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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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Vendee Globe: "It's Heeling, Slamming And Wet!"
The weather situation in the southern Atlantic, which the leading solo sailors are unanimously describing as complicated and confused, has not yet let all its secrets out of the bag. However, with every satellite animation, a trend is being confirmed: at the tail end of November, the zone of high pressure has settled in for the duration and is likely to force the leaders to adopt a route taking them away from the shortest course, prior to starting to hang a big left towards the Cape of Good Hope and the Southern Seas.
At the head of the fleet Loick Peyron is taking the knocks from a decidedly agitated sea and still has a slight cushion of a lead over his loyal adversary, Sebastien Josse's 60 footer, at the 1600 hour ranking.
At midday, the monohull in the colours of the LCF Rothschild Group was benefiting from a clearer horizon but was still suffering from cross seas, which the ship's captain would willingly change: "The wind is still fluctuating just as much as before in terms of strength, but the squalls are gradually giving way to greyish skies. I haven't got sunshine yet, far from it, but we may well be heading towards a clearer spell" explained Loick Peyron, before describing the state of the "playing field": "For the past 24 hours, the sea really hasn't been very kind to us. On the nose and crossed... the seas are making life aboard complicated. You constantly have to hang on and watch every move you make in the boat. The current sea state isn't as big or as powerful as that which we encountered in the Bay of Biscay during the storm of the first hours of racing, but it is considerably more unpleasant. It's heeling, slamming and wet!"
* The South Atlantic saw a slight reshuffling at the front of the fleet this afternoon, with a new name in the top three, as Armel Le Cleac'h climbs into third place, from fifth yesterday. The pace of the leading group has eased slightly, and second-placed Seb Josse has crept to within 13 miles of leader Loick Peyron, while the hunting pack of Le Cleac'h, Jean-Pierre Dick and Vincent Riou have also gained a few miles on the front runner. Mike Golding, GBR, drops back to seventh overall as Yann Elies reclaims sixth position at the 1500hrs (GMT) position reports.
Ranking on Tuesday 25th November - 1600 hours (French time)
1. Gitana Eighty (Loick Peyron) 20,263 miles from the finish
2. BT (Sebastien Josse) 13 miles from the leader
3. Brit Air (Armel Le Cleac'h) 43.7 miles
4. Paprec Virbac (Jean-Pierre Dick) 45.7 miles
5. PRB (Vincent Riou) 52.1 miles
www.vendeeglobe.org
World Tour Announces New Invite Policy For 2009
London, UK: The World Match Racing Tour has announced a new invite policy for the 2009 season that rewards skippers and teams with guaranteed entries on the series for next year,
An ongoing problem for match race teams is how to get an opportunity to play the game and advance in the rankings, since competition is on an invitation only basis. And invitations have been in the specific control of the organizers and promoters of individual events. The Tour model which supplies boats and allows teams to simply show up and compete has always been compelling for match racers, hence the high demand for invites from all around the world.
For 2009 the World Tour has updated its policy for how invitations are extended to World Tour events. It is hoped that this new policy will be a vast improvement on the prior guidelines given to event organizers, and should both enable teams to better plan their season of competition and also for events to know in advance who will be competing and how best to leverage this for promotion and for sponsor fulfillment purposes.
This policy specifies that based on a 10-event schedule, and a 12-team format in the competition, that 8 invitations will be allocated by the World Tour, 2 invitations to winners of qualifying events, and 2 or more wildcard invites will go to each event promoter based on their format - for example, with a 16 team format the event would have 6 wildcards.
For the allocation of the 8 invitations from the World Tour, a new concept has also been introduced this year called the "World Tour Card" (WTC). The scheme is that 8 WTC's will be issued to teams which guarantees them an invitation to all but the final event. Teams with WTC's may compete in but not qualify at Qualifier events, and if invitations are not used they will revert back to the Tour for re-allocation.
Of these 8 WTC's, the distribution will be made up as follows: four will go to the top four teams from the previous year's World Tour leader board; two will go to the top two teams on the ISAF Match Race Ranking List, and two will go to the Tour for its choice of teams that will demonstrate a commitment to attend and promote World Tour events.
For teams that don't get one of the 8 Tour Cards they will still be able to get invites through either an event wildcard or at one of the 18 qualifying events that feed into the World Tour events. "This is a great step forward for both us, our sponsors and the World Tour " explained Sebastien Col, skipper for the French Match Racing Team/K-Challenge "The World Tour is a critical part of our efforts and training to win the America's Cup and now we know which events we can plan for in 2009".
Besides the promotional and planning benefits of this new policy, there will be incentive for teams to participate on the Tour since the top four in the World Championships and top 2 ISAF ranked skippers will be guaranteed the issuance of a WTC for the next year's schedule.
To download the 2009 Invite Policy go to
www.worldmatchracingtour.com/sitedata/downloads/wmrt-invite-policy-2009.pdf
Classic Yacht Projects
During the economic down turn classic boat enthusiasts may be looking for smaller, more manageable restoration projects -- from adversity comes opportunity! Please consider the following, all located in highly regarded wooden boatyards in America:
GL Watson ketch: 55' launched 1924 at White of Cowes yard. Located in Massachusetts, all the hard work of deconstruction has been done and this project is now available to a qualified owner at no cost. Detailed estimate available along with plans, photos.
Located in Southern California:
Knud Reimers Thirty Square Meter launched in 1944, hull needs work, rig in excellent condition, new main and jib.
Star boat
Luders 33' sports fisherman dating to 1949. Twin Volvo diesels power this unusual design which needs finishing touches.
Cal 32: ALTAMAR, # 2 in the series. Hull ready for restoration with lines and photos available. Lipton Cup winner, TransPac contender.
For further information: contact Foxfire Marine Consulting at
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, or 001-508-693-6397.
World Class Racing at Acura Key West 2009
Photo by Tim Wilkes, www.timwilkes.com. Click on image to enlarge.
Key West, Florida, USA: IRC classes will showcase new designs and the competition will be fierce at Acura Key West 2009, presented by Nautica.
2008 IRC East Coast Champion Mayhem, Ashley Wolfe's TP52 (Calgary, Canada), faces a rematch with Ennio Staffini's Anema & Core, Michael Brennan's Sjambok, and Jim Mitchell & Johnny Vincent's Vincitore (Georgetown, New Zealand). The Annapolis based Staffini and Brennan also had podium finishes in the recent championship.
The big boat IRC class will also feature Roger Sturgeon's STP 65 Rosebud. Last year's Sydney-Hobart winner has recently returned from a busy summer season in Europe. The IRC 2 class will boast an exciting mix of new designs and talented international crews. The updated entry list is posted in the web site: www.premiere-racing.com
Design debuts are standard fare in Key West, and 2009 will be no different, Mark Mills's designs will be prominent this year. The new Summit Performance Yachts King 40 will make its Key West debut with three of these sleek racer cruisers. Key West veterans Jim Hightower and Jeff Kitterman (Houston, TX) will compete on one with a familiar name Hot Ticket.
Cool Breeze is a new custom IRC 43 also designed by Mills and built in the UK by Vision Yachts. Key West is its debut event. Owner John Cooper (Cane Hill, MO) placed second in his PHRF class last January.
In the first year with their Marten 49 Pace, Londoners Johnny Vincent and Simon Tate have taken their Reichel Pugh design to Les Voiles Saint Tropez Regatta, Cowes Week and next on the docket is Key West.
One designs classes will continue their strong presence in Key West at the 22nd edition of race week and include: Melges 24, Melges 32, Farr 40, Swan 42, J/105, J/80, M30 and Farr 40
PHRF competition is also shaping up well, with new programs and veterans alike making their plans for North America's premiere regatta. Key West podium finishers will defend against the classic mix of serious PHRF programs. 2008 winners include Charleston, SC based Will Hanckel's J/120 Emocean and St. Croix, USVI's Robert Armstrong's J/100 Good Girl.
www.premiere-racing.com
Our Amazing Oceans....
Photo credit: Mikhail Matz / NOAA / HBOI
Slowly rolling across the ocean floor, a humble single-celled creature is poised to revolutionize our understanding of how complex life evolved on Earth.
A distant relative of microscopic amoebas, the grape-sized Gromia sphaerica was discovered once before, lying motionless at the bottom of the Arabian Sea. But when Mikhail Matz of the University of Texas at Austin and a group of researchers stumbled across a group of G. sphaerica off the coast of the Bahamas, the creatures were leaving trails behind them up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) long in the mud.
The trouble is, single-celled critters aren't supposed to be able to leave trails. The oldest fossils of animal trails, called 'trace fossils', date to around 580 million years ago, and paleontologists always figured they must have been made by multicellular animals with complex, symmetrical bodies.
But G. sphaerica's traces are the spitting image of the old, Precambrian fossils; two small ridges line the outside of the trail, and one thin bump runs down the middle.
At up to three centimeters (1.2 inches) in diameter, they're also enormous compared to most of their microscopic cousins.
"If these guys were alive 600 million years ago, and their traces got fossilized, a paleontologist who had never seen this thing would not have a shade of doubt attributing this kind of trace to the activity of a big, multicellular, bilaterally symmetrical animal," Matz said. -- Michael Reilly
From the Discovery Channel online: dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/20/gromia-cambrian.html
Fitting Out
Complete Freight continues to fit out Containers for super yachts and race teams to the highest standards. After completing 2 containers for Endeavour II, CF have also fitted out a container for Oman Sail currently in use in Oman as the team workshop. "The air-conditioning is working well, we don't want to leave it!" says Kevin Bennetts from the sweltering heat of the Middle East. Complete Freight now has 2 more containers in build for another race team. These are fully insulated and fitted with air-conditioning, electrics, racking and worktops.
For a quote please contact us on +44 1489 885400 or
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www.completefreight.com
Loro Piana Around The Island Race
Less than ideal conditions did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the 200 boats entered for the 2008 Loro Piana Around The Island Race. In a classic pursuit race, entrants departed Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour from Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Kellett Island clubhouse, with staggered start times on two start lines to try and chase down their 'slower' rivals.
Even with a couple of OCS rulings and a few no-shows, the fleet still made an impressive sight making its way east through Lei Yue Mun Gap towards Cape D'Agiular and Shek O. With only 4-6 knots South Easterly on offer with a little more on the South side of Hong Kong Island, Race Officer Jimmy Farquhar elected to shorten the course for all classes at the Ap Lei Chau mark, just off the famous fishing port of Aberdeen. This proved to be an astute decision as the breeze dropped out to 4 knots.
Line Honours were claimed by local legend Sam Chan on TP52, Ffree Fire 52 but Chan was to be thwarted by the Longtze Premier of Thierry Barot, helmed by Jamie McWilliam, which triumphed on ATI corrected time. Hot on McWilliam's yellow transom was Alberto Signorini of Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, sailing Magic 25 Good Vibrations, and claiming third place overall and a second place in the Sportsboat class.
As one of the Italian entries encouraged by event Sponsor, Loro Piana, Signorini was joined in the Sportsboats by Mr Pier Luigi Loro Piana (on Magic 25 It's My Pleasure) and by Nicolo Reggio (on Magic 25 Black Magic) representing Yacht Club Italiano. In spite of the dearth of breeze, Mr Loro Piana enjoyed the event, commenting that the atmosphere of the event reminded him of sailing parties in Italy, and noting his pleasure in watching the development of the relationship between the Italian and Chinese Sailors.
It took over three hours to finish the remaining boats, with RHKYC Commodore's wife, Suzanne Downes putting in a special performance with fourth overall, first dinghy and top lady helm. The final boat to cross the line was Scrumpy , whose team should really get an award for perseverance, after missing the finish line, only to spend another hour getting back into a position to cross it.
Full provisional results are available at www.rhkyc.org.hk/article.aspx?a=1369&c=302
Snipe Western Hemisphere & Orient Champs
98 competitors, 49 boats, 9 countries, 3 continents and 1 1st place - that's what this week's competition in Punta del Este, Uruguay is all about. Racing began Tuesday in 15-18 knot winds and warm temperatures. The Brazilians samba'd their way to the lead in the 1st race taking 6 of the 7 top spots at the finish led by Ricky Wanderley & Richard Zietemann. Race 2 was led by Uruguayan and Class Commodore Pedro Garra with Diego Henon in the front until a 45 degree windshift hit the fleet at the beginning of the final leg. Bruno Bethlem/Dante Bianchi of Brazil held off Garra/Henon to cross first with Alexandre Paradeda/Gabriel Kieling sneaking in for 2nd. Brazil is atop the leaderboard with 1-2-3 with Bruno Bethlem/Dante Bianchi in first. Racing resumes tomorrow on Maldonado Bay through November 30.
The Snipe Class is active in 30 countries with over 30,000 boats built in 75 years. For full results on the regatta: www.snipe-who.com or www.snipe.org
Interclub Team Challenge at Lymington
Once you've crossed the Cowes finish line of the June 2009 Round the Island Race in your IRC yacht there's no need to rush off in too much of a hurry. Just a few miles away, the Royal Lymington Yacht is challenging clubs to bring three boat teams to the Western Solent for three days of racing from 25th - 27th June. In a Commodore's Cup style event yachts will fit three rating bands and compete for a historic trophy, the King's Cup, first presented by King George V in 1925.
Each club will make the challenge, so it's time for you to let your club secretariat know if you are interested in taking part.
Entry forms and the Notice of Race are on www.rlymyc.org.uk
Industry News
* Danish sail maker Elvstrom Sails has been sold to a group of private investors led by former CEO of the company Claus Olsen and triple Olympic medalist and America's Cup skipper Jesper Bank. The group has purchased the company from its previous owner Peter Jorgensen who acquired the company a year and a half ago.
Under the new management, Claus Olsen will assume the role of CEO and Bank has been appointed Commercial Director. Bank was a member of the Board of Directors of Elvstrom Sails from 1992-2001. Andrew Smith will also continue in his role as Technical Director responsible for overseeing design and production at the company's headquarters in Aabenraa, Denmark. Smith's role will ensure the continuous development of new and advanced design and production processes, including the company's own EMT plant (Elvstrom Membrane Technology) situated close to the main loft.
* In the wake of the Chancellor's VAT reduction announcement yesterday, James Brooke, the Managing Director of the Sail, Power & Watersports Show which opens tomorrow Wednesday 26th November, is confident that this is absolutely the right move as far as his Show exhibitors are concerned and exhibitors have, in turn, been quick to praise the move.
Mike Williams of marine engine distributor E.P. Barrus said, "In my opinion it's a small amount but if it encourages purchases at the Show I will be more than happy. Any small advantage to making a sale in the current climate is welcome."
The Show is being opened tomorrow by Katie Derham, the ITV newsreader and presenter, and she will be joined on stage by some well-known names from the world of sail, power and watersports.
With just a few hours to the opening of the show, James was out and about checking out the exhibits today including a 60ft whale, the Show's largest exhibit! James was persuaded to carry out the full Pinocchio style 'walk through' tour and ended up at the 'bow'.
The whale, caught by a Norwegian fisherman in the 1950s, is now an interactive 'hands on' walkthrough exhibit and is expected to attract huge attention when the show opens on Wednesday.
The Sail, Power & Watersports Show at Earls Court runs from Wednesday 26th November until Sunday 30 November.
Show opening times:
Wed 26 November - Thurs 27 November - 10:00 - 21:00hrs
Fri 28 November - Sat 29 November - 10:00 - 19:00hrs
Sun 30 November - 10:00 - 18:00hrs
www.earlscourt2008.com
* Kaenon Polarized, the Southern California-based Luxury Performance eyewear brand has announced the launch of its new website.
Featuring a useful Product Guide that helps customers select the best Kaenon styles based on gender, fit, sport, and environment, the new website is full of easy-to-use tools and resources. An educational section on polarization helps visitors learn about the importance of Kaenon Polarized lenses and the superior advantages of Kaenon's patented SR-91 Lens Technology. Founded by elite-level sailor and Olympic sailing coach Steve Rosenberg and his brother Darren, Kaenon Polarized represents the culmination of Rosenberg's 20+years of experience in the sports optics world as a sponsored athlete, sports marketer, and executive.
www.kaenon.com
* This year's International Sailing Summit will be held in Paris for the first time, when French nautical federation FIN hosts the event on December 4 as part of the run-up to the Paris International Boat Show.
Speakers and presentations with an emphasis on the French sailing industry are planned for the morning of the ninth ISS. The afternoon will be dedicated to successes in promoting sailing around the world.
The ISS will conclude with a gala dinner featuring keynote speakers yacht designer Ron Holland and ISS Patron Gerard Petipas, founder of the Pen Duick company. There will also be a screening of the movie Tabarly by Pierre Marcel.
Go to www.iss2008.org for more details and to register.
From International Boat Industry news:
www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20081017115345ibinews.html
* French boatbuilder the Beneteau Group has reported growth in earnings for 2007-2008, with income from ordinary operations representing 14.3 per cent of sales, but is preparing for a downturn in 2009.
The group acknowledges the impact of the credit crisis on the marine industry and is preparing itself to 'outperform the market by 5-10 points'. Beneteau will accelerate the release of its new models, part of which, initially planned for 2010, will be brought forward to the 2009 season. -- IBI,
www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20081014123559ibinews.html
* Although the show seemed busy all the time, this year's Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) closed on 18,485 visitors, 6% down on last year's record attendance of 19,764 at the 20th anniversary edition. Organiser Amsterdam RAI says the show 'closed on an unexpectedly high note'.
'We are genuinely delighted by the buzz generated at this year's METS,' said product manager, Irene Dros. 'METS 2008 exceeded our expectations in terms of visitor numbers which is an optimistic sign that the leisure marine industry is determined to do its very best to weather the current economic storm.'
METS 2009 will be held on 17, 18 and 19 November 2009.
www.boatingbusiness.com
Featured Brokerage
2008 X35 "L'Irascibile"
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B&G3000+Deckman, lying Cala Galera, Italy
Contact details: Giuseppe Leonetti di Santo Janni mob +39-335-8144999 fax +39-081-643228--
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The Last Word
To listen to some devout people, one would imagine that God never laughs. -- Sri Aurobindo
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