Alamitos Bay Yacht Club

Brought to you by Seahorse magazine, 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

Antigua Sailing Week's 50th Edition Comes To A Close
The Grand Awards Ceremony for Antigua Sailing Week was held in Nelson's Dockyard and the UNESCO World Heritage Site was a fitting venue for the 50th edition of this historic occasion. Thousands of sailors attended the ceremony and whilst all of the respective class winners had been posted, there were special awards that were still to be announced, including the biggest prize in Caribbean sailing, the Lord Nelson Trophy.

The stage was glittering with dozens of trophies, many of which have been sought after for decades of Caribbean racing. Winners took to the stage to receive their appreciation from the crowd, and finally there was just one trophy left. You could feel the tension as MC Tommy Paterson announced the winner of The Lord Nelson Trophy as Sergio Sagramoso's Puerto Rican Melges 32, Lazy Dog.

Sergio Sagramoso and his team took to the stage to tumultuous applause and then crowded around the historic Lord Nelson Trophy after the prize giving, scanning the list of names etched upon it over the years. The last Puerto Rican boat to win the trophy was Tom Hill's Titan XII in 2005.

Ross Applebey's Oyster 48, Scarlet Oyster had been in impressive form all week, however the British charter boat was once again just short of winning the Lord Nelson Trophy. Ross and his crew didn't leave empty handed though, as the team left the stage with a huge haul of silverware for their efforts including: The Governor General's Cup for first overall in CSA 5, Best British Race Charter Yacht, Royal Southern Yacht Club Shield Trophy for the Inter-Yacht Club Challenge and the Peter Deeth Trophy for 2nd overall in CSA 1-6.

Sir Peter Harrison's Super Maxi Sojana racing in CSA 1 was close to winning the Lord Nelson Trophy for the second time and the crew where in good spirits as they took to the stage to receive multiple awards. -- Louay Habib

Full results at www.sailingweek.com

Sail Racing PalmaVela's Tales of the Unexpected
Palma, Spain: Several key victories went against expectation to provide an exciting finale to Sail Racing PalmaVela, the showcase regatta which for 14 years has lifted the curtain on the Mediterranean competition season.

Dario Ferrari's new Botín Partners Pepe Cannonball triumphed at her debut regatta, emerging from an impossibly close three-way points deadlock in the white hot Maxi72 class. Nahita with Croatia's 2016 Olympic gold medallist Sime Fantela calling tactics supported by talismanic coach Santi Lange, won the Wally fleet and so registered their first ever regatta victory as a crew. And the inaugural ClubSwan 50 regatta in Europe saw Morten H Kielland winning on tiebreak thanks to a final race victory.

Surprise and elation were evident in equal measure aboard these, and many other winning boats among the more than 130 representing 19 different nations which competed in 20 different classes at the four day regatta on the Bay of Palma.

At the first European racing event for the ClubSwan 50 there was, of course, no form book. But the chartered Earlybird, with Karol Jablonski on tactics, was two points ahead going into the last day. But Morten H Kielland's crew - lead by French former 470 helm Sacha Pelisson - engineered an upset when they won the final race with Earlybird third.

The 12 boat Wally Class start their race season with a new winner topping the leaderboard at Sail Racing PalmaVela. A new rig, new sails including a more powerful square top mainsail and a reduction in overall weight - changes made through the winter - may have given Nahita a competitive edge among the eighty footers

In the ORC Classes the winners were Audax Energía (ORC 0-A), Porron IX (ORC 0-B), Airlan Aermec (ORC 1), Just the Job (ORC 2), Yabadaba (ORC 3), Diafreo Mallorca (ORC 4). And in the One Designs, Code Zero (AICO J80), Speedy Gonzales (Flying Fifteen), Mr. (Sotheby's Dragon), the classics Spartan (Cangreja), Sonata (Bermudiano) and Calima (Espíritu de Tradicion), and the Hansa 303 Fundacion Alex (both in Individual and in Double).

Full results at www.palmavela.com

Race Expert/Watch Officer
The Volvo Ocean Race is sailing's toughest race to win and the ultimate test of a team in professional sport. The 2017-18 edition, starting in October, will see the teams compete over 46,000 nautical miles in a race around the world like no other.

The nerve centre of the offshore operation is the Race Control room at our HQ in Alicante and Race Expert/Watch Officers will be crucial to its operation - in both safety but also race communication terms to fans.

The role of Race Expert/Watch Officer is the perfect opportunity either for very experienced sailors who want to be back in the heart of the Volvo Ocean Race or young sailors determined to compete in the race in the future. Key aspects of the role include, in a phased watch-keeping mode whilst the boats are racing:

- Build relationships with each team, via constant communication with the sailing teams at sea and our Onboard Reporters.
- Monitoring of the fleet with the best navigation and weather tools available.
- Analysis and communication of team strategy, supporting our wider media and comms team with their high quality content, and direct and immediate explanations of tactics to our online audience as a Race Expert via various digital channels 24/7 (Race Expert whats app etc).
- Being a first point of contact for emergency incident management, supporting the Crisis Management Team.

Requirements to apply:
EU national or ability to acquire necessary EU working permits.
Fluent English (written and spoken). Other languages are a plus.
Your CV/resume must be in English, and confirm your nationality/work permit status.

Email your application to careers@volvooceanrace.com
Deadline: 21 May 2017

Close to 50 knots
More America's Cup Class (ACC) practice racing has been taking place on Bermuda's Great Sound, now with all six America's Cup teams taking part for the first time on the racecourse that will be used in the 35th America's Cup.

Emirates Team New Zealand were the last team to arrive in the home of the 35th America's Cup but quickly had their ACC boat re-commissioned and out on the crystal clear waters of Bermuda. Their first bout of unofficial practice racing with other America's Cup teams was on Friday 28th April when they lined up against Artemis Racing and Groupama Team France with the Kiwis winning against the Swedes, albeit with Artemis Racing not engaging in the pre-start, and then failing to finish their first race against the French team but winning their second.

Notably, Artemis Racing continued their strong form, but over the four days of racing all six teams recorded victories.

" It's too early to predict who's going to be strong in this America's Cup but the performance of the boats is incredibly impressive. We've certainly seen speeds of 47 knots, some even at 48 knots, so we're getting close to that 50 knot (93kph) speed barrier." said Russell Coutts

www.americascup.com

On the Grind with Louis Sinclair
Sinclair is a grinder - one of ORACLE TEAM USA's top grinders, to be exact. It's a position three other team-mates share while aboard the AC50 foiling catamaran. Their job is to provide the skipper and wing trimmer enough power to be able to manoeuvre and fly the carbon-fibre boat close to airbourne for the entire 20-minute race.

Since Sinclair's position on the flying catamaran is synonymous with being 'the muscle,' he needs to be strong. He can bench 150kg and dead squat 200. But that alone isn't good enough.

He must be quick and efficient. During a manoeuvre, like a tack, the crew sprints across a slippery trampoline and hops back into place to start yet another 90-second grind. During a typical 25-minute race, a grinder burns more than 550 calories. His heart rate will be operating above 85 percent max for about 94 percent of the race.

Sinclair must eat between 4,000 and 5,000 calories a day to sustain all his efforts. Two breakfasts and two dinners filled with lean protein and carbs fuel the ultimate machine he's become. With a lean eight percent body fat and an incredible lung capacity, Sinclair is a cross between Aquaman and George of the Jungle.

www.redbull.com/

Perfect For The Task
When Emirates Team New Zealand were placing the order for their latest America's Cup challenger where could be better than a 'local' company with a worldwide reputation for delivering long, thin carbon structures...

Building an AC50 Southern Spars have been building some of the best masts in the world for more than a quarter of a century, and for their first few challenges outside the realms of masts and rigging they haven't lowered their sights even a fraction.

Equipped with some of the best minds and hands in the world of composites, in mid-2016 the company set out to flex their design and manufacturing muscle outside the world of carbon spars. The first challenge they took on was revolutionising track cycling wheels for the New Zealand Olympic Track Cycling Team. Southern's R&D and production teams produced a set of 32 wheels, which helped the NZ team set the fastest opening lap of a velodrome ever recorded at sea level and take home a silver at Rio.

Even before the wheels had been delivered the second challenge appeared on the horizon. Southern Spars' co-founder and head of sales, Mark Hauser, got a call from Kevin Shoebridge, Emirates Team New Zealand's COO. The contract for building Emirates Team New Zealand's yacht for the 35th America's Cup was up for grabs...

Full article in the May issue of Seahorse:
https://www.seahorsemagazine.com

Industry News
Henri Lloyd, are delighted to announce their partnership with the Charles Stanley Direct Cowes Classics Week.

Henri Lloyd will join the family of day sponsors and also become the Official Technical Clothing Partner to this prestigious event.

As part of the sponsorship, Henri Lloyd will be working alongside the regatta organisers to provide a bespoke crew kit package of Henri Lloyd's latest inshore race apparel to all entrants. In addition crews will benefit from a Henri Lloyd 'pop up' shop which will be located daily within the Royal London Yacht Club where a bespoke personalisation service will be on offer.

Tuesday 18th July will be known as the Henri Lloyd Race Day, and as part of the day's celebrations, the Henri Lloyd trophy will be awarded to the overall winner.

henrilloyd.com
cowesclassicsweek.org

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BWA Yachting, a leading worldwide provider of marine agency services to superyacht owners and their crews, has renewed its partnership with The International SeaKeepers Society. The aim of the partnership is to increase participation from yachts in assisting with ocean research, conservation and education.

The partnership enters its second year with an emphasis on the DISCOVERY Yachts Program, which utilizes private vessels for marine research, educational outreach, and to deploy oceanographic instruments.

The partnership benefits from BWA Yachting's global network that spans over 370 international ports and marinas through BWA's owned and operated offices in Spain, France, Monaco, Corsica, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Turkey, Malta, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Florida and New England.

www.facebook.com/bwayachting
www.seakeepers.org

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Crewsaver has been selected to be the Official Safety Provider to the 35th America's Cup, which will take place in Bermuda from 26th May to 27th June 2017.

Crewsaver will be providing the America's Cup with all of the safety equipment needed for their chase boats including lifejackets, helmets, first aid kits, knifes, pyrotechnics and man-overboard rescue equipment, along with a number of marker buoys to help with shepherding boats to the race course.

With help from Crewsaver, the America's Cup will very shortly be launching a number of safety videos, providing viewers with a number of top tips to help them stay safe when out on the water.

In addition, the partnership will provide America's Cup viewers with the opportunity to win a limited edition, and not on general sale (or not available to the public), America's Cup branded Crewfit 180N Pro lifejacket through a competition being run by Crewsaver, details of which will be announced soon.

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Beneteau announces the appointment of Luca Brancaleon as Sales Director as of 20 March 2017. He will manage the brand's international commercial strategy.

Luca, who qualified in Law at the University of Parma in 1996, has solid sales management experience in international multi-brand positions. He worked in the mechanical and pharmaceutical industries, before entering the nautical industry 13 years ago, initially with the Sessa brand, and then for the Brunswick Group to develop brands such as Boston Whaler, Hatteras, Cabo Yacht, Sea Ray and the L class internationally.

Luca Brancaleon succeeds Francois Rodrigues, who will move to a newly created role of Sales Development for the Beneteau Group Boats Division.

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The Limassol Boat Show which is running May 5-7 at Limassol Marina will be the biggest such event held in Cyprus so far. While the 2017 event will have a limited international participation IBI has been told by the marina's marketing team that the show plans to go fully international in 2018.

According to Cyprus Mail report, the show this year will have over 100 exhibitors and that exhibitors from Cyprus, Russia, Greece and Switzerland will participate. There will be a range of craft on show from small boats up to a 50m(164ft) superyacht.

The show was first held in 2008 but during the financial downturn in 2013 and 2014 was stopped and resumed in 2015. Limassol Marina is sharing in the organising role for the second time this year. The proceeds from the show are to be put towards building a new slipway.

plus.ibinews.com

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 Alistair Skinner: I was reading the latest Seahorse (June 2017) which has just dropped into my inbox and noticed Luca Devoti's article and while I agree with 99.9% of what he is saying, however Victor Kovalenko "probably the greatest sailing coach of all time"? Doing a rough head count I am sure that Jim Saltonstall's ferrets at least matched Victors guys, at least in terms of Olympic medal count. Ainslie, Robertson & Percy alone count 10 and that does not include the other stars he developed towards the Olympic podium. Paul Goodison I think was one of his, as was Andrew Simpson and maybe even the crop that included Walker, Charles, Merricks & Covell. Nick Rogers was another of his and don't forget the likes of Sally Cuthbert who won 4 youth worlds in succession.

Certainly on Olympic medal count Jim outdoes Victor. He may have been known as a youth coach but his work inspired (isn't that what coaches are supposed to do?) Team GBR's relative domination in Olympic Sailing over almost 2 decades.

I'm not saying Victor's a poor coach, just that in my opinion Jim record is better (plus I love to get discussions going)

Featured Brokerage
1911 MARIQUITA Classic Sailing Yacht. 3,500,000 EUR. Located in United Kingdom.

Built by William Fife & Son.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

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2007 GREEN DRAGON Volvo 70. 390000 EUR. Located in Monfalcone, Italy.

GREEN DRAGON is a fantastic Volvo 70 Class yacht, which can be used for serious racing, race charter, cruising and even as a conversion project.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

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2014 Swan 60-909 Windward. 3,300,000 EUR. Located in Hong Kong.

‘Windward’ was launched in May 2014 and is ready for racing or cruising. Currently lying in Hong Kong, she is available for immediate delivery.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Nautor's Swan Brokerage - Lorenzo Bortolotti
brokerage@nautorswan.com
Tel. +377 97 97 95 07
nautorswanbrokerage.com

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
Liberté, égalité, fraternité -- Maximilien Robespierre

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

Ed Wright Smashes Opening Day at Finn Europeans in Marseille
Marseille France: Ed Wright from Great Britain has opened the 2017 Finn European Championship with two emphatic race wins after a strong mistral kept the fleet on shore for most of the day. France's Jonathan Lobert was consistent with two fourth places to sit in second, while two fifth places for Anders Pedersen of Norway leaves him in third overnight.

After the practice race was abandoned yesterday, the mistral was still in place for the first full day of racing and though the early indication was that racing would start on time, this was soon rethought as gusts of 37 knots and a very steep sea was recorded on the race area. So the fleet sat on shore under AP under mid afternoon, when finally the wild wind abated slightly, but enough to get some racing underway, though the wind was still topping out at 30 knots.

Each race started with one general recall and then the black flag. The race was really one of two halves: in the starting area big waves and 25 knot winds; at the top mark, 10 knots, flat water and 60 degree shifts, with the windward mark set a few hundred metres of the high ground of L'ile de Pomegues.

The first race was initially led by class veteran Rob McMillan, now of Australia, who had a 30 second lead round the top mark. However his training partner, Wright, had taken the lead on the second upwind to extend down the reaches for his first win of the day, followed by Hungarian Zsombor Berecz and Ben Cornish of Great Britain.

The second race was much the same with the strong winds at the start line giving way to huge random shifts the further the fleet progressed up the course. This time Wright led all the way round, to win from Sweden's Max Salminen and the young Nenad Bugarin from Croatia.

The fleet finally came ashore after 19.00, exhausted, but happy after an awesome day of Finn sailing.

Racing in the opening series continues until Saturday, with the Semi-final and Final scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Top ten after two races
1. Edward Wright, GBR, 2
2. Jonathan Lobert, FRA, 8
3. Anders Pedersen, NOR, 10
4. Max Salminen, SWE, 11
5. Ben Cornish, GBR, 11
6. Zsombor Berecz, HUN, 12
7. Milan Vujasinovic, CRO, 17
8. Oliver Tweddell, AUS, 19
9. Ioannis Mitakis, GRE, 21
10. Henry Wetherell, GBR, 21

2017.finneuropeans.org

RORC De Guingand Bowl Race
The Royal Ocean Racing Club's offshore racing season continues this weekend with the 4th race of the RORC Season's Points Championship. Over 80 yachts are expected to take part with the vast majority of the crews made up of passionate Corinthian sailors with their own set of goals.

Designed to last 24-36 hours, the De Guingand Bowl Race starts and finishes in the Solent and is a flexi-course allowing the Royal Ocean Racing Club to design a bespoke course.

"Without the constraint of finishing the race in a totally different location, we concentrate on the weather and tidal conditions to decide the course," explains RORC Racing Manager, Nick Elliott. "We try to get all of the fleet to finish the first beat in the same tidal vector, so as to avoid a tidal gate early in the race."

In IRC Zero, Daniel Hardy's Ker 46 Lady Mariposa is the fastest yacht rated under the IRC rating system. However, several yachts in IRC One could challenge Lady Mariposa for Line Honours including Alan Hannon's RP45 Katsu, Edward Broadway's Ker 40 Hooligan VII, and Tor McLaren's MAT 1180 Gallivanter.

In IRC Two, Richard Neocleous' Ocean 55 Julia returns after its debut in last season's championship. The crew come from Hertfordshire and 18 year old Louie Neocleous will skipper Julia as he did last year.

In IRC Three, Trevor Sainty and Simon Forbes Jelenko is one of many J/109s that will be racing with the RORC this season. The crew have been together for about ten years and did their first Rolex Fastnet with Jelenko in 2015. The De Guingand Bowl Race is part of the teams programme for another crack at the Rolex Fastnet.

In IRC Four Dave Cooper & Paul England will be racing their Dehler 38 Longue Pierre. This will be their first RORC race this season, as part of their 2017 RORC Season's Points Championship campaign.

www.rorc.org

SoftBank Team Japan Selects Harken as an Official Supplier
SoftBank Team Japan has selected Harken as an Official Supplier of winch packages, blocks, and key hydraulic components in its campaign for the 35th America's Cup. Led by America's Cup skipper Dean Barker and General Manager and bowman Kazuhiko "Fuku" Sofuka, the Softbank Team is gaining a reputation for innovative thinking. They were the first to perfect the foiling tack on boats of this size - a skill critical in an environment where 'all foil all the time' is the Holy Grail. Harken is proud and honored to be working with this talented and dedicated group of sailors. See the SoftBank Team Japan - Harken video

harken.com

IRC European Championship
With nearly 40 entries (from Germany, England, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Turkey and France) and more than twice as many expected in the next two months, the Marseille 2017 IRC European Championship promises to be a great event.

Two months before the event, the entry list shows a variety of designs, including four TP52s already registered. The German crew of Phoenix will face the Southern French teams of Arobas2 Alieee and Team Vision Future, 'king' of the French Mediterranean coast and winner of the last SNIM. Team Vision Future is a favourite in IRC0.

Another one to watch will be the Italian boat Endless Game. This Cookson 50, docked in Naples throughout the year, will be rubbing shoulders for the first time,

The boat is new. "Fast, funny and competitive" according to a crew who has sailed against them for many years, the "Red Devils Sailing Team. A boat to follow closely, especially in its confrontation with the TP52s.

The Half-Tonner Sibelius, usually sailing in the Atlantic, will have aboard the president of UNCL, Jean-Philippe Cau. Sibelius is one of ten competitors in the half tonner category, and could contend in the fight for the title. Former IOR racers, first built in the 1970's, the half-tonner class has been a reference boat since it was supported during the solo race Aurore, then Le Figaro.

In the context of The Hague 2018 Offshore Sailing World Championship, organized in ORCi and IRC, UNCL will offer on request an IRC certificate to boats holding an ORCi 2017 certificate. "We encourage boats that normally race ORCi to join in and race in this IRC event,"the President of the UNCL says.

The four days of the competition will consist of tactical and coastal courses, including a long race. The opening ceremony will take place at the Union Nautique Marseillaise (UNM) on Wednesday 5 July, with the awards ceremony will be held at the Cercle Nautique et Touristique du Lacydon (CNTL) on Sunday 9 July.

The boats must be docked at the Societe Nautique de Marseille (SNM), by 0900 on July 5, and that day will be devoted to registration and equipment inspection. The boats will be moored and grouped every day on the pontoons of the SNM (Quai de Rive-Neuve). -- Raphael Mira

www.uncl.com

The Mediterranean OK Dinghy Revival
In 2013 a very old OK Dinghy was rescued from the bottom of a garden in the South of France and after lots of cleaning, repairing and painting, was restored to racing condition. It was the beginning of a revival in OK Dinghy sailing on the Mediterranean coast of France.

The old OK Dinghy had been built by, and was in the garden of, the former top French OK Dinghy sailor, Daniel Dahon, later a Finn and Star coach to some of France's top sailors. The boat was renovated by Henri Berenger of the Societe Nautique de Sanary, which is located about half way between Toulon and Marseille. Another OK Dinghy appeared soon after and there were now two boats sailing at Sanary. By 2017 this number had grown to around 15 OK Dinghies sailing in the area, now mainly based at Bandol because of public works in Sanary harbour.

As is often the case with a revival, enthusiasm and competitiveness grows fast and many of the old boats were soon replaced with newer and better equipment. The fleet now consists of mainly new boats with carbon masts, and enjoys some very competitive and close racing.

Such was the growth of the fleet that in May 2017 they decided to run the a Mediterranean Championship at the Societe Nautique de Bandol from 5-7 May.

A pleasant 12-15 knot westerly on the opening day enabled all 16 sailors, young and old, to enjoy some great racing just off the island of Bendor, where the 1969 OK Dinghy World Championship was held. Julien Dejugnat led after the first day from Alain Renoux and Jean Louis Petetin.

The wind had switched to the west for Saturday's racing with Dejugnat sailing well again in his new Synergy Marine boat to maintain the lead from Renoux, while Tim Petetin moved up to third place overall.

Unfortunately the final day was abandoned with a strong mistral keeping everyone on shore, so Dejugnat won the 2017 OK Dinghy Mediterranean Championship.

The OK Dinghy Mediterranean revival continues...

Results:
1. Julien Dejugnat, FRA, 7
2. Alain Renoux, FRA, 8
3. Tim Petetin, FRA, 15
4. Jean-Christophe Morin, FRA, 18
5. Jean Louis Petetin, FRA, 23
6. Laurent Petetin, FRA, 26
7. Pierre Arrighi, FRA, 34
8. Jean-Claude Lidon, FRA, 36
9. Henri Berenger, FRA, 45
10. Fabian Capilleres, FRA, 54

okdia.org

The Final Fit Out
With seven boats already having gone through the one million euro per boat refit process, the Volvo Ocean Race Boatyard team in Lisbon is nearing the finish line of an epic and unique fleet upgrade project.

It's the first time in the sport's history that a refit procedure of this size been undertaken, and with the full fleet from 2014-15 now almost complete, barring some remaining branding procedures, attention has turned to the brand new boat belonging to Team AkzoNobel.

The eighth boat in the 2017-18 fleet arrived in Lisbon just a few weeks ago after being constructed at Persico Marine in Italy, and the team has already set about fitting the boat with the latest deck gear and electronics ready for a race around the planet.

With the finish line in sight, this week marks a major landmark for the team – but with the clock ticking, there's no time to waste. Just 167 days to go until the start of the 2017-18 edition!

volvooceanrace.com

M32 Project Manager
The Volvo Ocean Race is sailing's toughest race to win and the ultimate test of a team in professional sport. The 2017-18 edition, will provide a unique experience for over 70,000 VIP guests and entertainment for over 2m public visitors.

The next edition of the Race will include a fleet of M32 catamarans in most Host Cities enhancing both the on-the-water guest experience and the public spectacle.

The role of M32 Project Manager is to manage the operations of the fleet of M32 yachts within the scope of the VOR. You will work closely with the specialists in the VOR management team who will support you in the functions, which require their area of expertise, such as logistics, guest experience, and race management.

Primary duties including but not limited to the following areas:
- Work with the VOR Commercial players and Operations Head of Host City on the commercial opportunities for Host City and Delivery partner managed events.
- Identify the Host Cities where it is possible to host events the weekend before the main events week at the VOR stopovers. Liaise with the Host Cities, via the Head of Host City, to offer and customize events and set the level of technical and on the water support that is required, and the associated costs
- Work closely with the Guest On-Board Manager to assist planning and delivering the M32 Catamaran Guest On-Board Program
- Undertake regular inspections and manage the maintenance and repair program, to keep the boats in peak condition

Requirements to apply:
EU national or ability to acquire necessary EU working permits.
Fluent in spoken and written English. Proficiency in other languages will be beneficial Your CV/resume must be in English, and confirm your nationality/work permit status.
Email your application to careers@volvooceanrace.com

St. Petersburg Confirmed as Location for World Match Racing Tour
The World Match Racing Tour will visit the Russian city of St Petersburg for Match Cup Russia as its Northern Europe stopover.

With the Winter Palace to the south and Vasilievsky Island to the west the racing will take place in the heart of St. Petersburg at the foot of the historic walls to the Peter-and-Paul Fortress.

Sailing so close to the shore will guarantee spectators a grandstand view over the full racecourse from all angles with an unparalleled setting within the city centre. The event village will be situated on the beach in front of the Peter-and-Paul Fortress with the M32 catamarans landing on the beach after racing each day, giving fans unparalleled access to the event, the sailors and the machines they race on.

The Championship level event will run August 1-6th with finals on Sunday afternoon to crown the champion of Match Cup Russia. A last chance to qualify for the Championship level event will be available through St Petersburg Match Cup which will take place just west of the city in front of the glorious St Petersburg Yacht Club 28-30th July.

wmrt.com

For The Record
The WSSR Council announces the establishment of the following new National Record established at La Palme, FRA in April 2017: For further details visit the WSSR Website www.sailspeedrecords.com

POL. Piotr Dudek

John Reed
Secretary to the WSSR Council

Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association Race 3
36 boats have entered the first ISORA offshore race to take place next Saturday. The offshore race will be approximately 60 miles, depending on the weather, starting in Holyhead and finishing in Dun Laoghaire.

The fleet is a great cross section, from classic to high tech and from small to large, demonstrating the range of boats that are interested in racing offshore. The newly adopted "ISORA Progressive ECHO" will ensure a greater spread of prizes for the race with prizes for six classes and trophy for overall as well as the famous "Race Winners Jacket", says ISORA's Peter Ryan.

The gathering of such a large numbers of boats and their crew in Holyhead on the Friday evening and again hopefully at the NYC on Saturday evening will generate a great social atmosphere, adds Ryan.

After Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire, the ISORA fleet gather again for a new offshore race to Arklow on May 27th.

Read more on that new race and all other races at www.isora.org

Featured Brokerage
2009 Farr 46 MAGIC TWELVE. 275000 EUR. Located in Marseille, France.

MAGIC TWELVE is a pure cruiser racer. She has won many races and yet she remains a very good cruising sailing yacht. Most of her cruising accommodation is dismounted in Racing mode.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

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2007 Maxi 100 LEOPARD 3. 4,000,000 GBP. Located in Antigua

LEOPARD 3 is fully prepared and ready to sail away. She is arguably the most high profile racer cruiser yacht in existence. This speed machine has a history around the world for trophy-hunting and record-breaking and represents a pinnacle in the evolutionary timeline of super maxi development.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

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2007 GREEN DRAGON Volvo 70. 390000 EUR. Located in Monfalcone, Italy.

GREEN DRAGON is a fantastic Volvo 70 Class yacht, which can be used for serious racing, race charter, cruising and even as a conversion project.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. -- Winston Churchill

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
Tour De France a la Voile 2017: A Participation Record | Light winds set back Finn Europeans but Ben Cornish takes lead | Check your liferaft as Rolex Fastnet Race gets closer | Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup | Governor's Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship | Racing Manager - Royal Ocean Racing Club | Going to (altogether another level): Black Cat Catamarans | Stockholm International Team Race Regatta | Farr 40 International Circuit: Rolex Capri Sailing Week | Letters to the Editor | Featured Brokerage

Tour de France a la Voile 2017: a participation record
Since 2015 and the switch from single-hulled vessels to the livelier Diam 24 multi-hull boats, the Tour de la France a la Voile has not experienced such enthusiasm. To date, 31 crews have confirmed that they will be taking part, whilst others projects are in the finalisation stage. Consequently, an exceptional fleet will be present to celebrate the 40th edition of the Tour de France a la Voile.

At the starting line on 7th July in Dunkirk, the major names of ocean racing will be joining the ranks of the Tour de France a la Voile, such as Paul Meilhat, or returning like Kito de Pavant and Bernard Stamm. Olympic athletes will also be making a comeback: Damien Seguin, two times Paralympic champion and skipper of Team Fondation FDJ - Des Pieds et Des Mains, Sofian Bouvet with Team SFS (7th in the Rio Olympics in the 470 class), Billy Besson with Team Occitanie - Sud de France (6th in the Rio Olympics in the Nacra 17 class), Manon Audinet, Felix Pruvot, Sophie de Turckheim, Pierre Leboucher, Noe Delpech (5th in the Rio Olympics in the 49er class) or also New Zealander Jason Saunders.

There will be a strong participation of women with the presence of Pauline Courtois and her 100% feminine crew Helvetia by Normandy Elite Team, as well as the return of Elodie-Jane Mettraux who, after the most recent Volvo Ocean Race on board Team SCA, will be reacquainting herself with an old racing flame as the project manager for the two Ville de Geneve - CER teams.

Stage Schedule

- Dunkirk: from 7th to 9th July
- Fecamp: on 10th and 11th July
- Jullouville: on 13th and 14th July
- Arzon Port du Crouesty: on 15th and 16th July
- Les Sables d'Olonne: on 17th and 18th July
- Roses: on 21st and 22nd July
- Le Grau du Roi Port Camargue: on 23rd and 24th July
- Marseille: on 26th and 27th July
- Nice: from 28th to 30th July

www.tourvoile.fr

Light winds set back Finn Europeans but Ben Cornish takes lead
Ben Cornish from Great Britain has taken the lead at the Finn Europeans following a long day on the water after winning the only race possible on a day beset by light winds and abandoned races. Zsombor Berecz from Hungary moves up to second while Anders Pedersen from Norway remains third.

The mistral that has battered the regatta venue for the past two days finally dissipated overnight, and during the morning slowly faded away to leave a light 8-10 knots in place.

The first attempt at Race 3 was abandoned at the top mark after the wind dropped off with Karpak leading round with a nice lead. After a 90 minute wait, the fleet set off again but not before two general recalls, the second under black flag, which pulled out regatta leader Ed Wright, from Great Britain, as well as fourth overall Max Salminen, from Sweden.

When it finally got going, Karpak again led at the top from Pederson and Cornish. Cornish took the lead on the first downwind playing the pressure variations across the course well, and the extended hugely on the second beat to lead down to the finish.

Results after three races
1. Ben Cornish, GBR, 12
2. Zsombor Berecz, HUN, 14
3. Anders Pedersen, NOR, 14
4. Jonathan Lobert, FRA, 16
5. Ioannis Mitakis, GRE, 27
6. Nenad Bugarin, CRO, 31
7. Deniss Karpak, EST, 39
8. Alican Kaynar, TUR, 45
9. Oliver Tweddell, AUS, 51
10. Josip Olujic, CRO, 51

Full results: 2017.finneuropeans.org/results

Check your liferaft as Rolex Fastnet Race gets closer
It's getting closer! There are just 89 days left until the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Rolex Fastnet Race gets underway on Sunday 6th August at Cowes, bound for the famous Fastnet Rock. Dozens of owners have already contacted Ocean Safety to get hold of our Fastnet safety check list so don't delay and get yours now.

Click here to request your FREE copy.

Our team are right at the end of the phone to give you extra advice on all 40 of the items that are required to meet Cat 2 offshore special Regulations and RORC prescriptions. Don't forget that Ocean Safety are suppliers and service agents for the biggest and possibly the most important item you will need if all else fails - the liferaft. Choose from our 4 to 12 person Ocean ISO liferafts, or if you're especially weight-conscious, the Ultralite, all approved to RORC and offshore standards. If you've already got one, bring it to one of our branches or service stations to make sure everything in it is up to date.

Contact www.oceansafety.com to find your nearest drop off point. We're here to advise you on what should be in the pack, and you can always contact us to drop in to see a liferaft demo.

Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup
This coming September, amateur sailors representing top yacht clubs from five continents will converge on the historic seaport of Newport, R.I., to contest the premiere trophy in Corinthian sailing, the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup. The fifth edition of this biennial event, which is scheduled for September 9 to 16 at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court and sponsored by Rolex, Porsche, Nautor's Swan, AIG and Helly Hansen, is likely to be the most competitive ever. And that's no faint praise.

The 2015 event came down to the final leg of the final race, with three teams in contention for the top prize. To the delight of friends and family watching the live webcast from back home in Great Britain, the Royal Thames Yacht Club became the first team from outside North America to claim the trophy. The Royal Thames crew will return to Newport this coming September to defend the trophy against 14 other yacht clubs.

The following yacht clubs will compete for the 2017 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup: Bayview Yacht Club (Detroit), Eastern Yacht Club (Marblehead, Mass.), Itchenor (GBR) Sailing Club, Japan Sailing Federation, New York Yacht Club, Royal Cork (IRL) Yacht Club, Royal Danish Yacht Club, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Royal Swedish Yacht Club, Royal Sydney (AUS) Yacht Squadron, Royal Thames (GBR) Yacht Club, Royal (GBR) Yacht Squadron, Shelter Island (N.Y.) Yacht Club, Southern (New Orleans) Yacht Club, Yacht Club Argentino

InvitationalCup.org

Governor's Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship
Newport Beach, CA: The world's best youth match racers are coming to Newport Beach, California this summer as Balboa Yacht Club, (located in the village of Corona del Mar) hosts the 51st Annual Governor's Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship from July 17-22 followed by the World Youth Match Racing Championship July 30 - August 5.

The "GovCup" is the oldest youth match racing regatta in the world. After the success of last year's 50th Anniversary event, for this year's event BYC has already received a record number of RFIs ("request for invitation"). A number of the teams already qualified for the World Championship have also applied.

World Sailing, the sport's international federation based in London, selected Balboa Yacht Club to host the fourth-running of the Worlds on the strength of the Club's 50 year history of running the prestigious Governor's Cup.

The deadline for consideration by the Governor's Cup Selection Committee is this Friday, May 12th. To be eligible for GovCup, sailors must be U23 (age 22 or younger on July 22, 2017). To file an RFI, go to the "Race Documents" link at www.govcupracing.com

Racing Manager - Royal Ocean Racing Club
The Royal Ocean Racing Club is inviting applications from suitable candidates for the post of Racing Manager to direct a small but energetic race management team based in Cowes.

The RORC is an international members' club with clubhouses in London and Cowes. It has a very busy race programme organising up to 20 races per season in the UK and abroad. RORC's signature event is the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race which has over 300 boats taking part and the RORC Season Points Championship is a much-coveted series of offshore races running at regular intervals from February to November. RORC also runs a series of inshore events including the RORC Easter Challenge, Vice Admirals Cup, IRC National Championships and Commodores' Cup. Recent expansions of the annual programme include European and World championships

The successful candidate will have first-hand experience of yacht and keelboat racing both inshore and offshore and a network of contacts within the professional yacht racing community. A proven record of managing people, projects and budgets is essential plus good communication and interpersonal skills. An understanding of commercial sponsorship and experience in marketing and communications would be valuable to the role.

The role will involve travelling to events within Europe, America and the Caribbean and weekend work for which time off in lieu will be given.

Salary is negotiable according to experience but a range of benefits include a pension scheme, life and travel insurance and 25 days' annual leave. An annual performance bonus may be awarded.

A full job description can be sent upon application. Closing date for applications is Thursday 1st June 2017.

Send covering letter and CV's by post to:
Royal Ocean Racing Club
20 St James' Place
London SW1A 1NN

Or by email to: nf@rorc.org

Going to (altogether another level)
Put together superyacht designer Malcolm McKeon and Tornado cat legend Mitch Booth and the result was always going to be 'special'.

Racing multihulls are continually setting new performance benchmarks, with the fastest trimarans likely to be covering 1,000 miles in a day within the next decade. Now imagine putting this kind of performance into a superyacht. Even with a 25kt cruising speed, 10-15kt slower than that of the speediest maxi-trimarans, this still equates to 600 mile-days or an ARC crossing of just 4.5 days - substantially quicker even than, say, Rambler 88's ARC record of 8d 6h...

Such feats will be possible with the new BlackCat catamarans, conceived by multihull legend Mitch Booth and penned by Malcolm McKeon, one of the world's foremost sailing superyacht designers.

Currently available in 35 by 14.3m and 50.4 by 18.5m versions, the BlackCats meld state-of-the-art engineering and design with high-tech composite construction, the end result being an unprecedented combination of luxury and performance. As Mitch Booth explains: 'It is the natural evolution of materials, engineering and structures. You have to build a multihull like this in composites if you want it to perform.'

Full article in the May issue of Seahorse magazine: www.seahorsemagazine.com

Stockholm International Team Race Regatta
Gamla Stans Yacht Sällskap organises for the second consecutive year an international Team Race Regatta in Stockholm. The unique racing arena, in the middle of one of the world's most beautiful capitals, has attracted great attention and interest throughout the international sailing world.

In the best public place in the middle of Stockholm an exciting three day, two boat team racing event, will be held with six teams from the world's leading yacht clubs. Participating clubs:

Royal Thames Yacht Club, GBR
Royal Yacht Squadron, GBR
Royal Swedish Yacht Club, SWE
New York Yacht Club, USA
Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, ITA
Old Town Yacht Society, SWE

The regatta will last for three days starting Friday 26 May with round robin race between 10:00 and 16:00. On Sunday, May 28, there will be semi-finals, final and petty final, and a race for fifth place between 10:00 and 15:00.

Award ceremony at the "New Djurgardsvarvet" at 17.00.

www.gsys.nu/team-racing-27092518

Farr 40 International Circuit: Rolex Capri Sailing Week
Capri, Italy: Wolfgang Schaefer loves sailing off Capri, Italy and has the utmost respect for Rolex-sponsored regattas. In the opinion of the longtime Farr 40 owner, combining those two entities produces a can't miss event.

That sound logic is why the Farr 40 Class Association will kick off its 2017 International Circuit as part of Rolex Capri Sailing Week, one of the most prestigious events on the European calendar.

A strong fleet of six boats will do battle on the Bay of Naples from Wednesday through Saturday of this week. Renowned principal race officer Peter "Luigi" Reggio hopes to complete 11 races over four days and expects great competition.

Schaefer serves as vice president of the Farr 40 Class Association and is thrilled to start this season at one of the premier regattas backed by Rolex. "We value our relationship with Rolex and that is the main reason why we are here," he said. "We are also very excited to be racing in such a beautiful place. Capri is Capri. What a fantastic atmosphere."

Schaefer's Struntje Light is one of three professional entries in the Farr 40 portion of Rolex Capri Sailing Week. The German skipper is eager to begin a campaign that culminates with the 20th Rolex Farr 40 World Championship, being held July 13-16 in Porto Cervo, Italy.

Reggio plans to set windward-leeward courses featuring 1.2 to 1.4-nautical mile legs depending on wind velocity. Prevailing winds off Capri tend to be southwesterly so Reggio anticipates setting the windward mark in the channel area off the island.

Yacht Club Italiano and Yacht Club Capri are co-organizers of Rolex Capri Sailing Week, which has attracted a total of 108 boats. Farr 40 class boats are being berthed at Porto Turistico di Capri.

rolexcaprisailingweek.com

* From Laszlo Toth:

We got a chuckle out of the IRC European Championship promotion story, wherein M. Cau, President of UNCL, was alleged to have said "We encourage boats that normally race ORCi to join in and race in this IRC event."

ORC championship events are typically planned 2-3 years out, and this year's the ORC World Championship being held in Trieste is no exception, having been approved by ORC in November 2015. The UNCL President's kind offer would therefore be of more interest had not his organisers in Marseille planned their event directly in conflict with the ORC Worlds, being held over 30 June - 8 July. Already 109 entries from 18 countries are accepted for entry in Trieste, with another 15 teams on the waiting list due to the 50-boat limits placed on each of three classes... www.orcworlds2017.com

Featured Brokerage
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An excellent opportunity to buy into an established charter Whitbread 60. strong and well looked after, with regular maintenance and recent rigging and engine.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
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+44 (0) 1590 679222
ben.cooper@berthon.co.uk

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2016 Club Swan 50-003 'Cuordileone'. 1,240,000 EUR. Located in the Caribbean.

ClubSwan50: A yacht that is a small revolution in performance and pure sailing pleasure.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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nautorswanbrokerage.com

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See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
There are three things in the world that deserve no mercy: hypocrisy, fraud, and tyranny. -- Frederick William Robertson

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

Antigua to Bermuda Race: Common passion, diverse fleet
The Antigua Bermuda Race organised by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in association with Antigua Sailing Week is a new fixture in the offshore sailing calendar. The 935 nautical mile race starting from Antigua at noon on Friday 12th May 2017 will take the 21-boat diverse fleet into the Atlantic Ocean, arriving in plenty of time to experience the 35th America's Cup in Bermuda.

Competitors have now gathered in Antigua and are making final preparations before the start just outside the historic Nelson's Dockyard. Boats representing nine different nations and crews from all over the world are set to compete in the first edition of the race when monohull and multihull race records will be set as target times for future editions. All of the competing yachts will be fitted with YB Trackers and encouraged to blog their story of the race via satellite connection.

"The variety of the fleet shows the wide appeal of the race and bodes well for the Antigua Bermuda Race to grow in future editions," commented Antigua Bermuda Race Chairman, Les Crane who will be competing in his Farr 56, Monterey. "The America's Cup in Bermuda has ignited interest in the race this year, however it is a well-known route for yachts leaving the Caribbean bound for the Eastern Seaboard of the United States as well as destination in Europe. Our intention is that the Antigua Bermuda Race will be an annual event, popular with a wide variety of yachts."

The two smallest yachts racing this year are two Pogo 12.50's; Hermes from Canada and Talanta from Sweden. Both are 40 footers and the expected downwind conditions may well suit the modern planing hull shape of the two minnows in the race. The largest yacht in the race is the majestic 162ft schooner Eleonora, an exact replica of the 1910 schooner Westward.

antiguabermuda.com

Oracle capsize AC50 again during practice America's Cup Champions, Oracle Team USA, have capsized their AC50 again during a practice session on the Great Sound Bermuda.

The incident was captured on video by two separate cameramen.

The incident started as the team began putting crew across the boat in preparation for a foiling gybe , with the boat sailing fast.

Just after the actual gybe the AC50 began a high speed roll to the new leeward side as two of the crew had stopped grinding and were about to cross the boat.

The helmsman was also on the new leeward side.

The AC50 just kept turning and spun out with the G-force as she rounded up. In the windward hull only one of the four grinders was working to provide pressure, another crew member was trimming the wingsail and the helmsman was also to windward.

The boat was righted within three minutes and there were no injuries to the crew or damage to the boat.

The video below was shot and produced by Jason Smith, who apparently lives on a bit of shoestring, and has put in hours every day to keep fans up to date with the latest from Bermuda. It's a big commitment. If you wish to make a donation to Jason click here

www.sail-world.com/153646

Tickets To The 35th America's Cup The America's Cup is the competition for the oldest trophy in international sport and this summer it is coming to Bermuda for the 35th enactment of the greatest race on water.

From 26th May until 27th June the fastest yachts in the 166 year history of the "Auld Mug" will be raced by the greatest sailors in the world on the beautiful, crystal clear waters of Bermuda.

ORACLE TEAM USA are the Defenders and they are taking on teams from around the world. Great Britain is represented by Sir Ben Ainslie's Land Rover BAR; SoftBank Team Japan are lead by Dean Barker; Sweden's Artemis Racing are skippered by Nathan Outteridge; Franck Cammas and his Groupama Team France squad are flying the flag for France and Emirates Team New Zealand are helmed by Peter Burling, 2016 Olympic Champion.

The events in Bermuda will be one of the world's greatest sports events and will be watched by millions of people worldwide, on TV and live at the America's Cup Village in Bermuda.

To book your place at what many experts are predicting will be the best America's Cup yet go to www.americascup.com/tickets

A win on the lake secured with a race in hand
Having built up a lead over the rest of the field after the first two days of racing in the opening Grand Prix of the D35 Trophy, Ernesto Bertarelli's Alinghi could afford to sit back a bit, focusing on staying out of trouble and protecting their lead. This, amid the rain and patchy wind on Lake Geneva, they did, finishing mid-fleet in the day's opening four races before stamping their authority with a convincing win in Race 12 that secured the victory even with the final race still to be launched.

Following on from last weekend's GC32 win in China, this D35 performance caps an excellent couple of weeks for the team.

Final Results
1. Alinghi: 34 points
2. Zen Too: 43
3. Okalys: 49
4. Ylliam Comptoir Immobilier : 49
5. Racing Django: 54
6. Realteam: 54
7. Swisscom: 59
8. Mobimo: 65

www.alinghi.com
www.d35trophy.ch

GC32 Riva Cup
With the GC32 Riva Cup on Lake Garda starting tomorrow with teams from eight nations, the GC32 Racing Tour has saved the best for last with today's announcement of a titan of sailing as its eleventh entry.

With a giant, diverse CV, Spain's Iker Martinez is best known for his gold and silver 49er Olympic medals as well for skippering Team Telefónica in the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race and sailing doublehanded round the world non-stop in the 2010 Barcelona World Race with his long term sailing partner Xabi Fernandez.

For 2017, Martinez and his I'M Racing Movistar will be competing on the GC32 Racing Tour with a special focus on Spain's leading regatta, Copa del Rey MAPFRE, to which the GC32 Racing Tour will return for a second consecutive year.

Although he is new to the GC32, Martinez is familiar with catamarans having campaigned a Nacra 17 for the Rio 2016 Olympics. He also has previous experience of flying during the 2013 America's Cup with Luna Rossa, on their SL33 and AC72 foiling catamarans.

GC32 Riva Cup - teams
Team Argo (USA) - Jason Carroll
ARMIN STROM Sailing Team (SUI) - Flavio Marazzi
Team BDA (BER) - Mackenzie Cooper
Codigo Rojo Sailing Team (ARG) - Federico Ferioli
Team ENGIE (FRA) - Sebastien Rogues
Team France Jeunes (FRA) - Robin Follin
Malizia - Yacht Club de Monaco (MON) - Pierre Casiraghi
Mamma Aiuto! (JPN) - Naofumi Kamei
Realteam (SUI) - Jérôme Clerc
Team Tilt (SUI) - Sebastien Schneiter
I'M Racing Movistar (ESP) - Iker Martinez

2017 GC32 Racing Tour schedule
11-14 May - GC32 Riva Cup / Riva del Garda, Italy
28 June-1 July - GC32 Villasimius Cup / Villasimius, Sardinia, Italy
2-5 August - 36 Copa del Rey MAPFRE / Palma de Mallorca, Spain
13-16 September - GC32 Orezza Corsica Cup, Calvi, Corsica
12-15 October - Marseille One Design / Marseille, France

www.gc32racingtour.com

Golden Globe Race: Antoine Cousot launches his Biscay 36 ketch Goldstar
Antoine Cousot, one of seven Frenchman competing in the 2018 Golden Globe Race, saw his gleaming gold Biscay 36 ketch renamed Goldstar launched last week following a major 8-month refit at Falmouth Boat Co.

Cousot (45) is one of 30 yachtsman from 13 Countries to have entered the 2018 Golden Globe Race, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original Sunday Times Golden Globe Race and the success of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the sole finisher in becoming the first man to sail solo non-stop around the world back in 1968/9.

Cousot's Goldstar Golden Globe Race campaign is supported by several French companies including the watch manufacturer LIP whose last brand ambassador to sail around the world was the famed yachtsman Eric Tabarly.

Antoine Cousot is a professional sailor based in Noirmoutier, France, with his wife and three children. He has sailed the equivalent of three times around the world, delivering boats and skippering large luxury yachts. With 15 oceans crossing under his belt, Antoine has extensive experience and skills on boat handling and passage making. In 2015, Antoine sold his 45' steel ketch to participate to the 2018 Golden Globe Race, and purchased the first Alan Hill designed Biscay 36 class ketch built in 1975 at Falmouth Boat Co.

The GGR starts from Plymouth on June 30, 2018 and the winner is expected to complete the 30,000 solo circumnavigation in around 260 days.

www.antoinecousot.com
www.goldengloberace.com

Seahorse May 2017
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

World Sailing - The fightback starts here Scott Perry and Betsy Alison are two of the many people working tirelessly to ensure sailing's early return to the Paralympic arena

Trickledown... and up America's Cup cats to superyachts... technology flows both ways

Giant among regattas Yet the organisers of Kieler Woche never rest on their laurels

A race like no other ... or the best alternative to a cold winter at home, you will find!

Don't be a lemon Get ready... Sailors for the Sea has signed up over 1,000 regattas

Update Bill Ficker really was quicker, simpler dinghies and why those bicycles are only one small part of the Team New Zealand story. Tim Jeffery, Jack Griffin, Terry Hutchinson

Special rates for Scuttlebutt Europe subscribers:
Seahorse Print or Digital Subscription Use Discount Promo Code SB2

1yr Print Sub: €77 - £48 - $71 / Rest of the World: £65 www.seahorse.co.uk/shop/subs/

1yr Digital Sub for £30: www.seahorse.co.uk/shop/digital

Discounts shown are valid on a one year subscription to Seahorse magazine.

470 Open European Championship
Racing wrapped up on day 2 at the 470 European Championship with all scheduled races completed, new series leaders, Carl-Fredrik Fock/Marcus Dackhammar (SWE), in the 470 Men and Portugal's Mafalda Pires Lima/Mariana Lobato retaining their lead in the 470 Women.

It could have been a tense day waiting to see if the breeze would to fill in. But the Yacht Club de Monaco has proved to be a relaxing spot - with chilled sailors' lounge, boatpark overlooking the marina and all-round ambience keeping everyone happy.

The race course delivered a lighter swell than yesterday, but again the unpredictable breeze was evident in the scorecards, with consistency hard to maintain. Racing got underway soon after 1700 hours, in a breeze of around 8 knots.

Two races are scheduled for the 470 Men and Women on Wednesday 10 May, with the first start for the 470 Men gold fleet scheduled at 1300 hours. Wednesday's looks set to be another light wind day, ahead of the forecast big breeze arriving in Monaco on Thursday.

470 Women - Provisional Results after 4 races
1. Mafalda Pires De Lima/Mariana Lobato (POR-14) - 13 points
2. Noya Bar-Am/Nina Amir (ISR-11) - 18
3. Gil Cohen/Stav Brokman (ISR-311) - 21
4. Agnieszka Skrzupulec/Jolanta Ogar (POL-11) - 22
5. Elena Berta/Sveva Carraro (ITA-6) - 22

470 Men - Provisional Results after 5 races
1. Carl-Fredrik Fock/Marcus Dackhammar (SWE-350) - 7 points
2. Mathew Belcher/Will Ryan (AUS-11) - 14
3. Guillaume Pirouelle/Jeremie Mion (FRA-76) - 15
4. Sho Kaminoki/Taisel Hikida (JPN-4600)- 16
5. Deniz Cinar/Ates Cinar (TUR-890) - 18

2017europeans.470.org

Love Me Tender
Click on image to enlarge.

The Baltimore Wooden Boat Festival 2017 from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th May will feature a remarkable selection of old, restored and new craft - traditional and classic alike - all reflecting the many aspects of the arts and crafts of the boatwright and shipwright writes W M Nixon.

It's the [restoration of the 1927-ketch] Ilen which provides a link to a notable debut at Baltimore by a new small boat in three weeks' time. With both his world-girdling 40ft Saoirse of 1923, and the 57ft trading ketch Ilen which he delivered to her satisfied customers in the Falkland Islands, O'Brien felt that a robust and stable 10ft dinghy - or punt as he would have called it - provided all that he needed in the way of a ship's tender.

Alec Jordan in Scotland is an acknowledged expert in creating laser cut marine ply kits, which are then built into a boat with the "lands" of the lapstrake planks now bonded and sealed with impervious gap-filling epoxy resin. The result of this project was an elegant hyper-light and easily-rowed yet stable 10ft punt which has been the ideal tender for Hal Sisk's classic cutter Peggy Bawn and his innovative motor-cruiser Molly Bawn.

The Valentine Punt is a concept which could have many uses, and when the notion of having one as the tender to the restored Ilen came up, the Ilen Boatbuilding School director Gary MacMahon in Limerick leapt at the chance, as the school is always enthusiastic about testing new methods of wooden boatbuilding to broaden its syllabus.

WM Nixon's full editorial in Afloat: afloat.ie/sail/historic-boats/

Restored 83ft Fife schooner Adventuress
The lovely William Fife-design schooner Adventuress is one of the finest to emerge from the Scottish yard. Designed and built by Fife in 1924.

She was restored and relaunched in 2012 after an extensive two-year refit and return to her original rig at Rockport Marine in Maine. She was brought there by her owner after he bought the boat in 2010.

At that time, Adventuress had gone to Rockport Marine for a new deck, but when the planks came off most of the frames needed to be replaced, and then the ironwork, and bit by bit as the structure was uncovered the project spiralled until it was on such a scale it is comparable with a new build.

After all the work was finished, Adventuress sported a new rig, deck and deck frames, 60 per cent of new planking was new, almost every deck fitting had been custom made, and the interior was completely refitted. The result is spectacular, and the video shows the boat in her full glory, inside and out, shortly after relaunch.

Read more at www.yachtingworld.com

Irish beach washed away 33 years ago reappears overnight
An Irish beach that disappeared more than 30 years ago has returned to an island off the County Mayo coast.

The sand at Dooagh, Achill Island, was washed away by storms in 1984, leaving only rocks and rock pools.

But after a freak tide around Easter this year, hundreds of tonnes of sand were deposited around the area where the beach once stood, recreating the old 300-metre stretch of golden sand.

Sean Molloy, manager at Achill Tourism, said local people were delighted to have the beach back.

Recalling the events of 1984, he said: "Some big storms destroyed the beach. It was completely washed away and 1984 was the last time the beach was there.

"Then in April we had that cold snap over Easter and the wind was coming from the north. It was steady and must have transported sand in from elsewhere."

Alan Gielty, who runs a local restaurant, said the reformed beach was attracting a new influx of tourists.

"We have a beautiful little village as it is, but it is great to look out and see this beautiful beach instead of just rocks," he said.

www.theguardian.com/

* From Euan Ross:

"Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water... "

The Norwegian company Yara are going ahead with a plan to introduce unmanned robot ships by 2020. This is not just a system of remote control like a drone aircraft, but "fully autonomous" container ships. The project is being touted in relation to road safety and environmental benefits and entirely ignores the truism that 'sh** happens' and generally on your watch. So much for bridge watchkeeping being the most important activity conducted at sea.

gcaptain.com

Featured Brokerage
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Lupa of London is a remarkable Reichel Pugh designed Carbon composite cruiser racer with an outstanding Baltic build pedigree and enviable trophy cupboard.

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Contact
brokerage@carrswoodyachts.com
+44 (0)7476 888639

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2006 Marine Composite Racer-Cruiser. 260000 EUR. Located in Imperia, Italy.

SEAWONDER is an immaculate, race-winning MC46, launched by Marine Composite in late 2003. She is built entirely from pre-preg carbon over Corecell. She has been professionally maintained and has a comprehensive inventory of sails and equipment. A new bow and IRC/ORC keel were fitted in 2009.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

-----------------------------------------

1993 Whitbread 60 - BLUEPRINT. 70000 GBP. Located South Coast, UK.

An excellent opportunity to buy into an established charter Whitbread 60. strong and well looked after, with regular maintenance and recent rigging and engine.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
+44 (0) 1590 679222
ben.cooper@berthon.co.uk

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
A modern revolutionary group heads for the television station. -- Abbie Hoffman

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

Strong Winds Batter Marseille
The fourth day at the Finn Europeans was a long day spent on shore waiting in vain for the wind to abate enough to go sailing. The forecast had already prompted the Race Committee to delay the start to 12.00, but midday came and went and still the venue was battered by strong south-easterly winds and rain.

The sailors sheltered in the tent or displayed typical Finn bravado, but by 15.30, with the wind still hovering around 30 knots, racing was abandoned for the day.

However, Friday is promising perfect conditions, with moderate winds and sunshine. Three races are scheduled.

Top ten results after six races
1. Edward Wright, GBR, 23
2. Anders Pedersen, NOR, 26
3. Jonathan Lobert, FRA, 28
4. Ben Cornish, GBR, 29
5. Zsombor Berecz, HUN, 38
6. Ioannis Mitakis, GRE, 42
7. Milan Vujasinovic, CRO, 49
8. Henry Wetherell, GBR, 51
9. Oliver Tweddell, AUS, 55
10. Josip Olujic, CRO, 56

2017.finneuropeans.org/results

Change of Pace at 470 Europeans
All change on race day 4 at the 470 Europeans in Monaco as big breeze and waves hit the race track and upped the pace, in complete contrast to conditions over the first three days.

The more experienced teams came to the fore, with the biggest gains on the race track going to the world #1 pair of Afrodite Zegers/Anneloes Van Veen (NED) who clambered from leaderboard 16th up to 1st. Sweden's world #1 pairing of Carl-Fredrik Fock/Marcus Dackhammar continue to dominate in the men, but the points margins are closing in.

Racing was postponed this morning as waves of up to 4 metres and average wind speed of 25 knots, with gusts up to 32 knots, were too volatile a combination. So, the Race Committee waited a couple of hours until the wind had dropped to 22-23, with gusts of 25 knots, to get racing underway.

Big breeze and sea has meant some shredding of equipment, with damage to boats and a few bent masts, as the gusts powered through.

Provisional Top 5 Women - after 7 races
1. Afrodite Zegers/Anneloes Van Veen (NED-1) - 46 points
2. Agnieszka Skrzypulec/Jolanta Ogar (POL-11) - 46
3. Amy Seabright/Anna Carpenter (GBR-7) - 48
4. Noya Bar-Am/Nina Amir (ISR-11) - 51
5. Elena Berta/Sveva Carraro (ITA-6) - 51

Provisional Top 5 Men - after 8 races
1. Carl-Fredrik Fock/Marcus Dackhammar (SWE-350) - 23
2. Guillaume Pirouelle/Jeremie Mion (FRA-76) - 28
3. Deniz Cinar/Ates Cinar (TUR-890) - 34
4. Mathew Belcher/Will Ryan (AUS-11) - 35
5. Jordi Xammar/Nicolas Rodriguez (ESP-44) - 35

2017europeans.470.org

The role will involve travelling to events within Europe, America and the Caribbean and weekend work for which time off in lieu will be given.

Salary is negotiable according to experience but a range of benefits include a pension scheme, life and travel insurance and 25 days' annual leave. An annual performance bonus may be awarded.

A full job description can be sent upon application. Closing date for applications is Thursday 1st June 2017.

Send covering letter and CV's by post to:
Royal Ocean Racing Club
20 St James' Place
London SW1A 1NN

Or by email to: nf@rorc.org

How To Follow The Antigua Bermuda Race
Start Friday May 12, 2017 - 1200 (local time GMT -4)

Race Tracker:
Track the fleet as they head to Bermuda: yb.tl/a2b2017 All competing yachts are fitted with YB Trackers and will be sending in blogs telling the story of the race.

Race Website:
antiguabermuda.com Race reports, blogs, images and video from the boats can all be found on the race website.

Facebook:
Like and share our official Facebook page: facebook.com/antiguabermudarace/

Twitter:
#antiguabermuda

Video:
www.antiguabermuda.com/videos Videos will be available on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

All in the family
Capri, Italy: One of the interesting storylines surrounding the Farr 40 competition at Rolex Capri Sailing Week involved Claudia Rossi. Claudia, daughter of class stalwart Alberto Rossi, was serving as guest driver of Pazza Idea at the request of owner Pierluigi Bresciani.

Claudia Rossi has proven far more than a novelty act, helping lift the performance off Pazza Idea to the point it is challenging for the regatta championship. With Claudia at the helm, Pazza Idea won Race 4 and placed second in Race 5 in heavy air conditions on Thursday.

Pazza Idea, a Corinthian entry in its second season on the International Circuit, moved into second in the overall standings with the strong outing and suddenly there is a budding father-daughter rivalry. Alberto Rossi and his veteran team on Enfant Terrible lead the regatta by tiebreaker over Pazza Idea with both Italian entries having totaled 12 points after two days of racing.

www.RolexCapriSailingWeek.com

farr40.org

Normandy Channel Race
Since yesterday, some 20 Class40s have been neatly tied to the dock, Quai Vendeuvre, Bassin Saint-Pierre in Caen. 40 skippers have been good humouredly going about their final preparations under the watchful, indeed fascinated gaze of the children from the surrounding schools, who have come along to discover what offshore racing is all about. Over the coming hours, four other monohulls will flesh out what is another exceptional fleet, both in terms of quantity and quality.

Among the 10 nationalities represented, there are a plethora of candidates keen to succeed Tales II, last year's winning Spanish entry, with a number of French crews vying to curb the rise of the strong international crews. Through its highly demanding course, its looped circuit along the English Channel and the Irish Sea and the similar skill sets of its contenders, the Normandy Channel Race has really established itself over the first 7 editions, each more hotly contended than the last. It comes as no surprise then that every offshore racer has their sights on the big prize in Caen.

Just two minutes and 48 seconds separated the 2016 winner Tales II, skippered by the Spanish duo of Pablo Santurde - Fidel Turienzo, and runner-up Imerys (Phil Sharp - Sam Manuard); a symbol of just how fierce the competition is in this Normandy Channel Race.

After a day devoted to school children, the race village will open its doors to the public at 11:00am local time Firday. With a wealth of entertainment on offer on shore, as well as on the waters of the Bassin Saint-Pierre, the public is invited to an autograph signing session with the skippers on the podium bus at 16:00pm.

The official crew presentation is scheduled for Saturday at 16:00pm.

www.normandy-race.com

Melges 20 World League: The Fifth Event Gets Underway In Scarlino
Marina di Scarlino, Italy: Club Nautico Scarlino, which organized and played gracious host of the 2016 Melges 20 World Championship and last weekend's Melges 32 Class, will act as ground zero for what will be a ferocious battle. Starting Friday May 12 and running through until Sunday, May 14, the ultimate Melges 20 fight will take place.

Thirty-three teams are confirmed to be on the starting line which includes Porto Venere Champion Vladimir Prosikhin on Nika, and fellow Russian competitor and Melges 20 World League overall leader Igor Rytov aboard Russian Bogatyrs.

These two top competitors will face off against Australia's Rodney Jones' on Cars 167, Alexander Novoselov's Victor, Achille Onorato's Mascalzone Latino, Matteo Marenghi Vaselli's Raya, Valentin Zavadnikov's Synergy and South Africa's Tina Plattner/Tony Norris on TNT. The Corinthian division will be an equally intense fight as Emanuele Savoini at the helm of Evinrude, after a well-deserved victory in Porto Venere will aim to bring his season record to 2-0.

Melges 20 racing officially kicks off at Marina di Scarlino with the first warning signal scheduled at 13.30 on Friday, May 12th.

The Melges 20 World League European Division is supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, Toremar, Lavazza and Barracuda Communication.

melges20.com

yachtscoring.com

UNICEF Clipper Team Skipper
Tristan Brooks, 35, from Barmouth, Wales, has today been named as the Skipper who will lead the Unicef team in the upcoming edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The experienced yachtsman said: "It's an absolute honour to be named as the Unicef Skipper for the Clipper 2017-18 Race.

"The bright blue Unicef boat entry became an icon of the Clipper Race fleet during the last edition of the race. It was a fantastic fundraising emblem that generated much needed awareness and engagement around the world and I look forward to building on that success in this year's campaign."

Earlier this year, Official Clipper Race Charity Unicef UK was gifted a team entry by race organisers.

"Unicef UK is very proud to be associated with Clipper Race and the wonderful team taking on this enormous physical challenge. The generosity shown to us through the yacht donation, alongside the wonderful fundraising efforts of the amazing crew members taking part, will go a long way in highlighting and helping to resolve the many dangerous challenges lots of children around the world face every day; violence, disease, hunger and the consequences of war and disaster.", said Mike Penrose, Unicef UK's Executive Director.

Unicef UK has been the Official Clipper Race Charity since the 2015-16 race, which provided the children's charity with a literal vehicle to raise awareness across the globe in destinations including South Africa, Australia, Vietnam, China, the US and Panama. The Clipper 2015-16 Race and its supporters raised more than £323,000, helping Unicef protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow's children.

www.clipperroundtheworld.com

Industry News
North Technology Group (NTG) has announced the acquisition of the Hall Spars business out of receivership.

Hall Spars group was founded 37 years ago by Eric Hall in Bristol, Rhode Island and expanded to facilities in Auckland, New Zealand and Breskens, Netherlands.

The US parent company announced in early 2017 that it would be closing the doors due to well publicized financial challenges after an investment deal to stabilize the company at the end of 2016 fell through.

NTG's acquisition will see Hall Spars activities continue in Auckland and Breskens, and a re-establishment of Hall's Service presence in Rhode Island for both local and globally based customers.

"Hall Spars has long been highly regarded in the mast business and the financial challenges the company faced earlier this year were very saddening but reflect just how tough the marketplace has become," said Richard Lott, COO of North Technology Group. "Our involvement will secure the design records and so forth to the benefit of existing Hall customers everywhere, past present and future. We will retain many key staff and much production capability. It is a great fit for NTG and should be good for all involved." Lott concluded.

www.sail-world.com

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The takeover battle for the Dutch Akzo Nobel paints and coatings group by the US PPG Industries group is becoming more embroiled. The third bid by PPG, amounting to €26.9bn, has been rejected by Akzo Nobel, the owner of important yacht paint brands such as Awlgrip and International Paints.

Also a legal challenge to remove Akzo Nobel chairman, Antony Burgmans, has been launched by the rebel shareholder Elliott Advisors, a US-based hedge fund which holds a 3% stake in the Dutch company. Elliott has been pressuring Akzo Nobel management to engage in talks with PPG about the bid.

In a statement, Elliott says: "Akzo's rejection of its third proposal without entering into any constructive form of engagement is a flagrant breach of Akzo Nobel's boards' fiduciary duties and of Dutch corporate law and an arrogant dismissal of recognised principles of proper corporate governance".

plus.ibinews.com

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Six months' before METSTRADE 2017 opens for business, organisers, RAI Amsterdam, have announced that 92% of the floor space has been sold.

The show runs from November 14 to 16 with the three dedicated pavilions for superyacht, construction & materials and marina sectors also 'growing exponentially'.

New for 2017 will be an Electric & Hybrid Showcase that will focus on ways to implement these forms of propulsion in the boat building process.

With an eye on the environment, boat builders and designers are increasingly focused on electric and hybrid propulsion, seeking new opportunities and possibilities to implement them in every area of construction.

Just two stands are left in the SuperYacht Pavilion, the US area looks set to be repeated and the German and Italian sections of the SYP will also be bigger.

www.boatingbusiness.com

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Faper Group, the holding company founded by Fabio Perini that encompasses Italian shipyards Perini Navi and Picchiotti, signed a partnership agreement today with Fenix Srl, the company belonging to Italian entrepreneur Dino Tabacchi's family.

The partnership involves a capital increase of €27m, which will lead to the following division of shares: Faper 50.01% and Fenix Srl 49.99%.

The move follows two years of reorganisation and restructuring at Perini Navi, which will now be able to launch new models and important innovations on the market.

The company has also announced that Lamberto Tacoli, who left his position at CRN SpA last year, will be appointed chairman and CEO, whereas Fabio Perini will maintain the role of honorary chairman and Fabio Boschi and Edoardo Tabacchi will be appointed vice chairman.

plus.ibinews.com

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The Cape Town International Boat Show has been sold to Messe Frankfurt, one of the world's biggest exhibition organisers with 138 exhibitions across five continents.

As part of the handover process, the company will manage this year's show in conjunction with current owner Dana Whiting from Impact Plus Trading.

The show has also been moved one week later (October 20-22) to accommodate exhibitors involved in the Annapolis show, Whiting said. This year's show will also have a bigger marquee and increased water space, he added.

Messe Frankfurt will work closely with the newly reconstituted South African Boatbuilders Export Council in developing the expanded show.

plus.ibinews.com

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After a successful 2016 that rolled into a very busy 2017, New Zealand based yacht designer, Kevin Dibley was named 2017 Yacht Designer of the Year at the recent Asian Marine and Boating Awards in Shanghai.

Dibley had Hong Kong based Kraken Yachts Managing Director, Roger Goldsmith represent him and accept the award on his behalf at the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show, CIBS Gala dinner and the Asian Marine & Boating Awards which was held on April 27th, 2017.

Alistair Skinner, Judges Coordinator for the Asian Marine & Boating Awards comments:

"I for one have followed Kevin's (Dibley) work for some time, especially the boats he has drawn for Asian builders and have always noted the fairness of the lines. Perhaps not yet as recognised quite as much as some of the previous winners of the award but I am sure that is only a matter of time especially as, although small, the Asian arena is one of the growth hot-spots in the global leisure marine market"

www.boatshowchina.com/en-us/events/amba

Featured Brokerage
2009 Farr 46 MAGIC TWELVE. 275000 EUR. Located in Marseille, France

MAGIC TWELVE is a pure cruiser racer. She has won many races and yet she remains a very good cruising sailing yacht. Most of her cruising accommodation is dismounted in Racing mode.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

-----------------------------------------

2007 Maxi 100 LEOPARD 3. 4,000,000 GBP. Located in Antigua

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

-----------------------------------------

2002 IRC Maxi LA BETE. 600,000 EUR. Located in Toulon, France.

Fresh from a winter refit of full servicing and checking, conversion of the primary winches to hydraulic and many more upgrades, this IRC Maxi 90’ (LA BETE) offers superb value for money in a competitive package ready for the Maxi Worlds and regattas all over the globe.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
+44 (0) 1590 679 222
ben.cooper@berthon.co.uk

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
All the world is my school and all humanity is my teacher. -- George Whitman

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

Antigua Bermuda Race: Opportunity Knocks
After three days into the Antigua Bermuda Race, strategic decisions have been few, but that is about to change. The fleet will soon feel the effects of a low pressure system to the east and whilst there should be no big difference in wind strength, the likelihood is that the wind is due to veer to the south. The strategic decision will be whether to stay near the rhumb line and reduce the number of miles sailed, or heat up the angle of attack and head northwest. The Antigua Bermuda Race is entering a crucial stage. The reward for the teams that put in a big effort now will be to catch the breeze about 100 miles to the north, but the fresh breeze is moving east and those who fall behind now will miss the opportunity.

Two of the fastest yachts in the race continue to impress; leading on the water is Stephen Murray Jr.'s American Volvo 70, Warrior ahead of British Swan 82, Stay Calm, skippered by Lloyd Kyte. In the last 24 hours Warrior has not only passed Stay Calm, but extended their lead by 43 miles. Don Macpherson's American Swan 90, Freya has also had a spectacular 24-hour run and is now level with Stay Calm. These three powerful yachts are the furthest west of the entire fleet and will hope to get the fresh breeze before the yachts to the east. After IRC time correction, Stay Calm is estimated to be leading the race by a big margin. Jeremi Jablonski's Avanti is some 60 miles behind Simon & Nancy De Pietro's Irish CNB 76, Lilla. However, after IRC time correction, the two yachts are vying for second place, estimated to be just a few seconds apart on corrected time.

Les Crane, Race Chair and skipper of Farr 56, Monterey has been in touch via satellite: "Coasting along - It's wonderful out here. Eleonora off our starboard quarter; a mass of sail. Freya is just passing us three mile west. We had passed Freya while motoring, but she is reeling us in now. Our stereo will be louder than hers! I have drawn down some fresh GRIBS and the forecast has filled in with a bit of pick up, then light again for the last 150 to the Onion Patch." -- Louay Habib

https://www.antiguabermuda.com

Race Tracker: yb.tl/a2b2017

Dream Pearls takes the De Guingand Bowl
Arnaud Delamare and Eric Mordret's JPK 10.80 Dream Pearls has won the Royal Ocean Racing Club's De Guingand Bowl Race. In second place was Noel Racine's JPK 10.10 Foggy Dew and third overall was the British Two Handed team of Ian Hoddle and Ollie Wyatt, racing Sunfast 3600 Game On.

Line Honours for the De Guingand Bowl Race went to Piet Vroon's Dutch Ker 51 Tonnerre de Breskens, 36 minutes ahead of their nearest rival, Daniel Hardy's Ker 46 Lady Mariposa. After IRC time correction Lady Mariposa was the winner the big boat class, IRC Zero.

IRC Three was the biggest class with 27 yachts competing; Dream Pearls took the class win, as well as the overall with Game On second and Thomas Kneen's JPK 10.80 Sunrise in third.

Ian Hoddle's Sunfast 3600 Game On, winner of the 20 Strong IRC Two Handed Class. Ian Hoddle's Game On had a terrific race, winning the 20-strong IRC Two Handed Class and placing third overall. However Game On was pushed all the way. In IRC Two Handed Nigel De Quervain Colley's Fastrak XI was only two minutes behind and Ed Fishwick's Redshift Reloaded less than three minutes, after IRC time correction.

Congratulations to Angus Bates' J/133 Assarain IV, winner of IRC One, Nick & Suzi Jones' First 44.7 Lisa, winner of IRC Two, and Antoine Magre's Palanad II, winner of the Class40 Division.

The next race in the 2017 RORC Season's Points Championship will be the Myth of Malham.

Mirroring the start of the Rolex Fastnet course, the 256 nautical mile race around the Eddytstone Lighthouse, will be the first weighted race of the championship, with a points factor of 1.2.

www.rorc.org

Mans Holmberg wins Gothenburg Match Cup
Gothenburg, Sweden: This local Gothenburg team has consistently improved over three days to pull themselves to the top of the final standings at Gothenburg Match Cup and secure their second Championship level event qualification spot this season. Joining the Swedes at GKSS Match Cup Sweden will be Mirsky Racing Team, skippered by Torvar Mirsky, who end the regatta in second place with the all important ticket to Marstrand.

Being top of the leaderboard after the Round Robin series, Mirsky had the pick of opponent going into the semifinals and decided he fancied his chances against Patrik Sturesson's all Swedish team, Cape Crow Vikings. The choice proved wise as the Australians took down the Vikings 3-0. Sturesson has had a strong regatta, but the match racing experience of Mirsky proved too much today. The team topped the table during day two proving they can make it at the top level and are certainly a team to watch through the season.

Making the top two ensured the Mirsky's team qualification to WMRT Championship level event, GKSS Match Cup Sweden.

The story was similar in the other semifinal where Måns Holmberg was left to face off against Denmark's Joachim Aschenbrenner of ART Sailing. The Swedes took three straight wins.

With the morning's unstable breeze now holding at around 6knots, race control proceeded with the final in a first-to-two-point series. These light conditions made every manoeuvre critical. The Swedes took an early lead going 1-0 up. In Race 2, with wind dying further back down the racecourse, CFA Sports extended to a convincing win to take the series 2-0 and win the regatta.

GKSS Match Cup Sweden will be the third Championship level event on the 2017 World Match Racing Tour, to be sailed July 3-8th on the Swedish sailing hotspot island, Marstrand.

Overall Results
1. Mans Holmberg (CFA Sports)
2. Torvar Mirsky (Mirsky Racing Team)
3. Patrik Sturesson (Cape Crow Vikings)
4. Joachim Aschenbrenner (ART Sailing)
5. Kim Kling (Caprice Match Racing Team)
6. Rasmus Rosengren (Artemis Youth Racing)
7. Jonas Warrer (AARHUS Innovator)
8. Anna Ostling (Team Anna)

wmrt.com

What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine Seahorse May 2017
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

World Sailing - The fightback starts here Scott Perry and Betsy Alison are two of the many people working tirelessly to ensure sailing's early return to the Paralympic arena

Trickledown... and up America's Cup cats to superyachts... technology flows both ways

Giant among regattas Yet the organisers of Kieler Woche never rest on their laurels

A race like no other ... or the best alternative to a cold winter at home, you will find!

Don't be a lemon Get ready... Sailors for the Sea has signed up over 1,000 regattas

Update Bill Ficker really was quicker, simpler dinghies and why those bicycles are only one small part of the Team New Zealand story. Tim Jeffery, Jack Griffin, Terry Hutchinson

Special rates for Scuttlebutt Europe subscribers:
Seahorse Print or Digital Subscription Use Discount Promo Code SB2

1yr Print Sub: €77 - £48 - $71 / Rest of the World: £65 www.seahorse.co.uk/shop/subs/

1yr Digital Sub for £30: www.seahorse.co.uk/shop/digital

Discounts shown are valid on a one year subscription to Seahorse magazine.

Normandy Channel Race
The Normandy Channel Race got off to a splendid start with breeze and sunshine. From noon, the 24 competing duos on their pacy Class40 monohulls launched into the traditional parade along the Orne canal, bound for Ouistreham and its lock gates.

Ahead of them lie an abundant supply of hazards between the Solent, the Scillies, Tuskar and Fastnet, before they return to their starting point in France's Calvados region, most likely at the end of the coming week.

Region Normandie, skippered by Olivier Cardin - Cedric Chateau, took control of the fleet the second the starting gun fired, leading the way in a short triangular inshore course towards Les Lucs. Very soon after this coastal course off Hermanville and a potentially tricky transition phase, the wind is set to shift round to the South-West with the arrival of the first low pressure system.

The Channel hop will take place Sunday tonight in freshening downwind conditions. A highly tactical gybe will likely be triggered mid-Channel, amidst the intense maritime shipping. A short session of upwind conditions is forecast as they escape the Solent via the Needles, at which point the sailors will ease their sheets a little en route to Cornwall. The first somewhat virulent episode in this NCR 2017 will play out off Land's End, when the powerful swell is picked up by a strong W'ly wind.

Once they manage to extract themselves from this area, made all the trickier by the Traffic Separation Zone (TSS), which is forbidden to the racers, they will hook back up with some favourable downwind conditions in the climb up to Tuskar.

Set to be an enjoyable section for once, a welcome relief after last year's rollercoaster ride, the crews will then get a serving of upwind conditions on their way to Fastnet, in what will be a strong wind throughout the 140-mile sprint between the two Irish lighthouses.

www.normandy-race.com/index/followrace

Jonathan Lobert seals first major Finn title
After a fabulous finale to a challenging week, Jonathan Lobert of France won his first ever major title in the Finn class. Ed Wright and Ben Cornish of Great Britain, both survived the Semi-Final to meet Lobert in the Final and secured silver and bronze.

Henry Wetherell made it three medals for Great Britain by winning the U23 European Championship. Arkadiy Kistanov of Russia took silver and Oskari Muhonen of Finland won the bronze.

Like the rest of the week, it was a long day with three races to get in. It started windless and with a long postponement onshore before the final race of the Opening Series could be sailed.

Results After Final
1. Jonathan Lobert, FRA
2. Edward Wright, GBR
3. Ben Cornish, GBR
4. Anders Pedersen, NOR
5. Zsombor Berecz, HUN

Results After Semi Final
6. Henry Wetherell, GBR
7. Milan Vujasinovic, CRO
8. Ioannis Mitakis, GRE
9. Alican Kaynar, TUR
10. Nicholas Heiner, NED

2017.finneuropeans.org/results

Switzerland owns the podium at GC32 Riva Cup conclusion
Photo by Max Ranchi, www.maxranchi.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

Despite an impressive late charge from their compatriots on Team Tilt, the Jerome Clerc-steered Realteam hung on to its lead to win the GC32 Riva Cup by four points after another three race day held in perfect 10-16 knot conditions on Italy's Lake Garda. Flavio Marazzi's ARMIN STROM Sailing Team managed third place, making the podium of this first event of the 2017 GC32 Racing Tour a 100% Swiss affair.

Proceedings got underway today with a last round of the GC32 Racing Tour's new ANONIMO Speed Challenge - an opportunity for the crews to eek out the fastest speed from their foiling catamarans and for on board guests to enjoy first-hand the thrill of going 30+ knots on a flying sailing yacht.

Today, it was the turn of Jason Carroll's Team Argo to record the high score of 27.65 knots. However this was not enough to better the speed of Flavio Marazzi's team which managed 31.02 knots on Friday.

Racing resumes at the GC32 Villasimius Cup, in southern Sardinia over 28 June to 1 July .

Final results - GC32 Riva Cup:

1. Realteam (SUI) - Jerome Clerc, 30 points
2. Team Tilt (SUI) - Sebastien Schneiter, 34
3. ARMIN STROM Sailing Team (SUI) - Flavio Marazzi, 45
4. Team ENGIE (FRA) - Sebastien Rogues, 54
5. Team Argo (USA) - Jason Carroll, 60
6. I'M Racing Movistar (ESP) - Iker Martinez, 70
7. Mamma Aiuto! (JPN) - Naofumi Kamei!, 73
8. Team France Jeunes (FRA) - Robin Follin, 77
9. Malizia - Yacht Club de Monaco (MON) - Pierre Casiraghi, 79
10. Team BDA (BER) - Mackenzie Cooper, 96
11. Codigo Rojo Sailing Team (ARG) - Federico Ferioli, 115

www.gc32racingtour.com

IC37 One-Design Fleet for Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup
Click on image to enlarge.

Newport, RI: After a decade of incredible competition with the Swan 42 One-Design sailboat, the New York Yacht Club is proud to announce the new class that will carry the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, sailing's premiere Corinthian interclub competition, into its second decade, and beyond.

Production on the IC37, designed by Mills Design with support from KND-Sailing Performance and SDK Structures, will start in the next few months. A fleet of 20 37-footers, all owned and maintained by the New York Yacht Club, will be available for the 2019 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup. The fifth Invitational Cup will be sailed this September in 15 Swan 42s.

Unlike the Swan 42, which was built to cruise and race both around the buoys and offshore, the IC37 is purpose-built for competition. The flush deck, square-top main, open cockpit and wide beam carried all the way to the transom are all hallmarks of a thoroughbred raceboat, designed to be pushed hard on all points of sail.

"It's definitely a planing downwind design," says Mills, who founded his eponymous design firm in 1996. "We tried to find a displacement that produces that outcome, but still provides a boat you can build within the determined cost envelope and doesn't leave you lacking stability going upwind. It will be an exciting boat to sail."

Since the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup is a Corinthian regatta sailed in supplied boats, the design brief also specified that the boat be sturdy, relatively straightforward to sail and welcoming to amateur sailors.

"One of the goals was to accommodate a wide range of ages of both genders," says Mills. "It would be easy to do a lighter boat that's very aggressive and very dynamic and required burly 20-somethings to sail it. But that would fail against the requirements of the club. We're trying to create a boat that's light and high performance, and can be sailed aggressively by a wide variety of sailors."

The IC37 - a working class title that's subject to change - will measure in at just over 37 feet, or 11.3 meters, with a 6-foot retractable sprit. The beam is just shy of 12 feet and the displacement is scheduled to be approximately 8,000 pounds with 50 percent of that in a T-bulb that will draw just more than eight feet. A two-spreader carbon rig will support 900 square feet of upwind sail area and 2,000 square feet of downwind sail area. The projected ratings for IRC, ORC and ORR are 1.180, 542.7 and 545.3, respectively. -- Stuart Streuli

nyyc.org

Rolex Giraglia Cup
The Giraglia Rolex Cup, which celebrates its 65th edition in 2017, will soon get underway. The event, sponsored by Rolex and organised by the Yacht Club Italiano and the Societe Nautique de Saint-Tropez with support from the Yacht Club de France, the Yacht Club Sanremo and the Cercle Nautique et Touristique du Lacydon will be held from June 9th to 17th.

The Giraglia Rolex Cup will begin with races from Sanremo and Marseille to Saint-Tropez on June 9th, followed by three days of inshore competition in the bay of Saint-Tropez from June 11th to 13th. This before embarking on the famous 243nm race from Saint-Tropez to Genoa via the Giraglia rock, Corsica. Boats participating in the Giraglia, the Med's most famous bluewater race, will leave Saint-Tropez on June 14th and arrive in Genoa at the Yacht Club Italiano's clubhouse in Porticciolo Duca degli Abruzzi. The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 17th.

For the first edition of the Giraglia Cup in 1953 there were twenty-two boats at the start. The number of participants grew steadily and in 1997 the event changed its name with the arrival of an important sponsor to become the Giraglia Rolex Cup. In 1998 lo Yacht Club de France began organizing three days of races in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez before passing this part of the event on to the Societe Nautique de Saint-Tropez in 2002.

There are already well over 180 boats registered for the 2017 edition and the roster shows registration numbers from all over Europe, Russia, the United States, New Zealand and even Hong Kong.

www.yachtclubitaliano.it

Featured Brokerage
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2008 Sly 53 FURTIF. 295000 EUR. Located in Port Napoleon, South of France.

FURTIF was constructed with sophisticated techniques and software which have enabled the perfect combination of weight, length, width and waterline. She can be maneuvered short-handed. As well as being a fast performance yacht, the interior and accommodation offer great comfort when cruising.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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2008 TP52 - HURAKAN. 370000 EUR. Located in Ancona, Italy.

Rare 2008 TP52. Ready for inshore IRC and ORC racing. Easy conversion to offshore and with set of 2015 Quantum sails, Carbon EC6 rigging and everything you need to get going.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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Ben Cooper
+44 (0) 1590 679 222
ben.cooper@berthon.co.uk

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
I was wondering if someone would ask that. There is tape in the Oval Office. -- Alexander Butterfield, July 13, 1973

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

Leaders close in on Bermuda
Line honours winners for multihull and monohull are expected to finish the Antigua Bermuda Race tomorrow, Tuesday 16 May 2017. At 1000 ADT on the fourth day of the race, the US Merchant Marine Academy's Volvo 70, Warrior, skippered by Stephen Murray was 305 nautical miles from the finish in Bermuda, hitting a top speed of close to 20 knots.

At their current average speed, Warrior will pass the finish line at St. David's Light, Bermuda around dawn tomorrow, setting the monohull race record. Allegra, the Nigel Irens-designed catamaran with Paul Larsen, world speed sailing record-holder on board, is about 30 miles astern of Warrior and expected to finish the race before sunset tomorrow, setting the multihull race record.

Numerous Bermudian yachts in the Antigua Bermuda Race are heading home after many months away from Bermuda.

The 112ft three-masted tall ship, Spirit of Bermuda has been in the Caribbean all winter, racing and taking guests on charter to highlight Bermuda's seafaring heritage and to train youngsters on board. Over 4,000 Bermudian teenagers have sailed on her since her launch in 2006. During the 35th America's Cup, Spirit of Bermuda will proudly serve as a VIP Spectator boat. Watch Leaders on board Spirit of Bermuda for the Antigua Bermuda Race are three young Bermudians who have learned their skills on board; Dkembe Outerbridge-Dill, Patrick Perret and Lamar Samuels. "Glory!" commented Dkembe when asked to describe the race in one word. "We are racing to win and coming home to Bermuda, having sailed thousands of miles since we left, will be glorious."

Whilst Swan 90, Freya is owned by Californian Don Macpherson, Captain Joph Carter was born and bred in Bermuda. "We have completed this race course on delivery several times, but haven't ever raced to Bermuda or competed as a team offshore," explains Carter. "Hailing from Bermuda, I have a lot of drive and motivation to bring home the silverware, plus it's probably the fastest way to get a real Dark 'n Stormy!"

www.antiguabermuda.com

Race Tracker: yb.tl/a2b2017

* From Jonathan 'Joph' Carter, Captain aboard Freya:

Fantastic sailing conditions out here today. We've had champagne sailing really and cant ask for more. The breeze has just gone light as the evening approaches and should be an interesting night. Warrior looks to be ripping and will be hard to catch up to as the breeze will go forward on us tomorrow for a beat into the finish. Its been a great battle trying to catch Stay Calm who did well by sticking West. Looking forward to the final day!

On other news, we came across a few suspicious looking vessels. We spotted the ship on the horizon in front of us, however not on AIS. As we sailed closer you could make out that this was not your everyday ship you might come across in these waters, far from it, rather a ship that represented something out of Captain Philips! While sailing closer we had the binoculars on them and there were no signs of human life. Ghost ship straight out of the Bermuda Triangle...Suddenly there were a few people running around wearing bright orange overalls. They were spying us and we were spying them in what was a few tense moments. After passing a few hundred meters off there transom it appears they were rafted up to another, smaller ship, equally looking in disrepair. There was a crane offloading 'cargo' from one to the other. The top deck was full of fishing buoys that looked like equipment for long lining, a fairly cruel method of fishing thats by-catch often outweighs what they are fishing for. Im not sure what these guys were up to, but they were surprised to see us, either illegal fishing or smuggling..who knows.

For the other sailors out there, I dont think they will be lit tonight and you wont seem them on AIS. They are in rough position 26.50N 64'40W Keep a good look out. Few pictures below.

Georgie has cooked us some fine coq au vin and looking forward to another fine night of sailing.

Blogs from the boats: antiguabermuda.com/boat-blogs

Team AkzoNobel New Team members
Team AkzoNobel skipper Simeon Tienpont has selected four former Volvo Ocean Race winners as part of a strong, multinational crew for the 2017-18 campaign.

Tienpont named a total of eight sailors from seven nations to the team on Monday - just under five months before the race starts from Alicante on 22 October.

New Zealand's Brad Jackson, Roberto 'Chuny' Bermúdez de Castro from Spain, the Brazilian Joca Signorini and Britain's Jules Salter are the past winners.

They are joined by Dutch Olympic silver medallist Annemieke Bes, Australia's Luke Molloy, Danish match racing skipper Nicolai Sehested and New Zealander Brad Farrand.

Annemieke Bes is the latest female sailor to be named to a Volvo Ocean Race team following a rule change last year that incentivises mixed crews.

Helmsman/Trimmer Bes has represented the Netherlands at three Olympics and won silver in the Yngling at the 2008 Beijing Games.

While Bes is one of two debutants - the other being Bowman Brad Farrand - Brad Jackson will be taking on his seventh campaign in the latest chapter of a glittering Volvo Ocean Race career.

The 49-year-old Watch Leader has three victories under his belt already - with New Zealand Endeavour back in 1993-94, ABN AMRO ONE in 2005-06 and Ericsson 4 in 2008-09 - and he has never finished lower than fourth.

Watch Leader Joca Signorini and Navigator Jules Salter are also veterans of that winning Ericsson campaign in 2008-09, while Helmsman/Trimmer Chuny Bermúdez comes direct from his success on Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing in the last edition.

The race starts from Alicante on 22 October and will cover 46,000 nautical miles, taking in a total of 12 Host Cities around the world. The finish is in The Hague at the end of June.

www.volvooceanrace.com

The next edition of the Race will include a fleet of M32 catamarans in most Host Cities enhancing both the on-the-water guest experience and the public spectacle.

Azzurra Lay Down A Rolex TP52 World Championship Marker
Photo by Max Ranchi, www.maxranchi.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

Scarlino, Italy: The current overall leaders of the 52 SUPER SERIES, the Roemmers family's Italian-flagged Azzurra, laid down a marker for the Rolex TP52 World Championship when they led all the way around the course for today's practice race off Scarlino, Tuscany.

Though the proud Latin team bowed to their usual superstition in bypassing the practice race finish line, the confidence of the crew that won the last regatta in Miami - in March - was suitably bolstered.

Azzurra all but won today's Official Practice Race after superstitiously dodging the finish line. The reliable thermal breeze provided near perfect conditions for the final tune up dress rehearsal before the world championship starts Tuesday, in 12-14kts of SW'ly breeze. Azzurra's Vasco Vascotto was first to key into the phase of the windshift pattern, and Azzurra squirted ahead early on showing good speed around the race course.

Bora Gulari, steering defending world champions, Quantum Racing, took the first gun, while Andy Soriano's Alegre - which now has Andy Horton on as tactician - proved they may be in shape to repeat their second place in Scarlino last year, finishing second today.

Racing is due to start on Tuesday at 1300hrs local time. Two windward-leeward races are planned. Live commentary and boat tracking via the Virtual Eye is available Tuesday and Wednesday. 52 SUPER SERIES TV goes live Thursday, Friday, Saturday with live action streamed from the race course supported by tracking, commentary and analysis, starting from 15-minutes before racing starts each day.

Entry List
Alegre (Andy Soriano GBR/USA)
Azzurra (Roemmers family, ITA/ARG)
Bronenosec (Vladimir Liubomirov, RUS)
Gladiator (Tony Langley, GBR)
Platoon (Harm Muller-Spreer, GER)
Provezza (Ergin Imre, TUR)
Quantum Racing (Doug DeVos, USA)
Rán Racing (Niklas and Catherine Zennstrom, SWE)
Sled (Takashi Okura, USA)
Sorcha (Peter Harrison, GBR)

www.52superseries.com

Swedes crowned 470 European Champions in Monaco
Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with SLAM and FxPro, the 470 Open European Championship for men and women, attracted 90 teams from 26 nationalities.

Orchestrated by Nino Shmueli, 470 class coordinator and International Race Officer at World Sailing, the regatta had been a success. "The YCM has ideal facilities for this type of meeting. It was a remarkable championship."

In the Men's, World No. 1 pair, Swedes Carl-Fredrik Fock / Marcus Dackhammar performed like a well-oiled machine to win the championship, with Guillaume Pirouelle and Jeremie Mion in 2nd having made a spectacular comeback. Australians Will Ryan and Mathew Belcher, Vice-Champions at the Rio Olympics, failed to upset the order despite the presence of Victor Kovalenko at their side. They finished 3rd but as only European teams had a chance of a medal in the Medal Race, the bronze went to Spaniards Jordi Xammar and Nicolas Rodriguez.

In the Women's, event favourites Dutch pair Afrodite Zegers and Anneloes van Veen, 4th at the Rio Olympics, won Gold, having started the regatta way behind the top three, with Italian duo Elena Berta / Sveva Carraro taking silver, knocking Polish pair Agnieszka Skrzypulec / Jolanta Ogar into 3rd for the bronze.

The best teams in the under-23 category and youngest teams (men and women), and veterans of the 420 who put in the best performance at this 470 Championship also received prizes.

YCM General Secretary, Bernard d'Alessandri, said "It is really incredible to host a regatta of this level. Conditions were good and the public blown away by the spectacle on the water. Again, this event illustrates to perfection the Club's position on its sailing policy."

Final overall ranking:

470 Women:
1st: Afrodite Zegers / Anneloes van Veen (NE), 49 points
2nd: Elena Berta / Sveva Carraro (ITA), 56 points
3rd: Agnieszka Skrzypulec / Jolanta Ogar (POL), 62 points

470 Men:
1st: Carl-Fredrik Fock / Marcus Dackhammar (SWE), 26 points
2nd: Guillaume Pirouelle / Jeremie Mion (TUR), 35 points
3rd: Will Ryan / Mathew Belcher (AUST), 36 points
4th: Jordi Xammar /Nicolas Rodriguez (SP), 40 points

www.yacht-club-monaco.mc

WSSRC Transpacific Record
Pulling out in the fog from the Long Beach dock in California Friday morning was Lloyd Thornburg and his crew aboard Phaedo3 headed towards the official start point of the WSSRC Transpacific Record.

After waiting for several hours for the wind to fill in at Port Fermin, the boat took off at 21:40:15 (UTC) towards its final destination of Diamond Head in Hawaii. A huge thank you to the patience and time given to the team by Tom Munzig and Tom Trujillo the official time keepers, and representatives of the WSSRC.

The previous record was set by "Lending Club 2" back in July 2015 with a time of 3 days 18 hours & 9 seconds.

On board for the record attempt is: Lloyd Thornburg, Brian Thompson, Justin Slattery, David Swete, Peter Cumming, Fletcher Kennedy & Henry Bomby

You can follow them on the tracker here: my.yb.tl/Phaedo3/2262/

* News from Brian Thompson on board, we are expecting them into Hawaii in the early hours of Tuesday am:

"......It's been full on here, very hard to type anything since the start.. inside the last 500 miles and the record is still on if we keep the speed up.

Its blowing 25 knots with more in the squalls and we are tearing downwind towards Honolulu..

The first night was rough as expected with 30 knots plus on the beam and a big sea state. We had 3 reefs and the J3 which is our storm jib up most of the night.. we lost some time there but the second and 3rd day have been keeping up with a routing pace..

Everyone pushing hard to get this record, any off watch time is spent making some freeze dried food and trying to sleep inside this rally car going full speed..."

For The Record
The WSSR Council announces the establishment of a new World Record:

Record: Dakar to Guadeloupe
Yacht: "Feel Good". 20ft Catamaran
Name: Vittorio and Nico Malingri. ITA
Dates:.9th April 2017 to the 20th April 2017
Start time: 11;10;17 UTC on 9/4/17
Finish time: 12;19;47 UTC on 20/4/17
Elapsed time: 11 days 1 hour 9 minutes and 30 seconds
Distance: 2551 NM
Average speed: 9.62 kts

Comments: Previous record: Lequin/Moreau FRA. 2007. 11d 11h 25m 42s

John Reed
Secretary to the WSSR Council
sailspeedrecords.com

* From Euan Ross:

Nigel Irens brings us up to speed with his 'better (motor) boats' in the current issue of Seahorse Magazine. For those readers who live in the moment, it's perhaps useful to add a little historical context. Slim, fast, efficient powerboats, which transition through to planing speeds without a noticeable hump, have been around for more than a century. There have been many lines of development, but sailing yachtsmen are perhaps most familiar with the elegant commuter boats of the East River and Long Island Sound.

In 1912, when horsepower was heavy and expensive, just 210-hp powered Consolidated Speedway's round-bilged 60-footer Dark Island to 19kts. Then there were boats like the 40ft Hand-designed Countess which achieved 26kts with just 175-hp in 1916. The seminal Countess was much the same size as an Irens' Rangeboat and featured a clean-running hard-chine hull with a V bottom. However, in this competitive market, efficiency lost out to brute force as evolution worked its magic. Aero-engine development and the torpedo-boat technology of WW1 transformed slippery commuter craft into wake-mongering missiles.

As an adjunct, Mr Irens' discussion on 'semi-planing' or 'semi-displacement' modes illustrates the unsuitability of the term 'Archimedean', now frequently used to describe a non-foiling state in Seahorse. Like the bow rudder, perhaps this is a 'canard' that should be quietly abandoned. Any measure of dynamic lift, or indeed any force operating with a vertical component, throws a vessel out of Archimedean equilibrium so that it no longer displaces a volume of water precisely equal to its all-up weight. Generally speaking, high performance sailing craft, whether foil-equipped or not, only touch base with Old Archimedes at bathtime when they are tied up in the marina.

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Lupa of London. 1,450,000 vat paid GBP.

Lupa of London is a remarkable Reichel Pugh designed Carbon composite cruiser racer with an outstanding Baltic build pedigree and enviable trophy cupboard.

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brokerage@carrswoodyachts.com
+44 (0)7476 888639

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Infiniti 53 - NEW BOAT. 1,900,000 EUR.

The Infiniti 53, a new 53 foot canting keelboat suited for exceptional performance both offshore and inshore. The new yacht will feature a canting keel, gybing centerline daggerboard and leverages the dramatic performance advantages available through the DSS system. The design intends to revolutionize the performance of yachts in the mid-50 foot range. It will be the first Farr-designed boat featuring DSS foils.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
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harmen@farryachtsales.com
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The Last Word
We are the cosmos made conscious and life is the means by which the universe understands itself. -- Brian Cox

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
Quantum Racing, World Champions On Song in Scarlino | Warrior Takes Antigua to Bermuda Line Honours | Wanted: Racing Manager - Royal Ocean Racing Club | Dongfeng Race Team unveil full crew | Land Rover BAR Crash Into Emirates Team New Zealand In Practice Racing | Cowes United: A new Race Committee Boat for Cowes | Normandy Channel Race: Class 40 Imerys takes control | What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine | Transpacific Record Attempt | Letters to the Editor | Featured Brokerage

Quantum Racing, World Champions On Song in Scarlino
Photo by Max Ranchi, www.maxranchi.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

Scarlino, Italy: After a long and challenging day on the waters off Scarlino, Tuscany, Quantum Racing - the defending champions - lead the Rolex TP52 World Championship by virtue of winning the one and only race sailed.

The planned two-race programme was curtailed by a tit-for-tat battle between a promising NE'ly breeze and the usual thermal SW'ly winds. One initial race track, set up in the NE'ly had to be moved when the SW'ly gained supremacy and came in. A race was started and ran through to the second beat before a huge shift and drop in pressure rendered the course unfair.

But when the NE'ly re-established itself, racing finally got under way two hours and 45 minutes after the projected first start, it was in 9-11kts of shifty, hard-to-predict breeze.

Quantum Racing, with Bora Gulari on the helm, made a solid start mid-line with air and time to breath, and so could accelerate quickly while Azzurra were sharp launching from nearer to the committee boat end of the line. They both worked the middle left of the upwind and were able to lead around the first top mark, the slightly better layline of Quantum Racing making the critical difference, gaining the edge thanks to the final ten degree windshift. The 2016 champions lead Azzurra with Sled a very close third and Platoon fourth.

Wednesday's schedule of windward-leeward racing is planned to start from 1130hrs CEST.

Rolex TP52 World Championship Scarlino 2017
Standings after Day1, 1 race sailed
1. Quantum Racing USA (Doug DeVos, USA), 1pt
2. Platoon GER (Harm Muller-Spreer GER), 2pts
3. Azzurra ITA (Roemmers family ARG), 3 pts
4. Sled USA (Takashi Okura, USA), 4 pts
5. Alegre GBR (Andy Soriano USA) 5 pts
6. Gladiator GBR (Tony Langley, GBR) 6 pts
7. Sorcha GBR (Peter Harrison, GBR), 7 pts
8. Bronenosec RUS (Vladimir Liubomirov, RUS), 8 pts
9. Provezza TUR (Ergin Imre, TUR) 9 pts.
10. Ran Racing SWE (Niklas Zennstrom, SWE), 10 pts.

www.52superseries.com

Warrior Takes Antigua to Bermuda Line Honours
Stephen Murray Jr.'s Volvo 70, Warrior finished the 2017 Antigua Bermuda Race on Tuesday 16 May 2017 just after 08 hrs 30 mins ADT, taking Monohull Line Honours and setting the new race record for the Antigua Bermuda Race.

Warrior is operated by the non-profit US Merchant Marine Academy Foundation for the benefit of the Warrior Sailing Program, which helps wounded veterans to maximize their potential through the sport of sailing.

Warrior crew for the Antigua Bermuda Race: Stephen Murray, Jr, Ben Bardwell, Jackson Benvenutti, Dann Cahoon, Jesse Fielding, Karl Funk, Christopher Lewis, Ben Lynch, Jan Majer, Will Oxley, Tony Pearce, Ralf Steitz and Chris Welch.

Allegra, the Nigel Irens-designed 78ft catamaran is due to be the next yacht to finish and is expected to cross the finish line at St. David's Light at about 2100 ADT tonight, Tuesday 16th May, setting the Multihull Race Record for the Antigua Bermuda Race.

Whilst light conditions early on in the race suited some of the smaller yachts, Warrior finished the race in good breeze, but that is fading as a windless hole is opening behind them. Warrior is one of the favourites for the overall win under IRC. Don Macpherson's American Swan 90, Freya was going well, but has now run out of breeze about 150 miles from the finish and hopes of winning under IRC are fading. Simon and Nancy De Pietro's CNB 76, Lilla is having a great race, but with 250 miles to go. Tim Wilson's Australian 1978 classic ketch, El Oro and Jeremi Jablonski's American Hanse 43, Avanti are going well and have over 350 miles to the finish.

www.antiguabermuda.com

The role will involve travelling to events within Europe, America and the Caribbean and weekend work for which time off in lieu will be given.

Salary is negotiable according to experience but a range of benefits include a pension scheme, life and travel insurance and 25 days' annual leave. An annual performance bonus may be awarded.

A full job description can be sent upon application. Closing date for applications is Thursday 1st June 2017.

Send covering letter and CV's by post to:
Royal Ocean Racing Club
20 St James' Place
London SW1A 1NN

Or by email to: nf@rorc.org

Dongfeng Race Team unveil full crew
With 158 days to go until the start of the 2017-18 edition, Dongfeng Race Team have announced their full crew in Paris.

The squad - led by skipper Charles Caudrelier - features 12 sailors from six sailors, and combines youth with experience.

With five Volvo Ocean Race wins, five Olympic campaigns and 32 Solitaire du Figaro campaigns, including five wins, between them, the crew knows exactly what it takes to win the toughest test of a teamwork in professional sport.

In addition to Caudrelier, the crew includes Figaro and Transat Jacques Vabre winner Pascal Bidegorry, who returns as navigator. The French offshore all-rounder Kevin Escoffier, another pillar from the last campaign, is also back in the squad.

Already announced are Kiwi Race veterans Stu Bannatyne, who will compete in the race for the eighth time, and Daryl Wislang who won the last edition with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

Jeremie Beyou, the French Vendee Globe podium finisher and one-design offshore specialist, also joins the team - competing in his debut Volvo Ocean Race campaign.

Bannatyne, Wislang and Beyou will share watch captain duties on Dongfeng.

The team's two female stars are Marie Riou of France, a four-time world champion in the Nacra 17 class, and Carolijn Brouwer from Holland who has already sailed the race twice with all-female crews and is a previous ISAF Sailor of the Year.

On the bow and also helping with helming duties is the up-and-coming Australian/British sailor Jack Bouttell, a veteran of three Figaro campaigns.

As before, Dongfeng Race Team remains committed to helping to establish offshore ocean racing in China and the sailing crew includes three young Chinese pioneering sailors - Yang Jiru (Wolf), Xue Liu (Black) and Jinhao Chen (Horace) - originally selected and trained for the 2014-15 race.

volvooceanrace.com

Land Rover BAR Crash Into Emirates Team New Zealand In Practice Racing
The second practice race day today in Bermuda, ended in a heavy pre start collision when Land Rover BAR collided with Emirates Team New Zealand after they had been comprehensively shut out in last stages of the pre start sequence.

Peter Burling on the helm of Emirates Team New Zealand had done a good job securing the favoured leeward end of the line and shutting out Sir Ben Ainslie and the Land Rover BAR boat.

"It was a bit of a shame in the last pre start we had the leeward end of the line pretty locked down, Ben was quite late and just ran straight into the back of us." said helmsman Burling. "Just unnecessary a week out from the America's Cup we are all here to learn and it's a shame we have a pretty big metre dent now in the back of our nice boat."

As for the damage:

"It went straight in under the media pod with his windward bow and right down the inside of the leeward hull, so there is a pretty good dent there. You can definitely see if has punctured right into the cockpit right around where my steering wheel is." continued Burling

Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton upon assessing the damage, "We know Ben well, he is a good guy but frustration is obviously getting to him and the red mist came down and it's a lot of damage in a time we can't afford it."

Other than the damaged sustained it was a positive day for Emirates Team New Zealand, winning both of the races it sailed against Land Rover BAR earlier in the day and Groupama Team France after both Oracle and Softbank Team japan refused to race against the kiwi team.

americascup.com

Cowes United: A new Race Committee Boat for Cowes
The official launch of Cowes United, a brand new Committee Boat for Cowes, took place on 13th May on Trinity Landing opposite the Royal London Yacht Club. Ben Rouse, High Sheriff of the Island, made an amusing speech and dedication.

This purpose-built catamaran is a state-of-the art Committee Boat, and is fully equipped to a very high standard; it is made available by the generosity of David & Patsy Franks. David's speech disclosed his dream that Ben Ainslie representing Britain and the Royal Yacht Squadron would bring the cup home and then select this new boat as the Committee Boat for the 2019 competition in the Solent. The six clubs which together form Cowes Combined Clubs (Royal London, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Royal Thames, Royal Yacht Squadron, Island Sailing Club and Cowes Corinthian) have already booked the boat for some of their racing this season.

It will be used at many major events including Cowes Week, Charles Stanley Direct Cowes Classic Week, IRC Nationals, Telegraph Bowl, Silicon Cup, and Royal Thames Etchells Invitational for the Gertrude Cup.

The boat is supported by help from the Cowes Harbour Commissioners. Joliffes Chandlery in Cowes, B&G and Spinlock have been particularly generous as sponsors. Cowes United will be used for many youth sailing events supported by Cowes Yacht Haven and Red Funnel, who have both been very generous in their support.

Graham Sunderland of Winning Tides fame has masterfully navigated the project through to completion making over 35 modifications, and ably assisted by Kevin Downer and Steve Coles. Bob Milner's experienced eye and contributions from Stuart Childerley, Peter Taylor and Cowes Week Director Phil Hagen have also been very significant in achieving the success of this project.

Cowes United is available to all clubs which use the Solent, for racing and for corporate events. -- Jan Ford

Normandy Channel Race: Class 40 Imerys takes control
In the early hours of the morning Imerys took back control establishing a 19 nm lead at Tuskar Rock, one of the most emblematic points of the race.

Since race start on Sunday afternoon four boats have retired and the fleet have spread out over a 115 nm distance. Currently, Phil Sharp and Pablo Santurde racing Imerys are flying ahead in 1st place and experiencing tough upwind conditions as they head for the infamous Fastnet Rock mark.

As the duo eat into the 134 nm journey west to Fastnet Rock they will be on the hunt for every breath of wind to keep the latest Mach 40's from snapping at their tails. The 8th edition of the Normandy Channel Race started on Sunday 14 May at 16:30 (GMT +2) offshore of Ouistreham. Follow the team throughout the race:

www.philsharpracing.com

www.normandy-race.com

Seahorse June 2017
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

Update
Luca Devoti does not wholly agree with Hutchinson worries the America's Cup is being turned into just another regatta and Jack Griffin tries (hard) to explain what is about to happen with the scoresheets in Bermuda!

(Taking it) in the right order
With the launch of the ClubSwan50, Nautor has rewritten the book on how to ensure the best possible one-design racing with a new offshore class

A bad mix - wolves and sheep
Which is why we must work hard to keep them apart. Rob Weiland

Flying fever
Mini sailing (flying) at 28 knots, anyone? Frederic Augendre jumped at the invitation...

Special rates for Scuttlebutt Europe subscribers:
Seahorse Print or Digital Subscription Use Discount Promo Code SB2

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Transpacific Record Attempt
In the darkest hour of Tuesday morning, Lloyd Thornburg and his crew aboard Phaedo^3 swopped past Diamond Head Lighthouse buoy at 4:32:18am local time. Looking like they shaved just on hour off the previous record. The total elapsed time was 3 days 16 hours 52 minutes and 03 seconds (all times still to be ratified by the WSSRC)

As Lloyd stepped onto the dock he said... " An unbelievable trip! Can't believe we actually broke the record! This was the most difficult sail of my life. Everything went our way and the team put out a super human effort in order to keep the boat moving at nearly 30 knots through the entire trip. We are all excited for a well deserved rest and some sight seeing in Hawaii..."

Crew on board for the race were: Lloyd Thornburg, Brian Thompson, Fletcher Kennedy, Justin Slattery, Pete Cumming, Henry Bomby and David Swete.

www.teamphaedo.com

* From Adrian Morgan:

As one of many barely-informed, and even more numerous ill-informed snipers from the hills, I suggest it's time to lower the rifles and let the America's Cup unfold.

It will be a parade; thighs will trump biceps; there will be a capsize; speed will soon pall; speed will be exciting; someone will fall overboard; there will be a scandal of some sort; Oracle will win; New Zealand will win, BAR will win, and so on. Who knows?

It's time to put speculation aside, stop worrying about how many Kiwis are sailing on Oracle, or whether this is really a test of the best sailors [sic] in the world, and start rooting, in a purely visceral way for your favourite team.

Personally I have nearly forgiven Sir Ben for selling himself to Oracle last time around, and have huge respect for the Kiwis, who from a small island, showed them the way to foil last time, and this year are seriously rattling their cages once again with their cycle power.

In short, Grant and his all-Kiwi-team, to mind, thoroughly deserve to win (but then so do Artemis, and if were a Swede I might be waving a blue and yellow scarf in a few days time).

So, it's BAR for me, until such time as they are eliminated, then it'll be ETNZ, Artemis, Groupama and Softbank, in that order.

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1911 MARIQUITA Classic Sailing Yacht. 3,500,000 EUR. Located in United Kingdom.

Built by William Fife & Son.

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2007 GREEN DRAGON Volvo 70. 390000 EUR. Located in Monfalcone, Italy.

GREEN DRAGON is a fantastic Volvo 70 Class yacht, which can be used for serious racing, race charter, cruising and even as a conversion project.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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2002 IRC Maxi LA BETE. 600,000 EUR. Located in Toulon, France.

Fresh from a winter refit of full servicing and checking, conversion of the primary winches to hydraulic and many more upgrades, this IRC Maxi 90' (LA BETE) offers superb value for money in a competitive package ready for the Maxi Worlds and regattas all over the globe.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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+44 (0) 1590 679 222
ben.cooper@berthon.co.uk

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The Last Word
Everybody has a little bit of Watergate in him. -- Billy Graham

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Allegra take Multihull Line Honours
Allegra, the Nigel Irens-designed 78ft catamaran skippered by Adrian Keller was the second boat to finish the 2017 Antigua Bermuda Race on Tuesday 16 May 2017 at 21 hours 40 mins and 53 secs ADT, taking Multihull Line Honours.

News from the fleet still racing is that Les Crane's Farr PH 56, Monterey had been abandoned after taking on water; the cause is unknown. The crew are all safe and well having been transferred onto the Volvo 60, Esprit De Corps IV. The schooner Spirit of Bermuda is close by and monitoring the situation and both boats are making their way to the finish in Bermuda.

British Swan 82, Stay Calm is the second monohull to finish the race just before midday, local time on 17th May. Stay Calm passed St. David's Light, but their corrected finish time was not enough to topple Volvo 70, Warrior from the top of CSA. Don Macpherson's Swan 9,0 Freya is 54 miles from Bermuda and is expected to be the next yacht to finish the race. The first classic yacht to finish is likely to be the magnificent schooner, Eleonora. With 50 miles to go, the 162ft gaff rigged schooner - an exact replica of the 1910 Westward, designed and built by N. G. Herreshoff - is expected to finish the 935nmile race around sunset tonight.

Further back in the fleet, some 250 miles from the finish, the weather conditions seemed to have improved from the light airs of the last few days.

antiguabermuda.com

Platoon Leads Rolex TP52 World Championship
Scarlino, Italy: Maintaining a superlative level of consistency through a tough, three-race day, Harm Muller-Spreer's German-flagged team on Platoon have taken over the lead of the Rolex TP52 World Championship, earning themselves a cushion of three points ahead of defending world champions Quantum Racing.

The foundation component of the Platoon consistency seems to be their ability to find themselves a workable, clean lane up the first beat even after a poorer start. And so far, after four races at this prestigious world championship, they are the team that seem to have been gaining places more often than losing them.

Their 2,3,2,2 finishes so far are an accurate reflection of an excellent overall package, the hugely experienced Muller-Spreer profiting from the strong team around him led by American, John Kostecki - the only sailor to have achieved the sport's pinnacle trifecta, winning an Olympic Silver medal in the Soling in 1988, winning the Volvo Ocean Race on Illbruck in 2001-2 and the 33rd America's Cup with BMW Oracle in February 2010.

Platoon worked hard for their third in the first race of the day, contested in the early NE'ly gradient breeze blowing offshore. They were pressing hard behind second-placed Quantum Racing in a race that was won by Azzurra. Tony Langley's Gladiator crew won the second race after a neatly executed pin end start allowed them an early jump on the fleet, Platoon taking second before only just losing out to Quantum Racing - the winners of the third race.

Standings after four races
1. Platoon (GER, Harm Muller-Spreer), (2,3,2,2) 9 points
2. Quantum Racing (Doug DeVos, USA), (1,2,8,1) 12
3. Azzurra (Roemmers Family, ITA/ARG), (3,1,6,8) 18
4. Alegre (Andres Soriano GBR/USA), (5,6,4,4) 19
5. Gladiator (Tony Langley, GBR) (6,10,1,3) 20
6. Sorcha (Peter Harrison, GBR), (7,4,3,10) 24
7. Rán Racing (Niklas Zennström, SWE), (10,5,5,7) 27
8. Sled (Takashi Okura, USA), (4,9,7,9) 29
9. Bronenosec (Vladimir Liubomirov, RUS), (8,7,9,5) 29
10. Provezza (Ergin Imre, TUR) (9,8,10,6) 33

For full results
To watch the race again

www.52superseries.com

Seahorse June 2017
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

World news
Sebastien Josse prepares to meet his monster, as Thomas Coville speeds his up, scows rule (again), timeless in Auckland, gagged in the USA and who got there first? Patrice Carpentier, Ivorwilkins, Rob Kothe, Dobbs Davis

Better (motor) boats
Low drag has played a central part in the long and successful design career of Nigel Irens. And nothing's changed with his latest venture...

ORC column - Justice prevails
Yes at last we have a 2016 European Champion!

Behind the throne - Part II
America's Cup sails but with more handwork - Burns Fallow talks Superyacht rigs

New kid comin'
For shiny carbon parts from small to very large indeed... look no further

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Fifth Volvo Ocean Race entry
The fifth entry to the 2017-18 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race will sail under the name Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag and will represent Hong Kong, it was announced today.

The campaign will be backed by Seng Huang Lee and Sun Hung Kai & Co., the Hong Kong-based owner of supermaxi yacht Scallywag, and aims to promote competitive sailing in Asia and build a long-lasting youth sailing legacy in the region. Hong Kong will be a Host City in the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time in the 2017-18 edition, starting in October.

Lee purchased the 100-foot yacht Scallywag, previously known as Ragamuffin, in 2016, and the team has already set numerous speed records. The entry into the next edition of the Volvo Ocean Race is the next step in Mr Lee's long-term vision to build a strong sailing legacy in Asia, and see more Asian teams compete at international events.

The team, racing a Volvo Ocean 65, will be skippered by experienced Australian sailor David Witt, who returns to the Volvo Ocean Race following a 20-year absence, after competing in 1997-98 race onboard Innovation Kvaerner - the boat led by former Volvo Ocean Race CEO, Knut Frostad.

A veteran of the Sydney to Hobart Race, having competed the challenge over 20 times, Witt is regarded as one of the best heavy weather sailors in the sport, and is keen to retest his mettle in the Southern Ocean when the fleets heads south later this year.

The other confirmed entries so far are team AkzoNobel (skippered by Simeon Tienpont, Netherlands), Dongfeng Race Team (Charles Caudrelier, France), MAPFRE (Xabi Fernández, Spain) and Vestas 11th Hour Racing (Charlie Enright, USA).

volvooceanrace.com

New Multihull Sportboat Class for Vice Admiral's Cup
Having helped rejuvenate the Tour de France a la Voile in 2015, Diam 24 One Design will make its debut on the Solent over 19-21st May at the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Vice Admiral's Cup.

The 7.25m by 5.62m one design is from the drawing board of VPLP, who has penned many top offshore multihulls such as the MOD70 and all recent Jules Verne Trophy record holders. Significantly the Diam24od is the first multihull class to be invited to compete in the Vice Admiral's Cup, the annual one design/level rating regatta, celebrating its 12th birthday this year.

Five Diam24ods from the UK are entered in the Vice Admiral's Cup

While the Diam24od held their first regatta in the UK at Poole Week last year, the RORC's Vice Admiral's Cup will be their first official outing on the Solent. "This will be our first formal race having been sailing the boat for just under a year," says Smith.

Peter Morton with his wife, Louise, originally created the Vice Admiral's Cup for one design and level rating classes or tightly grouped handicap classes, or as he puts it: "To fill a gap that the Admiral's Cup left behind. With the handicap classes, we wanted to try and narrow it right down so there was more boat-on-boat racing."

Classes are invited to complete at the Vice Admiral's Cup and over the years they have moved with the times, the Diam24od being the event's very latest class.

Both Mortons are competing once again this year. The event was supposed to have marked the debut for Peter's brand new Carkeek 40 Mk3, Girls on Film, in the FAST 40+ class. However the boat's arrival has been delayed, so for the Vice Admiral's Cup, Morton has chartered Andrew Pearce's Ker 40+, Magnum 4.

FAST40+ Class President, Robert Greenhalgh is expecting 10 FAST40+s at the Vice Admiral's Cup. As to the form boats, Morton can never be discounted, while the boat Greenhalgh sails on, Sir Keith Mills' Ker 40+ Invictus, won the RORC Easter Challenge and Morton's 2016 boat, now Bas de Voogd's Hitchhiker, won the FAST40+ Spring Regatta.

Louise Morton will once again be campaigning in the Quarter Ton class. While her Bullit is the defending Coutts Quarter Ton Cup champion, Louise has not had it her own way so far this year with Sam Laidlaw's Aguila winning both the RORC Easter Challenge and the Warsash Spring Series.

At least ten Quarter Tonners are expected to compete at the Vice Admiral's Cup, including Aguila and Bullit plus a couple of new additions to the fleet. As to the event which they conceived, Louise says: "We were very proud of it and we like to keep an eye on it!" Other classes competing at the Vice Admiral's Cup are the HP30, the J/109 and J/111, the Impala and SB20. -- James Boyd

www.rorc.org

Industry News
Nautor's Swan has just confirmed another essential position in the APAC region, appointing Olivier Decamps as the new Regional Director.

"I have always admired Nautor' Swan yachts ever since I started racing over 40 years ago. I strongly believe that the Asia Pacific region is only at the beginning of its "yachting growth", says Olivier Decamps "I look forward to working with the team, developing the Agents' network, promoting the brand and bringing some of Nautor Swan's passion to Asia Pacific."

Olivier Decamps is originally from Belgium but he lives in Hong Kong since 2004, working professionally in the industry as an experienced broker and competent racer.

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Returning for its second race partnership, TIMEZERO by MaxSea, has been named as the Official Navigation Software Supplier for the Clipper 2017-18 Round the World Yacht Race.

The race's twelve Clipper 70 yachts, the planet's largest matched racing fleet, will once again be equipped with the latest in marine navigation software to help complete their eleventh month circumnavigation.

Clipper Race Founder and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston welcomed the renewed partnership, saying: "We are pleased to announce that all the fleet will be equipped with the latest TIMEZERO by MaxSea software. This will enable the boats to download the weather forecasts and then calculate the best choice of routes from that advanced information."

Adding, he said: "Having used TIMEZERO by MaxSea myself I know how invaluable it is and frankly it is not possible to race effectively these days without it."

www.clipperroundtheworld.com

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Hyde Sails has expanded and increased its loft space by a third to nearly 6,000m2 due to 'relentless demand'.

And the company is also to increase its staffing levels from the current level of 257 to around 300.

Hyde Sails is UK owned and managed with offices in Hamble and Ipswich.

Manufacturing used to take place in South Benfleet but production relocated to the Philippine island of Cebu.

www.boatingbusiness.com

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Garmin has acquired Active Corporation, which develops "crowd-sourced, rich content for boaters" under the ActiveCaptain brand, according to a Garmin statement. Terms were not disclosed.

ActiveCaptain is a community-based, electronic marine database that contains near real-time information about marinas, anchorages, local points of interest, and marine hazards for cruising and sailing destinations around the world. Most of the content is user generated. The database boasts more than 250,000 users and can be accessed via web browser or a variety of mobile applications.

Karen and Jeffrey Siegel, who founded ActiveCaptain, will become Garmin employees.

Jeffrey Siegel said the acquisition by Garmin would make ActiveCaptain even "more and global" as it develops. "Garmin has extensive engineering and cartography capabilities that will allow ActiveCaptain to be deeply integrated into their product offerings," said Siegel in the statement.

plus.ibinews.com

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Farr Yacht Design has created new and improved rudder designs for the Farr 395, Beneteau First 10R and Beneteau First 40.7. These new designs feature carbon fiber rudder posts, higher aspect ratio rudder blades, and the latest in foil technology. These modifications result in reduced weight and lower drag while, at the same time, increasing the stiffness, strength and safety factor.

Replacing the factory supplied rudder on these types of production cruiser-racers with a more racing-oriented rudder yields excellent bang-for-the-buck to improve the performance and handling of a production cruiser racer.

Farr Yacht Design has collaborated with Competition Composites, Inc. (CCI) to build these replacement rudders. Owners of these yachts now have access to a vastly improved rudder design at an affordable price. All of these rudders are plug-and-play. They can be fitted into existing bearings and attached to the existing steering systems with little or no modifications required. The rudders were designed using our advanced parametric 3D modeling tools and tailored to suit the production methods of CCI.

farrdesign.com/news-rudder-redesign.html

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Groupe Beneteau unveiled a three-year plan that reaffirms the importance of the North American market at an event celebrating 30 years in the United States at its plant in Marion, S.C.

With a contribution of 30 percent to group revenue, the North American market is one of the pillars of Groupe Beneteau's growth. Beneteau said it will extend the range of powerboats that are built in Marion and delivered to the American market to better serve its distribution channels.

It also will move production from its plant in Brazil back to the United States.

Beneteau also said it will make "significant investments earmarked for the training and skill development of its 700 U.S. employees" and modernize U.S. manufacturing plants.

In 1984 the French boatbuilder was celebrating its 100th anniversary as it decided to enter the American market. Two years later, Beneteau opened its first production plant in Marion, where more than 8,700 Beneteau and Jenneau sailboats have been produced.

The group's headquarters for the Americas is in Annapolis, Md. It operates a second plant dedicated to powerboat production in Cadillac, Mich. The group's Four Winns, Glastron, Wellcraft and Scarab brands are produced at that plant. Today Groupe Beneteau Americas employs more than 700 people in the United States.

The company will unveil a new Oceanis sailboat at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis and introduce new models in the Swift Trawler and Gran Turismo lines that will debut at the Fort Lauderdale and Miami International boat shows, respectively.

www.tradeonlytoday.com

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Matt Sheahan spoke to over 130 press and industry guests at the sixth annual MAA Press Lunch, which took place on Friday 12th May 2017. Matt shared his thoughts on the 2017 America's Cup, which takes place in Bermuda in two weeks time. The event, which is held at Haslar Marina, is organised by the Marine Advertising Agency (MAA) with sponsorship from Dean & Reddyhoff.

This year's event kicked off with tours of Ocean Youth Trust's new sail training vessel, Prolific, which has undergone an extensive refit and modifications to meet the Trust's unique requirements.

With the America's Cup in Bermuda just two weeks away, Matt Sheahan, Head of Performance Sailing at Sunset & Vine, who produce the TV coverage of the America's Cup for BT Sport, spoke at the lunch to give his perspective on the challenges facing the teams. Mark Todd, Chief Executive of Ocean Youth Trust South, also spoke at the lunch. He talked about the OYT's work with disadvantaged young people and the chance that sailing gives to improve outcomes for these young people.

www.marineadagency.com

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The America's Cup has announced that the latest addition to its roster of international broadcast partners is RTVE, the Spanish company which is the largest broadcaster in Spain broadcasting in the Spanish language. The free-to-air, national broadcast package is a significant sign of the strong interest the Spanish market has for the America's Cup, creating extensive TV coverage of the 35th America's Cup in a key market, with the content available to all.

The RTVE deal will see the Spanish broadcaster showcasing the entire live feed for each race day of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers, the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoffs America's Cup and the America's Cup Match presented by Louis Vuitton live, or just delayed, on their free to air channels Teledeporte, Teledeporte HD, La1, La 1 HD, La2, 24h and TVE Internacional.

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2002 Farr 52 FURTIF2. 180000 EUR. Located in Toulon, South of France.

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info@bernard-gallay.com

-----------------------------------------

2012 Swan 60 Racer Cruiser. Price on application. Located in Spain.

New to the brokerage market, this Swan 60 has been optimized for competitive racing and is offered as a turn-key regatta program including sails, rigging, equipment and storage/shipping cradle. Contact our office in Monaco for additional information about pricing and location

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-----------------------------------------

2010 Corby Dale Nelson 36. POA. Located in Wales.

High performance sailing meets DALE build standards. From the drawing board of John Corby, the technology of a cedar strip/carbon fibre composite hull marries perfectly with DALE’s traditional craftsmanship. ROXY 6 was built in 2010 for the Irish Commodores cup team, where she helped them to victory with a 2nd in class. A change of owners circumstances means the boat has not been in the water since and so the boat is in 'brand new' condition and available at a fraction of the original cost. Contact for more information on this unique opportunity. Location: Wales Listing office: Ancasta Raceboats POA (Tax Paid)

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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Ancasta Port Hamble
sampearson@ancasta.com

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

Back For The Monday Issue
No issue out on Thursday night for Friday, as your humble narrator will be attending a pharmacological colloquy on the proper roles of Old Guys in today's society. Specifically... Land Shark or Parrothead? with renowned polymath James William Buffett.

The Last Word
Rock and Roll: Music for the neck downwards. -- Keith Richards

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

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Volvo Ocean Race makes radical route changes with new foiling 60-footers
Foil-assisted 60ft offshore monohulls, flying inshore catamarans, and tearing up the conventional round the world route map are among the major changes announced for the 2019 Volvo Ocean Race

Volvo Ocean Race organisers promised the most radical shake-up of the race since its inception in 1973, and the raft of changes announced today for the 2019 edition will bring about some fundamental shifts in what the Volvo Ocean Race represents.

A huge topic of discussion has been the choice of new yacht class, which organisers had previously confirmed would be a one-design by Guillaume Verdier, but not revealed whether it would be a monohull or multihull format. Volvo Ocean Race CEO Mark Turner has confirmed that the ocean legs will be sailed in a foil-assisted 60-footer, in many ways the least surprising announcement of the day following the adoption of foils by the IMOCA 60 class over the past two years.

More intriguingly, Turner now sees potential for the new Volvo one-design 60-footers to potentially compete alongside the IMOCA fleet. Speaking exclusively to Yachting World in Paris ahead of today's announcement, he explained: "We found ourselves looking at the fact that the best boat for the Volvo Ocean Race, which is a combination of performance, safety, technology development, actually can also be used as a platform - with a change of rig and keel - on other circuits. That's a bonus to what we're doing."

While the new one-design will not be specifically designed to fit the IMOCA box rule, Turner says that the wealth of data and experience Verdier and others have in designing and building foiling 60-footers will be invaluable, and was a key reason in not going for a larger design such as a 70-footer.

Assuming that the IMOCA class rule in, say, 2020-21, remains open to ex-Volvo Ocean Race boats, this plan achieves several things which fit with recurring themes in Turner's new vision for the race, including improved sustainability credentials - building large composite yachts with a short shelf-life no longer sits well with the event's green ethos - as well as giving sponsors and sailors wider platforms with more longevity to promote their message across, and joining some dots in the sport.

Meanwhile a second, inshore fully foiling multihull class has also been announced, between 32 and 50ft long. This will be raced at stopovers by - at least very largely - the same crew who are racing the offshore leg to prevent teams from forming two separate squads. Again this will be a one-design, taking the best elements from existing foiling multihull classes, such as the GC32 and rapidly developing AC50s.

Eight 60-footers will be built, and the multihull one-design drawings will be put out to tender, a process starting this week.

The changes most likely to upset purists will be major alterations to the traditional round the world route. Details are yet to be confirmed, but Turner has revealed that they are considering a radical overhaul of the course, starting with plans to run events more frequently, through to routes that include everything from around-the-world non-stop, to starting and finishing in a different hemisphere or continent, and even a non-stop race around the bottom of the earth.

volvooceanrace.com

Super Steady Platoon Win Rolex TP52 World Title
Photo by Max Ranchi, www.maxranchi.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

Scarlino, Italy: Harm Muller-Spreer's Platoon crew got the better of the five-time title holders Quantum Racing during an exciting winner takes all final day showdown to win the Rolex TP52 World Championship title for the first time. Though they did not win a race, only once in eight contests did Platoon finish out of the top three, counting five second places. Third in 2008, losing out on the final day in Puerto Portals to finish third, this time the Platoon crew stayed super focused and closed out their first world title together.

With the last day programme on the waters off Scarlino, Tuscany cut to just one race as the WNW'ly breeze took time to build the regatta leaders Platoon started the grand finale with a lead of two points over Quantum Racing. The defending world champions made the better start, Platoon faltering momentarily. But tactician John Kostecki and strategist Jordi Calafat stuck to Platoon's game plan, investing progressively in the right side, staying out of the fray, sailing clean lanes to allow their speed edge - particularly downwind - to work.

While Azzurra enhanced their early lead by getting to the paying, favoured right side of the first beat, Quantum Racing found themselves sandwiched between two other boats, unable to get there in time. In the 14-16kts breeze, Platoon were quick upwind and rounded the first windward turn in third, already seemingly with their hands on the world title. As Azzurra went on to win, Platoon passed Bronenosec on the second round to win the world championship title by seven points from Quantum Racing, who won the title last year in Menorca.

At the theoretical midpoint of the season, with three of the six regattas sailed, Platoon lead the 52 SUPER SERIES by four points going into next month's Audi 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week in Porto Cervo. Azzurra lie second and Quantum Racing third, 14pts off the lead.

Final Standings TP52 World Championship (after eight races):

1. Platoon (GER, Harm Muller-Spreer), (2,3,2,2,2,6,3,2) 22 points
2. Quantum Racing (Doug DeVos, USA), (1,2,8,1,1,7,2,7) 29
3. Azzurra (Roemmers Family ITA/ARG), (3,1,6,8,6,4,4,1) 33
4. Alegre (Andres Soriano GBR/USA), (5,6,4,4,3,2,6,5) 35
5. Gladiator (Tony Langley, GBR) (6,10,1,3,8,10,1,6) 45
6. Ran Racing (Niklas Zennstrom, SWE), (10,5,5,7,9,3,7,3) 49
7. Sled (Takashi Okura, USA), (4,9,7,9,7,1,8,8) 53
8. Provezza (Ergin Imre, TUR) (RDG6.3,8,10,6,4,5,5,9) 53.3
9. Bronenosec (Vladimir Liubomirov, RUS), (8,7,9,5,5,9,9,4) 56
10. Sorcha (Peter Harrison, GBR), (7,4,3,10,10,8,10,10) 62

Overall Standings 52 SUPER SERIES after three regattas, Key West, Miami, Scarlino

1. Platoon (GER, Harm Muller-Spreer), 103 points
2. Azzurra (Familia Roemmers, ITA/ARG), 107
3. Quantum Racing (Doug DeVos, USA), 114
4. Provezza (Ergin Imre, TUR) 141.3
5. Ran Racing (Niklas Zennstrom, SWE), 152
6. Bronenosec (Vladimir Liubomirov, RUS), 165
7. Sled (Takashi Okura, USA), 174
8. Gladiator (Tony Langley, GBR) 180.6
9. Alegre (Andres Soriano GBR/USA), 182
10. Sorcha (Peter Harrison, GBR), 248

www.52superseries.com

Antigua to Bermuda: Tenacious finish
Hamilton, Bermuda, May 20: All teams racing in the Antigua Bermuda Race arrived in time for Saturday's prizegiving at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. Tim Wilson's Australian classic ketch El Oro, led the group of corinthian teams that have refused to put on their engines, showing tremendous tenacity in sticking to sail power only for over a 1,000 miles of light airs sailing. El Oro crossed the finish line at St. David's Light shortly before 21:30 local time on Friday May 19th and in doing so claimed second place in CSA Classics and third in IRC.

El Oro was once owned by Baron Marcel Bich of America's Cup and BIC pen fame and owner

At around midnight Friday night, Jason and Judy Payne-James' Dufour 45, Heartbeat IV crossed the finish line in Bermuda. Their ship's log showed that the team of family and friends from the East Coast of England, had clocked up 1,007 nautical miles. Co-skippered by President of the Royal Burnham Yacht Club, Judy Payne-James, Heartbeat IV has now competed in every well-known offshore race in the Northern Hemisphere. She has a berth at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club for the duration of the America's Cup and Judy says: "They will be proudly waving the Union Jack and cheering on Ben Ainslie's Landrover BAR team."

The final yacht to finish the Antigua Bermuda Race, entirely by sail-power alone, is Andrew Eddy's British Oyster 485, Gaia whose crew includes wife Sabrina and 19 year old niece, Phoebe Cochran. This is the first time Gaia and the Eddy's have been to Bermuda and they have raced here to watch the 35th America's Cup. -- Louay Habib

Provisional Results
Antigua Bermuda Race 2017

Place, Yacht Name, Type, Owner/Skipper, Hometown, Results, Total Points

CSA - Monohull (CSA - 17 Boats
1. Warrior, Volvo 70 modified 70, Stephen Murray, Jr. , Metairie, LA, USA
2. Avanti, Hanse 43, Jeremi Jablonski , Wilton, Ct, USA
3. Freya , Swan 90 88 , Don Macpherson , Santa Monica, CA, USA
4. Heartbeat IV, Dufour 45E 44, Jason & Judy Payne-James , Southminster, Essex, UK
5. Stay Calm, Swan 82 82, Stuart Robinson , Hampshire, UK

CSA - Classic (CSA - 4 Boats)
1. El Oro (Classic), Auzeppy-Brennuer 68 68, Tim Wilson , Paddington, Aus
2. Spirit of Bermuda, Ballyhoo Schooner 87 , Michael Moreland , Hamilton, BDA
3. Mariella (Classic) , Yawl 79.5, Carlo Falcone , ANT
4. Eleonora, Gaff schooner 105.4 Peras Limited , St.Julians, MLT

CSA - Multihull (CSA - 1 Boats)
1. Allegra, Nigel Irens Catamaran 78 FastCat Ltd , Georgetown, CAY

IRC (IRC - 15 Boats)
1. Warrior (IRC), Volvo 70 modified 70, Stephen Murray, Jr. , Metairie, LA, USA
2. Avanti (IRC), Hanse 43, Jeremi Jablonski , Wilton, CT, USA
3. Freya (IRC), Swan 90s 88, Don Macpherson , Santa Monica, CA, USA
4. El Oro (IRC), Auzeppy-Brennuer 68 68, Tim Wilson , Paddington, NSW, AUS
5. Heartbeat IV (IRC), Dufour 45E 44, Jason & Judy Payne-James , Southminster, Essex, UK

antiguabermuda.com

Seahorse June 2017
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

Seahorse build table - Practical... and a thing of beauty
Orion Shuttleworth reminds us of a famous name in multihulls with a new design which we'd definitely be clearing out the shed for

Act 2 scene 1
Charles Caudrelier took a surprise podium in the last Volvo Ocean Race with Dongfeng (a surprise to some)

One of the (very) toughest jobs in yacht racing
Recognition for the men and women behind our best 'moving pictures'

A shrine to sailing speed
Newport News, Virginia seems a fitting new home for a rather special 'yacht'

Sailor of the Month
A little light controversy with today's marmalade

Special rates for Scuttlebutt Europe subscribers:
Seahorse Print or Digital Subscription Use Discount Promo Code SB2

1yr Print Sub: €77 - £48 - $71 / Rest of the World: £65 www.seahorse.co.uk/shop/subs/

1yr Digital Sub for £30: www.seahorse.co.uk/shop/digital

Discounts shown are valid on a one year subscription to Seahorse magazine.

To the wire at the Vice Admiral's Cup
The Vice Admiral's Cup concluded Sunday on the central Solent in lighter 10-13 knot winds, but this time blowing from the east. The leaderboard was so tight across the seven classes of one designs and level rating boats that in many, discards decided the outcome.

In the J/109s, the final day brought about a change of leader with Robert Stiles on Diamond Jem edging out David Richards' Jumping Jellyfish by a point, in turn one point ahead of Simon Perry's Jiraffe

Racing in the J/111 class also came down to the last race with Tony Mack's McFly managing to pull off the win to beat Martin Dent's World Champions on Jelvis by a point.

In the Quarter Tonners, Sam Laidlaw and his crew on Aguila hung on to claim the win, adding the Vice Admiral's Cup to an unbeaten run this season. This was despite the best endeavours of Louise Morton's all-female team on Bullit, which won both of today's races leaving them second, again by just a point.

In the Diam 24od trimaran class there was an unexpected winner in Italian Riccardo Pavoncelli's Gaetana 3 after being awarded redress for a collision on Friday. They won today's first race and the Vice Admiral's Cup overall by 1.5 points from Paul Wakelin's Fluid Boat Services, Buzz.

After scoring bullets in both yesterday's long round the cans races, Invictus, with Sir Keith Mills' son Alex helming, won the last of today's three races to claim first place overall in the FAST 40+ class by eight points from New Zealander Mark Rijkse's 42° South, winner of today's first race.

Richard Powell's Marvel scored her fifth consecutive bullet in the SB20s ultimately winning by eight points from Jerry Hill's Sportsboatworld.com.

Marvel was not the only boat to score nothing but 2s and 1s at the Vice Admiral's Cup. So too did Ben Meakins and the crew of Polly in the Impala 28 class, rounding off the event with two more wins. -- James Boyd

www.rorc.org

Etchells 22 Super De Luxe Heads For Crosshaven
Click on image for photo gallery.

As Johnny Smullen, boatbuilder to America's Cup legend Dennis Conner has put it, the transformation job on a tired old Etchells 22 is simply amazing writes W M Nixon

The well-worn white hull of a standard Etchells 22 went into Bill Trafford's shed near Skenakilla Crossroads in March last year. And this week, the gorgeous dark blue cruising sloop Guapa (it's Spanish for beautiful) emerged.

On Wednesday she'll be arriving in Crosshaven for her mast to be stepped and new sails fitted from Des McWilliam. But the boat is so utterly transformed, with judiciously-raised topsides and an extremely elegant Scandinavian-style coachroof and comfortable accommodation within, that Bill naturally wondered if his calculations as to the new location of the waterline were accurate.

Indeed, like every boat-transformer, he wondered if she'd float. So rather than give her a totally-untested debut at Crosshaven, Guapa was quietly towed up the road to Doneraile... then up the road to Adare and down to Askeaton off the Shannon Estuary, where Cyril Ryan at his boatyard had the crane ready, and Guapa had her first splash in complete privacy. No leaks. And she floated perfectly on her marks. All being well, next Wednesday in Crosshaven, you're in for a treat.

afloat.ie/sail/

* From John Rutherford

In a recent Scuttlebutt Europe you say that there are 6 clubs who own Cowes Combined Clubs.

This is incorrect, Cowes Combined Clubs is made up of the Cowes Town Regatta Committee and the following clubs

Royal Yacht Squadron
Royal London Yacht Club
Royal Thames Yacht Club
Royal Southampton Yacht Club
Royal Southern Yacht Club
Island Sailing Club
Royal Ocean Racing Club
Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club

Featured Brokerage
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The Last Word
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense! -- Brian Cox

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

Phil Sharp and Pablo Santurde win Normandy Channel Race
Jersey resident Phil Sharp, and the Spanish sailor from Santander Pablo Santurde, has just secured victory in the most comprehensive edition of the Normandy Channel Race, sailing the entire original course and with it the richest ever edition in terms of both intensity and action.

The British Class40 Imerys skippered by Phil Sharp and Pablo Santurde triumphed Friday morning. They crossed the finish line off Hermanville at 01 hours, 45 minutes and 50 seconds GMT. Their race time is 4 days, 11 hours 15 minutes and 50 seconds, in what will be a reference for future editions. The duo covered the 961 miles of the theoretical course at an average speed of 9.04 knots. The actual distance covered equated to 1,091 miles over the ground at the average speed of 10.17 knots. Posting brilliant performances to secure the runner-up spots, Serenis Consulting skippered by the Jean Galfione-Nicolas Troussel duo and V and B helmed by Maxime Sorel and Antoine Carpentier were over 3 hours shy of glory.

With this latest result in the bag, Pablo Santurde from Santander, is the first sailor in the history of the Normandy Channel Race to secure a second victory, a consecutive one to boot, and on two different boats (Tales II with Fidel Turienzo in 2016). However, this is also a second victory for the boat, as the Mach 40 No.130 was launched in 2013 for Sebastien Rogues (GDF Suez), who won the event in 2014 paired with Bertrand Castelnerac.

A truly impressive performance by Pablo then, who seems to be invincible in the Class40, since he also won last year's Transat Quebec Saint Malo aboard Tales II with Gonzalo Bottin. Together with the same crew, he won the Atlantic Cup, before etching his name for the second time on the winners' list of the Normandy Channel Race today.

Final top ten:
1. Imerys, Phil Sharp / Pablo Santurde
2. Serenis Consulting, Jean Galfione / Nicolas Troussel
3. V And B, Maxime Sorel / Antoine Carpentier
4. Evernex - Delicecook, Brieuc Maisonneuve / Eric Varin
5. Campaign Of France, Halvard Mabire / Miranda Merron
6. Calvados, Claire Pruvot / Louis Duc
7. Sensation Class40, Marc Lepesqueux / Jean-Charles Monnet
8. Moonpalace, Roeland Franssens / Michel Kleinjans
9. Region Normandy - Lmax, Olivier Cardin / Cedric Chateau
10. Colombe Xl, Massimo Juris / Pietro Luciani

www.normandy-race.com

Practice racing continues
With the countdown clock ticking over to just five days before the start of the 35th America's Cup, all six teams took to Bermuda's Great Sound on Monday 22nd May with three (Artemis Racing, Emirates Team New Zealand and Land Rover BAR) taking part in another day of practice racing before the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers starts at 5.00pm on Friday 26th May.

Under guidelines set out by America's Cup Race Management (ACRM), all teams are permitted to train against each other on Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd and Thursday 25th May.

Artemis Racing had the best of the practice racing action on Monday 22nd May, beating Sir Ben Ainslie's Land Rover BAR in race one. Race two, between Emirates Team New Zealand and Artemis Racing, failed to generate a result as neither team finished the race, while it was the same outcome in the third and final race of the day, a re-run between the Swedish and New Zealand teams.

More practice racing is scheduled for Tuesday 23rd and Thursday 25th May.

www.americascup.com

Americas Cup Television
BBC Sport's Natalie Pirks visited Ben Ainslie in Bermuda to talk about his America's Cup preparations and meet the team behind the British challenge

Watch on Saturday 20 May on BBC News Channel at 00:30, 13:30 and 16:30 BST, Sunday 21 May at 05:30 and 14:30 BST and Wednesday at 03:30 BST.

The BBC Schedule of coverage:

www.bbc.com/sport/sailing/39885782

* Sport 24, the only 24/7 live inflight and cruise line sports channel, will show live coverage of this year's journey to the 35th America's Cup on its two channels for the first time.

The IMG owned and operated service will broadcast live action from one of sport's biggest event series across both Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, culminating with the America's Cup Match presented by Louis Vuitton on 17-18 and 24-27 June.

Sport 24's coverage will also include qualifying stages leading up to the finale, including the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers (26 May - 3 June), the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoff Semi-Finals (4 - 8 June), and the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoff Finals (10 - 12 June).

* NBC Sports Group will present more than 40 hours of coverage of the 2017 America's Cup from Bermuda across NBC, NBCSN and the NBC Sports app, beginning this Friday, May 26, with coverage of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers on NBCSN.

NBCSN and the NBC Sports app will provide comprehensive coverage of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers and Challenger Playoffs through Monday, June 12. The first races of the final stage of competition in the 35th America's Cup, the America's Cup Match, presented by Louis Vuitton will take place on Saturday, June 17, at 1 p.m. ET on NBC.

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app - NBC Sports Group's live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs - will provide comprehensive streaming coverage of the 2017 America's Cup.

https://youtu.be/W7Vo0WYEwrw

Harken is a Proud Technical Supplier for Groupama Team France
Harken and Groupama Team France are working together to supply the team with winches, pedestals, gear boxes and blocks in its campaign for the 35th America's Cup. Led by skipper/helmsman Franck Cammas, this renowned sailing hero from France is one of the most talented, respected, and hardest-working multihull racers in the world.

He was the first to round Cape Horn in a foiling catamaran, and in 2015 successfully defended his Little America's Cup title, foiling to a win in Groupama C. Harken is honored to be working with this determined and talented team, on the hunt for success in France's most creative America's Cup challenge. Harken. At The Front.

www.harken.com

Admiral's Cup to be marked with 50th Anniversary Regatta
Love and War. Photo by Andrea Francolini, www.afrancolini.com Fifty years ago a team of three Australian yachts arrived in Cowes to take on the world. Two years earlier, in 1965, our first challengers for the Admiral's Cup, Caprice of Huon, Freya and Camille, had been snobbishly mocked by the British yachting establishment as being too small and old fashioned.

The Poms soon had to eat their words as the Australians went very close to winning the Cup at their first attempt

When Caprice of Huon returned in 1967, this time with Balandra and Mercedes III, the Aussie team was better prepared for the tricky racing in the Solent and the Channel, and the tough Fastnet Race that closes out the Admiral's Cup series. They beat the crack three-boat teams from Great Britain, France, Spain and the USA by a whopping 107 points.

And just to rub it in, Mercedes III, Balandra and Caprice of Huon finished first, second and third in the individual points score. It was a complete victory, and Australian offshore racing had arrived on the world stage.

A group of local yachtsmen, all with a connection to the Admiral's Cup, are now organizing a special, one-off regatta to mark the 50th anniversary of that first Admiral's Cup win.

Staged jointly on Sydney Harbour by the SASC, RSYS and CYCA, the racing will be held over three days on December 1, 2 and 3. There will also be a full "apres racing" social program over that weekend hosted by the participating clubs.

As important as re-uniting the yachts that represented Australia will be the opportunity of bringing the crews together again. Admiral's Cup veterans whose original "ride" is no longer racing will be welcome to join the crews of other boats in the regatta.

In keeping with the 'three-boat team' theme, the Admiral's Cup Anniversary Regatta has three co-patrons: Sir James Hardy OBE, Syd Fischer OBE and Gordon Ingate OAM. All three have distinguished Admiral's Cup records.

Entry is open to any yacht that either represented Australia in the Admiral's Cup or competed in the selection trials.

Records show that upwards of 60 yachts might qualify for the regatta, but many of those may no longer be in racing trim, while some, such as the legendary Freya, are now overseas. Nevertheless, a fleet of 10-15 is expected, including some from the 1965 and 1967 campaigns, led by the ageless Caprice of Huon and Mercedes III.

Some of the other famous names we might see racing each other again include Camille, Impetuous, Police Car, Salacia II, Challenge and Love & War.

There will be one race per day - two on the Harbour (Friday and Sunday) and a short offshore event on the Saturday.

Organisers of the 50th Anniversary Regatta are keen to hear from any yacht owners and Admiral's Cup crew interested in taking part. They should contact: Peter Shipway at peter@barlowdistributors.com.au

12 Metre Class Announces Waypoint Regattas
The International 12 Metre Class (ITMA) has released locations and dates for the Road To The Worlds Waypoints Series, a three-year international 12 Metre (12mR) yacht competition starting in May of 2017 and culminating with the July 2019 12 Metre World Championship in Newport, R.I. Teams racing at specific Waypoints-designated events in Northern Europe, Southern Europe and the Americas will be awarded points for both their participation and performance. At the culmination of this 29-regatta series, the 12mR team with the greatest number of points overall will be awarded the Waypoints Cup at the 2019 12 Metre World Championship Awards Ceremony.

The Road To The Worlds Waypoints Series kicks off this summer with inaugural events both in the United States and Europe. In North America, ten 12mR yachts (along with sibling International Rule 2.4mR, 6mR and 8mR yachts) will compete at Newport MetreFest 2017, held in conjunction with New York Yacht Club's 163rd Annual Regatta (June 9-11). The first Southern Europe fleet Waypoint event is the glamorous Les Voiles D' Antibes in France (May 31-June 4), and the first Northern Europe fleet Waypoint event is the Kiel Classic in Germany (June 17-19), where a large fleet of Vintage 12mR yachts is expected to race.

www.12mrclass.com/waypoints

Act 2 Scene 1
Charles Caudrelier took a surprise podium in the last Volvo Ocean Race with Dongfeng (a surprise to some)

Seahorse: Let's talk a little about your experiences in the last race in 2014/15. You went into the Dongfeng Chinese-French programme off the back of winning the previous edition with Franck Cammas on Groupama 70. How much of that VO70 project could you take into a new campaign in smaller, less powerful VO65 one-designs?

Charles Caudrelier: Groupama was a winning team so of course you learn a lot in a programme like that. No team is ever perfect, though, so I tried to bring all the positive aspects from that campaign and change what I saw as weaknesses. But I obviously cannot do exactly the same - I don't have the same sailors or the same project; now the boat is a one-design too so I try to find sailors who come from onedesign or dinghy backgrounds because it is all about how to make the boat go fast rather than how to design and mode it.

SH: In certain conditions you were definitely faster last time...

CC: We were strong at the beginning downwind and in light air. I think we had a different way of sailing and trimming sails initially, but afterwards everybody else started using our approach. At the end of the race we were actually not as fast, relatively, but people still thought of us as quick which was good for us! For sure, in light conditions we were always quite good, but equally in strong winds and above a certain boat speed we were a bit slower than some others.

Full interview in the June issue of Seahorse:
www.seahorsemagazine.com

Green Dragon Back in Galway Looking for a Mast
Green Dragon. Photo by Pierce Purcell Jnr. Click on image to enlarge.

The Sino-Irish Volvo Racer Green Dragon has been having a somewhat checkered career since leaving Ireland, and though she took Transatlantic line honours in the ARC in December as the beginning of a Portuguese involvement in future Volvo Races, more recently she had the indignity of being dismasted.

Fortunately there's a spare mast in her old home port of Galway, and she arrived in there yesterday to have it fitted.

afloat.ie/sail/

Marion Bermuda Race to the Rock
Entry closes for the 40th anniversary and 21st biennial Marion Bermuda Race this Saturday, May 27, 2017 and all information required on the entry forms must be completed by then. Entries now stand at 51 yachts. The start of this blue-water classic is June 9 from Marion, The race finishes in the midst of America's Cup activity in Bermuda some four or five days later.

Entries are up slightly since 2015 when 48 boats took the Marion challenge, racing the 645nm race from Marion, Massachusetts south out of Buzzard's Bay to the finish line of St. David's Lighthouse in Bermuda. In 2013 the race had 35 entries.

The 2017 edition of this classic will see boats ranging from 'Selkie', G.J Bradish's Morris Ocean 32.5 footer from Boston to the Hinckley SW 59 'Pescatore' sailed by George Tougas of Mattapoisett, MA with a Youth Trophy team. Nine of the boats, including 'Selkie' will sail in the Celestial Navigation Division. In its true Corinthian spirit, the Marion Bermuda Race is the only ocean race to Bermuda that offers a celestial navigation prize.

Marion Bermuda also offers a prize in honor of past Commodore Faith Paulsen for the fastest corrected time by a boat with an all female crew. The Commodore Faith Paulsen Trophy was initiated in 2011.

The Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club that hosts the race in Bermuda is also Bermuda's home away from home for the America's Cup defenders, the Golden Gate Yacht Club of San Francisco, and their defending team, Oracle Team USA. The club will be a hub of activity not to be missed. Actual racing in the America's Cup Match start June 17, the day of the Marion Bermuda prizegiving.

While Marion Bermuda Racers are in Bermuda, the America's Cup Superyacht Regatta runs June 13-15. The J Class Regatta is June 16, 19 & 20. And Red Bull Youth America's Cup races are spread from June 12 to June 20. -- Talbot Wilson

marionbermuda.com

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The Last Word
People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook. I've earned everything I've got. -- Richard Nixon

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

First day of the Delta Lloyd Regatta
Medemblik, Netherlands: The 33rd edition of the Delta Lloyd Regatta started with great competition across seven classes. Many Olympic sailors raced their first event since Rio. There were also a number of sailors, training here in Medemblik, aiming for Tokyo 2020. The conditions on the water were great, with a nice breeze and plenty of sun.

Focus for the Laser Radial sailors is mostly on the World Championships in Medemblik later this year. It was strong start from Britain's Alisson Young, with two first places. It's also the first event back in the boat for gold Olympic medallist and Dutch favourite, Marit Bouwmeester.

German 49er sailors try to stay calm
After the first day of racing we find Tim Fischer and Fabian Graf, team Germany, in the lead. "This event is more training for us. We're in the lead after the first day, which we didn't really expect. It has been a really good day after all. The next few days will probably be trickier. We just have to stay calm, sail well and get a good result to get into the medal race."

The competition in the 49erFX is very close. Croatian, Enia Nincevic, transferred from the 470 women to the 49erFX and is training with Igor Marenic, three time Olympian and gold medallist at the summer Olympics.

www.deltalloydregatta.org/results

Melges 24 European Sailing Series
Riva del Garda, Italy: The second event of the Melges 24 European Sailing Series had a strong Ora wind around of 18 knots that put Gian Luca Perego's Maidollis ITA854 (1-5-DNS today) on top of the podium of the event valid also as Melges 24 Italian Open Nationals

Maidollis won the regatta with a race to spare and in Luca Perego's team there was Carlo Fracassoli in helm, Enrico Fonda calling the tactics, trimmer Giovanni Ferrari and pitman Stefano Lagi in the crew.

Many changes in the final ranking happened thanks to the last race, which eventually took on the second position on the podium the American crew of Monsoon USA851 (3-10-1) by Bruce Ayres with Mike Buckley calling tactics, and the young guys of FGF Sailing Team HUN728 (4-27-3) with Robert Bakoczy at the helm.

Andrea Racchelli, at the helm of Claudio Ceradini's Altea ITA722 (5-8-10), after having won the first event of the 2017 Melges 24 European Sailing Series in Portoroz and having concluded three brilliant races in the second day in Riva del Garda, slips down in to the fourth position.

Fifth position goes to the 2016 Corinthian World Champions of Taki 4 ITA778 (7-2-9/2-1-2) that, never scoring anything worse than a ninth place in the overall ranking and a second in the Corinthian one, are the most consistent crew of the Corinthian fleet and gain the first placement in the division.

The next event in the Melges 24 European Sailing Series is scheduled for June 16th-18th in Marstrand, Sweden - the last event before the Melges 24 World Championship that will be held in the Nordic waters of Helsinki from July 31st to August 4th.

Full Overall Results (PDF)

Corinthian division (PDF)

Yacht Racing Forum: Time to register!
The Yacht Racing Forum will take place in Aarhus, Denmark, on November 28-29.

Many of the sports key personalities and brands have already confirmed their participation. Don't miss the opportunity!

It will be a great event, informative and fun, and an excellent opportunity to network and do business!

The Yacht Racing Forum will focus on three key areas that impact everyone in the industry: Business & Marketing, Design & Technology and Risk Management & Safety.

Early Bird discount valid for the top 80 registrants: € 300 (instead of € 400)

It's Cup Time
Four years in the making and hundreds of millions of dollars in development, it's time for the battle to begin for yachting's most prestigious trophy.

We take you to Bermuda for the World Sailing Show's preview of the 35th America's Cup.

We take a close look at the teams and consider how they might fare over the next five weeks. We look at the road to the America's Cup and explain what the successful Challenger needs to do to be selected to take on the Defenders, Oracle Team USA.

Plus we find out directly from some of the skippers about how hard these boats are to fly and how they rely on innovative new technology.

Racing Starts Friday!
The round robin AC Qualifiers begin Friday with four races.

Race 1: USA vs FRA - Should be an easy win for USA.
Race 2: SWE vs JPN - A key early indicator - who's hot?
Race 3: FRA vs NZL - Another tough opponent for FRA.
Race 4: GBR vs SWE - Have the Brits found some speed?

Remember that Land Rover BAR and Oracle Team USA already have points on the sccoreboard - the bonus points they earned in the AC World Series.

At the end of the Qualifiers, the AC World Series final standings will be used to break ties. This could affect which challenger is eliminated, the pairings for the semi-finals and whether a team earns a bonus point for the America's Cup Match. -- Jack Griffin

cupexperience.com

North Sails 3Di Powers Onorato to Victory in Melges 20 Act 2
Congratulations to Mascalzone Latino Jr. for their impressive victory at Act 2 of the Melges 20 European Series!

A team led by Achille Onorato sailed a consistent six-race regatta including two bullets, securing the overall win by seven points.

Mascalzone Latino Jr. raced with a mainsail made of North Sails 3Di RACE, a new product to the Melges 20 that is already making waves.

Hear initial remarks on the sails from Mascalzone tactician, Cameron Appleton, and stay posted on the new Melges 20 offering from North Sails at northsails.com

The Vikings Are Coming!
Badoiri an Cladaigs (Claddagh Boatmen) Regatta 2017 will not only showcase the most beautiful Galway Hookers and Gleoiteogs in the West, but an invasion of two Viking Long Boats will give this year's event a decidedly Nordic feel.

The annual regatta will now encompass the inaugural Claddagh Traditional Boat Festival. From Wednesday evening 24th May to Sunday 28th May the Claddagh Basin in the heart of Galway city will showcase twenty uniquely Galway traditional Irish boats. They will include the 5 Galway Hookers and Gleoiteogs built and refurbished by Badoiri an Ċladaiġ to date.

The talented ship builders are on track in their plans to build a total of fourteen of these iconic vessels, representing the 14 Galway Tribes, in time for 2020, when Galway will be the European Capital of Culture.

The two Viking Long Boats and their crew, from Ardglass in Northern Ireland, are joining their boat making brethren in the West as guests and invaders. The Claddagh Basin will also host a Viking village for the period of the festival. Their presence will be inescapable, with a (weather dependent) full Viking invasion of Salthill on Saturday 27th May.

The Festival will also be an opportunity to demonstrate the City of the Tribes' traditional Irish music prowess. With the help of many of the local branches of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri eireann there will be plenty of song and dance on the city's street corners, and trad sessions galore.

From Wednesday evening to Friday evening the Feile will also showcase some of Galway's finest music and song talent at the Claddagh Basin.

afloat.ie/sail/

Industry News
Nautical clothing retailer Musto Ltd has been put up for sale by owners Phoenix Equity Partners, according to reports appearing this week in London-based newspapers The Sunday Times and City A.M.

The iconic British brand, which serves as a clothing supplier to the British Olympic sailing and equestrian teams, is expected to net an ambitious £50m in a sale which could go through within the year.

Musto is expected to achieve sales of around £35m for the 2017 financial year. The company's last reported turnover was £31.2m for the financial year ended 2015, with a net loss (after tax) of -£1.2m.

Musto was founded in 1971 by Keith Musto, providing high-end technical clothing for the offshore sailing market, later adding specialist clothing lines for the equestrian and shooting markets.

Phoenix Equity backed a management buyout of Musto in 2007 in a deal which valued the business at £40m, leaving the Musto family with about a 30% stake in the company and a £10m payout.

https://plus.ibinews.com

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Canadian finance company FLIR, the parent of Raymarine has named James Cannon as president and CEO. Cannon previously worked for more than 16 years in senior leadership positions at Stanley Black & Decker Inc. He was most recently president of Stanley Security North America & Emerging Markets. Before that, Cannon was president of the company's Industrial & Automotive Repair (IAR) business unit, first in North America and subsequently in Europe and Latin America, before then serving as President of Stanley Oil & Gas.

At Stanley Security North America & Emerging Markets, Cannon held direct P&L responsibilities across five business units, managed over 5,000 employees, and oversaw the operations of numerous manufacturing plants and distribution centers.

Cannon was in the US Army for 10 years as an infantryman and armor officer in a different assignments around the world, including Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Iraq. He later oversaw key security missions as part of the Army's peace enforcement operations in Bosnia.

https://plus.ibinews.com

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The Offshore Academy, Britain's only centre of excellence for solo and single handed yacht racing today announced the continuation of their long term partnership with Musto and new partner Red Funnel Ferries. Fielding two of the three British competitors in the 2017 Solitaire URGO le Figaro race The Offshore Academy continues to support the British solo sailors of tomorrow.

As official Clothing and Performance Footwear sponsor, Musto have been involved since the inception of the Academy and have had a long standing partnership in support of the short-handed sailors of tomorrow. Providing its world renowned offshore sailing kit to protect sailors, allowing them to focus on performance.

The sponsorship continuation will see The Offshore Academy competing in Musto clothing and performance footwear for the next three seasons, with major races such as the Solitaire URGO Le Figaro and Rolex Fastnet races still to come in the 2017 calendar.

The Offshore Academy also welcomes 'on-board' Red Funnel, a new sponsor for the 2017 season providing support and backing to the Academy team as Official Travel Partner. The Offshore Academy has a long standing business relationship with Red Funnel with offices in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, 2017 will see this relationship further strengthened through the new sponsorship.

www.theoffshoreacademy.org

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Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has signed contracts to support the development of 18 marine infrastructure projects in seven Croatian counties with an aggregate value of HRK 50m (US$7.2m).

The investments will allow the country to add a total of 1,600 berths at 16 locations, according to data obtained by local news site Tportal.hr.

In total, the Croatian authorities are aiming to spend around HRK 180m (US$25.9m) on a number of marine investments - including projects related to constructing or modernising local ports, marinas and harbours - over a four-year period.

The largest contribution this year, at HRK 12m (US$1.73m), will be allocated to the marine project in the Split-Dalmatia county.

https://plus.ibinews.com

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The Volvo Ocean Race, Volvo Group and Volvo Car Group will today become the Official Automotive Partner of World Sailing, the International Governing Body for the sport.

As part of an ambitious plan, World Sailing will partner with the Volvo Ocean Race, owned by Volvo Group and Volvo Car Group, to develop the next generation of offshore sailors.

The next stage of that process will be to set-out a clear pathway for offshore sailors from across the globe. This will include the creation of Volvo Ocean Race Academies, designed to provide a stepping stone for young offshore sailors.

World Sailing has also proposed an offshore showcase event to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Volvo Ocean Race have pledged their full support for the bid.

Volvo have a long running commitment to sailing and previously worked with the world governing body of the sport, acting as title sponsor of the Youth Sailing World Championships from 1999 to 2010. -- Daniel Smith - World Sailing

sailing.org

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The Yacht Racing Forum is pleased to announce a two years partnership with world renowned expert in ropeholding and technical safety equipment Spinlock.

"We have been involved in several past editions of the Yacht Racing Forum and today, we are pleased to rejoin the event as a partner / exhibitor for 2017 and 2018" says Marketing & Sales Manager at Spinlock, James Hall. "The Forum is an excellent opportunity to meet the world's leading classes, designers, boat builders, events and influencers in the sport through one event and this is precious for us. We are also very interested about the Risk Management & Safety conference: this topic is at the heart of our activities and we are keen to be involved and debate."

The Yacht Racing Forum 2017 will take place on November 27-28 in Aarhus, Denmark, six months prior to World Sailing's World Championships.

Based in Cowes, UK, Spinlock is an independent and innovative company, widely acknowledged as the world expert in ropeholding. Spinlock also produces personal protection equipment widely used at top races and regattas inlcuding the award range of Deckvest Lifejackets.

www.yachtracingforum.com

spinlock.co.uk

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Sailing navigation and instrument specialist B&G, a Navico brand, has been made an official Volvo Ocean Race supplier for the 2017/18 race.

B&G will supply the entire fleet of Volvo Ocean 65 yachts with state-of-the-art navigation systems, tactical software and Grand Prix level instrument systems. The company will also provide race support to the organisers and crews of the race, which begins on October 4 in Alicante, Spain.

B&G's instrument and navigation equipment will be based on WTP3 - the powerful Wave Technology Processor that monitors the yacht's systems and eliminates the effects of boat motion from critical wind data. Integrated with wind, boat speed, heading, GPS, load cells, keel angle and rudder angle sensors, WTP3 provides the teams with highly accurate real time information.

Additional equipment will include with B&G's new widescreen Zeus multifunction display, broadband 4G radar, Class-B AIS systems, 20/20 HV displays and a range of high precision sensors.

As well as a complete line-up of B&G products, racing teams will also be supported at every stopover by B&G specialist support staff and crews will have 24/7 emergency technical assistance worldwide.

The Volvo Ocean Race, technical race and media teams are also supplied with live data transmitted from the B&G systems on board, to the race HQ in Alicante via Inmarsat communications. This allows monitoring of each vessel, as well as providing an overview of current weather, boat location and overall leader positions.

plus.ibinews.com

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Pirelli gets onboard Emirates Team New Zealand completing the team's shortlist of highly committed brands for the 35th America's Cup.

Pirelli, one of the world's largest tyre manufactures, announcing its partnership with the team confirms once again to be at the forefront of international sports events.

"For Emirates Team New Zealand is definitely a plus to have Pirelli on our side just before the racing begins in what will be one of the most competitive America's Cup ever" said Grant Dalton "We value associations with premium international brands like Pirelli where continuous innovation and dedication are a core part of the culture."

Featured Brokerage
2007 TP 52 "Constellation". 199,000 USD. Located in Annapolis, MD United States

CONSTELLATION is a well known TP 52 that was formally called RIO Very little use the last year, she was 4th overall in the 2014 Newport to Bermuda Race. She is in good condition and is ready for more fun racing under IRC or ORC as many of her sister ships have proven time and time again

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
William Jenkins 410 267 9419 or 410 353 7862 ( cell)

-----------------------------------------

2015 Farr 280 OD. 125,000 USD.

The Farr 280 One Design is a new production racing sailboat by Farr Yacht Design that will deliver the excitement of grand prix racing to the under-30ft one design arena. As a modern one design, the Farr 280 delivers contemporary grand prix features and style to a more achievable smaller boat package. The boat will have dynamic performance on all points of sail, with a focus on inshore racing for a moderate crew size of five to six people. Go to Farr280.com for more information about the class.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Joe Hall
Farr Yacht Sales Europe
+44 1983 200901
joe@farryachtsales.com

-----------------------------------------

2007 IMOCA 60 "COMPAGNIE DU LIT". 450000 EUR, Located in France.

A fine racing yacht that has proven its capabilities in all kinds of conditions, COMPAGNIE DU LIT is arriving in Australia in the coming days and will be available for viewing over the Christmas period.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
Despite fearful rhetoric to the contrary, terrorism is not a transcendent threat. A terrorist attack cannot possibly destroy our country's way of life; it's only our reaction to that attack that can do that kind of damage. -- Bruce Schneier

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
Delta Lloyd Regatta: Tricky winds, postponed races and new leaders | Crystal ball-gazing for the Rolex Fastnet Race winner | £200 off Premier Kru Elite Racer Package from Ocean Safety for limited period | Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoffs Trophy and Trunk | Inaugural One-Design Regatta Kick Starts Summer of Big Dreams | New Offshore Multihull Association Takes Shape | What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine | 10th Anniversary Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta | Volvo Ocean Race unveils leadership programme | Letters to the Editor | Featured Brokerage

Delta Lloyd Regatta: Tricky winds, postponed races and new leaders
Medemblik, Netherlands: There were tricky winds for the sailors and the race committee. The day started with a delay, and only once the Laser Radial had set off at noon, could the racing start. Due to the shifting winds, a lot of overall results have changed since the first day. The race committees had a long day on the water, however, they still managed to finish all planned races. Although there was a lot of waiting in the morning due to the shifting wind, the races still managed to go really well.

Top three by class:

Laser
1. Elliot Hanson, GBR, 12 points
2. Matthew Wearn, AUS, 12
3. Luke Elliott, AUS, 13

Laser Radial
1. Emma Plasschaert, BEL, 13
2. Tatiana Drozdovskaya, BLR, 14
3. Michon Pernelle, FRA, 19

470 Men and Women
1. Afrodite Kyranakou / Anneloes Van Veen, NED, 13
2. Nikolaus Kampelmuhler / Thomas Czajka, AUT, 14
3. Pavel Sozykin / Denis Gribanov, RUS, 15

49er
1. Jorge Lima / Jose Luis Costa, POR, 21
2. Yannick Lefebvre / Tom Pelsmaekers, BEL, 32
3. Erik Heil / Thomas Ploessel, GER, 53

49er FX
1. Enia Nincevic / Peiar Cupac, CRO, 28
2. John Pink / Sophie Ainsworth, GBR, 44
3. Dewi Couvert / Annette Duetz, NED, 33

RS:X Men
1. Dorian Van Rysselberghe, NED, 8
2. Kiran Badloe, NED, 10
3. Oel Pouliquen, FRA, 20

2.4 Metre
1. Megan Pascoe, GBR, 4
2. Carol Dugdale, GBR, 13
3. Nev Millard, GBR, 14

Results for RS: X Women, NACRA 17 and Finn were not available from the event site at press time.

www.deltalloydregatta.org

Crystal ball-gazing for the Rolex Fastnet Race winner
Second-guessing the winner under IRC among the 340 boats competing in August's Rolex Fastnet Race is tough. The outcome of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's biennial flagship event will depend on the weather: A brisk start should favour the big boats; a light start and lively finish the smaller ones, but it is not simple given the race's complexity with headlands and tidal gates to negotiate, shipping and Traffic Separation Schemes to avoid, the mix of coastal and oceanic sailing, amid the largest fleet of any offshore race in the world.

There is one unifying factor: the winner will be one of the smartest and most talented crews, sailing the best prepared boat, courtesy of the IRC rating system that aims to create a level playing field for all types of boats competing.

Historically, boat size doesn't seem to matter. Over the last 20 years 70 footers have claimed three races in Niklas Zennstrom's Ran II and Charles Dunstone's Enigma, but 30 footers have also won three, including the last two races - Gery Trentesaux's JPK 10.80, Courrier Du Leon, in 2015 and Pascal and in 2013 Alexis Loison's JPK 10.10 Night & Day - the race's only doublehanded overall winners. 50 footers have also won in Ger O'Rourke Cookson 50 Chieftain in 2007 and perennial competitor Piet Vroon on his Lutra 52 Tonnerre in 2001. A 40 footer hasn't won the Rolex Fastnet Race in at least 30 years and a line honours winner also claiming the handicap trophy is an even greater rarity.

One team trying to repeat the doublehanded success of Night & Day, is Sun Fast 36, Redshift Reloaded of Ed Fishwick and Figaro sailor Nick Cherry. Their main goal is a good result in the ever-growing Two-Handed class.

But will they threaten the dominant JPKs, winners of the last two races and which occupied half of the top 10 in 2015? With Gery Trentesaux not campaigning his own boat, Arnaud Delamare and Eric Mordret's team is looking good on their JPK 10.80 sistership, Dream Pearls. In their first ever Rolex Fastnet Race in 2015, they finished second overall while this season they recently won the RORC's De Guingand Bowl.

Fortunately there is a JPK 10.80 entered in English hands - Tom Kneen's Sunrise, while facing other French race favourites in JPK 10.10s - Noel Racine's Foggy Dew, as well as the Loisins on Night & Day, will face Richard Palmer's Jangada and Stephen Hills' Just Plain Krazy.

Another British favourite is Nick and Suzi Jones with RORC Commodore Michael Boyd on the First 44.7, Lisa winner of the 2016 RORC IRC Points Championship, podiuming in five events.

The Rolex Fastnet Race will set off from the Solent on Sunday 6 August bound for Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock.

www.rolexfastnetrace.com

£200 off Premier Kru Elite Racer Package from Ocean Safety for limited period
Ocean Safety are offering massive savings on the ultimate racing lifejacket, the Premier Kru Elite, packaged together with the rescueME MOB1 AIS personal recovery unit and the tiny yet powerful AQ40 lifejacket light. The fully integrated set is normally priced at £499 but now available for just £299 inc. VAT. Offer only available until 30th June so pick up a bargain before you head off on the Fastnet.

The Premier Kru Elite is tailored for instant fit, with a quick burst zip for fast inflation, a sprayhood, twin harness loops for line attachment and integral crotch strap. It has 195N of buoyancy giving complete support. The rescueME MOB1 is automatically triggered the moment the lifejacket is inflated, transmitting an alert to all AIS receivers and AIS-enabled plotters in the vicinity. 66-channel GPS sends accurate position data back to all the vessels for at least 24 hours. The MOB1 will activate the DSC alarm on the vessel's VHF radio to alert fellow crew members. Finally the AQ40 light will make sure the man overboard is easily spotted in poor light.

This complete lifesaving solution gives you the best possible chance of survival and being recovered fast. Available at Yachtmail Lymington, You-boat Gosport, Crew-Safe Southampton, Mylor Chandlery Falmouth.

oceansafety.com

Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoffs Trophy and Trunk
Louis Vuitton is proud to present the brand new trophy, and its trunk, to be awarded to the winning team of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoffs, taking place from Sunday June 4th to Monday June 12th 2017 in Bermuda.

The path to the 35th America's Cup Match presented by Louis Vuitton in Bermuda has taken its five challengers - Land Rover BAR, Emirates Team New Zealand, Artemis Racing, SoftBank Team Japan, Groupama Team France - and Defender, ORACLE TEAM USA, winner of the 34th America's Cup, around the world. They have competed in a grueling cycle of intensely competitive regattas. However, only one team can win the right to go forward as the Challenger and compete for the America's Cup itself against the Defender ORACLE TEAM USA.

That is why Louis Vuitton has commissioned a new trophy and trunk to mark that achievement. The Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoffs trophy will be awarded to whichever team emerges victorious as Challenger on June 11th or 12th on the Great Sound.

The trophy is a modern ode to this richly storied sport. Crafted in 10kg of sterling silver, standing a majestic 70cm high, highly polished and satin-finished precious metal trophy depicts a vivid clash of passing sails. It also echoes Louis Vuitton's famous Gaston 'V' mark - a symbol drafted by Gaston Vuitton in the 1930's to encapsulate the House's values Volez, Voguez,Voyagez - or Fly, Sail, Travel.

The trophy was commissioned by Louis Vuitton from Thomas Lyte. This British goldsmith and silversmith, holder of a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II, uses time-honoured techniques of exquisite craft and expertise. Yet it is also determinedly modern in outlook.

www.americascup.com

Inaugural One-Design Regatta Kick Starts Summer of Big Dreams
Newport, RI: A typical world championship regatta takes the better part of a week to complete. But for those aiming at the top step on the podium, the full journey can take months, if not years. After finishing second in the 2016 Melges 20 World Championship in Scarlino, Italy, last August, Drew Freides started planning for this year's championship, which will be held out of the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, R.I., October 3 to 7.

The first Newport event for Freides and his teammates, including 1992 Olympic silver medalist Morgan Reeser, is the New York Yacht Club One-Design Regatta, June 2 to 4, also sailed out of the historic Harbour Court clubhouse on Newport Harbor.

This new event will feature racing for three of sailing's most competitive keelboat classes. In addition to the Melges 20, the venerable Etchells class will be contesting its 2017 National Championship while the J/70 fleet will gather for an early season event that will see many teams shaking off the rust and aiming toward national and world championship events later this summer.

Among those expected to vie for the class's U.S. crown is 2015 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and 1984 Olympic silver medalist Steve Benjamin, who is fresh off an overall win in the class's very competitive winter circuit on Biscayne Bay, Florida.

In 2014, the J/70 class held its first world championship out of Harbour Court, with 86 boats.

nyyc.org/yachting/racing/nyyc-one-design

New Offshore Multihull Association Takes Shape
The Offshore Multihull Association (OMA) was formed last year by the owners of performance- oriented Multihulls with the goal of promoting the growth of this exciting category of performance cruising yachts. The OMA's mission is to encourage fun, safe, close multihull racing in regattas around the world. These multihulls initially included Gunboats, HH Catamarans, Outremer as well as custom designs built for their unique ability to cruise in comfort while still being able to race at speeds rivaling many of the fastest monohull racing yachts. The Association is open to owners of offshore capable multihulls 45' and greater.

The OMA was officially launched in February of this year with the support of our inaugural sponsors, Gunboat, Morelli and Melvin, VPLP Designs, Nigel Irens Design, North Sails, HH Catamarans and Southern Spars

"The performance cruising multihull segment is one of the fastest growing segments in yachting and we are excited to launch an organization founded to support and encourage this growth," said Phil Lotz, President of the OMA, Commodore of the NYYC and Gunboat owner.

More information on the Offshore Multihull Association can be found on the new website offshoremultihull.org and on the Offshore Multihull Association page on Facebook. Offshore Multihull Association Contact: Grant Mathews, Director.

Seahorse June 2017
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

Founding father - Part I
Traditional boatbuilder Adrian Morgan was glad to have lost his press badge before sitting down with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Wow!
With just a few weeks to go the AC technical teams are still getting surprises. Ken Read

Rod Davis - Looking ahead
Quite a long way ahead as it happens

Design - Old school fast
Crafty Paul Bieker has been blending very old technologies with spankers new applications of seemingly quite mundane modern composites

RORC - In the chocolates
Eddie Warden-Owen

Special rates for Scuttlebutt Europe subscribers:
Seahorse Print or Digital Subscription Use Discount Promo Code SB2

1yr Print Sub: €77 - £48 - $71 / Rest of the World: £65 www.seahorse.co.uk/shop/subs/

1yr Digital Sub for £30: www.seahorse.co.uk/shop/digital

Discounts shown are valid on a one year subscription to Seahorse magazine.

10th Anniversary Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta
This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the South Coast's most popular yacht club regatta and the number of early competitor entries to the Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta (Friday 14th July - Sunday 16th July) held in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, suggests last year's entry of 178 boats will be exceeded.

In 2017, the regatta is open to an eclectic mix of boats for a weekend of close racing in the Western Solent including IRC, IRC Swan and the Gaffer Association Handicap Class. The event remains a magnet for One Design classes including X One Design (XOD); Yarmouth One Design (YOD); International Folkboat; Contessa 32; J24; J109; J80 and Sigma 38.

This year's regatta is open to multihulls and the Diam 24 One Design trimaran fleet is guaranteed to provide some acrobatic sailing.

Taittinger RSYC Regatta online registration

Taittinger RSYC Regatta Notice of Race

Volvo Ocean Race unveils leadership programme
The Volvo Ocean Race will embed a comprehensive Leadership Development and Team Performance Programme in future editions, based on the hard-earned experience of the pro sailors and including a 'Global Team Challenge' race to provide the ultimate team development opportunity for stakeholders.

Sponsors have often asked skippers and crew to provide insights into the way they handle high-stress issues of leadership and teamwork during the Volvo Ocean Race. In response to the clear demand, the race will formalise these learnings and make them available to businesses with on-land and on-water elements.

Launching in the edition after 2017-18, the Global Team Challenge will form the centerpiece of the on-water part of this HR focused programme. This will also act as a new entry point for future sponsors of teams in the race.

This race will provide the ultimate challenge for amateur sailors, including those with no prior experience, giving employees a unique experience of offshore and ocean racing, under the highest standards of training and management, but nonetheless in conditions close to those faced by the professionals.

There will be a significant pre-race programme of individual days to complement the on-land training, as well as pre-race training for crews.

It will then shadow part of the Volvo Ocean Race route, and sponsors will be able to switch out their crew at every stopover to give more people an experience - and a challenge - of a lifetime.

volvooceanrace.com

* From Andrew Hurst, Editor, Seahorse International Sailing

re: AC Non-viewing

What a shame that here in the UK the only TV channel showing the 35th America's Cup is football channel BT. Sky is the broadcaster for every major technical sport and so was the only channel to consider if the aim really is to encourage more fans of sailing.

I guess BT was free...

Try getting your pub with BT to switch over from the footie. I'd rather go into the ring with Anthony Joshua.

I guess there's always the newspaper.

Featured Brokerage
2009 Farr 46 MAGIC TWELVE. 275000 EUR. Located in Marseille, France.

MAGIC TWELVE is a pure cruiser racer. She has won many races and yet she remains a very good cruising sailing yacht. Most of her cruising accommodation is dismounted in Racing mode.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

-----------------------------------------

2007 Maxi 100 LEOPARD 3. 4,000,000 GBP. Located in Antigua

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

-----------------------------------------

2007 GREEN DRAGON Volvo 70. 390000 EUR. Located in Monfalcone, Italy.

GREEN DRAGON is a fantastic Volvo 70 Class yacht, which can be used for serious racing, race charter, cruising and even as a conversion project.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
We've dealt with your sort before. You don't try and pull this on us.

We've got our own way of doing things, and it doesn't involve tossing bombs around where innocent people are going about their lives.

And that's because we're better than you. Everyone is better than you. Our city works. We rather like it. And we're going to go about our lives. We're going to take care of the lives you ruined. And then we're going to work. And we're going down the pub.

So you can pack up your bombs, put them in your arseholes, and get the F*** out of our city. -- Excerpts from Michael J. Totten's "Open Letter to Terrorists" written after the London bombings of 2005.

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
America's Cup Opening Day Postponed Until Saturday 27th May | The Storm Trysail Club - Key West Race Week 2018 | Rambler 88 joins 140 Yacht Fleet at RORC Myth of Malham Race | MetreFest | What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine | Ludde Ingvall's European Tour With CQS | The Duke of Edinburgh loans Overall Trophy for the new Triple Crown Series at Cowes Week | Industry News | Featured Brokerage

America's Cup Opening Day Postponed Until Saturday 27th May
The America's Cup Event Authority (ACEA), and America's Cup Race Management (ACRM), have announced that the strong winds in Bermuda have meant that day one of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers and the Official Opening Ceremony of the 35th America's Cup have had to be postponed.

Forecasts indicate that winds may gust over 30 knots during the afternoon and evening, so with the safety of the sailors and spectators as the key priority, ACEA and ACRM have decided to postpone Friday's events. Saturday 27th May and the days following are all forecast to have significantly improved weather conditions, so the four races scheduled to take place on Friday 26th May will now be added to the race schedules for the subsequent days.

The Official Opening Ceremony of the 35th America's Cup will now take place on Saturday 27th May, starting at 8.30pm, following the three time Grammy Award winning entertainer Wyclef Jean's performance on the Main Stage in the America's Cup Village which starts at 5.15pm. The America's Cup Village will close at 9.30pm. Gates open at 11.30am on Saturday 27th May, with racing due to take place between 2pm and 5pm.

Schedule:
www.americascup.com/en/ac35-schedule.html

The Storm Trysail Club - Key West Race Week 2018
Larchmont, N.Y.: After extensive discussion and deliberation the Storm Trysail Club has decided not to organize and hold Key West Race Week in January 2018. Many factors led to this difficult decision. The bottom line is that with declining participation, the event has become heavily dependent upon sponsorship making the event unsustainable in its current format. Our primary sponsors remain very supportive and the Storm Trysail Club is committed to exploring alternative formats for the future that address changing conditions in our sport. The club anticipates that this could lead to another edition as soon as 2019.

The Storm Trysail Club wishes to thank especially Quantum Sails (the title sponsor for the last six years) as well as the city and community of Key West for their gracious hospitality and help in underwriting this event, which has spanned the last 30 years. Many thanks as well to all our other sponsors, supporters and past participants for their support of the event and of the sport of sailing. Most importantly we wish to thank the countless volunteers, Storm Trysail Club members and others who made Key West Race Week possible and produced a world-class event.

Leonard Sitar
Commodore Storm Trysail Club

John Fisher
Quantum Key West Race Week Event Chairman - 2016 & 2017

keywestraceweek.com
stormtrysail.org

Rambler 88 joins 140 Yacht Fleet at RORC Myth of Malham Race
Saturday 26th May, 2017
Cowes - Eddystone - Solent (256 Miles)

Over one hundred and forty yachts, representing nine different countries, have entered the RORC Myth of Malham Race, the largest RORC fleet to race since the 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race. The Myth of Malham Race starts from the Royal Yacht Squadron Line, Cowes with the first mark at the Eddystone Lighthouse, off Plymouth. In essence the first 130 miles of the race mirrors the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race, with tactical and strategic decisions to be made along the tidal headlands of the south coast of England.

The RORC fleet is as diverse as it is sizeable with world record breaking offshore yachts, racing against Corinthian Two-Handed teams, production racer cruisers and just about everything in between. The race also carries a points factor of 1.2, increasing its value for teams looking to stack up points for the RORC Season's Points Championship. Rambler 88 project manager Mick Harvey confirms that George David's American Maxi, Rambler 88, will be taking part in a full RORC programme, leading up to the 2017 Rolex Fastnet Race.

The smallest yacht taking part in the Myth of Malham will be Stuart Greenfield's Ron Holland Half Tonner, Silver Shamrock, racing Two Handed with co-skipper Nathan Steffenoni. Last year Silver Shamrock won the Two Handed Class and IRC 4 in the Myth of Malham Race.

A clutch of well sailed Class40 will be taking part in the Myth of Malham, including Harvard Mabire Campagne de France racing with Miranda Merron and Ronan de Kersauzon.

Spectators will get a great view of the fleet from The Green at Cowes or vantage points at the Hurst Narrows. For full details of how to follow the race on-line, visit: www.rorc.org

MetreFest
Newport, RI: With just 3 weeks to go before the first start, sailors from Annapolis to Ottawa, Concord to Cambridge and Seattle to Sarasota are set to converge at Newport MetreFest 2017, an exciting new regatta for International Rule sailing yachts including 2.4mR, 6mR, 8mR and 12mRs.

From the single-handed 2.4mRs at just over 13 feet long to the majestic 12mRs ranging from 64-70 feet in length raced by crews of 17 sailors - these former and present-day Olympic and America's Cup development classes will hold center stage at New York Yacht Club's 163rd Annual Regatta from June 9-11. MetreFest also has the distinction of being the first North American regatta of the International Twelve Metre Association's Road to the Worlds Waypoints Series, a three-year International 12mR competition culminating with the 2019 12mR World Championship in Newport, RI.

The historic gathering at MetreFest will include past and present champions from each of their respective classes. Four of the ten anticipated 12mR entries are America's Cup winners-- Weatherly, US-17 (1962), Intrepid, US-22 (1967 & 1970), Courageous, US-26 (1974, 1977) and Freedom US-30 (1980). Also competing are American Eagle US-21, made famous by Ted Turner as a winning ocean-racer, Ted Hood's innovative Nefertiti, US-19 and two of the three infamous Kiwi 'plastic fantastics', New Zealand, KZ-3 and Laura, KZ-5 round out the 12mR fleet. Additionally, much anticipation surrounds the return-to-racing debut of 2016 12mR North American Champion; Dennis Williams' newly restored Defender, US-33.

A very competitive 6mR fleet will be comprised primarily of classic designs including SYCE, US-14 (1922), Madcap, US-21 (1924), Clytie II, US-33 (1927), Lucie, US-55 (1931), Flapper, N-17 (1939) and Newport's own Cherokee US-53 (1930/2009). Discovery, USA-109 (1978) represents modern era Sixes.

MetreFest is also very proud to host fourteen of the Paralympics 2.4mR class boats racing on their own circle, supported by Ida Lewis Yacht Club

metrefest.com

Seahorse June 2017
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

(Taking it) in the right order
With the launch of the ClubSwan50, Nautor has rewritten the book on how to ensure the best possible one-design racing with a new offshore class

A bad mix - wolves and sheep
Which is why we must work hard to keep them apart. Rob Weiland

Flying fever
Mini sailing (flying) at 28 knots, anyone? Frederic Augendre jumped at the invitation...

Special rates for Scuttlebutt Europe subscribers:
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Ludde Ingvall's European Tour With CQS
London, U.K: Ludde Ingvall's distinctive super maxi CQS has arrived in European waters for a summer tour of races in places as divergent as Finland and Malta. The 98 foot boat, with which Ludde contested last year's Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, will leave Gosport, England, in the next few days for a delivery trip to Helsinki.

While in the Finnish capital, where the skipper grew up, CQS will contest the Alandia Surrsaari Race, a 168 nautical mile dash around Surrsaari Island, starting 9th June, a race for which he hold the course record, and has presented the trophy for first monohull, in honour of his late father.

From there the boat will travel to Stockholm to take part in the Gotland Runt, a 350 nautical mile race around Gotland, one of the classics of the northern European summer, which starts 2nd July.

CQS will then return to England where she will again be based in Gosport, and will compete in three of England's premier sailing events, the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Channel Race, Cowes Week, and the Rolex Fastnet Race.

The Channel Race, which starts 22nd July is a short, 160 nautical mile, sprint around the English Channel, starting from Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

During the world famous Cowes Week regatta, CQS will join other maxi yachts in a three race "Triple Crown" series of races around the Solent.

The final event in the English part of the European Tour will be the Rolex Fastnet Race, the 605 nautical mile classic race from Cowes around the Fastnet Rock off the south west coast of Ireland, and back to finish in Plymouth. This is a race he was won in the past.

Ludde and the CQS team will finish their European Tour in the Mediterranean, taking part in Trieste's Barcolana Race, and Malta's Middle Seas Race. -- John Roberson

www.bigboatracing.com
www.facebook.com/cqsracing/

The Duke of Edinburgh loans Overall Trophy for the new Triple Crown Series at Cowes Week
Cowes Week Ltd, organisers of the world's best-known sailing regatta and highlight of the British Sporting Summer, is delighted to announce a new trophy for the new Sevenstar Triple Crown series at Cowes Week. The new trophy will be awarded to the overall winner of the Sevenstar Triple Crown. Loaned by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the trophy will be named the Duke of Edinburgh Triple Crown Trophy.

Cowes Week has few supporters as prestigious and as passionate about sailing as The Duke of Edinburgh, who famously owned a Dragon class boat named Bluebottle, given to him and the then Princess Elizabeth as a wedding present, which he once regularly raced at the regatta. He has also competed on his Flying Fifteen Coweslip and sailed on the yacht Yeoman. The Duke of Edinburgh was instrumental in setting up Cowes Combined Clubs, the body made up of 9 clubs responsible for coordinating the racing today.

The new Duke of Edinburgh Triple Crown Trophy has been kindly loaned from the Royal Collection, and will be awarded to the overall winner of the Sevenstar Triple Crown at a prizegiving ceremony at the Royal Yacht Squadron.

This trophy is the latest illustrious addition to the Sevenstar Triple Crown, which will also see the awarding of The Queen's Cup, The King George V International Cup and the Royal Yacht Squadron's King's Cup 1920, which will be awarded to the three winners of each of the Sevenstar Triple Crown classes.

The Sevenstar Triple Crown at Cowes Week is a new initiative for 2017. A regatta within a regatta, the series is open to large IRC rated racing boats up to 36m LOA. Three classes will compete: Maxi-Racer Class; Cruiser-Racer Class (both with a minimum TCC of 1.500) and an Ocean-Racer Class (minimum TCC of 1.400). The series will take place on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Cowes Week, with the Wednesday race being designated an Around the Island Race

This year's regatta takes place 29th July-5th August. Entries for the Sevenstar Triple Crown are being taken online.

cowesweek.co.uk

Industry News
British manufacturer of world leading leisure marine rope and rigging, Marlow Ropes, is an official supplier to Land Rover BAR - the British Challenger for the prestigious America's Cup trophy.

Marlow's technical and R & D team has worked with the rigging department within Land Rover BAR to develop the bespoke and highly customised rigging needed to race the latest generation of foiling ACC (Americas Cup Class) boats in the world's oldest international sporting trophy - a race of the world's best sailors on the fastest boats.

Land Rover BAR is skippered by Sir Ben Ainslie, whose relationship with Marlow stretches back many years from its key partnerships with competitive British sailing and Sir Ben's Olympic successes - winning four Olympic Gold medals for Great Britain.

Marlow Ropes is focused on the technical development of leisure marine ropes from dinghies to super yachts and particularly service high-speed sailing with our MGP (Marlow Grand Prix) range. Now the brand will again be featured in the heart of the most spectacular sailing competition in the world.

Marlow's history in world class rope manufacture dates back over 200 years, and has earned its reputation as one of the world's premier manufacturers of performance yacht ropes.

www.marlowropes.com

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Volvo Penta will again be an official supplier to the Volvo Ocean Race in 2017-18 - the sixth edition that the round-the-world fleet has used Volvo Penta engines to provide vital communications and safety functions on board

Designed to withstand the toughest conditions on Earth, the Volvo Penta D2-75 with Saildrive engines completed their first lap of the planet in the 2014-15 edition as an essential part of the One Design Volvo Ocean 65 boat.

In the next edition, starting 22 October, Volvo Penta will provide hands-on technical expertise 24/7 to the race teams as the fleet prepares to race three times more Southern Ocean miles than in recent editions.

Although the use of engines as a primary propulsion source is prohibited during racing, the D2-75 engine is a key part of life onboard - powering the boat's total demand for electricity for computers, navigation equipment, lights and communications units.

Additionally, the engine onboard provides power to the batteries to run the water maker, supplies power to the hydraulic system for the canting keel and is a potentially lifesaving instrument in case of an emergency situation.

volvooceanrace.com

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Henri Lloyd has today announced their commitment to supporting this year's SB20 World Championships, being hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes this August as the Official Technical Clothing Partner.

The partnership will see competitors benefiting from an exclusive Henri Lloyd Privilege Club that will be available to all competing members. The organising team behind the World Championships will also benefit from the partnership through the provision of the latest in Henri Lloyd technical apparel.

As the official Technical Clothing Partner, Henri Lloyd will provide the opportunity for competing crews to purchase exclusive SB20 World Championship branded apparel at the Henri Lloyd store in Cowes over the course of the event.

www.henrilloyd.com

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The Hudson Yacht Group (HYG), builders of HH Catamarans, Jaguar Catamarans and Hudson Powercats, has announced that they are discontinuing the Jaguar Catamaran International brand.

"HYG is now using the international name Hudson Powercats for all future builds and this is to create consistent branding across global markets whilst maintaining their focus on excellence, delivering clients incredible performance, livability and safety at sea," the company said in a statement.

The brand renaming, HYG says, is part of Hudson Yacht Group's continuing evolution and expansion, having acquired Jaguar Catamarans in late October 2015, and bringing them into their growing yacht construction company.

"As to the HH55 catamaran, HH55-01 'Minnehaha' has been delivered to her US owner. HH55 #2 and #3 are currently in production and we are hoping to debut HH55-02 – building for a UK owner – at this year's Cannes boat show."

HH Catamarans announced back in January their newest design, the HH48. They are working closely with Morrelli & Melvin Design and Engineering Inc to finalise design with a view to beginning production very soon.

plus.ibinews.com

Featured Brokerage
Lupa of London. 1,450,000 vat paid GBP.

Lupa of London is a remarkable Reichel Pugh designed Carbon composite cruiser racer with an outstanding Baltic build pedigree and enviable trophy cupboard.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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brokerage@carrswoodyachts.com
+44 (0)7476 888639

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2006 Marine Composite Racer-Cruiser. 260000 EUR. Located in Imperia, Italy.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info@bernard-gallay.com

-----------------------------------------

1993 Whitbread 60 - BLUEPRINT. 70000 GBP. Located South Coast, UK.

An excellent opportunity to buy into an established charter Whitbread 60. strong and well looked after, with regular maintenance and recent rigging and engine.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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+44 (0) 1590 679222
ben.cooper@berthon.co.uk

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
I love Manchester. Everyone knows that - I have said it many times. Manchester is in my heart. -- Cristiano Ronaldo

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
Contentious Calls on the Final Day of Round Robin 1 | America's Cup - Umpires admit error in controversial win for Kiwis | Save the date - make sure your Fastnet flares are ready to go. | 'Eala Of Rhu' Is Silvers Marine Scottish Series Champion | Delapierre Takes It To The Wire At Croatia Match Cup | OSTAR and TWOSTAR Start | A Shrine to sailing speed - Mariner's Park and Museum | ACO 8th MUSTO Skiff World Championship | European Match Race Tour | Featured Brokerage

Contentious Calls on the Final Day of Round Robin 1
Photo: © BMW | STUDIO BORLENGHI-Gattini. Click on image for photo gallery.

Day three of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers was a day of drama with Artemis Racing seeing victory in the second race of the day, against Emirates Team New Zealande disappear with an Umpire call and in which the five challenging teams; Land Rover BAR, Artemis Racing, SoftBank Team Japan, Groupama Team France and Emirates Team New Zealand, had their chance to enhance their positions on the leaderboard. ORACLE TEAM USA, Defenders of the 'Auld Mug' and table-toppers, sat out of the action, having raced three times on day two.

After claiming a maiden victory by beating Artemis Racing yesterday, Groupama Team France took another win in the opening race of the day by beating Land Rover BAR comfortably in race 13.

Despite a poor pre-start, which saw them fall 10 seconds behind the British team at mark 1, Franck Cammas' team recovered brilliantly to stay in hot pursuit, closing the gap ahead of gate 3.

When Land Rover BAR suffered a poor turn at the gate, Groupama Team France were perfectly placed to pounce, seizing on the mistake and taking the lead.

It was a moment that would prove pivotal and costly for Sir Ben Ainslie's team as they had no response in the remainder of the race.

With ith their new-found confidence, Groupama Team France, who kept up on their foils for 95% of the race, kept their cool, despite a slight nosedive at gate 5, and raced home to win with a 53 second advantage over the Brits.

There was high drama in race 14 as the duel between Artemis Racing and Emirates Team New Zealand proved the most exciting, and most contentious contest of the 35th America's Cup so far.

Having put themselves ahead at the start, the Swedish team were forced to drop two-boat lengths behind their rivals after being handed a penalty for crossing the start fractionally early. They managed to catch up with the Kiwis and then swapped the lead with them multiple times throughout the race, but at the final mark there was a dramatic penalty called against the Swedes for not leaving the Kiwis enough room. Artemis Racing continued towards the finish line, but had to take their penalty, allowing Emirates Team New Zealand to take the win at the line.

Outteridge, Iain Percy and their crew looked devastated at the end of the race and finished day three on two points, equal with Groupama Team France and SoftBank Team Japan. "We are still shocked by what happened," said Nathan Outteridge.

"As soon as I saw the light I knew what had happened and we were already at the line by the time the decision was made. We all thought we gave them enough room and I still stand by that opinion.

Race 13: Groupama Team France beat Land Rover BAR by 53 seconds
Race 14: Emirates Team New Zealand beat Artemis Racing by 13 seconds
Race 15: SoftBank Team Japan beat Groupama Team France by 2 minutes and 34 seconds

americascup.com

America's Cup - Umpires admit error in controversial win for Kiwis
The Chief Umpire for the America's Cup says that on review a wrong call was made to penalise the Swedish Challenger

America's Cup Race Management (ACRM), the independent organization that oversees the sporting and competitive rules of the America's Cup, has announced its perspective on the contentious penalty given to Artemis Racing in race 14 of the first Round Robin stage of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers.

In an interview Richard Slater, ACRM's Chief Umpire said, "When they were coming down to the final gate mark, with the information we had at the time, we had Artemis Racing on port, as the keep clear boat, and Emirates Team New Zealand on starboard, and our job is to be certain that Artemis Racing were keeping clear, and we weren't at that time certain they were keeping clear.

"We have had a discussion, we have looked at other evidence, information and data, and I think if we were to go back in time and make that call, we would green that call and not penalize Artemis."

Asked if that decision could be changed, Slater answered, "No, it is a field of play decision and the decision of the umpire stands."

Save the date - make sure your Fastnet flares are ready to go.
The date's creeping nearer! There are just 68 days left until the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Rolex Fastnet Race gets underway on Sunday 6th August at Cowes, bound for the famous Fastnet Rock. Your preparation will be under way and every one of the forty items on the RORC's check list is stocked by Ocean Safety so join the dozens of owners who have already contacted us to get hold of our Fastnet safety check list so don't delay and get yours now. Click here to request your FREE copy.

Amongst our lifejackets, liferafts, man overboard equipment, EPIRBs and personal AIS beacons that are required to meet Cat 2 offshore special Regulations and RORC prescriptions, is the seemingly simple flare. But do you know how to use red hand flares and orange smoke flares required for the race in the heat of the moment and when it's dark, and what it will do once it's active. You also need to make sure your flare pack is in date - check the stamped expiry date.

Contact www.oceansafety.com to find your nearest branch. We're here to advise you on how to keep your flares dry and stored.

'Eala Of Rhu' Is Silvers Marine Scottish Series Champion
Photo by Marc Turner / CCC. Click on image to enlarge.

Congratulations to Jamie McGarry and Colin Moore and the crew of 'Eala of Rhu' who not only won class one, but also the coveted Scottish Series Trophy and the Scottish IRC Championship. Having been a very close contender in past years and missing out on count back, it is fitting that this year in a hotly contested class after finishing on equal points with the well sailed Irish boat 'Forty Licks', McGarry counted four firsts to three for 'Forty Licks' winning 'Eala of Rhu' the class.

Other prize winners were:

- Harris Cartwright of 'Golden Fox' who takes home the Crawford McInnes Trophy for Best Under 25 Helm, sponsored by Hempel Paints.

- Hempel Paints Youth Prizes were shared between the crews of 'Golden Fox' and 'Warrior'

- Rose Bowl awarded to the yacht which in the opinion of the Race Committee has given the best performance in the IRC handicap classes in the Series - 'Lambay Rules', Stephen Quinn

- The Tarbert Shield awarded to the yacht which, in the opinion of the Race Committee has given the best performance in the CYCA handicap classes in the Series - 'Enigma', Howard Morrison

- The Anchor Hotel Trophy awarded to the yacht which, in the opinion of the Race Committee has given the best performance of all competitors in the One Design classes in the Series: 'Mayrise', James Miller

- The Lemarac Tankard awarded to the yacht which, in the opinion of the Race Committee has given the best performance of all competitors in the Restricted Sail classes in the Series - 'Argento', Ken Andrew

- The Sinbad Trophy awarded to the best family yacht, regardless of class or results, as judged by representatives of the organising committee - 'Lyrebird', Clive Reeves

- The Causeway Cup awarded to the entry from Ireland which in the opinion of the Race Committee gives the best performance of the IRC classes in the Series (other than the winner of the Sail Scotland Trophy and the Silvers Marine Scottish Series Trophy, if appropriate) - Lambay Rules, Stephen Quinn

- The Silvers Marine Scottish Series Trophy awarded to the yacht which, in the opinion of the Race Committee has given the best performance of all competitors in the Series - 'Eala of Rhu', Jamie McGarry and Colin Moore

For full results go to: https://www.clyde.org/scottish-series/racing/results/

Delapierre Takes It To The Wire At Croatia Match Cup
Porec, Croatia: The French team surprised early in the qualifying round by topping the leaderboard on day one. With incredible boat handling throughout the regatta this team have taken the M32 in their stride with impressive form. Even with today's unpredictable and fluctuating wind conditions Team Lorina-Golfe du Morbihan kept calm to take victories through to the end.

With Quentin Delapierre's French team and PJ Postma's Dutch making top two finishes they secured themselves an invitation to WMRT Match Cup America. Now with nothing to lose and everything to gain the gloves came off for a first-to-two-point final. Delapierre definitely took the 'nothing to lose' element seriously as he flew into a huge luff just before the gun. Umpires deemed Postma's reaction to be too slow as he took a collision and received a penalty in the process. Delapierre lead the race from this point on.

The Dutch team fast shook off the loss and came back with an aggressive prestart themselves, forcing the French over the start line early. From this advantage Sailing Team NL just continued to lead the full length of the course.

In the final match the pressure had grown and an even start took the boats side-by-side to the reach mark. The boats split at the leeward gate. Left alone on the left side of the course, Delapierre and crew just extended out ahead and held their advantage through to the finish to take the race and win the Croatia Match Cup.

Both teams will be serious contenders when they arrive in America for the Championship level event. WMRT Match Cup America starts August 30.

www.wmrt.com

OSTAR and TWOSTAR Start
The 2017 OSTAR and TWOSTAR races started at 1300 Monday after a one hour delay caused when earlier large ship movements were delayed by fog.

The tracker chart appears to be stuck at the start, with no reports since then. We are working with YellowBrick to correct the problem.

Meanwhile the boats are still within ATS range and can be seen on AIS reports such as MarineTraffic.

As the competitors approach the Lizard the tracker reporting rate will drop back to once per hour.

However with the latest positions it appears that the fleet will be merging again at the Lizard.

The Jester class has done well by continuing on past the Eddystone while the others flirted with the Cornwall coast. Kass Schmitt's intermediate route has given her class lead.

The TWOSTAR competitors are all doing well with Rote 66 in the lead and the 28ft Hikari following along.

rwyc.org/ostar/
www.facebook.com/ostartwostar17/

A Shrine to sailing speed - Mariner's Park and Museum
(Even more) America's Cup speed on show at The Mariners' Museum and Park

Team Oracle have agreed to donate their 34th America's Cup-winning 72ft catamaran USA-17 to The Mariners' Museum and Park in Newport News, Virginia. After months of careful planning, the massive carbon fibre craft is now on display in the main exhibition hall. Raised up to tower over visitors, this new central feature provides a visually powerful symbol of how far sailing took technology-driven innovation in pursuit of one of the oldest trophies in the sporting world. And that was nearly four years ago!

Not surprisingly, many readers of Seahorse will not have heard of, nor visited, The Mariners' Museum and Park, yet it is one of the largest maritime museums in the world, with nearly 10,000m2 of exhibition galleries and 32,000 objects in its collection. The Mariners' Museum Library and Archives are home to over 78,000 books, 800,000 photographs, films and negatives, and over one million pieces of archival material, making it the largest maritime library in the western hemisphere.

Oracle's 2013 America's Cup defender USA-17 is not the easiest of exhibits to fit in a museum but the Mariners' Museum in the legendary naval port of Newport News is not your average exhibition space. That said, USA-17 is not being displayed with her giant wing aloft and in situ... that really would have been too big an ask for any inside space - outside perhaps of the similarly legendary rocket assembly building at Cape Canaveral! But maybe when that building is finally retired it too can be moved to the Mariners' Museum to accommodate the flood of similarly 'tall' wing rig race boats that we can expect to see launched during the next few years. Just thinking ahead, folks...

Situated in the beautiful tidewater country of the lower Chesapeake Bay in Newport News, Virginia, its location is not in one of the usual centres of performance sailing in the US. Yet the latest addition to their collection may now inspire a new wave of visitors to put the museum and park on their itinerary.

www.seahorsemagazine.com

ACO 8th MUSTO Skiff World Championship
It is not normally like this here' ... a phrase frequently uttered at a World Championships and so it has proven on day one here at Club Nautic S'Arenal.

The fleet assembled for a skipper's briefing where the international jury chairman Andres Manuel Perez Alvarez (ESP) assisted the fleet through a helpful briefing and subsequent questions; then the postponement flag was hoisted as the race team waited for the wind to settle.

At the first attempt an over eager fleet jumped the gun causing a general recall

At the finish it was Jamie Hilton (GBR) who had pulled through to take the win from Frithjof Schwerdt (GER) and Dave Poston (GBR).

Race 2 was quickly away at 16:19 and again the fleet were evenly spread down the line with no one side of the course obviously favoured. At the windward mark former World Champion, Bruce Keen (GBR), lead from Jamie Hilton (GBR) and Richie Robertson (AUS).

Frithjof Schwerdt (GER) found top gear on the second lap and pulled through the fleet impressively to just win from Bruce Keen (GBR) and Richie Robertson (AUS).

The wind had softened for the 3rd race which started at 17:43. At the finish it was Hilton who took the win, his second of the day, from Ben Schooling (GBR) with Justo Martinez (ESP) third.

A long day for the fleet but 3 good races have been held on the first day of a 14 race programme in conditions that were challenging for all competitors.

There are 5 different nations in the top 10 representing the true international flavour of the fleet.

Full results www.2017mustoskiffworlds.com

European Match Race Tour
Impressive home victory lifts Patryk Zbroja in top 3 at European Tour

Polish skipper Patryk Zbroja sealed his second victory at an European Match Race Tour event with a clean sheet over World #7 Oli-Pekka Lumijarvi. Rafal Sawik finished on home waters on the podium while compatriot Szymon Szymik finished on fourth place at the Grade 2 event held at Polands Baltic town of Szczecin.

Outstanding racing conditions welcomed the nine teams for the fifth event of the European Match Race Tour 2017. Organized by the Polish Match Tour, World Sailing added even more expertise by joining the traditional event with an International Umpire's Seminar.

Zbroja, who already won the Vienna City Match Race in April, showed consistency and perfect team work on the way to his second victory this year. With a clear 3-0 over Finland's Lumijarvi, Zbroja lifts himself into top contender position for the yellow jersey at Copenhagen, where he will meet the leader of the 2017 Tour, the Frenchman Simon Bertheau.

Bertheau is still on top of the leader board with a maximum score of 150 points ahead of Slovenia's Dejan Presen (110 points) and Polish skipper Patryk Zbroja (100 points). The European Match Race tour will now reach its northern summit at Copenhagen in June before heading to Germany's Ploen in August. The top eight skippers will qualify for the Grand Final which will take place in Ravenna from 8 - 10 September 2017.

Final Results
1. Patryk Zbroja - POL
2. Olli-Pekka Lumijarvi - FIN
3. Rafal Sawik - POL
4. Szymon Szymik - POL
5. Kim Kling - SWE
6. Toby Austin-Fraser - NZL
7. Szymon Jablowski - POL
8. Afonso Falcao Leite - POR
9. Piotr Harasimowics - POL

European Match Race Tour 2017
Tour Stop 1 - 10-12 February - Sibenik, CRO
Tour Stop 2 - 17-19 March - Tivat, MNE
Tour Stop 3 - 31 March - 2 April - Vienna, AUT
Tour Stop 4 - 7-9 April - Monaco, MON
Tour Stop 5 - 25-27 May - Szczecin, POL
Tour Stop 6 - 15-17 June - Copenhagen, DEN
Tour Stop 7 - 25 - 27 August - Ploen, GER
Grand Final 2017 - 8 - 10 September - Ravenna, ITA

europeanmatchracetour.wordpress.com

Featured Brokerage
1993 Whitbread 60 - BLUEPRINT. 70000 GBP. Located in South Coast, UK.

An excellent opportunity to buy into an established charter Whitbread 60. strong and well looked after, with regular maintenance and recent rigging and engine.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
+44 (0) 1590 679222
ben.cooper@berthon.co.uk

-----------------------------------------

2016 Club Swan 50-003 'Cuordileone'. 1,240,000 EUR. Located in the Caribbean.

ClubSwan50: A yacht that is a small revolution in performance and pure sailing pleasure.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Nautor's Swan Brokerage - Lorenzo Bortolotti
brokerage@nautorswan.com
Tel. +377 97 97 95 07
nautorswanbrokerage.com

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Outremer 5X - NEW BOAT

At just under 60ft the flagship of this successful and well-established multihull supplier also offers a step-up in performance with naval architecture by VPLP

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Outremer Yachting
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See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists. -- Abbie Hoffman

Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html

Better Day for Sir Ben and Land Rover BAR
Sir Ben Ainslie and Land Rover BAR arrested the run of losses the British team suffered in the first Round Robin stage of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers, kicking off round two with a second win of the competition, again beating Artemis Racing who had a tough day in Bermuda.

There was to be no redemption for the Swedish team from their Round Robin 1 loss to Emirates Team New Zealand at the start of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers Round Robin 2 stage, falling to a second defeat in as many days to the Kiwis.

Todaysaw Emirates Team New Zealand secure their fifth victory out of six races in the qualifying stages, equalling ORACLE TEAM USA's points tally in the standings ahead of the American team's race against Groupama Team France in race 2, albeit briefly.

Artemis Racing helmsman Nathan Outteridge was left to rue poor decisions in their defeat to New Zealand, on a day which also saw them suffer a second successive defeat to Land Rover BAR.

Ultimately, the Kiwis were not level at the top of the standings for long as Jimmy Spithill's ORACLE TEAM USA restored their point advantage with a comfortable and impressive victory over Franck Cammas' team.

Land Rover BAR secured a much-needed victory in the final race of the afternoon (race 3) as they overcame Artemis Racing with a 30 second advantage at the finish line.

Results
RR2, Race 1: Emirates Team New Zealand beat Artemis Racing by 1 minute and 31 seconds
RR2, Race 2: ORACLE TEAM USA beat Groupama Team France by 1 minute and 56 seconds
RR2, Race 3: Land Rover BAR beat Artemis Racing by 30 secondsamericascup.com

americascup.com

19 Countries Represented in ORC Worlds Trieste 2017
Trieste, Italy: The ORC Worlds Trieste 2017 Organizing Committee has finalized the entry list for the ORC World Championships taking place in Porto San Rocco-Muggia from 30 June to 8 July 2017

At one month before the start of the competition to determine this year's ORC World Champions, the names of the teams admitted to the regatta were officially selected and announced using assessment criteria drafted specifically by the Organizing Committee in agreement with the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC). The criteria used for entry was devised to ensure the highest quality of competition and greatest geographic diversity within the available space limitations of the event.

The limit of 55 boats was reached in both Class B and Class C, while Class A has a strong turnout of 17 participants. By application boats may still be admitted to Class A, but teams not admitted to Classes B and C were added to a waiting list that will be used to replace any teams who do not confirm their participation prior to the start of racing.

The ORC Worlds 2017 is being held in the Upper Adriatic and the Gulf of Trieste for the first time, and while restricting the number of participants, the event has still managed to attract a broad range of entries from 19 countries. These include: Great Britain, Greece, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Finland, Turkey, Norway, Denmark, Holland, Spain, Estonia, Czech Republic, Malta, Croatia, Cyprus, Austria, Slovenia and Italy. There are 6 nations competing in Class A, 10 in Class B and 12 in Class C. Italy has a strong presence in all three categories.

More than 1500 athletes will stay at Porto San Rocco during the event with two simultaneous regatta course areas planned by the Regatta Committee to guarantee the best racing for the most anticipated sailing event of the year.

The Organizing Authority of ORC Worlds Trieste 2017 is led by Yacht Club Porto San Rocco and Offshore Racing Council along with Yacht Club Adriaco, Triestina della Vela, Circolo della Vela Muggia, Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, TPK Circolo Nautico Triestino Sirena and Yachting Club Portoroz, Slovenia.

The event is sponsored by Mureadritta, Ingemar, Porto San Rocco Marina Resort and Hotel Porto San Rocco.

www.orcworlds2017.com

Sail Wanted
USED 2nd hand (or 3rd hand even) 1.5 oz assymetric to suit Oyster 625.

Our I is 26.1 metres and our J is 7.4 metres so anything even a bit shorter would be considered.

Needed for 4 races only.

Anything sitting in your average 50 footer container??

Contact
Jock Wishart
+44 7711 727 298
jockwish@aol.com

RORC Myth of Malham Race: Epic win for INO XXX
Cowes - Eddystone - Solent (256 Miles)

Powerful thunderstorms, driving rain and wind speeds ranging from thirty knots to complete shutdowns provided epic conditions for the 256-mile RORC Myth of Malham Race. James Neville's FAST40+ Ino XXX won the gruelling marathon, correcting out under IRC to take the overall win in the 140 boat fleet. Artur Skrzyszowski's Polish Reichel Pugh 48 Selma Racing was second and Windward Sailing's CM 60 Venomous, skippered by Derek Saunders was third.

The RORC fleet was a spectacular sight in the Solent, as they started a memorable race around the Eddystone Lighthouse and back around the Isle of Wight to the finish. George David's American Maxi Rambler 88 finished the course in just over 29 hours, however the smaller yachts endured over three days to complete the course.

Rambler 88 returned to RORC racing in IRC Zero, to take line honours in the Myth of Malham Race, nearly nine hours ahead of any competitor and take pole position in IRC Zero for the season. However, Venomous was the winner of IRC Zero for the Myth of Malham Race, much to the delight of skipper, Derek Saunders

The closest contest in the 140 boat fleet was played out in IRC Three, Rob Craigie's Sunfast 3600 Bellino, racing Two Handed with co-skipper Deb Fish, was the winner by less than nine minutes after IRC time correction from Delamare & Mordret's JPK 1080 Dream Pearls. Ed Fishwick's Sunfast 3600 Redshift Reloaded, also racing Two Handed, was third. The class win lifts Bellino to the top of the overall rankings for the RORC Season's Points Championship, by just 0.6 of a point from Foggy Dew.

After an epic Myth of Malham Race, the 2017 RORC Season's Points Championship, hardly pauses for breath, with the 181-mile North Sea Race starting today, Tuesday 30 May, from Harwich bound for Scheveningen, Holland.

Full results: www.rorc.org/racing/race-results/2017-results

International Moth UK Nationals
Dylan Fletcher did what he had to do on the final day to capture his first UK International Moth Nationals title. Three races were held, meaning the full 12 race series was completed by the host club in what has been a tricky few days wind-wise.

The International Moth World Championship on Lake Garda is a big one for the fleet, with over 200 boats now entered

Dylan unfortunately can't make the Moth Worlds due to his commitments in the 49er, "I'm pretty disappointed not to be going, but it clashes with the 49er Europeans and it's not something we can take the risk on. It's really unfortunate as the boat is going well and it would be wicked fun to go out to Garda and race all the other guys, the quickest guys in the world, and see how we get on. Sadly the 49er is more important so we'll be back into gear for that."

Dylan has teamed up with fellow Moth sailor Stu Bithell in the 49er this year and has enjoyed an impressive start to the season.

Final top five:
1. Dylan Fletcher, 18 points
2. David Hive4y, 23
3. Dan Ward, 43
4. Dan Ellis, 52
5. Ross Harvey, 58

https://vimeo.com/219519206

Full results: paigntonsailingclub.co.uk

200 off Premier Kru Elite Racer Package from Ocean Safety for limited period
Ocean Safety are offering massive savings on the ultimate racing lifejacket, the Premier Kru Elite, packaged together with the rescueME MOB1 AIS personal recovery unit and the tiny yet powerful AQ40 lifejacket light. The fully integrated set is normally priced at £499 but now available for just £299 inc. VAT. Offer only available until 30th June so pick up a bargain before you head off on the Fastnet.

oceansafety.com

Stockholm International Team Race Regatta
The Stockholm International Team Race Regatta was sailed Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 26-28 May, in the middle of Stockholm between Djurgården and Stadsgården. There were six teams from the world's leading sailing clubs,,eight sailors in each team divided into two boats. The competition's format of competition was; three round robins (all teams met all the other teams), on Friday and Saturday, a total of 53 sailings in two days. Thereafter the finals on Sunday.

It was very intense, and exciting sailing, it was hard to understand that the boats did not crash into each other. The only reported damage was a small boarding between two boats and a close contact with mooring buoy.

Royal Thames Yacht Club won all of it´s 15 races in the Round Robin, unbeatable. Last year's winner Italian Yacht Club Costa Smeralda was second with nine wins out of 15.

The finals was sailed as; Semi final, Petit Final, Final and a match for fifth place.

The participants were enthusiastic about sailing racing in the middle of central Stockholm. Good weather conditions made it possible to run 56 races during three days under fair conditions. Stockholm also appeared from its best side with a brilliant summer weather.

New York Yacht Club's team leader, as well as the club's Commodore: "It could not be better, GSYS had organized another world-class competition".

Final Result
1. Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, ITA
2. New York Yacht Club, USA
3. Royal Thames Yacht Club, GBR
4. Royal Swedish Yacht Club, SWE
5. Gamla Stans Yacht Club, SWE
6. Royal Yacht Squadron, GBR

www.gsys.nu

Craig extends again at OK Dinghy Worlds in Barbados
Barbados delivered yet another challenging day of racing on the third day of the OK Dinghy World Championship in Carlisle Bay. Nick Craig, of Great Britain has built an eight lead after another solid day, while Jim Hunt moves up to second and New Zealand's Paul Rhodes climbs to third. Race wins went to Hunt and Craig.

Out on the race course the strong winds were favouring the left hand corner again, with the fleet heading into the beach to get the pressure into the top mark. The reaches were spectacular, and over all too quickly, with some huge rolling waves adding to the challenge to stay upright and in one piece until the gybe mark.

Barbados is certainly living up to its reputation for great hospitality, but there are only two more days for the sailors to enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle. Two more races are scheduled on Tuesday from 12.30. The 2017 OK Dinghy World Championship consists of 10 races and concludes on Wednesday 31 May. -- Robert Deaves

Results after six races
1. Nick Craig, GBR, 6
2. Jim Hunt, GBR, 14
3. Paul Rhodes, NZL, 25
4. Luke O'connell, NZL, 28
5. Roger Blasse, AUS, 34

Full results:
2017.okworlds.org

J/70 European Championship
Sat 3rd - Fri 9th June 2017

The 2017 J/70 European Championship will be held in Great Britain for the very first time. Since the J/70 was introduced in 2012, over 1300 J/70s have now been launched, making the exciting one design sports boat the fastest growing sailing class in the world.

About 50 teams are expected for the J/70 Open European Championship, from eleven different countries; France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and the United States. Principle Race Officer, Stuart Childerley, is scheduling 11 races, and in early June, medium gradient breeze of about 12 knots is likely, and possibly enhanced by sea breeze later in the day, to provide high octane surfing conditions.

The full podium from the 2016 J/70 European Championship will be competing; reigning European Champion, Italy's Claudia Rossi, last year's runner up from Monaco, Stefano Roberti, and third place, Spain's Gonzalo Araujo. From the United States, Peter Duncan's victorious team from the 2017 Bacardi Cup, which was also third in this year's North American Championship, will also be competing.

The 2017 J/70 European Championship is organised by Key Yachting, exclusive agent for J Boats in the UK and Ireland, and hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club.

The championship is proudly sponsored by Alfa Romeo.

royal-southern.co.uk

For The Record
The WSSR Council announces the establishment of a new World Record:

Record: Los Angeles to Honolulu. Transpacific record.
Yacht: Phaedo 3. MOD 70
Name: Lloyd Thornburg USA and 6 crew
Dates:.12th to the 16th May 2017.
Start time: 21;40;15 UTC on 12/05/17
Finish time: 14;32;18 UTC on16/05/17
Elapsed time: 3 days 16 hours 52 minutes and 3 seconds
Distance: 2217 NM
Average speed: 24.95 kts

Comments:
Previous record: "Lending Club 2" Laplache/Breymaier. USA. Jul 15. 3d 18h 9s.

John Reed
Secretary to the WSSR Council
sailspeedrecords.com

* From Roland Whitehead

We are currently flying flags at half-mast in the UK in mourning for the appalling deaths from the Manchester bombing. I was asked what the history of half-mast flag flying is so checked http://www.metafilter.com/110232/History-of-HalfMast. In there I found this lovely quote:

"It was the habit, after the restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, for ships of the Royal Navy to fly their flags at half-mast on the anniversary of the execution of King Charles I on 30th January 1649, and it is from this custom that, so far as we can trace, the present practice of announcing a death by the flying of a flag at half-mast has evolved. The earlier practice at sea was to fly a black flag or to set a black sail.

We know that the hoisting of black sails was a sign of mourning from the very earliest times. The black sail was superseded by the black flag, probably because it was a nuisance to have to carry black sails for use only on rare occasions. It was probably the position, rather than the colour, that caught the attention, particularly at a distance."

Is the prevalence of so much black on the wings in Bermuda and the black sails in so many of the more expensive racing yachts trying to tell us something?

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The newest hull # of the C&C 30 one design class is seriously for sale. all new Quantum sails and full kit are included to step right on and start winning

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The Last Word
What you are stands over you the while, and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary. -- Emerson