run by Sebastien Cattelan earlier this year in Luderitz, Namibia, and the upcoming claim for 50.57 knots by Alexandre Caizergues.
WSSRC newsletter number 165 states: "Note that at the November Conference 2008, ISAF clarified that a kite-powered craft cannot be recognised as the holder of The World Sailing Speed Record."
At this stage we only want to clarify that the WSSRC has been always supportive to Kiteboarding and has made clear that they see kiteboards fully eligible to claim the outright speed sailing record. We are working on this topic now with full energy to resolve the matter.
www.internationalkiteboarding.org
Could Life Be Better?
What a great week! 22nd last Friday and 647 miles behind the leader, Michel Desjoyeaux was positioned in 16th place this Friday 21st November and 273 miles behind leader Loick Peyron (Gitana Eighty). 374 miles devoured in 7 days - that is over 53 miles made up each day - and this, at an average of over 10 knots of boat speed: respect... Suffice to say that the large spinnaker on the 60 foot monohull Foncia has been put to good use and has successfully fulfilled its mission: to propel the latest generation Farr design into attacking mode at Madeira, the Canaries and Cape Verde. The monohull passed to the west of the first two and zigzagged to windward of the Cape Verde archipelago, with a shift across to the west to avoid the island of Fogo with its 2,829 metres. All of sudden Foncia has outrun six competitors and has changed its targets. Michel is now gunning for Marc Guillemot (Safran), Dominique Wavre (Temenos), Brian Thompson (Bahrain Team Pindar) and Sam Davies (Roxy). The only glitch in his progress, the famous Doldrums which slowed the head of the fleet and is now taking shape in front of Desjoyeaux' bows in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Whatever happens, one of the secrets to success is doubtless enjoying being on the water, Michel is a perfect example of this aboard Foncia. "The boat's going well and I'm not annoyed about anything... We're lucky to be at sea. We're contented on the water... When you see the constraints of the job, I'm certainly happy at the office! (laughs).
Michel is very happy on the water. In fact he often alludes to the positive frame of mind of one Sam Davies (Roxy) too, who is racing just ahead of him: "One person who's sailing a great race is Sam. When you see that she is alongside Temenos and Pindar (both more recent boats than hers)... We exchanged emails the other day and she's always very enthusiastic. She's happy and is really enjoying herself... She's great." To be happy on the water and in phase with your boat: is this one of the secrets to success ?
Ranking on 21st November at 1450 GMT
1. Loick Peyron (Gitana Eighty) 20796.4 miles from the finish
2. Sebastien Josse (BT) 19.6 miles from the leader
3. Vincent Riou (PRB) 33.1
4. Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac 2) 34.6
5. Armel Le Cleac'h (Brit Air) 42.5
6. Yann Elies (Generali) 51
16th - Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) 273.6 miles
www.vendeeglobe.org
Cool Gifts For Sailors
New! The Eurobutt Sailor's Gift Guide with dozens of ideas for the sailors on your list. This week's features include the beautiful 3D charts from Kinsale, our new favorite book Mariquita 1911, and go-fast reading from Speed and Smarts...
See www.scuttlebutteurope.com/sailorsbookshelf.html
Loro Piana Around The Island Race
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has announced that it will participate for the first time in the Loro Piana Around the Island Race organized by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) and scheduled for Sunday 23rd November. Loro Piana, the renowned Italian luxury clothing company, has invited both the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the Yacht Club Italiano to participate in this 25th edition of the regatta, which hosts approximately 200 boats in a 26 nautical mile circumnavigation of the island of Hong Kong. The course starts near Kellett Island, where the RHKYC is located, and leaves Hong Kong to starboard, with a series of "gates" to be negotiated along the south coast before returning back to Kellett Island for the finish.
The YCCS team will be headed by YCCS member and current X-35 World Champion Alberto Signorini and will include veteran America's Cup sailor Tommaso Chieffi. The team will sail aboard a Magic 25 one-design in the Sportsboat division. Racing is scheduled to start at 08.30 on Sunday and the official prize giving ceremony will be held at the RHKYC Kellet Island Compass Room at 19.00 on Monday 24th November.
www.rhkyc.org.hk/default.aspx?c=302
A Sustainable Investment
The World Yacht Racing Forum interviews Daniel Miles, Puma Sailing, Group Head of Marketing:
- WYRF: How does Puma use its involvement in the Volvo Ocean Race (from a commercial standpoint)?
The Volvo Ocean Race is the cornerstone for our launch into the sailing category. With our boat 'il mostro', our crew led by Skipper Ken Read and the Volvo Ocean Race itself we have the ability to give our range credibility and maximise exposure for the PUMA brand within the sailing community and beyond. On top of that, what tougher test could a sports company like PUMA have to test its new apparel and footwear than competing in the race that is dubbed 'life at the extreme'!
- WYRF: Have you had a good return so far?
Still very early to draw any conclusions but we are pleased where we are today and our challenge now is to continue to meet and exceed our tough expectations. Our performance on the water has been strong whilst off the water our marketing activities are beginning to pay dividends in press coverage, customer confidence and consumer engagement.
- WYRF: Generally speaking, does sailing provide good value for todays sponsors?
Can't speak for all of course, but we've obviously decided that sailing is a great opportunity for PUMA as a sports lifestyle company. When we entered the motor sports category 10 years ago, nobody knew then this could be a big sales opportunity but it has now become one of our biggest categories. There is definitely the potential in sailing to do the same. It is a big investment that we are making but we believe it will pay off in terms of sales, image and brand equity.
- WYRF: What advice would you give to potential partners interested in sailing?
To think clever. Sailing could be seen as a niche sport but this shouldn't be a reason to rule it out - it just means you need to find new ways to surprise and excite your target audience. We hope we're beginning to do this but as with all things, it takes time. A company interested in the sport of sailing should always look at it as a long-term, sustainable investment.
www.worldyachtracingforum.com
Letters To The Editor
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* From Pat Stadel: Who's the youngest?????
The Schoolboy Circumnavigator
(Text from Don Holm's 'The Circumnavigators' , ch. 34)
On his sixteenth birthday, March 5, 1965, Robin Lee Graham said to his mother and father: "Know what I'd really like a boat of my own that I could sail to the South Pacific islands."
Most parents, upon hearing such talk, would dismiss it as impetuosity, but four and a half months later Robin stepped aboard his own 24 foot fiberglass sloop, Dove, a light displacement craft usually regarded as a day-sailor, and shoved off from Los Angeles for a shakedown cruise to Hawaii, a passage that took 22 1/2 days and was a piece of cake all the way.
So, at 11 A.M. on Tuesday morning, September 14, 1965, he said his good-byes again to his parents and departed Honolulu's Ala Wai yacht harbor...
At 7 A.M., on April 30, 1970, Robin sailed in between the breakwaters of Los Angeles harbor, which he had left 1,739 days before in the first Dove. He had traveled 30,600 sea miles. He was five years older, now a mature young man, with a wife (pregnant) and his whole life ahead of him.
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The Last Word
All science is either physics or stamp collecting. -- Ernest Rutherford
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