In This Issue
The Voiles de Saint-Tropez
The future of the America's Cup. Thursday, 11 October, Bergamo
Sperry Charleston Race Week 2019 is Open for Business!
Golden Globe: Gregor McGuckin arrives in Perth
Life Saver - Team O
Industry News
Featured Brokerage
The Last Word: Richard M. Nixon
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 [AT] scuttlebutteurope [DOT] com
The Voiles de Saint-Tropez
Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget, www.martin-raget.com. Click on image to enlarge.
The incessant activity of the 300 crews as they strive to put the final touches to their preparation, or give the copper and the brightwork one last polish, has created a real fervour in the port of Saint Tropez, suffused with the dazzling light of a summer that does not want to fade. With the Mistral keeping the yachts in port today, the huge crowds were able to walk the pontoons at their leisure and get up close to admire the finest gathering of Classic and Modern yachts in the world. The racing will switch into gear tomorrow with the whole fleet of boats and the 4,000 sailors set to get out on the water, all eager to get going and carve out some unforgettable memories of the triumphant and eternal yachting showcased at Les Voiles each year.
The Classis take the stage
Nearly 130 Classic yachts, split into 12 groups according to their size and rig type, enter the Saint Tropez arena tomorrow. It'll be like hooking back up with old friends as they take to the water. Among them, Moonbeam 4, the large 1914 Fife-design gaff cutter, the four sublime 15 m JIs Tuiga, The Lady Ann, Hispania and Mariska, and the 8 M JIs Carron II, Silhouette, Fulmar and Falcon, which will all compete in a unique Fife jubilee for the Rolex Trophy, organised to mark the 130th anniversary of the Scottish yard's famous bow dragon. Indeed, this eminently elitist group has much to celebrate. Built in the period between the wars, Cambria - the largest member of the class here, with 40 metres on the deck, rightly considered to be one of William Fife junior's masterpieces, is this year celebrating her 90th birthday. Meantime, the delicate gaff cutter Viola - ranked as an historic monument - is 110 years old this year!
Kismet wins the Yacht Club de France's Coupe d'Automne
Following the Jury's decision, the gaff cutter Kismet (Fife 1898) takes victory in her group in corrected time in the Coupe d'Automne, the feeder race from Cannes to Saint Tropez. In the other four groups, we note the victories of Pippa in the Esprit de tradition category, Cippino II (Frers 1949) among the Marconi rigs of less than 16.50m, Rowdy (Herreshoff 1916) among the Marconis measuring over 16.50m and Lys (Sparkman & Stephens 1956) among the Classics.
The Mistral takes Les Voiles by storm
As brutal as it is fleeting, the appearance of the Mistral prevented today's racing, which is traditionally reserved for the Modern Yachts, Race Management rightly deeming the 25kts of established breeze a step too far. This relatively short and localised phenomenon should leave the rest of the week clear for much more favourable conditions for validating the races.
A new class at Les Voiles
Principal Race Officer at Les Voiles, Georges Kohrel, has managed to satisfy a request from the competitors themselves. "The "Esprits de Tradition" category, which grouped together boats capable of radically different speeds due to the 'no limit' LOA criteria, has been removed from Les Voiles due to lack of coherence. However, there is a fleet of large modern boats, albeit classically inspired, which is keen to race together. And so… the Big Spirit of Tradition is born, adhering to the same programme as the traditional yachts, with races from Tuesday through to Saturday, the Thursday being traditionally reserved for challenges."
www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
The future of the America's Cup. Thursday, 11 October, Bergamo
An opportunity to learn, for the first time, from industry experts, all about the design approach and technical content that will drive the 36th America's Cup, with a focus also on the themes of sustainability and efficiency.
Former Church of Sant'Agostino - Main Lecture Hall (Aula Magna) of the University of Bergamo
Piazzale Sant'Agostino 2, Bergamo
Thursday, 11 October
4.30pm - 7.00pm
Participation is free, reserve places in advance here.
This symposium will benefit from contributions by some of the leading experts in the industry, and aims to cast the spotlight on what is set to be a new, fascinating chapter in the history of the world's oldest sporting trophy - the America's Cup. The event will be inaugurated by University Chancellor Remo Morzenti Pellegrini, alongside Pierino Persico, Founder of Persico Group. The moderator will be journalist Matteo Zaccagnino.
The experts will include Marcello Persico, CEO of Persico Marine, a company that specialises in the design and construction of yachts and forms part of the Persico Group, which was founded in Nembro, in the province of Bergamo, where to this day it has one of its two Italian facilities. Marcello Persico will explain how the innovations and research that, over the years, have transformed sailing from the schooner America to the AC75s, have also changed what sailing is all about, because the America's Cup is not just a prestigious race but also - and, indeed, above all - a fascinating technological challenge. It is a test bench for refining new technical solutions and trying out ultra-modern materials, all with a single objective: to win.
At 6.00pm, attendees will be given the chance to have their say during a question and answer session with the speakers.
At the end of the conference, the Small Cloister (Chiostro Piccolo) of the University's Sant'Agostino site will play host to the exhibition of Carlo Borlenghi's photographs entitled "About foils", which will then remain open to the public until 20 October.
The Conference entitled "The Future of the America's Cup: from foils to the sustainability of the seas" is being staged by Persico Group as part of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the University of Bergamo, with the support of: Main partners: Ubi Banca, Gewiss, Siad, Italcementi, Pro Universitate.
Attendance is free, sign-up is required.
Sperry Charleston Race Week 2019 is Open for Business!
Registration is now open for the country's premier multi-class regatta! Register early to save $100, as well as event ticket discounts.
You can also get Charleston Harbor Resort room discounts through Dec. 31st!
The event is based on a winning formula - three days of superb competition, top-flight race management, four nights of beach parties, and post-race debriefs.
Convenient launch and haul-outs will again be available at various locations.
Save the date for a "regatta unlike any other" - April 11-14, 2019. Details, NOR and registration link at charlestonraceweek.com. beginning Oct. 1.
Follow us on Facebook for updates!
Golden Globe: Gregor McGuckin arrives in Perth
Race leader Jean-Luc Van Den Heede and his yacht Matmut are expected to reach the BoatShed.com film drop in Tasmania on Friday
Gregor McGuckin arrived into Rockingham, Perth, Western Australia today aboard the Australian frigate HMAS Ballarat following the dismasting of his Biscay 36 yacht Hanley Energy Endurance during a southern ocean storm on 21st September.
Speaking at a press conference, the 32-year old Irish yachtsman said "It's fantastic to be here in Perth. While Australia was never my intended final port, I couldn't be happier and more grateful right now. My journey started some 92 days ago, when I departed France on Hanley Energy Endurance in an attempt to sail alone non-stop around the world.
In a horrendous storm, my yacht was capsized and dismasted, as was my competitor Abhilash Tomy's yacht. I was uninjured and was planning to sail to safety. However, Abhilash was not so lucky. He suffered a back injury and was in immediate danger, so I built a jury rig and set a course for his location. Thankfully, we were both picked up and Abhilash is now recovering.
The real heroes today are the professionals that coordinate and execute such missions. All services were tested to their limits and excelled. The international cooperation between Australia, France, and India has proven that no matter how remote, there is always cover, and the investment in naval assets and training paid off. I understand the Ballarat crew had returned early from leave and I pass on my deep gratitude to them and their families for their dedication to duty."
Indian, Abhilash Tomy, who was rescued at the same time is now enroute to his home waters and recovering. These two retirements now leave 8 of the original 18 Golden Globe entrants who continue to be led by French veteran Jean-Luc Van Den Heede and his Rustler 36 Matmut. Jean-Luc has built up a 1,500 mile lead over 2nd placed Dutchman Mark Slats and is expected to reach the BoatShed.com film gate in Storm Bay, Tasmania on Friday.
Life Saver - Team O
TeamO's fundamental rethink of what it takes to stay alive in the water tethered to a fast-moving sailboat
Motivated by a sailing tragedy, TeamO Marine has shown belief, vision and Barnes-Wallis-style testing grit to develop seriously innovative products that are revolutionising safety at sea.
Chris Reddish drowned during the 2011 Morgan Cup from Cowes to Cherbourg. While working on the foredeck, he slipped through the port lifelines and was towed to leeward at the end of his two-metre tether. This tragedy is by no means the only one.
Oscar Mead, founder and design director of TeamO Marine, saw an obvious solution. 'An experienced sailor lost his life when he fell over the side and was towed along face-down,' he explains. 'I felt there was a clear need for change - design a system that tows you face-up.'
Full story in the October issue of Seahorse
Industry News
Click on image for photo gallery.
The 58th Genoa International Boat Show has shown the good shape of the Int. nautical market
On Tursday 25 September the press conference marking the final day of the 58th Genoa International Boat Show, hosting a staggering 951 exhibitors using over 200,000m2 on land and water, took place in the UCINA Council Hall. 62 new brands, 58% of which from abroad. 150 international operators and journalists were invited as guest visitors by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in partnership with UCINA, the Italian Marine Industry Association.
Taking part in the press conference were the Mayor of Genoa Marco Bucci, President of the Region of Liguria Giovanni Toti and the President of UCINA Carla Demaria.
Carla Demaria provided the long-awaited provisional figures for the event: "As of 11.00 this morning, 25th September, 163,418 visitors walked through the 12 entries into the International Boat Show, an important figure which marks a 10.3% increase compared to 2017. It is highly probable that by the end of the day we will come close to 175,000, meaning an increase of 16% to 17%. A lot of the visitors were from abroad adding a few percentage points to last year's 30% international participation rate, some from as far as Israel, Australia and Hong Kong". "An even more interesting factor - continued the UCINA President - is that exhibitors are ready to invest even more since business boomed".
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While the brand has been around for over 50 years, Ullman Sails has never had a wholly owned and dedicated manufacturing facility to complement its strong brand and great designs, choosing in the past to outsource this.
We can now announce that the Ullman Sails group has taken ownership of one of the largest sail manufacturing factories in the world based in South Africa which finally gives the respected California based company, Ullman Sails International, full control over all aspects of manufacturing and the capacity to invest exponentially in research and development.
The acquisition of this facility has enhanced the value of the global loft network which means that Ullman Sails can guarantee high-quality manufacturing to back-up its market-leading technology at competitive pricing.
The group is led by Michael England, as CEO, with a host of respected sailors and sailmakers stretching from Brisbane in Australia to Hawaii
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Groupe Beneteau today announced its recruitment plan for 2018/19, stating that it aims to hire more than 650 staff on permanent contracts - nearly 490 in France and over 160 in other countries.
In France, two-thirds of the 490 new permanent staff will be based in Vendée and around 100 will be in Bordeaux for the Boat Division. The other recruitments are for the Housing Division, with around 50 positions.
Internationally, these recruitments will cover job creations linked to the industrial investments made in Poland and the US to strengthen production capacity and support the Boat business' growth.
This 2018/19 recruitment plan is fully in line with the major efforts made last year by Groupe Beneteau to attract over 500 people in France to the career opportunities available with boatbuilding.
Groupe Beneteau, through its Boat division's 10 brands, offers over 200 recreational boat models - from sailing to motorboating, monohulls and catamarans. In total the group employs 7,000 people, primarily in France, the US, Poland, Italy and China.
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talian superyacht builder Perini Navi has provided an update on its corporate structure, product range and order book. Following the restructuring of the company last year, the Tabacchi family has increased its shareholding so that it now has a 75% stake in the company. Since the changes, all Perini Navi yachts, be they sail or motor, are now grouped under one branding.
"We have worked intensively on the new product ranges to offer our customers innovative solutions and, at the same time, in keeping with the yard tradition," says Lamberto Tacoli, Perini Navi chairman and CEO. "We believe a lot in these projects, both in the fascinating world of sailing that in the more traditional engine, where we have favoured sleek and innovative lines. We are happy to collaborate with important designers and we thank them for wanting to interpret the Perini Navi world with us."
In respect of the E-volution sailing yacht range, this is distinguished by the characteristics of the hull, very high-performance plus being designed to offer larger spaces and volumes and more comfortable access to the sea. Contemporary exterior lines are an inherent feature of the collection, which offers a 42m, a 47m (154ft) flybridge version and a 56m (184ft) model.
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Henri Lloyd is to reintroduce its brand to the UK market in 2019.
The company entered administration in the summer and was subsequently acquired by the Swedish company, Aligro Group.
Since then, the HQ has been moved to Gothenburg with staff working on a new performance range to be launched Spring 2019.
In addition to the Swedish team a core UK team has been retained, led by country manager Graham Allen.
Central to the company's strategy is a desire for a new type of pro-active relationships with a smaller number of key retailers, added Magnus Liljeblad, Henri Lloyd Group CEO.
"It is no secret that the marine clothing sector and its associated wholesale business has undergone major change worldwide and it appears that that trend will continue," he said. "One of the anticipated consequences is that the number of retailers will reduce significantly in the coming years."
And he explained that Henri Lloyd is looking again at its products, from design, fit, fabrics, colours to other ways of customisation.
"The new approach has been focussed on delivering desirable, new and innovative ideas which will break the perception of Henri Lloyd products feeling outdated," he said.
New products will be adapted for one design sailing, keel boats and superyachts and will cover the climatic needs of both Northern European and Mediterranean sailors.
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The Yacht Racing Forum is pleased to announce a partnership with Groupe Beneteau, the market leader for motorboats and leading sailboats producer. The exciting new Figaro Beneteau 3 will be exhibited in front of the Cité de la Voile Eric Tabarly. This boat is the latest incarnation of what Beneteau believes a cutting-edge competition sailboat should be, with a new radical foiling system that not only generates lift but also reduces drag and stabilizes while heeling.
"We are proud to welcome Beneteau as a partner & exhibitor", says Bernard Schopfer, the organiser of the Yacht Racing Forum. "The Figaro Beneteau 3 is a cutting edge race boat that has the potential to become an Olympic offshore Class; a project that is dear to most Yacht Racing Forum participants and that will be debated next month. Beneteau's involvement in the Forum also opens up new perspectives for the Forum, confirming our mission to address the elite of sailing as well as a wider and less specialised audience."
Gianguido Girotti, General Manager at Beneteau, will introduce the Figaro Beneteau 3 and discuss its potential Olympic future on October 22.
The Yacht Racing Forum will take place on October 22-23, 2018 in Brittany, in the town of Lorient, at the heart of the mythical Sailing Valley, one of the world's most dynamic venues for the sport and the industry of sailing and yacht racing.
For more information and registration: www.yachtracingforum.com
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UK-based yacht transporter Peters & May has appointed Charles Hazet to the role of business development manager for Asia. Hazet brings extensive knowledge and experience from across the yacht industry, with an excellent network of contacts throughout South-East Asia. He will be based in Singapore, at the centre of business expansion throughout the region.
Hazet's appointment marks the first stage of a restructuring and building phase for Peters & May's team in Asia. Further appointments will be announced in the near future, the company says.
After 45 years as a successful world leader in bespoke logistics, Peters & May claims to be growing at an exponential rate, demonstrated in the acquisition of Worldwide Yacht Transport and Transport Partners at the beginning of this year.
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Doyle Sails International is happy to announce that Toni Kuusinen and Pontus Harlin are setting up a new loft in Helsinki, Finland, to better serve customers in the region around the capital. This is the second loft in Finland in addition to existing loft in Lovisa.
Pontus Harlin started his career in the music industry in event production, hosting and transportation systems in Finland and indeed still owns a guitar! Between 2004 and 2014 he worked in a nautical store gaining valuable experience across all range of marine equipment and then he started his sail making career in 2016 with Stefan 'Stratis' Stenstrom who has been leading Doyle Sails in Finland since 1995. Pontus has 30 years of sailing experience having been an active 470 sailor prior to owning a H-Boat. He is also a keen windsurfer.
Toni Kuusinen has been involved in the yachting industry for most of his life and also started his sail making career working as an apprentice for Stefan. He then went on to work for Evolution Sails in Palma, working with Phill Maxwell (now part of the management team at Doyle Sails Palma). Key superyacht projects included CQS Supermaxi, Swan 100FD 'Hoppetosse' and a new Swan 95 'LOT99'. After a year of experience in Palma, Toni decided to return to Finland to develop his career further. Toni's sailing experience includes H-Boats, 40 foot offshore boats and classic 6 metre yachts.
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Swedish sailing yacht producer Hallberg-Rassy has reported a very positive 'Open Yard' in late August. The floating boat show was held in a laidback atmosphere, where customers and visitors were able to enter the production facilities and see the latest models in the yard's own harbour in Ellös.
Open Yard is marketed as "Scandinavia's largest sailboat show" and is held at the same time as the Marstrand Boat Show on Sweden's west coast. This year both new and used boats were on display.
"We've never ever sold so many boats of a new model as of our brand new HR57, which had its world premiere at the show. We sold four boats before the show."
For Hallberg-Rassy, customers are more international the bigger the boats are. In addition to interest for new models, the weak Swedish krona also played an important role.
"The currency of course is very good for us at the moment. We've had to raise our prices in Swedish krona, but nevertheless the boats are cheaper in euros than one year ago. This means customers are making decisions earlier."
Featured Brokerage
1952 Bagliettto 64 Ft Marconi Cutter - EA. 700,000 EUR. Located in Italy
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See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
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1925 Johan Anker 49Ft Q-Class Sloop - Leonore. 600000 EUR. Located in France.
This thoroughbred sailing yacht continues to turn heads and offer only transom views. Q-Class yachts offer fun racing for a bunch of friends in boats that look gorgeous - at the dock or on the water - with performance that lives up to looks.
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33 High Street
Poole, Dorset
BH15 1AB
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2012 Carkeek 40 - GALAXY. 495000 USD Located in Japan.
Built in 2012 by McConaghy Boats, to a high Carbon/Nomex/Epoxy spec, she has achieved top level success on both HPR and more recently IRC. Newly added FAST 40 transom scoop and with a new rig, she is bang of for IRC and ORC optimisation and a cost effective way into the FAST 40 world.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
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See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
You must never be satisfied with losing. You must get angry, terribly angry, about losing. But the mark of the good loser is that he takes his anger out on himself and not his victorious opponents or on his teammates. -- Richard M. Nixon
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