Alamitos Bay Yacht Club

In This Issue
• Joyon Grabs the Tea Route Record finishing in London
• Revitalised J Class Set to Rendezvous for Key Caribbean Regattas
• 2020 Caribbean 600 - Bigger Than Ever
• 37 Nations gather for the RORC Caribbean 600
• 31st Palamos International Optimist Trophy
• Optimist World Championship 2020: 66 registered countries
• Q&A with Knut Frostad
• Best of the Best - Star Sailors League
• Storm tactics from the Golden Globe Race: Uku Randmaa
• Cadet Worlds head down under, hosted by Royal Yacht Club of Victoria
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Victory '83
• • RIO 52
• • Grand Soleil 50
• The Last Word: Will Rogers

Brought to you by Seahorse magazine and YachtScoring.com EuroSail News 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 [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Joyon Grabs the Tea Route Record finishing in London
Photo by Cathy Foster. Click on image to enlarge.

The IDEC SPORT maxi trimaran sailed by Francis Joyon, Bertrand Delesne, Christophe Houdet, Antoine Blouet and Corentin Joyon, set a new record for the Tea Route between Hong Kong and London this morning (Wednesday 19th February 2020). The new reference time is 31 days, 23 hours, 36 minutes and 46 seconds.

The boat crossed the finish under the QE II Bridge which spans the Thames at 07:37:33 hrs UTC.

They have beaten the record previously held by the Italian skipper, Giovanni Soldini (Maserati) by 4 days, 3 hours, 0 minutes and 26 seconds. They sailed 15,873 miles averaging 20.7 knots.

By lowering the record time for the Tea Route between Hong Kong and London to just over a month, Francis Joyon and his crew of four on the IDEC SPORT maxi trimaran have not only smashed Giovanni Soldini's time by 4 days, but also divided by three the time it took the big clippers in the second half of the 19th Century to sail this route, as they fought a trade battle to be the first to bring the leaves for the revered brew back to London.

Sailing more than 15,000 miles averaging 20.7 knots, the maxi trimaran went through almost all the wind, sea, sun and temperature conditions imaginable with a series of surprises and unexpected hurdles, as they sailed sometimes smoothly and sometimes in highly uncomfortable conditions. The China Sea, the Indian Ocean, The South and North Atlantic together represent a voyage halfway around the world. A voyage that the five sailors accomplished in record time, pushing back the boundaries in terms of performance, while at the same time showing tender love and affection to their venerable boat launched back in 2006. She has won the Route du Rhum three times and is the holder of the Jules Verne Trophy.

This has been a voyage back in time with memories of the big clippers of the past, a voyage of discovery with sea routes not often sailed by modern ocean racers, a human adventure and an opportunity to feel at one with the vast, open, natural spaces. The Tea Route has brought together everything that Francis Joyon, the most exceptional sailor, loves to achieve and out on the water revealed some magnificent seascapes with champagne sailing conditions encouraging the crew to show respect as they contemplated the seas and skies.

www.idecsport.com/?lang=en

Revitalised J Class Set to Rendezvous for Key Caribbean Regattas
When they muster in March in the Caribbean to race at the Antigua Superyacht Challenge and at the ever-popular Saint Barth's Bucket, four J Class yachts will form the strongest class fleet since 2017's J Class World Championship in Newport, RI.

The back-to-back events will mark the notable return of Lionheart which pretty much swept the board during the landmark 2017 season, when the J Class featured in Bermuda during the 35th America's Cup regatta and then raced for the inaugural world title in Newport.

World Champion JH1 Lionheart will renew her rivalry with the very well sailed and optimised J-S1 Svea, the newest J Class built and the longest ever at 143ft. Racing against them will be J8 Topaz, the ever improving 2015 launch which competed in mixed fleet races last year, where she enjoyed a nip and tuck rivalry with JK7 Velsheda. The immaculately campaigned Velsheda is the only original J Class yacht to race regularly and remains the benchmark operation in terms of boat handling and crew work.

It will be the first time that the J Class have raced as a fleet at the Antigua Superyacht Challenge where they will compete around their own courses managed by PRO Stuart Childerley. Up to eight races will be sailed with the competition programme running Thursday 12th through Sunday 15th March.

The fleet then move north returning to the Saint Barth's Bucket, which has been a popular fixture on the J Class yachts' itineraries for many, many years. As ever, the regatta will provide the fleet with a day of windward-leeward racing on Thursday 19th March before following the normal Superyacht regatta programme through to Sunday 22nd March.

These Caribbean regattas will be the first events to be raced under the improved J Class Rule as updated by Chris Todter, the J Class Technical Director, who at the beginning of 2019 was appointed to review and update the rule which came under exceptional pressure during the high octane 2017 season.

jclassyachts.com

2020 Caribbean 600 - Bigger Than Ever
The 2020 Royal Ocean Racing Club's Caribbean 600, an exciting offshore race around 11 Caribbean islands, starts on 24 February.

This year more than 20 racing entries are 50 ft or larger making the excitement and rivalry bigger than ever. After last year's unforgettable combat between the record-setting Maserati Multi 70 and MOD 70 Argo for the battle of multihull line honours, there is high anticipation as to what will transpire between Argo, Maserati and PowerPlay, equally matched 70 ft carbon flyers.

Last year Argo completed a refit project using 100% Harken products, replacing more than 40 blocks with Harken V™ blocks and Fly™ blocks.

In designing V blocks, Harken engineers combine the axial and thrust bearings into a single bearing set of V-shaped titanium rollers. The result is a strong, lightweight block that offers unmatched efficiency at high loads, while spinning freely at low loads for smooth easing in light air. The high-load Fly blocks are developed specifically for use with today's high-tech line and offer strength without mass.

Harken V Blocks. Harken Fly Blocks.

For information on the V block

For information on the Fly block

37 Nations gather for the RORC Caribbean 600
Antigua,18 February. Sailors from at least 37 nations will be competing in the RORC Caribbean 600 organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club. The 12th edition of the spectacular race will start off Fort Charlotte Antigua on Monday 24th February 2020. Over 70 teams, featuring close to 700 sailors, are expected on the start line. The challenging 600-mile race, in tropical heat with ocean swell, is renowned for stunning vistas of the 11 Caribbean islands on the course.

Latest Entry List

IRC Zero will feature a substantial number of round the world racing yachts, including last year's overall winner David and Peter Askew's Volvo 70 Wizard (USA). "Seven of the guys have done three or more round the world races and Curtis Blewett, Richard Clarke, Rob Greenhalgh and Phil Hamer are all VOR winners," commented Peter Askew. "David and I have been sailing with this team since 2015. The boat requires skilled sailors with lots of time on canters, specifically the big maxis. The crew of Wizard are the winners of the 2019 Hempel World Team Sailing Award, and the 2019 RORC Yacht of the Year."

Also racing in IRC Zero will be the largest yacht in this year's race, Jeroen Van Dooren's Swan 95 Lot99 (NED). The magnificent Swan was launched in 2017 and has just finished a circumnavigation. "Lot99 is now back in the Caribbean after sailing around the world and we are looking forward to unleashing her on the racecourse and pushing her against the competition!" commented Skipper Dan Newman. "We set sail west from the Caribbean in February 2019, so we are back now exactly a year later having completed a full circuit of the globe, sailing across the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans!"

Fancied boats in IRC Zero include Tilmar Hansen's lighting quick TP52 Outsider (GER), fourth overall in the 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race, previous race winner Ron O'Hanley's Cookson 50 Privateer (USA), and Eric de Turkheim's IRC optimised NMD54 Teasing Machine (FRA). "The biggest challenge will be to beat the canting keel boats," commented RORC Rear Commodore de Turkheim. "Sun, wind fun and a very challenging racecourse, it is the most fascinating RORC yearly event."

The turbo-charged MOCRA class features seven hi-tech multihulls all vying for class honours. The multihull race record, set last year by Giovanni Soldini's Maserati (ITA), is 1 day, 6 hours, 49 minutes and the enigmatic Italian legend is back to lead his highly experienced team. Last year, Jason Carroll's Argo (USA) miraculously came back from a capsize in training, pushing Maserati to a photo-finish. This year Peter Cunningham's PowerPlay (CAY) will also be in the mix. This is the first time that all three will have taken part together in the RORC Caribbean 600. Round the world winners abound on all three boats; Loick Peyron (FRA) and Simon Fisher (GBR) on PowerPlay. Brian Thompson (GBR) and Franck Cammas (FRA) on Argo. A late entry to this year's race is theoretically quicker than all of the 70ft flyers. Antoine Rabestem's VPLP 80ft Ultime 'Emotion 2 (FRA) will be sailed by Petro Jonker and Rick Warner.

caribbean600.rorc.org

Current provisional entry list

31st Palamos International Optimist Trophy
Strong SW wind with gusts of 27 knots have left the fleet ashore on this final day in Palamos.Carl Krause was the overall winner of the Palamos International Optimist Trophy. Tied for second place were Spain's Marc Mesquida and Germany's Caspata Ilgenstein.

Third place on the podium was Alex Demurtras from Italy.

Maayan Shemesh of Israel won the prize for top girl (7th overall).

Germany won the Nations Cup Trophy for second consecutive year.

Leading British competitor was Santiago Sesto-Cosby from the Royal Lymington YC in 26th place.

Final top ten
1. Carl Krause, GER
2. Caspar Ilgenstein, GER
3. Marc Mesquida Barcelo, ESP
4. Alex Demurtas, ITA
5. Leon Jost, GER
6. Boris Hirsch, SUI
7. Maayan Shemesh, ISR
8. Levente Borda, HUN
9. Izan Codinachs Torrejon, ESP
10. Wandrille Delmas, FRA

www.palamosoptimisttrophy.org

Optimist World Championship 2020: 66 registered countries
Riva del Garda, Italy: The first, important round of registrations for the 2020 Optimist World Championship, that will be hosted in Riva del Garda from July 1st to 11th, closed last Saturday, February 15th.

Riva del Garda, which for years has established itself as the international capital of youth sailing, does not betray expectations and is getting ready to host a record-breaking edition of the Optimist World Championship: with 66 Nations registered already, the "Italian World Championship" will enter the book of records, surpassing the 2019 edition of Antigua, which had recorded the presence of young sailors from 65 Countries of the world.

The registered Nations will now start internal selection processes to determine the composition of the teams that will represent them during the World Championship this summer: each Country will join the regatta with four or five young sailors. Among the registered Countries, we underline the participation of Nations such as Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia, which for years had not taken part in an Optimist Class World Championship.

Apart from some latecomers who will still have a few weeks of time to join the entry list of the 2020 Optimist World Championship, it is estimated that the 66 Nations entered so far will be the ones that will form the final entry list, for a total of about 300 young sailors .

The 2020 Optimist World Championship is organized by Fraglia Vela Riva, Associazione Italiana Classe Optimist, Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, Garda Trentino.

optirivaworld.it

Q&A with Knut Frostad
What kind of relationship can an Olympic windsurfer and sailor, and four-time veteran of the Volvo Ocean Race develop with a global electronics giant? As it turns out, a highly personal one.

"When your raceboat is going 30 knots in the Southern Ocean and there are icebergs everywhere, if you don't trust the radar, you won't sleep," Knut Frostad says. "If you know it's calibrated, you sleep."

The announcement that Frostad, former CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, had been named chief executive of Navico came as a surprise to many in the marine electronics world. The tall, affable Norwegian, who had competed in two Olympics — one in windsurfing, the other in sailing — and four round-the-world races earlier in his career, transformed the Volvo Ocean Race during his three consecutive terms as CEO. He expanded its stopovers into Asia and the Middle East, and established landside venues so that 70,000 people a day visited the boats and teams.

Frostad also turned the VOR into a spectator sport by adding a level of reality-television to the race with on-board reporters who broadcast in real time in horrendous conditions. "I wanted to create content that would build an audience that really followed the race," he says.

Interview: www.tradeonlytoday.com

Best of the Best - Star Sailors League
There is surely no fairer way to describe the latest Star Sailors League Final in Nassau, nor the standing of the winning crew. James Boyd suffered the rigours of a winter trip to Nassau to watch Iain Percy's return to the class in which the Finn gold medallist of Sydney 2000 took a further two Olympic medals - one silver one gold - with his much missed friend Andrew Simpson

For the elite in our sport Nassau in the Bahamas has become an annual pilgrimage for the ultimate international invite-only 'best of the best' event, the Star Sailors League Finals and its US$200,000 prize purse. While the SSL Finals happens to take place in Star boats, the name refers to the event's aim of determining the annual 'star' of the sailing world. In December there are few better places to sail than Nassau's Montegu Bay, well protected with its shallow, warm, Bahamas Tourist Boardpromised turquoise water.

In the early years of the SSL Finals inevitably the Star boat specialists dominated - Robert Scheidt and Bruno Prada claimed the first event in 2013, followed by Mark Mendelblatt sailing with Brian Faith in 2014 and 2016 and George Szabo and Edoardo Natucci in 2015. Since then this has been less true, with Laser and Moth champion Paul Goodison and Frithjof Kleen winning in 2017 followed by Finn Gold Cup winner Jorge Zarif and Pedro Trouche in 2018. However, the 2019 event did see the return to heroes of the Star class, perhaps due to a lighter attendance of Olympic and America's Cup sailors because of commitments to parallel rival campaigns.

Full article in the March issue of Seahorse

Storm tactics from the Golden Globe Race: Uku Randmaa
Arriving in Les Sables d'Olonne and a podium finish. Credit: Jane Zhou/GGR/PPL. Click on image to enlarge.

The 2018 Golden Globe Race was solo sailor Uku Randmaa's second circumnavigation of the world. He shares his heavy weather tactics and experiences of ocean storms

Uku Randmaa was more fortunate than many of the 2018 Golden Globe Race skippers.

He managed to miss the worst of the storms and his Rustler 36 masthead sloop, One and All was only knocked down four times.

Uku Randmaa was more fortunate than many of the 2018 Golden Globe Race skippers.

He managed to miss the worst of the storms and his Rustler 36 masthead sloop, One and All was only knocked down four times.

Outside of storm conditions he used twin headsails.

But the Estonian sailor was not so lucky with his communications.

Read the full report Storm Tactics From The Golden Globe Race in the Summer 2019 issue of Yachting Monthly - Available here

www.yachtingmonthly.com

Cadet Worlds head down under, hosted by Royal Yacht Club of Victoria
Some of the world's most talented junior sailors will head to the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV) next summer as the historic Australian club gets set to host the national and world championships for the International Cadet class.

It's the first time the event has returned to Australian shores since 2012 in Hobart, Tasmania and will combine the national championships from 21-26 December 2020, and the world championships running from 27 December 2020 through to 4 January 2021.

A strong contingent of Australians are expected to lead the charge, while talented sailors are also expected to turnout from other major Cadet countries such as Great Britain and Argentina, as well as a number throughout Europe.

With a strong history in International Cadet sailing and a great capability at running major events, the RYCV is a great fit for hosting an event of this magnitude.

For Notice of Race and event entry, sailors can head to the Cadet Worlds website at www.cadetworlds2020.com

www.rycv.com.au

Featured Brokerage
1983 12 Metre Victory 83. 900,000 USD. Located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island

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Victory'83 received a complete refit and update in 2008. The first twelve to be fully outfitted and laid out for the larger crew size permitted in the current 12M Rule. The original hull, keel and tab was retained. We added new cockpits and foredeck, rudder, winches, hardware, spars/rigging, electronics, hydraulics and of course, fairing and paint - in essence a new boat! She set a new standard for the Class and has earned an enviable race record. The Owner is retiring from Twelve Metre Racing and would like to pass her on to a new custodian!

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Victory83.com

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2017 RIO 52. 1,200,000 USD. Located in West coast of the states.

RIO 52 is for sale. Built in 2017, she is a flat out IRC/ORC/Pac 52, race boat that can win anywhere in the world. Three sets of sails, ( North and Quantum) full safety gear, trailer, she has everything Contact us for the details

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
William Jenkins
410 267 9419
410 353 7862
Bill [AT] tysonline [DOT] com

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2007 Grand Soleil 50. 250000 EUR. Located in Sicily.

Well-equipped example of the Judel Vrolijk designed Grand Soleil 50 aft cockpit performance cruising yacht. FREETIME 5 is still under her first ownership and she is presented in great condition inside and out.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Michele Antonini - Grabau International (Italia)
Tel: +39 333 74 89 281
Email: enquiries [AT] grabauinternational [DOT] com

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

The Last Word
An onion can make people cry but there's never been a vegetable that can make people laugh. -- Will Rogers

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Laser Radial Worlds
• Have cake eat cake - GC32
• How To Follow the 2020 RORC Caribbean 600
• Jean Le Cam: The 2020 Vendee Globe Is A Pivotal Event
• Has your website taken all its vitamins?
• New Broom for Great Britain SailGP at Sydney
• Man Overboard Recovery (Lecture Video)
• Hamble Warming Pan
• Industry News
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Swan 601-002 'Wohpe'
• • GC32 Malizia MON 023 For Sale or Charter
• • Pogo Class 40 "Ocean's Eleven"
• The Last Word: Stephen Hawking

Laser Radial Worlds
Melbourne Australia: All three medallists from the Rio Olympics will take to the water off Sandringham Yacht Club to compete in the ILCA Laser Radial Women's Championship which starts on Sunday. They head a star-studded field of 106 competitors from 40 countries, many of whom will be trying to qualify as their country's representative at Tokyo 2020.

Leading the charge will be Marit Bouwmeester from the Netherlands, the 2016 gold and 2012 silver medallist at the Olympics and a six-times world champion in the event. Marit has been training in Melbourne since December and won the Australian Championship in early January. Although she has already been selected for the Olympics by the Dutch Federation, she will still have a battle on her hands during the Worlds from countrywomen Mirthe Akkerman, Maxim Jonker and Daphne van der Vaart, who all pushed her during the Australian Championship.

Anne-Marie Rindom (DEN) is ranked number one in the world at present and is the defending world champion, having also won the title in 2015. She was 13th at the London Olympics and won the bronze medal in Rio.

Annalise Murphy (IRE) was part of an epic Laser Radial medal race at the London Olympics, where she missed out on the bronze by the barest of margins. She made up for that at Rio, taking silver behind Marit Bouwmeester.

Another former world champion, Alison Young of Great Britain, is currently ranked second in the world while Emma Plasschart of Belgium is ranked third.

Among those competing for a place at the Olympics are two Finn sailors, Tuula Tenkinen and Monika Mikkola. Ranked ninth and 14th respectively, they present a welcome challenge to the Finn selectors.

Even more intense will be the rivalry for Kim and Lin Pletikos of Slovenia, who are not only competing for an Olympic spot, but for bragging rights around the family dinner table.

The home crowd is also hoping to see a sailor selected for Tokyo.

There are 19 Australians in the field for the Worlds. Assuming there are no upsets, either Thomson or Stransky will need to finish in the top 10 to secure a seat on the plane to Tokyo. -- Roger McMillan / Laser 2020 Media

2020-radial-women.laser-worlds.com

Have cake eat cake - GC32
Corinthians racing America's Cup skippers, fast and rather lively foiling cats, sparkling venues and (very) professional race management... it's hard to find any holes in the latest GC32 Racing Tour package

A seventh season of racing for the one-design foiling catamarans of the GC32 Racing Tour dawns in 2020 with competition resuming in Muscat, Oman in March. Alinghi, with Arnaud Psarofaghis helming, scored a decisive victory off the Al Mouj Marina in November, handing them the 2019 GC32 Racing Tour crown. However, this year the local team fielded by Oman Sail will want to set the record straight, after the Adam Minoprio-skippered Oman Air was neck and neck with Ernesto Bertarelli's team throughout 2019, only to be beaten rudely on home waters.

With the demise of the Extreme Sailing Series at the beginning of last year the GC32 Racing Tour enjoyed a fresh influx of proteams.

Full article in the March issue of Seahorse

How To Follow the 2020 RORC Caribbean 600
The 12th edition of the ever-popular 600-mile dash around 11 Caribbean islands - the RORC Caribbean 600 - will set off from Antigua on Monday 24th February. The diverse fleet will be competing in four classes, with 74 entries sailed by over 700 crew members representing 37 nations.

Watch the starts live (with commentary) from 10.50 AST in Antigua (1450 GMT) via the RORC Facebook (search Royal Ocean Racing Club). Check out all the latest news and follow the progress of the race via the YB Races App or tracker on the event website.

For All The Latest News, Go To The Race Website: caribbean600.rorc.org The Live blog page will also be updated throughout the race with news from competitors, photos, video and audio.

Watch The Start- Live On Facebook:
Live on Monday 24 February 10.50 local time (14.50 GMT)
Coverage with commentary from Fort Charlotte, Antigua will be streamed from the official website and the RORC Facebook Page.

Social Media: #Caribbean600
Instagram: search - @rorcracing
Facebook: search - Royal Ocean Racing Club
RORC YouTube: search - RORCRacing
Twitter: Follow @rorcracing

Track The Fleet: caribbean600.rorc.org/Race-Information/Tracking/

Class Start Times:
Provisional start times - In AST (+4 hrs GMT)
IRC 2, 3 & CSA only - 11:00
IRC 1 & Class 40 - 11:10
IRC Z & superyacht: 11:20
Multihull - 11:30
Note: A Warning Signal will be given 10 minutes before the Starting Signal

caribbean600.rorc.org

Jean Le Cam: The 2020 Vendee Globe Is A Pivotal Event
This will be his fifth Vendee Globe. Since the 2004-2005 race, a lot of water has passed under the bridge, but Jean Le Cam remains completely captivated by this exceptional race. The Breton sailor and the general public have formed a close bond over time.

In Port-la-Foret, Hubert, the monohull, which was given this nickname in honour of the late Hubert Desjoyeaux, Michel's big brother, is waiting patiently out of the water. She will soon enter the yard replacing Groupe Apicil, Damien Seguin's boat. For Jean Le Cam, the timetable is becoming clearer...

Vendee Globe: with your registration validated, we can expect to see Jean Le Cam at the start of the next Vendee Globe?

Jean Le Cam: I hope to be able to let myself in for that. We still need to win over a few partners to be entirely certain of being there at the start. But we're really going for that. However, we'll be doing things rather differently from in 2016. It was fascinating to set up the crowd-funding project and extremely enriching on a human level... But it was exhausting.

VG: how are you going to manage to get the required funding in that case?

JLC: We started out with the idea of bringing together four partners each investing the same amount in the Yes We Cam project. That is going to be the name of the boat. After that, everyone will be able to communicate as they wish around that name. The advantage of that way of doing things is that no one loses out. Each partner will contribute 280,000 euros a year, which is equivalent to a Figaro budget. Having said that, if one big sponsor wants to invest the whole amount, I'd find it hard to refuse.

www.vendeeglobe.org

Has your website taken all its vitamins?
That's how the lead developers of the Progressive Web App (PWA) code described the goal... a website that can be opened by tapping on a screen icon and acts like an app, but doesn't have to be downloaded from the iTunes store or Google Play store. A website that can still load FAST on slow connections... or no connection at all if previously visited. A website that gets stored in your device's memory.

Google engineers figured it out and have released the technology for us mere mortals. Our latest effort is JBoats.com

You can see how to add to home screen here: jboats.com/add-pwa

And then try it out. We can do this for your website.

The cost depends on the size of your site and a few other factors... but will be under 500 GBP. Interested? Contact David McCreary at editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com or webmaster [AT] sailingsource [DOT] com

New Broom for Great Britain SailGP at Sydney
The new broom swept through Great Britain SailGP as they showed-off a new livery on their first day of training on Sydney Harbour.

Ben Ainslie and his team have only a few days to get to grips with their 2,400kg supercharged F50 as they prepare for their first competitive event - until now it has all been on the simulator.

The new British crew will join six other nations on the start line on 28 and 29 February for Sydney SailGP 2020, the first event of the SailGP 2020 series.

This season the SailGP fleet have been upgraded with a revolutionary new modular wingsail.

The new, modular wing can be assembled in varying lengths - 18m, 24m and 29m - allowing the teams to put on nail-biting nation versus nation racing in a greater range of conditions across the venues.

With a new wing also comes new speeds. Season 1 saw the Brits become the first SailGP team to break the elusive 50-knot speed barrier, but what can be expected for Season 2?

www.sailweb.co.uk

Round Ireland Yacht Race Man Overboard Recovery (Lecture Video)
It was about 1 am off the coast of County Kerry when John White came off the helm of Jedi, a J109, competing in the 2018 Round Ireland Yacht Race. Facing 30-knots on the nose and three to four metre seas, as White moved forward, a large wave crashed over the boat, knocking him overboard.

White joined helmsman Kenneth Rumball to share their learnings from the successful recovery of John, a fate that lead to Kenneth being awarded the RORC Seamanship Trophy.

Both describe in detail the key points they think lead to the successful recovery of John, proper preparation, pre-sailing drills, sufficient training for all the crew and ultimately having the right gear, as well as knowing how to use it.

White describes the surreal experience of being away from the boat, and the exemplary Seamanship exploits undertaken to retrieve him safely, and indeed get back racing. Rumball shares his experiences as Skipper but emphasises how the training he provides in the day job as chief instructor at the Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School kicked in. A frank and sobering discussion on the good fortune it was to correctly install AIS MOB devices, ensure that everyone had the latest lifesaving kit is undertaken.

This is a must-watch for any skipper or crew member who races offshore but would appeal to a wider audience with an interest in yachting as John and Kenneth recant the compelling story, which thankfully had a happy outcome.

The video is divided into chapters as follows:

Preparation - 2 mins 30 seconds
Build Up - 14 mins 20 seconds
Man Overboard - 20 mins 20 second
The water - 30mins 20 seconds
Gear - 34 mins 40 seconds
Recovery - 51 mins 00 seconds
Rest of the Race - 1 hour 10 mins 40 seconds
Published in INSS, Round Ireland

Hamble Warming Pan 2020 includes RS400 - Sunday 29th March
Hamble River Sailing Club is pleased to announce its invitation to the RS400 class to join the 58th Hamble Warming Pan dinghy open meeting, along with all non-trapeze dinghies rated PY 970-1172 and Foxer dinghies. Classes within the PY group will race in two handicap fleets with those mustering eight boats or more getting a separate start, and four or more racing in a PY fleet receiving a class prize. The first start of three back-to-back races is scheduled at 1200 with food and drink available at the clubhouse before and after racing.

An Early-Bird entry rate (£10 single-hander, £15 double-hander) is available NOW online until 22nd March, standard entry rate until the 27th, and late entry rate available on the day. Full details and the Notice of Race can be found at the HRSC website http://www.hrsc.org.uk

First run in 1962, back then the Warming Pan was the season opener, with new designs in the highly competitive Merlin Rocket and National 12 classes being launched and tested for the first time. These boats became the bedrock of this great event and now HRSC is inviting competitive sailors in the non-trapeze dinghy classes to come and experience the unique fun of the Hamble Warming Pan. For more details contact the Hamble River Sailing Club on 02380 452070 or admin [AT] hrsc [DOT] org [DOT] uk

www.hrsc.org.uk

Industry News
The European Commission has sent Malta an additional letter of formal notice for using an incorrect method of calculating VAT on the lease of yachts.

Following an initial letter of formal notice - a first warning - on 8 March 2018, Malta modified its laws to align it with the necessary requirements under EU law.

But these new national rules are still not completely in line with EU law, the Commission said.

Malta uses a "distance-based" method when calculating the effective use and enjoyment of a yacht outside the EU, so as to attract yacht owners to register their boats in Malta without being charged VAT when they use the boat outside of EU waters.

"EU rules do not allow such a method to be used but require the use of a timebased method. The Commission is now sending a complementary letter of formal notice to Malta in order to ensure full compliance with EU law. Without a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission may decide to address a reasoned opinion to Malta."

www.maltatoday.com.mt

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The High Performance Yacht Design Committee is pleased to announce that HPYD7 will take place in Auckland, NZ during the 36th America's Cup in early March 2021 (Dates to be confirmed).

Papers are invited on all topics relating to the design of high performance power and sailing yachts, including:

structural design and analysis
aerodynamics and hydrodynamics
performance prediction and full scale testing
wind tunnel and towing tank testing
computational methods
hull, appendage and foil design
control systems
regulations and rating
rules routing and tactics

Abstracts are due 1st June 2020 and final papers are due 1st November 2020. All papers are reviewed by an international technical panel. See www.hpyd.org.nz for more details.

The abstract should be one page and submitted to technical [AT] hpyd [DOT] org [DOT] nz

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Sailing Inc., headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is proud to announce it is expanded its premier boat brokerage services by adding a J/Boats dealership in Charleston, South Carolina. The brokerage will serve the South Atlantic region, selling the entire line that ranges from the 22 ft. J/70 to the 40 ft. J/122e, featuring a broad mix of both cruising and racing yachts.

Known for their aesthetic elegance, excellent build quality, and attention to detail, J/Boats are revered worldwide. Sailed by cruisers and racers alike, the Johnstone family designs are in a class of their own, offering a model that fits any application.

For over 40 years, Sailing Inc. has been a trusted provider of premium sailing and marine related products, services and support. With multiple locations in the Eastern United States, Sailing Inc. is positioned as a dealer/distributor for many of the industry's best brands including Harken, Gill, Garmin, New England Ropes, VX One, Laser Performance, Bic Sports and J/Boats.

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Kimo Worthington, who was on teams that won the America's Cup and a major round-the-world race, has been hired as general manager of the United States SailGP team.

Recently retired as an executive with North Sails, Worthington said his main role in running the team would be to take pressure off skipper Rome Kirby during the global league's second season.

"Rome was getting pulled in all different directions and getting taxed," Worthington said in a phone interview. "He needed someone to come in and take the pressure off. The skipper goes sailing and I take care of everything else. I just remove obstacles to make it easier for them to go racing. I did the same thing at North Sails. I removed obstacles so they could sell sails."

Worthington, 60, sailed with the fathers of three of the U.S. SailGP crewmembers. He was a teammate of Kirby's father, Jerry, with Bill Koch's winning America3 team in the 1992 America's Cup. In 1995, Worthington was head coach of what started out as the first all-women's team in the America's Cup, and Kirby was one of his coaches.

www.thelog.com

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Metstrade show director Irene Dros said she is stepping down after 18 years with the event to pursue new career opportunities.

Dros oversaw the event as it grew from 714 exhibitors in 2001 to 2,000 from 53 countries last year. There were 26,984 visitors from 122 countries at the 2019 show.

"Having worked for the world's greatest trade show for almost two decades, the time has come for me to move from Metstrade to a new challenge," Dros said in a statement.

"I am honored to have played my part in organizing this platform and I have enjoyed investing lots of energy into its growth," said Dros. "With a visitor appreciation of 8.7 in 2019, I could not be prouder of what we have achieved, and I am now ready to focus on a new adventure."

www.tradeonlytoday.com

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Following a successful partnership over the last two seasons, North Sails has today announced we will continue as an 'Official Technical Partner' of the 52 Super Series sponsored by Rolex. The 2020 circuit, now in its ninth season, will again play host to a stellar list of sailors and boats, with 12 boats from eight countries all vying to be number one. Year after year, the competition gets more compelling, with teams forced to out-think and out-sail each other in the high performance, one design TP52s. As an Official Technical Partner, North Sails will bring their world-leading expertise, design and sail technology, as well as sailor support to the fleet, with ten boats choosing cutting edge North Sails 3Di.

www.northsails.com/sailing

Featured Brokerage
2004 Swan 601-002 'Wohpe' 800,000 Euros Vat Paid. Located in Monaco.

Swan 601 Wohpe, winner of the Swan 60 class at the 2014 Rolex Swan Cup, is now on the brokerage market and available for sale. Since winning the Rolex Swan Cup in 2014, she has undergone a comprehensive refit and now features a new teak deck, all new painting on deck and superstructure.

The Swan 601 has proven to be a serious competitor in both ORC and IRC classes and difficult to catch in light conditions. Well set up for offshore or inshore events, Wohpe is a turn-key program and ready for the Autumn regatta season.

Currently lying in Monaco, Wohpe is available for inspection by appointment.

See listing details in Nautor's Swan Brokerage

Contact
Lorenzo Bortolotti
Nautor's Swan Brokerage
T. +377 97 97 95 07

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GC32 Malizia MON 023 For Sale or Charter. 200’000 excl.VAT EUR.

Experience the foiling revolution with this 30+ knot GC32 flying catamaran, ready to compete on the GC32 Racing Tour.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Christian Scherrer
email: christian [AT] gc32racing [DOT] com

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2006 Pogo Class 40 "OCEAN'S ELEVEN". 90,000 EUR. Located in Barcelona, Spain

The OCEAN'S ELEVEN Class 40 is a Pogo 40 signed by Finot-Conq and built by Structures in France. Previously known as PICOTY with skipper Jean-Edouard Criquioche, he has always had good racing results. This sailboat is at the same time reliable, marine, well maintained and equipped. OCEAN'S ELEVEN also has a comfortable interior and is suitable for long-distance cruises with reduced crew.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info [AT] bernard-gallay [DOT] com
+33 (0)467 66 39 93

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

The Last Word
People who boast about their IQ are losers. -- Stephen Hawking

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• RORC Caribbean 600
• Maserati Multi 70 and Giovanni Soldini
• Laser Radial Worlds
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• Annie Lush strengthens German Ocean Race Campaign
• Round Martinique Regatta
• 18ft Skiffs Australian Championship, Race 8
• Selden Sailjuice Winter Series
• New ORR Class and New Team-Racing Trophies
• Flying Fifteen Europeans
• Featured Brokerage:
• • CNB Bordeaux 60
• • GC32 Team France
• • Beneteau First 40.7- Philosophie IV.
• The Last Word: Thomas Paine

RORC Caribbean 600
The 12th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts on Monday 24th February at 1100 local time (1500 GMT), Antigua. The diverse fleet will be competing in four classes, with 74 entries sailed by over 700 crew members representing 37 nations. Antigua has been buzzing with sailors preparing for the 600nm race around 11 islands. The diversity of competing yachts is matched by the variety of sailors taking part.

The sport of sailing is like no other - world famous sailors compete with and against passionate corinthian sailors. On the docks in Antigua this eclectic mix share their thoughts prior to the start of the spectacular race.

Entry list

caribbean600.rorc.org

24 hours to the start of the RORC Caribbean 600 for Maserati Multi 70 and Giovanni Soldini
Everything is ready in Antigua for the start of the 12th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600: the multihulls will set sail tomorrow at 11.30 local time (15.30 UTC, 16.30 Italian time) from Fort Charlotte, half an hour after the other classes.

Giovanni Soldini and Maserati Multi 70 will race against 7 other multihulls, among which are their direct competitors, the American Argo and the English PowerPlay. Aboard both MOD 70s will be two strong and experienced crews: Briand Thompson and Franck Cammas will sail aboard Argo, Loick Peyron on PowerPlay. On the starting line will be three more trimarans - the 80' Ultim'Emotion 2, the 63' Shockwave and the 60' Ineffable - and two catamarans - the 53' Fujin and the 78' Allegra.

The weather expected for this edition of this race is not the most favourable: the models show an unstable trade wind, with light breeze especially for the first 12 hours of racing. Giovanni Soldini commented: "Maserati Multi 70 with the flying foils gives its best with around 15 knots of wind, so these conditions are not ideal, but we will fight tooth and nail as always!"

This year on the starting line there will be a total of 74 boats from more than 20 different countries, divided in 8 classes.

The speed record was set in 2019 by Giovanni Soldini who, aboard Maserati Multi 70, crossed the finish line with an elapsed time of 1 day, 6 hours and 49 minutes.

The course of the race, 600 miles long, goes around 11 islands in the Lesser Antilles, in the Caribbean Sea, including Barbuda, Saint Barth, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. The course is diverse, it requires many manoeuvres and it features variable winds and currents that make the regatta particularly interesting and challenging.

Changes to Maserati Multi 70's Team: for the RORC Caribbean 600, John Elkann and Vittorio Bissaro won't be aboard the trimaran. Ronan Cointo (tactician) will participate in the race in their place.

maserati.soldini.it

Rindom starts defence of Laser Radial World crown with a bullet
Melbourne, Australia: After a day of light and fluky conditions in which only one race could be sailed at the ILCA Laser Radial Women's World Championship, defending titleholder Anne-Marie Rindom (DEN) took first place in Yellow Fleet while Marie Barrue (FRA) won Blue Fleet.

"It was a bit light," Anne-Marie said of the conditions. "The change didn't really come through."

"It's early days," she said of the scheduled 12 race regatta. "But it's a good way to start."

Yellow Fleet had the better of the weather, getting away shortly after the scheduled start time in 6 knots of breeze and managing to finish before the wind began swinging wildly.

Those in Blue fleet had a frustrating day, with race one starting almost on time but being abandoned at the first mark owing to a 30 degree shift. It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good and Australian Olympic hopeful, Mara Stransky, said she was caught too far left in a poor position when the abandonment came. She regrouped and finished the re-started race in fifth position. "I'm happy after such a whacky day," she said.

Men's Radial The ILCA Laser Radial Men's World Championship is being sailed at the same venue, with the fleet dominated by Australians.

But it was a Russian, Daniil Krutskikh, who won the only race of the day, from locals Michael Compton and Jordan Makin.

Like the women's Blue Fleet, the men endured re-starts and abandonments before finally getting a result.

With light winds forecast for tomorrow morning, the race committee has announced that first signal will be at 2pm, as scheduled, but if the winds settle as forecast, they will try to get three races sailed so the regatta is back on schedule.

Provisional Top 10 Women
1. Marie Barrue, FRA
1. Anne-Marie Rindom, DEN
3. Maud Jayet, SUI
3. Vasileia Karachaliou, GRE
5. Marit Bouwmeester, NED
5. Svenja Weger, GER
7. Mirthe Akkerman, NED
7. Marie Bolou, FRA
9. Sarah Douglas, CAN
9. Mara Stransky, AUS

Provisional Top 5 Men
1. Daniil Krutskikh, RUS
2. Michael Compton, AUS
3. Jordan Makin, AUS
4. Zac West, AUS
5. Caleb Armit, NZL

Full results

Seahorse March 2020
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

Update
Early Cup words from Sardinia, the Cup mist refuses to lift, a complex Cup task, (good) wood is good and Kenny's on the money. Plus why the French are ahead from the start, Jack Griffin, Terry Hutchinson, Adrian Morgan, Andrew Sinclair, Mike Gillum

Upscale upmarket
Elan's new flagship is the first sailing yacht styled by Studio F. A. Porsche

No limits at all
The benefits of Doyle Sails's structured luff technology have already migrated from 18-foot skiffs blasting around Sydney Harbour to the latest high performance superyachts crossing oceans...

(Don't) shake it about
The theory of vortex shedding is well known to golfers with their little dimples (the balls, that is!) It was also toyed with in the past by 12 Metre sparmakers... so why not extend the benefits to the rigging itself?

Special rates for EuroSail News 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/

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

Annie Lush strengthens German Ocean Race Campaign
The IMOCA Open 60 "Einstein" will be prepared in the south of England for installation of the newest generation of foils. With the purchase of a Dehler 30 OD a strong training platform will be created in Germany, and with the formation of the team, Offshore Team Germany has occupied a central position on board for The Ocean Race 2021/22: Annie Lush, one of the most experienced female offshore sailors worldwide, has given her firm commitment to OTG.

Lush used the stage of the German Offshore Awards in Hamburg to promote more women in offshore sailing and to get involved in the German sailing sport: She is in agreement with the OTG team leadership: in 2021/22 she is to contest her third Ocean Race on board the "Einstein". "After participating twice in 2014/15 and 2017/18 I had closed the chapter for the time being and wanted to concentrate on my role as a mother. But with this team I'm happy to attack again. Great people have come together here and it's a great task to be able to help build up the team from scratch," said the 39-year-old.

For Annie Lush, the door to the Ocean Race opened quickly after the 2012 Games, with sponsor SCA from Sweden building an all-women team for the 2014/15 race. And Lush, Match Race World Champion of 2010, was part of the selected squad immediately after the trials.

Annie Lush has got the fire again for her own third participation in the Ocean Race and the first of Offshore Team Germany: "I am very excited to be part of the OTG. We are in a great situation: We have a boat, a team and time to prepare. We are ready to put Germany back on the map of the Ocean Race after 20 years!"

offshoreteamgermany.com

Round Martinique Regatta
Two days before the start of the competition, the weather forecast left the organisers little hope for the first round, the Round Raid, the grand tour of Martinique by the Atlantic coast. The wise decision to cancel this round was compensated by the setting up of two regattas in the bay of Fort de France before the departure for Le Marin by the leeward coast. Less exposed, the boats nevertheless had to face a strong wind and rough seas, but nothing compared to the 3-metre high waves on the other side of the island.

The twenty boats registered all had to battle it out upwind to reach the bay of the Marin. A nautical match of changes of tack that was followed by an evening on the beach of the Marin.

"The decision to cancel the grand tour was not an easy one to take, but good sense outweighed," said Paul Constantin, the race organiser. "We did not want to risk sending the crews out into difficult conditions, so we amended the Sailing Instructions to allow all the crews to sail together."

The following day, Saturday, the sailors enjoyed one of the finest days of the competition with the famous Round Rock. With two coastal regattas in the bay of Saint-Anne as a warm-up, the crews then set off under spinnaker in a force 5 to 6 wind towards Diamond Rock to finish with a tough upwind sail towards Fort de France and the marina of l'etang Z'abricot. Whitened by salt and sun-cream, the happily exhausted crews enjoyed post-racing drinks.

On Sunday, the last day of racing, the race committee decided to step-up the competition with six "banana" courses in the bay of Fort de France for the Surprise category. The Racing category followed a slightly longer coastal course. A breath-taking sight that was visible from the ground, to the delight of spectators and tourists. The last round was also an opportunity to discover the potential of Rodolphe Sepho's trimaran Diam 24, racing along at 25 knots in the bay.

Overall ranking of the Round Martinique Regatta 2020:

Miaw (Roberto Maxera) - Cruising
Sang Neuf (Jean-Francois Terrien) - Racing
La Morrigane (Tristan Marmousez) - Surprise
Reve De Large (Rodolphe Sepho) - Multihull

www.theroundmartinique.com/en/home.html

18ft Skiffs Australian Championship, Race 8
Click on image for photo gallery.

Sydney Harbour: The defending champion Shaw & Partners Financial Services team of James Dorron, Harry Bethwaite and Steve Thomas (replacing Tim Westwood on the day) led all the way against a strong fleet to score a clear victory in Race 8 of the Australian 18ft Skiff Championship on an incredibly busy Sydney Harbour today.

Shaw & Partners easily won the start and kept her chances alive to retain the title when the team scored a 1m13s win over a determined Finport Finance team (Keagan York, Angus Williams and Dan Phillips) which challenged for the entire length of the course.

Smeg (Micah Lane, Ricky Bridge, Peter Harris) was a further 3m44s further back in third place, followed by championship leader Tech2 (Jack Macartney), Rag & Famish Hotel (Bryce Edwards) and Appliancesonline.com.au (Brett Van Munster).

With two short-course races scheduled for next Sunday's final day of the Australian Championship, Tech2 (after each team discards her worst performance to date) leads the points table on 15 points, followed by Finport Finance and Shaw & Partners on 23, Smeg and Appliancesonline.com.au on 28 and The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines on 31.

Over the final lap of the course, spectators on the League's spectator ferry were treated to a close up look at the GP50 boats as they practiced for next week's event on Sydney Harbour.

The final two races of the Australian Championship will be sailed next Sunday. -- Frank Quealey, Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.

www.18footers.com

Selden Sailjuice Winter Series: Horsfield And Burridge Retain The Winter Crown
Click on image for photo gallery.

Simon Horsfield and Katie Burridge put together another consistent performance in their 2000 dinghy to become the first ever double winners in the 11-year history of the Selden SailJuice Winter Series.

The Series has become the de facto winter handicap championship of dinghy racing in the UK, and it caps off a stunning 12 months after Horsfield and Burridge won last year's winter season, followed by victory at the inaugural Grand Final of the Great British Sailing Challenge last September at Rutland Water, and now a repeat Sailjuice victory.

Although there were eight events scheduled this year, Storm Dennis put paid to the final event - the Oxford Blue - last weekend. There could have been some further shuffling of the leaderboard although Horsfield and Burridge's lead was already secure after a podium place at the phenomenally breezy Tiger Trophy at Rutland a few weeks ago.

Exactly 10 years ago, Peter Barton finished runner-up in the first ever edition of the series, then known as the Sailjuice Global Warm-up. On that occasion the Lymington was trapezing around the circuit in a Cherub doublehander. This time Barton took second place in an RS Aero 7, demonstrating his prowess in a range of dinghies. Last year's runner-up was Pete Gray at the helm of a National 18. Gray - overall winner of the SailJuice Winter Series in 2012 at the helm of a Scorpion - switched to a GP14 which was a popular choice among many big names in the dinghy scene. Sailing with Richard Pepperdine, Gray emerged once again with a great score from this ever-challenging Series.

Horsfield and Burridge, who competed in all seven events, will be the stars of the show at the Selden SailJuice Winter Series prizegiving, due to be held at the RYA Dinghy Show, Saturday 29 February, 1015am.

There are many other category winners in the many Series within the Series, so please come along and support them at the prizegiving.

www.sailjuiceseries.com

New ORR Class and New Team-Racing Trophies Announced for 2020 Newport to Ensenada Race
The Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) is pleased to announce a new class scored using the Offshore Racing Rule (ORR) and, in partnership with the Storm Trysail Club (STC), a new set of team-racing trophies for the 2020 Newport to Ensenada Race, which starts on April 24, 2020.

This is the first time in many years that a measurement-based rating system has been used for monohull entries in the 125-mile race; only PHRF scoring has been used for monohulls in the past. Establishing a class for boats using the ORR is intended to encourage high-level racers to enter what is the largest international yacht race in North America.

The new trophies offered by Storm Trysail Club in partnership with NOSA aim squarely at increasing the fun factor, which has always been important in the Newport to Ensenada Race.

An amendment to the Notice of Race has been published that states prizes will be awarded to the 3-boat team skippers who compile the best team score, as determined by using the total of each team member's percentage placement in its respective class. There is no limitation on the criteria to form a team: it may be composed of members of the same club, alumni from the same school, old shipmates now racing different boats, etc.—any social, recreational, geographic or cultural affiliation that three entries may have in common is acceptable.

There will be numerous classes of monohulls and multihulls racing in the 2020 N2E including PHRF, ORR, ORCA and an Unlimited class for first-to-finish contenders. Teams may be formed from any three-boat combination of entries from any of these classes provided no more than two are from the same start class. The list of start classes is available after the close of regular entry registration, on or about April 1st, but teams may be registered starting now.

Team entries are accepted up until one week prior to the start, with the deadline set at 1700 April 17th, 2020.

nosa.org/team-entry

www.offshoreracingrule.org

Entries open for 2020 Flying Fifteen Europeans at Morgat in Brest
The 2020 Flying Fifteen European Championship will be held in conjunction with the Flying Fifteen National Championship of France.

The event runs from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 May, 2020.

The regatta will be held within a larger multi-class regatta, the Grand Prix de l'Ecole Navale (GPEN) which is traditionally held at the Ascension weekend (Ascension Thursday being a holiday in France),

The GPEN is organised by the French Naval Officers School, based in the bay of Brest, at Lanveoc-Poulmic, in the south shore of the bay.

The 2019 Flying Fifteen Nationals were sailed on the same race course as the Open 5.70, the First 18 and the First 24 in Morgat Bay, with different starts for each class, while other classes raced in Roscanvel, Camaret and Lanveoc-Poulmic (4 racing locations altogether).

This season the 2020 Flying Fifteen Europeans and French Nationals expect 40 boats and GPEN plans to dedicate the Morgat Bay course just to the Flying Fifteen fleet and the Open 5.70 class.

Morgat Bay is an excellent racing area, and Crozon a wonderful holiday spot.

The scheduled format is for 3 days of racing (Thursday - Saturday), with 3 races a day.

www.gpen.fr

Featured Brokerage
2013 CNB Bordeaux 60. 765,000 EUR. Located in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.

Beautifully presented following a thorough programme of upgrades over the past 2 years including new Raymarine instruments and freshly painted (AwlGrip) hull in Blue. Skipper maintained from new to a very high standard with huge spec. EU VAT paid.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Matt Abbiss - Grabau International (London)
Tel: +44 (0)7973 301668
Email: matt [AT] grabauinternational [DOT] com

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GC32 Team France. 180,000 excl VAT EUR Located in

Experience the foiling revolution with this 30+ knot GC32 flying catamaran, ready to compete on the GC32 Racing Tour.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Christian Scherrer
email: christian [AT] gc32racing [DOT] com

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2001 Beneteau First 40.7- Philosophie IV. 89,950 GBP. Located in Hamble, UK.

Superbly maintained and analytically optimised, race winning Beneteau 40.7 now available.

Philosophie IV only had three outings last season, posting two bullets and a third in three of the RORC Channel Races: Myth of Malham, Cowes to Dinard & Morgan Cup. With a comprehensive inventory of equipment and sails, this boat will deliver some great results and a huge amount of enjoyment for the next team.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
FYS Europe: +447774 138777
info [AT] farryachtsales [DOT] com

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

The Last Word
Where knowledge is a duty, ignorance is a crime. -- Thomas Paine

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Light Air Combat - Start RORC Caribbean 600
• RS:X Windsurfing World Championships
• Some evolution: Baltic Yachts
• Evolution Sails Round North Island Race
• Another Challenging Day at Laser Radial Worlds
• Could Olympic sailing return to Weymouth in 2020?
• J/70 Midwinter Championship
• Worrell 1000: Back and better than ever
• Watch Gatorade compete in the Whitbread
• An AC75 Nosedive
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Reichel/Pugh 52 Custom - Cape Fling II
• • YYACHTS Y8
• • 85Ft Racing Sloop TAHIA
• The Last Word: Bertrand Russell

Light Air Combat - Start RORC Caribbean 600
Sparkling conditions prevailed for the start of the 12th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club.

The impressive 73-boat fleet gathered outside Antigua's English Harbour, relishing the prospect of racing 600nm in stunning conditions. A light south easterly breeze gave a gentle start to the race, but the fierce competition was exemplified by highly competitive starts right through the fleet. Lighter than usual conditions are forecast for the first 24-hours of the race, adding another level of strategy to the fascinating race around 11 Caribbean islands.

First to go was the combined IRC Three and IRC Two fleet of 26 boats. The second start was for IRC One and the Class40 division, featuring 23 teams. The IRC Zero start featuring 17 of the fastest monohulls in the race was highly aggressive. The Multihull start featured eight teams.

Fleet Tracking

caribbean600.rorc.org

RS:X Windsurfing World Championships
Sorrento, Victoria, Australia: The final practice race was held today for the 116 competitors for the RS:X Windsurfing World Championships at Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club (SSCBC) in Sorrento, Victoria, before the competition gets underway tomorrow.

Competitors representing 31 countries have made Sorrento their home over the past few weeks, welcomed with open arms by the SSCBC Members and the local community. The Club has provided competitors and officials with a temporary membership of SSCBC, enabling them to use the sailing and dining facilities in the lead up to and during the Regatta. This regatta marks the 35th National or Worlds competition hosted in Victoria this season.

The male competitors from the Netherlands are competing head to head for a spot on the Dutch team: Dorian Van Russelberghe and Kiran Badloe. Dorian is a dual Olympic gold medallist with significant experience at the top when it counts, but his younger training partner Kiran has been consistently getting stronger and more competitive and is currently the reigning World Champion. Kiran has been in NZ since November and arrived in Sorrento on 2 February to start his preparation for this event. We have two days of qualifying coming up to decide who will make the gold and silver fleet, so we will wait and see how this friendly rivalry will pan out this week. -- Icarus Sports

www.sscbc.com.au/news-features

www.rsxclass.org/worlds2020

Some evolution: Baltic Yachts
Telescopic keel, retractable propulsion, high-pressure hydraulics but just 88-tonne displacement for 112-feet of luxury performance... not only that, but Baltic Yachts' Liara may well be the quietest running superyacht launched to date

Those of us lucky enough to cross an ocean or race offshore for any length of time will have an innate sense of appreciation and wonder at the beauty and power of the sea - it's this very primal urge within us that binds us all together as sailors. And yet, as we know, some of the most important features of the sea and its ecosystems are under threat from human interference - most likely for the first time in the planet's history. Consequences now include measurable effects and influence on not just our aesthetic values as sailors but also the lives and well-being of those who depend on being on and around the sea.

Evolution and not revolution sounds less interesting perhaps than foil- driven hyperdrive super-eco, but when the level of refinement and development into what is a challenging genre of yacht reaches new heights, then it becomes very interesting indeed.

Full story in the March issue of Seahorse

Evolution Sails Round North Island Race
The first leg of the Evolution Sails Round North Island Race started in Auckland on Saturday (22.2) with a 154NM dash to Mangonui at the top of the North Island. In the lead up to the race, the heavens opened, and a solid downpour soaked the fleet in the hour before the start. By 2 pm the rain had stopped, and our fleet were off, an impressive sight to see as 38 yachts powered across the start line and headed north.

Wired, Kia Kaha and Miss Scarlett quickly demonstrated the benefits of waterline length as they quickly pulled ahead of the fleet for a close dual up the country, while further back in the fleet a close battle was playing out between Anarchy, Blink and Mr Kite for podium positions on handicap in division one.

In Division Three's battle of the Elliot 1050 an interesting first leg has played out. Kick, skippered by Brendan Sands and Richard Sands, had an exceptional start and pulled well ahead of the pack early in the race. For Gale Force, Skipper Ken Ormandy described the start as "the worst start in our twohanded sailing career" as they were rolled by the bigger boats at the start, leaving them wallowing in bad air as the rest of the fleet sailed away from them. This has left Ormandy and Co-Skipper Sam Tucker to push Gale Force hard to get back to the front of the pack. Our all-woman crew of Victoria Murdoch and Emily Riley, onboard High Voltage, struck problems just south of Cape Brett suffering rudder damage and the suspension of their race. The race is not over for these determined skippers with the boat being lifted at Opua, inspected, repair work undertaken and is now back in the water, with shore crew delivering her to Mangonui in time for the leg two start.

With all the fleet now finished here in Manganoui our thoughts turn to leg 2 - the 550nm from Manganoui to Wellington, and the longest leg of the race. With the official start time now set for 12:00 noon today - 24th February and a southerly breeze expected, the fleet should have a good send on the first stretch toward the top of the North Island before turning the corner and being on the breeze for the start of the long stretch down the west coast of the North Island.

Race Tracker

www.ssanz.co.nz/round-north-island-2020/

Another Challenging Day at Laser Radial Worlds
Sandringham, VIC, Australia: Light and variable winds again at the 2020 ILCA Laser Radial World Championship being sailed out of Sandringham Yacht Club in Melbourne. Again, only one race was possible. The day started strong, with an on-time start and a steady eight knots from the south. Towards the end of that first race, the wind diminished then drifted between south-west and south-east, rarely rising above 5 knots in strength.

Maud Jayet of Switzerland handled the conditions best, adding a win in Blue Fleet to yesterday's second placing. She leads defending champion Anne-Marie Rindom (DEN), who had a third place today, by one point.

The Yellow Fleet winner today was Tuula Tenkanen of Finland, but she sits in 37th overall after a forgettable opening race yesterday. Current Olympic champion, Marit Bouwmeester (NED) has been most consistent, with two third places which leave her in third overall.

Another consistent performance has come from Greek champion Vasileaia Karachaliou who has recorded a second and a sixth, which she says is in stark contrast to her opening races at last year's Worlds.

The light conditions are making it tough for those sailors still trying to win a place on their national team for the Tokyo Olympics. Australia, New Zealand and the USA, for example, have all their sailors out of the top 10.

Fifteen-year-old Mina Ferguson is the surprise leader of the Australian contingent, sitting in 14th place after a seventh yesterday and a 16th today. She leads the two main contenders for an Australian nomination, Zoe Thomson, who is 15th and Mara Stransky who is 19th.

Provisional Results - Day 2

Laser Radial Women's Worlds
1. Maud Jayet, SUI, 3
2. Anne-Marie Rindom, DEN, 4
3. Marit Bouwmeester, NED, 6
4. Vasileia Karachaliou, GRE, 8
5. Manami Doi, JPN, 10
6. Emma Plasschaert, BEL, 11
7. Marie Bolou, FRA, 12
8. Mirthe Akkerman, NED, 13
9. Sarah Douglas, CAN, 13
10. Louise Cervera, FRA, 18

Laser Radial Men's Worlds
1. Daniil Krutskikh, RUS, 2
2. Michael Compton, AUS, 5
3. Nik Pletikos, SLO, 17
4. Jordan Makin, AUS, 18
5. Daniel Costandi, AUS, 20
6. Rhett Gowans, AUS, 21
7. Caleb Armit, NZL, 23
8. Brody Riley, AUS, 26
9. Zac West, AUS 4, 27
10. Zac Littlewood, AUS, 30

2020-radial-women.laser-worlds.com

Could Olympic sailing return to Weymouth in 2020?
It is seriously being considered at highest levels within the IOC to move the 2020 Games from Tokyo to London given the continuing concerns over the coronavirus, or COVID-19 as the World Health Organization has now designated it, according to Sailing Illustrated. A prominent Japanese virologist has said that the Olympics could not be held in Tokyo in the current coronavirus climate.

ESPN is also reporting that a leading London Mayoral candidate claimed that London can be ready to host the 2020 Olympics if they have to be moved from Tokyo.

Meanwhile, the Tokyo Olympic organisers reiterated their statement of 13 February that the coronavirus will not stop the 2020 Games from being held in Tokyo.

This could mean Olympic sailing returning to Weymouth this year, should the Games not be able to be held in Tokyo, according to Sailing Illustrated. Another a possibility for the sailing events is Long Beach, California where the 1984 Olympic Yachting Regatta (as it was then called) was held, and is potentially going to be held again in 2028.

www.marineindustrynews.co.uk/

Article referenced from Sailing Ilustrated

J/70 Midwinter Championship
Miami, FL, USA: John and Molly Baxter's Team Vineyard Vines, along with crew Allan Terhune and Ben Lamb, bested 53 fellow J/70s to earn the title of 2020 J/70 Midwinter Champions. Biscayne Bay delivered its third consecutive day of epic conditions, as winds averaged 15-17 knots with blue skies. Three more races were completed for a total of eight, as Team Vineyard Vines won two of three on Sunday.

Team Vineyard Vines is based out of Long Island Sound, and they have recently excelled in heavier air, including placing fourth at the breezy 2019 North American Championship in Cleveland, OH (the last J/70 event they had raced).

Besides the USA, seven other nations competed, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Great Britain, Mexico and Turkey.

Top Five Overall:
1. Team Vineyard Vines, John Baxter, USA, 27
2. Catapult, Joel Ronning, USA, 29
3. Surge, Ryan McKillen, USA, 37
4. Zaguero, Ignacio Perez, MEX, 48
5. Empeiria, John Heaton, USA, 51

Full results on YachtScoring.com

Worrell 1000: Back and better than ever
They said it couldn't happen. They said that the Worrell 1000 Race would never again be the revered event it once was. How could it be, after 20 editions from 1976 to 2002, reveling in the heydays of careless adventure?

But that sentiment didn't sit with a stubborn group of former Worrell Competitors, Race Officials and a few "fans" who plotted a comeback for 2019, and even as the start date loomed and the naysayers speculated it wouldn't be run with just three boats registered - it happened anyway, and what a hell of a time it was!

The Organizing Authority knew that if they could just make that first race a reality, the event would catch fire again. And at the awards ceremony after the final leg in Virginia Beach, the official announcement was made - The Worrell would return in two years.

Now, with a little over a year until the 2021 event, the registration list is approaching the entry cap of 15 teams with nations from around the globe represented.

www.sailingscuttlebutt.com

The Worrell 1000 Race is an offshore long-distance beach catamaran sailboat race to be held in May 2021 in the Atlantic waters between Florida and Virginia Beach, VA. The race will cover approximately 1000 miles with overnight stops at multiple locations along the East Coast of the United States. The Organizing Authority (OA) for the 2021 Worrell 1000 Race will be "Worrell 1000 Race Reunion Race, Inc.", a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, (dba "Worrell 1000 Race").

worrell1000race.com

Thirty years on, watch Gatorade compete in the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Race
What a difference 30 years makes! Take a look at life on board the Italian entry Gatorade during the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Race.

The 1989-90 Whitbread was won by Sir Peter Blake on Steinlager, who swept the race, with victories on all six legs.

Gatorade, competing in the Maxi class, would finish in eighth place, under skipper Giorgio Falck.

30 years ago today, on 22 February 1990, Gatorade would round the famed Cape Horn, a moment captured in the film.

And while many things about the race have changed over the past 30 years, the challenges the sailors faced as they raced around the world would be instantly recognisable to today's competitors in The Ocean Race.

(And watch for an appearance by current Race Chairman of The Ocean Race, Richard Brisius, who was a sailor on Gatorade in the 1989-90 race).

https://www.theoceanrace.com/en/news/12392_Thirty-years-on-watch-Gatorade-compete-in-the-1989-90-Whitbread-Round-the-World-Race.html

An AC75 Nosedive
New York Yacht Club's America's Cup team, American Magic have released a video of their test boat doing a spectacular nosedive while sailing off the team's base in Newport.

The team is now in Pensacola, Florida their training base during the northern hemisphere winter.

They have taken their AC75 Defiant to Pensacola.

The video is shot from one of the team's drones flying above and astern, whether the nosedive was intentional (to get test/simulator data) or accidental is not clear.

While splashdowns (where the bow enters the water with a spectacular splash) are commonplace on the larger AC75's, only one boat (and maybe two) have capsized, most of the foiling mishaps have occurred on the test boats. American Magic's test boat, named "The Mule" is designed (apart from the 38ft production M38 hull) to be as close to an AC75 as possible.

The reason for this nosedive is two-fold. First, the boat is flying very high on her foils, and second, the rudder wing breaks free of the water about midway through the low-resolution clip, and at that point the nosedive becomes inevitable. The "phenomenon" is common to all boats that have similar foiling physics such as the AC50, F50, AC72 and AC75. In the AC50 it was reckoned that a rudder wing contributed 500kg of downforce when immersed in the water, and if it breaks clear of the water then that 500kg of downforce is suddenly released triggering the nosedive.

It is not known if The Mule was flying under manual or automatic flight height control at the time.

www.sail-world.com

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The Last Word
One is often told that it is a very wrong thing to attack religion, because religion makes men virtuous. So I am told; I have not noticed it. -- Bertrand Russell

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Caribbean 600: The north south divide
• Call for Bids - 49er and 49erFX Sails
• Upscale Evolution - Elan Yachts
• Laser Radial World Championship
• Inaugural TF35 Trophy: Eight teams confirmed
• Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar Documentary
• 12 Foot Skiff Interdominions
• Invisible Hand Pac 52
• Global interest in 2021 Youth America's Cup
• Glamour opening day at RS:X Worlds
• Featured Charter: Emily of Cowes (ex Hurricane)
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Gunboat 62 TRIBE
• • Swan 77-010 Mascalzone Latino
• • Excess 12 - NEW BOAT
• The Last Word: Leo Tolstoy

Caribbean 600: The north south divide
By dusk on the second day of the RORC Caribbean 600, the entire monohull fleet in the race were at the northern most extremity of the course negotiating the chicane of islands; Saba, St. Barths, and St. Maarten. Tilmar Hansen's TP52 Outsider (GER) is estimated to be leading IRC Zero and the race overall for the RORC Caribbean Trophy. Eric de Turckheim's NMD54 Teasing Machine (FRA) is estimated to be second. In third is one of the smallest boats in the race, Yoyo Gerssen's Ohlson 35 Cabbyl Vane (NED).

In IRC One, Giles Redpath's Lombard 46 Pata Negra is top of the rankings. Global Yacht Racing's First 47.7 EH01, skippered by Andy Middleton is estimated to be the leader of IRC Two after IRC correction. In IRC Two Handed, Richard Palmer's JPK 10.10 Jangada (GBR), racing with Jeremy Waitt, has the top position. In the Class40 Division BHB, sailed by Arthur Hubert (FRA), has a 15-mile lead.

Multihull Line Honours is expected to be decided tomorrow, Wednesday 26th February. The three leaders are together in the lee of Guadeloupe. Peter Cunningham's PowerPlay (CAY) led the charge into the wind shadow west of Guadeloupe, with Jason Carroll's Argo (USA) less than a mile astern. Giovanni Soldini's Maserati Multi70 (ITA) was some 20 miles behind but has now joined Argo and PowerPlay in the 'Guadeloupe Casino'. The three teams will be getting ready to let rip after La Desirade for the last 200 miles of the course. -- Louay Habib

Race Tracker

caribbean600.rorc.org

Call for Bids - 49er and 49erFX Sails
The 49er class invites expressions of interest to design and build 49er and/or 49erFX sails for the 2021-2024 quadrennial.

The 49er class welcomes world leading sail designers and manufacturers to bid on becoming our class sailmaker(s). The selected sailmaker(s) will have the opportunity to build sails for at least the four year period leading to the Paris Olympics, with the possibility to extend for further quadrennials.

The current 49er sails have been used since 2009 while the 49erFX sails have been used since 2012. The 49er class has had 3 different designs of sails over the years, while the 49erFX is coming off the original set of sails.

The class is seeking improve consistency and longevity of the sails, to keep the costs of campaigning as manageable as possible.

Each of the two rigs, 49er and 49erFX, has been updated for 2021 already, with CST being the new mast maker for the classes. The new masts are of the same geometry and bend characteristics as the previous generation of masts. The existing class masts are expected to remain class legal for the foreseeable future.

We invite all interested parties to get the full technical requirements via email. Expressions of interest are due by March 28th, 2020.

Upscale Evolution - Elan Yachts
Elan’s new flagship is the first sailing yacht styled by Studio F. A. Porsche

Have you ever wondered what a sailing yacht designed by Studio F. A. Porsche might look like? The answer is revealed in the pictures on these pages. The famous design studio founded by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche – the man who drew the curves of the iconic Porsche 911 – has just designed its first-ever sailing yacht, working alongside Humphreys Yacht Design to give Elan’s new flagship model, the GT6, a unique combination of performance, comfort and style.

On deck Commissioned by Elan to bring its signature design values to the world of offshore sailing, Studio F. A. Porsche has produced a strikingly modern yet also classic design for the deck, cockpit and interior of the Elan GT6 that is guaranteed to turn heads in any harbour. A true grand tourer in all respects, the 49ft (15m) GT6 is optimised for fast, medium- range short-handed cruising. A natural evolution from Elan’s widely acclaimed GT5, the new GT6 is a big step up in onboard luxury from Elan’s previous models but it preserves the brand’s sporty DNA.

Full story in the March issue of Seahorse

Rindom overcomes thunder storms and lightning to lead Laser Radial World Championship
Melbourne Australia: The weather played havoc again at the ILCA Laser Radial World Championships in Melbourne today. Two attempts were made to get Yellow Fleet started shortly after 2pm but a series of rolling thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning, forced the sailors to hurry back to the Sandringham Yacht Club before the course became dangerous.

There was a long wait onshore, but with the regatta already two races behind owing to light winds on the opening days, the AP flag came down at 5pm and the sailors rushed to their boats.

Now the problem was not lack of wind. A strong southerly had filled in behind the thunderstorms and was blowing a solid 22 knots. Yellow Fleet was put into sequence at 5.55pm and got a clear start at 6pm, to accompanying cheers from the committee boat. Blue fleet followed five minutes later, again to a cry of "all clear", and finally the men's fleet was also under way.

The racing was wild and furious, with big waves building and the wind staying above 20 knots. As they came ashore, the sailors looked cold and very tired.

It was a day when experience was likely to come to the fore, and so it proved. The Yellow Fleet race was won by Rio Olympic silver medallist Annaliese Murphy (IRE)

Rio Olympic Champion Marit Bouwmeester won Blue fleet, ahead of defending World Champion Anne-Marie Rindom (DEN) who moves to the top of the leaderboard, one point ahead of Bouwmeester, as a result.

Provisional Top 10
Women
1. Anne-Marie Rindom, Den, 6
2. Marit Bouwmeester, Ned, 7
3. Maud Jayet, Sui, 9
4. Emma Plasschaert, Bel, 14
5. Manami Doi, Jpn, 17
6. Sarah Douglas, Can, 21
7. Vasileia Karachaliou, Gre, 22
8. Line Flem Høst, Nor, 26
9. Agata Barwinska, Pol, 26
10. Pernelle Michon, Fra, 27

Men
1. Daniil Krutskikh, Rus, 2
2. Michael Compton, Aus, 5
3. Nik Pletikos, Slo, 17
4. Jordan Makin, Aus, 18
5. Daniel Costandi, Aus, 20
6. Rhett Gowans, Aus, 21
7. Caleb Armit, Nzl, 23
8. Brody Riley, Aus, 26
9. Zac West, Aus, 27
10. Zac Littlewood, Aus, 30

Full results

Inaugural TF35 Trophy: Eight teams confirmed
Click on image to enlarge.

Eight teams will compete in the first ever TF35 Trophy, with four Swiss crews transitioning over from the D35 and four new crews set to join the fray.

With the debut season planned to kick-off in May, Ernesto Bertarelli's Alinghi, Esteban Garcia's Realteam, Guy de Picciotto's Zen Too and Bertrand Demole's Ylliam XII - Comptoir Immobilier will switch to the newly developed TF35 from where the longstanding D35 left off. The TF35 has also caught the attention of the wider professional racing community with Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard's Spindrift racing, Erik Maris' Zoulou, Frederic Jousset's Team ARTEXPLORA and a confirmed eighth boat, to be announced next month, joining the fleet.

The innovative new design aims to offer top-level foiling to a broader audience of sailors, as Ernesto Bertarelli explains: "Thanks to the concept of T-Foils with an assisted flight control system, we should be able to foil downwind from 6-7 knots true wind speed and from 9 knots upwind. This is fascinating! Not many boats can achieve this today and this will deliver a new and exciting racing game.

"The flight control system will also allow owner-drivers to face professional teams on these cutting-edge foiling boats on the water, with the continuity of the friendly owner-class atmosphere from the D35 Trophy on shore."

Twenty-one months in development at the hands of a pioneering design team consisting of Gonzalo Redondo, Dirk Kramers, Luc Dubois, Marc Menec, Adam May and Jean-Marie Fragniere, the successful launch and trial of Boat Zero on Lake Geneva in September 2019, has now seen seven additional TF35s go into production.

The teams will now go through their full crew selection process before the start of the season. The 2020 event calendar will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information on the TF35 Trophy, visit www.TF35.org

2020 TF35 Trophy entry list:

Alinghi (SUI 100)
Owner: Ernesto Bertarelli (SUI)
Tactician: Nicolas Charbonnier (FRA)

Realteam (SUI 7)
Owner / Helm: Estaban Garcia (SUI) / Jerôme Clerc (SUI)
Tactician : Sebastien Col (FRA) / Denis Girardet (SUI)

Spindrift racing (SUI 10)
Owners: Dona Bertarelli (SUI) / Yann Guichard (FRA)
Tactician: Xavier Revil (FRA)

Team ARTEXPLORA (FRA 009)
Owner: Frederic Jousset (FRA)
Tactician: Fabien Henry (FRA)

Ylliam XII - Comptoir Immobilier (SUI XII)
Owner: Bertrand Demole (SUI)
Tactician: Erwan Israel (FRA)

Zen Too (SUI 4)
Owner / Helm: Guy de Picciotto (SUI) / Frederic le Peutrec (FRA)
Tactician: Tanguy Cariou (FRA)

Zoulou (FRA 007)
Owner: Erik Maris (FRA)
Tactician: Thomas le Breton (FRA)

The eighth TF35 team is to be announced next month.

For the full crew lists visit www.TF35.org/teams

Documentary Celebrates 50 Years Of The Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar
Featuring exclusive interviews, insightful commentary and historical footage, the new documentary The Race of Our Sailors is a virtual journey of the history of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar. The annual regatta is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious competitions on the international sailing calendar and features European, World and Olympic champions from around the world. The documentary is now available on the Olympic Channel global media platform at http://olympicchannel.com and its mobile apps.

Produced on the occasion of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar's 50th anniversary in 2019, The Race of Our Sailors includes relevant anecdotes recalled by the overall winners from each decade.

Renowned Olympic sailors such as Ben Ainslie, Santiago Lange, Paul Richard Hoj-Jensen, sisters Begoña and Natalia Via-Dufresne and Jordi Calafat share their personal experiences of the regatta and their thoughts of the event's importance within the international sailing community.

The film also features several key figures behind the event organisers, including Jaime Carbonell, Ferran Muniesa and Maria Antonia Ferrer, who recount the development and popularity of the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Iberostar regatta, as well as highlights the patronage of the Spanish royal family and the race's impact on Olympic sailing.

12 Foot Skiff Interdominions
The 60th edition of the 12ft Skiff Interdominion Championships is underway on Wellington Harbour, hosted by the Worser Bay Yacht Club. OK, 60 years this event been going on - let that sink in a bit!

In 2005, Nicholas Press won his first interdominion trophy, as a skipper. Sailing with Brad Yabsley out of Sydney's Flying Squadron. He has then gone on to engrave his name on the Silasec Trophy as overall winner an impressive eight times. Can the 60th anniversary of the event be his ninth? Or can Brett Hobson and Cameron McDonald hold firm to reclaim the title after winning it 11 years ago in Brisbane sailing on Garde?

The racing is tight, and the fleet is well mixed up. Some absolute blinders are coming out, with Jono Clough and Hamish Hall-Smith taking a line win in heat 5, after returning to the line at the start thinking they were OCS - they weren't... yet they won. Putting them 4th overall.

The 60th kicked off on Sunday 23rd of Feb, in Wellington. Hosted by Worser Bay Boating Club, who have just opened their stunning newly built clubrooms. The breeze was a typical Wellington blustery Southerly, with the invitation race seeing the spectacular speeds and boat handling that only a 12ft skiff can demonstrate.

Top five after five races:
1. Nicholas Press / Andrew Hay, AUS, 10 points
2. Brett Hobson / Cameropn McDonald, AUS, 16
3. Ginge Vallikngs / Sam Richardson, NZL, 20
4. Jono Clough / Hamish Hall-Smith, NZL, 23
5. Eli Leifting / Matt Metson, NZL, 27

Results

www.sail-world.com

www.wbbc.org.nz

Invisible Hand: This Pac 52 racer sees the TP52 class return to its offshore roots
Photo by Erik Simonson. Click on image to enlarge.

Invisible Hand one of a new generation of 52-footers that represents a return to the offshore roots of the TP52 class, and a resurgence of level-rating grand prix racing on the west coast of the US. Erik Simonson reports

The original Transpac 52 Class (TP52) left an indelible mark on US west coast sailing, but the few that were left racing in California represented a wide range of vintages and race only under handicap. The launch of the Pac 52, a new offshore-specified 52ft class, in 2017 was an attempt to recapture some of that TP spirit and get level rating grand prix racing started up again in California.

The TP52 story began in 2000, when a contingent of Californian sailors sought a new racing class, something smaller than the 70ft sleds that had been surfing their way to victory in the 2,225-mile LA-Honolulu Transpac Race for the previous two decades. They were after a planing design of about 50ft that was simple to sail, could handle round-the-cans races and scoot across the Pacific in a hurry.

The Transpac Yacht Club, which organises the biennial race, proposed a new class to a few local naval architects, including teams from Alan Andrews Yacht Design, Nelson Marek and Reichel/Pugh. The club settled on a 52ft box rule concept, and enlisted designer Bill Lee to help form the rule. Their aim was to have new boats on the start line of the 2001 Transpac Race: the TP52 was launched.

For the following five years there was glory aplenty for west coast TP52s both inshore and offshore, including trans-Pacific races. But the TPs evolved rapidly, adopting square-topped mains and bowsprits. The first generation boats aged quickly as the costs of remaining competitive spiralled, and with no formal organisation or class association, west coast orders slowed.

Enter the 'core of four': American owners Manouch Moshayedi, Victor Wild, Frank Slootman and Tom Holthus. These founding members banded together to form the Pac 52 Class Association, primarily to bring grand prix level rating racing back to the west coast of the USA. Although each owner comes from a slightly different yacht racing background, they all wanted to eliminate the handicap element in the new class.

A version of this article was first published in the September 2017 edition of Yachting World.

www.yachtingworld.com

Global interest in 2021 Youth America's Cup
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has had significant interest from yacht clubs all over the globe entering teams into the revamped 2021 Youth America's Cup.

With the initial entry period closing Saturday 29th February, the RNZYS can confirm that ten teams have already officially entered the event and it is shaping up to be a melting pot of global youth sailing talent. Since the event was announced, there have been over forty high quality expressions of interest received. Many of these clubs or teams are still in the process of getting their entry completed so the event is looking to be fully subscribed as planned.

Whilst entries remain open past this initial entry period, those entering 1 March - 30 September 2020 will incur a late entry fee. Teams receive preferences to training periods pending the order in which the entries were received so the earlier the entry the better.2021 Youth America's Cup

Teams that have entered so far span from countries all over the world, with confirmed entries from; New Zealand, China, Australia, Italy, Hong Kong, Switzerland(2), Russia, Argentina and the Netherlands.

livesaildie.com

Glamour opening day at RS:X Worlds
Sorrento, Australia served up a perfect opening day for the 116 sailors competing in the 2020 RS:X World Championships. Whilst there was a slight postponement to the published schedule, the wind soon filled in and once the fleets arrived at the race course on Port Philip Bay, there was an idyllic 15 knots blowing in from the south creating a fast, flat and sunny race track to blast around.

Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club are the hosts for this year's World Championships and the experience of their volunteers and race management teams shone through today. They perfectly called the southerly shift in the wind and got the timing spot on to launch the fleet leading to the best possible start to the event.

The two fleet of men's racers were up first with the 70 men sailors split evenly between blue and yellow fleet racing. This meant that the Dutch duo of reigning Olympic champion Dorian Van Rijsselberghe and reigning World champion Kiran Badloe would not race against each other on the opening day, both having an opportunity to boss the differing fleets that they were in.

In the battle for the Oceania Olympic spot, it is New Zealand's Antonio Cozzolino who has just edged in front of Australia's Grae Morris. Whilst these two sailors sit a little lower down the rankings, the urgency to beat the other will remain all week and through to the final leg of the final race on Saturday.

The women's fleet followed the men and also notched up their scheduled three races onto the scoreboard. At the end of the day it is Poland's Maja Dziarnowska who was the most consistent in scoring 2, 5, 4 and she holds a comfortable 6 point lead over Emma Wilson from Great Britain in second place overall. The 2018 World Champion from the Netherlands, Lilian de Geus, sits in third place overall and took the win in the final race of the day. De Geus narrowly missed out on a medal at last year's event and will be looking to rectify that at this event before she heads to Tokyo. -- Icarus Sports

www.sscbc.com.au/news-features

www.rsxclass.org/worlds2020

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The Last Word
Seize the moments of happiness, love and be loved! That is the only reality in the world, all else is folly. -- Leo Tolstoy

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Multihull Line Honours Victory: PowerPlay win with last throw of the dice
• Seahorse Sailor Of The Month
• Russell Coutts: "I Would Expect The F50 Will Do 53-54 Knots"
• 2020 52 Super Series
• Entries booming for Hamilton Island Race Week 2020
• Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Invitational Regatta
• Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta
• Industry News -- The RYA Dinghy Show
• Featured Brokerage:
• • SW100RS Cape Arrow
• • Farr 40
• • Vismara V56 Mills
• The Last Word: Douglas Adams

Multihull Line Honours Victory: PowerPlay win with last throw of the dice
Photo by RORC/Caribbean 600. Click on image for photo gallery.

Peter Cunningham's MOD70 PowerPlay (CAY), skippered by Ned Collier-Wakefield has taken Multihull Line Honours in the 2020 RORC Caribbean 600 just four minutes ahead of Jason Carroll's MOD70 Argo (USA). Giovanni Soldini's Maserati Multi70 (ITA) was third.

A nail-biting finish rounded off an epic light airs tactical battle between three of the world's fastest ocean-going multihulls. During the 600-mile race, the lead changed at least seven times. Maserati fought tooth and nail, but their T-Foil rudders were more of a hindrance than an enhancement in the unusually light conditions. Despite the disadvantage, Maserati came back time and time again to challenge for the lead. PowerPlay and Argo had a full-on 46-hour match race from start to finish and it all came down to the final leg from Redonda to Antigua.

Giovanni Soldini's Maserati Multi70 set the race record last year (30 hours 49 mins). This year's light air race keeps that record safe, but Maserati's fully foiling design was a handicap this year.

"Our record is safe for another year, but the conditions were too light for us this time. We have a speed problem against the other boats in under 13 knots," commented Giovanni Soldini. "It was a very good race with three boats fighting a lot. Even though we were slower, we were able to catch them three times. We did well at Guadeloupe going very close to the land, they came to cover us and we were all near the beach, but we kept the inside lane, then the wind died for 20 minutes. We then went south of Marie-Galante because we had to try something different, but the easterly lift did not come for one hour."

Seventy teams are still racing in the RORC Caribbean 600, stay up to date as the drama unfolds.

Rankings and boat positions are available on the YB Tracker page Follow all the action online: caribbean600.rorc.org/

Track the fleet: caribbean600.rorc.org/Race-Information/Tracking/

2020 RC600 Finishes - Weds 26th Feb - AST, Antigua:

1. Powerplay
Crew:
Paul Allen
Jackson Bouttell
Ned Collier-Wakefield
Peter Cunningham
Simon 'Sci-Fi' Fisher
Matt Noble
Charlie Ogletree
Loick Peyron

2. Argo
Crew:
Franck Cammas
Jason Carroll
Charles Corning
Thierry Fouchier
Artie Means
Alister Richardson

3. Maserati
Crew:
Guido Broggi
Ronan Cointo
Carlos Hernandez
Oliver Herrera Perez
Nico Malingri
Matteo Soldini
Giovanni Soldini

Seahorse Sailor Of The Month
This month's nominees:

Christian Charalambous (AUS)
First off, give the photographer a break here; he was in a cold liferaft 20nm from the Australian coast after surviving the capsize of a 40-foot yacht in pitch darkness in 30-40kts of wind. That they had a liferaft to get into was primarily due to Charalambous's courage in taking off his lifejacket after swimming out from under the upside-down yacht, then swimming back into it again to recover the liferaft stuck down below

Luca Rizzotti (ITA)
Multi-talented doesn't come close. A manager at Persico by day, the high-energy Rizzotti started the original Foiling Week on the shores of Lake Garda in 2014 as an informal gathering of sailors to meet up, sail and talk whacky ideas. Foiling Week 2020 is a global driver of foiling, safety, sustainability, gender, age, experience, and ability, along with a wide ranging education, research and development programme

Last Month's winner:
Josh Junior (NZL)
'This kiwi selection fight for Tokyo between Josh, Andy Moloney and Jake Lilley has been something else!' - Scott Dickson; 'We always knew Josh's turn in the sun was coming' - Heidi Marstrøm; 'Go go Josh!' - Gemma Jones; 'The boy just gets better every time he goes afloat' - Pat Healey; 'Good luck from here mate' - Murray Jones; 'That was one hell of a hard one to win' - Robert Deaves; 'We're all proud of you, mate' - Harry Dodson.

View past winners of Sailor of the Month

Seahorse Sailor of the Month is sponsored by Musto, Harken McLube & Dubarry. Who needs silverware, our prizes are usable!

Cast your vote, submit comments, even suggest a candidate for next month at seahorsemagazine.com/sailor-of-the-month/vote-for-sailor-of-the-month

Russell Coutts: "I Would Expect The F50 Will Do 53-54 Knots"
All eyes will be on Sydney at the end of next week where Season 2 of SailGP kicks off with seven teams, two new. Tip & Shaft caught up with Russell Coutts, soon aged 58, CEO of Sail GP and four times winner of the America's Cup.

Russell, two new teams coming into the mix for Season 2, and do you think the performance gaps we saw last season will be compressed?
The two new teams, Denmark and Spain we really are excited about. The Spanish are going through a bit of a purple patch with their Olympic sailing right now and they probably have a chance of medalling in the 49er class and so their team is mainly their Olympic sailors who are already proving to be pretty useful in practice. The Danes are also going well. They are both definitely going to boost the competition. I think the Australians are looking really strong in practice but I think the other teams are closing the gap. Getting access to all of the data (after last season) is the key. The teams got access to all of the data, so for example they can see how other teams trim their wing sails and how much movement other teams are using in their foils, what rudder differentials they have got.

You have Sir Ben's INEOS team coming in, can they be challengers off the boat?
They are going to be strong. They have selected a team of sailors that are obviously really experienced in these boats. Whether they beat the Australians in these early events remains to be seen. Having Iain Jensen on the wing and Luke Parkinson on flight control is a massive benefit for them. The British have had a lot of time in the simulator and they should have enough time to get sailing these boats well. In the case of Ben he has a sailing team of course which raced right through last season including his grinders and they will be a strong team.

INEOS are self funding?
Yes, they have their sponsors on their boat already. So there are two teams from the seven (Brits and Danes) which are now self funded which is a good step forwards.

Originally we understood the teams had to be self funding within five years, now that period of support is reported to have been foreshortened. When do the other teams have to be self funding?
Well in actual fact we have not changed our business model. We still have funding but clearly there is an expectation and desire that there is progress made commercially and so we review this position yearly. And if enough progress has not been made then there are other teams that want to come on. We are likely to have announcements on that in the near future. An option is to continue or to replace one of the exiting teams with a new team. The teams have to be commercially sustainable.

Full interview

2020 52 Super Series
Cape Town, South Africa: As the ninth successive year of racing on the 52 SUPER SERIES opens Monday, racers on the world's leading grand prix monohull circuit are relishing a whole new set of challenges as two regattas on Cape Town's Table Bay raise the curtain on what promises to be a most exciting and close-fought six-event season.

The first ever visit to Cape Town by the circuit, and indeed the class, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will test the ten different teams from eight nations that are set to compete on inshore racing waters relatively unknown to the majority of crews.

While there are high hopes that the Cape Doctor - the world famous strong, dry south easterly wind - will pay a prolonged visit to the Odzala Discovery Camps 52 SUPER SERIES V&A Waterfront - Cape Town regatta; and although most crews have optimised for middle to upper wind speeds, the truth is that anything could happen at this first regatta of the season.

Just as Illbruck laid the foundations of an overall victory in the 2001-2 Volvo Ocean Race with their leg win into Cape Town 18 years ago, Halcrow and the Platoon team will be hoping regatta wins in Cape Town will be the foundation for finally topping the 52 SUPER SERIES season championship points table.

That the Cape Town events are being run is in no small way thanks to the support of the Plattner family who are based there, home port to their Team Phoenix. Both Phoenix 11 and 12 fly the South African flag and will carry high hopes of a home victory.

2020 Entries

Alegre - Andy Soriano (USA/GBR), 2018 Botin
Azzurra - Roemmers Family (ARG/ITA), 2018 Botin
Bronenosec - Vladimir Liubomirov (RUS), 2019 Botin
Gladiator - Tony Langley (GBR), 2017 Botin
Paprec Recyclage - Jean-Luc Petithuguenin (FRA), 2015 Judel/Vrolijk
Phoenix 11 - Hasso/Tina Plattner (RSA), 2018 Botin
Phoenix 12 - Hasso/Tina Plattner (RSA), 2014 Botin
Platoon - Harm Muller-Spreer (GER), 2018 Judel/Vrolijk
Provezza - Ergin Imre (TUR), 2018 Judel/Vrolijk
Quantum Racing - Doug DeVos (USA), 2018 Botin
Sled - Takashi Okura (USA), 2018 Botin
Team Vision Future - Jean Jacques Chaubard (FRA), 2015 Botin

52superseries.com

Entries booming for Hamilton Island Race Week 2020
An unprecedented surge of early interest in Australia's premier offshore regatta, Hamilton Island Race Week from August 15-22, sees the fleet growing at a rate faster than any other time in the event's 37-year history.

Staged over eight days on the tropical, island-laced waters of Queensland's Whitsundays area, Race Week's appeal is due to the fact that it delivers the ideal balance between exceptional tradewind sailing, a second-to-none social program, and unrivalled onshore camaraderie that bonds competitors, their families and friends.

Race Week had 233 entries last year and the largest ever fleet was 252 in 2016.

The first international entry is the Beneteau 51.1, Kiwi2, owned by Scotsman Marcus Barnetts, who resides in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Hamilton Island Race Week has an impressive history. It was established following Australia's remarkable 1983 victory in the America's Cup in Newport, Rhode Island. The inaugural regatta in April 1984 attracted an outstanding fleet of 92 yachts from all points across Australia, including Perth.

The Notice of Race and all details relating to Hamilton Island Race Week 2020 are on the website: www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au

Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Invitational Regatta
Miami, Florida, USA: More than 500 sailors from around the world will race in Biscayne Bay, Miami, at the 93rd Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Invitational Regatta from March 1-7, 2020.

Holding ninety-three years of tradition the Bacardi Cup is a member of an exclusive club of historic and long established sports events. First staged as a three-day regatta in Cuba in 1927, with less than ten Star boats, the event has grown year on year in partnership with BACARDI rum, which has sponsored the event since its inception.

Offering a unique blend of world-class racing, atmosphere and social events, the Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Invitational Regatta is undoubtedly one of the world's most prestigious regattas that, in 2020, will welcome a record-breaking 196 entries, attracting an international entry list of professional rock star racers and super-talented Corinthian teams.

The goal is to build on the long tradition of the Star Class and maintain and champion performance in other popular classes, whilst retaining the mix of outstanding racing on Biscayne Bay and superb shore side atmosphere and socials for which the event is renowned.

Across the fleets, sailors from around the USA will be joined by teams representing nineteen countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand. Four courses will operate simultaneously and this year, the iconic Star Class will be joined by the J/70, Melges 24, Viper 640, and brand new for the race track this year are the VXOne sports boat and AV8 and Windfoil classes.

Racing for the Star Class gets underway in Biscayne Bay on Monday 2 March, with the J/70, Melges 24, Viper 640, VXOne and windfoils taking to the track on Thursday 5 March. The Star fleet will contest their traditional one race per day in a true test of endurance relished by the sailors, whilst all other fleets will sail eight races across three days. Race schedules are available online at: bacardiinvitational.com

The J/70 fleet has a compelling line-up of forty teams with potential to seize the crown, as demonstrated at the two winter warm-up events where different faces claimed the top three standings. Those likely to feature up front include the USA teams headed up by Joel Ronning, Ryan McKillen, John Heaton, Trey Sheehan and Pamela Rose. But equally, some of the newer teams such as Great Britain's JOLT, which includes plenty of Olympic talent, could pack a punch and change the leaderboard guard. Of course the reigning J/70 World Champion, Paul Ward (GBR), will no doubt also set the race track rivalry stakes.

Entry list

bacardiinvitational.com

Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta heading to the record books - again!
The Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta (AWKR), hosted by Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS) each year, has deservedly earnt the reputation of being the largest all-women keelboat regatta in the world, with numbers in this 30th edition having the potential to exceed last year's record 40 boats - if early indications are anything to go by.

Open to yachts for AMS, IRC and EHC divisions, along with a division for S80s, the regatta is the brainchild of past RMYS commodore and former entrant, Gai Clough. Neither she nor the Club could have possibly foreseen the regatta growing so much in stature and size.

Sailed on Port Phillip, with all its vagaries, the fundamental attraction to the annual event is that it is open to experienced sailors and to those who are making their way in the sport. Some skippers are bringing through talent from their clubs' youth academies, while others are offering spots to newcomers, as women's participation in sailing continues to rise.

Among the early entrants is regular competitor, Claire Heenan, back for her fourth tilt at the trophies; "I did my first in 2015," she said. The Gosford sailor returns to the fold with the Adams 10, Jungle Juice (NSW), loaned to her again by past RMYS Commodore, Janet Dean.

Last year, Heenan and crew finished second overall in AMS Division 1 to Ocean Respect Racing, bur reversed that result in IRC.

Apart from the winners' trophies, the AWKR also contains some special awards:
Novice Helm; Most improved over the series; Sportsmanship; Rohan Brownlee Leadership and Endeavour Award and Best Performed Owner/Skipper.

This is Australia's largest women's keelboat regatta with a record 40 yachts and 300 women taking part from Australian and New Zealand last year.

The Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta thanks long-standing sponsor and competitor, Rebecca Badenoch and her law firm Culshaw Miller Badenoch and Doyle Sails for their ongoing support. McGrath is back on board to sponsor the upcoming lecture series - more details will be available in due course. -- Di Pearson/AWKR media

www.awkr.com.au

Industry News -- The RYA Dinghy Show
If you're planning a visit to the RYA Dinghy Show in association with Yachts & Yachting (29 February-01 March, Alexandra Palace), the RYA will be on hand to share a wealth of information and advice.

'Ask the RYA' (Panorama Hall)
From club development opportunities and training courses to information on racing and coaching, visitors can get one-to-one advice from RYA staff on a range of subjects in the 'Ask the RYA' area in Panorama Hall throughout the weekend.

Club representatives can sign up for the RYA Club Briefing for important notices and updates from the RYA at 10.30. This will be followed immediately by an RYA Legal Update. Places can be booked in the Club Zone area of the RYA website here.

RYA Sailability (Panorama Hall)
Come and meet the RYA Sailability team for advice on sailing opportunities for disabled people and those who may need specific support to get on the water.

If you're a sailing group or club, find out more about the #MoreThanSailing campaign, how to become an inclusive venue or a Sailability site. If you're a sailor, speak to the team about the upcoming Multiclass Regatta and the Special Olympics or share stories with Sailability ambassador Hannah Shelmerdine who will be available throughout the weekend and speaking on the Great Hall Stage at 11am (Saturday and Sunday).

RYA OnBoard (Panorama Hall)
Find everything you need to know about RYA OnBoard which has introduced more than 900,000 youngsters of all ages and backgrounds to sailing and windsurfing. Discover the broader learning benefits of the sport, how to get on the water at your local OnBoard venue and the upcoming Panerai Challenger Trophy.

RYA Training (Panorama Hall)
Join the celebrations to officially mark 50 years of RYA Training at 11.30 in the Panorama Hall on Saturday 29 February. Whether you're looking to travel, compete or advance your career, speak to the experts from RYA Training who will be happy to answer your questions throughout the show.

The Green Blue (Panorama Hall)
Find out more about 'The Green Blue', the joint environment programme between the RYA and British Marine and speak to a member of the team for practical tips on how we can protect the environment we enjoy sailing in.

Visitors are invited to turn detective and solve the 'Marine CSI Plastic Pollution Challenge' which includes the '60 Second Litter Challenge' and 'Microplastics Under the Microscope' activity. The winner of The Green Blue University Sailing Sustainability Challenge will also be unveiled at 13.15 on Saturday 29 March on the Great Hall Stage.

RYA Membership (Panorama Hall)
Look out for exclusive RYA Membership offers at the Show. To celebrate 50 years of RYA Training sign up for family membership for just £50. While new adult members pay just £20.20 in celebration of the 2020 Olympics.

Visitors to the show can also be in with a chance of winning a Mark Warner holiday at the Levante Beach Resort, in Greece. To be entered in to the free prize draw either sign up for RYA membership at the show or if you are an existing member visit the membership stand and speak to member of the team to enter. Terms and Conditions apply

RYA Publications (C69)
For 2020 check out the new edition of the best-selling title RYA Tactics written by race strategist and Olympic coach, Mark Rushall. Directly after his 'Talking Tactics' coaching session at 12.00 on the Knowledge Zone, Mark will be joined by Olympic Medallist Hannah Mills to sign copies on the RYA Publication stand.

Visitors can also listen to newly launched audiobooks and RYA Members can take advantage of a special 20% show discount. Plus the first 10 people to visit the stand each day will receive a free Tactics eBook so get in there quick!

British Keelboat Sailing, British Youth Sailing and Racing Services (Stand B12)
Ever wondered how to get into keelboat racing? You can find out more about the RYA's match racing programmes, how to apply for the British Keelboat Academy, club verses club racing in the British Keelboat League and many other racing opportunities.

Also on B12 you can find out what British Youth Sailing activity is going on in your region. Come and have a chat about youth and junior racing and what is involved in the Regional Training Groups, National Training, and Youth Squads and beyond.

The Racing Services Team will be on hand throughout the weekend with advice and information on event and race management, race officials, handicapping and racing rules and more.

Buy your tickets at www.dinghyshow.org.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 8589069.

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Musto is joining forces with the RYA as the official partner of the RYA Musto Regional Youth Awards, recognising the impact that young people are making within boating.

These awards celebrate the achievements of young people in the sport whether it's on the racecourse, volunteering, instructing, coaching or overcoming adversity.

"The vision is to broaden the existing RYA Youth Awards to better promote and recognise the amazing achievements that take place within sailing, windsurfing and powerboating which, more importantly, inspire others both on the racecourse and elsewhere within boating activity" explains RYA Director of Sport Development Alistair Dickson.

"Musto has long supported sailors from the beginning of their sailing careers, all the way to the pinnacle of the sport," explained Nick Houchin, Head of Marketing at Musto. "The quality and durability of Musto clothing affords sailors of all levels the confidence to push themselves and flourish on the water, safe in the knowledge that their kit won't let them down. The RYA Regional Youth Awards is a really rewarding partnership, supporting grassroots sailing and championing youngsters destined to be game-changers within the sport."

The 10 winners of the 2020 RYA Musto Regional Youth Awards will be revealed at the RYA Dinghy Show on Sunday 01 March at 13.15 on the Great Hall Stage. The awards will be presented by RYA Chairman Chris Preston and the British Sailing Team's John Gimson and Anna Burnet who will fly the flag for Great Britain in the Nacra17 this summer in Tokyo.

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The RYA Dinghy Show 2020, (29 February - 01 March, Alexandra Palace) will be the UK's premier viewing of 'The Foiling Dinghy' along with sister boat, the 'L12 Lowrider' from Advanced Sailing Technologies (AST); see them in the UK for the first time on stand D20.

The Foiling Dinghy has been designed by AST to be an easy to foil sailing dinghy, purpose built to foil with a dual foil system. It's affordable, lightweight and easy to transport, launch and handle on land.

As well as showcasing these great new dinghies The Show will see the launch of new business, 'Dynamic-Sailing', headed up by Stephen Blake who will be working with AST to promote The Foiling Dinghy in the UK.

With over 40 years of sailing experience, Stephen commented: "It's a great time to launch The Foiling Dinghy in the UK, I was so impressed with the boat at the Dusseldorf boat show in January 2020 I knew that we had to showcase the boat in the UK. For me, German design and engineering has delivered a foiling boat that can be enjoyed by the majority that can sail a sailing dinghy, if you can sail a laser 1, you can go foiling with The Foiling Dinghy."

Drop by the stand to chat with Stephen who will be on hand with the manufacturer from Germany, AST, to answer any queries you may have.

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The Green Blue will be returning to Alexandra Palace on the 29th February - 1st March for the RYA Dinghy Show! Following the success of last year's show the environmental programme will once again be holding an exhibitor stand with hands-on activities as well as giving talks on the Great Hall stage.

The Green Blue is the environmental programme which is joint funded by the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine. It aims to inspire sustainable recreational boating for cleaner, healthier waters.

The Green Blue's Campaign Manager, Kate Fortnam, will be joined on stage for both days by The Final Straw's Bianca Carr, and Olympian, Hannah Mills, who is representing The Big Plastic Pledge. You can hear how these three campaigns are all contributing to protecting the waters we sail in as they discuss, 'Dinghy sailing for a Sustainable Future.' The trio will also be open to questions so don't miss your opportunity to join in with the conversation. You can check out The Green Blue's talk at 2.15pm (Sat. & Sun.) on the Great Hall Stage.

After the talk, make sure you drop by The Green Blue's exhibitor stand in the Panorama Hall. Don your lab coat and have a go at being a detective with Marine CSI: Plastic Pollution. Get up close with sand samples and learn just how long it really takes for litter to biodegrade. Guess all the answers correctly and you could be in with a chance of winning a Dry Robe! The daily prize winners will be announced at the end of each day.

For more information about The Green Blue visit: thegreenblue.org.uk

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At the 2020 RYA Dinghy Show Weatherfile.com, developed by Richard Paul Russell Ltd, will be showcasing its range of WeatherFile wind and weather monitoring equipment (stand C9).

Weatherfile.com has been supplying coaches, yacht clubs, watersports centres and events with wind and weather monitoring systems for over 20 years, as well as delivering solutions to the British Sailing Team, professional sailing coaches and numerous sailing and yacht clubs.

Visitors to the Weatherfile.com stand (C9) can also take part in a FREE prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a Kestrel Wind Meter, K1000. One winner will be picked each day of the show with the winner's draw taking place at 15.00 on the stand, so make sure you take part and drop by the stand on Saturday and Sunday at 15.00 to see if you are a winner.

Throughout the weekend Weatherfile.com's team of qualified staff will be available on the stand (C9) to help answer any of your questions and help you find the right products for you.

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For a chance to win a £100 Deck Gear Voucher, meet the Barton Team at the Dinghy Show and Beat the Barton Block Clock on Stand B22. You'll also find the full dinghy equipment range and be able to discover exciting new products launching at the Show.

A race ready Barton rigged Streaker dinghy will take centre stage on the stand showing a selection of products for demonstrations and rigging ideas for all boats. Try out the Barton Ratchet Block, which wins accolades from racing sailors hailing its optimum control capabilities, with a 12 face anodised sheave and a break load of 1200kg! .

The full dinghy equipment range, including new 2020 product launches will be available for show and tell and the Barton experts will be on hand to advise how to optimise your rigging set up for maximum speed and ultimate control. Also, discover the new Quick Cleat models for dinghies, kayaks, water toys and inflatables.

Featured Brokerage
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Contact
Southern Wind Shipyard (Pty) Ltd
Salita Dinegro 7/1
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sales [AT] sws-yachts [DOT] eu
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1997 Farr 40. 62500 EUR. Location at request.

Farr 40 built by Carroll Marine. She is in very good condition and always kept on dry dock. Complete refit done in December 2017-april 2018. During this refit everything was out from the boat and renewed/refitted

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www.racing-yachts.com

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2016 Vismara V56 Mills. 860000 EUR. Located in Viareggio, Italy.

Latest generation Vismara and Mark Mills composite speed machine with a focus towards effortless fast family bluewater cruising. Huge build specification and fantastic price to attract a quick and simple sale.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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

The Last Word
You are disoriented. Blackness swims toward you like a school of eels who have just seen something that eels like a lot. -- Douglas Adams

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• To Wizard the gun - Class winners to come
• Marit Bouwmeester wins fourth Laser Radial World Championship
• Scoreboard Shaken Up At RS:X Worlds
• Make your website an 'installable' web app
• SailGP speeds into Season 2 on Sydney Harbour
• Clipper Leg 5: The Asia-Pacific Challenge
• The Race Around
• Scrapping of the DEKPA
• Industry News
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Dazcat 1795 NEW BOAT
• • Cannonball For Sale
• • Ciclon Sparkman & Stephens 52 Ft Sloop
• The Last Word: Spiro Agnew

To Wizard the gun - Class winners to come
For the second year in a row, David and Peter Askew's Volvo 70 Wizard (USA) has taken Monohull Line Honours in the RORC Caribbean 600. Adrian Keller's Nigel Irens-designed catamaran Allegra (SUI) is the provisional winner of the MOCRA Class. Tilmar Hansen's German TP52 Outsider has finished the race and is currently the overall leader under IRC for the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy.

Last year's overall winner Wizard struggled in the light air for the first part of the race, but lit up having rounded St.Maarten, blast reaching 140nm to Guadeloupe in just 11 hours. Having negotiated the wind shadow behind Guadeloupe, Wizard pulled the trigger, blast reaching in the Atlantic, smoking through the 90nm to Barbuda in just five hours.

Adrian Keller's Nigel Irens-designed catamaran Allegra is the provisional winner of the multihull class after MOCRA correction. Allegra has been extended to 83ft with two aft water ballast tanks providing up to 800kg of righting moment. Weighing in at 30 tons, with a full interior, Allegra is the heaviest multihull taking part in this year's race.

Tilmar Hansen was a happy man this morning as dawn broke on his 70th birthday. Hansen's TP52 Outsider (GER), skippered by Bo Teichmann, crossed the finish line just after 7 a.m. local time to post the best corrected time so far under IRC.

At 1000 (1400 GMT) on Thursday 27th February, 52 yachts are still racing under IRC for the overall win for the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy. Outsider is leading IRC overall and IRC Zero. A fierce battle is raging in IRC One between two equally matched yachts. Giles Redpath's Lombard 46 Pata Negra (GBR) and Philippe Frantz's NMD 43 Albator (FRA) are approaching the Barbuda mark for the second time, with just over 100 miles to go.

Approximately 180 miles from the finish, the competition is fierce in IRC Two. Ross Applebey's Oyster 48 Scarlet Oyster (GBR) is estimated to be leading by 43 minutes on corrected time from Global Yacht Racing's First 47.7 EH01 (GBR), skippered by Andy Middleton. Pamala Baldwin's J/122 Liquid (ANT) is estimated to be just an hour off the lead after time correction.

In IRC Three, Peter McWhinnie's Larchmont YC team racing JPK 10.80 In Theory (USA) is leading the class on the water and estimated to have a solid lead after IRC correction. In the Class40 Division, 115nm from the finish, BHB sailed by Arthur Hubert is dead-level with Morgane Ursault Poupon's UP Sailing.

Results

caribbean600.rorc.org

Marit Bouwmeester wins fourth Laser Radial World Championship
Melbourne Australia: It may have been a case of "saved by the wind" for Rio Olympic champion, Marit Bouwmeester. The three-time world champion led by 24 points over night but saw her margin trimmed to just two points after the first race of the final day. A big wind shift caught a number of the top sailors out, and Bouwmeester, who received a yellow flag (penalty turns), finished 29th. This became her second "drop" but brought into play a 24th from yesterday.

When asked why she was penalised she said, "Too much rocking. I was thinking 'I deserve a yellow flag' and I got one."

Gold fleet went into sequence again, still with the chance of two more races, but the wind continued to die and back to the south-east. At 3pm, the deadline for racing to start on the final day, the AP over A was flown and a relieved Dutch woman made her way back to the clubhouse.

Bouwmeester, who was famous for always training on her own, has recently joined three other women in the Dutch squad and all four finished in the top 10. Maxime Jonkers was second, just two points behind, while Daphne van der Vaart was seventh and Mirthe Akkerman was 10th. Norwegian Line Flem Host took third and defending champion Anne-Marie Rindom, who became ill during the event, was fourth.

Provisional Top 10
1. Marit Bouwmeester, NED, 42 points
2. Maxime Jonker, NED, 44
3. Line Flem Host, NOR, 45
4. Anne-Marie Rindom, DEN, 57
5. Magdalena Kwasna, POL, 58
6. Josefin Olsson, SWE, 60
7. Daphne Van Der Vaart, NED, 67
8. Manami Doi, JPN, 67
9. Emma Plasschaert, BEL, 69
10. Mirthe Akkerman, NED, 71

Men's World Championship Provisional Top Ten
1. Daniil Krutskikh, RUS, 22
2. Michael Compton, AUS, 42
3. Nik Pletikos, SLO, 47
4. Brody Riley, AUS, 53
5. Stefan Elliott-Shircore, AUS, 58
6. Mario Novak, CRO, 68
7. Zac Littlewood, AUS, 76
8. Gustavo Correa Nascimento, BRA, 83
9. Zac West, AUS, 97
10. Luke Cashmore, NZL, 101

Scoreboard Shaken Up At RS:X Worlds
For the 116 sailors turning up to the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club this morning, there were a few tired bodies, sore arms and broken hands following yesterday's heavy air duel on the water. The look of relief for many as day 3 of the RS:X World Championships defied the forecast 20 knot winds and presented a much calmer Port Philip Bay to the sailors.

Where yesterday was a straightforward hook-in and blast off type day, the race course today was like a scene out of a Mockingjay film - a series of cleverly crafted traps that could catch out even the top sailors. The wind shifts were deceptive, the gusts would lull sailors into complacency and the tide caught nearly every sailor out when judging laylines - a differently brutal race course compared to yesterday, but one that served up a full schedule of three topsy-turvy races.

The women were up first today and it was Charline Picon from France, the reigning Olympic Champion from Rio who recovered from a difficult first two days to post the day's best scoreline of 1, 1, 6 and climb up to seventh overall. Picon has had a difficult week so far but today showed that she still has what it takes to challenge for a medal in five months' time come Tokyo 2020.

The men endured an equally difficult day and finally Kiran Badloe from the Netherlands blemished his scorecard with an 11th place in the second race of today. Either side of that though, the tall Dutchman managed to keep his championship bid firmly on track with a win in the first race of the day and a win in the last race of the day. It will take a herculean effort from the chasing pack to take the title away from Badloe, even with two days of racing left to go.

Friday is the last chance for sailors to make the all-important medal race on Saturday. The forecast is for lighter winds, potentially non-planing, which normally shakes the fleet up and could see another shuffle of the leader board.

Top ten, men
1. Kiran Badloe NED, 11
2. Pawel Tarnowski POL, 36
3. Shahar Zubari ISR, 37
4. Dorian van Rijsselberghe, NED, 38
5. Thomas Goyard, FRA, 43
6. Tom Reuveny, ISR, 46 U21
7. Pierre Le Coq, FRA, 46
8. Vyron Kokkalanis , GRE, 48
9. Louis Giard, FRA, 50
10. Daniele Benedetti, ITA, 7

Top ten, women
1. Noy Drihan, ISR, 23
2. Lilian de Geus, NED, 27
3. Maja Dziarnowska, POL, 40
4. Emma Wilson, GBR, 42
5. Marta Maggetti, ITA, 46
6. Katy Spychakov, ISR, 57
7. Charline Picon, FRA, 58
8. Zofia Noceti-Klepacka, POL, 73
9. Hei Man Chan HKG, 77
10. Karolina Lipinska POL, 87

Full results - Men Full results - Women

www.rsxclass.org/worlds2020

Make your website an 'installable' web app
In 2020 it's all about the mobile experience for the web. Google engineers developed and released code for "Progressive Web Apps" that turn a website into a hybrid of mobile and app. Items get stored in your device for fast loading (even loading with no internet connection). Add an app icon to your home screen. No need to make separate apps for Apple and Android, the web again becomes the great equalizer. There's even support for laptop and desktop screens. Your website works exactly as before on older browsers or if not 'installed'.

We've developed code specifically for Wordpress and Joomla based sites. Some of our recent work:

Finn Class
Snipe Class
NYYC Foundation
JBoats
ILYA
WSSRC

SailGP speeds into Season 2 on Sydney Harbour
After months of anticipation and fueled by the addition of two new national teams and the most decorated Olympic sailor ever joining the global league, the world's fastest sail racing is ready to take over Sydney Harbour for the opening event of SailGP Season 2.

Tom Slingsby's Australia SailGP Team returns to start its title defense on home waters, as the global championship kicks off with the season's first race on February 28 and 29.

All seven national teams spent the past two weeks training in the iconic venue, as the Australia, France, Great Britain, Japan and United States teams reacclimated themselves to the F50 catamarans. New entrants Denmark and Spain will rely on the expertise of their world-class crew members to quickly adapt to the world's most advanced sail race boats.

A year ago, the Australia SailGP Team kickstarted it's championship campaign with the Sydney title, edging out the Japan team in the match race. However, Slingbsy was quick to shoot down the notion that the 2020 event is his to lose.

The racecourse is situated in the eastern section of Sydney Harbour with Shark Island - where spectators will gather - at the epicenter. The event is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. local time (AEDT) on Friday and will feature three fleet races between all seven teams. The action resumes at 4:30 p.m. local time Saturday with two fleet races, followed by a final match race between the top two point leaders.

Fans around the world will be able to watch coverage of Sydney SailGP through the most immersive broadcast experience the sport has ever seen. The global championship has also revamped the award-winning SailGP APP to provide a more comprehensive look into each race, implementing additional data and viewing options so users can watch the world's fastest sail racing when and how they want. The SailGP APP is available in the App Store and Google Play.

sailgp.com

Clipper Leg 5: The Asia-Pacific Challenge - The Lakewood Hills, Zhuhai Race
Three days into Race 7: The Lakewood Hills, Zhuhai Race, the fleet has been beating upwind and heading north towards Virtual Mark Massey, named after Qingdao's First Mate Rhiannon. It's been a bumpy ride but the teams are making good progress, with only 10nm separating the top four (Qingdao, Unicef, Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam and Punta del Este).

Declarations for the double Dell Latitude Rugged Ocean Sprints needed to be made within 48 hours of Race Start and so have now been revealed. Nine teams will be competing for Ocean Sprint North, leaving just two going for Ocean Sprint South.

Teams have declared as follows:

Imagine your Korea - North
GoToBermuda - North
Seattle- North
WTC Logistics - South
Punta del Este - North
Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam - North
Dare To Lead - North
Zhuhai - North
Visit Sanya, China - North
Qingdao- South
Unicef - North

Current leader of Race 7, Qingdao, is happy to only have one rival for its chosen sprint. Chris Brooks, Qingdao Skipper says: "So the complexity of the Dell Latitude Rugged Ocean Sprint worked in our favour and now only one other boat has come for our sprint. That means nine out of eleven boats chose the same sprint.

Keep an eye on all the action via the Race Viewer as the fleet heads northwards past Taiwan.

www.clipperroundtheworld.com/race/standings

The Race Around: 2 People, 1 Boat, 4 Oceans, 1 Circumnavigation, 1 Race
The Race Around is a double-handed, classical, multi-staged around the world yacht race starting in the summer of 2023. Run under Category 0, the Race Around is designed to create, in conjunction with Class40, a race that provides fierce racing within a friendly atmosphere at an affordable price point and achievable timeframe.

The race course will feature the three great Capes of ocean navigation and include the challenging Southern Ocean. A start will be given in late summer from a French city and followed by a maximum of 5 legs.

The Class 40 is a performance racing yacht with a maximum length of 40 feet. Class 40 has a strict box-rule, which means there is a maximum overall size for boats within the class. This box-rule has created a class with 159 registered boats from 17 different yacht designers and over 20 countries making it the most successful short-handed offshore racing yacht of all time. Most recently 55 Class40s competed in the 2018 Route du Rhum and the global racing calendar continues to expand proving the huge success seen is sure to continue.

The Race Around can today confirm the first competitor campaigning to be on the start line of Class40s new around the world race. Having spend a decade on the Multi50 "Arkema", Lalou Roucayrol embarks on a new adventure with Class40 culminating in The Race Around 2023.

From the Medoc region of France, Lalou Roucayrol the winner of the 2017 Transat Jacques-Vabre and numerous other offshore races (for further detail please see below), will compete alongside a number of co-skippers from his Lalou Multi training centre. The objective is to provide a platform for younger competitors to gain a full understanding of the values associated to ocean racing and the build of their own Class40.

www.class40.com

www.theracearound.com

Cruising Association applauds the scrapping of the DEKPA
Greece has announced the scrapping of the DEKPA cruising permit in a draft bill for which consultations close on 27 February 2020. The bill will be voted on shortly afterwards and becomes law within one month of being officially published.

The DEKPA was never a popular imposition with either the Greek authorities nor the visiting yachtsmen, putting regulations in place with requirements that were sometimes difficult to meet. For example, getting documents stamped on due dates when present in the country, and being subject to hefty fines.

The Cruising Association (CA), Britain's leading organisation for cruising sailors, has been campaigning since the advent of the E-TEPAI cruising tax, which effectively duplicates the vessel's information online, so making the DEKPA superfluous.

The decision to scrap DEKPA will also be welcomed by the Port Police. Importantly though, there will be an obligation for all skippers to keep a detailed and signed log of all crew, logging all arrivals and departures and noting any visa details where required.

With the UK leaving the EU on 31 December 2020, UK vessels, even those which are VAT paid, will have to apply for a Transit Log (TL) from Customs. This performs a similar function to a DEKPA, but for non-EU flagged vessels, and the CA views this as also being somewhat superfluous, increasing the workload of Customs. The CA is therefore campaigning to have this scrapped and for other facilities to be put in place in respect of immigration requirements.

Further details will be communicated as and when these become available. In the meantime CA members can access all the relevant and current information here: www.theca.org.uk/cruising_info/med/greece/regs

Industry News
Gurit (SIX Swiss Exchange: GUR) today announces that Frank Nielsen, General Manager Gurit Kitting, will leave Gurit by August 2020 to pursue other career opportunities. He will be succeeded by Andreas Kipker, currently Commercial Director Gurit Kitting.

Frank Nielsen has successfully grown the JSB Kitting business to a global leadership position with the JSB team over the last years. Rudolf Hadorn states: "We thank Frank for all his contributions to the Gurit Group and the successful integration of the Kitting business. We wish him every success and all the best for his future."

Gurit is pleased to announce an internal successor with Andreas Kipker, currently Commercial Director of the Kitting business. Starting July 1, 2020 Andreas Kipker will take over the role of General Manager Kitting and succeed Frank Nielsen as a member of the Executive Committee. Andreas joined JSB in 2013 and previously held various positions in the JSB Group, today's Kitting business unit. The search for a replacement of the Commercial Director role will be initiated in due course.

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The organisers of JEC World, the international composites show held each year in Paris, today announced that the 2020 event has been postponed to May 12-14. It was originally due to be held in March.

In a statement, the JEC Group says its decision was based on the latest assessment of the coronavirus outbreak and after consulting with board members and key stakeholders in the composites industry.

"The recent spread of the coronavirus in new countries last week, and especially countries playing an important role in the composite materials industry such as China, South Korea and Italy, has obliged the JEC World organisation team and key stakeholders of the industry to reassess the current situation," reads the statement.

"Increased travel restrictions from authorities, but also at corporate level, both from exhibiting and visiting companies, have drastically reduced the potential attendance to the show.

"Moreover, the latest developments of the coronavirus have significantly increased the concerns of participating companies about the health of their employees. JEC Group has the same concerns, having health and safety of their exhibitors, visitors, partners and staff as a number one priority.

www.ibinews.com

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FLIR to sell-off Raymarine. In the company's release of fourth quarter and year-end results today, the thermal imaging specialist said it was undertaking a restructuring program

www.ibinews.com

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Nautor's Swan, following its strategy to maintain its leadership in the sailing industry worldwide, has just confirmed a new organizational set up in the Americas, appointing Roy Capasso as the new Regional Director, in addition to his role as Regional Director for Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Following the steps of the excellent job of Giulio Bertani, who's leaving the group for a new professional adventure, Mr. Capasso will take over, leveraging on his wide and proven experience in the marine industry.

Roy Capasso will be supported by Mr. Ken Keefe, for Sales and and Peter McCloskey, for Customer Care, until January 2021, when Nautor's Swan will be establishing a new North American branch.

Nautor's Swan is currently very active with the facility in Pietarsaari working against the clock with 5 Maxis in production, three of which ready to hit the water. Swan 98 will be presented during Monaco Yacht Show and ClubSwan 125 will be delivered early Autumn, but also the new project launched in Duesseldorf, the Swan 58 counts already 6 units sold and she will be launched next Boot 2021.

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The Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS) is returning to the port of Nafplion in Greece from May 2-6 for its seventh annual edition.

Owned and organised by the Greek Yachting Association, MEDYS has played a significant role in the growth and development of yachting tourism in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. It creates a unique link between the yachts, central agents and brokers, and exhibitors with yacht-related products and services, with the ultimate objective of generating business for all.

"The finest luxury crewed yachts that are available for charter in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean, an international audience of charter professionals, the best of ancillary services, a spectacular location, and a social agenda that is unmatched, make the MEDYS the must-attend show of the year," says the Greek Yachting Association in a statement.

Last year's event had 102 luxury crewed charter yachts with a cumulative length of 3.5km and the participation of more than 450 brokers from 31 countries.

Registration for the 7th MEDYS is officially open for all attendee categories (central agents, brokers, sponsors, exhibitors and press) and interested parties can apply via the show's official website, mediterraneanyachtshow.gr

www.ibinews.com

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1944 Ciclon Sparkman & Stephens 52 Ft Sloop. 195,000 GBP. Located in Cyprus.

Launched in Cuba in 1944, Ciclon was rarely off the podium. Of course beautiful and fast, is it time now to reintroduce her to her sisters?

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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

The Last Word
I apologize for lying to you. I promise I won't deceive you except in matters of this sort. -- Spiro Agnew

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Outsider lifts the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy
• A race to get addicted to
• Sydney SailGP
• Dutch Continue To Dominate RS:X Class
• No limits - Doyle Sails
• Evolution Sails Round North Island Race
• Cape of High Hopes
• HARKEN 2020 Youth Match Racing
• 18ft Skiffs Australian Championship
• Atlantic Cup starts in 100 days
• Letters to the Editor
• Featured Charter
• Featured Brokerage:
• • BoatOne
• • BoatTwo
• • BoatThree
• The Last Word: Andy Weir, Artemis

Outsider lifts the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy
The overall winner of the 12th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 was Tilmar Hansen's TP52 Outsider (GER), skippered by Bo Teichmann. Outsider is the first German boat to lift the RORC Caribbean Trophy, breaking a seven-year winning streak of winners from the USA. Runner-up was the defending champion, David & Peter Askew's Volvo 70 Wizard (USA), which also took Monohull Line Honours. One of the smallest boats in the race was third, Peter McWhinnie's JPK 10.80 In Theory (USA).

The winner of the MOCRA Class was Adrian Keller's Nigel Irens 83ft catamaran Allegra. Christiaan Durrant (AUS) racing his Nigel Irens 63ft Trimaran Shockwave was runner-up. Jason Carroll's MOD70 Argo (USA) was third. Multihull Line Honours went to Peter Cunningham's MOD70 PowerPlay (CAY).

IRC Zero was won by Outsider, with Wizard second. Eric de Turckheim's NMD54 Teasing Machine (FRA) was third. The Bella Mente Trophy was won by Landry, Siwicki & Roesch's Mills 68 Prospector (USA).

Giles Redpath's Lombard 46 Pata Negra (GBR) was victorious in IRC One. Philippe Frantz's NMD43 Albator (FRA) was second and Placido Arango García-Urtiaga's Swan 65 Libelula (ESP) was third in class and winner of the Swan Challenge Cup. Andrew Berdon's Marten 49 Summer Storm (USA) was runner up in CSA One.

IRC Three has been won by Peter McWhinnie's JPK 10.80 In Theory (USA). Richard Oswald's Emily of Cowes, skippered by Katy Campbell (CAN) was second, Yoyo Gerssen's Ohlson 35 Cabbyl Vanewas determined to finish the race and after almost exactly five days, crossed the line to take third. IRC Two Handed was won by Richard Palmer's JPK 10.10 Jangada (GBR), adding to their overall win in the RORC Transatlantic Race. Last year's winner, Jeremi Jablonski's Hanse 430 Avanti (USA) was second.

The Class40 Division was won by BHB, sailed by Arthur Hubert (FRA). Morgane Ursault Poupon's UP Sailing (FRA) was runner-up. Arnt Bruhns' Iskareen (GER) completed the podium

caribbean600.rorc.org

A race to get addicted to
The 12th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 attracted 73 boats from 22 nations and competitors from 37 different countries The fleet was made up of professional sailors and boats, as well as corinthian amateurs who love their offshore racing. The RORC Caribbean 600 is the only offshore race in the Caribbean. The race course starts and finishes in Antigua and is very different to any other as it weaves its way around 11 islands, going as far north as St. Maarten and as far south as Guadeloupe.

"The 2020 RORC Caribbean 600 was a completely different event from what we've seen over the past two years," explains Eddie Warden Owen, RORC CEO.

"2018 and '19 were very windy and this year, the normal, regular trade winds didn't arrive. You might say that the race was slower by 24 hours from what we've seen in the past. We had 73 boats with 700 competitors from 37 countries, so the fleet is made up of professional sail boats as well as Corinthian amateurs who love their offshore racing. We also had last year's winner, Wizard - owned by the Askew brothers - who were back to defend their title. In the Multihull class we had an array of talent all the way through the fleet: people like Franck Cammas, Loick Peyron, Giovanni Soldini, Brian Thompson, and the fastest man in the world, Paul Larsen.

caribbean600.rorc.org

Ben Ainslie and Great Britain cap off dominating performance with Sydney SailGP title
Ben Ainslie and the British team wasted no time establishing themselves as the ones to beat this season as they put on impressive performances throughout Sydney SailGP to claim their first event title. The first match race of SailGP Season 2 saw traditional rivals Great Britain and Australia face off and the four-time Olympic gold medalist capped off his debut in style against the defending champion.

Thousands of spectators crowded Sydney Harbour over two days to watch the world's fastest sail racing and see hometown hero Tom Slingsby attempt to fend off Ainslie's challenge.

The match race closely reflected the racing throughout the entire event, as the British team got out to an early lead and was the fastest boat on Sydney Harbour. Slingsby and the Australians found themselves behind from the start, incurring a penalty for entering the start box early and the hosts were unable to pull back.

The victory marked Great Britain's first event win in the global championship.

After the first event of Season 2, Great Britain sits atop the leaderboard with 47 points, followed by Australia with 42, Japan with 39, Spain with 31, the United States at 31 and Denmark with 22, while France rounds out the standings with 14 points.

SailGP Season 2 Overall Leaderboard
1 // Great Britain // 47 pts
2 // Australia // 42 pts
3 // Japan // 39 pts
4 // Spain // 31 pts *9 points deducted from total score
5 // United States 31 pts
6 // Denmark // 22 pts *2 points deducted from total score
7 // France // 14 pts

sailgp.com

Dutch Continue To Dominate RS:X Class
The 2020 RS:X World Championships being held in Sorrento, Australia, came to a showdown during the mornings medal races which were held in a light 8 knot breeze with a strong ebb tide flowing. The volunteers and staff of the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club had promised that it would be sailable in the morning only, and for the ten men and ten women sailors competing, this would be their last shot at claiming a spot on the podium for this event.

The previous four days of racing had been fast and furious, with different sailors performing better or worse in the differing conditions. It looked as though on Friday morning that the super consistent Kiran Badloe (Netherlands) could've sealed the championship title, but an inconsistent Friday on the water kept the door open for the chasing pack. For the women, it was Lilian de Geus (Netherlands) that slowly ground down week long leader Noy Drihan (Israel) over the four days to end Friday tied on points but ahead on countback. The first four days also saw the reigning Olympic champions in Dorian van Rijsselberghe (Netherlands) and Charline Picon (France) start slowly and also grind their way up to the top to be in medal contention.

And in the end it all came down to the Medal races.

Final top ten, men
1. Kiran Badloe, NED, 37
2. Dorian van Rijsselberghe, NED, 39
3. Thomas Goyard, FRA, 56
4. Shahar Zubari, ISR, 62
5. Pawel Tarnowski, POL, 64
6. Pierre Le Coq, FRA, 74
7. Radoslaw Furmanski, POL, 93
8. Louis Giard, FRA, 94
9. Tom Squires, GBR, 98
10. Tom Reuveny, ISR, 106

Final top ten, women
1. Lilian de Geus, NED, 42
2. Charline Picon, FRA, 51
3. Noy Drihan, ISR, 52
4. Emma Wilson, GBR, 63
5. Marta Maggetti, ITA, 74
6. Katy Spychakov, ISR, 81
7. Zofia Noceti-Klepacka, POL, 97
8. Maja Dziarnowska, POL, 98
9. Blanca Manchon, ESP, 107
10. Hei Man Chan, HKG, 116

Full results - Men Full results - Women

www.rsxclass.org/worlds2020

No limits - Doyle Sails
The benefits of Doyle Sails's structured luff technology have already migrated from 18-foot skiffs blasting around Sydney Harbour to the latest high performance superyachts crossing oceans...

Win/wins are rare in any walk of life yet every now and then a change of approach, a new concept or a breakthrough in technology triggers a step change in thinking. In the Grand Prix and superyacht world Doyle's Structured Luff sails have delivered one of those key moments in design.

Doyle Sails' innovative approach has not only provided a new generation of higher performance sails, but triggered a revolution that looks set to have a far greater knock- on effect. Indeed, so significant are the benefits that there are many who believe that Structured Luff technology has the potential to transform how yachts are designed and built from here on out. Furthermore, the breakthrough is now considered to be equally as important for cruisers as it is for the racers for which it was originally developed.

Full article in the March issue of Seahorse

Evolution Sails Round North Island Race
Photo by SSANZ / Deb WIlliams. Click on image for photo gallery.

The second leg of the Evolution Sails Round North Island Race started in Mangonui on Monday (24.2) with a 550nm leg to Wellington. This leg is the longest and most challenging leg and in true West Coast fashion delivered every possible condition our skippers could have imagined.

Wired, Miss Scarlet and Kia Kaha pulled out to an early lead and managed to maintain this through the race to claim the line honours positions. Mr Kite, skippered by Nathan Williams and Craig Satterthwaite, took out the PHRF Handicap win in Division One, with Anarchy skippered by AJ Reid and Will Reid took second place leaving Mr Kite and Anarchy tied in first place for overall PHRF in Division One.

In Division Two Clockwork, with Jamie Logan and Steve Mair as skippers, continued to pull ahead of the fleet taking their second line honours win on Handicap, firmly chased by Titanium skippered by Shane Bellingham and Casey Bellingham.

The real battle in this race was with the weather, with the forecast delivering a significant high off the coast of Taranaki and getting ahead of this dead breeze patch created a massive challenge for our fleet with 13 of the yachts managing to pull ahead. For the remaining 25 yachts, the reality was being becalmed off the coast of Taranaki for between 24 and 48 hours. Frustrations grew across the fleet at the slow progress with less than 30NM sailed for many of the fleet in 24 hours.

With the 200NM Leg 3 from Wellington to Napier starting today Monday 2nd March at 2:30pm our skippers are ready to race again and start on the homeward stretch back towards Auckland and the last leg of the race. The first yachts are expected to finish in just over 24 hours into Napier.

Race Tracking

www.ssanz.co.nz

Cape of High Hopes
Cape Town, South Africa: High hopes and expectations of a breezy introduction to Cape Town for the 52 SUPER SERIES were left on hold today as the Official Practice Race, the prelude to the 2020 curtain raising Odzala Discovery Camps 52 SUPER SERIES V&A Waterfront - Cape Town had to be abandoned due to very light winds.

The forecast for the week-long regatta, the first ever in the Southern Hemisphere for the 52 SUPER SERIES, does promise a heady mix of a little bit of everything. Tuesday's first races should be contested in a light winds, which are forecast to freshen up in the afternoon.

For the hosts - the Plattner family's Cape Town based Team Phoenix - there is immense pride in having the fleet visit their home waters. Local Cape Town sailors never in their wildest dreams expected to ever have a TP52 fleet regatta raced on home waters, sleeping in their own beds each night.

On Saturday, Ergin and Nazli Imre and their Provezza team hosted a group of youngsters from the the Skipper Foundation who travelled 400km to visit the regatta, get on board the TP52s and learn more about sailing.

The mission of the Skipper Foundation is to teach and develop sailing skills for vulnerable youth groups from underprivileged communities. They achieve this through sponsored training courses presented by volunteer experts.

Entries
Alegre - Andy Soriano (USA/GBR), 2018 Botin
Azzurra - Roemmers Family (ARG/ITA), 2018 Botin
Bronenosec - Vladimir Liubomirov (RUS), 2019 Botin
Paprec Recyclage - Jean-Luc Petithuguenin (FRA), 2015 Judel/Vrolijk
Phoenix 11 - Hasso/Tina Plattner (RSA), 2018 Botin
Phoenix 12 - Hasso/Tina Plattner (RSA), 2014 Botin
Platoon - Harm Müller-Spreer (GER), 2018 Judel/Vrolijk
Provezza - Ergin Imre (TUR), 2018 Judel/Vrolijk
Quantum Racing - Doug DeVos (USA), 2018 Botin
Sled - Takashi Okura (USA), 2018 Botin

Racing at the Odzala Discovery Camps 52 SUPER SERIES V&A Waterfront - Cape Town starts on Monday 2nd March and finishes on Friday 6th March.

James Hodgson crowned HARKEN 2020 Youth Match Racing World Champion
Click on image for photo gallery.

Australian James Hodgson and his crew of Harry Hall, Louis Schofield and Nick Rozenauers, have been crowned HARKEN 2020 Youth Match Racing World Champions after defeating American Jack Parkin three-nil in the final.

For the finals, the afternoon sea-breeze picked up and this worked in Hodgson's favour as he has showed over the course of the last two weeks that he thrives in more breezy conditions. Hodgson was great in the pre-starts, forcing penalties on Parkin in two of the matches, and he was faster around the track too, not letting up at all and cantering on to win the final fairly easily without losing a race.

Hodgson and his crew were ecstatic, with all of them diving into the water just as they crossed the line for the final time. This is the second year in a row that a CYCA team have won the World Championship, and also the second year in a row that Hodgson - and his crew mate Harry Hall - have won the title, after they crewed for Tom Grimes winning team in Russia in 2019. -- Andrew Delves

Overall placings
1. James Hodgson, AUS
2. Jack Parkin, USA
3. Nick Egnot-Johnson, NZL
4. Finn Tapper, AUS
5. Jordan Stevenson, NZL
6. Aurelien Pierroz, FRA
7. Emil Kjaer, DEN
8. Ted Blowers, USA
9. David Wood, GBR
10. Marius Westerlind, SWE
11. Sonja Stock, RSA
12. Ludovico Mori, ITA

rnzys.org.nz

18ft Skiffs Australian Championship, Race 5 (resail) & Race 9
Click on image for photo gallery.

Sydney Harbour: The Tech2 team of Jack Macartney, Charlie Wyatt and Trent Barnabas became the 2019-2020 Australian 18ft Skiff champion following two more impressive performances in the final two races of the nine-race Championship on Sydney Harbour today.

Tech2 went into the final day with a handy points lead, but the team wanted to finish strongly as it continues the build up to next month's Giltinan Championship.

After the opening race of the day, Tech2 secured the title and improved the winning margin with a victory in the final race to finish with a total of 19 points, 13 points ahead of defending champions James Dorron, Harry Bethwaite and Tim Westwood, who was replaced for today by Lachlan Gilmour, in Shaw & Partners Financial Services, on 32 points.

Smeg (Micah Lane, Ricky Bridge, Peter Harris) finished in third place on 35 points, followed by Finport Finance (Keagan York) on 42, The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines on 43 and Appliancesonline.com.au on 50.

Today's opening race was in a 15-18 knots NE wind, over a windward-leeward return course and produced an exciting finish after the Winning Group (John Winning Jr., Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton) looked to have the race at her mercy with a 40s lead over Tech2 at the final windward mark.

Tech2 and Finport Finance gained on the final spinnaker run to the finish but when a harbour ferry crossed the path of the fleet the race took on a different look.

Finport Finance crew (Keagan York, Matt Stenta, Angus Williams) elected to gybe away from Winning Group and Tech2, leaving this pair to 'fight' each other while they sailed their own course and grabbed a 2s win over Winning Group, with Tech2 another 5s back in third place.

In the final race, Winning Group again won the start and quickly opened up a clear lead over URM, skippered by Marcus Ashley-Jones, Tech2, Smeg, The Kitchen Maker-Caesarstone (Jordan Girdis) and Dal Zotto (Jack Sprague).

The breeze had increased to around 20-knots and the outgoing tide created conditions which saw the skiffs airborne as they raced downwind to the bottom mark off Clark Island.

Race 16 of the Club Championship will be sailed next Sunday.

www.18footers.com

Atlantic Cup starts in 100 days
Race prep is getting busier and busier with each day and the 2020 race is shaping up to have one of the largest fleets in race history.

We're excited to welcome two new teams to the Atlantic Cup! Offshore sailing Legend Kito de Pavant will race onboard his Class40 #142 Made in Midi and Morgane Ursault-Poupon will race on #30 UP-Sailing.

With no fewer than three participations in the Vendée Globe, a victory in both the Transat AG2R and the infamous Solitaire du Figaro, you'd not be surprised that Kito de Pavant is one of France's most recognizable sailors. In addition to the above, he's competed in 3 Route du Rhums and 10 editions of the Transat Jacques Vabre.

His Class40 #142 MADEINMIDI designed by Guillaume Verdier and built in 2014 is quick. Kito will be competing in The Transat prior to the Atlantic Cup.

Born in May 1986, it is no surprise that Morgane Ursault-Poupon stumbled across the sport of short-handed offshore sailing as 1986 was also the year her father won the Route du Rhum! Now campaigning her own Class40, Morgane finished the Route du Rhum in 27th place and more recently the Transat Jacques Vabre in 20th!

For those with eagle eyes it's not the first time #30 has competed in the Atlantic Cup. We last saw her in 2012 when campaigned by Rob Windsor and Emma Creighton.

June 5th
Leg 1 Start
Charleston to New York

June 11th
Leg 2 Start
New York to Portland

June 20-21
Leg 3 - Inshore Series
Portland, Maine

Hugh Piggin, Race Director, said, "The 2020 Atlantic Cup is looking like it will be both the largest and most competitive fleet in Atlantic Cup history. 2018 Champions Catherine Pourre and Pietro Luciani on Earendil will be looking to defend their title, but they'll have to perform well against Vendee Globe entrants, Solitaire du Figaro winners and some of America's most promising talent. With three very different legs, the Atlantic Cup is a challenge to that of what most offshore shorthanded sailors are used to, and it's always exciting to watch!"

www.atlanticcup.org

Featured Brokerage
Aquarius Alfa - Swan 100 S. 3,950,000 VAT paid EUR.

Aquarius Alfa is a sleek looking semi raised Swan 100 S which was designed by German Frers. She is the first SWAN 100S to feature the ‘Semi-Raised Saloon’ configuration incorporating a low-level coach roof. The yacht has four en-suite guest cabins sleeping up to nine people. This yacht is beautifully appointed and in excellent overall condition. Viewing is highly recommended - she is VAT paid. Aquarius Alfa is Malta registered.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Contact Alastair for further details +44747 6888639
www.carrswoodyachts.com

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2015 Custom Harry Dunning 42, BABY BELLA. 395000 USD. Located in Portsmouth, RI - USA.

Offshore friendly 40 ft racing yacht, that does inshore and offshore with verve. Full planing hull and larger sail plan than her peers. Excellent option for the 2020 ORC and IRC worlds in Portsmouth, RI.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
Telephone: +44(0) 1590 679222
ben [DOT] cooper [AT] berthon [DOT] com

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HH66 - NEW BOAT

An alluring range of dual purpose yachts for an expanding sector. "A race boat in disguise" by design, the 66 has been turning heads and collecting accolades and silver around the world. Boat no 6 is set to launch later this year, the lightest and fastest to-date.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Hudson Yacht & Marine
sales [AT] hhcatamarans [DOT] com
www.hhcatamarans.com

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

The Last Word
People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world. -- Calvin and Hobbes

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Plattner's Phoenix 11 Make Dream Home Waters Start in Cape Town
• Azzurra set to defend with a new Tactician
• Ocean Safety appoints Dee Caffari MBE as Ambassador
• Ireland Makes Dominant Start to 93rd Bacardi Cup
• Emirates ACWS Portsmouth Wavemaker Programme
• (Don't) Shake it all about - Future Fibres
• 2022 Flying Fifteen European Championships to be sailed at Cowes
• How do we fly?
• World Sailing Show
• 2.4 Meter Worlds
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Vismara Frers 80 Custom
• • Chessie Racing
• • Victory '83
• The Last Word: Ken Campbell

Plattner's Phoenix 11 Make Dream Home Waters Start in Cape Town
Photo by Ingrid Abery, www.ingridabery.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

Cape Town, South Afrida: Racing on their own home waters, Hasso Plattner's Phoenix 11 made a dream start to the Odzala Discovery Camps 52 SUPER SERIES V&A Waterfront - Cape Town regatta, the first event of six that comprise the 2020 52 SUPER SERIES.

Local knowledge and a protracted spell of training late last year and before this season's curtain raiser played its part as Phoenix completed a textbook first race that they won comfortably. Then, after a less than perfect start to the second contest, Phoenix battled from the bottom third of the fleet to deliver a valuable third place finish.

In the south westerly breeze, which picked up to 16kts for the second start and averaged 10-13 kts for the day, conditions were not easy to read - consistency proving particularly elusive. Phoenix 11, the newer of the two Plattner family TP52s, were undoubtedly the class act delivering for the home support.

Standings after Day 1
1. Phoenix 11 (RSA) (Hasso Plattner) (1,3) 4 points.
2. Azzurra (ARG/ITA) (Alberto/Pablo Roemmers) (4,2) 6 p.
3. Sled (USA) (Takashi Okura) (3,4) 7 p.
4. Alegre (USA/GBR) (Andres Soriano) (7,1) 8 p.
5. Bronenosec (RUS) (Vladimir Liubomirov) (2,10) 12 p.
6. Provezza (TUR) (Ergin Imre) (6,6) 12 p.
7. Phoenix 12 (RSA) (Tina Plattner) (8,5) 13 p.
8. Quantum Racing (USA) (Doug DeVos) (5,8) 13 p.
9. Platoon (GER) (Harm Muller-Spreer) (9,7) 16 p.
10. Paprec (FRA) (Jean-Luc Petithuguenin) (10,9) 19 p.

Full results

www.52superseries.com

Azzurra set to defend with a new Tactician
Photo by Max Ranchi, www.maxranchi.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

Cape Town, South Africa: Azzurra, defending champion in the 52 Super Series, is off to an excellent start in the 2020 season with fourth and second place finishes in the two races run today in Cape Town, South Africa.

At the end of the day there is just one team ahead of the boat flying the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's burgee and that's the home team, Phoenix 11, who got first and third place finishes today. Sled (3rd and 4th today) is just one point behind Azzurra and all eyes were on this American team after their excellent win in the final event of the 2019 Super Series in Porto Cervo. Alegre totals eight points while the rest of the fleet trails these teams by double digits.

Michele Paoletti, tactician: "My debut went well, but if you don't have a fast boat there's no such thing as a good tactician. Azzurra is fast and always has been, that's why she has always been in the top positions of this super competitive circuit. Her team knows every detail of the boat, they are real experts and they have an added plus: they're a tightly knit group. They have made me feel comfortable and welcome even though I know I'm walking in the big footsteps of the tacticians who have come before me."

Tomorrow racing starts at the same time, 12:30 SAST South African Standard Time (11:30 CET) with wind conditions forecast to be similar to today's. Racing can be followed on the tracker Virtual Eye, on the website azzurra.it, on the 52superseries app or the website 52superseries.com. Live updates from the race course will also be posted on Azzurra's Facebook page.

Ocean Safety appoints Dee Caffari MBE as Ambassador
Ocean Safety recognises that sailors like Dee Caffari MBE are the best at what they do. That's why the company has appointed her as Ambassador to represent its key lifesaving products. Her evaluation and feedback from the company's products will reinforce Ocean Safety's position as a leading specialist in the worldwide supply of marine safety equipment. Meanwhile, her trust in the capability of the lifesaving kit she and her crews will be using, will endorse Ocean Safety's reputation for quality and reliability.

Dee is the first woman to have sailed single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions and the only woman to have sailed non-stop around the world a total of three times. She led 'Turn the Tide on Plastic' in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017/18, the first mixed gender youth team to compete in the iconic round the globe event.

"Creating the right culture, with trust and reliability in the equipment and with each other, allows a team to push the boundaries of performance with confidence," says Dee. "I hope to help promote this way of thinking and to continue to challenge and encourage innovation with new technologies." She adds "I want to help develop continuous improvement with honest and open feedback within the safety parameters for sailing."

oceansafety.com

Ireland Makes Dominant Start to 93rd Bacardi Cup
The annual Bacardi Cup kicked off today in Miami, USA, with a beautiful and very typical Biscayne Bay day which saw the 65 boat race get underway in a south-easterly breeze of about 16 knots.

Today it was all about the iconic Star Class, with the J/70, Melges 24, Viper 640 and the newly welcomed VXOne sports boat and AV8 and Windfoil classes beginning their competition on Thursday 5 March.

After the skippers briefing at Coral Reef Yacht Club, the 130 sailors headed to the water for a scheduled 1200 hours start. Principal Race Officer Carl Schellbach hoisted the U-Flag after the first general recall, which saw over half the fleet cross early, and got the fleet off on the second attempt in stunning race track conditions.

Paul Cayard (USA) and his Brazilian crew Pedro Trouche had a dominant start on the pin end but couldn't break away and were soon overhauled by the Italian-German partnership of Diego Negri and Frithjof Kleen who led round the first mark. They were closely pursued by Danish skipper Jorgen Shoenherr and his German crew Markus Koy, winners of the Star Midwinter regatta in January on the same race track, and the 'king of the bay' Augie Diaz (USA) with Henry Boening (BRA). The Irish brothers Peter and Robert O'Leary were not far behind and delivered a superb downwind strike to claim the lead going into the gate and maintain ownership of the race through to the finish.

While the Irish team secured a significant win, it was neck and neck for second and third and hard to separate Paul Cayard with Pedro Trouche and the 2019 Star World Champions Mateusz Kusznierewicz (POL) and Bruno Prada (BRA). They were super close, but the Race Committee had no doubt in awarding second place to the Polish-Brazilian partnership.

The sixty-five Star Class teams will kick off race 2 of the 93rd Bacardi Cup with a scheduled start time of 1200 hours for another intense day of race track duels on Tuesday 3 March.

bacardiinvitational.com

Emirates ACWS Portsmouth Relaunch Official Wavemaker Volunteers Programme
The Emirates America's Cup World Series Portsmouth event is excited to relaunch their official Wavemakers Volunteers Programme. The event team are looking for 150 volunteers to support across a range of roles and registration is now OPEN

The Emirates ACWS event takes place across 4th – 7th June. Three international teams will join home team, INEOS TEAM UK, for four days of action packed racing and entertainment off Southsea seafront.

It's the third time Portsmouth will host the America's Cup racing, over 250,000 spectators lined the shores during the 2015 and 2016 events and over 500 volunteers were on the ground supporting. The Wavemakers programme has become integral to helping to deliver a world class sporting event.

As well as being the 'face' of the Emirates ACWS Portsmouth, Wavemakers are also recruited as ambassadors to share their local knowledge and educate spectators on the America's Cup racing.

Successful volunteers will be offered the opportunity to work across multiple facets of the event from general help, support and guidance to opportunities within TV production, stage management, event control, media and hospitality. To prepare them for their role, the event will give all volunteers a full training programme.

Following a review of all the online applications, selected candidates will be contacted via email or phone by a member of the event team.

Tickets for the Emirates America's Cup World Series Portsmouth are now live on Ticketmaster HERE

(Don't) Shake it all about - Future Fibres
The theory of vortex shedding is well known to golfers with their little dimples (the balls, that is!) It was also toyed with in the past by 12 Metre sparmakers... so why not extend the benefits to the rigging itself?

The parentage of Future Fibres' latest answer to high-tech composite rigging, becomes quite clear when you start looking at how AEROsix is put together. An extended elliptical aerofoil shape, AEROsix takes the best elements of Future Fibres' multistrand carbon rigging, ECsix, and combines it with RAZR, Future Fibres' solid carbon product.

Each of AEROsix's parents could claim great advantages over what came before them. But while these products have become established as the go-to choices in the market place, Future Fibres asked itself, what next? In the May edition of Seahorse, p72-73, we looked at the reasons why the company felt it was time to develop and launch AEROsix into the market.

However, things have moved on apace even in the past few months as Future Fibres has conducted more research in conjunction with the Wolfson Unit at the University of Southampton. Some interesting and somewhat unforeseen discoveries have emerged out of the R&D work at the Wolfson Unit...

Full article in the March issue of Seahorse

2022 Flying Fifteen European Championships to be sailed at Cowes
Tatania. Photo by Ian G Gilchrist. Click on image to enlarge.

The Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club (CCYC) has been selected to host the 2022 Flying Fifteen European Championships in what will be the year of the 75th anniversary of the design of 1947. The championship will be held from 20 - to 26 August, two weeks after Cowes Week.

With fleets based in Belgium, France, Ireland and Spain it is hoped that there will be strong interest from European boats as well as those based in the UK and even further afield overseas.

The exact format of the event will be agreed between the club and the local, National and International Associations of the class over the next 18 months but there is likely to be a 75th Anniversary celebration race on Sunday followed by four days of racing in the central Solent. The racing will be accompanied by a varied social programme incorporating many of the attractive and interesting venues available in and around Cowes.

Cowes has been the venue for numerous Flying Fifteen championships since the first National Championship was held there in 1949 and recently has hosted Southern Area Championships on significant anniversary years in 2007, 2012 and 2017 being 60th, 65th and 70th respectively. Prior to that in 1997 CCYC hosted what was the largest ever gathering of Flying Fifteens to mark the 50th anniversary of the class when over 180 boats descended on Cowes to take part in the Worlds, Nationals and Classic Fifteen regatta.

2022 is not only the 75th anniversary of the design of the Flying Fifteen but will also mark 50 years since the designer Uffa Fox passed away. The legend of Uffa is very much a part of Cowes yachting history with his breakthrough in planing dinghy design in the late 1920's in the International 14 Avenger, his prolific design and build portfolio that followed, his often eccentric behaviour and of course his links with royalty including sailing with Prince Philip for nearly 20 years in the Flying Fifteen 'Coweslip'. Preliminary discussions are underway on how to celebrate Uffa's 'fiftieth' and the Flying Fifteen European Championship will be a significant part of the celebration. -- Mike Dixon and Jonny Fullerton

www.flying15.org

How do we fly?
With less than two months left to go until the start of the first act of the America's Cup World Series in Cagliari, to be held from 23 to 26 of April, curiosity is at its peak for these new "flying monohulls". For the first time these boats will compete between the buoys in what are expected to be incredibly tight and spectacular races. The schedule involves three days of Round Robins, while the last day will feature the Finals, for the first and second place, with the Petit Final to determine third and fourth place.

We will see completely new yachts, with outstanding performances and technological solutions very close to aeronautical engineering, that allow a boat as heavy as an elephant to "fly".

Watch our Boat Tutorial for an insight in the Luna Rossa "numbers".

World Sailing Show
This month the World Sailing Show focuses on the thrills and spills of a decade of foiling with Sir Ben Ainslie at the INEOS TEAM UK training base in Cagliari, Italy. The British America's Cup skipper looks ahead to an action-packed year in SailGP and the America's Cup World Series.

We bring you action from the star-studded fleet competing in the RORC Caribbean 600 race - 700 sailors from 37 nations racing 600 miles around 11 islands.

A year of Olympic sailing kicked off in Miami with the World Cup Series. We bring you the stories and action from the event that featured seven Olympic classes.

Another speed record has been won by the French. Francis Joyon and his IDEC Sport crew concluded a winter of record-breaking by taking the Hong Kong to London tea clipper route record.

- Foiling into the future. Sir Ben Ainslie looks forward to a year of thrills and spills in SailGP and America's Cup World Series.
- The star sailors and action from this year's RORC Caribbean 600 race.
- Olympic qualifying action from the World Cup Series in Miami.
- Francis Joyon breaks the the tea clipper route record from Hong Kong to London.
- Winners from the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 world championships in Australia.

The World Sailing Show YouTube Channel

2.4 Meter Worlds - Registration Open, Anticipation Building
In the wake of a very successful winter CanAm series in Port Charlotte, registration opened for the International 2.4 Meter World Championships at Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa FL. As of this writing, there were already 15 entries including defending world champion Megan Pascoe and perennial 2.4 Meter rock star Dee Smith for an event that is still 8 months away.

The event will be held from November 7-13, 2020 and is likely to attract a strong contingent of European 2.4 Meter sailors. US Class president Tony Pocklington has been working diligently to plan a world class event and recently commented "The 2.4 Meter at Davis Island is a world class combination of boat and venue. Tampa is a great host city. This event will be spectacular."

About the 2.4 Meter
The 2.4 Meter is a 14 foot singlehanded racing sailboat that "levels the playing field" for sailors regardless of physical stature. The exciting little keel boat provides incredibly competitive racing with an emphasis on tactics and sailing rather than physical exertion. In the United States, the 2.4 Meter class has a winter home in Port Charlotte Florida and is growing in the Northeast.

Registering for Worlds
If you would like to sail with us, and / or have questions please reach out to Tony Pocklington at captiva_24 [AT] yahoo [DOT] com or Jen Holmberg (Event Chair) at jenholmberg21 [AT] gmail [DOT] com.

Additionally, you can register here: 2.4mR 2020 Worlds including Para World Championship on Yacht Scoring - A complete web based regatta administration and yacht scoring program

Featured Brokerage
2009 Vismara Frers 80 Custom. 1,150,000 EUR. Located in Viareggio, Italy.

Extensively updated and refitted, Frers designed performance ocean cruiser in full pre-preg carbon composite with telescopic keel, push-button rig and 4-cabin plus crew interior layout.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Tel UK: +44 (0)1590 673715
Tel ITA: +39 333 7489281
Email: enquiries [AT] grabauinternational [DOT] com

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Chessie Racing. 2,250,000 USD. Located in United States.

CHESSIE is equipped with a lifting keel and twin rudders – driven by the shoal-draft requirement Her owner chose a Hall Spar, deck-stepped, swept-spreader rig for simplicity and location (the rig sits above the lifting keel box, which offers a nice structural solution) She has a 75HP (the biggest Yanmar engine with a saildrive) which drives the boat at 10.5kt with a Gori three-blade folding prop (which is surprisingly low drag when folded) The boat has a Cariboni MagicTrim mainsheet, Harken electric winches, a Reckmann recessed furler headstay, a removable furling staysail, a self-tacking jib, a Hall furling boom and a square-top main plus runners for racing. Chessie is easy to steer and has good stability.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
William Jenkins
410 267 9419
410 353 7862
www.tysyacht.com

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1983 12 Metre Victory 83. 900,000 USD. Located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Victory83.com

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

The Last Word
I'm not mad. I've just read different books. -- Ken Campbell

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Bacardi Cup
• Azzurra Stay Clear of Cape Town's Twists and Turns to Lead
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• New Look And Format For Swedish World Championship Tour Event
• M32 Class Spring Update
• Pascal Bidegorry and MACIF for The Transat CIC
• The Windeler Cup
• Island Time
• Industry News
• Letters to the Editor
• Featured Charter: J122 - Noisy Oyster
• Featured Brokerage:
• • GC32 Gunvor
• • William Fife Iii 19 Metre Gaff Cutter - Mariquita
• • Botin 80 - 'Cabron'
• The Last Word: Arnold H. Glasow

Bacardi Cup
On the second day of the 93rd Bacardi Cup, the sixty-five teams in the Star Class were greeted by warmer temperatures and a cloudy sky at Coral Reef Yacht Club, the now home of the event which was first held in Havana, Cuba, in 1927.

With a tricky 8-10 knots of breeze from the southeast, the 165 sailors left the dock ready for the starting sequence at 1155 hours to battle it out in one endurance race per day, as per the traditional format of the Star Class.

Kusznierewicz and Prada took control of the fleet ahead of mark three and extended to the finish line to conquer race two. Adding a win to their second place from yesterdayplaces them at the top of the leaderboard.

The 2017 Star Class World Champions Eiind Melleby (NOR) and Joshua Revkin (USA) added a 3rd to their scorecard and leap to second overall, with overnight leaders Peter and Robert O'Leary (IRL) dropping to third after their 7th place. The 'king of the bay' Augie Diaz, racing with Henry 'Maguila' Boening, finished in 2nd to advance to fourth overall. Keeping in fighting distance of the leaders are the 2019 Bacardi Cup winners, Eric Doyle and Payson Infelise (USA),who count two top 10 finishes to sit in 9th overall.

From Thursday 5 March, the Star Class will be joined by the J70, Melges 24, Viper 640, VXOne sports boat and the foiling AV8 and Windfoil classes.

Provisional Top 10 - After 2 Races
1. Mateusz Kusznierewicz/Bruno Prada, POL, 3 points
2. Eivind Melleby/Joshua Revkin, NOR, 7
3. Peter O'Leary/Robert O'Leary, IRL, 8
4. Augie Diaz/Henry Boening, USA, 9
5. Diego Negri/Frithjof Kleen, ITA, 11
6. Paul Cayard/Pedro Trouch, USA, 12
7. Jørgen Schonherr/Markus Koy, DEN, 12
8. Manu Hens/Joost Houweling, BEL, 17
9. Eric Doyle/Paison Infelise, USA, 17
10. George Szabo/Guy Avelon, USA, 18

Full results

bacardiinvitational.com

Azzurra Stay Clear of Cape Town's Twists and Turns to Lead
Cape Town: Technical breakdowns unsettled Hasso Plattner's Phoenix 11 team as the 2019 circuit champions Azzurra maintained their consistent form to overhaul the local Cape Town favourites who drop to second place after four races have been sailed at the Odzala Discovery Camps 52 SUPER SERIES V&A Waterfront – Cape Town regatta.

After a solid win in Race 3, the first of today, Phoenix 11 maintained their points advantage over Azzurra, which finished in second. But a pedestal winch gearing breakdown between races unsettled the local team who suffered a breakage of their aftmost port side stanchion to further compound their problems.

The resulting seventh sees Plattner's crew drop two points behind the Roemmers family's Azzurra, which has sailed three second places from four starts and seems to have maintained the consistency that served them well last season, even after integrating new tactician Michele Paoletti.

Sled, which was involved in a collision with training partners Alegre during the first race of the day, still lies third having been granted average points by redress as they were fouled by Alegre.

Although the race area was moved west of the city, it was still tightly bound by a shipping channel, which meant another compact, close-fought track. In flat water with boat speeds so similar and perhaps reflecting early-season, on-board comms, there were no fewer than eight incidents that resulted in seven penalty flags.

Regatta standings after Day 2
1. Azzurra, ARG/ITA, Alberto/Pablo Roemmers, 10 points
2. Phoenix 11, RSA, Hasso Plattner, 12
3. Sled, USA, Takashi Okura, 18.5
4. Bronenosec, RUS, Vladimir Liubomirov, 20
5. Quantum Racing, USA, Doug DeVos, 22
6. Provezza, TUR, Ergin Imre, 23
7. Alegre, USA/GBR, Andrés Soriano, 25
8. Platoon, GER, Harm Müller-Spreer, 27
9. Phoenix 12, RSA, Tina Plattner, 27
10. Paprec, FRA, Jean-Luc Petithuguenin, 31

Full results

www.52Superseries.com

Seahorse March 2020
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

World news
What you didn't see in New Zealand, everything's new in France in 2020, happy face for Franck Cammas, sad face (for now) for Yann Elies, it's only au revoir from Gery Trentesaux, a different Sydney Hobart future (perhaps). Plus US Olympic sailing, US offshore sailing, does none of it ever get any easier? Dobbs Davis, Ivor Wilkins, Patrice Carpentier, Blue Robinson, Dave Hughes, Pete Melvin

Paul Cayard - Emotional
You say cost-reduction, I say advantage creation

IRC - When less is more
The trend to shorthanded racing is having some interesting consequences. Jason Smithwick

Seahorse build table - The fish's new friend
Giuliano Luzzatto talks to innovative Italian engineer Pietro Parmeggiani

Sailor of the Month
And a good month for both of them

Special rates for EuroSail News 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/

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

New Look And Format For Swedish World Championship Tour Event
Gothenburg, Sweden: 'GKSS Match Cup Marstrand' was today announced as the new name of the Swedish world championship event of the 2020 World Match Racing Tour, this year hosting its 26th edition from 1-5 July. The event will be sailed in M32 multihulls managed by Gothenburg based agency CREATE in collaboration with GKSS (Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club). The 2020 Notice of Race has also been released including an increased USD75,000 prize purse and 14-team field.

The popular annual Swedish match racing event continues its tradition as one of the flagship events of the World Match Racing Tour since the Tour was founded in 2000 - the event was previously named Match Cup Sweden before taking its new title of GKSS Match Cup Marstrand this year. The event attracts tens of thousands of spectators annually to the picturesque island of Marstrand, 30 kilometres to the west of Gothenburg.

Following last week's announcement by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club to increase its entries to the Bermuda Gold Cup from 12 to 16 teams, GKSS Match Cup Marstrand have also increased their entries from 12 to 14 teams to incorporate a Women's trophy

New for 2020 is also the addition of the Grade 3 GKSS Spring Cup from (30-31 May) as an official qualifier event to the Marstrand world championship event. Held in GKSS's owned fleet of Far East 28 one-design yachts, the top two placed skippers from ten teams will qualify to GKSS Match Cup Marstrand where they will join the very best match racers from around the world in July to battle for the coveted Marstrand title.

Mattias Dahlstrom (SWE) has been appointed as Principle Race Officer for GKSS Match Cup Marstrand, with International Umpire and Judge Craig Mitchell (GBR) as Chief Umpire. The preliminary entry list will be published in the coming weeks.

2020 World Match Racing Tour Schedule

1. The Ficker Cup, Long Beach, USA, 24-26 April
2. *Congressional Cup®, Long Beach, USA, 29 April - 3 May
3. Porto Montenegro Match Race, 8-10 May
4. *Bermuda Gold Cup, Bermuda, 11-16 May
5. Slovenia Match Race Cup, Portorož, 14-17 May
6. NJK Open Spring Cup, Finland, 22-24 May
7. GKSS Spring Cup, Gothenburg, 30-31 May
8. Match Race Germany, Langenargen, 27 May - 1 June
9. Swinoujscie Match Race, Poland, 18-21 June
10. *GKSS Match Cup Marstrand, 1-5 July
11. Internationaux de France de Match Racing, 23-26 July
12. Baltic Match Race, Estonia, 29 July - 2 August
13. AIRCALIN Match Race, New Caledonia, 8-11 August
14. Chicago Grand Slam, USA, 14-16 August
15. International Match Race for the Detroit Cup, USA, 19-23 August
16. Oakcliff International, Oyster Bay, USA, 27-31 August
17. Thompson Cup, Oyster Bay, USA, 2-5 September
18. DBS Marina Bay Cup, Singapore, 17-20 September
19. *WMRT FINAL - TBA Nov/Dec

wmrt.com

M32 Class Spring Update
The March event, with a record 13 entries so far, marks the end of the fight for the Rooster Trophy, the infamous trophy for the Miami Winter Series. Leading the series going into the event is Pieter Taselaar's team Bliksem. Only one point behind is last winters winner and reigning World Champion Don Wilson with his team Convexity. Another handful of boats is fighting for the podium lead by Jennifer Wilson's team Convergence.

New Miami Event - The Sandbar Cup
The fleet simply could not get enough of the fun in the sun, and the racing in Miami will be extended with another event in April. The "M32 Sandbar Cup" will score as a separate event and have more of a laid back setup when it comes to changing skippers and crew between races.

European teams getting ready
The M32 European Series will start in May in Sanremo, Italy, but already in April most of the fleet will be in Sanremo for the Warm-Up Regatta. Sanremo hosted a warm-up event already last year, and Yacht Club Sanremo Regatta Chairman Umberto Zocca comments "We are happy to have the class back, and it's a pleasure for Yacht Club Sanremo to host an event with a fast and exciting boat like the M32." Last year's warm-up event was won by Ian William's "GAC Pindar" that, contrary to sailing superstition, went on to win the entire series. Ian, who is also Class Vice President for Europe says "The class really enjoyed the event in Sanremo last year so decided to come back for two events this year - on GAC Pindar we are ready and raring to get back into the racing after a long break." A new team on the start line in Sanremo is Harald Vermeulen's "Leeloo" from the Netherlands. The team tested the boat on one event last season and have joined the Miami fleet for some training this winter. From Sanremo the fleet moves on to Amsterdam, Holland followed by Marstrand, Sweden before going back to the south of Europe.

m32world.com

Pascal Bidegorry and MACIF for The Transat CIC
Following a tough Brest Atlantique race, Francois Gabart has momentarily decided to give racing a break this season, despite having learnt a lot from this event. The MACIF trimaran's skipper will use this time to focus on projects in a different way and to recharge his batteries to return stronger than ever next year.

After talking about this together, the MACIF group and Francois Gabart have decided to hand over the helm of the MACIF trimaran to Pascal Bidegorry for The Transat CIC, which will set sail from Brest on 10 May 2020.

Over the winter, Francois Gabart realized that he had overextended himself. He lagged behind in his physical preparation for the upcoming season and didn't have enough time to recover from the exhaustion that had accumulated over recent seasons before the next date set for early May - The Transat CIC. Francois knows that it is essential not to underestimate the problems this represents, particularly when putting to sea again single-handed for another Atlantic sprint. After due consideration with the MACIF group, the decision was made to allow the boat to take part in The Transat CIC, without Francois at its helm. Naturally, this decision does not affect the partnership between the skipper and MACIF, for which, as an insurance group, prevention is a core value. The firm fully backs his choice, knowing that he will return much stronger next year at the helm of the new MACIF trimaran, which is currently being built.

Three months before the start of The Transat CIC, the MACIF group and Francois Gabart have decided to entrust the helm of the MACIF trimaran to Pascal Bidegorry. His multihull experience and his approach to performance, in combination with the fact that he has been working on and supporting the MACIF trimaran project since the boat was launched in the summer of 2015, naturally make Pascal the inevitable choice to skipper the boat in The Transat CIC.

Winner alongside Francois in the Transat Jacques Barbara in 2015, then the Armen Race and The Bridge in 2017, Pascal Bidegorry has also taken part in a large number of training sessions on board to develop performance and advise Francois. Already there for the first transatlantic race, he will therefore enjoy the privilege of leading the trimaran in this its last race under the colours of Macif, since it will be sold this summer.

www.macifcourseaularge.com

The Windeler Cup
Entries have opened for the first Windeler Cup, the new race for small keelboats that will run on the same day as the world-famous Round the Island Race, Saturday 30 May 2020.

The race has been introduced to allow boats which are too small to safely participate in the annual circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight to join in the excitement of the Round the Island Race weekend. Instead of sailing the full 50 mile course of the main race, boats from the Daring, Dragon, Etchells, Flying Fifteen, Mermaid, Redwing, Sunbeam, Swallow, Sonar, Squib, RS Elite, Victory and XOD classes will compete in a 'Round the Solent' race for the new Windeler Cup, starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron line off Cowes after the main Round the Island fleet is underway. The race will follow a course around the Western Solent, taking advantage of favourable tides to finish back on the RYS line in Cowes.

The Windeler Cup has been named after Major Cyril Windeler, who created the Round the Island Race in 1931 as an opportunity for owners of smaller yachts to enjoy a 'bigger than usual' competition. It is in this spirit that the Island Sailing Club has introduced the new race and addressed the desires of smaller keelboats who would like to take part in the main race.

Visit roundtheisland.org.uk to register for both Round the Island Race and The Windeler Cup.

Island Time
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is well-known among racing sailors for its close and intense competition. But the 40th Anniversary Edition of the event, scheduled for March 5-8, is also an island-wide festival of sailing, parties and music.

And if you're a cruising sailor visiting the islands, the best way to participate is to hoist sail and join the on-the-water fun. And the easiest, coolest way to do that is sign up for the Island Time class, the division especially created and designed for cruising sailors.

Sponsored by Hank Schmitt - who runs the free crew network Offshore Passage Opportunities (www.sailopo.com) and organizes the annual NARC Rally from Newport, R.I. to St Maarten - the Island Time class is now in its fifth year.

"A lot of cruisers raced when they were younger, and still have those competitive juices," said Schmitt. "But they don't have a race boat and don't want to make the commitment to do a huge event. With the Island Time class, you can be ready to go in two hours, not two days. Take the anchor off the bow and drop your dodger if you wish, and you're all set. And you get to be part of the action, which is really the ideal way to enjoy the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta."

The Island Time division is surely the most civilized way to go sailboat racing. You compete against like-minded cruisers. There's only one race a day, at 11 a.m., and a special bridge opening at 10:30, so no frantic dash at dawn to get on the racecourse.

www.heinekenregatta.com

www.sail-world.com/news/

Industry News
After 23 years of training highly-skilled boat builders and furniture makers, the Boat Building Academy (BBA) is proud to announce it is now a charitable company. The change will enable the BBA to offer bursaries to individuals for training in boat building and furniture making.

"Becoming a charity is a big moment for us; the primary objective is to enable us to offer assisted places to extremely committed applicants who would not otherwise be able to attend our courses," says Will Reed, BBA Principal and Trustee.

"Initially, we are able to offer two boat builders and three furniture makers financial assistance each year. We would like to increase numbers in future and will be taking a proactive approach to fundraising."

BBA bursaries will be offered to applicants who best meet criteria which include commitment, enthusiasm and a desire to forge a career in the boat building and furniture making industries. For more information about bursaries, register interest via office [AT] boatbuildingacademy [DOT] com.

"Although some students receive grants from the likes of City & Guilds, most rely on savings, and for some people a course is an unattainable dream," says Will. "We are thrilled to be able to turn those dreams into reality for several students each year with our new bursary programme. I came to the BBA through a lifetime love of woodwork and I'm delighted that we'll be offering our training to a wider section of the community."

The academy has seen over 500 students through its doors in Lyme Regis, with graduates sought after across the UK and globally in all aspects of the boat building and furniture making industries. Graduates have gone on to work in boatyards such as Tommy Nielsen, Spirit Yachts and Will Stirling; some have set up their own businesses.

The flagship 40-week Boat Building course teaches people how to build boats to industry standards using traditional and modern techniques while the 12-week Furniture Making and Advanced Furniture Making courses provide the skills needed to produce top-end work.

The BBA also offers a variety of 2 to 5-day short courses, from basic woodwork and furniture making, to boat building, GRP repairs, wooden boat restoration and sail making. Find out more online at boatbuildingacademy.com

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The Laser Campaign Manual 20th Anniversary Edition

Sir Ben Ainslie won his first two Olympic medals (silver, then gold) in the Laser Class. After winning the gold medal he wrote down the secrets that won him that medal in this book. This new edition is published to mark the 20th anniversary of that first of his four Olympic gold medals. It features a brand-new introduction by Ben reflecting on his victory 20 years ago.

But it is more than a historical document as Ben explains: "I am still the same sailor who raced the Laser in 2000 and the boat is basically the same boat... so I do feel this book is more than just a celebration of the 20 years since I won my first gold medal - it contains the information that helped me win that medal and it can still help Laser sailors (and other single-handed sailors) get on the podium."

It is the only how-to book that the world's most successful Olympic sailor has written and so, while he and the Laser class have moved on, this is the only place where you can gain access to Ben's skills and thought process. It is an invaluable guide on how to perform at the top of the Laser class or, indeed, any single-handed sailing dinghy

Published by Fernhurst Books as part of their Sail to Win series, as a paperback and eBook, The Laser Campaign Manual will be available to buy from all good bookshops, websites and direct from www.fernhurstbooks.com

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11th Hour Racing Team has partnered with Karün sunglasses as an official team supplier in the sustainable eyewear category over the next three years through the completion of the next edition of The Ocean Race in 2022. Karün will provide 11th Hour Racing Team and staff with high-performance sunglasses engineered for offshore sailing, while collaborating with 11th Hour Racing Team on unique strands of content and on-site promotional opportunities at race events.

This is the second consecutive Ocean Race in which 11th Hour Racing Team CEO Mark Towill and Skipper Charlie Enright have partnered with Karün, after working together on the prototypes and development of Karün's first-ever sailing line of sunglasses in 2017, when Towill and Enright led Vestas 11th Hour Racing in the 2017-18 edition of The Ocean Race.\

www.11thhourracingteam.org

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The Confindustria Nautica General Council, the new name for the reunified UCINA and Nautica Italiana associations, convened last week in Genoa to formalise the addition of a number of new association members while also launching the process to integrate the respective governing bodies of the Association into the Council and Industry Assembly. Candidates are now putting their names forward for the Recreational Ship sector, in view of the elections, the dates of which will be confirmed next month.

Baglietto Spa and Cerri Cantieri Navali Spa (both under the Gavio Group), the Ferretti Group, Fincantieri Yachts, Perini Navi Spa, Anvera/Lg and Sacs, are among the many boatbuilding brands to have joined over the past few days. They are joined by Mase - in the Accessories/Components sector; Marina di Portofino, Marinedi Group and Porto Lotti, from the marina sector; and Compagnia Generale Telemar in the Services field. Design studios Zuccon International Project and Francesco Paszkowski Design have also joined.

The last few weeks has also seen a number of other company groups join Confindustria Nautica including AON, Italian and global leader in risk and HR consultancy and in insurance and reinsurance brokerage; Boero, ISYBA (the Italian Ship and Yacht Broker Association), Coast to Coast Investimenti srl and Pressmare, a leading online news platform.

The total number of applications to join Confindustria Nautica is now close to 40, including those from historical brands such as Nautica Glem (Catania) and Peter nautica (Bari) - among the largest operators in Sicily and Puglia - a number of hallmark names like Marina Verbella and Solcio, based respectively on the Lombardy and Piedmont banks of Lago Maggiore, one of the leading names in the North West Maresport team (Padua); one of Milan's key network hubs, Nautisport, along with Oltre Nautica in Rome, Campello Marine in Venice, Punto Mare in Ancona and, says Confindustria Nautica, many more are joining from across Italy.

The reunification of UCINA and Nautica Italiana began last year. The assemblies of the two associations, which took place respectively on December 18 and 19, approved the changes subsequently made to the UCINA statute, as approved also by the Members of Nautica Italiana, chosen to be taken on as the unified Association's own statute, since UCINA was deemed to become the common home for both institutions, and adopted the name Confindustria Nautica.

Letters To The Editor - editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] 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 Euan Ross:

Concerning the photo chosen to illustrate the Flying Fifteens 2022 visit to Cowes: It was a delight to see that famous image of Uffa sailing Titania off Hunter's Quay with Finartmore (Kilmun Hill) and the mouths of the Holy Loch and Loch Long in the background. Ian Gilchrist's photographs live on in his books which are still available and very much under-priced on the second-hand market. In the hands of the old rogue himself, Titania, won the second National Championships in 1950. The boat was sold to J. Heddle and based on the Clyde in 1953.

The Flying Fifteen have long been popular 'up north', peaking with the 1976 Nationals at Rhu which saw an entry of 119 boats. Uffa himself attended the launching ceremonies of many fine yachts on the Clyde, being a man who would turn up for the proverbial 'opening of an envelope.' It was sad to see Uffa end up as a sad bundle of blankets, slumped in a wheelchair, taking the air in front of the Commodore's House, animated only by that distinguished beak of his.

The Fifteens feature in 'Highland Cowes', our history of Scottish sailing which is coming out this Spring. The book pays tribute to Hunter's Quay, once a significant centre of yachting, like Cowes. The terrible pun of the book title was inspired by both 'Sacred Cowes', Heckstall-Smith's affectionate portrait, and the three Fifteens named Coweslip, the first of which was presented to Royal Family by the people of Cowes.

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Featured Brokerage
GC32 Gunvor. 200,000 ex VAT EUR. Located in Barcelona

Boat build number 20 is in excellent conditions and sailed only four events in the GC32 Racing Tour season of 2016. Equipment is almost brand new and everything is race ready.

The boat comes with a 40ft HQ container that was also purchased new in 2016. The container comes with benches, tools and all gear needed to mount and maintain the boat (incl. rotating cradles for ease foil fitting).

Current location is in storage in Barcelona.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
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email: christian [AT] gc32racing [DOT] com
gc32.org/market-place/

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1911 William Fife III 19 Metre Gaff Cutter - Mariquita. 2,750,000 EUR. Located in United Kingdom.

This is a chance to enter classic yacht racing at the highest level. Since her restoration in 2004 MARIQUITA’s results have kept improving such that she cannot now stop winning.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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info [AT] sandemanyachtcompany [DOT] co [DOT] uk
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33 High Street
Poole, Dorset
BH15 1AB
United Kingdom

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Cabron - Botin 80. $1.550,000 USD.

‘Cabron' has recently gone through a full service and is turn key ready to race.

Designed to chase down the 100 ft Maxis, ‘Cabron' is a world-class race yacht with a build quality to match. No expense has been spared on the maintenance and the condition of the yacht reflects this.

Built by the famous Cookson boatyard, designed by Botin "Cabron" is a high powered racing yacht with Oceanic capability but geared for coastal racing as well (Caribbean 600, The Fastnet Race, Middle Sea race)

With powered winches, a canting keel this Botin designed 80 has a similar displacement of a Volvo 70 but an extra 10ft of waterline making it ultra high powered and capable of keeping up with much larger boats.

She comes with a large inventory of sails and spares and no expense has been spared during her recent complete service. Meticulously looked after by full-time professional crew and a brand new up to date racing certificate "Cabron" is turn-key ready to race anywhere in the world.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Alexhigby [AT] oceanicyachts [DOT] com
+1(415)-980-9060
www.oceanicyachts.com

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

The Last Word
Live so that your friends can defend you but never have to. -- Arnold H. Glasow

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Platoon Bounce Back, Azzurra's Consistency Is Not Contagious
• Bacardi Cup At Halfway Stage
• Queensland 18-Footer Comeback
• Two-time Olympic champion Dorian van Rijsselberghe retires
• Has your website taken all its vitamins?
• Top teams return for 2020 GC32 Racing Tour
• RHKYC Team Agiplast Announces Youth America's Cup Challenge
• Petition for World Sailing to cancel Hempel Sailing World Cup Genoa
• For the Record: Hong Kong to London
• Escape Hatch Recall: Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Catana-Bali, Nautitech
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Swan 105 RS Child of Lir
• • Baltic Yachts 65 Custom
• • SW78 Ocean Horse
• The Last Word: William S. Burroughs

Platoon Bounce Back, Azzurra's Consistency Is Not Contagious
Photo by Ingrid Abery, www.ingridabery.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

Cape Town, South Africa: After a very disappointing opening to the Odzala Discovery Camps 52 SUPER SERIES V&A Waterfront - Cape Town regatta, Harm Muller-Spreer's world champions Platoon bounced back to record a second and first today as the top scoring boat in the fleet. But, after six races have been sailed off Cape Town, it is still the 2019 overall title holders Azzurra who lead, today extending their cushion to ten points.

Azzurra's consistency, posting a 3.5 point average for the day, is the result of patience, minimising risk and obviously good boat speed, while Platoon's three-points aggregate for this third day of five planned racing days, moves them to within three points of second-placed Phoenix 11.

Doug DeVos's Quantum Racing triumphed in the first race of the day extending away from second-placed Platoon in a modest, oscillating 10 knot north-westerly that died on the second round. But the four-time 52 SUPER SERIES champions matched their win with a sixth from the nine starters.

While Azzurra lead by ten points overall the chasing pack is tightly grouped, just four points separating Hasso Plattner's second-placed Phoenix 11 from Andy Soriano's sixth-placed Alegre.

A collision with Alegre during the first race on Tuesday means Sled are unable to continue racing due to damage to their standing rigging. Their score is redressed to average points per race sailed after Race 3

Photo by Max Ranchi, www.maxranchi.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

Odzala Discovery Camps 52 SUPER SERIES V&A Waterfront - Cape Town
Regatta standings after Day 3
1. Azzurra (ARG/ITA) (Alberto/Pablo Roemmers) (4,2,2,2,5,2) 17 points
2. Phoenix 11 (RSA) (Hasso Plattner) (1,3,1,7,8,7) 27 points
3. Quantum Racing (USA) (Doug DeVos) (5,8,4,5,1,6) 29 points
4. Sled (USA) (Takashi Okura) (3,4,RDG6,RDG5.5, RDG5.5, RDG5.5) 29.5 points
5. Platoon (GER) (Harm Müller-Spreer) (9,7,8,3,2,1) 30 points
6. Alegre (USA/GBR) (Andrés Soriano) (7,1,DNF11+2,4,3,3) 31 points
7. Bronenosec (RUS) (Vladimir Liubomirov) (2,10,7,1,6,8) 34 points
8. Provezza (TUR) (Ergin Imre) (6,6,3,8,9,4) 36 points
9. Phoenix 12 (RSA) (Tina Plattner) (8,5,5,9,7,5) 39 points
10. Paprec (FRA) (Jean-Luc Petithuguenin) (10,9,6,6,4,9) 44 points

Full results

www.52superseries.com

Bacardi Cup At Halfway Stage
The change in wind pressure gave no change in performance from the series leaders Mateusz Kusznierewicz (POL) and Bruno Prada (BRA) who racked up another win today to lead the sixty-five boat Star Class fleet at the halfway stage of the 93rd Bacardi Cup in Miami, USA.

The weather conditions served up an altogether different race track on day 3, with the light and unsettled breeze postponing the start until 1330 hours. An initial wait ashore in the environs of the beautiful Coral Reef Yacht Club was followed by an on-water postponement, before the light and very warm southerly breeze filled in.

The reigning Star Class World Champions, Mateusz Kusznierewicz (POL) and Bruno Prada (BRA), repeated and improved on yesterday's race track domination, this time breaking away to lead the fleet from the first mark to the finish by a solid margin. The partnership dismissed the assault put up by Americans George Szabo and Guy Avellon, who delivered their best race of the series so far but had to be satisfied with a 2nd place finish and a leader board climb of five places to fifth overall.

From Thursday 5 March to Saturday 7 March the Star Class will be joined by the full line-up of classes at the Bacardi Invitational Regatta with the J70, Melges 24, Viper 640, VXOne sports boat and the foiling AV8 and Windfoil sailors joining the event.

Provisional Top 10 - After 3 Races
1. Mateusz Kusznierewicz/Bruno Prada, POL, 4 points
2. Eivind Melleby/Joshua Revkin, NOR, 10
3. Augie Diaz/Henry Boening, USA, 14
4. Diego Negri/Frithjof Kleen, ITA, 17
5. George Szabo/Guy Avellon, USA, 20
6. Peter O'Leary/Robert O'Leary, IRL, 26
7. Paul Cayard/Pedro Trouch, USA, 29
8. Jorgen Schonherr/Markus Koy, DEN, 31
9. Brian Ledbetter/Magnus Liljedahl, USA, 32
10. Manu Hens/Joost Houweling, BEL, 38

bacardiinvitational.com

Queensland 18-Footer Comeback
Aberdare. Click on image for photo gallery.

Will the three-boat Queensland team of young sailors coming to the 2020 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour next month (14-22 March), lead to a stronger challenge by the northern Australian State's once mighty record of development and controversial design during the early history of the class?

The young team is relatively inexperienced in 18ft Skiff racing and will obviously have a hard time beating the best teams in the world but their effort and enthusiasm in the lead up to the championship must be admired.

The Brisbane 18s rebirth story really began two years ago when Steven Tapsall, Paul O'Malley Jones, Richard Billett and Ben Guymer were keen to nurture high performance skiff classes in Brisbane and saw significant young talent leaving sailing after their development period in the érs and other feeder classes. They wanted to get the 18s on the water so their kids and others could aspire to sail something, big, fast and exciting.

The youth and talent of the team gives us hope of a Queensland revival in the 18s as the State has been such an important ingredient in the 18 Footers history.

Racing began in Brisbane in the mid-1890s before regular interstate contests were held between teams from Queensland, NSW and Western Australia, and the Australian Championship formally established in the 1912-1913 season.

Colin Clark was the most prolific Queensland winner of the official Australian Championship with three victories between 1917-1918 and 1922-1923. In 1921 the Brisbane 18-Footers Club was also officially formed.

By the early 1930s the fleets in NSW and Queensland began to suffer as owners didn't want to pay the rising costs necessary to replace the big old boats with new ones, and also found it difficult to maintain the number of crew necessary to sail the big boats.

The boats from the "Big Boat Era" became obsolete when Queensland designers began to apply the principles of aerodynamics to boat building which resulted in a radical new type of 18-Footer.

The new boat, Aberdare was a no heel skiff with a 7ft beam and depth of 2ft. She had a lighter hull and smaller rig and carried a crew of 7-8 men, compared to the 12-13 needed in the big boats.

Off the wind, Aberdare produced great speed with mainsail, reaching jib, ringtail and peak head spinnaker and was so fast that she was soon christened "the Galloping Ghost" or "the Queensland Miracle".

Vic Vaughan, having won four consecutive Australian Championships in Aberdare, between 1933-1934 and 1936-1937, was a dominating figure in 18-Footer racing, but no more than Lance Watts, who also won four national titles between 1931 and 1950.

The success of the new concept was the beginning of the end for the 'big boats' but when the Sydney club refused to register the new narrow beam boats for their local sailors, a group of those wanting the new boats formed their own club, which was originally known as the NSW 18 Footers Sailing League (now known as the Australian 18 Footers League).

Queensland started to rebuild its fleet after WW2, and in 1945 decided to race 6ft beam boats. This time the League opposed the move, but it was approved by the SFS. The first of these 6ft beamers, which were designed by Norman Wright and Lance Watts, began to sail in Brisbane in 1946.

These boats were cheaper to build, lighter than the previous 7ft beam boats, needed only a crew of 5-6 compared to 7 or 8, and they were fast.

Eventually, all three of the major Australian 18-Footer clubs got back together but most of the new ideas and top championship contenders were coming from the designs and sheds of people such as Lance and Harold Watts and Norman Wright. -- Frank Quealey Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.

18footers.com

Two-time Olympic champion Dorian van Rijsselberghe retires
Click on image to enlarge.

Last Saturday at the 2020 RS:X World Championships, Dorian van Rijsselberghe sailed his last race in the Olympic RS:X windsurfing class. Van Rijsselberghe went home with a win in the final medal race. Training partner Kiran Badloe, went into the medal race with a ten point lead, and finished fifth which was enough to land him the world title for the second year in a row. By winning, Badloe also secured himself the Dutch Olympic ticket for Tokyo 2020. In an interview with Dutch Television soon after, Van Rijsselberghe, the two-time Olympic champion, said that he looks forward to a new future.

Van Rijsselberghe: "I have always sailed with my heart, but that has been a difficult task lately. Deep inside, the drive was not big enough to do what I needed to do at these Worlds. This past week, each time I didn't achieve the necessary result, I felt a sort of relief. Which is very strange and in terms of political correctness, is actually against what you are supposed to want as a sportsman. Ordinarily, you always have to want to win. You should do everything to defend your title and I, I just want to go home to me wife and kids."

The lack of family-time in California had a big impact on the father of two young daughters. Ahead of the World Championships, Van Rijsselberghe frequently said to various media outlets: "A third gold medal would be nice, but does it make me a better person, a better man or a better father? No."

Looking into the future, the 2012 and 2016 RS:X Olympic Champion himself, said he will still be around. Van Rijsselberghe: "I'm going to see how I can contribute to Kir (Kiran Badloe [sic]) and his journey so he will be full prepared for the Games. Next to that I now also have more time for my own WAVES Festival on Texel, at Paal17. Where we hope to host races for the new Olympic discipline for Paris 2024, the windfoil. The sailing world will see me back too - in 2022 I will be the director of the Sailing World Championships (for all Olympic classes) in The Hague, the Netherlands, my home country."

www.lifeofdorian.com

Google engineers figured it out and have released the technology for us mere mortals. Our latest effort is JBoats.com

You can see how to add to home screen here: https://jboats.com/add-pwa

And then try it out. We can do this for your website.

Top teams return for 2020 GC32 Racing Tour
The big players are set to return to the battlefield in one month's time when high speed foiling catamaran competition gets underway at the GC32 Oman Cup, first of five events comprising the 2020 GC32 Racing Tour.

Throughout the 2019 GC32 Racing Tour two teams were at each other's throats. The Adam Minoprio-skippered Oman Air won the first and third events of the season while Ernesto Bertarelli's Alinghi team claimed the second and fourth, including the coveted GC32 World Championship title in Lagos, Portugal. This left these teams neck and neck going into the final event in Oman in early November. Here ultimately the Swiss prevailed, adding the 2019 GC32 Racing Tour title to their impressive collection of silverware for the year.

These two teams will get a chance for a rematch this season. The immaculate Alinghi returns with the same line-up as it did in 2019 with Arnaud Psarofaghis sharing helming duties with Bertarelli. "Why would you change a winning team?" explains Alinghi Team Director Pierre-Yves Jorand. "We are working very nicely together and performing well and delivering a great performance." Also on board will be Nicolas Charbonnier, Bryan Mettraux, Yves Detrey and Timothé Lapauw.

Alinghi's objectives for the season are of course to defend their overall GC32 Racing Tour and World Championship titles, but Jorand points out that this year the game is slightly different due to the World Championship taking place later in the season (in Villasimius, Sardinia over 16-20 September).

The local team will be backed by GC32 Oman Cup event hosts Oman Sail and EFG Private Bank Monaco. Talented New Zealand round the world sailor and former Match Racing World Champion Adam Minoprio will once again helm the Omani GC32 team and will be supported by Peter Greenhalgh on main sheet.

Austrian catamaran sailing stars and double Olympic Tornado gold medallists, Roman Hagara and Hans-Peter Steinacher, return to the GC32 Racing Tour looking to build on their third placed finish in 2019 with Red Bull Sailing Team. To help them achieve this they, like Alinghi, are sticking with the same crew as they sailed with in 2019: the international line-up of Swede Julius Hallstrom and Australians Mark Spearman and Rhys Mara.

www.gc32racingtour.com

RHKYC Team Agiplast Announces Youth America's Cup Challenge
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club today announces that it has mounted a challenge for the Youth America's Cup that will be raced in a brand new class of foiling mono-hull, the AC9F, in 2020 and 2021.

Whilst Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club has a rich and colourful history dating back 170 years, the Club's focus is very much on its future; be it nurturing its youth and the sailors of tomorrow or doing its part for the environment with its sustainability initiatives. This forward thinking is what has attracted Agiplast to join hands with RHKYC in this Youth America's Cup endeavour. Agiplast regenerates plastics for a more sustainable world and have been doing so for over 25 years.

RHKYC Team Agiplast will be comprised of a mixed crew of four sailors aged between 18 and 24 including two female and two male sailors with a maximum crew weight of 311kgs.

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club will soon announce the selection criteria for RHKYC Team Agiplast with the closing date to receive any expressions of interest from potential members being 26 March. Team members will be agreed by 2 April and announced shortly thereafter.

Agiplast is a plastic compound manufacturer and a world leader group in polymer compounding and regeneration since 1994.

rhkyc.org.hk

Petition for World Sailing to cancel Hempel Sailing World Cup Genoa 2020 due to the risks of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
It is irresponsible and possibly dangerous to host the Hempel Sailing World Cup in Genoa due to the risks of COVID-19. Having hundreds of sailors, coaches and staff from all over the world stay in Northern Italy and return to their home countries would undue global efforts to contain the virus. It is the responsibility of World Sailing to provide safe events for their competitors.

Many sailing federations are required compete in Genoa to qualify for the Olympics, which forces them to decide between their safety and a chance to compete at the Olympic Games. World Sailing should make the responsible decision to cancel the event and chose a safer location for final Olympic qualifications.

The Hempel Sailing World Cup Genoa is scheduled to start on April 11:
www.sailing.org/worldcup/genoa_2020.php

Petition

For the Record: Hong Kong to London
The WSSR Council announces the establishment of a new World Record:

Record: Hong Kong to London
Yacht: IDEC Sport. 103 ft Trimaran. 4 crew
Name: Francis Joyon. FRA
Dates:.18th January to 19th February 2020
Start time: 08; 00; 47 on 18/01/20
Finish time: 07; 37; 33 on 19/02/20
Elapsed time: 31 days 23 hours 36 minutes and 46 seconds
Distance: 12948 nm
Average speed: 16.87 kts

Comments:. Previous Record: "Maserati". Giovanni Soldini. ITA. Feb 18. 36d 2h 37m 12s

John Reed
Secretary to the WSSR Council
sailspeedrecords.com

Escape Hatch Recall: Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Catana-Bali, Nautitech
Goiot Systems has notified the boatbuilders of a recall campaign concerning the escape hatches delivered before September 2018 and the Goiot safety kits, due to a risk of the hatches detaching from their frames, which could affect safety during navigation. On top of each boat builder's internal communications already done (for the periods and models concerning them), Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Catana-Bali and Nautitech brands are asking all the owners and users of their boats to contact each of them, without delay (by referring to their internet sites or contacting their dealer). Owners will be able to find out immediately if their vessel is fitted with the escape hatches in question and subject of the recall. They will also be able to read each manufacturer's recommendations on how to proceed.

www.caribbean-multihulls.com (PDF)

www.LatsAtts.com

Featured Brokerage
2014 Swan 105 RS Child of Lir. 7,900,000 VAT Paid EUR. Located in Calpe, Spain.

Swan 105 CHILD OF LIR was commissioned by an experienced owner who sought a modern performance cruiser utilizing the very latest technology while maintaining a high level of comfort and the ability to sail with minimal crew. Nautor’s Swan was chosen as the builder and the design is a unique collaboration of Frers Naval Architecture and Beiderbeck Design. Drawing on a long and successful experience, Frers developed a hull form and sail plan that allowed for excellent performance and sea keeping abilities while Beiderbeck implemented their forward-thinking expertise to create an innovative arrangement that maximizes volume and comfort on deck and throughout the interior. Special attention was paid to the low noise level throughout the Yacht. There is a special night mode generator to guarantee restful sleep.

See listing details in Nautor's Swan Brokerage

Contact
Nautor's Swan Brokerage - Thomas Perry
brokerage [AT] nautorswan [DOT] com
Tel. +377 97 97 95 07
nautorswanbrokerage.com

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

2010 Baltic Yachts 65 Custom. 1,460,000 EUR. Located in Sardinia.

Ultra-quick, telescopic keel custom Baltic from 2010, known in a previous incarnation as STIG. Extensively refitted in 2016 and 2019. 100% ready to go. A yacht with no equals.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Tel UK: +44 (0)1590 673715
Tel ITA: +39 3337489281
Email: enquiries [AT] grabauinternational [DOT] com

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2004 - Refit 2015 SW78 Ocean Horse. 1,800,000 (VAT Paid) EUR. Located in Genova, Italy.

Ocean Horse is the fourth hull of the 78’ miniseries, one of the most successful Southern Wind projects, that boast the design partnership of Reichel Pugh Design and Nauta Design.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Southern Wind Shipyard (Pty) Ltd
Salita Dinegro 7/1
16123 Genoa Italy
sales [AT] sws-yachts [DOT] eu
Tel. +39 010 570 4035

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

The Last Word
A paranoid is someone who knows a little of what's going on. -- William S. Burroughs

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Bacardi Invitational
• Azzurra On the Cusp of Cape Town Success
• Seahorse Sailor Of The Month
• Transat CIC
• Shirley Robertson podcast
• ClubSwan 36, new class in the 39 Copa del Rey MAPFRE
• German Shepherd leads to owner's rescue from capsize
• Evolution Sails Round North Island Race
• YJA MS Amlin Gala Awards Dinner Returns in 2020
• For the Record
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Grand Soleil 43
• • Whitbread Maxi 81 - Rothmans
• • 60ft Classic Sailing Yacht "Lasse"
• The Last Word: Daniel Berrigan

Bacardi Invitational
Today, Thursday 5 March, the Star Class was joined by the complete line-up of one-design classes racing at the Bacardi Invitational Regatta. Taking on their first day of racing were the J/70, Melges 24, Viper 640, and, brand new for the race track this year, the VX One sports boat, AV8 and Windfoil classes. The blend of sailors battling it out for glory on Biscayne Bay is phenomenal, with a mix of professional rock stars and super-talented Corinthian teams.

Mateusz Kusnierewicz (POL)/Bruno Prada (BRA) made it another big day in the Star Class, as they seized the bullet to make it three wins in a row and lead the fleet on a perfect scorecard of 3 points.

Out on the track first were the Melges 24 and J70 who raced in the south of the bay, starting out in a fluky 5-6 knots before the breeze steadied to 9-10 knots. Three races in the Melges 24 saw the big hitters out front early on, with Bora Gulari and his team of Kyle Navin/Norman Berg/Ian Liberty and match racing superstar Taylor Canfield setting the pace to secure two wins and a second place to lead overall.

The Bacardi Invitational Regatta marks the third major event of the season for the Cabrinha AV8 class. The AV8 is a strict one design hydrofoil racer, positioned as an affordable and accessible form of hydrofoil kite racing.

Racing continues on Friday 6 March, with one race for the Star Classes and three to four races for all other fleets.

Bacardi Cup 2020 - Star Class Top 3 - After 4 races
Mateusz Kusznierewicz / Bruno Prada (POL 8548) - 5 pts
Eivind Melleby / Joshua Revkin (NOR 8234) - 10 pts
Augie Diaz /Henry Boening (USA 8509) - 14 pts

J70 - Top 3 - After 3 races
Eat Slepp J Repeat (GBR 1127) - Paul Ward / Ruairidh Scott / Ben Saxton / Mario Trindade - 5 pts
Surge (USA 179) - Ryan McKillen / John Wallace / Sam Loughborough / Mark Mendelblatt - 12 pts
New Wave (USA 456) - Pablo Herman / Luis Felipe / Felipe Echenique / Will Welles - 17 pts

Melges 24 - Top 3 - After 3 races
USA 420 (USA 420) - Bora Gulari / Kyle Navin / Norman Berg / ian Liberty / Taylor Canfield - 4 pts
Shaka (USA 801) - KC Shannon / Jackson Benvenutti / Ben Lynchi / Tom Sawchuk / Elizabeth Whitener - 6 pts
Raza Mixta (USA 820) - Peter Duncan / Victor Diaz de Leon / Mattero Ramian / Carlos Robles / Willem Van Waay - 15 pts

Viper 640 - Top 3 - After 3 races
USA 293 (USA 293) - Will Graves / Ryan Cox / Greg Dair - 6 pts
Evil Hiss (USA 297) - Geoff Ewenson / Mary Ewenson / Tyler Bjorn - 8 pts
Antix (USA 296) - Anthony O'Leary / Ben Field / Nicholas O'Leary - 17 pts

VXOne - Top 3 - After 3 races
VX1 - (USA 187) - Ched Proctor / David Guggenheim / Monica Morgan - 6 pts
Flying Jenny(USA 277) - Sandra Askew / Kyle Kandt / Jason Curvie - 10 pts
Send it (USA 160) - Bill Wiggins / Jeff Eiber / Darby Cappellin - 10 pts

Cabrinha AV8 - Top 3 - After 4 races
Damien Le Roy - 4 pts
Brendan Healy - 10 pts
Kent Marcovich - 14 pts

Open Windfoil - Top 3 - After 4 races
Gabriel Browne - 3 pts
Alexander Temko - 6 pts
Justin Ahearn - 9 pts

bacardiinvitational.com

Azzurra On the Cusp of Cape Town Success
Photo by Ingrid Abery, www.ingridabery.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

Cape Town, South Africa: As predicted, the Cape Doctor, Cape Town's renowned strong, local south-easterly wind came in for the penultimate day of racing at the first event of the 2020 season - the Odzala Discovery Camps 52 SUPER SERIES V&A Waterfront Cape Town regatta - to produce some thrilling racing.

With Morgan Larson steering, Jonathan McKee on tactics aided by Alberto Barovier on strategy, Bronenosec won the only race of the day after making the best of a significant wind shift on the first run and choosing the favoured turning mark at the leeward gate.

But while the Russian-flagged team ran out winners ahead of Quantum Racing, a fourth for Hasso Plattner's local favourites on Phoenix ensures the South African team - steered by the hugely experienced Plattner - closes the gap on regatta leaders Azzurra. The defending champions lead into the last day by seven points.

Phoenix 11 need to replicate the form they showed on the opening day if they are to run out home team winners.

Odzala Discovery Camps 52 SUPER SERIES V&A Waterfront - Cape Town
Regatta standings after Day 4

Photo by Max Ranchi, www.maxranchi.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

1. Azzurra - Alberto/Pablo Roemmers, ARG/ITA, 24 points
2. Phoenix 11 - Hasso Plattner, RSA, 31
3. Quantum Racing - Doug DeVos, USA, 31
4. Bronenosec - Vladimir Liubomirov, RUS, 35
5. Sled - Takashi Okura, GER, 35
6. Platoon - Harm Muller-Spreer, GER, 36
7. Alegre - Andres Soriano, USA/GBR, 40
8. Provezza - Ergin Imre, TUR, 41
9. Phoenix 12 - Tina Plattner, RSA, 42
10. Paprec - Jean-Luc Petithuguenin, FRA, 52

Full results

www.52superseries.com

Seahorse Sailor Of The Month
This month's nominees:

View past winners of Sailor of the Month

Seahorse Sailor of the Month is sponsored by Musto, Harken McLube & Dubarry. Who needs silverware, our prizes are usable!

Cast your vote, submit comments, even suggest a candidate for next month at seahorsemagazine.com/sailor-of-the-month/vote-for-sailor-of-the-month

30 Solo Sailors To Line-Up For The 60th Anniversary Edition Of The Transat CIC
Kojiro Shiraishi - Dmg Mori Global One - IMOCA. Photo by Thomas Deregnieaux. Click on image to enlarge.

With a new course and some of the world's best solo skippers wanting to test the water ahead of their Vendee Globe or Class40 preparations, the stakes will be high for all of the classes competing in the 60th anniversary edition of The Transat CIC.

The numbers:
30 competitors
9 Class40
17 IMOCA
4 Ultime
4 women
7 countries: France, England, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Japan

9 Class40 to follow in the wake of Eric Tabarly
They may be the smallest boats in the fleet, but they will certainly make up for it in terms of action on the water. Ian Lipinski and his explosive Credit Mutuel may be considered one of the favourites, but sailors such as Luke Berry (Lamotte Module Creation), Jörg Riechers (Imagine a better world) and Kito de Pavant (Made in Midi) will certainly try and shake that up and earn their spot on the podium.

High stakes for the 17 IMOCA competitors
The stakes are high in the IMOCA fleet with a strong field of 17 sailors, all with a major card to play throughout the 3,500 nautical mile route between Brest and Charleston.

Just a few months before the start of the next Vendee Globe, the monohulls of Armel Tripon (L'Occitane en Provence) and the Japanese Kojiro Shiraishi (DMG MORI Global One) will make their debut in competition with all eyes on how their boats perform for this transatlantic race.

4 giants leaving home territory
The ULTIME category will always attract members of the public as they marvel at these impressive racing machines. This year however, the residents of Brest are expected to come out in force to celebrate their local sailors. Thomas Coville (Sodebo Ultim'3), Pascal Bidegorry (Macif),Franck Cammas (Edmond de Rothschild) and Yves Le Blevec (Actual Leader Ultim) are all at home in Brest, after departing and arriving here over many years in chase of ocean records.

www.thetransat.com

Shirley Robertson talks AC75s with Design leaders from each of the four America's Cup Teams
The countdown to the 36th America's Cup is very much on, so with the first World Series event rapidly approaching, Shirley Robertson sits down with the four design leaders from each of the four America's Cup teams. The result is a two part podcast that delves deep into the design and build challenges of the new America's Cup Class, the AC75.

From the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, Robertson talks to Dan Bernasconi, who as the Defender's Chief of Design, played a key role in coming up with the design parameters around the new AC75 Class. With all four teams now having launched and sailed their first iterations of his vision, he's pleased to see how well the Class is shaping up.

The opening segment of this two part design podcast sees the four discuss the initial design brief, as well as revealing their thoughts on what they've seen of each AC75 to date. They examine the reasons for the differences in hull design between the four boats, as well as discussing just how big a design project the AC75 is. From American Magic, Marcelino Botin shares what were his initial thoughts on the AC75…:

Shirley Robertson's Sailing Podcast is available to listen to via the podcast page of Shirley's own website, at www.shirleyrobertson.com/podcast or via most popular podcast outlets, including iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcast and aCast. The podcast is produced and written by Tim Butt - for further enquires, please contact podcast [AT] shirleyrobertson [DOT] com

ClubSwan 36, new class in the 39 Copa del Rey MAPFRE
ClubSwan36. Photo by Nautor's Swan/Studio Borlenghi. Click on image to enlarge.

At the Copa del Rey MAPFRE the ClubSwan family continues to grow with the incorporation of the new ClubSwan 36 one-design class. It will form one of the five classes that will compete in real time in the 39th edition of the Spanish regatta, to be held on the Bay of Palma from the 1st to the 8th of August 2020.

It's estimated that around 14 teams will race in the new class. That means there will be a total of five one design classes sailing in real time in this 39th edition: ClubSwan 50, ClubSwan42, ClubSwan 36, J70 and the Women's Cup.

Launched in May 2019, ClubSwan 36 is one of the latest one-design boats of the Nautor's Swan marque and has been designed by the renowned Argentinian designer Juan Kouyoumdjian.

The ClubSwan 36 is all carbon, follows modern lines and is tremendously light. It has a maximum crew of six people and adheres to an owner/driver rule, that is, the owner of the boat is also the helmsman.

In addition, one of its main characteristics is that it has a single 'foil' that can be used or not, as Juan K explains: "The general concept is to have a curved 'foil' that is used while sailing upwind, reaching and downwind with strong winds. If sailing downwind with medium to light winds, the foil is used paradoxically not using it; the fact of being able to get it out of the water is to use it correctly."

The 39 Copa del Rey MAPFRE is organised by the Real Club Náutico de Palma and the Real Federacion Espanola de Vela (Spanish Sailing Federation), and is sponsored by MAPFRE with institutional collaboration from the Govern de les Illes Balears (Balearic Islands Government), the Ayuntamiento de Palma (Palma Town Hall), the Autoritat Portuaria de Balears (Baleares Port Authority), and the Federacion Balear de Vela (Balearic Islands Sailing Federation).

www.regatacopadelrey.com

German Shepherd treads water for 11 hours, leading to owner's rescue after boat capsizes in Australia
Heidi the dog proved she really is man's best friend. Police say the German Shepherd treaded water for eleven hours after her owner's boat sank, off the coast of Australia.

The swimming German Shepherd and various other floating items including a fuel tank, tackle box and wetsuit caught the attention of fisherman which prompted a search for her owner, police said.

Brisbane Water Police were notified of the discovery and quickly swung into action, initiating a rescue mission involving a helicopter, 4 police vessels, a jet ski and volunteer Coast Guards.

Police said a number of items were located in the bay indicating the boat had gotten into trouble, and a few hours later the skipper was spotted clinging onto the sunken vessel near a boat passageway.

The 63-year-old-man was rescued and he told police that the boat lost power the evening before and began to take on water.

Meanwhile, Heidi was transported to a local vet and the skipper was transported to hospital. Both were not injured.

abc7news.com/5956187/

Evolution Sails Round North Island Race
Click on image for photo gallery.

The third leg of the Evolution Sails Round North Island Race started in Wellington on Monday (2.1) with a 200nm dash to Napier. If anything, this leg has delivered consistency with the two previous legs, a nice ride for the start with a reach and then downwind send, followed by turning a corner, and in this case a long slog north.

Mr Kite skippered by Nathan Williams and Craig Satterthwaite as well as Blink skippered by Tony Wells and Craig Shearer had a sensation start and where on an absolute flyer heading out of Wellington Heads with both boats doing over 20 Knots at times. In Division One Wired took both the Line and Handicap win followed by Anarchy, Blink and then Mr Kite.

Cape Palliser was affectionately renamed the washing machine by our fleet with some challenging transition in lumpy seas frustrating our fleet overnight on the first night at sea.

For Ash Edwards on Relapse, the strategy was to keep it simple for success, on the third leg with co-skipper and father Mark Edwards.

Krakatoa II skippered by Matt Flynn and Scott Wilson had to retire from the Leg at Cape Palliser with damage to their mast support strut.

In Division Two Laissez Faire II skippered by Rodney Keenan and Mike Beasley took out the double with a strong start in Wellington keeping them ahead of the pack for the leg north. Second on handicap was Clockwork, who continued there consistently strong performance and third was Higher Ground.

Each leg of this race has seen one of the smaller fleet punch above their weight and for this leg, it has been Waka skippered by Sam Cremer and Brett Elliott.

You can track the fleets progress on the Burnsco Race Tracker - visit /ssanz.co.nz to access the tracker.

YJA MS Amlin Gala Awards Dinner Returns in 2020
MS Amlin Boat Insurance are delighted to continue as title sponsor of the Yachting Journalists' Association's Yachtsman of the Year, Young Sailor of the Year and Young Blogger of the Year awards for 2020.

Following the huge success of the inaugural, star-studded gala dinner hosted at the Grand Cafe in Southampton, the 2020 event will again return on the first night of the Southampton International Boat Show. The 2019 event saw key members of the yachting press, marine industry figureheads and an array of sailing talent join together to unveil and celebrate the award winners.

"The YJA Awards are the greatest recognition of yachting talent in the UK, with any member of the public able to nominate their favourite sailor, followed by the expert YJA members vote to decide the final winner," said Paul Knox-Johnston. Business Development Manager, MS Amlin Boat Insurance. "Supporting the industry through sponsorship of the awards is a privilege and we look forward to building upon the event in 2019 to make 2020 even more memorable."

The prestigious 2019 Sailor of the Year was presented to Lucy MacGregor, four-time winner of the Women's Match Racing World Championship after her victory at the Lysekil Women's Match in August 2019, 'Team Mac' took the final 3-0 against French skipper Claire Leroy. With so many key yachting events due to take place during 2020, including the Olympics, SailGP and America's Cup warm up events, competition will be intense for the main prize.

The YJA MS Amlin Gala Awards Dinner is an exclusive invitation only event, but new for 2020 MS Amlin Boat Insurance will be providing chances to win tickets to this prestigious awards ceremony. Watch out for your opportunity to get hold of a golden ticket over the coming months.

yja.world

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

Record: Sydney to Auckland. Singlehanded 40ft
Yacht: "Joey". Adams 36. Monohull
Name: James Prascevic. AUS
Dates:.22nd January to the 4th February 2020
Start time: 23; 47; 02 UTC on 22/01/20
Finish time: 14; 28; 17 UTC on 04/02/20
Elapsed time: 12 days 14 hours 41 minutes and 15 seconds
Distance: 1265 NM
Average speed: 4.18 kts
Comments:. No previous record or attempt in this category - hence this will be listed as an "Initial Benchmark Time"

John Reed
Secretary to the WSSR Council
sailspeedrecords.com

Featured Brokerage
2009 Grand Soleil 43. 219000 EUR. Located in Holland.

Very successfull and well maintained Grand Soleil 43 for sale Owners comments: Boat inside a shed, is in topcondition and ready to be inspected. Proven her potential both In- and Offshore. She is fully equipped and ready for a competitive 2020 campaign or for smooth cruising.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
contact [AT] racing-yachts [DOT] com

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

1989 Whitbread Maxi 81 - Rothmans. 190000 EUR. Located in Stockholm, Sweden.

Whitbread Maxi 81 ROTHMANS is an iconic yacht. She has been well restored and covered to be as close to the original as possible; with upgraded electronics and in very good working order. Currently being used as a private yacht, she is also a superb platform for charter.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
Telephone: +44(0) 1590 679222
ben [DOT] cooper [AT] berthon [DOT] com

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

1940 60ft Classic Sailing Yacht "LASSE". 230000 EUR. Located in West cost of France

LASSE was launched in August 1940 in Stubbekobing, when her hull was registered. Her story has not been fully reconstructed, but "Eva" (her original name) was given to Eva Braun by the King of Denmark during a visit before the war.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
info [AT] bernard-gallay [DOT] com
+33 (0) 467 66 39 93

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

The Last Word
One cannot be exploited or thwarted from nine to five, then come home and feel loving and lovable. -- Daniel Berrigan

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Bacardi Invitational Regatta Wraps Up
• The Cape of Dreams
• 18ft Skiffs Club Championship, Race 16
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• Fifteen teams already confirmed for 2021 Youth America's Cup
• Sydney Harbour Regatta trophy spoils divvied up
• America's Cup: How teams rate one year out from race for Auld Mug
• Warsash Spring Series kicks off this Sunday, 15 March
• Are you Barton Marine's Rising Star 2020?
• RYA unveils selection criteria for Offshore World Championship
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Reichel/Pugh 52 Custom - CAPE FLING II
• • Carbon Ocean 82 AEGIR
• • Club Swan 42OD
• The Last Word: Gilbert Gottfried

Bacardi Invitational Regatta Wraps Up
Tough, rough and exhilarating conditions showed up in Biscayne Bay on the last day at the Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta for the thrill of the 524 sailors gathered in Miami for this world renowned event. An average 15 knots breeze, with gusts of over 20 knots, tested teams and served up a spectacular final day of racing for sailors and the spectator flotilla following the racing.

The 2020 Bacardi Cup Champions secured their title with a race to spare yesterday, but Mateusz Kusznierewicz (POL) and Bruno Prada (BRA) still delivered an impressive final race. The pair led the fleet for the first half of the race, before they confused the upwind mark of another racecourse with the Stars' bottom gate, giving the opportunity for Diego Negri (ITA)/Frithjof Kleen (GER) to overhaul them and extend to win the race by 150 metres. With it Negri/Kleen managed to climb to fourth overall.

With Negri/Kleen taking out the final race win, the fight for second and third on the podium unfolded between Paul Cayard (USA)/Pedro Trouche (BRA) who tamed the strong wind and the waves and finished race 6 in 3rd, Augie Diaz (USA)/Henry Boening (BRA) in 4th and Eivind Melleby (NOR)/Joshua Revkin (USA) who started the day in second place dropping to third overall after a 9th place finish. Claiming the glory of second place, by tiebreak advantage over Melleby/Revkin, were Diaz/Boening.

The Race Committees had predicted a full programme on the final day, and with the wind increasing as the afternoon progressed they delivered another day of outstanding racing for all eight classes.

Final top ten, Star Class Bacardi Cup
1. Mateusz Kusznierewicz / Bruno Prada, POL, 7.0 points
2. Augie Diaz / Henry Boening, USA, 22.0
3. Eivind Melleby / Joshua Revkin, NOR, 22.0
4. Diego Negri / Frithjof Kleen, ITA, 23.0
5. Paul Cayard / Pedro Trouch, USA, 24.0
6. Peter O'Leary / Robert O'Leary, IRL, 28.0
7. Eric Doyle / Paison Infelise, USA, 30.0
8. Jorgen Schönherr / Markus Koy, DEN, 46.0
9. George Szabo / Guy Avellon, USA, 48.0
10. Manu Hens / Joost Houweling, BEL, 54.0

Top three for J70 and Melges 24:

J70
1. Paul Ward / Ruairidh Scott / Ben Saxton / Mario Trindade, GBR, 23
2. Ryan McKillen / John Wallace / Sam Loughborough / Mark Mendelblatt, USA, 28
3. Bruce Golison / Steve Hunt / Jeff Reynolds / Erik Shampain, USA, 30

Melges 24
1. Bora Gulari / Kyle Navin / Norman Berg / ian Liberty / Taylor Canfield, USA, 15
2. Peter Duncan / Victor Diaz de Leon / Mattero Ramian / Carlos Robles / Willem Van Waay, USA, 28
3. KC Shannon / Jackson Benvenutti / Ben Lynchi / Tom Sawchuk / Elizabeth Whitener, USA, 47

Full results for all classes on YachtScoring.com

bacardiinvitational.com

The Cape of Dreams
Photo by Max Ranchi, www.maxranchi.com. Click on image for photo gallery.

With no racing possible on the final day of the Odzala Discovery Camps 52 SUPER SERIES V&A Waterfront Cape Town regatta, the 2019 circuit champions Azzurra lift the first series title of the 2020 season.

Victory for Azzurra was underpinned by a dream debut for new tactician Michele Paoletti, the Italian-Argentine team actually winning their first series regatta since September 2017. After finishing runners up at four of last year's five regattas, the Azzurra team were delighted to prove they can win regattas as well as secure the season long championship, which they have won four times.

And second overall was a dream result too, ahead of hopes and expectations for Hasso Plattner's local Phoenix 11 crew, tied on points with Quantum Racing, also four-times circuit champions. Plattner's team, which includes Peter Holmberg and Andy Horton in afterguard, which relied on local knowledge from Paul Willcox, Shane Elliot and Shaun Pammenter, lead until halfway through the second day before they were compromised by a series of small technical breakdowns.

Final Regatta Standings
1. Azzurra, Alberto/Pablo Roemmers, ARG/ITA, 24 points
2. Phoenix 11, Hasso Plattner, RSA, 31
3. Quantum Racing, Doug DeVos, USA, 31
4. Bronenose, Vladimir Liubomirov, RUS, 35
5. Sled, Takashi Okura, USA, 35
6. Platoon, Harm Muller-Spreer, GER, 36
7. Alegre, Andres Soriano, USA/GBR, 40
8. Provezza, Ergin Imre, TUR, 41
9. Phoenix 12, Tina Plattner, RSA, 42
10. Paprec, Jean-Luc Petithuguenin, FRA, 52

The 2020 52 Super Series is a best of 6 events trophy:

Odzala Discovery Camps 52 Super Series V&A Waterfront - Cape Town - March 2-6, Cape Town, South Africa
Rolex Tp52 World Championship Cape Town 2020 - March 31-4 April, Cape Town, South Africa
Royal Cup 52 Super Series Scarlino 2020 - May 12-16, Tuscany, Italy
Audi 52 Super Series Porto Cervo & Tp52 20Th Anniversary - June 17-21, Sardinia, Italy
52 Super Series Valencia Sailing Week - July 18-22, Valencia, Spain
Puerto Portals 52 Super Series Sailing Week - September 15-19, Mallorca, Spain

www.52superseries.com

18ft Skiffs Club Championship, Race 16
Sydney Harbour: The Tech2 team of Jack Macartney, Charlie Wyatt and Trent Barnabas became the Australian 18 Footers League Club champion after leading all the way to score a convincing win in Race 16 of the series on Sydney Harbour today.

Tech2 had all the answers for the challengers and, but for a few moments on the first lap of the course, was never in danger of losing as the skiff handled the light Southerly conditions which varied from 15-knots down to just barely a breeze.

Macartney's team crossed the finish line 1m10s ahead of Noakesailing (Sean Langman, Ed Powys and Nathan Edwards), with Winning Group (John Winning Jr., Sam Newton and Scott Babbage) a further 51s back in third place.

Smeg (Micah Lane) finished in fourth place, followed by Rag & Famish Hotel (Bryce Edwards), Finport Finance (Keagan York), The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines (David O'Connor), Bird & Bear (Tom Clout), The Kitchen Maker-Caesarstone (Jordan Girdis) and Yandoo (John Winning).

Tech2 went into today's final race of the championship trailing The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines and Shaw & Partners Financial Services (James Dorron) by five points and need to defeat both teams by five placings to win the title.

Over the final lap of the course, Tech2 was unstoppable and extended her lead to 1m55s at the Shark Island mark before cruising home over the final two legs of the course to her 1m10s victory.

The 2020 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship starts next Saturday
Race dates are:
Saturday - March 14 - Race 1
Sunday - March 15 - Race 2
Tuesday - March 17 - Races 3 & 4
Wednesday - March 18 - Races 5 & 6
Thursday - March 19 - Race 7
Saturday - March 21 - Race 8
Sunday - March 22 - Race 9

www.18footers.com

Seahorse March 2020
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

No need for the big bucks
Rob Weiland takes some lessons from the Sydney Hobart to argue that good media does not have to be crazy expensive media

Big deal
Why that Transat Jacques Vabre fourth place in the Imoca class was priceless. Charlie Enright and Jocelyn Bleriot

The greatest sailor you’ve never heard of - Part II
Clare Mccomb reflects on the achievements of Sir William Parker Burton in later life... having very nearly won the America’s Cup

Best of the best
The Star Sailors League is doing exactly what it set out to do. James Boyd travels to Nassau

Evolutions and revolutions
Francois Chevalier takes a painstaking and immaculately researched journey through the first decade and a half of the remarkable Class40

Special rates for EuroSail News 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/

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

Fifteen teams already confirmed for 2021 Youth America's Cup
There are now only a handful of entry spaces left available for the 2021 Youth America's Cup after the initial early entry period closed on the 29th of February. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is delighted to announce that fifteen teams from twelve nations all over the world have already officially entered into the 2021 Youth America's Cup.

Nations with their representative yacht clubs who have entered teams are as follows:

New Zealand (2)
Australia (2)
Switzerland (2)
Netherlands
Russia
Argentina
Hong Kong
China
Denmark
Germany
Spain
USA

It is important to note that entry is still open for this event right up until the 30th September 2020; although subject to any space still available at that point. Due to such high demand early on the RNZYS are encouraging any other clubs who are considering an entry to get this in as soon as possible.

The first AC9F, built out of Yachting Developments is being launched next week for testing.

With the AC9F now almost a reality, and the amount of clubs already on the entry list, the RNZYS is confident the event will be a success in 2021.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron are now accepting applicants for their Youth team entry.

An entry memorandum can be found here. A notice of race can be found here.

Sydney Harbour Regatta trophy spoils divvied up
More than 20 clubs from two Australian states and Hong Kong made up 19 divisions for the 15th Sydney Harbour Regatta conducted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC) with the cooperation of key Sydney clubs and a host of volunteers.

Performance Class spinnaker divisions
Geoff and Pip Lavis' Inglis/Dovell 50 UBS Wild Thing (Cruising Yacht Club of Australia) took it to the rest of division 1, completing four Sydney Harbour courses over the weekend of March 7-8 to edge out Jiang Lin's Balmain Sailing Club based X43 Min River by a single point.

Ray Parrott's X-Ray, an X332 from Drummoyne, took top honours in division 2 and in division 3, Peter Francis' Wind Charmer (Greenwich Flying Squadron) proved the strongest in the autumn southerly flow.

Super 30s and Super 12s
Adrian Walters' Shaw 11 Little Nico prevailed by a point in the Super 12 division, leading clubmate Lazy Dog, Shaun Lane and Quentin Stewart's MC38, in the final pointscore. "We are happy to win though we didn't reach our best level today," Walters said. Third was Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club MC38 Easy Tiger, skippered by well-known yachtsman and commentator Rob Brown.

Andy Wharton's Melges 24 +GST (RPAYC) posted a very handy set of scores to nail the Super 30 division by 10.7 points. Second and third were two Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron entries - Adela and Very Tasty. The eclectic group of sports boats, Fareast 28s, Melges 24s and 32s and Farr 30s plus others, completed a five-race series.

One designs - Sydney 38s, Adams 10, Yngling
The top two results in the Sydney 38 division mirrored the recent class Australian Championship final scores, Peter Byford and David Hudson's Conspiracy (RPAYC) beating Peter Sorensen's Advanced Philosophy (MHYC), though this time the margin was much closer - one point compared to 11.

Mitchell Miller's Adams 10 Rock Solid moved past Powderhulk on points thanks to a bullet in the deciding race. "We knew it all rested on the final race, then we had an OCS when Powderhulk pushed us over! We watched them sail into the distance thinking 'that's it'. There was no point following so we went the opposite way, in one-design, tactically it's the only way to get ahead, and it paid," Miller said. Rock Solid has been a divisional winner at Sydney Harbour Regatta six or seven times prior.

In the Yngling division racing out of Taylors Bay, Hamish Jarrett's Miss Pibb beat Karma and Black Adder.

Open Class
MHYC boat Nine Dragons, skippered by Bob Cox, out-sailed the rest of the Open class, the DK46 putting an eight point gap on IRC results between them and second place, Gerry Hatton's Mat 1245 Bushranger (RPAYC).

Cox, who recently turned 75, has new vigour in his step following a heart operation, this afternoon announcing: "I'm a new man!". His long-time campaign with Nine Dragons has yielded plenty of Sydney Harbour Regatta victories, and this year his crew put together an impressive scoresheet of five wins from six starts.

Results for all divisions

shr.mhyc.com.au

America's Cup: How teams rate one year out from race for Auld Mug
Team New Zealand will start their defence of the America's Cup in a year's time but mystery continues to shroud yachting's pinnacle event.

The America's Cup match starts on March 6, 2021 and the next 12 months will be a fascinating countdown in design and performance as the teams continue their hurried development with the radical foiling 75-foot monohulls.

With the rules forbidding any engagement ahead of racing, we're still none the wiser to the comparative strengths of defenders Emirates Team New Zealand and challengers Lunas Rossa, American Magic and INEOS Team UK.

The fourth challenger, Stars + Stripes from California, appears dead in the water though no official announcement has been made on a syndicate that has found out the hard way the massive costs involved.

It's been two years and eight months since Team New Zealand won the Auld Mug in Bermuda and halted the Cup's multihull era and glimpses of carefully selected social media posts is all that's been available for glimpses of how these boats are going to perform in racing situations.

That finally happens on April 23-26 in Cagliari, Italy when the first world series regatta is held.

But even that may be irrelevant to what will actually unfold in Auckland, given that the teams are currently working on the designs of their second boats that will be sailed in Auckland for the real action at the Prada Cup challenger series and the America's Cup match.

Full article by Duncan Johnstone in Stuff.co.nz

www.stuff.co.nz

Warsash Spring Series kicks off this Sunday, 15 March
With a week to go the Warsash Spring Series race management team ran their annual practice day on 8th March.

Racing takes place on Sundays 15, 22 &29 March and 5, 19 & 26 April and the Spring Championships are on 18/19 and 25/26 April. Entries for both can be made online at http://www.warsashspringseries.org.uk

Racing kicks off at around 10.00am each Sunday with White Group (Sportsboats and IRC 4) starts in the vicinity of the Royal Southern buoy and Black Group (IRC Classes) starts in the area of Bramble Bank/Lee-on-Solent/Ryde Middle.

The IRC class splits will be decided on Wednesday evening and published on the Warsash Spring Series website

Helly Hansen and Doyle Sails UK are again supporting the event with prizes. Doyle Sails are giving prizes each Sunday and Helly Hansen are giving jackets for the series winners.

www.warsashspringseries.org.uk

Are you Barton Marine's Rising Star 2020?
One lucky young sailor will win the title of the Barton Marine Rising Star, an inspiring campaign launched at this year's RYA Dinghy Show. The recipient will be awarded with an exciting support and equipment package to help their personal sailing development and help boost their racing aptitude to the next level.

Open to all passionate sailors between the ages of 12 and 20 who are engaged in dinghy or one design keel boat racing in the UK, keen applicants can enter the Barton Rising Star competition by filling in the entry form and submitting a 2 minute video explaining their love for sailing. This lucky individual will be a UK ambassador to new and young sailors who want to expand their sailing skills and opportunities.

What is awarded?
- The title of Barton Rising Star for a minimum of 12 months
- Full complement of Barton equipment for your boat throughout the 12 months
- Barton branded clothing and accessories from a well-known yachting brand
- Go-Pro Camera & accessories
- Social media support
- Barton Mentorship to help identify and achieve personal goals and objectives
- An opportunity to identify and influence future product design

As a Barton brand ambassador you will be expected to create a short but regular diary about your experiences and activities on the water, review the Barton products supplied for your use, attend agreed industry events to support Barton (expenses paid) and to promote the Barton brand and equipment range with sailing peers. It is a unique opportunity to enhance your C.V. through taking part in your favourite sport.

The Rising Star Award also aims to enhance awareness of the winner as a competitive sailor and provide further exposure within the Barton business and leisure marine industry and assist with a future sailing career or vocation.

www.bartonmarine.com or email marketing [AT] bartonmarine [DOT] com or sales [AT] bartonmarine [DOT] com for an entry form

Entries close on the 20th April.

RYA unveils selection criteria for Offshore World Championship
The RYA has released its selection policy for the 2020 Offshore World Championship - the latest step in its exciting Mixed Doublehanded Keelboat programme.

The RYA has been working on the programme since the Mixed Two Person Offshore Keelboat was added to the list of Olympic events for Paris 2024.

The goals of the programme are to encourage participation in mixed doublehanded keelboat racing, to select and develop a team with the potential to win the 2020 Offshore World Championship and to develop a strategy to win Olympic gold at Paris 2024.

The Offshore World Championship will run alongside the Rolex Middle Sea Race from October 17 to 20 in Valetta, Malta, and will be contested in L30 yachts.

The RYA was among the first to secure an entry for the race, and is now looking to select a mixed, two-person crew to fly the flag for Great Britain.

Selection will be based on an extended version of the RORC Channel Race, beginning from Cowes, Isle of Wight, on August 1.

The RYA selection policy for the 2020 Offshore World Championship can be downloaded here.

The Mixed Doublehanded Keelboat programme will be led by Olympian and former British Sailing Team Nacra 17 coach Hugh Styles.

RORC racing is IRC rated and not one design so in order to best reflect the criteria of the new Olympic equipment, the RYA selection for the Offshore World Championship will only be open to fixed keel monohulls within an IRC rating band between 0.990 and 1.055.

For more information on the RYA's Mixed Doublehanded Keelboat programme, contact Hugh Styles via keelboatracing [AT] rya [DOT] org [DOT] uk

www.sail-world.com

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The Last Word
At the Last Supper how come no one sat on the other side of the table? See, I think originally there were people sitting on the other side but those were the people going, You know, the air conditioning hits me right on the back on the neck. -- Gilbert Gottfried

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• World Champs claim the Etchells Victorian Championship
• America's Cup: Emirates Team NZ wins Arb Panel confidentiality complaint
• Dubarry Women's Open Keelboat Championship
• The demise of CG66 is brought forward to end of March 2020
• Round The Island Race In 80 Days
• Coronavirus effect as European sailing season gets underway
• 2020 J/24 European Championship Notice of Cancellation
• 2020 ASAF Asian Championships postponed
• Fresh winds opening for the OptiOrange Valencia 2020
• Steering Without a Rudder
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Gunboat 60 - Arethusa
• • Ker 40+ "Arabella"
• • Alfred Mylne Glen-Coats Gaff Sloop 1926 - Duet
• The Last Word: Steven Van Zandt

World Champs claim the Etchells Victorian Championship
The reigning Etchells World Champions, Iain Murray, Colin Beashel and Richie Allanson secured the 2020 Victorian title with a race to spare. After placing second and sixth in the first two races of the day, they headed back to the Royal Brighton Yacht Club to put Havoc back on her trailer for the journey to Sydney.

Finishing in second place overall was Magpie, which is crewed by Graeme Taylor, James Mayo, and Tom Slingsby. They were three points astern of the leaders in the end, whose worst result for the regatta was a sixth place. Interestingly, Magpie's worst was a fourth, it is just that they did not have the string of bullets (firsts) to match Havoc. Chris Hampton, Charlie Cumbley, and Jamie Lea on Tango finished in third place, some nine points further back. Cumbley and Lea also travelled the farthest to be part of it all, from the UK, with others coming from Thailand, and the East Coast of Australia to be part of this vibrant class.

John Bertrand had his new Triad 2020 out racing with Grant Crowle in for Noel Drennan, and Jake Lilley on the bow. They secured two individual race wins, including the last of the nice race series, to finish in eighth place overall, which shows you just how tough it is at this end of the fleet. "Long time in between drinks in this fleet at the moment", was how Bertrand put it. "It is also a good thing too."

"It is all building up to the World Championship in Fremantle, it is clear that the fleet is getting very focussed. Magpie just returned from winning the Mid-Winters in Miami, and then they're second here in this extremely intense racing. It all shows the calibre of the fleet here in Australia. The class is healthy and the top One Design tactical racing in the country. It is just incredible to be involved and the sailors and sailing is impressive, particularly the young people coming through, and it is terrific for our sport on the whole."

Reflecting on the new shorter race format, PRO Ross Wilson said, "I was a little bit concerned when we discussed with the organisers a few weeks ago, as to whether it would work. However, the feedback has been really positive. We targeted 45 minutes, and had all the races fall between 41 and 50, with the majority at 45 to 46. I am not sure if it would work with fleets over 35 boats, as you need to compensate for the longer start line, but this was brilliant for our fleet of 25 here."

Final top ten
1. Iain Murray / Richard Allanson / Colin Beashel, 19 points
2. Graeme Taylor / James Mayo / Tom Slingsby, 22
3. Chris Hampton / Charlie Cumbley / Jamie Lea, 31
4. Mark Thornburrow / Alexander Conway / Mike Huang / Malcolm Page, 38
5. David Clark / Raymond Smith / Ben Obrien, 44
6. Kirwan Robb / Rodney Muller / Brett Taylor, 46
7. Jeanne-Claude Strong / Kate Devereux / Seve Jarvin / Troy Tindal, 48
8. John Bertrand / Jake Lilley / Grant Crowle, 51
9. Jamie Mcwilliam / Willy Roberts / Gray Gibson, 73
10. Damien King / Jeremy O'connell / Eliza Solly / Tom Klemens, 79

rbyc.org.au

America's Cup: Emirates Team NZ wins Arb Panel confidentiality complaint
Emirates Team New Zealand has been exonerated following a complaint that the Kiwi team had breached confidentiality restrictions surrounding the Match Conditions for the 36th America's Cup.

The complaint was lodged by the Challenger of Record, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli after it became known that there was a dispute between the Italian team and the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand - who are the two parties who negotiate the rules and conditions for the America's Cup Regattas.

The final sticking point was over the negotiations of the Match Conditions and specifically the wind limits that would apply. The media were tipped off that there was an issue when it became plain that a deadline of December 20, 2019 would not be met for publication.

It emerged that the two parties could not agree on wind limits that should apply when the deadline was missed. Sail-World broke the story on December 22, carrying a quotation from Emirates Team New Zealand's long time and highly experienced rules adviser Russell Green.

It soon emerged that despite a requirement in the Protocol for the Challenger of Record (the first to lodge a Letter of Challenge required under the 19th century Deed of Gift which governs the conduct of the America's Cup) to "represent all Challengers" had not been met in its wider sense when the New York Yacht Club's American Magic stated in an interview with Associated Press that Luna Rossa had not consulted them as to their views on the wind limits that should apply.

That news surprised Emirates Team New Zealand who had apparently assumed that the other three Challengers would be consulted n this vital issue.

Full article by Richard Gladwell:
www.sail-world.com/news/227338/

Dubarry Women's Open Keelboat Championship Moves to Royal Southern Yacht Club
The Dubarry sponsored UK Women's Open Keelboat Championship (WOKC) will be hosted on the 13th/14th June from the beautiful location of the Royal Southern Yacht Club.

Ireland has previously been successful at the event with Howth Yacht Club helmswoman Laura Dillon winning in 2016.

Dubarry returns as title sponsor, having been a generous supporter of the championships since its inception in 2008 and having been the title sponsor for the last eight events.

Participants in the Dubarry Women's Open Keelboat Championships will have the opportunity to win much-admired Dubarry items, which will be available as prizes for class winners and in the overall Championship.

The inclusion of the sportsboat class will allow boats such as J70's, J80's and SB20 enter and race under the Royal Southern's handicap rather than having to get an IRC certificate.

The Women's Open Keelboat Championship was founded in 2008 by a group of passionate female sailors who wanted to compete in challenging racing against other women. Over the years the team behind the regatta has evolved but the vision has remained the same.

afloat.ie/sail/events/

The demise of CG66 is brought forward to end of March 2020
The Cruising Association's Regulatory and Technical Service group (RATS) has today been advised by the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) that the scrapping of the CG66 Safety Identification Scheme - the name given to the MCA's free and voluntary scheme for registering identification and other details of pleasure craft and vessels - has been brought forward from July to the end of March.

As a result of this latest news, which has come at short notice, the Cruising Association is now advising its members with renewed urgency to sign up to the alternative SafeTrx registration scheme, administered in the UK by the RYA and available to all boat users.

When questioned by Robin Baron, the Chair of RATS, as to what had caused this sudden change to the almost immediate scrapping of the CG66 system, an MCA spokesman responded that the decision has been brought forward to save costs on technology.

Apparently, the data was only being looked at infrequently. The MCA's procedure is firstly to look at SafeTrx and then, if nothing's registered there, they check CG66. The decision does not directly affect SAR (Search & Rescue) but it improves the response the service can provide. After 31 March a vessel registered on CG66 but not on SafeTrx will be treated in the same way as a vessel that has no details registered is currently treated.

RYA SafeTrx aims to provide a similar SAR database to the CG66 scheme with the added advantage of additional methods of adding data and of communication. It is not necessary to be a member of the RYA to use it. Details of vessels, their communications and safety equipment and of emergency contacts are entered in one of two ways.

The first is by using the RYA SafeTrx website which is at: safetrx.rya.org.uk. It is necessary to register in order to enter data. The second way to enter data is by using the RYA SafeTrx App. This is available on Apple iPhones and iPads with iOS 8.0 or later and on Android phones with Android OS 4.2 and above. It is not available on Windows phones or Android tablets.-- Petra Stuart-Hunt

www.theca.org.uk

Round The Island Race In 80 Days
The Round the Island Race is one of the most iconic sailing events in the annual calendar and it is only 80 days away. Sailors from around the world are preparing for their adventure around the Isle of Wight on Saturday 30 May, competing to win over 200 trophies.

Dave Atkinson, Race Director, said: "The Island Sailing Club is extremely proud of our flagship event, particularly as it welcomes all types of sailors and boats from first time racers, family cruisers and professional sailors. This is why our ethos of 'A Race For All' really comes alive with all those competitors competing side by side on the same race track. With the Island Sailing Club handicap system (ISCRS), which is a free system for entrants, boats who don't regularly race can be rated to take part."

This year there will be a 38ft Beneteau Oceanis called 'Ellie B', out on the start line with a crew of five visually impaired individuals and three sighted supporting team members. The crew range from mid 30's to mid 60's and will all get involved in helming, winching and trimming.

Rick Smith, Volunteer Skipper for the Visually Impaired Sailing Association (VISA GB) said: "After 28 years of sailing and racing I wanted to give others the opportunity to experience this amazing race. The selected Round the Island crew are all competent sailors but for the majority this is their first ever race. We will be doing two days of training in the Solent and I'm sure by race start they will be comfortably confident. It is so rewarding to hear how their confidence has been boosted after time on the water and consequently translates into their everyday lives, empowering them to do more."

Partners supporting the race this year include Helly Hansen as Official Clothing Partner, MS Amlin as Marine Insurance Partner, Raymarine as Technical Partner and Chelsea Magazines, publishers of Yachts & Yachting, Sailing Today and Classic Boat, as Media Partner. The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust also returns this year as the Official Race Charity, raising funds to help young people rebuild their lives after cancer treatment. All Partners will be at the Island Sailing Club Race Village on The Parade, with fun activities and competitions for spectators and competitors, from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May.

Sailors interested in competing in the event will be able to keep up to date with the latest news on social media using the hashtag #RaceForAll and enter via the Round the Island website roundtheisland.org.uk

Coronavirus effect as European sailing season gets underway
As we head into the European sailing season the Coronavirus has captured world-wide media headlines.

The most effected in the sailing community, will be those taking part in the main International championships leading upto the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the end of July.

These include:
470 World Championships, Palma, Mallorca, 13 March
Olympic Classes Princess Sofia Regatta, Palma, Mallorca, 27 March
Olympic Classes Hempel World Cup Series, Genoa, Italy, 12 April
America's Cup – ACWS Round 1, Cagliari, Italy, 18 April
470 European Championships, Hyeres, France, 5 May
Finn Gold Cup, Palma, Mallorca, 8 May
RS:X European Championship, Athens, Greece, 10 May
Nacra 17, 49er, 49erFX European Championships, Malcesine, Italy, 11 May.

This is a problem for the top level competitors as they want to take part in these events, either to qualify for their national team or to maintain their competitve edge before the 2020 Games.

One of the few sailing events likely to attract a large enough audience to fall foul of crowd limits are the America's Cup – ACWS events, so further crowd restriction could jeopardise the events in Italy and England.

www.sailweb.co.uk

2020 J/24 European Championship Notice of Cancellation
The International J/24 Class Association (IJCA) and the Italian Federation of Sailing (F.I.V.) who delegates Yacht Club Adriaco, Triestina della Vela and Yacht Club Porto San Rocco today announced the cancellation of the 2020 J/24 European Championship scheduled for April 29-May 5, 2020 at Porto San Rocco, Muggia (Trieste), Italy.

"After consulting the members of the Organizing Committee and the J/24 Class, cancelling the European Championship is the responsible and wise decision to make at this time," said Roberto Sponza, the 2020 J/24 European Championship Event Chairperson.

The spread of the Covid-19 virus has caused concern worldwide. The Italian government's latest restrictions impede travel within Italy and place prohibitions on sporting events and gatherings. These new restrictions are in place until April 3. "At this time, we must confront the possibility that these restrictions within Italy could be extended or ended," said Sponza, "Other European governments may impose similar restrictions on travel in the near future. All these restrictions have impact on the competitors who have registered for this year's European Championship."

The Organizing Committee and the Italian J/24 Class Association have determined the cancellation will also apply to the 2020 Italian Open National Championship scheduled for May 28-June 2 at Porto San Rocco. There are no anticipated impacts on other IJCA scheduled Championships at this time.

2020 ASAF Asian Championships postponed
The Organising Authority of the 2020 ASAF Asian Championships, which were due to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from 15 - 22 March 2020, have postponed the Championships as a precautionary measure due to COVID-19.

The Organising Authority, UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club (ADSYC) under the sanction of the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF) informed World Sailing following consultation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

The Organising Authority has commenced work with all stakeholders to finalise new dates in April.

World Sailing and the International Olympic Committee acknowledged the postponement.

The 2020 ASAF Asian Championships is an Asian Tokyo 2020 Continental Olympic Qualification Event for the Laser, Laser Radial, 49er and Men's and Women's RS:X.

www.asc2020.asiansailing.org

Fresh winds opening for the OptiOrange Valencia 2020
The third edition of the OptiOrange Valencia opened on 6th March, with the only race for all four fleets in up to 25 knots of westerly winds. Nevertheless, the strong conditions provided for high speeds, physical effort and fierce competition. All the fleets have lead changes and the results were far from predictable.

The registration list of the OptiOrange Valencia 2020 reads almost like "who is who" in the Optimist class sailing. Among 345 sailors from 27 countries, there are dozens of national champions and ranking leaders.

Philip Bjorkman of Sweden added a 2, 6, to his scoreline to finish winner of the OptiOrange Valencia on Sunday.

Bjorkman finished 12 points ahead of Marie Mazuay of Switzerland who counting a 3, 5, jumped into second place, 14 points ahead of Sweden's Leo Birgersson.

Russia's Nikita Cherikh recover well to take fourth place, three points ahead of Britain's Santiago Sesto-Cosby who finished the event with his fourth race win.

Also in the gold fleet, Robert Mawdsley of Britain finished 8th, Ella Lightbody 49th, Archie Munro-Price 53rd, Annabelle Vines 62nd and Arwen Fflur 69th.

Final top ten
1. Philip Bjorkman, SWE, 20 points
2. Marie Mazuay, SUI, 32
3. Leo Birgersson, SWE, 46
4. Nikita Chernikh, RUS, 52
5. Santiago Sesto-Cosby, GBR, 55
6. Tom Goron, FRA, 56
7. Kirill Shunenkov, RUS, 57
8. Robert Mawdsley, GBR, 57
9. Floris Schraffordt, NED, 61
10. Thomas Schouten, NED, 62

Full Results

Steering Without a Rudder
In modern cruising and racing sailboats with fin keels and spade rudders, the most vulnerable part of the whole boat is the rudder. Every year during the fall and spring migration seasons when hundreds of boats sail offshore between winter and summer cruising grounds, a few have rudder problems. Collisions with submerged containers or a whale, can do serious damage to a spade rudder. Getting tangled in a drift net or other fishing gear can cause a rudder to fail. Very occasionally rudder posts break off between the rudder and the hull; this can be caused by work-hardening in stainless steel or aluminum posts or a poor laminate in a composite post. Whatever the circumstances, if you find yourself without your rudder with many miles still to sail, you don't have to call for help because the boat can still be sailed and steered. But, you have to be prepared.

Veteran offshore sailor, skipper and professional Michael Keyworth took it upon himself in 2013 to figure out how to prepare a sailboat to be steered without a rudder. The old ideas of fashioning a rudder with a spinnaker pole and a table leaf really doesn't work for any length of time. What has worked in the past is towing a drogue of some kind behind the boat. But this concept has never been really effective.

Keyworth removed the rudder from his Swann 44 Chasseur and set about doing sea trials with all sorts of different jury-rigged steering systems. What he found was there are several key elements to setting up an effective drogue steering system.

Read the full report here (PDF).

Featured Brokerage
Gunboat 60 - ARETHUSA. POA USD.

ARETHUSA is exceptionally maintained by professional crew and has benefited from significant upgrades to be the reliable and beautiful global mile-eater that she is, presented in better-than-new condition.

Her recent 2020 refit incorporates new daggerboards that improve performance and pedigree even further, for sailing that is thoroughly enjoyable both on the race track and while offshore blue-water cruising.

Turnkey ready for her new owners, ready for worldwide cruising, regattas and whatever your dream sailing plans may be.

For full details go to.... gunboat.com/brokerage/arethusa

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
sales [AT] gunboat [DOT] com

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2016 Ker 40+ "Arabella" FAST 40+. POA GBP.

Arabella's DNA is highly competitive IRC and ORCi racing and most recently she has been optimized with the cutting-edge technology that is being employed by the UK FAST 40 race circuit. This circuit has pushed the boundaries when it comes to IRC rating optimization and she is turn key for 2020.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
sampearson [AT] ancasta [DOT] com
+447759 424900
+442380 016582

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1926 Alfred Mylne Glen-Coats Gaff Sloop 1926 - Duet. 39,000 GBP. Located in France.

Please go here for the full description of DUET.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Barney Sandeman
info [AT] sandemanyachtcompany [DOT] co [DOT] uk
+44 (0)1202 330077
22 Market Street
Poole, Dorset
BH15 1NF
United Kingdom

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

The Last Word
The energy that comes when you compel people to dance stays with you your whole career - whether you are playing to 100,000 people at Glastonbury or 1,000 kids in a club. -- Steven Van Zandt

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Sixth stage of Clipper Round the World Yacht Race gets underway
• The America's Cup Hall of Fame to Induct Franklin Osgood, Bryan Willis, and Rolf Vrolijk
• Marlow Ropes to partner with Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia for Vendee Globe 2020 campaign
• America's Cup is heading to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
• The Ocean Race is returning to Newport
• Entrepreneur of the Month: Iain Percy, Artemis Technologies
• Team Honda Marine Going For Three In A Row
• OK Dinghy Class Launch Euro League
• Launchings
• Featured Charter: Sunfast 3600 - Loli Fast
• Featured Brokerage:
• • SW100RS Mrs. Seven
• • Swan 105 RS Child of Lir
• • SB20
• The Last Word: Alan Watts

Sixth stage of Clipper Round the World Yacht Race gets underway
The fleet departed for the Leg 6 of the Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race today from Subic Bay, Philippines. Race 9, the first of two races to make up the sixth stage, will see the fleet of eleven stripped out 70-foot yachts race offshore in the South China Sea. The second race will be the 'big one', the North Pacific Ocean crossing to Seattle.

Race 9, named the WTC Logistics Tri-Race is short by Clipper Race standards, but still longer than most renowned offshore races. The hot tropical race, will take the Clipper Race fleet on a fast, triangular sprint of approximately 750nm in total. The race is made up of three individual Dell Latitude Rugged Ocean Sprint sections between virtual gates.

Many new faces have joined the teams in Subic Bay and Race 9 is the perfect opportunity to integrate the crew ahead of what is dubbed 'the big one'. Before the start later today, all teams will be completing the mandatory refresher training required at the start of each new leg.

Race 9 is expected to take between four and five days to complete with the fleet anticipated to return back into Subic Bay Yacht Club between 14-15 March.

So far, the Clipper Race fleet has raced over 22,000nm since the 2019-20 edition started from London in September 2019 with stopovers in Portimao, Portugal; Punta del Este Uruguay; Cape Town, South Africa; Fremantla and the Whitsundays, Australia; to the Philippines. The route for Legs 5 and 6 of the 2019-20 edition has been amended due to the outbreak of COVID-19, resulting in the planned stopovers in Sanya, Zhuhai and Qingdao, China being cancelled.

Following the fleet's return to Subic Bay at the end of Race 9 Seattle is the next destination on the global route.

Clipper Race Leaderboard
1. Qingdao, 97
2. Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam, 77
3. Punta Del Este, 60
4. Visit Sanya, China, 56
5. UNICEF, 51
6. Imagine Your Korea, 50
7. WTC Logistics, 42
8. Dare To Lead, 42
9. Zhuhai, 34
10. Gotobermuda, 33
11. Seattle, 28

clipperroundtheworld.com

The America's Cup Hall of Fame to Induct Franklin Osgood, Bryan Willis, and Rolf Vrolijk
The Herreshoff Marine Museum / America's Cup Hall of Fame welcomes Franklin Osgood, Bryan Willis, and Rolf Vrolijk, to the America's Cup Hall of Fame as the inductees of the Class of 2020.

The Induction Ceremony will take place at the INEOS Team UK base in Portsmouth, England, on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

The America's Cup Hall of Fame has inducted over ninety individuals since its founding in 1992. Candidates eligible for consideration include members of the crew, designers, builders, syndicate leaders, supporters, chroniclers, and other individuals of merit. Each nominee is judged on the basis of outstanding ability, international recognition, character, performance, and contributions to the sport. The members of the Selection Committee are intimate with the history and traditions of America's Cup and are committed to the integrity of the Hall of Fame.

America's Cup Hall of Fame Inductees, Class of 2020

Franklin Osgood (USA) (1828-1888)
Franklin Osgood was the first defender and two-time winner of the America's Cup. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Osgood's victory as the owner and manager of the schooner MAGIC, which won the first defense of the America's Cup on August 8, 1870. In the only fleet race for a Cup final, MAGIC led at all marks on the race course in New York Harbor to defeat sixteen other defenders and the lone challenger.

Bryan Willis (United Kingdom) (b.1944)
Bryan Willis is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for his dedicated service as a Chairman and as a member of America's Cup International Juries and Arbitration Panels. He has also served as a rules advisor on multiple Cup campaigns during his impressive career that has spanned 33 years, from the 12-Metre Era in 1980 to the Multi-Hull Era in 2013.

Rolf Vrolijk (The Netherlands) (b.1946)
Rolf Vrolijk won two America's Cup matches with Team Alinghi as the Chief Designer of SUI-64 (2003) and SUI-100 (2007).

www.herreshoff.org/achof

Marlow Ropes to partner with Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia for Vendee Globe 2020 campaign
Marlow Ropes, the world's leading manufacturer of performance sailing rope has announced that they will be an official supplier to Boris Herrmann of Team Malizia as he embarks on a journey to the 2020 Vendee Globe.

Team Malizia was founded in 2016 by Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Yacht Club de Monaco. Pierre Casiraghi and Boris Herrmann have worked together to create Team Malizia and sail races across the globe.

Boris is a professional sailor from Hamburg, Germany. He has done three laps around the planet, one of them non-stop and will soon be attempting this challenge for the first time single handed for the 2020 Vendée Globe, making him the first German to compete in the race.

Over the past years, Boris has been involved in a couple of world records, including the Golden Globe around America, Transpac, Cowes-Dinard, Cape-Rio, San Francisco-Shanghai, Newport-Bermuda, Columbus Route and Giraglia.

The 2020 Vendee Globe is the world's most elite offshore race and will see Boris prepare both physically and mentally for the solo 24,000 mile race, circumnavigating the world on Malizia 2, a foiling IMOCA 60'.

Marlow Ropes is the leading UK rope manufacturer, founded in 1807 and continues to develop technically advanced rope products for the global Leisure Marine market, working across the spectrum from amateur sailors and youth teams all the way through to elite teams such as Ineos Team UK, American Magic, Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and the British and US Sailing Teams.

www.marlowropes.com

America's Cup is heading to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) is pleased to announce the famous 'Auld Mug', the America's Cup, is headed across the Tasman Sea to the Club in March for a special weekend of events, marking the first time it has been seen in Australia since the 30th anniversary of Australia winning the Cup back in September 1983.

The America's Cup will briefly leave its present home at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) to go on display at the Pittwater based club in Sydney over the weekend of 28 and 29 March. The RNZYS recently accepted the RPAYC as an entry for the Youth America's Cup Challenge, and the two clubs have also joined forces to make the inaugural 2021 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race a success.

"We are very excited that the Cup is coming to the Club and that it has been accepted as the first ever challenger from Australia for the Youth America's Cup Challenge. It will be a fabulous weekend for all concerned," RPAYC Commodore, Michael Lockley said.

"We will also be promoting the inaugural Moonen Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race over that weekend," he said, adding: "The Alfreds is a great place to go sailing and continues to produce champions from grass roots level."

RPAYC members and guests will be invited to a function on the Saturday evening, among them government officials, well known sailors; in particular those with a connection to the Cup, who will be invited to speak. Aaron Young, Vice Commodore of RNZYS will be arriving with the Cup.

Others who will benefit from seeing the Cup, and most for the first time in their young lives, are the up to 150 Optimist sailors expected to take part in the RPAYC hosted Optimist NSW Championship on that same weekend.

On Sunday the RPAYC will launch its Youth Americas Cup team at the presentation to the NSW Optimist Championship sailors. -- Di Pearson/Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race media

www.rpayc.com.au
www.sydneytoauckland.com

The Ocean Race is returning to Newport
Sail Newport and The Ocean Race announced today that for the third consecutive edition of the competition, The Ocean Race will make its only North American stopover in Newport, Rhode Island, in the spring of 2022.

The Rhode Island stopover will be one of ten stops during the eight-month 38,000 nautical-mile race around the world, which begins in Alicante, Spain, in October of 2021 and finishes in Genoa, Italy, in June of 2022.

For the first time, Newport will be hosting two fleets, the IMOCA 60s, foiling boats which push the limits of technology, as well as the one-design VO65 class, which produced the closest race in history in the 2017-18 edition.

According to Brad Read, Executive Director of Sail Newport, the event had a wide-ranging economic and tourism impact on the community. Organizers released a detailed economic impact report that showed that the 2015 stopover generated an estimated $47.7 million to the Ocean State's economy.

After the Newport stopover, the fleet will race the last, long ocean leg across the Atlantic to Northern Europe, before finishing the race in the Mediterranean in June. The full race route will be released in the coming days.

www.theoceanrace.com

Entrepreneur of the Month: Iain Percy, Artemis Technologies
How is business?

Business is really good. Our main focus currently is leading a Belfast consortium that is bidding to return commercial shipbuilding to the city, so needless to say it is a very exciting time.

Along with our partners in industry, academia, and local government, we have a strategy to decarbonise maritime transportation by using research and collaboration to produce innovative, sustainable technologies and products.

Using Belfast as a base, we're tapping into the tremendous local talent pool and supply chain, capitalising on the region's rich shipbuilding heritage and expertise in aerospace and composite engineering.

The consortium is the only applicant from Northern Ireland remaining in contention for the UK Research and Innovation's Strength in Places Fund, with a decision due this spring on which project will successfully receive funding of £30m.

Meanwhile, we are well on our way to producing the world's first zero-emissions workboat in Belfast, as we integrate our electric eFoiler propulsion system into an 11 metre carbon fibre vessel in a joint venture with Denmark's Tuco Marine Group.

How did you get started in the industry?

We started Artemis Technologies in 2017 as a sister company to the Artemis Racing professional sailing team.

Full interview: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Team Honda Marine Going For Three In A Row
When the 24 boats contesting the 2020 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour from March 14-22, defending champion David McDiarmid could become the first New Zealand skipper to win three titles in the 82-year history of the world's premier 18-Footer championship.

David, Brad Collins and Matt Steven will head a three-boat team from New Zealand in their Honda Marine-sponsored skiff.

They are joined by the experienced C-Tech team of Alex Vallings, Sam Trethewey and Matt Coutts, and the very much improved young Maersk Line team of Peron Pearse, Eli Liefting and Harry Clark.

The New Zealand teams contesting the 2020 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship are:
Honda Marine: David McDiarmid, Matt Steven, Brad Collins
C-Tech: Alex Vallings, Sam Trethewey, Matt Coutts
Maersk Line: Peron Pearse, Eli Liefting, Harry Clark

Determined to regain the supremacy they held for many seasons, the local 18-Footer teams will be going all out to win back the coveted trophy and spoil the Honda Marine team's hope of a third consecutive title.

A group of five teams are presently leading the Australian challenge.

Recently crowned Australian champion Tech2 is a strong team which has been improving each week since the new boat had her first race in early December. The recent addition of four-time JJ Giltinan champion bowman Trent Barnabas could give her skipper, Jack Macartney his first JJ Giltinan title.

Other top teams include NSW champion Winning Group, which has a multi Giltinan championship-winning crew, and the 2018-2019 Australian champion James Dorron in Shaw & Partners Financial Services.

Finport Finance and Smeg have won individual championship races during the current season but just need to be more consistent over the whole regatta to make an even stronger challenge.

Entries for 2020 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship:
Honda Marine: David McDiarmid, Matt Steven, Brad Collins
Winning Group: John Winning Jr., Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton
Finport Finance: Keagan York, Matt Stenta, Angus Williams
Shaw & Partners Financial Services: James Dorron, Harry Bethwaite, Tim Westwood
Smeg: Micah Lane, Ricky Bridge, Peter Harris
C-Tech: Alex Vallings, Sam Trethewey, Matt Coutts
Tech2: Jack Macartney, Charlie Wyatt, Trent Barnabas
Appliancesonline.com.au: Brett Van Munster, Phil Marshall, Kurt Fatouris
The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines: Aron Everett, Courtney Mahar, Charlie Gundy
Noakesailing: Sean Langman, Ed Powys, Nathan Edwards
The Kitchen Maker-Caesarstone: Jordan Girdis, Lachlan Doyle, Tom Quigley
Yandoo: John Winning, Mike Kennedy, Jasper Warren
Vintec: Kirk Mitchell, Pete Nicholson, Matt Wark
Maersk Line: Peron Pearse, Eli Liefting, Harry Clark
Rag & Famish Hotel: Bryce Edwards, Jacob Broom, Rory Cox
Birkenhead Point Marina: Tom Anderson, Elliot Scali, Tom Arkens
URM: Marcus Ashley-Jones, Cam Gundy, Lewis Brake
Ilve: Pedro Vozone, Matt Doyle, Jerome Watts
Queenslander: David Hayter, Nathaniel Dutton, Elliot Mahar
Dal Zotto: Jack Sprague, Josh Feldmann, Marc Chapon
Noakes Blue: Yvette Heritage, Rory Hunter, Oliver Scott-Mackie
Bird & Bear: Tom Clout, Cameron McDonald, John Walton
Lumix: Alex Watson, Cooper Richmond, Ben Roxburgh
QMC: Matt Rogers, Darren Rogers, Steve Wilson

www.18footers.com

OK Dinghy Class Launch Euro League
In response to the rapid growth of the OK Dinghy class in recent years, and calls for a coordinated European circuit, the International OK Dinghy Association has launched the 2020 OK Euro League.

In this inaugural year five events have been chosen, covering many of the popular regattas, as well as new ones to encourage local fleet development.

Key aspects of the OK Euro League include:

- Silver and Bronze fleets with separate prizes
- Innovative scoring system so that all events count the same, regardless of entries
- Sponsor focussed media presentation
- Easy to qualify with three events to count
- Weighted points on final round
- Mix of 2 day, 3 day and 4 day events

The sponsors are at the heart of the series, with a media package designed to promote each one as well as the class and its sailors. So far Allen, Art of Racing, Ceilidh, Ovington, Synergy Marine and Turtle Sails have offered some great prizes.

After the first four 'Rounds', Bandol will act as the Final, which is slightly weighted in terms of points, but more important in terms of prizes. Bandol was the venue for the hugely successful 2018 European Championship and the fleet has been begging to go back ever since.

The Notice of Series can be downloaded here and further details will appear on the dedicated OKDIA Event website at events.okdinghy.org

2020 OK Euro League
Round 1 - Spring Cup, Medemblik, NED, May 1-3
Round 2 - European Championship, Lundeborg, DEN, May 15-17
Round 3 - Kieler Woche, Kiel, GER, June 20-23
Round 4 - Dutch Nationals, Oosterzee, NED, August 22-23
Final - Autumn Trophy, Bandol, FRA, Sept 16-19

www.okdia.org

Launchings
Click on images to enlarge.

Creating Liara - a lightweight yet luxurious custom sailing yacht - required inventive engineering and design to balance cruising comfort with regatta-winning performance, learns Marilyn Mower

Custom sailing yachts are the jewels of the superyacht world, precious as diamonds and rare as perfect rubies. Their commissioning owners tend to be highly knowledgeable, experienced sailors who engage enthusiastically with the build process. Such is the case with the owner of the 34-metre Baltic Yachts Liara, who acted more like a partner than a client in the R&D of this new yacht.

Among the things that makes Liara a cruising delight are batteries that silently supply all the household power, even air conditioning, for eight hours. Three banks of 35kW lithium-ion batteries linked to the yacht's high-voltage DC electrical system are encased under the snug or media room. A floor hatch and a soft patch in the deck make them easily removable. The high-voltage system and a clever hydraulics package require smaller diameter pipework and lighter electrical cabling, saving weight, as do the carbon fibre cable trays and titanium deck hardware.

A major engineering challenge for the yard, Hawkins says, was the juxtaposition of the hull aperture for the RPS and the telescopic keel, a project that took the team eight months to engineer, according to Baltic's veteran in-house project manager Tommy Johansson. While a telescopic keel won't drop as deeply as a lifting keel in the same size yacht, it offers the benefit of not protruding into the living spaces

www.boatinternational.com

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In the last two years, Beneteau has launched a new series in the Oceanis line that combine great sailing qualities with ever more interior volume for the comforts of home. The new 40.1, which will debut in 2020, follows the 51.1, 46.1 and 30.1 in this new take on the Oceanis theme.

The 40.1 has a new Marc Lombard hull design with a pronounced chine aft and flared sections forward. This combines to reduce wetted surface and to provide a lot of initial stability and therefore power in the hull. Aft, the beam is carried to the transom, which opens up a lot of space for the cockpit and provides for a huge folding swim and boarding platform. Also, the twin helms have been moved aft so the cockpit table can be large enough for six to dine al fresco.

Forward, the flared hull sections make the foredeck wider than on many boats, which makes setting and dousing downwind sails safer and easier and makes anchoring easier. The built-in bow sprit is for downwind sails and doubles as a anchor roller.

The interior and cockpit were designed and styled by Nauta Designs from Milan. In the cockpit and down below you feel like you are in a much larger boat than just 40 feet. With large hull windows and multiple overhead hatches, the cabins and saloon are full of light and well ventilated. The 40.1 can be ordered with a pale oak color or a more traditional walnut finish.

www.beneteau.com

www.bwsailing.com

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With a project presented in Monaco in 2018, the New era of Maxi Swan starts with Swan 98, with her 30 metres of volume, elegance and seaworthiness.

Coming from the pencil of Maestro German Frers with the interiors designed by Misa Poggi, the maxi yacht is meant to satisfy and meet our owners' needs, in terms of performance, cruising and way of living the sea.

Swan 98 is being built at BTC (Boat Technology Centre) in Pietarsaari, the renewed home for Swans, which is going full throttle in the production department even during months of heavy snow, when everything seems very quiet.

With 3 units already sold, the very first Swan 98 will hit the water next Summer and she will have her debut at Monaco Yacht Show 2020.

Both hull and deck are built using epoxy SPRINT® pre-preg carbon fibre interior and exterior skins on a core of M-grade Corecell foam. This gives the ultimate structural stiffness and rigidity at the lightest possible weight, while at the same time ensures absolute structural safety and reliability.

With 2 different layouts available, Owner Aft and Owner Forward, and four different moods, the Swan 98 stresses the importance of uniqueness with the customization of the interiors with leathers, woods and fabrics.

nautorswan.com

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McIntyre Adventure, organizer of the Solo 2018 Golden Globe Race and the fully crewed 2023 OceanGlobeRace.com , will soon announce plans to establish an exciting new International One Design Class of plywood, Mini 5.80-meter yachts. Aimed at home builders and adventurous racing sailors, a solo 5.80 Transatlantic race is planned for 2021 and a Mini Globe Race is scheduled for 2024.

The Mini 5.80 is for all sailors, young and old, who have a dream to sail Oceans in small, fun, affordable and proven safe, ocean-going yachts. Construction plans cost just Euro $300, Simple Plywood construction means anyone can build this Mini in a few months. If you do not want to build, your local shipwright can do it for you. It all fits inside a 20ft container for shipping to, or from international events. The mast has a sleeve to allow two-piece shipping and removing keel and rudder is simple. It can be taken home on a trailer, by an ordinary family car.

The Official announcement and launch of the ClassMini 5.80 will take place at the HISWA Amsterdam Boat show on Saturday 14th March on center stage 1.30pm. Full details will be released then and the official www.ClassMini580.com website will go live. Hull No. 01 for Don McIntyre is currently under construction in Poland. It is due to be sailing late June. McIntyre will sail this yacht in the first Solo 5.80 Transat, setting out from Portugal in November 2021. It will then be used to sponsor other young sailors.

The idea for this new simple Mini 5.80 started to form in 2010 when McIntyre was sailing a 25ft Open timber Whale boat, 4000 miles across the Pacific, from TONGA to KUPANG - West Timor in the wake of William Bligh and his men, following the Mutiny on the HMS Bounty.

www.ClassMini580.com
www.McIntyreAdventure.com

Featured Charter
Sunfast 3600 - Loli Fast.

Designed by Daniel Andrieu, the Sun Fast 3600 is perfectly adapted to solo, doublehanded, and crewed regattas and able to compete in both inshore and offshore races.

A boat like the Sun Fast 3600 is all about performance and this boat has speed to burn. Race results to date, both in fully crewed and short-handed races, are impressive and demonstrate this boat is competitive under the IRC handicap rule.

This eye catching boat lives admirably up to the reputation and expectations that go before it with Jeanneau’s previous Sun Fast models.

See listing details in Seahorse Charters

Contact
Lucy Jackson - LV Yachting
Call: +44 2392 161272
Email: info [AT] lvyachting [DOT] com

See the the Seahorse charter collection

Featured Brokerage
2008 SW100RS Mrs. Seven. 4,900,000 (Under Leasing) EUR. Located in Monfalcone, Italy

High performance version of the Southern Wind 100 mini-series, Mrs. Seven features a sporty deck and four cabin interior. Recent major refit, currently lying in Italy

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Southern Wind Shipyard (Pty) Ltd
Salita Dinegro 7/1
16123 Genoa Italy
sales [AT] sws-yachts [DOT] eu
Tel. +39 010 570 4035

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2014 Swan 105 RS Child of Lir. 7,900,000 VAT Paid EUR. Located in Calpe, Spain.

See listing details in Nautor's Swan Brokerage

Contact
Nautor's Swan Brokerage - Thomas Perry
brokerage [AT] nautorswan [DOT] com
Tel. +377 97 97 95 07
nautorswanbrokerage.com

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SB20. 30,000 EUR.

Designed by Tony Castro, the SB20 is a British-built strict one-design 6.15m keelboat conceived as a wide appeal, affordable, competitive sportsboat for teams of three or four sailors. It is also, arguably, the most successful sportsboat in the world with 800 owners competing regularly in a programme of exciting local, national and international events.

Originally known as the Laser SB3, the SB20 continues to deliver on its pioneering promise: a boat that is fun, fast and easy to sail by anyone of any age; the best value-for-money sportsboat in the market.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
tony [DOT] castro [AT] sportsboatworld [DOT] com
Tel: +44 (0) 23 8045 4722
Mob: +44 (0) 7836 322 443

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

The Last Word
It’s better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way. -- Alan Watts

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Hempel World Cup Series Genoa Cancelled
• New wings for SailGP Season 2
• At The Front - C'mon Along - Subscribe to Harken's Newsletter
• Sailing becomes first Olympic sport to commit to the UN Women Sport for Generation Equality Declaration
• New York-Vendee-Les Sables d'Olonne Transatlantic Race
• 2021 ICRA Nationals to be Staged by the National Yacht Club on Dublin Bay
• Looking for the worlds' best sailing videos produced in 2020
• Mayflower 400
• For The Record
• Industry News
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Beneteau First 40.7 Performance
• • Farr 400 for sale
• • GC32 - ENGIE -for sale or charter
• Back on Monday - No Friday Issue
• The Last Word: Bill Gates

Hempel World Cup Series Genoa Cancelled
World Sailing has cancelled the 2020 Hempel World Cup Series Genoa event that was due to be held in the Italian city from 11 - 19 April 2020 due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy, World Sailing has been in regular contact with the Federazione Italiana Vela (FIV), the local organisers, and the Italian Government, receiving updates and closely monitoring the situation. The World Sailing Board has also consulted the World Sailing Medical Commission prior to making this decision.

The decision was made to ensure the health and well-being of the sailors, support personnel, officials and volunteers, a top priority for World Sailing.

Hempel World Cup Series Genoa was to act as the final opportunity for Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualification for African, Asian and European sailors in a number of the Olympic Sailing Events. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has granted World Sailing an extension of the qualification period to 30 June 2020.

World Sailing is now working in close collaboration with the IOC and Event Organisers to reschedule the remaining African, Asian and European Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers and to ensure that all quota places can be allocated.

sailing.org/news/

New wings for SailGP Season 2
One of the most highly anticipated developments of SailGP Season 2 will be the introduction of new modular wingsails, which will increase not only the range of conditions the F50s are able to race in, but also overall performance.

Take a sneak peek inside the design, build and testing in New Zealand and get ready to see the new wings in action in San Francisco.

At The Front - C'mon Along - Subscribe to Harken's Newsletter
Olaf and Peter Harken didn't set out to transform our sport. They just wanted to make some equipment that would help the best sailors extend what is possible in sailing. In many ways, that's what we still do. We never stop asking: Could this be lighter? Does it add line speed? How can that design thrive under ever-higher loads? Once in a while, these discussions become entertaining - even if you don't work here.

What's more, in fueling new products we collaborate with sailors all over the world. Back at the dock, we pick up insights that, where appropriate, we share in our social media. At month end, we combine the best of that with video and sometimes brand-new stuff and deliver it in a digital newsletter: "Harken At The Front." In a recent issue, bit.ly/AtTheFrontDecember2019 we highlighted how Oakcliff and the British Keelboat Academy turn youth sailors into tomorrow's rock stars. The best of every month - all in one email per month. Subscribe - it's free. Give it a try. If you don't like it, unsubscribe immediately.

harken.com

Sailing becomes first Olympic sport to commit to the UN Women Sport for Generation Equality Declaration
World Sailing, the world governing body of the sport, has become the first Olympic sport to sign the UN Women Sport for Generation Equality Declaration.

The signing of declaration follows from the World Sailing Trust's publication of their Strategic Review into Women in Sailing. The report explores gender balance and makes a case for change to address disparities within the sport and today, International Women's Day, World Sailing has taken this important step towards greater gender equity in the sport.

World Sailing joins the International Olympic Committee, Professional Squash Federation, Cricket Australia, the Ibero-American Council for Sports and Male Champions for Change in Sport as initial signatories of the Declaration.

The global commitment and overall vision for UN Women Sport for Generation Equality Declaration is rooted in the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which informs the Sustainable Development Goals - in particular Goal 5, "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls."

By signing the Declaration, World Sailing is committing to substantial, explicit and measurable actions that will support relevant aspects of the Principles.

World Sailing's first action in this regard is adopting a Gender Equality Charter, which will sit at the heart of the organisation.

worldsailingtrust.org/2020/03/08/sailing-becomes-first-olympic-sport-to-commit-to-the-sport-for-generation-equality-declaration/

New York-Vendee-Les Sables d'Olonne Transatlantic Race
27 sailors make up the list of competitors for the second edition of this race between the United States and Vendee. The line-up is twice the size of four years ago and the quality is certainly there too, as the race will bring together the eight new generation IMOCAs built for next November's Vendee Globe. With a weighting of four in the IMOCA Globe Series, this 3500-mile solo race, essentially sailed downwind, will be the ideal way for the competitors to warm up. Who will follow in the footsteps of Jeremie Beyou, the winner of the New York-Vendee-Les Sables d'Olonne in 2016? We will start to get some idea of that on 16th June in the Big Apple...

For the first time, the eight IMOCA boats built for the 2020 Vendee Globe are expected to line up for the same race. Jeremie Beyou (Charal) will be back to defend his title and will be attempting to smash his own reference time on this course between the United States and Vendee (9 days, 16 hours, 57 minutes and 49 seconds). We should add that the other sailors with brand new IMOCA boats are Charlie Dalin (APIVIA), Thomas Ruyant (ADVENS for Cybersecurity), Kojiro Shiraishi (DMG Mori Global One), Sebastien Simon (ARKEA PAPREC), Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss), Armel Tripon (L'Occitane en Provence) and Nicolas Troussel (CORUM L'Epargne). No doubt we will be able to learn a lot from this first battle between these boats designed by four different architects. We can see that the majority of boats will be foilers, and it is likely there will be seventeen of them at the start, so we can look forward to a top class competition.

Organised by the IMOCA class in partnership with Sea to See, the New York-Vendee-Les Sables d'Olonne will be the final test before the round the world race. This solo transatlantic race will give us a good idea of the state of play. The sailors aiming for the top spots will want to leave their imprint with less than five months to go to the start of the Vendee Globe.

The 27 skippers registered for the 2020 New York-Vendee-Les Sables d'Olonne:

· Fabrice Amedeo - Newrest-Art et Fenetres
· Romain Attanasio - PURE
· Yannick Bestaven - Maitre CoQ
· Jeremie Beyou - Charal
· Conrad Colman - Ethical Power
· Manuel Cousin - Groupe Setin
· Clarisse Cremer - Banque Populaire IX
· Charlie Dalin - APIVIA
· Sam Davies - Initiatives Coeur
· Benjamin Dutreux - Water Family-Oceania Hotels
· Kevin Escoffier - PRB
· Pip Hare - Pip Hare Ocean Racing
· Boris Herrmann - Malizia II-Yacht Club de Monaco
· Isabelle Joschke - MACSF
· Stephane Le Diraison - Time For Oceans
· Miranda Merron - Campagne de France
· Erik Nigon - Vers un Monde sans Sida
· Giancarlo Pedote - Prysmian Group
· Alan Roura - La Fabrique
· Thomas Ruyant - ADVENS for Cybersecurity
· Damien Seguin - Groupe Apicil
· Kojiro Shiraishi - DMG Mori Global One
· Sebastien Simon - ARKEA PAPREC
· Maxime Sorel - V and B-Mayenne
· Alex Thomson - Hugo Boss
· Armel Tripon - L'Occitane en Provence
· Nicolas Troussel - CORUM L'Epargne

- 10th June: date by which the boats must be present in the Brooklyn Navy Yard
- 11th June: Skippers' meeting at the French Consulate
- 13th June: Exhibition race in the form of runs at the foot of the Statue of Liberty
- 16th June: Star of the New York-Vendee-Les Sables d'Olonne

www.nyc-vendee.com

2021 ICRA Nationals to be Staged by the National Yacht Club on Dublin Bay
The Irish Cruiser Racing (ICRA) National Championships return to Dublin Bay in 2021 it was confirmed at the weekend.

The National Yacht Club at Dun Laoghaire will host the three-day championships from May 28 to 30th, just a week before the East Pier Club also stages its biennial offshore 2021 Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race.

The announcement was made by ICRA Commodore Richard Colwell at last weekend's annual conference that attracted a turnout of 50 despite the storm warnings.

A fleet of up to 100 boats in four divisions is expected for the championships that last sailed in Dublin Bay in 2019 when hosted by the Royal St. George Yacht Club.

This year the championships are heading for Royal Cork Yacht Club as part of the line up for the Cork Harbour Club's 300th celebrations at Cork Week Regatta.

Meanwhile, Dun Laoghaire Dingle Race Chairman Adam Winkelmann has set the date for the next edition of the D2D as Wednesday 9th, June 2021.

afloat.ie/sail/

Looking for the worlds' best sailing videos produced in 2020
Following the success of its third edition, the Mirabaud Sailing Video Award international video competition will once again celebrate the worlds' best sailing videos and their authors in 2020. Summing up the year of sailing, the event rewards professional directors, editors, cameramen, production companies and also professional sailors who film their achievements at sea.

The videos of the three previous editions are available online.

An international and independent jury will be asked to judge the videos by end October. The winners will be announced and celebrated on November 23rd during the Yacht Racing Forum in Portsmouth (UK). The winner will be selected according to several criteria, described in the detailed event rules.

The public will be invited to vote online for their favourite videos, and to define the winners of the Public Award.

The videos must have been filmed between 24 October 2019 and 19 October 2020. Videos must be submitted by October 20, 2020 at midnight GMT. Public voting will be open from October 22 to November 12, 2020.

Submit your video here

Mayflower 400
Plymouth's waterfront will become a hive of activity for one jam-packed week this May, as part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations.

The Mayflower Ocean Festival, taking place from 4 to 10 May 2020, will bring a huge programme of activity with something for everyone to dive into.

With family-friendly activities, ocean themed film screenings, live music and unique opportunities to try a variety of watersports, the festival is a celebration of Plymouth's status as Britain's Ocean City and the home of the UK's first national marine park.

A number of exciting events will take place during the festival:
Ocean Cinema film screenings at the National Marine Aquarium: 4, 5 and 7 May
On the Water Plymouth: 8 May
Ocean Sailing Activity Zone: 8, 9, 10 May
Shanty Shindig: 8, 9 and 10 May
Pirates Weekend Plymouth: 9 and 10 May
Horizons' RYA Discover Sailing: 9 and 10 May
OSTAR and TWOSTAR race start: 10 May

The hugely popular Pirates Weekend, run by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, returns to the Barbican and Sutton Harbour during the festival with a huge variety of family entertainment. Two tall ships will be moored in the harbour and the familiar faces of Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa will roam the streets looking for trouble.

Concluding the Mayflower Ocean Festival is the start of the historic OSTAR and TWOSTAR races, the original transatlantic yacht races. Plymouth has always been the start point for the races and the OSTAR is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Visitors can take part in family fun activities at the races' Ocean Sailing Activity Zone outside the National Marine Aquarium all weekend and cheer on the sailors as they set off on their epic journey on Sunday 10 May - the best viewpoints will be Plymouth Hoe or from the 'wave screen' at Queen Anne's Battery.

www.sail-world.com/news/227275/

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

Time: Around the World Westabout. Singlehanded 40ft
Yacht: "L'Eau Commotion". Northshore 38. Monohull
Name: Bill Hatfield. AUS
Dates:.8th June 2019 to the 22nd February 2020
Start time: 02; 04; 10 UTC on 08/06/19
Finish time: 00; 28; 19 UTC on 22/02/20
Elapsed time: 258 days 22 hours 24 minutes and 9 seconds
Distance: 21600 NM
Average speed: 3. 48 kts
Comments:
No previous record - hence this will be listed as an "Initial Benchmark Time"tter No 317

John Reed
Secretary to the WSSR Council
sailspeedrecords.com

Industry News
For two days London's Alexandra Palace played host to the RYA Dinghy Show. Covering the world's biggest range of racing and cruising dinghies and small keel boats in the world, Matt Sheahan takes a tour, sees some of the latest new designs, talks to top designers, old hands, Olympic rock stars and many more. He finds out about the future and hears stories from the past. Perhaps it's no surprise that he says it's his favourite show.

01:45 The Foiling Dinghy - Stephen Blake
05:44 GP14 - Curly Morris
08:57 Ian Walker - RYA
14:26 Luke Patience & Chris Grube - Olympic 470
16:00 Laser SB20 - Tony Castro
19:50 OK Dinghy - Tony Castro
20:58 Musto - Emma Jackson

Thousands of dinghy sailing enthusiasts from across the UK, and further afield, flocked to Alexandra Palace, London this weekend (29 February-01 March) for the 69th RYA Dinghy Show, in association with Yachts & Yachting.

"We were delighted to see 8,000 people joining us for another fantastic show. Once again the unique atmosphere was really buzzing as visitors browsed over 100 dinghies, shopped for the latest kit and gear, enjoyed talks from the industry's biggest names and caught up with life-long sailing friends" said RYA Director of Sport Development, Alistair Dickson.

Hosted by Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ayton and the British Sailing Team's Sam Whaley, the theme was 'A World of Opportunity - see where dinghy sailing can take you?' The show boasted a brand new layout with over 170 exhibitor's filling the halls across four new zones: shopping & equipment, buy a boat, holidays and training, and clubs and classes.

After 25 years at Alexandra Palace, the RYA announced that the show will move to Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre for 2021 (27-28 February).

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Despite a drop in revenues and earnings for the company's first half which the builder attributed to typical seasonality and one-time integration costs for Privilege Catamarans, German boatbuilder Hanse Yachts said a strong order backlog would provide the company with a profit for the year

German boatbuilder, HanseYachts AG, has reported results for the first half of the company's 2020 fiscal year for the period from 1 July through 31 December 2019. Revenues for the period were €49.2 million, down 10% from €54.8 million compared to the same period a year ago.

The company's statement said results were typical for the seasonality of the business which generates high expenses for boat shows, inventory build-up, model maintenance and new production launches over the Autumn and Winter quarters, with comparatively lower revenues during the period. Higher expenses were also anticipated during the first half due to the operational integration of Privilege Marine, the French catamaran business Hanse acquired last June.

www.ibinews.com

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The Emirates America's Cup World Series Portsmouth have partnered with Portsmouth's International Port, who come onboard as an Official Supporter and Official Provider of the event's Technical Area, which will be based within their global cargo terminal Portico.

The three international America's Cup teams, Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), Prada Luna Rossa (ITA) and American Magic (USA) will house their radical AC75 race boats within temporary team bases at the Port, for this summer's racing event (4-7th June). Their 75 foot foiling monohulls will be stored and maintained within their tents and craned in and out for training and racing sessions each day.

The teams will arrive into the UK on a ship on around Monday 18th May, They will join home team, INEOS TEAM UK, for four days of sailing on the Solent and the teams will depart the Port on Saturday 13th June.

americascup.com/acws/portsmouth

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Future Fibres, the world's leading supplier of composite rigging, has announced a further strengthening of their sales team with the addition of Ian Andrewes as Sales Manager.

Ian joins the team with a vast experience within the sailing world and also within the North Technology Group, as he transitions to Future Fibres from his previous role as Project Manager at sister company Hall Spars.

He began working at Hall Spars in 2018 as a Project Manager, specializing mainly in the Multihull and high Performance markets. Before joining Hall Spars, Ian also developed his skills in performance and management working as both a professional sailor and coach. He has sailed on numerous boats and programmes including the Red Bull Youth America's Cup, as well as working as Head Coach to Olympic Sailor Pieter-Jan Postma and to the Canadian Olympic Nacra 17 Sailing Team.

www.futurefibres.com

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One of Scotland's most successful offshore sailors and round-the-world skippers Daniel Smith is looking to pass on his decades of sailing experience when he opens the doors of his first school, Sailing InTuition, this Spring. The news comes as Cumbrae National Watersports Centre announces its planned closure at the end of the 2020 season.

Based in Largs Yacht Haven on Scotland's stunning West Coast, Daniel is looking to offer expert tuition, enjoyable sailing experiences and challenging racing whilst showcasing the beauty of the West Coast - the place he calls home.

"The sailing area is around the Firth of Clyde, the Irish sea, Ireland and Islands of Scotland including the Hebrides. Anybody who has visited, or sailed in this area will tell you it's the best place in the world to sail. It is scenic and beautiful. The area is well sheltered but very quickly we have access to more challenging waters. It has something for everyone."

An RYA Yachtmaster Examiner, world circumnavigator and offshore racer at the top of his game, Daniel has a wealth of experience gained from his lifetime of sailing including leading a team of novice sailors to second place in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - a 40,000 mile race through the world's oceans, RORC Fastnet, Round Ireland races and many years of instruction at the Scottish National Watersports Centre.

Sailing InTuition is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accredited school.

www.SailingIntuition.com

www.facebook.com/SailingInTuition/

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Back on Monday
A bit of travel and a long weekend for your humble narrator with his beloved daughter precludes the Friday issue. See you for the Monday issue.

The Last Word
I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it. -- Bill Gates

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• 18ft Skiffs JJ Giltinan Championship, Race 2
• Oceania and Australian Laser Masters Championships
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• Day Three of the 2020 Superyacht Challenge Antigua
• Sponsor stands by the Laser Class
• North Sails Is Title Sponsor for Snipe North American Championship
• Clipper 2019-2020: Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam tops Race 9 podium
• Built Like a Rock
• Cancellations
• Featured Brokerage:
• • G L Watson 36 Ft Cutter 1894
• • Gieffe 53
• • Beneteau First 40.7- Philosophie IV
• The Last Word: Bart D. Ehrman

18ft Skiffs JJ Giltinan Championship, Race 2
Click on image for photo gallery.

The Honda Marine team of David McDiarmid, Matt Steven and Brad Collins tightened their grip slightly on the 2020 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship when they scored their second win of the regatta in Race 2 on Sydney Harbour today.

Once again, the defending champion team came from behind in the SSW wind before racing away to win by 1m46s.

The race for second place behind Honda Marine was close over the last two legs of the course and became a thriller in the closing stages as Winning Group (Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton, Scott Babbage) desperately hung on to cross the finish line a mere 5s ahead of Yandoo (John Winning, Mike Kennedy and Fang Warren).

Smeg (Micah Lane) once again came back from a slow start to finish fourth, ahead of The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines (Aron Everett) and the early leader Noakesailing (Sean Langman).

The top 10 placings on the points table after two races shows Honda Marine with a score of two points, followed by Winning Group on 6, Shaw & Partners Financial Services (James Dorron) and Smeg on 9, Australian champion Tech2 (Jack Macartney) on 12, Yandoo 14, The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines 17, Finport Finance (Keagan York) 18, URM (Marcus Ashley-Jones) 19 and Appliancesonline.com.au (Brett Van Munster) on 24.

Today's race was sailed in a SSW wind between 15-22-knots over the long South course which always produces a spectacular spinnaker run and a lot of hard work for the crews.

A pdf copy of the 32-page 2020 JJ Giltinan Championship programme

www.18footers.com

Oceania and Australian Laser Masters Championships
Two races were sailed on the first day of the Oceania and Australian Laser Masters Championships on Corio Bay, with stand-out performances in some divisions and mixed results in others.

Standard
Thirteen times World Masters Champion, Brett Beyer (NSW) had a dream start in the Standard Masters group, with two bullets.

This was a division where the top three were very consistent, with Peter Hurley (USA) scoring two 2nd places and Andrew Dellabarca (NZL) getting a 3rd and a 4th.

In the Standard Apprentice, Ian Elliott (CAN), Matt Blakey (VIC) and Ryan Mclaughlin (NSW) dominated the scoring. In the Grand Masters, Jan Scholten leads Alan Davis by a single point. None of the Great Grand Masters was able to dominate but Michael Keaton (1,4) and Garry Lock (3,2) are both on five points.

Radial
Vanessa Dudley is a two-time World Champion and she also had a strong start, with placings of 4th and 6th to be 4th overall in the Radial Grand Masters.

The division, the biggest in the regatta with 33 boats, is led by David Early (2,1) from Mark Kennedy (1,3) and Nick Ede (7,2) Noted coach and video interviewer, Jom Emmett (GBR) is the sole competitor in the Radial Apprentice division, but understandably was one of the fastest overall on the day.

In the Masters, Great Grand Masters and Legends, the leading sailor was unbeaten in the two races sailed. Owen McMahon leads the Masters by five points, Paul Clifford leads Great Grand Masters by four points while 80-year-old Kerry Waraker, a two-time world champion, leads the Legends by three points.

4.7
There are two sailors in the 4.7 division, where Susannah Gillam beat Wendy Wilson in both races.

The mood in the boat park before the race was understandably subdued, given the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Old friends bumped elbows rather than shaking hands and the level of conversation was muted. Sailors mingled in twos and threes rather than large groups. There are not the loud outbursts of laughter at a good joke or a re-telling of an old sailing story that characterise Masters sporting events around the world. But they were determined to put on a brave face. -- Roger McMillan/Laser 2020 Media

www.auslasernationals.com.au

Full results

Seahorse April 2020
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

Proven concept next stage
Leonardo Ferragamo explains to Matt Sheahan the thinking behind Nautor's Swan's bold leap into the future

Time to take stock
When someone else has a go at adding a different keel to your own well-proven yacht design... then it falls off, well, that is not helpful. Jason Ker

Phenomenal phenomenal
Tom Whidden is the sailor who was closest to Dennis Conner through that extraordinary America's Cup career. He talks to his Magic Carpet3 shipmate Blue Robinson about the pain of Newport and getting it right in Fremantle

You've got it (so use it)
Richie Wilson has done extraordinary things during his two Vendée Globe campaigns. Brian Hancock suggest others should follow his lead

Surprise
'Honey, I bought a wreck' - Detlef Jens

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Day Three of the 2020 Superyacht Challenge Antigua
Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua: Day Three of the 2020 Superyacht Challenge Antigua was both bizarre and eventful. Shortly after the starting sequence the race are was enveloped in low cloud and torrential rain, scattering the wind in every direction. For over four hours, the superyacht fleet battled for supremacy, as well as control of their yachts in wind speed varying from zephyrs to 18 knots.

Oyster 885 Firebird skippered by James McDonald took their third straight bullet in the Buccaneers Class. In the Corsairs Class The 112ft (34m) Baltic Nilaya, with Filip Balcaen at the helm, took their first win. In the Privateers Class the 140ft (43m) ketch Rebecca, skippered by Rob Foxell, scored their first bullet of the regatta.

The Oyster 885 Firebird is now unbeaten in the Buccaneers Class and whilst the team, with Jasper Bank on tactics, have dominated Firebird must still finish the job in the last race. The 182ft (55.5m) Dykstra schooner Adela skippered by Greg Norwood-Perkins is the threat three points behind in second. The 121ft (37m) Dykstra sloop Action skippered by Josh Gilchrist is in a solid position for the podium after another third place today. One of the best starts today was by the 169ft (52m) Dykstra schooner Meteor, sailed by sailed by member of Monaco Yacht Club Eugene Rene. Inspired by the owner's love for the Gloucester Schooners, Meteor is a traditional schooner weighing in excess of 300 tonnes. Crossing the start line just 8 seconds before the gun is worthy of praise!

The Privateers Class will go to the wire on Sunday after a momentous race with an extraordinary outcome. Peter Harrison's 115ft (35m) Farr ketch Sojana, had a man over the side in Race Three. He was rescued without injury and the team got back in the race. It was a bitter pill that all but decided a fantastic battle with close rivals Rebecca.

In the Corsairs Class, the 112ft (34m) sloop Nilaya, with Filip Balcaen at the helm, won Race Three, keeping their hopes alive of retaining the class win from last year. The 108ft (33m) Javier Jaudenes sloop WinWin was second. Third was the 112ft (34m) sloop Liara sailed by Tony Todd. The Class will be decided in the very last race.

www.superyachtchallengeantigua.com

Sponsor stands by the Laser Class
When the 2020 Laser Masters World Championships were postponed indefinitely owing to the Coronavirus, it wasn't just the sailors who were affected. The Victorian Laser Association, which has won praise for its staging of a massive summer of Laser sailing at Sandringham prior to the Masters events in Geelong, is facing financial losses from the cancellation.

The VLA executive was therefore very pleased to be informed that the International Sailing Academy was transferring its sponsorship from the Worlds to the Oceanic and Australian Laser Masters Championship, which at time of writing is going ahead.

"The International Sailing Academy knows how much work goes into planning and running world class events," an Academy spokesperson wrote in an email.

"With the postponement of the 2020 Masters Worlds we are happy to support the Victorian Laser Association and the Oceania and Australian Masters being held at Royal Geelong Yacht Club where 170 sailors are competing.

"We hope the sailors have a fantastic regatta and hope to see you at the ISA in the near future."

The International Sailing Academy runs residential Laser coaching clinics in La Cruz (Mexico) The Gorge (USA) and Vilamoura (Portugal) and numbers among its coaches Australian Brett Beyer, who has won 13 World Laser Masters titles and Nick Thompson from Great Britain, a two-time Laser Standard World Champion and double Olympian.

For more information about the ISA, go to internationalsailingacademy.com

North Sails Is Title Sponsor for Snipe North American Championship
The Organizing Committee, Officers, and Executive Board of the Jubilee Yacht Club are thrilled to announce that North Sails will be the title sponsor for our upcoming Snipe North American Championship which will be held in Beverly, MA on September 11-13, 2020. The regatta will be another opportunity for North Sails and the Snipe class to demonstrate the Snipe class motto "Serious Sailing, Serious Fun".

With the addition of North Sails, the foundation is in place for a world class event. Jeff Earl, Commodore of the Jubilee Yacht Club stated, "Our club is excited to welcome back the Snipe Fleet for their 2020 North American Championship. The class represents a fantastic group of sailors from top to bottom, and our membership enjoys meeting the diverse group of teams both on and off the water. The Jubilee Yacht Club has a rich history of sailing since being founded in 1896, and it is a privilege to share our beautiful venue for this regatta."

snipe.org

Clipper 2019-2020: Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam tops Race 9 podium
Crossing the finish line at the Race 9 Mandatory Finish Gate at 20.07.22 UTC on Saturday 14 March. The team, led by Skipper Josh Stickland, claimed victory after what had been a very close and competitive race.

Light winds at the northern part of the course saw the fleet compress and saw Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam and second-placed Punta del Este, which finished at 20:29:11 UTC, take advantage of the increased wind speed after rounding the mark and entering the third sprint section.

he ninth race in the Clipper 2019-20 Race edition, a 750 nautical mile race, named The WTC Logistics Tri-Race was the shortest race of the circumnavigation after the route was amended. The fleet sailed the triangular course out of Subic Bay in the Philippines into the South China sea. Each team could opt to take part in two out of the three Dell Latitude Rugged Ocean Sprints and Skippers had to declare their intentions within six hours of Race Start. For the top three fastest teams in each sprint there is the added bonus of being awarded extra points - of which could make all the difference in both this races' results as well as the overall leaderboard.

Race 9 Results and Finish Times

Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam - 20.07.22 UTC
Punta del Este - 20:29:11 UTC
Visit Sanya, China - 20:47.32 UTC
Seattle - 21:36:28 UTC
Unicef - 21:48:06 UTC
Zhuhai - 22:38:06 UTC
WTC Logistics - 22:42:16 UTC
Go To Bermuda - 22:53:50 UTC
Dare To Lead - 22:55:50 UTC
Qingdao - 23:04:50 UTC
Imagine Your Korea - 02:54:00 UTC

www.clipperroundtheworld.com

Built Like a Rock
When we think of building boats and the materials possible to build boats, we think of wood, we think of plastic, we think of fiberglass and aluminum, but we don't consider boats made from rock. They would sink, right?

But in 2015, a unique race called the Sailing The Arctic Race (STAR) was proposed to bring attention to a modern day environmental problem: the melting of the ice caps. The organizers of the STAR said in a press release, "we shouldn't be able to do it, but because of climate change, we can." Slated to begin in New York and end in Victoria, British Columbia, crews would race 7,700 miles through the Northwest Passage on a new class of high-performance boats called STAR 46s. What made the STAR class unique wasn't their lines, or their design, it was the material the yachts were built from. Eschewing traditional carbon fiber, STAR 46 boats were created from "volcanic fiber". As in, fiber, made from volcanic rock.

Proponents of volcanic fiber construction, nicknamed by some to be the "next generation of carbon fiber" claimed to offer several advantages over traditional carbon fiber, including additional strength without added weight, and a less-energy-intensive production.

Although the race folded before it ever began, the idea of using basalt (volcanic rock) as a material to build boats has not. From a boatbuilding perspective, made sense on paper. Compared to traditional fiberglass, basalt glass was touted as stronger, had a much higher UV resistance, was fireproof, acid-proof, as well as being abrasion and shock resistant. And from a sustainability perspective, volcanic fiber was touted as being more recyclable than traditional fiberglass.

But how true are these claims?

Full article by Tyson Bottenus

www.sailorsforthesea.org

Cancellations
Long Beach Yacht Club has hoisted the postponement flag, announcing the 56th Congressional Cup regatta and events running up to it - including next month's California Dreamin' Series Long Beach stop and the 2020 Ficker Cup - will be rescheduled later this year. The Congressional Cup was originally slated for April 28 to May 3, kicking off the 2020 World Match Racing Tour: organizers are exploring dates later in the year.

Congressional Cup Chair Cheri Busch said, "Considering that travel restrictions affect many of our competitors and officials, and for the general safety and well-being of our attendees, organizers, members and volunteers, we have decided to postpone the Congressional Cup until the situation has improved. We are not cancelling the Congressional Cup, however, and hope to have our sailors back on the water and competing for the Crimson Blazer soon!"

www.TheCongressionalCup.com

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Tortola, British Virgin Islands: In light of the statement made by the Government of the Virgin Islands on 13 March 2020 regarding measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BVI Spring Regatta Board has been instructed to postpone the 2020 BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival as a matter of public health and safety.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused and the event will be rescheduled when it is prudent to do so, and Government protocols permit. Everyone is encouraged to take every necessary precaution given and adhere to measures in place until the situation has improved. Updates will be published on our website at http://www.bvispringregatta.org as information becomes available.

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Due to "force majeure" - following the declaration of the Pandemic CoViD19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the restrictions imposed by the different governments - COR 36 has declared the impossibility of organizing the ACWS Sardinia - Cagliari (23-26 April) event at the scheduled date. COR 36 also submitted a proposal to the Defender to postpone the event to a new date.

The Defender published a press release in which it announced the cancellation of the ACWS Sardinia - Cagliari without mentioning COR's proposal of a new date for the event, and refused COR's proposal without even discussing it.

COR 36 will submit to the Arbitration Panel the postponement of the ACWS Sardinia - Cagliari to a new date.

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Francisco SailGP event scheduled for May 2-3 has been canceled.

All options are being explored in order to maintain a full schedule for SailGP's second season. Further announcements will be made in due course.

Ticket purchasers for the canceled event will be automatically refunded in full no later than May 2.

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World Sailing's Board of Directors will not call a 2020 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The EGM was due to be held in London, UK on 2 May 2020.

The 2020 Annual Conference will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE from 24 October to 1 November. A series of Sub-committee, Committee and Council meetings will build up to the General Assembly on 1 November.

Further information on the election of officers will be available on World Sailing's Meetings website in due course.

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The opening event of the 2020 GC32 Racing Tour in Muscat has been cancelled.

On 7 March 2020, Oman's Ministry of Health released a directive, calling for all international events and conferences within the Sultanate to be suspended or postponed until further notice.

As a result, GC32 Oman Cup organiser Oman Sail and GC32 Racing Tour officials decided it was in the best interest to cancel the six-team event which was due to begin on Wednesday 25 March.

The GC32 Racing Tour management is presently in discussion with the teams and local event organisers with the aim of working around the international health crisis to establish how the five event circuit for the ultra-fast flying catamarans can work most successfully for the rest of the 2020 season.

www.gc32racingtour.com

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The Organizing Committee announces the cancellation of the 2020 Trofeo Princesa Sofía Iberostar due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and following recommendations from the Spanish and Balearic Governments. This affects all classes (Olympic classes, One-Design, Open Foil and ORC).

The organizers of the event, that was expected to be held in the Bay of Palma from 25th March to 4th April, deeply regret this situation but must follow the restrictions requested by the Health Authorities in order to face this world health issue.

Participants who are already in some of the three venues of the regatta -Club Nàutic S'Arenal, Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa and Real Club Nautico de Palma- can stay and keep using the facilities, unless further restrictions from the Government and Health Authorities are applied.

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Adapting the sail area to the global health context and respecting the previously organised race schedule: such was the challenge for the team hosting the 55th Snim following the decision made by the Societe Nautique de Marseille's management committee earlier this week to postpone the event. As a result, instead of coming together for Easter as usual - originally scheduled for 10 to 13 April - a new meeting has been proposed to the event's 150 loyal solo sailors, duos and crews, who are now invited to grace the landing stages in the Vieux Port for a series of unique festivities and races from Friday 10 through until Monday 13 July. The programme is set to include a main race for the IRC boats on Friday 10 July. The 4 days of racing for the Snim will immediately be followed by another highlight: the first start of the Transquadra race from Marseille on Tuesday 14 July.

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It is left to PEGGY BAWN to carry the flame for Watson’s groundbreaking mid-1890s work in setting the standard for moderation in sailing yacht design, work that has never been challenged – only endorsed by those who followed his lead through the 20th century, especially Olin J. Stephens, who was a self-confessed Watson fan.

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2008 Gieffe GY 53. 290,000 EUR. Located in Rosignano, Italy.

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The Last Word
There are few things more dangerous than inbred religious certainty. -- Bart D. Ehrman

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• Zig Zag lift the Gosnell Trophy
• J-Class Yachts Svea and Topaz Collide in Antigua
• MC38 2020 Australian Championship
• Superyachts, Including Four J Class Yachts, Gather at St. Barths Bucket Regatta
• Warsash Spring Series starts with a blow
• Keep Calm And Compete At The Cheddar Ales Chase
• Bermuda Gold Cup Postponed To October
• 2020 Melges 24 World Championship cancelled
• Antigua Bermuda Race Cancelled
• International WASZP Games ITALY - Cancelled
• OCC Member Bill Hatfield Secures World Sailing Speed Record
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Nautor Swan 65 - EDEN
• • Soto 40
• • YYachts Y7
• The Last Word: Tim O'Brien

Zig Zag lift the Gosnell Trophy
Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua: After a vote from all competing boats, the Gosnell Trophy for the 2020 Superyacht Challenge Antigua has been awarded to John McMonigall’s Oyster 82 Zig Zag, skippered by Philip Howard-Smith. Class winners of the 2020 Superyacht Challenge Antigua are Oyster 885 Firebird skippered by James McDonald, Peter Harrison’s 115ft (35m) Farr ketch Sojana, and the 108ft (33m) Javier Jaudenes sloop WinWin, sailed Kim Schindelhauer and skippered by Ryan Taylor. The winner of the Cook-off was the 140ft (43m) Frers ketch Rebecca, skippered by Rob Foxell. The best dressed crew for the Rio Carnival theme was the 182ft (55.5m) Dykstra schooner Adela, skippered by Greg Norwood-Perkins.

A wind shut down prevented racing on the final day with results standing from Race 3, two classes went to the wire. WinWin won the Corsairs Class by a single point from the 112ft (34m) Baltic Nilaya, with Filip Balcaen at the helm. The 112ft (34m) Baltic Liara, designed by Malcolm McKeon, sailed by Tony Todd was third. In the Buccaneers Class Firebird scored three straight bullets beating Adela, into second place. The 121ft (37m) Dyksra sloop Action skippered by Josh Gilchrist was third. In the Privateers Class, Sojana, skippered by Jonny Malbon, won on countback from the 108ft (33m) Malcolm McKeon sloop Missy, skippered by Matt McKeon. The 94ft (29m) Southern Wind sloop Aragon, skippered by Nico Carpentier was third.

The 11th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua will be held 09-14 March 2021.The Notice of Race and Entry Form can be downloaded at: www.superyachtchallengeantigua.com

J-Class Yachts Svea and Topaz Collide in Antigua
J Class sailing yachts Svea and Topaz have been involved in a serious collision at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua.

According to the J Class Association, the incident occurred just before the start of the first race on March 12. In a short statement, the association said two crew members were injured and have received medical attention. Both boats sustained damage and had to immediately retire from the race.

As a result of the incident Svea and Topaz have both withdrawn from this year's Superyacht Challenge Antigua. The dramatic footage was captured on board fellow J Class yacht Velsheda.

Both Topaz and Svea are race veterans and have competed against each other in a number of international sailing regattas, including the St Barths Bucket and the Superyacht Cup Palma.

www.boatinternational.com

MC38 2020 Australian Championship
Shaun Lane and Quentin Stewart’s MC38 Lazy Dog from Middle Harbour out-ran the pack at the class’ 2020 reduced national title on Sydney Harbour, posting a low-scoring 13 points that included five wins from eight starts.

The hours Lazy Dog’s crew has banked in their campaign translated to top-notch boat work and handling, which in turn delivered the worthy winners their first Australian Championship. “The same guys have been sailing with us for a long time, the same team did the Sydney to Hobart Race on Maverick (Stewart’s Infiniti 46r keelboat), and last weekend we used the Sydney Harbour Regatta as training. We put the hours in,” Lane said.

Next on the MC38 Australian Championship scoresheet was John Bacon’s Dark Star from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, with 26 points. Dark Star also finished bridesmaid in 2019.

Third overall was Steve Barlow’s Lightspeed, the 2018 Australian champion.

With Saturday March 14 blown out due to a high-pressure system extending a ridge along the New South Wales coastline and creating S-SSW winds 30 knots plus on closed waters, the MC38 Australian Championship finished up an eight-race, two-day series.

Middle Harbour Yacht Club ran the pinnacle class title for the MC38 group and race officer Steve Tucker summed up the long weekend perfectly: “Friday was nice and balmy with nor’easters, Saturday was written off, and today it blew solidly from the south, 15-20 knots, showers and grey skies. The umpires were pretty busy at both the top and bottom marks,” he added.

Lane is also the MC38 Australian class president and keen to tighten up the one-design fleet’s processes. Two on-water umpires and a recap of the rules, plus boat inspections prior to racing at the nationals are all part of a general class tidy up, he says.

After six acts and no drops, Lazy Dog was declared the 2019 MC38 season champion.

The next event on the 2020 MC38 calendar is Act 2, May 16-17.

www.facebook.com/MC38Class/

Superyachts, Including Four J Class Yachts, Gather at St. Barths Bucket Regatta
It’s that time of year again when remarkable superyachts gather to battle for the prestigious St. Barths Bucket. The three-day invitational regatta and social event is scheduled for 19-22 March 2020. There are over 1,500 sailors participating on yachts whose length is 30.5 meters or greater.

This is the third year the Corinthian Spirit class will be offered as an option for fun, less-intense racing. These racers will have a superyacht handicap, a smaller crew requirement and reduced fees.

There’s excitement surrounding the four J Class yachts, Lionheart, Svea, Topaz and Velsheda, forming the strongest fleet since the 2017 J Class World Championship in Newport, RI. Lionheart is the winner of the world title in 2017 and Svea is the newest and longest of the Js.

Mark Gardner, Harken ProCare Manager, will be in the Caribbean and available 5-25 March for urgent technical questions at 0044 (0) 7813 670133.

St. Barths Bucket Regatta

2020 Entries

Harken.com

Warsash Spring Series starts with a blow
Brisk conditions of force 5-6 from the SSW greeted the hardy people who ventured out on Sunday 15 March for the start of the new season.

Having reviewed the forecast, an early decision was taken to postpone the Combined Sportboat Class by an hour to allow the expected wind to moderate a little from the early morning predicted 20 gusting 30 knots, but still give everyone a chance for three races. This particularly suited the SB20 fleet who had a class training session the day before and still give the opportunity for the planned three races for the day’s racing which were also their Frostbite Championship.

The conditions clearly suited Simon Cavy in J70 Just4Play who took line honours is all three races as well as winning them on corrected time. Charles Whelan in SB20 Breaking Bod pushed hard in all three races and finished second on the water and on corrected time, managing to finish within 30 seconds in the third race.

As it turned out the wind stayed at 18-20 knots with regular gusts well into the 20s which gave lots of opportunity for exciting downwind legs but surprisingly few entertaining broaches. The entertainment prize of the day went to Doug Innes, SB20 Amica who, in the second race, spent an exciting few minutes trying to tame his kite before giving in and dropping it.

Black Group enjoyed some long beats and runs or reached from the start near Goodall Roofing buoy. The windward mark for most classes was the newly named TeamO Marine mark on the Ryde Middle bank, and from there the boats surfed down to Lee-on-the-Solent and back to the Ryde Middle a couple of times, before finishing just NE of the North Channel at Hamble Yacht Services buoy. Race Officer Peter Bateson noted that at 10-12 miles, the races were deliberately set a little shorter than usual, as seemed right for the blustery conditions in the first race of the season. Elapsed times ranged from 1½ to just under 2 hours.

Class IRC4 started as usual from further inshore, at William buoy, had a first beat to West Knoll and then joined the rest of the Group between the Ryde Middle and Lee-on-the-Solent. Rob Bottomley’s newly acquired MAT 12, called Sailplane like his previous boats, was the convincing winner of class IRC1, with the Beneteau First 40 Lancelot 2 (Sailing Logic) 2nd. Michael Bartholomew’s new Tokoloshe 3 (a Cape 31) was doing well until a crew member’s head connected with the boom and she retired; at the time of writing the injury was reported as minor.

In IRC2 Chas Ivill and Devanti Tyres (J/112e) was the winner, baulked slightly by shipping on the last run across the North Channel but holding her lead nevertheless. Peter Rutter & James Crew’s Quokka (half-tonner) took class IRC3 and a close tussle in IRC4 eventually saw Bernard Fyans and his Warsash SC crew win by just under 40 seconds over the Sigma 33 Stan the Boat (Toby Gorman).

The Series continues next Sunday 22nd March, so long as the RYA and government advice continues to be that it is sensible to do so; and the two Spring Championship weekends are on 18-19th and 25-26th April.

warsashspringseries.org.uk

Keep Calm And Compete At The Cheddar Ales Chase
The Cheddar Ales Chase is set to open the spring/summer half of the Great British Sailing Challenge after seven well-attended handicap events during the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series. While there’s a risk that coronavirus could put the kibosh on the event happening, the attitude and approach for the time being is to keep calm and carry on, unless and until told otherwise by Boris and the British government.

Set to take place on 4 & 5 April, the Cheddar Ales Chase follows a similar format to the same used at some of the well-proven regattas in the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series. Saturday will be a maximum of four back-to-back handicap races under the Great Lakes Handicap numbers, and then a two-hour Pursuit Race on the Sunday.

The event is open to monohull dinghies, along with the Challenger trimaran, with a Great Lakes Handicap (GLH) equal or lower than 1364 (Tera Pro), subject to the following restrictions:

Craft using hydrofoils and/or with twin trapezes and/or with a GLH lower than 799 are not permitted, with the exception of the 49er, 49erFX, Cherubs, International 14, International Moth, RS800 and Waszp.

Running the racing will be principal race officer Ken Falcon, one of the most experienced in the business and well known to the UK Laser fleet.

Cheddar Reservoir is set in one of the most beautiful parts of Somerset, with Cheddar Gorge a short walk or drive away and Glastonbury Tor visible in the near distance. For families there’s plenty to do and competitors are invited to bring along their SUPs as a back-up activity if the wind is too light for racing. You can find out more about this stunning area here:

So far in the GBSC, with seven events from the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series, Simon Horsfield and Katie Burridge currently lead the rankings. But there will be separate rankings for the summer events, and there are multiple ways to qualify for the finals

Online entry for the Cheddar Ales Chase and other GBSC events is open at sailingchallenge.org. When you enter for two or more events at the same time, you’ll receive a £20 voucher that you’ll be able to put towards your next (minimum £100 spend) purchase at Rooster Sailing.

If coronavirus prevents the event from going ahead, entrants will receive a full refund on their entry fee. Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club looks forward to welcoming you to this brand new event.

Dates for the GBSC 2020 events are as follows:

The Cheddar Ales Chase, Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club: 4th-5th April 2020
Weston Grand Slam, Weston Sailing Club: 11th-12th April 2020
Paignton Open for Single Handers (P.O.S.H.), Paignton Sailing Club: 9th-10th May 2020
Grafham Belle, Grafham Sailing Club: 23rd-24th May 2020
Rutland Sailing Club: 13th-14th June 2020
Wilsonian River Challenge, Wilsonian Sailing Club: 20th-21st June 2020
Bala Long Distance, Bala Sailing Club: 20th-21st June 2020
The Ullswater Ultimate, Ullswater Yacht Club: 15-16 August 2020
Grand Finals, Llandegfedd Sailing Club: 26-27 September 2020

www.sailingchallenge.org

Bermuda Gold Cup Postponed To October
Organizers for the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club’s Bermuda Gold Cup match racing regatta have postponed the celebratory 70th running to October due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and travel restrictions imposed around the world.

The Bermuda Gold Cup is rescheduled to October from May, the dates to be announced.

“This decision is based on the uncertainty and state of world travel and is made in the interest of the health and safety of the competitors, event organizers and the island of Bermuda,” said event chairperson Leatrice Oatley, a Past Commodore of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. “We look forward to hosting the 70th anniversary event in October.”

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club wishes to apologize to all who may be affected by this decision.

bermudagoldcup.com

2020 Melges 24 World Championship cancelled
In light of the current global situation and feedback from local officials, the Executive Committee of the IM24CA along with Randy Draftz, our event organizer; and in consultation with Megan Ratliff, Chair of the US Melges 24 Class, reached the difficult decision today to cancel the Melges 24 World Championship 2020 scheduled for the beginning of May.

This was not a decision we came to lightly and we know that many of you, myself included, will be disappointed. But our first responsibility is to the health and well-being of our sailors, our staff and the community at large.

We are all in uncharted waters. We have not even experienced yet, here in the US, the quarantines and shutdowns that our European friends are living.

We do plan to issue refunds for Worlds' registrations.

www.sail-world.com

Antigua Bermuda Race Cancelled
After consultation with both the Governments of Antigua & Barbuda and Bermuda over the COVID-19 pandemic, we regret to announce the 2020 Antigua Bermuda Race has been cancelled.

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in association with Antigua Sailing Week thank the support of the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Goslings Rum for their help in organizing the race and wish all sailors safe passage home.

antiguabermuda.com

International WASZP Games Italy - Cancelled
It is a with a heavy heart that WASZP has decided to cancel the 2020 International WASZP Games to be hosted at Maclesine, Lake Garda, Italy. We are really feeling for all those affected by COVID-19 currently both in Italy and around the world. With this decision, we are dealing with what is in front of us currently and not what is ‘potentially’ going to happen in the future. We can only deal in the current environment.

Although this is a long distance still until the event, we are dealing with unprecedented circumstances, including lengthy travel bans, quarantine and reduced services. The issues we are facing with International competitors travelling to Europe for this event are numerous and complicated. We have already had a number pull out of the event already, with so much uncertainty around travel safety.

The last thing we want our customers, sailors to experience the uncertainty of an event that may not run, we have already seen this in Australia with the F1 Grand Prix, being cancelled the day of the event starting, meaning people travelling from around the world and domestically have already spent the money required to be there for no event.

We do not want to run the risk of sailors booking, travel, shipping and accommodation at the risk of having to stop the event when it is too late. We would rather our sailors invest in the domestic scene for 2020 and then move forward with an exciting 2021 Event Season, we are especially looking forward to April 2021 in Auckland NZ and the potential re-scheduling of a European based International WASZP Games either 2021 or 2022.

We still have the SailGP legs to look forward to, particularly in Europe in August/December for Cowes and Copenhagen, with the local fleets looking to create a ‘festival’ of WASZP sailing around those events. We have a contingency to add a 2020 European Championships on the back of an existing major event.

We will make further comment on the 1st of April 2020.

OCC Member Bill Hatfield Secures World Sailing Speed Record
Click on image to enlarge.

On Saturday, the 22nd February, Bill Hatfield became the oldest man to sail around the world solo and non-stop. But Bill is not only the oldest man to circumnavigate the world solo, nonstop and unassisted at age 81, he’s now also secured two official records regardless of age, as confirmed by the World Sailing Speed Record (WSSR) Council on the 11th March 2020.

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

Time: Around the World Westabout. Singlehanded 40ft
Yacht: “L’Eau Commotion”. Northshore 38. Monohull
Name: Bill Hatfield. AUS
Dates: 8th June 2019 to the 22nd February 2020
Start time: 02; 04; 10 UTC on 08/06/19
Finish time: 00; 28; 19 UTC on 22/02/20
Elapsed time: 258 days 22 hours 24 minutes and 9 seconds
Distance: 21600 NM
Average speed: 3.48 kts
Comments:
No previous record - hence this will be listed as an “Initial Benchmark Time”

When asked to confirm that this record is regardless of age, Bill wrote, “Yes it’s the first Westabout circumnavigation [solo nonstop] from Australia and the first Westabout circumnavigation from any country [solo nonstop] in a vessel under 40 feet regardless of age.”

“I really didn’t set out for it to be a big media thing. A few people said I must do a blog and, because I did it every day, I rather selfishly thought if I didn’t do it everyday people would take seriously any EPIRB activation and I did get a few alerts when I got closer to land than I should have. The girl in black (see photo) is my daughter, Katherine Ann Lambros with whom I race in National Masters rowing regattas in a double scull, the lady on my right is Angie Bell MP, Federal Member for Moncrieff and the upraised arm is that of my grandson Constantine Lambros.”

Bill, the Ocean Cruising Club salutes you, your successes, and your endurance and perseverance. The world needs a hero in these trying times, and you’ve ticked many boxes for us. Thanks for giving us a reason to celebrate, albeit virtually. -- Daria Blackwell

www.oceancruisingclub.org

Featured Brokerage
1977 Nautor Swan 65 'Eden'. 590000 USD. Located in St. Martin, Caribbean

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See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
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Telephone: +44(0) 1590 679222
ben [DOT] cooper [AT] berthon [DOT] com

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

Soto 40. 115000 EUR.

2017/2018/2019 refit: Complete change of all the running rigging Complete Harken service of all the winches (done every year) Complete engine overhaul in 2018 (Volvo authorized dealer) New antislip in the cockpit in 2017 New VHF radio with AIS 2019 ORC specific safety equipment.

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contact [AT] racing-yachts [DOT] com
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-----------------------------------------

YYACHTS Y7. POA EUR.

The Y7 was created in collaboration with US designer Bill Tripp, considered one of the world's best naval architects. Our goal was to combine comfortable sailing performance with competitive sailing performance, even on the regatta course.

In conditions where other yachts still use their engines, the sails are already set on the Y7. A displacement of only 29 tons and almost 300 square meters of sail area at wind make move the yacht even in light winds; Y7 owners don't have to worry about the perfect weather all the time.

All halyards, sheets and stretchers run hidden to the steering columns - so the helmsman can operate the Y7 alone at any time. This is not a matter of course for a 70-foot yacht and allows the owner to sail with a very small crew or even on his own.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
T. +49 3834 5858 77-0
E. info [AT] yyachts [DOT] de
www.yyachts.de/en/y7

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

The Last Word
Don't throw away luck on little stuff. Save it up. -- Tim O'Brien

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• 18Ft Skiffs: JJ Giltinan Championship, Race 3, 4 & 5
• Cruising Association to sponsor new Club Cruiser Class Trophy at Cowes Week
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• A tough final day for Laser Masters sailors in Geelong
• Clipper 2019-20 Race Postponed
• MailASail OSTAR / TWOSTAR 2020 Postponement
• 73rd Newport to Ensenada Rescheduled for 2021
• Newport Bermuda Race: Race Update from the Chairman
• An Update from Poole Regatta
• What's it like after 8 weeks of coronavirus self-isolation in China?
• Letters to the Editor
• Featured Charter : Sunrise - JPK1180
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Gunboat 57 - VAI VAI
• • X-Yachts X-41 One Design
• • CNB 76 - NEW BOAT
• The Last Word: Lawrence Ferlinghetti

18ft Skiffs: JJ Giltinan Championship, Race 3, 4 & 5
Three windward-return course races staged on Day 3 of the JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour produced three different winners in the light SE breeze.

In the first race of the day (Race 3 of the championship) Shaw and Partners Financial Services (James Dorron, Harry Bethwaite, Tim Westwood) led all the way over the two-lap course to cross the finish line 13s ahead of Finport Finance (Keagan York, Matt Stenta, Angus Williams).

Defending champion and series leader Honda Marine (David McDiarmid, Matt Steven, Brad Collins) was a further 50s back in third place, followed by Winning Group (Seve Jarvin), C-Tech (Alex Vallings), URM (Marcus Ashley-Jones), Smeg (Micah Lane) and Rag & Famish Hotel (Bryce Edwards).

Race 4 was sailed over three laps and again it produced an all the way winner, Bird & Bear (Tom Clout, John Walter, Cameron McDonald).

Bird & Bear dominated the first two laps of the course then hung on to defeat Honda Marine by 40s, with Yandoo (John Winning, Mike Kennedy, Fand Warren) a further 1m52s back in third place.

Race 3 winner Shaw & Partners Financial Services finished in fourth place, ahead of Winning Group and Sean Langman’s Noakesailing.

The final race of the day was sailed over another two-lap course and once again produced an all-the-way winner when Winning Group (Seve Jarvin Sam Newton, Scott Babbage) cruised home a 45s winner from Rag & Famish Hotel (Bryce Edwards, Jacob Broome, Rory Cox).

Honda Marine was 16s back in third place, followed by Yandoo, Tech2 (Jack Macartney), The Kitchen Maker-Caesarstone (Jordan Girdis) and the previous winner Bird & Bear.

The top six point scores after five races, without a drop, are: Honda Marine 10, Winning Group 16, Yandoo 36, Shaw & Partners 37, Smeg 39 and Tech2 on 43.

www.18footers.com.au

Cruising Association to sponsor new Club Cruiser Class Trophy at Cowes Week
Cowes Week Limited, organisers of the UK's largest and best known sailing event is delighted to announce that the Cruising Association will be sponsoring a trophy for the newly introduced Club Cruiser Class.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the Cruiser Division would be split into two entirely separate entities, to be called Performance Cruisers (4 classes as in 2019) and Club Cruisers (2 classes). The creation of the two divisions means that racing is available for two different types of boat. The team behind Cowes Week believe that modern cruising boats with bulb keels and epoxy construction deserve a class of their own, as do some of the more genuine cruisers, and the two will now be able to race separately. The introduction of the new Club Cruiser Class will enable people who have not entered Cowes Week in the past to do so, even if their boats are really set up for cruising most of the time.

Racing takes place under the ISCRS handicap system and Cowes Week Ltd can help owners get a rating (which is free) if they don't already have one so that they can enjoy participating in the regatta. Cowes Week is also unique in allowing for daily entries if time is a problem. Racing this year takes place from Saturday 8th of August to Friday 14th. The week's entry fee also covers participation in the Cowes Town Regatta on Saturday 15th August, which is a stand-alone trophy day and a great chance to finish the week in a more relaxed atmosphere (perhaps giving the foredeck person a chance to steer for a change!)

cowesweek.co.uk

Seahorse April 2020
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

No limits
Today we can build pretty much anything (almost) - if the materials are good enough, strong enough and light enough

Down to the detail
The story of the development of fibre-film sail material is one of steady development with the occasional bigger step up in product performance. Another such step may be just around the next corner...

Across the Tasman
Two dramatic and tantalising new ocean (and we mean 'ocean') race courses are being shoe-horned into a busy America's Cup summer

RORC news - Time to get moving
Eddie Warden-Owen

Seahorse build table - Now there's a thought
But why did it take so long... Matteo Polli

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A tough final day for Laser Masters sailors in Geelong
There were some very weary Masters sailors hauling their boats up the beach on the last day of the Oceania and Australian Laser Masters Championship. It was a glorious sunny day in Geelong, but the wind was shifting up to 40 degrees and varying by as much as 10 knots in pressure.

“It was vang on, vang off, outhaul on, outhaul off, sheet on...” said Jan Schouten, who finished third in the Standard Grand Masters division.

His comments were echoed by most of the fleet, with even the division leaders describing it as a tough day.

Jon Emmett from Great Britain was the only competitor in the Radial Apprentice division but until today he had been beating the Masters and Grand Masters as well.

Although only the third day of the regatta, this was also the last day, owing to the COVID-19 situation. By yesterday, the Standard fleets had completed four races, enough to consitute a series, but the Radials managed only three. So today was essential for winners to be declared and the prized Laser Cubes distributed.

4.7
There were only two competitors in the 4.7 class, so no cubes were at stake. Two Victorian women fought out the championship, with Susannah Gillam prevailing in every race over Wendy Wilson.

Radial Rig
As mentioned, Jon Emmett was the sole competitor in the Radial Apprentice division, so he takes the title but no cube was on offer. In the Masters, McMahon was on a nett of five points, Tan was on six and Rohan Allen finished third, on 15.

The 34 boat Grand Masters fleet was the biggest in the regatta and one of the most fiercely fought, with the leaderboard changing race by race. Mark Kennedy from Queensland took the title by six points from Ulf Myrin of Sweden. David Early of NSW was third.

The first three in the Great Grand Masters were hard to separate but eventually Canadian Paul Clifford triumphed, just two points ahead of Jeff Loosemore (NSW) who beat William Symes of the USA on a countback.

Four-times world champion, Kerry Waraker, dominated the Legends division, scoring just four points after dropping his sole blemish, a second place in the first race today.

Matt Blakely (VIC) and Ian Elliott (CAN) fought out the Standard Apprentice division, with Blakely winning by a single point. There was a big gap back to third place, which Jonas Nissen (GER) took on a countback from Jason Hegert (VIC).

Brett Beyer completely dominated the Masters division, winning by 13 points, the biggest winning margin in any division. It took a tie-breaker to separate the other two podium finishers. David Whait from WA took second and Andrew Dellabarca (NZL) was third.

Another tie breaker was required to decide the Grand Masters division, with Gavin Dagley (VIC) just taking the title from Alan Davis (GBR). Jan Scholten was third, only three points adrift.

It was an all international podium in the Great Grand Masters, with Kiwis Michael Keaton and Garry Lock taking gold and silver, while American Don Hahl won bronze. Andrew Whittell was the first Australian, in fourth place overall.

Full results

Clipper 2019-20 Race Postponed
With the ongoing global outbreak of Covid-19 and the enormous impact it has created on world travel, the Clipper 2019-20 Race has been postponed with immediate effect.

This decision has been in no way taken lightly. Our crew are currently under quarantine in Subic Bay, Philippines, where the Clipper Race fleet has been berthed since Sunday 15 March. The island of Luzon (where Subic Bay is located) is currently under "enhanced community quarantine".

In addition, the fleet was due to race across the North Pacific Ocean from 21 March towards Seattle. However, with the city currently in a state of emergency and travel and medical insurance restrictions in the United States, we could not allow our teams to depart without a viable destination. This, along with the growing global uncertainty on how the situation could develop in the coming months, meant postponing the race was the safest option for all involved.

Our first priority, as soon as the local quarantine has been lifted, will be to assist our crew in Subic Bay in travelling home from the Philippines as swiftly as possible.

The Clipper 2019-20 Race has three legs remaining. These race stages will now be postponed for approximately ten months, when the remaining circumnavigation will be completed. This length of postponement allows for us to avoid adverse weather patterns on the remainder of our global route.

All Leg 6, 7 and 8 crew, along with our circumnavigators, will be able to rejoin the race when it resumes next year.

This postponement will have an impact on the timing of future races. The next full edition of the Clipper Race will start in the summer of 2022. More details on this will be confirmed at a later date.

We are extremely disappointed to postpone the remainder of the Clipper 2019-20 Race. We are proud of all of our intrepid crew for having competed in this race edition since it departed London and look forward to welcoming all of our upcoming crew next year when the race continues. We are also grateful to all of our crew, supporters and Race Partners for their continued support.

MailASail OSTAR / TWOSTAR 2020 Postponement
The Royal Western Yacht Club of England regrettably announces the postponement of the MailASail OSTAR / TWOSTAR 2020 which was due to start in Plymouth on the 10th May 2020.

The decision to postpone the Race was taken after accessing the effects of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic on our Race organisations both in Plymouth, England and Newport Rhode Island, USA.

It is our intention to run the Race in May 2021 and we will publish the Notice of Race shortly.

Anyone who is interested in entering the Race in 2021 please contact the RWYC admin [AT] rwyc [DOT] org

73rd Newport to Ensenada Rescheduled for 2021
In light of the Corvid 19 virus, the Newport Ocean Racing Association’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to reschedule the 73rd annual Newport to Ensenada Yacht International Race until April 23, 2021.

“Safety of our volunteers and racers is always the top priority, leaving this decision as the only viable choice,” said Commodore William Gibbs.

All current 2020 paid entrants are now automatically registered as 2021 competitors with no action required. Entrants may also request a refund or elect for a tax-deductible donation of their fee to aid with NOSA’s 2020 incurred expenses by emailing info [AT] nosa [DOT] org

“We are grateful for the support of our volunteers, sponsors, and racers. We look forward to weathering this current crisis, and making the 2021 event better than ever,” announced Commodore Gibbs.

Newport Bermuda Race: Race Update from the Chairman
Earlier this week, we addressed the outbreak of COVID-19 and the cancellation of several safety-training courses and subsequent amendment of our race training requirements. If you missed it, see No. 8 Competitor Bulletin.

In response to emails from several of you, my message today is that, at this moment, the race is still on. We are monitoring the COVID 19 situation carefully and while we can’t know its future evolution, we are considering contingency plans such as limiting large group activities. As in 2018, we plan to live-stream the Captains meeting and also will provide a means for competitors to send text questions to the presenters.

Beyond that, I am continuing to work to get my own boat ready for the race, have made my own travel and hotel reservations in Bermuda, and my race crew and return crew are making their travel and lodging arrangements. We look forward to yet another “Thrash to the Onion Patch” and the beauty of Bermuda on arrival.

Our organizing committee will communicate with you regularly in the weeks ahead as we navigate this uncertain time together.

Fair winds!
Jay Gowell
Chairman
2020 Newport Bermuda Race
chairman [AT] bermudarace [DOT] com

An Update from Poole Regatta
The International Paint Poole Regatta is scheduled for the 23rd-25th May 2020. However, in light of the current Coronavirus outbreak, the regatta committee are frequently reviewing the situation to determine the appropriate action. The committee is continuing to plan so that the regatta may still be able to go ahead. However, the situation is being constantly monitored and further updates will be provided if the regatta needs to be postponed or run in a revised format.

If the event is unable to go ahead a refund of entry fees (minus a 4% PayPal charge) will be offered to all competitors. Alternatively you will be able to transfer your entry fee to the revised date. The regatta is run on a not for profit basis and with all sponsorship and entry fees going into creating a fantastic event.

The International Paint Poole Regatta is organised by the combined yacht clubs of Poole and is one of the largest and most loved keel boat regattas in the UK. Run in its current form since 2000, but with origins dating back to 1849 when the Canford Cup was first awarded, the regatta has become renowned for great racing and friendly socials. It is hoped that racing will take place out on the water later in May.

For more regatta information visit www.pooleregatta.co.uk or email secretary [AT] pooleregatta [DOT] co [DOT] uk.

What's it like after 8 weeks of coronavirus self-isolation in China?
Andy Rice talks to Choni Lin who is 'crawling up the walls' after two months of self-isolation in Shenzhen, the tech capital of China. Andy and Choni worked together at last November's sailing regatta, the China Cup. But the chances of that happening this year look slim. A self-confessed 'social animal' who loves being around people, Choni shares her tips for how to save yourself from going stir-crazy in your own company, how it is actually possible to exhaust your viewing options on Netflix, and what disappeared off the shelves from Chinese supermarkets when panic first struck. And no, it wasn't toilet roll!

00:00 Introduction
05:07 Life in China over the past two months
08:56 The current situation in China
11:14 Toilet roll, rice and panic buying
15:00 Comparing different government approaches
19:43 Isolation and mental health
24:30 The impact on business

* From Jock Wishart:

All of us who have seen the collision in Antjgua hope that the adjudged guilty party pays for the damage themselves rather than resort to insurance claim.

Fortunately there seemed to be no serious injuries but such collisions like this just give an excuse to insurance companies to stop coverage and prevent fleet racing in this class.

Something we all want to avoid.

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The Last Word
Printer's ink is the greatest explosive. -- Lawrence Ferlinghetti

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

In This Issue
• 18ft Skiffs JJ Giltinan Championship, Races 6 & 7
• The Ocean Race 2021-22 route is announced
• Robline Product News 2020: Sirius Grip
• Arbitration Panel confirms cancellation of ACWS Sardina
• RYA announces 2020 Youth National Championships postponement
• Windy start - 52 Super series
• Cheddar Ales Chase Cancelled
• 38th Garda Lake Meeting Optimist postponed
• The CA responds to the Budget Statement concerning the use of Red Diesel
• Letters to the Editor
• Featured Charter
• Featured Brokerage:
• • TP52 - "Gladiator"
• • GC32 Malizia MON 023 For Sale or Charter
• • INTUITION for sale
• The Last Word: Ram Dass

18ft Skiffs JJ Giltinan Championship, Races 6 & 7
Photo by Michael Chittenden. Click on image for photo gallery.

The defending champion Honda Marine team of David McDiarmid, Matt Steven and Brad Collins hold a narrow points lead over their nearest rival as the fleet goes into the final two races of the JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour tomorrow.

After each team drops the worst placing from the seven races sailed to date, Honda Marine leads former World champions Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton and Scott Babbage, in Winning Group, by just four points, so every placing in each of the two races will be critical.

Honda Marine has a net total of 11 points, Winning Group is on 15 points. Shaw & Partners Financial Services (James Dorron, Harry Bethwaite, Tim Westwood) is third on 28, followed by Smeg (Micah Lane) 29, Tech2 (Jack Macartney) 35, and Finport Finance (Keagan York) 43.

In today's first race, sailed over a windward-return two-lap course in a 13-18 knots NE wind, Honda Marine came from behind early in the race to defeat Smeg (Micah Lane, Ricky Bridge, Peter Harris) by 44s, with Winning Group a further 35s back in third place.

C-Tech (Alex Vallings) was fourth, followed by Shaw & Partners Financial Services and Finport Finance.

Honda Marine trailed the early leader, Shaw & Partners, to the top mark but powered downwind under her big rig (her opponents had smaller #2 rigs) to hold a 7s margin at the bottom mark.

Over the final lap of the course, Honda Marine out-sailed the rest of the fleet to go on to an impressive 44s victory.

In the latter race (Race 7), Winning Group won the start and quickly opened up a clear 45s break over Noakesailing (Sean Langman), Smeg, Tech2, Noakes Blue (Yvette Heritage), Bird & Bear (Tom Clout), Finport Finance, Vintec (Kirk Mitchell) and Honda Marine, which was 1m30s behind the leaders.

AeroMedia Live Broadcast team will be out on Sydney Harbour to capture all the action, which can be viewed LIVE online at https://www.18footers.com and clicking on the '18 Footers TV' link.

Results after 7 races, 1 throwout
1. Honda Marine (David McDiarmid, Matt Steven, Brad Collins) - 11 points
2. Winning Group (Seve Jarvin , Scott Babbage, Sam Newton) - 15
3. Shaw & Partners Financial Services (James Dorron, Harry Bethwaite, Tim Westwood) - 28
4. Smeg (Micah Lane, Ricky Bridge , Peter Harris) - 29
5. Tech2 (Jack Macartney, Charlie Wyatt, Trent Barnabas) - 35
6. Finport Finance / Breene & Breene Solicitors (Keagan York, Mat Stenta, Angus Williams) - 43
7. Bird and Bear (Tom Clout, John Walton, Cameron MacDonald) - 50
8. Yandoo (John Winning Snr, Mike Kennedy, Jasper Warren) - 50
9. URM (Marcus Ashley Jones, Cam Gundy, Lewis Brake) - 62
10. C-Tech (Alex Vallings, Sam Trethewey, Matt Coutts) - 63
11. Noakes Blue (Yvette Heritage, Rory Hunter , Oliver Scott-Mackie ) - 64
12. thekitchenmaker.com.au (Jordan Girdis, Lachlan Doyle, Tom Quigley) - 64
13. Noakesailing (Sean Langman, Ed Powys, Nathan Edwards) - 66
14. Rag & Famish Hotel (Bryce Edwards, Jacob Broom, Rory Cox) - 66
15. Maersk Line (Peron Pearse, Eli Liefting , Harry Clark ) - 69
16. The Oak Double Bay / 4 Pines (Aron Everett, Courtney Mahar, Charlie Gundy) - 72
17. AppliancesOnline.com.au (Brett Van Munster, Phil Marshall, Peter Mackie) - 74
18. Vintec (Kirk Mitchell, Pete Nicholson, Matt Wark) - 79
19. Birkenhead Point Marina (Tom Anderson, Elliot Scali, Tom Arkens) - 100
20. Queenslander (David Hayter, Nathaniel Dutton , Elliott Mahar ) - 104
21. Ilve (Pedro Vozone, Matt Doyle, Jerome Watts) - 111
22. Dal Zotto (Jack Sprague, Josh Feldman, Marc Chapon) - 125
23. Lumix (Alex Watson, Cooper Richmond, Ben Roxburgh) - 126
24. QMC (Matt Rogers , Darren Rogers , Steve Wilson) - 138

www.18footers.com

The Ocean Race 2021-22 route is announced
The next edition of The Ocean Race, scheduled to start from Alicante, Spain in October 2021, will visit 10 international cities, including the start port and the Grand Finale finish in Genoa, Italy in the summer of 2022.

For the first time, The Ocean Race is now open to the high-tech, foiling IMOCA 60 class, in addition to the one-design VO65 boats that provided record-breaking performance and such close, compelling racing in the 2017-18 edition of the race - the closest Race of all-time.

"As we open up the design and innovation elements of the race again with the IMOCA class, confirming the race route for our teams has taken on an added importance as the designers look to optimise performance for the conditions," said Johan Salén, the Managing Director of The Ocean Race.

"This route is more compact at 38,000 nautical miles and with two less stopovers compared with the last race but it includes two significant Southern Ocean legs, where crews on both the IMOCA 60s and the VO65s will have an opportunity to add their stories to the legend of this race."

The Race Route for The Ocean Race 2021-22:
Alicante, Spain - Race Start
*Cabo Verde
Cape Town, South Africa
*Shenzhen, China
Auckland, New Zealand
Itajaí, Brazil
Newport, RI, USA
Aarhus, Denmark
The Hague, Netherlands
*Genoa, Italy - The Grand Finale
(* indicates a new host city)

"The 2021-22 race course keeps the Southern Ocean at the heart of the race, and the new foiling IMOCA boats plus the returning VO65s means more epic racing and great human stories."

The introduction of the IMOCA fleet into The Ocean Race presents a new opportunity for sailors to race in the world's most challenging and competitive fully-crewed event.

Paul Meilhat, the winner of the 2018 Route du Rhum and the current leader of the IMOCA sailor rankings, is among those looking to make the transition.

"The Ocean Race is one of the most global events in sport, and the racecourse for 2021-22 underlines why it is so special - with some of the best offshore sailing conditions around, and a massive commercial reach touching six continents," he said.

"It has long been my dream to compete in The Ocean Race and test myself against the best sailors in one of the most challenging races in the sport."

www.theoceanrace.com

Robline Product News 2020: Sirius Grip
The well-known Robline Sirius line is definitely one of the high runners among the Robline assortment. Our best-seller Sirius 500 even got an upgrade this year - the Sirius Grip. As the name already promises, this rope is like the Sirius 500, with an even better grip due to some staplefiber used in the cover. Besides this, the overall construction stayed the same and therefore the beloved advantages of its compactness and longevity are unchanged. When using the Sirius Grip as a sheet, your hands will just love it while the use of a cruising halyard is unaffected by this new material mix.

This Sirius Grip is available in 3 colours: red-white, blue-white and black white and in the diameters of 8, 10, 12 and 14 millimeters.

For further information please visit www.roblineropes.com
Or contact your local dealer.

Arbitration Panel confirms cancellation of ACWS Sardina
The Arbitration Panel for the 36th America's Cup has confirmed in its ruling that the first event in the 36th America's Cup - America's Cup World Series Sardenga - Cagliari is cancelled.

The ruling follows an application lodged by Challenger American Magic, New York Yacht Club, on March 5 seeking exemption from competing at America's Cup World Series event and the associated penalties for not doing so under the Protocol.

The America's Cup World Series Portsmouth is still proceeding, subject to UK government regulations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The official statement reads:

Following the submission to the America's Cup Arbitration Panel by the New York Yacht Club / American Magic regarding its participation in the ACWS Sardegna - Cagliari and the subsequent responses of COR 36, the Defender and INEOS Team UK, the Panel published today its decision, summarised as follows.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the restrictive measures imposed by various governments the Panel has decided that it has become objectively impossible to hold the ACWS Sardegna - Cagliari event from the 23rd to the 26th of April 2020 and has cancelled the event, relieving the competitors and the organizers from their obligations arising out from the Protocol.

The Panel has also decided that it does not have the power to postpone the ACWS Sardegna - Cagliari, to impose the organization of additional ACWS events or to rule that any sailing blackouts not provided for in the Protocol should occur, since it does not have the power to change the Protocol.

A postponement of the ACWS Sardegna - Cagliari could therefore only be achieved with the mutual agreement of the Challenger of Record and the Defender. As the Defender was not prepared to agree to a change of date of the ACWS Sardinia-Cagliari, the event is now definitely cancelled.

www.americascup.com

www.sail-world.com

RYA announces 2020 Youth National Championships postponement
Following the latest Government advice regarding the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 RYA Youth National Championships is postponed. The prestigious regatta, the UK's premier youth racing event, was due to take place from April 3 to 10 in Pwllheli, north Wales.

Around 750 young people and adults from all over the UK were expected to be on site at Plas Heli, the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Events Centre. However, last night the Government advised against mass gatherings, to minimise social contact and avoid non-essential travel to curb the spread of the virus. In light of this all non-essential RYA Racing activity has been suspended until April 30 in the first instance when the situation will be reviewed.

It will be the first time since the Youth Nationals began in 1978 that the event has not taken place as planned. Refunds will be issued automatically for all competitors. Please contact racing [DOT] events [AT] rya [DOT] org [DOT] uk if you have not received a refund by April 3.

The RYA's intention will be to run the event later in the year and we will now work with the youth classes to deliver a new plan. More details on this will be announced in due course.

rya.org.uk

Windy start - 52 Super series
The requirement to ship to Cape Town, South Africa mid-January meant the 'off-season' for the 52 Super Series shore crews was extremely busy. Winter leave has been pretty much non-existent, particularly since many teams chose to convene in the middle of December in Valencia to validate changes, introduce new crew and check sail design updates.

That's not to say that there have been many big changes to boats and hardware for 2020. Falling in line with fellow Vrolijk design Platoon's 2019 initiative, Provezza are the only other team to bite the bullet and add a third pedestal behind the traveller.

Weight aft, lifting the bow more and earlier off the wind in the breezier conditions is a goal for the Vrolijk pair which were a little off the pace of the quickest Botín designs in the breeze in Cascais and Porto Cervo last year. In stronger winds the two Vrolijk boats are also looking to sail with more rake, while kites are more twisted, reducing heel angle - a direction most of the fleet are taking this season.

Full article in the April issue of Seahorse

Cheddar Ales Chase Cancelled
The first of the spring/summer events of this season's Great British Sailing Challenge is cancelled due to coronavirus....

Statement in part from the Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club:

Whilst adhering to the latest government advice on social distancing, we want all our members to be healthy and well, and to be able to get out on the water whenever possible. We are following the RYA guidance and that of Alistair Dickson, Director of Sport Development at the RYA, who says: "While we have brought these measures in to adhere to government advice on limiting the spread of coronavirus, it doesn't mean that people can't go sailing at all. In fact, getting out on the water can be a great way to look after your physical and mental health in these challenging times."

You can read the full RYA statement here

38th Garda Lake Meeting Optimist postponed to June due to the health emergency
Riva del Garda, March 17th 2020 - It is because of the global pandemic COVID-19 that the Fraglia Vela Riva has decided to postpone the 38th edition of the Garda Lake Meeting Optimist, an event that, over the last years, has always brought on the Northern shore of Garda Lake at least a thousand young sailors from all over the World.

Originally scheduled between 8 and 12 of April, as every year overlapped with Easter Holidays, thanks to the close collaboration between Fraglia Vela Riva and the Italian Sailing Federation, the 2020 edition of the event could be postponed to June 11-14.

The decision was taken taking following the provisions issued by the Italian government, the guidelines suggested by the WHO and the measures taken by almost all the Countries in which the participants of the event reside.

fragliavelariva.it

The CA responds to the Budget Statement concerning the use of Red Diesel
Following the proposals for the future use of Red Diesel in the Budget Statement on Wednesday 11 March 2020, the Cruising Association (CA) notes that from April 2022, private pleasure vessels will no longer be able to use Red Diesel for propulsion but will be able and are indeed entitled to use it for on-board heating purposes.

Other marine commercial vessels such as fishing boats will still be able to use Red Diesel but at the lower duty rate. Our pleasure craft already pay the standard White Diesel rate for propulsion but for heating, the lower duty rate is applicable.

However, the CA's assessment is that, for now, private pleasure craft should continue to use Red Diesel as they currently do since it is still the only easily available diesel fuel. CA Members, and other sailors, might wish to follow the CA's advice on using Red Diesel when sailing to EU State waters in this coming season.

The CA's Regulations and Technical Services (RATS) Group has already spoken to the Treasury on this issue and HMRC has said they will shortly continue their contact with us (and other interested groups). This will allow the CA to continue discussions on the future use of Red Diesel by private pleasure craft. It will also ensure that there will be satisfactory solutions to all of the known problems arising from this change to marine diesel for all recreational uses throughout the United Kingdom.

The CA welcomes the Government announcement of its intention to ensure private pleasure craft users are not worse off in terms of the fuel duty they pay following any changes to the entitlement to use Red Diesel.

www.theca.org.uk

* From Alistair Skinner:

The recent returnee from the USA to China in the "expert interview" might not be aware that mask wearing by Chinese before the COVID-19 outbreak initially had nothing to do with what was claimed to be "pop-culture". For a long time, socially conscious Chinese would wear a mask if they had a cold or were coughing and sneezing especially in crowed areas like buses and the metro. And yes, people well beyond the 'k-pop' age would wear them. In fact I witnessed many times, frowns from people when someone was coughing on the metro without a mask. (In Shanghai or Hong Kong I am a regular Metro or MTR user) Oh and by the way, Netflix is not commonly available in China without a VPN but there are ample Chinese alternatives. Plus if you want to speak to people there is always Wechat.

Being stuck inside and working from home is perhaps not easy to adjust to but most of China hasn't been on a government lock down and in Guangdong which is actually 3rd in the death rates outside Hubei Province (not 1st) although many businesses are closed or working from home and temperature checks are far more frequent there is actually NO American style "stay in place" order. Our supermarkets - there are 4 within easy distance of our home - (about a 45 minute drive from Shenzhen) have not displayed empty shelves of anything except, peculiarly, bacon and cheese which can easily be explained through supply chain difficulties and not panic buying. (Chinese don't have a penchant for either product)

I feel for the people of Wuhan and the other cities in Hubei Province (about 10 or 11 in total) who HAVE been in genuine lockdown where it must feel a little like house arrest. I doubt if other countries are not as strict as China has been with the outbreak that they will see a turnaround in the figures anything like as quickly as China has achieved. Still scary here as it only takes one person who is positive to come in contact with you and you become a statistic yourself. Take care, don't believe the "masks are useless" rubbish, if you yourself are positive, wearing a mask reduces the chance of onward transmission - think of the more 'at risk' like your parents or grandparents. Stay safe people, better to take measures over and above than get hit with this thing.

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The Last Word
We’re all just walking each other home. -- Ram Dass

Editorial and letter submissions to editor [AT] eurosailnews [DOT] com

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb [AT] beesonstone [DOT] com or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html

EuroSail News #4534 - 20 February

EuroSail News #4535 - 21 February

EuroSail News #4536 - 24 February

EuroSail News #4537 - 25 February

EuroSail News #4538 - 26 February

EuroSail News #4539 - 27 February

EuroSail News #4540 - 28 February

EuroSail News #4541 - 2 March

EuroSail News #4542 - 3 March

EuroSail News #4543 - 4 March

EuroSail News #4544 - 5 March

EuroSail News #4545 - 6 March

EuroSail News #4546 - 9 March

EuroSail News #4547 - 10 March

EuroSail News #4548 - 11 March

EuroSail News #4549 - 12 March

EuroSail News #4550 - 16 March

EuroSail News #4551 - 17 March

EuroSail News #4552 - 18 March

EuroSail News #4553 - 19 March