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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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Cautious Pre Starts For Hot Monsoon Cup Match Racers
The first day of the Monsoon Cup started with pomp and ceremony as the fourth edition of the Monsoon Cup was officially launched today in Terengganu, Malaysia.
On the water three flights were conducted in the late afternoon breeze with tactics and strategy the key factor in achieving success on a race course with challenging tidal conditions and shifting breezes.
The toughest match of the day was between defending Monsoon Cup champion Ian Williams and his old foe Paolo Cian. Cian went into the match unbeaten in the regatta with two wins already to his name. Cian won the start with Williams squeezed under the start boat. A red flag penalty on the start did not deter Cian from hunting Williams around the course as the breeze softened and shifted. On the last leg Williams covered Cian gybe to gybe to win his first match in the 2008 Monsoon Cup.
There was clearly some difference of opinion on the incident between Williams and Cian on the start of their match.
"I thought the call was reasonably clear. We thought Paolo had gone through head to wind initially and we flew a flag which the umpires 'greened'. I guess they considered Paolo had not gone through head to wind. And then later on he definitely did go through head to wind and we had to avoid him," Williams said.
From Cian's side he said "there was not a change of control. I was not very happy about the flag and then not very happy about the red flag. I think we were in the controlling position. After the penalty I think we were still in control so maybe it was an aggressive red penalty. You must take into account that this can happen. The way we came back into the race means we are sailing the boat really fast".
Tomorrow is the second day of racing with the continuation of the round robin stage.
Flight 1
M1 Peter Gilmour over Nurul Ain
M2 Mathieu Richard over Keith Swinton
M3 Paolo Cian over Magnus Holmberg
M4Ben Ainslie over Sebastien Col
Flight 2
M1 Magnus Holmberg over Keith Swinton
M2 Paolo Cian over Mathieu Richard
M3 Sebastien Col over Johnie Berntsson
M4 Torvar Mirsky over Ben Ainslie
Flight 3
M1 Ben Ainslie over Johnie Berntsson
M2 Torvar Mirsky over Mathieu Richard
M3 Adam Minoprio over Sebastien Col
M4 Ian Williams over Paolo Cian
Watch the racing on the internet, www.sail.tv
www.monsooncup.my
worldmatchracingtour.com
The South Set To Bare Its Teeth
Mike Golding on ECOVER. Photo by Mark Lloyd / DPPI / Vendee Globe. Click on image to enlarge.
Big winds last night, during which a few of the leading skippers - Vincent Riou and Mike Golding among them - admitting today that they had pushed too hard, gave way to lighter 15-20 knots more westerly winds for the front running group who will pass through the first ice gate this evening and tonight.
First to cross - passing north to south - should be Seb Josse (BT), leader now for four days, and Yann Elies (Generali) who are running neck and neck for the line, side by side about 12 miles apart. Generali, the Finot Conq design, has gained through the day, more than halving Josse's lead of this morning.
While they will then be the first to get the benefit of getting directly back to the south, strongest breeze-shortest route, the flip side of the coin is the choice of Jean Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac 2), 3rd and Loick Peyron, (Gitana Eighty), 4th, who are have been hanging on longer to their more southerly position, before choosing when to gybe north and cut the gate before breaking south again. They have been waiting for the wind to veer more and build, giving them a faster angle to go back on.
Between the two schools Mike Golding, GBR, (Ecover 3), 9th, Vincent Riou (PRB), 6th, and Jean Le Cam (VM Materiaux), 7th are all heading north east on starboard gybe on different angles. Le Cam has been sailing 10 degrees lower and may be looking to just pass the westernmost point of the line before heading south east again.
* "At approx 1236 UTC today I hit a large animal, probably a whale at 15 knots. The boat stopped dead in the water, and remained there for about a minute until the animal released itself from the daggerboard. I was under 1 reef and Jibtop at the time. Once we had broken free, we sailed off very quickly, but I could clearly see the animal astern in a lot of trouble. I have some serious damage to my starboard daggerboard, but the boat is fine and the structure surrounding the daggerboard is intact. We have not taken on any water. I will be continuing to race, and will monitor the condition of both the board and the boat." -- Jonny Malbon (Artemis)
Top ten:
1. Sebastien Josse, BT, 18190.5 to finish
2. Yann Elies, Generali, 5.6 to leader
3. Jean-Pierre Dick, Paprec-Virbac 2, 40.1
4. Loick Peyron, Gitana Eighty, 55.0
5. Jean Le Cam, VM Materiaux, 77.3
6. Vincent Riou, PRB, 79.2
7. Roland Jourdain, Veolia Environnement, 80.7
8. Armel Le Cleac'h, Brit Air, 97.7
9. Mike Golding, Ecover, 109.2
10. Michel Desjoyeaux, Foncia, 176.5
www.vendeeglobe.org
The Perfect Nautical Gift
Chart of the Isle of Wight. Click on image to enlarge.
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The Seahorse Interview: Tom Schnackenberg
SH: How savage are you prepared to be to try to create a less costly America's Cup for the tougher years ahead?
TS: We think we should make the boat smaller and lighter and keep it fairly simple, at least for the first Cup, but without dumbing it down. Having one boat per team is another important step in cost saving for the campaign.
SH: Are you starting with the bones of the AC90 or something altogether newer, less prescriptive? Smaller even?
TS: We are still working on that. A lot of good work went into the details of the AC90 and it would be a pity to throw that away.
SH: Will the new class be as spectacular and demanding as the originally proposed AC90?
TS: Well, it will be smaller and lighter, but it will look and go great, and will be similarly demanding and responsive to race, while much easier to handle away from the racecourse.
SH: How advanced is this 'new rule'?
TS: As of mid-November it is at the stage where we can start introducing suggested hard numbers for further study...
SH: What do you currently plan as the timeline for the rule?
TS: We are planning to publish the rule in January allowing just enough time to study it, design and build a boat, and work it up to race in 2010 in the trials and Match. I am hoping we can produce the final draft before Christmas.
SH: On the other hand, were the DoG match to go ahead, what do you think the longterm effect would be?
TS: That I can't predict. For one thing, it depends on how much goodwill there is around the issues that might still be in dispute...
Read the full interview along with one with Brad Butterworth at
seahorsemagazine.com/2009-January/alinghi.php
Lufthansa And Longtze Yachts Join Forces For European Circuit
Click on image to enlarge.
Lufthansa and Longtze Yachts have decided to raise their sails together in the new Longtze European Tour, a circuit which will take place in five events spread over the 2009 year.
Longtze Yachts was established, in 2007, during the America's Cup campaign led by LE DEFI under the China Team colors. Sailors and designers had taken advantage of 10 years of America's Cup experience to develop a new, ultra performance, high-tech boat. Since its launching, the Longtze Premier has graced waters in Europe and Asia. The prototypes won the China Cup in 2007. In 2008, the production series boat accomplished a double victory in Hong-Kong, winning the Liption Trophy and the Loro Piana Around The Island Race, amongst a fleet of more than 100 boats. It has also made a statement in Europe, bringing home victories in France, Switzerland, Belgium and Holland.
The German company Lufthansa, has been involved with sports for several years now at a international level in handball, football, and the Olympic and Paralympic games. This is in addition to the company's activities in France where they have been involved during recent years with professional tennis and polo (St Tropez Polo Club). This year Lufthansa has prolonged their sporting sponsorship by hoisting their colors on Longtze Premier sails for the occasion of the Longtze European Tour races.
The newly signed partner for the 2009 season, on their Longtze Premier with Lufthansa colors, will participate in the following 5 regattas:
- The Primo cup - Trophee Credit Suisse : 12-15 February 2009, Monaco
- The Grand Prix de l'Ecole Navale: 21-24 May 2009 (France)
- Deauville International Week: 4-7 June 2009 (France)
- The Light Vessel Race, Zeebrugge: 4-6 September 2009 (Belgium)
- The Lake Constance Regatta, Kreuzlingen, 16-18 October 2009 (Switzerland)
Longtze Yachts and Lufthansa will be present at the Salon Nautique Paris from the 5th to 14th of December - Porte de Versailles: Stand K 19 - Hall 1
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2010 Portimao Global Ocean Race Race Announced
At the formal prize giving ceremony for the Portimao Global Ocean Race hosted Tuesday evening by Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Grant Haskin, there were two major announcements. The first announcement was that the second Portimao Global Ocean Race will commence in 2010. Race Director Josh Hall, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, declared the following:
"We are proud to announce that there will definitely be a Portimao Global Ocean Race starting in October 2010 and that we plan to run this event every two years thereafter," he said. "This inaugural event has proven that there is a need for a round-the-world race which is attainable and cost-effective for skippers and sponsors. We anticipate 15-20 boats on the start line of the next race. We chose our host cities based on the practical requirements of our entries and community involvement potential rather than the financial incentives demanded by some events. Our target is to have continuity of the race course in order to develop real and sustainable relationships with the host cities and their communities so I can therefore confirm that we will indeed be back here in Cape Town in two years time. The Fairest Cape, a stunningly beautiful setting, warm, friendly people and what we regard as one of the finest yacht clubs in the world, the Royal cape Yacht Club, what more could one wish for?"
Local sailor and businessman Adrian Kuttel confirmed his entry in the next race. "It's humbling to be here among these sailors who are already following their dream of racing around the world," said Kuttel. "This has also been a dream of mine since I watched my father race in the early Whitbread Round the World races. Now I am looking forward to creating a campaign that will reflect South African values and involve the youth of South Africa."
portimaorace.com
Images of the Deep South with Thomas Coville
How magical these live video conferences are at sea in the roaring 40s! This afternoon, Thomas transported us onto his Maxi Trimaran Sodeb'O. He took us surfing at 33 knots, performed a balancing act on the trampoline above the sea and chatted with us in the cockpit as he helmed his racing steed.
The skipper made the switch to the east this morning, crossing the longitude of zero degrees at daybreak. He also passed Sebastien Josse, the leader in the Vendee Globe fleet. He is now alone in opening the way to the desert of the deep south. The sailor is negotiating a W'ly swell, which is an indicator of a low set to hit tomorrow. The wind will then shift round to the NW as it fills to around 30/35 knots. Suffice to say that this will be the first 'squall' of the roaring forties for Thomas, who is set to round the Cape of Good Hope on Friday.
How's the sailor?
"I'm well! The hardest thing is managing sleep. To sleep, you have to slow down a little, and for the time being I haven't slowed down much. I feel good aboard though, I feel good on my boat. I'm going fast. I'm having a ball! The speed in a multihull is difficult to handle as the slightest error would be fatal, but for the most part I go by feeling. I'm managing to strike a balance with the speed of my boat. Since last year, I've become a lot calmer. Speed makes you permanently tense, which is wearing, and that never stops. I'm sailing on a knife edge the whole time."
How do you feel about your deficit on Francis Joyon (570 miles this evening, or a day behind)?
"I avoid looking at the summit of the mountain, otherwise it gives you the blues. I live from day to day. I'm moving my pawns forward telling myself that it'll come good in the long run. Michel Dejoyeaux is making me feel good... I'm telling myself that if he can make it back into a race where the weather conditions are the same for everyone, then there's no reason why, with different conditions, I can't make a comeback too."
How do you perceive the Vendee Globe?
"I'm paying attention to the race as they are useful to me for observing their speed according to the wind and sea conditions they encounter before me. The start of the course is thrilling as the psychology of the different skippers is revealed. I've spoken to some of the competitors on the phone, such as Dominique Wavre and Yann Elies. These conversations are always very nice as we really understand what the other is experiencing." -- translated by Kate Jennings
www.sodebo-voile.com
19th Imperia Winter Regatta
Imperia, Italy: Everything is ready for the beginning of the 19th Imperia Winter Regatta: the event will be held once again in Oneglia Harbour from 4th to 7th December 2008 with the organization of Yacht Club Imperia and 14 countries will be represented (Algeria, Austria, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Monaco, Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland, UK ) by more than 400 sailors.
The sailors will take part in 420 (open and female), 470 (male and female) and Laser Standard (male), Laser Radial (male and female) classes.
The youngest teams will take part in the L'Equipe International Meeting.
A maximum of 9 races is scheduled for all racing classes.
The opening ceremony will be held on Friday 5th December after the races at 5.00pm at headquarter in Oneglia Harbour.
Races of 19th Imperia Winter Regatta will be managed by an International Jury (officials coming from Austia, France, Germany, Greece, Israel and Italy) while at see the Race Committe will be managed by Italian officials.
The IWR is an ISAF Grade 3 event. -- Laura Jelmini
i-w-r.com
Kaenon Polarized: In Celebration Of...
Our brand new, user-friendly website with global purchase and ship capability www.kaenon.com , and Ben's World Sailor of the Year award, we're offering 25% off the popular Hard Kore and our sophisticated metals, Spindle and Variant Series until year end. Enter this promotion code: EUROBUTT25 at checkout to receive your 25% discount on these select styles. Not applicable for orders shipped to Switzerland or Italy. All orders shipped from USA, freight and duty extra. Unprecedented times are creating unprecedented opportunities - and they won't last. When that unexpected shift comes through, the best know what to do. Enjoy!
Kaenon Polarized. Evolve Optically.
www.kaenon.com
Pertti Lipas
It is with great sadness ISAF reports that Pertti LIPAS of Finland, an ISAF International Judge for over 20 years and a key figure behind the latest edition of The Racing Rules of Sailing, has died aged 76.
Pertti LIPAS (FIN) has been a key figure in the continued development of The Racing Rules of Sailing, the worldwide rules which govern the sport on the water and are revised and published every four years by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).
Alongside his work as an ISAF Committee member, Pertti was an ISAF International Judge (IJ) since 1985. During a long and distinguished career as an ISAF Race Official he attended both the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games as a member of the International Jury. He was also a member of the International Jury for the 2008 Beijing Games, as an off-site consultant.
For over 20 years, Pertti's deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the rules and for fair play has been a great asset to the International Sailing Federation and he will be sadly missed.
ISAF extends our sincere sympathy and condolences to Pertti's family and friends.
www.sailing.org/26409.php
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 Tyler Carder: Yeah, those kiteboarders can skim along at a pretty good clip, and there are a bunch of strange, insect-like things out there with a good turn of speed, too; but give me L'Hydroptere as the fastest, baddest BOAT sailing today. Hey- they can go as fast as they do with a CREW on board, a crew who can actually move around the boat at speed. And not just over a wimpy little 100 meter course, either. Awesome! Not one guy tethered to a kite sailing in four inches of water, or one guy strapped into a cramped little bubble-cockpit on an insect-boat hoping like hell it doesn't break apart. Viva L'Hydoptere!
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The Last Word
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. -- Anne Bradstreet
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