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, 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
editor@scuttlebutteurope.com
Qualification Series Concludes at ISAF Sailing World Cup Hyeres
The qualification stage at ISAF Sailing World Cup Hyeres has drawn to an end with gold fleet racing on the minds of the world's best top sailors over the next three days.
Conditions at the fifth and final regatta of the 2013-2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup series could not have been any better on the second day of racing.
Racing resumes on Wednesday 23 April at 11:00 local time as gold fleet racing commences.
Top three by class:
2.4 Metre
1. Damien Seguin, FRA
2. Heiko Kroger, GER
3. Megan Pascoe, GBR
470 Men
1. Mathew Belcher / William Ryan, AUS
2. Sofian Bouvet / Jeremie Mion, FRA
3. Panagiotis Mantis / Pavlos Kagialis, GRE
470 Women
1. Anna Haeger / Briana Provancha, USA
2. Jo Aleh / Polly Powrie, NZL
3. Sophie Weguelin / Eilidh McIntyre, GBR
49er
1. Dylan Fletcher / Alain Sign, GBR
2. Peter Burling / Blair Tuke, NZL
3. Marcus Hansen / Josh Porebski, NZL
49erFX
1. Charlotte Dobson / Sophie Ainsworth, GBR
2. Martine Soffiatti Grael / Kahena Kunze, BRA
3. Ida Marie Baad Nielsen / Marie Thusgaard Olsen, DEN
Finn
1. Ioannis Mitakis, GRE
2. Pieter-Jan Postma, NED
3. Caleb Paine, USA
Laser
1. Tonci Stipanovic, CRO
2. Tom Burton, AUS
3. Robert Scheidt, BRA
Laser Radial
1. Evi Van Acker, BEL
2. Marit Bouwmeester, NED
3. Tatiana Drozdovskaya, BLR
NACRA 17
1. Ben Saxton / Hannah Diamond, GBR
2. Billy Besson / Marie Riou, FRA
3. Darren Bundock / Nina Curtis, AUS
RS:X Men
1. Piotr Myszka, POL
2. Dorian Van Rijsselberge, NED
3. Thomas Goyard, FRA
RS:X Women
1. Jiahui Wu, CHN
2. Maja Dziarnowska, POL
3. Flavia Tartaglini, ITA
Sonar
1. John Robertson / Hannah Stodel / Stephen Thomas, GBR
2. Bruno Jourdren / Nicolas Vimont Vicary / Eric Flageul, FRA
3. Colin Harrison / John Harris / Russell Boaden, AUS
Full results:
www.sailing.org/worldcup/home.php
Revival Quarter Ton Cup Celebrates 10th Anniversary
The success of the revived Quarter Ton Class has been nothing short of remarkable and the class continues to go from strength to strength. To mark the tenth anniversary of the revival a special edition of the Coutts Quarter Ton Cup will be hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Cowes, from 25 to 27 June 2014.
40 boats are expected with teams travelling from as far afield as Hong Kong.
The Quarter Ton Class is without doubt one of the quirkiest, most diverse and eccentric in the world. With boats built to three very different iterations of the Quarter Ton rule over three decades from the mid '60s to the mid '90s, the boats range in size from the diminutive Waarschip, designed to the original 16' RORC Rating Rule to the 1992 Per Elisa, designed to the last 18.5 IOR rule. The Quarter Ton Class was the scene of some of the most daring and extreme design development the marine industry has ever seen, with designers using the class as a test bed for innovation. The net result is a delightful mix of boats with something to appeal to everyone in a fleet that now races as one under IRC.
Part of the appeal of the revival class is that it is possible to get involved at very low cost. Whilst some owners have elected to put their boats into professional yards for restoration, many have found good boats at very low cost and have then restored them personally with help from friends and family.
Alongside the all too familiar faces, this year's event will see a number of teams making their maiden appearance at the Coutts Quarter Ton Cup. Ian Gibb's Laurent Giles designed Doom Bar andRoen Foolen's 1983 Fauroux designed Foolproof, will all be making their first appearance.
The organisers are delighted to once again welcome Coutts as title sponsor for the regatta. This is the eighth edition of the regatta run in partnership with Coutts whose support has been an integral part of the event's success.
The Notice of Race and Entry Form are now both available from the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club website and further information about the regatta can be obtained by contacting RCYC Sailing Secretary Jo Chugg on j
o@rcyc.co.uk
or Tel 01983 293581.
www.rcyc.co.uk
Club And Crew Jacket Collection 2014 - A Sportive Look And Maritime Chic In Classic Style
2014 has seen the introduction of a new Club and Crew Jacket line that is the perfect outfit for get togethers in the clubhouse, an apres sail drink in the cockpit or for any trip both on water and land. Garments for all occasions and events that require a sportive look in a classic style.
There is hardly any other sport that is similarly demanding on clothing than sailing. Garments used on boats or for regattas require highest reliability in terms of waterproofness, breathability, abrasion resistance. Functional cuts, light weight and further intelligent design features are indispensable - and the ideal crew wear brings all these qualities together. Furthermore, sailing as a sport and lifestyle reaches beyond the action on board and on race courses. Maritime clothing has a wide appeal and has become a way of living for many. The functionality of the garments is a welcome add-on and asset. The new Club and Crew Jacket collection by Marinepool is designed for racing crews, club teams, the ambitious amateur and fashion conscious water sports enthusiast alike. The utilization of technical high-quality fabrics ensures crucial features in terms of function such as breathability, wind and waterproofness and highest wearing comfort.
Consequently, these products can be used for racing, day sailing and any other dynamic outdoor activities. Maritime colours and fashionable details such as the striped knitted sleeve cuffs, collar and hem of the "Storm Jacket", available for men, women and kids bring a casual touch to the functional jackets. In combination with jeans, chino trousers, shirts or polo shirts and with its stylish design, the "Cruising Jacket" is the perfect outer layer for casual looks or sportive elegant outfits.
The new Marinepool Club and Crew Jacket Collection.
marinepool.com
ISAF Match Race Rankings
Taylor Canfield (ISV) and Camilla Ulrikkeholm (DEN) occupy the World #1 spots in the Open and Women's Match Race Rankings.
Taylor Canfield (ISV) retained World #1 in the Open Rankings having overcome World #2 Ian Williams (GBR) in the final of the ISAF Grade 1 Congressional Cup in Long Beach, California, USA.
The top five remain as per usual in the Open Rankings but further down there is significant movement following a busy period of match racing regattas.
Francesco Bruni (ITA) is one of the month's biggest movers having climbed 54 places to World #48. The former World #1 only counts five regattas to his name and having finished third at the ISAF Grade 1 Congressional Cup the Italian was significantly promoted back in the top 50.
The Italian will sail on the 2014 Alpari World Match Racing Tour and will look to work his way back to the top as the tour unfolds.
Croatia's Tomislav Basic moved up from World #31 to World #21 after he won the ISAF Grade 3 Slovenian National Open Match Race Championships in Izola, Slovenia.
Camilla Ulrikkeholm (DEN) moved into back into the World #1 spot in the Women's Match Race Rankings for the first time since July 2013.
The Danish sailor moves ahead of Lucy Macgregor (GBR) as the British sailor now counts seven regattas to Ulrikkeholm's eight.
The Marinassess Women's Match Race Regatta was the only event to take place in the current period with those competing reaping the rewards of solid results.
Top ten: Open
1. Taylor Canfield, ISV
2. Ian Williams, GBR
3. Bjorn Hansen, SWE
4. Philip Robertson, NZL
5. Mathieu Richard, FRA
6. Nicolai Sehested, DEN
7. Keith Swinton, AUS
8. Przemek Tarnacki, POL
9. Eric Monnin, SUI
10. Pierre-Antoine Morvan, FRA
Top ten: Women
1. Camilla Ulrikkeholm, DEN
2. Lucy Macgregor, GBR
3. Anna Kjellberg, SWE
4. Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen, DEN
5. Stephanie Roble, USA
6. Ekaterina Skudina, RUS
7. Alexa Bezel, SUI
8. Claire Leroy, FRA
9. Milly Bennett, AUS
10. Caroline Sylvan, SWE
Complete open rankings:
www.sailing.org/mrorankings
Complete women's rankings:
www.sailing.org/mrwrankings
2015 Key West Race Week Dates Confirmed
Boats ranging is size from 23 to 72 feet will compete in the waters off America's southernmost city during the 28th edition of Key West Race Week, scheduled for January 18-23.
America loves a comeback story and the comeback class for 2015 is expected to be the Melges 24s. The iconic sportboat is on the move and South Florida will play a major role over the next two years as evidenced by the recent announcement about their 2016 World Championship at Quantum Key West.
On one end of the spectrum are the high octane Mini Maxis with Hap Fauth's Bella Mente returning to defend their 2013 class win and a 4-boat class looking very likely. On the other end of the size range is the ever-popular J/70 class. This year's 60-boat turnout could grow to 70-80 according to class sources.
The HPR class had their own start this year and all indicators point to more boats in 2015.
A notable component of the Key West event since year 1 back in 1988 has been the PHRF racing. While there may not be the number of classes that were commonplace a decade ago, the significance of a class win is unchanged.
Expect another heavy dose of J/Boats next January with as many as five J/111's in PHRF 1 and the J/88s expecting to make some noise in PHRF 2. The Event Organizer will be featuring PHRF courses that include reaching legs to augment the traditional windward / leeward courses.
Other classes expected back with their highly competitive racing include the TP52s, J/80's and an IRC 3 class that featured new designs among the 10 boats racing last January. There is talk of a J/105 Key West revival following a brief hiatus.
Regatta dates are January 18 - 23, 2015.
www.Premiere-Racing.com
J111 World Championship 2014 To Be Hosted By The Royal Yacht Squadron
Entries are now open for the J111 World Championship 2014 which will be hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, UK, from Tuesday 19th August to Sunday 24th August 2014.
Racing will commence on Wednesday 20th of August and twelve races are scheduled over five days. The Notice of Race and Entry Form are available for download at Royal Yacht Squadron Events
The J111 World Championship 2014 will be preceded by the J111 European Championship 2014 which will take place during Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. Racing at the European Championship will start on Saturday 2nd August and will conclude on Tuesday 5th of August. Online entries are open now at
aamcowesweek.co.uk
The J111 European Championship will be raced on the same waters as the J111 World Championship thereby providing visiting teams the opportunity to gain valuable insight and experience sailing on the challenging waters of the Solent.
An entry of between 20 and 25 boats is expected for the World Championship and expressions of interest from teams keen to compete at this inaugural J111 World Championship have been received from France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, Hong Kong and the USA.
For more information on the J111 European Championship 2014 or the J111 World Championship 2014, including the availability of boats for charter, please contact Paul Heys at Key Yachting on 02380 455669.
Last Places Available On Volvo 70 Monster Project For Antigua Sailing Week And Transatlantic Adventure
Monster Project offers sailors a unique opportunity to experience "Formula 1" sailing on a Volvo Open 70.
After a successful first Caribbean season featuring two Line Honours wins and a new race record, two exciting events remain before we return to the UK.
Season finale: Antigua Sailing Week
Join us for this highlight of the Caribbean season! Spend your days racing on Monster Project with the keel fully canted, huge sails flying and grinding on the pedestals in the sunshine! Then kick up your heels at the Regatta's famous parties or relax on one of Antigua's glorious beaches.
Join us for our 8 day package or tailor your own combination of training and racing days.
- Training: 24-25 April
- Round the Island Race: 26 April
- Antigua Sailing Week: 27 April - 2 May
Transatlantic Adventure
After Antigua Sailing Week comes something many sailors dream of - a voyage across the Atlantic. Our Transatlantic Adventure takes us from the Caribbean to England in two legs. First leg (5 - 29 May): a 2,500 mile journey beginning in Sint Maarten, past Bermuda and ending in the stunning Azores, combining beautiful locations with all the challenges and glory of a long ocean passage.
Second leg (2 - 12 June): a shorter but no less challenging hop from the Azores to Southampton via the infamous Bay of Biscay.
Packages available for either or both legs of this epic voyage!
For more information visit
www.volvo70charter.co.uk
or email:
info@volvo70charter.co.uk
Gijon 2014 - New Race And Cruise To Northern Spain
The Royal Western Yacht Club are pleased to be pairing up with Gijon Tourismo, Spain for a race and cruise from Plymouth to the beautiful northern Spanish resort of Gijon. Starting on the 22nd June the event, which is for IRC rated yachts, is a fully crewed race across the Bay of Biscay finishing in the sun of Gijon. Limited Validity TCCs are allowed. A shadow cruise in company event will run in tandem with the race starting at the same time.
A fabulous chance to sail in company down the French coast and take on the challenge of the Bay of Biscay but, there are prizes for the leaders and a great holiday awaits on the warm and beautiful Spanish coast.
For entry details and information visit
www.rwyc.org
or call the RWYC 01752 660077
Email
admin@rwyc.org
iPhones At The Ready
Navigating with the iphone is on the cards for Saturday's first ISORA race of the season with course options for crews on both sides of the Irish Sea. Dublin offshore sailors will race from Dun Laoghaire to North Arklow buoy and back while Welsh counterparts are to race a similar distance along the Welsh coast.
In deploying the new mobile technology ISORA has teamed up with 'Predict Wind Tracker' to track the boats in both races. This, says ISORA, is a cost effective method of recording the race that can be viewed live and also viewed after the event.
This feature can only work at present on the iPhone and Android.
Depending on the wind direction ISORA may include "waypoint marks" as part of the course. ISORA Commodore Peter Ryan has issued a reminder to the offshore fleet emphasising it is essential that crews are familiar with how the phones are used and what and when you must record the rounding.
Ryan adds that if the innovative approach to setting courses is successful, 'it will radically change offshore racing to the betterment of all'.
afloat.ie/sail/
22 April 1969 - Briton Becomes First Man To Sail Solo Non-Stop Around The World
Man hadn't yet walked on the moon. 45 years ago, sailing solo non-stop around the world was as big an adventure as space travel is today and even now, fewer people have sailed solo around the planet than have orbited it above the atmosphere.
On 22 April 1969, Robin Knox-Johnston became the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world after successfully completing the Sunday Times Golden Globe race, aboard his 32 foot ketch Suhaili. He had none of the modern technological aids sailors regard as standard today and even his radio failed for the majority of the ten month (312 days) 30,000 mile groundbreaking journey.
Reflecting on his historic feat, Sir Robin said: "It is hard to believe 45 years have passed since the day I completed that first historic circumnavigation. I'm still incredibly proud of the achievement, which was the start of many, memorable moments that I am proud of throughout my years at sea.
"Ocean racing has always been a fundamental part of my life, and as I prepare for my latest solo challenge at what feels like the ripe age of 75, I am delighted to say that my thirst for the thrills and adventures has not ceased."
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, 75 is one of Britain's most celebrated mariners and this autumn he will compete again in a solo transatlantic race, the classic Route du Rhum.
Windsurfing Added To Round Texel
From 25th until 29th June 2014 Texel will once again be the global epicentre of catamaran sailing. On top of the internationally renowned Round Texel Race for catamarans, windsurfers will now be competing for the Open Dutch Championship Marathon Windsurfing as well.
The windsurfers will sail the exact same route as the catamarans do every year: rounding the Isle of Texel. Registration is open for windsurfers over 15 years with a registered slalom, formula, or race board. Qualification for the Open Dutch Championship will be held on Friday 27th June. On Saturday 28th June the 50 qualifying windsurfers from the previous day will race each other for the title.
On Saturday at 8:45 am, all 50 windsurfers will start from the beach. Fifteen minutes later, at 9:00 am sharp, the catamarans will leave for their Round Texel Race. It's a very challenging race; therefore time limits will be set at every gate.
"Safety is very important to us during the event, but safety requires a large investment," says Race Manager Jeroen Romkema. "Therefore the organization has started a special campaign. Entrepreneurs, especially the local entrepreneurs on Texel, will be approached for the last additional funding".
Romkema: "With small one-time investments of our local entrepreneurs we will try to put the last piece of finance in place. In return we have an attractive offer. Several entrepreneurs on the island have already signed up for this campaign. We want to express our gratitude to anyone who will help us to make this event happen."
The organization is very pleased to announce that the program includes the Texel Dutch Open for catamarans from Wednesday 25th to 27th June. Three days with in total ten scheduled races.
Recreational catamarans can register for two events on Texel.: the 'Horstocht', on Thursday 26th June and the 'Tocht om de Noord' on Friday 27th June. Like every year, single handed and double-handed catamarans are trying to break records. This year the record attempts take place on Wednesday 25th June and Thursday 26th June. Xtreme Kitesurf races will be held on 26th, 27th and 28th of June.
www.roundtexel.com
or contact Simon Keijzer on +316 54 75 4405
Letters To The Editor -
editor@scuttlebutteurope.com
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 Ben Remocker: We recently published a comprehensive overview of why the 49er class is pushing so hard to try and get our finals format changed. For those of you who support pushing sailing this way, we'd love to hear your reasons for support. For those of you who are against the changes we're looking to make, we'd love to hear why.
See
49er.us3.list-manage.com
Featured Brokerage
2001 IMOCA 60. £395,000. Located in Caen, France.
Built as Hexagon HSBC for Graham Dalton to sail in the 2002 Around Alone,. After that race, the boat was purchased by Pindar for Emma Richards. In consultation with the Owen Clarke Design office significant development was undertaken with Mike Sanderson as skipper. This included a conversion from single central daggerboard to twin asymmetric boards, and conversion of rig to removable genoa with halyard lock system -now common amongst the fleet
Between 2006 and 2009 the boat was owned and managed by Artemis Ocean Racing. She was originally used as the race boat competing in the 2006 Route de Rhum and 2007 TJV. She was subsequently used as the corporate boat and was RORC Class Champion in 2008.
In 2010 the boat was purchased by the current owner and renamed Rusalka. The boat went through an extensive refit during which; in addition to general servicing, the decks, topsides, bottom and appendages were re-sprayed and the keel modified. Hydraulics overhauled, engine and saildrive replaced, interior redesigned and galley fitted, and much more.
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simon@whitecapltd.com
+44 (0)7881 572970
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See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at
seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
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