In This Issue
Brunel leads into the Luzon Strait |
Star Walker Series |
Helly Hansen Warsash Spring Series starts on 18 March |
Landmark Hardy Cup win to Clare Costanzo |
95th anniversary celebrations for the Solent Sunbeam class in 2018 |
Industry News |
Featured Brokerage
Brought to you by Seahorse magazine, Scuttlebutt Europe is a digest of sailing news and opinions, regatta results, new boat and gear information and letters from sailors -- with a European emphasis. Contributions welcome, send to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com
Brunel leads into the Luzon Strait
Team Brunel has been leading the Volvo Ocean Race fleet into the Luzon Strait between Taiwan and the Philippines.
The six boats are tucked towards the southern tip of Taiwan, anticipating a turn to the north after leaving Taiwan to port. On the 0700 UTC position report on Thursday, Brunel had eked out a narrow lead, but most of the teams will be in sight of one another.
“We’ve been bouncing upwind. Everyone is still pretty close. Whoever puts their bow down for a little while goes a little bit faster than the other,” said team AkzoNobel skipper Simeon Tienpont. “Brunel is a little bit ahead, we lost a few miles with a sail change.
“It’s been straight into it. Everyone is quiet and efficient. We were happy with the start and we’re back in fighting mode.” The fight is for every mile. Any mistake or misfortune is costly. For Brunel and Turn the Tide on Plastic, it came in the form of plastic bags stuck to appendages, slowing the boat down.
“It’s not slowing us down too much,” said Turn the Tide on Plastic sailor Henry Bomby. “It’s a big deal to do a back down to get rid of it, so we’re going to wait.”
“At the moment, we can’t afford to go backwards, so we’re carrying this plastic on our keel, sadly,” said skipper Dee Caffari.
After passing to the south of Taiwan, the fleet is expected to head to the north, further away from the direct route to New Zealand, in an effort to avoid a developing area of light wind and to pick up favourable conditions before diving south. It means more upwind sailing, so progress towards the finish looks to be slow and hard-earned for the early stages of Leg 6.
Star Walker Series
Coconut Grove, FL, USA: Today was the first day of both the Walker Series and the Star Midwinter Series. 44 Stars showed up for a one hour delayed start to race 1, on Biscayne Bay. The delay was due to very light easterly winds which only ever got up to 7 knots today. It was sunny and beautiful, just not very windy.
In race 1, Luca Modena and Sergio Lambertenghi of Italy led wire to wire, sailing smart and fast. I am sailing with World Champion crew Josh Revkin this week. Josh and I got off to a great start in race one but unfortunately went the wrong way on 3 out of the 4 legs. We weren’t terribly fast either and this coupled to put us into 20th at the finish line. Augie Diaz, one of our main rivals was just behind us at the finish.
In race two, I got a horrible start and then fouled Andy Mac and had to do a circle. This put us pretty much in last place, two minutes after the start. And with the wind being so light, this was not going to be an easy race for us. Nevertheless, Josh and I fought our way back to 11th at the finish line due to better speed after some rig changes and we went the correct way most of the time. The team from Denmark, Jorgen Schonherr / Jan Eli Gravad, won race two with Augie Diaz and Bruno Prada close in second. The Danes finished 4th in race 1 and are leading the regatta at this point.
So it wasn’t a great first day for Josh and I but there are three more days, and 6 more races, to go. The forecast for rest of the weekend is in the 12 knot range which, I for one, will be looking forward to. -- Paul Cayard, CayardSailing.com
For complete scores go to YachtScoring.com
Helly Hansen Warsash Spring Series starts on 18 March
Come and join us at the premier early season event. Easy online entry.
Great racing and prizes including 50 trophies - 100 bottles of champagne - valuable goodies from Helly Hansen and Crewsaver.
The Spring Series is on six Sundays: 18 March to 29 April (excluding Easter).
There are 4 IRC classes + J/109, J/88 in Black group. White Group comprises Sportsboats (J/70 - SB20 - J/80 - Mixed). Other one design classes or extracted results are possible on request.
Crewsaver Spring Championship starts on 21 April
The Spring Championship is on the last two weekends of the Spring Series: Saturdays & Sundays 21-22 + 28-29 April. Up to 14 races over the four days.
Black group has 4 IRC classes + J/109, with the Performance 40 class racing within IRC 1. White Group is for J/70 - SB20 - J/80 Mixed Sportsboats -Quarter Ton Class.
Warsash Sailing Club - The first place to race in 2018.
www.warsashspringseries.org.uk
admin@warsashspringseries.org.uk
Warsash Sailing Club, Shore House, Shore Road, Warsash SO31 9FS. 01489 583575
Landmark Hardy Cup win to Clare Costanzo
For the first time since its inauguration in 2001, a female led all-women crew brilliantly captured the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron's longstanding Hardy Cup Sydney International Match Racing Regatta trophy at the end of four days of intense competition on Sydney Harbour.
Last year Clare Costanzo and her Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club teammates finished bridesmaids at the same event. On Thursday February 8, 2018 the RPAYC's five-strong youth team beat George Anyon's Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron team 3-0 in the finals, sailed in 20+ knot nor'easters off the host club at Kirribilli.
In doing so Costanzo broke an 18-year run of gun male skippers taking out the grade 3 youth event, and with an all-female crew.
Costanzo, Jess Angus, Hannah Lanz, Ruby Scholten and Celia Willison celebrated with a swim and some champagne then official photos before three of the five dashed to the airport for a 7.30pm flight to New Zealand, where training for the final youth match racing regatta ( Nespresso Youth International Match Racing Cup rnzys.org.nz/youth-international-match-racing-cup/ ) in the series of three begins today, Friday 9 February.
www.rsys.com.au/sailing/hardy-cup
95th anniversary celebrations for the Solent Sunbeam class in 2018
Click on image to enlarge.
2018 will see the Solent Sunbeam class celebrate 95 years on the water with a weekend of back to back races at Itchenor Sailing Club on 26-27 May and an anniversary party on Sunday 27 May.
This pretty, classic, three-man keelboat which was designed by Alfred Westmacott in 1923 has been continuously sailing in the Solent for 95 years and has its base at Itchenor Sailing Club. The very first Sunbeam – Dainty, No. 1 – is still actively raced today as are several boats that were built in the early 1920’s.
A traditionally trained naval architect from the Victorian era, Westmacott responded to a commission from three Hamble-based yachtsmen to design a racing dayboat by producing a boat that was not only pretty but one that could handle the boisterous conditions of the Solent.
32 Sunbeams sail from Itchenor ranging from 95 years of age to new all-GRP and newly epoxied yachts, yet all racing on level terms in a one-design fleet. Regular racing is highly competitive with no restrictions for tides on most weekends and Thursday evenings from March to October.
The celebrations will take place at Itchenor Sailing Club, PO20 7AG. On each of Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May taster sessions will be available from 3pm and the anniversary party will be held at the Club on 27 May from 7.30pm. Please use the contact details below if you would like further info.
Simon O’Hea – Publicity Officer
07767 230389 simon@ohea.org.uk
www.solentsunbeam.co.uk
Industry News
Groupe Beneteau revealed yesterday that the value of company-wide boat orders was up more than 23% through the end of 2017 compared to the same period last year, with a 25% increase in sailboat orders and 22% in motorboats.
Speaking at an investors meeting in Paris at the close of business last evening, Beneteau projected revenue gains for its Boat Division of between 5.5% and 7.5% for the 2017-18 fiscal year, outpacing the global recreational boat market which the company estimated was growing at about 3% in revenues and 2% in units. Beneteau’s boat business posted revenues of €1.20bn during its last fiscal year, ending 31 July 2017.
For the 2017-18 season, the Group’s 10 boat brands are launching a total of 38 new models (vs 29 new models last season) to capture the strong upturn in demand, especially in multihull sailboat, outboard, and larger motorboat segments.
The Beneteau Group will hold its Annual Shareholder Meeting at its headquarters in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France tomorrow morning, 9 February 2018.
In mid-day trading, Beneteau shares were priced at approximately €19.90, down slightly from a five-year peak of €23.20 reached on 15 January 2018. Over the past 52 weeks, Beneteau’s share price has gained more than 72%.
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KPMG has confirmed Oyster Yachts, the company’s main trading business, is currently considering its options having failed to secure financial support.
A statement from David Tydeman, Oyster CEO, confirmed the company did not have the finances to continue.
“It is with sincere regret that we advise that the company has been unable to secure financial support to enable it to continue at this time and it is looking at all opportunities available,” he said. “Further information will be issued as soon as we can.”
The Oyster group comprises Oyster Marine Ltd, Oyster Brokerage Ltd and Southampton Yacht Services Ltd.
The group has bases in Ipswich, Wroxam in Norfolk, Mallorca and Rhode Island and employs around 400 staff across all its sites.
In January Oyster reported 2017 was a record year for the boatbuilder and it had a forward order book of more than £80m.
Interested parties can contact William Lewis in the administration team on 07771 555540 or william.lewis@kpmg.co.uk
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Marlow Ropes, the world’s leading leisure marine rope manufacturer, is pleased to announce its official supplier partnership with 2018 Golden Globe Race skipper, Susie Goodall - the only female competitor and also one of the youngest.
Susie Goodall’s Rustler 36 boat, ‘Starlight’, has been entirely rigged by the leading British rope manufacturer. The rigging has been custom made at Marlow’s factory in the UK using the same materials as those used by the winner of the first Golden Globe Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, in 1968.
Marlow produced the replica ropes and rigging using only polyester, instead of modern Dyneema and Vectran fibres that are the usual rope of choice for offshore races such as this.
Paul Honess, Leisure Marine Sales Director, of Marlow Ropes said: “Marlow Rope has been used many, many times on boats circumnavigating the globe, including the current Clipper Round The World Race, The Vendee Globe, Velux 5 Oceans and previous editions of the Volvo Ocean Race so has a pedigree in this area. Circumnavigating the globe solo and non-stop using the same equipment that was available in 1968 is an immense challenge and we wish Susie a safe and speedy voyage.“
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The RYA Dinghy Show presented by Suzuki in association with Yachts & Yachting and Gill is the only show in the world dedicated exclusively to dinghies! Returning to Alexandra Palace, London over the weekend of 03-04 March, this year the theme is #dinghysailingforlife – celebrating a lifetime sport for all.
As well as the hundreds of exhibitors showcasing everything you need to get out on the water, the show will feature a brand new line up of talks and coaching sessions from world-class experts, as well as keeping in some of the firm favourites.
Olympic gold and silver medallist Saskia Clark and Olympic sailor and sports presenter Stevie Morrison will be joining forces to host on the Suzuki Main stage and the RYA Knowledge Zone throughout the weekend.
As well as a brand new line up of speakers there will also be two brand new stages.
Women’s sailing is thriving in the UK like never before and for the first time at the show there’s an area dedicated to solely to this. The Women’s Sailing Hub will showcase inspirational female sailors including Paralympic Gold Medallist Helena Lucas, British Sailing Team’s Penny Clark and Hannah Mills plus the sailors from the Magenta Project.
Also new for 2018 is the Class Association Stage located in the Great Hall where you can find out everything you need know about your favourite class including what events are coming up in the season ahead and how to get involved.
You can buy tickets here or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 858 9069
www.rya.org.uk/newsevents/news/Pages/join-us-at-the-rya-dinghy-show-2018-.aspx
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In the new exhibit Wind & Water: Sailing in San Diego, images from international yachting and nautical sport photographer, Bobby Grieser, are paired with photographs from his close sailing and photography master friend Mark Albertazzi. Dr. Raymond Ashley, Ph.D., K.C.I., President/CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, describes Wind & Water: Sailing in San Diego as “a passionate example for both sailing and photography fostered by a deep friendship with two of the industry’s most renowned nautical photographers.”
The collection features scenes of classic yachts and historic sailboats captured on the waters of San Diego. Bobby Grieser is well known in yachting circles as one of the elite nautical photographers.
Grieser passed away January 31, 2017 in San Diego, California at the age of 70. A flotilla of friends from Bobby’s youth, media and sailing communities attended a celebration of life ceremony and spreading of ashes from aboard the schooner America in San Diego, as well as on his beloved Chesapeake Bay.
With family roots deeply entrenched on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, Mark Albertazzi is an avid waterman with a passion for photography. Mark has been making images of ocean scenes since his parents bought him his first 35mm camera at the age of 13.
sdmaritime.org/visit/exhibits/wind-and-water/
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Cabot Lyman has plenty of reasons to be proud. The company he founded has launched more than 110 yachts into the St. George River and has delivered everything from carbon fiber catamarans and traditional sloops to canting-keel monohulls, stately motor yachts, sportfishing powerboats, daysailers, and sporty jet boats to customers around the world. Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding has prospered and diversified in a challenging marine industry that has been hit hard by recessions and changing lifestyles. Through this diversification, its 120-plus employees have introduced their work into new markets, their craftsmanship now finding its way into fine homes, colleges, and institutions worldwide.
And yet of all the accolades Lyman-Morse has received over the past 40 years, there’s one that this businessman cherishes most: Family owned and operated. Cabot and Heidi Lyman ran the company for more than three decades and their sons, Zach, Alex, and Drew, have each had a role in the business along the way. In 2013, Drew took over as president.
In 2015 Lyman-Morse acquired Wayfarer Marine in Camden, a full-service marina located in one of the most scenic harbors in New England and a destination for yachtsmen worldwide. The company’s presence in Camden gives Lyman-Morse increased visibility and the opportunity to return the Camden yard to its former glory as New England’s go-to marine service center. Under Drew’s leadership the sales team has also expanded to include five brokers in three locations: Camden and Southwest Harbor, Maine, and Newport, Rhode Island. “Having a team of experienced bluewater mariners who understand what proper maintenance is all about is the reason discerning and demanding yachtsmen deliver their yachts to Lyman-Morse,” Drew said.
From this new Camden location, Drew founded the Camden Classics Cup, a two-day sailing regatta that is augmented with community events and is held at the end of July, on the weekend before the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta. In 2018, the Camden Classics Cup enters its third year and plans to have even more than last year’s 52 registered boats jockeying for position on the starting line. -- Marnie Read
Featured Brokerage
2013 Oyster 885 'Karibu'. 5,750,000 EUR. Located in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Karibu – Made to Measure Launched in 2013, Oyster 885-02 Karibu is now offered for sale exclusively through Oyster Brokerage and can be inspected through the Palma office. She is in exceptional condition. Extensively detailed for an owner intent on both high performance and high level comfort.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Jamie Collins
Oyster Palma
Edificio Moll Vell, Locales 6-7
Calle Muelle Viejo, 6, 07012
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
T: +34 677 429 116
F: +34 971 737 425
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2007 Swan 78 Custom Valkyrie. 1,850,000 EUR. Located in Genoa, Italy.
Delivered in 2007, Valkyrie is a 78 ft custom yacht built by Nautor’s Swan. VALKYRIE fills the role of Bill Tripp’s concept of a Café Racer, a fast, sleek and comfortable yacht.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Nautor's Swan Brokerage - Jeremy Peek
brokerage@nautorswan.com
Tel. +377 97 97 95 07
http://nautorswanbrokerage.com
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2005 Cookson 50 - "Lee Overlay Partners". 350000 EUR. Located in Antigua.
This Cookson 50 has an enviable race record, as do her sister ships and she is ready to challenge for yet more silverware on the upcoming 2018 circuit. Extensive overhaul in 2016/17, with a new, larger headed North 3Di mainsail and refurbished canting keel system. Turn-key offering.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Sam Pearson
Ancasta Race Boats
+44 2380 016582
+64 277733717
sampearson@ancasta.com
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
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