In This Issue
• Grand Slam Series reunited with World Match Racing Tour
• GC32 Racing Tour focusses on Riva del Garda
• Harken® Fly™ Blocks: Big Power in a Small Package
• Young Azzurra At The Youth America's Cup
• U23 Finn Worlds opens in Canet
• First ever eSailGP Champion crowned
• Peter Montgomery & Ed Baird to be Inducted to the America’s Cup Hall of Fame
• Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta August 28-30, 2020
• Industry News
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Aquarius Alfa - Swan 100S
• • SW110 Thalima
• • 60ft Classic Sailing Yacht "LASSE"
• The Last Word: Lucien Carr
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
Grand Slam Series reunited with World Match Racing Tour
The highest ranked series of match racing events in the United States - The Grand Slam Series – has announced its event dates for 2021 including reuniting with the World Match Racing Tour, the world’s longest running professional sailing series officially sanctioned by World Sailing, the world governing body of the sport.
The Grand Slam Series is made up of four Grade 2 match racing events including The Chicago Cup, International Match Race for the Detroit Cup, Oakcliff International and The Thompson Cup. Each event will also form part of the World Match Racing Tour for 2021 as World Tour level events. Skippers will earn points towards the 2021 Match Racing World Championship by gaining points from each of the Grand Slam Series events to the 2021 WMRT leader-board.
Attracting top match racing talent from around the globe, the Grand Slam title has been awarded 9 times and was on course for one of the most competitive years in the series’ history when unfortunately, it had to be cancelled this year due to COVID-19. The organizers felt that they would not be able to maintain the quality demanded of the series. Each of the event hosts and teams are looking forward to the resumption of international competition for the 2021 series and the entertaining, rigorous and competitive match racing that the series provides close to shore and ideal for spectators.
The Grand Slam Series for 2021 has been scheduled over a short period to make it easier for travelling teams to participate in the entire series and allow for travel time between cities. That so many teams participate in the majority of the series makes the competition friendly yet intense as they continue to race against each other even as one event has ended the next is ready to start.
The Grand Slam is also thrilled to continue their partnership with Congressional Cup, the longest running Grade 1 match race in the US, hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club in California. The winner of the 2021 Grand Slam, awarded to the skipper with the most accumulated points in 3 of the 4 events, will receive an invitation to the 2022 Congressional Cup.
The Grand Slam Series 2021
The Chicago Cup, 6-8 August, Chicago YC (Tom 28)
International Match Race for the Detroit Cup, 19-22 August, Bayview YC (Ultimate 20)
Oakcliff International, 27-30 August, Oakcliff Sailing (Match 40)
The Thompson Cup, 1-4 Sept, Seawanhaka Corinthian YC (Match 40)
The Notice of Series can be accessed here; each event will publish their individual Notice of Race documents in due course.
GC32 Racing Tour focusses on Riva del Garda
While this year’s sailing season has been decimated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the GC32 Racing Tour is now going to hold a single event for 2020 out of the popular sailing mecca Riva del Garda.
Riva del Garda is located in the province of Trentino which suffered only 5% of the number of COVID-19 cases compared to its neighbour Lombardy, the Italian epicentre for the pandemic.
After a lengthy lockdown due to the pandemic, racing is set to resume out of the host club, the Fraglia Vela Riva, later this month with keelboat and dinghy regattas continuing throughout September and into October when their season will conclude with its grand finale, the GC32 Riva Cup over 14-18 October. This will be the fifth consecutive year the ultra-high speed flying GC32 catamarans have visited the Italian lake, renowned for its flat water and big winds, and its dramatic backdrop with the Dolomite mountains encircling it on three sides.
One of the longest serving members of the GC32 class, France’s Erik Maris, owner-driver of Zoulou, is keen to return to both his flying catamaran and the spectacular Italian sailing venue: “Zoulou is really impatient and excited to get back on the GC32 - it has been way too long! We love the boat and Garda is just the perfect venue to show it off.”
Among the other GC32 teams set to compete in Riva del Garda in October are class newbies, Team Rockwool Racing from Denmark. Best known for competing on the SailGP series, the Danish crew, led by match racer and Volvo Ocean Race sailor Nicolai Sehested and including former SAP Extreme Sailing Team co-skipper Rasmus Kostner, has taken to the GC32 this season, training and carrying out record attempts in Denmark. However for the first time in Riva del Garda they will be joining the other GC32 teams on the race track. Given the team’s credentials, it is expected to be competitive out of the blocks.
The GC32 Riva Cup will also see the welcome return of Team Tilt, which famously won the first official GC32 World Championship in 2018 in this venue.
Among the other teams due on the start line in Riva is Christian Zuerrer’s Black Star Sailing Team which has spent these last months busy training and sailing with guests in its native Switzerland.
Sadly restrictions, both locally as well as international, on travel have forced the GC32 Racing Tour and its local organisers in Portugal to cancel this month’s much anticipated GC32 Lagos Cup. The flying catamaran circuit was looking forward to returning to the venue that in 2019 hosted the GC32 World Championship.
For those looking to join the GC32 Racing Tour, several turn-key secondhand boats are available with prices starting at 145,000 Euros at gc32.org/market-place/
Harken® Fly™ Blocks: Big Power in a Small Package
Harken® Fly blocks are designed to provide strength beyond mass, offering big holding power in a low-aero package. Designed specifically for use with very small-diameter line, these friction-fighting blocks have an incredible working load for their small size. Fly blocks are in their element rigged in cascade systems aboard foiling dinghies, catamarans, sportboats - even in multi-part control-line purchases aboard TP52s.
Fly Blocks are available in 18, 29, and 40 mm sizes. The 18 mm blocks feature an integrated stainless steel inner race and rivet, stainless steel ball bearings and composite fiber-reinforced sideplates, and are available in single, double, and before long, triple sheave models. The 29 and 40 mm blocks feature a one-piece titanium sheave that doubles as the outer bearing race for their stainless steel ball bearings.
See Fly blocks in our online catalog or at your local Harken dealer.
Young Azzurra At The Youth America's Cup
Porto Cervo, Italy: The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is set to launch an Italian challenge for the Youth America's Cup, participating in the event scheduled for 2021 in Auckland with an Italian team named Young Azzurra. The ambitious project stems from the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's objective of investing in young people, encouraging a passion for sailing among new generations, while keeping gender equality in mind.
The Youth America's Cup is a regatta organised by the yacht club defending the America's Cup, Auckland's Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and due to take place aboard one-design foiling boats from 18 February to 12 March 2021. The event will be part of the final stages of the Prada Cup selection races to designate the Challenger to the Defender, and of the America's Cup itself, which is scheduled to begin on 6 March 2020.
After the first Italian challenge for the America's Cup with Azzurra in Newport, R.I., in 1983, in 2021 a YCCS team will once again represent Italy in the context of the world's most prestigious sailing trophy. The Young Azzurra project joins that of Azzurra, the TP52 owned by YCCS members the Roemmers family, which for ten seasons has been the sporting symbol of the YCCS in the most competitive professional sailing circuit - where she is the defending champion.
In order to present the initiative to the membership, on the occasion of the YCCS General Assembly on 1st August, a hull from the Persico 69F fleet went on display in Piazza Azzurra. The Persico 69F is the next generation foiling boat which the Young Azzurra team will train on in the run up to the competition in New Zealand.
The first event where a team representing the YCCS will participate will be the Persico 69F Revolution, taking place from 14 to 19 August in Gargnano, on Lake Garda. The calendar will then continue from 14 to 19 September in Malcesine, Lake Garda, from 29 September to 4 October in Trieste, and finally from 10 to 15 November in Porto Cervo.
The Young Azzurra team members will act as spokespeople for the One Ocean Foundation, the international initiative commissioned by the YCCS for the protection and preservation of marine and coastal environments.
U23 Finn Worlds opens in Canet
Defending U23 World Champion, Oskari Muhonen, from Finland, leads the fleet after three races on the opening day of the 2020 Finn Silver Cup in Canet en Roussillon, in France. Nicolas Thierse, from Germany is second with Guillaume Boisard, from France in third.
The opening day brought light winds and some very tight racing among the small fleet who made it to the south of France amid tightening travel restrictions from many countries.
After three races, Muhonen leads the fleet from Thiase, who recovered to fifth in the final race, with Boisard in third.
Overall the conditions were ideal for the fleet and made it tough for the top guys as they didn’t have much advantage in the light winds. It was always light hiking sitting on the side conditions. And the really lightweight guys like local sailor, Kevin Maurin, and Thierse had the same speed as the top guys. It was a great first day and pretty close considering the big differences between the experience of the sailors.
Racing continues until Friday with a series of 12 races scheduled.
Results after 3 races
1. Oskari Muhonen, FIN, 6
2. Nicolas Thierse, GER, 7
3. Guillaume Boisard, FRA, 8
4. Taavi Valter Taveter, EST, 13
5. Domonkos Nemeth, HUN, 15
6. Kevin Maurin, FRA, 17
7. Aubert Lerouge, FRA, 21
8. Thomas Piotrowski, FRA, 22
9. Andres Ivan Lloret Perez, ESP, 27
10. Lucas Descriaud, FRA, 29
Event website: 2020.finnsilvercup.org
First ever eSailGP Champion crowned
Seven months of hard fought virtual battles came down to just five minutes to decide the first ever eSailGP Champion. In one of the closest match races of the season, British eSailor O'Donovan caused upset when he beat one of the pre-race favorites, Spain SailGP Team member Cardona, to not only win the inaugural championship title but also a ride on an F50 in real-life, plus automatic qualification to the eSailing World Championship Final.
After winning qualifying events earlier in the season, eight of arguably the best eSailors – representing five nations – came together in the nail-biting eSailGP Grand Final. Showing the caliber of the players involved, the first three races saw three different race winners. Deciding the top two players who would go head-to-head in the Championship Final Race came down to the finishing positions in the last fleet race.
Winning the final fleet race by a considerable margin and never off the podium in the previous two races, Cardona was the first player to book his spot in the eSailGP Championship Final Race. A second place finish in the final fleet race for O’Donovan saw him jump up the leaderboard. Although he finished on the same points as Greek eSailor Ioannis Kokonias, beating his Greek rival in the final race meant the Brit’s position in the final was secured on countback.
Re-watch the 2020 eSailGP Grand Final here.
Peter Montgomery & Ed Baird to be Inducted to the America’s Cup Hall of Fame
The Herreshoff Marine Museum / America's Cup Hall of Fame welcomes Peter Montgomery and Ed Baird to the America's Cup Hall of Fame as inductees for the Class of 2021.
They will be formally inducted in March 2021.
Peter John Montgomery MBE (NZL)
From Newport in 1980 onwards, Peter "PJ" Montgomery covered twelve America's Cup series through a period of profound change as a broadcaster and as the "Voice of the America's Cup." His distinctive delivery and riveting commentary have captured, entertained, and informed audiences, making him an instantly recognizable and popular figure in the America's Cup.
Over his fifty-year career, Montgomery strove for accuracy, earning the trust of his audience and the sport's competitors. As a result, he has earned recognition in his home country and overseas, including "Sports Journalist of the Year" and several "Sports Broadcaster of the Year" awards. In 2021, he will be the first chronicler from New Zealand to be inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame.
Phillip Edward Baird (USA)
Ed Baird is a two-time winner of the America's Cup-as coach of Team New Zealand in 1995 and as helmsman of Team Alinghi in 2007.
After Switzerland's Team Alinghi captured the America's Cup in 2003, it hired Baird as a helmsman for the team's defense in 2007. The 2007 America's Cup was a close match. But Baird and skipper Brad Butterworth kept their cool against their former team and challenger, Emirates Team New Zealand. The most exciting moment was at the end of Race Seven. A sudden, late wind shift gave New Zealand the lead just before the finish, but the Kiwis had to perform a penalty turn before crossing the finish line. While New Zealand was completing its turn, Alinghi skillfully regained the lead and won the race by just one second to successfully defend the Cup with a 5-2 series score. Baird was named the International Sailing Federation's Rolex Sailor of the Year for the achievement.
Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta August 28-30, 2020
We have dock space and moorings available. Bristol Marine is providing launch service to and from the museum. If your boat doesn't have an engine and the breeze dies, we'll tow you. The entry fee is a low $5/foot of LOA.
What we're trying to do is eliminate reasons you might not come to the regatta (other than COVID-19 - we can't seem to get rid of that). Come check in with boats and friends you haven't seen in a while, and enjoy a nice tour of the upper bay courtesy of our new PRO John Mooney.
To comply with CDC and State & Local guidance, all registrations & waivers MUST be completed online, and any communications between the RO and competitors will take place via VHF and email.
Racing classes include:
CRF2020
Vintage
Classic
Modern Classic
Spirit of Tradition
One Design
S Class
H12.5
Any other classic one-designs that want to try to pull together 3 or more boats (contact the OA to discuss participation)
* Visit the CYOA site for more info on class definitions and to get a CRF2020 rating certificate.
Questions? Send an email to regatta [AT] herreshoff [DOT] org
Industry News
CORRECTIONS: In the last Industry News we mised a boat show in the UK and got Annapolis dates wrong:
MDL Marinas put this one in place before the one that Boats 2020 Southampton was organised which they then put on the same date would you believe!
Here is the link to the Ocean Village Boatshow: www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/events/-- A hat tip to David Aisher for that one
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You and IBI have the dates of the Annapolis sailboat show and powerboat show reversed. The powerboat show is up first and the sailboat show is always the 5 days of Columbus Day weekend. -- Hat tip to Ted Ruegg
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The Multihull Sailboat Market Research Report by Market Research Intellect focuses on some of the vital aspects of the market such as Revenue Rate, Market Share, Key Regions, and Production as well as Key Players. This Multihull Sailboat report also provides the readers with detailed figures at which the Multihull Sailboat market was valued in the historical year and its expected growth in upcoming years. Besides, the analysis also forecasts the CAGR at which the Multihull Sailboat is expected to mount and major factors driving the market’s growth. All the latest technological innovations, industry trends, and market data are provided in the Global Multihull Sailboat report for the forecast period. The in-depth view of the Multihull Sailboat industry on the basis of market size, market growth, opportunities, and development plans offered by the report analysis.
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Anyone wishing to sell their boat this year will not find a better opportunity than the Deacons Used Boat Show taking place 11-20 September in Bursledon, Southampton.
The easing of lockdown restrictions coupled with some fantastic weather means the demand for used boats has never been higher. And listing a boat in the show, organised by Whyboats International Yacht Brokers, couldn’t be easier.
“It’s a great time for anyone who is looking to sell their boat. The market is really buoyant and currently there is a real demand for used boats, both power and sail,” says Ian Watkins, Whyboats’ director. “Listing your boat for the show is very simple, just give us a call and we’ll do the rest. The£150 listing fee is really competitive and includes a whole host of benefits too.”
By listing a boat with Whyboats at the Deacons Used Boat Show the seller will not only enjoy a discounted commission rate (5% plus VAT), but will receive a free lift, scrub and block off, one-month free storage ashore followed by 25% off storage ashore until 31st December 2020. Another washdown after the first month is also included.
Open daily from 10am - 6pm the Deacons Used Boat Show will showcase the range of used boats to visitors in a covid-secure manner, ensuring both visitors and show staff are safe. Additionally, boats will be thoroughly sanitised each day, giving peace of mind to sellers and potential buyers alike.
For more information on selling a boat with Whyboats at the Deacons Used Boat Show visit www.whyboats.com
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As communicated on April 23, 2020, Gurit has been in the process of recruiting the successor of current Chief Executive Officer Rudolf Hadorn. Today, August 17, 2020, it was announced that Mitja Schulz has been appointed to fill the position.
Prior to joining Gurit, Mitja Schulz was Senior Vice President and CEO of ZF Wind Power Antwerpen NV, part of ZF Friedrichshafen. Before this, he held a number of senior management positions within ZF Friedrichshafen and Porsche where he successfully executed major business transformation and growth programs. Mitja Schulz is a German citizen and holds a degree in Business Administration & Economics from the University of Cooperative Education, Stuttgart. The exact date when Mitja Schulz will take office in Gurit will be announced at a later stage.
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One of the most iconic brands in offshore racing and high-performance boating, Hering Propellers, has been acquired by FJ Propeller Midwest.
Featured Brokerage
Aquarius Alfa - Swan 100 S. 3,950,000 VAT paid EUR.
Aquarius Alfa - the perfect fast cruiser to explore the oceans in style.
See listing details at Carrswood Yachts
Contact
Contact Alastair for further details +44747 6888639
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2010 SW110 Thalima. 6,200,000 VAT Paid EUR. Located in Barcelona, Spain.
SW110 Thalima is Southern Wind flagship. This yacht is the perfect blend of a high-performance and nimble yacht, fun to steer, aesthetically linear and a bluewater yacht to sail around the world in safety and comfort.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
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Southern Wind Shipyard (Pty) Ltd
Salita Dinegro 7/1,
16123 Genoa, Italy
sales [AT] sws-yachts [DOT] eu
Tel. +39010 570 4035
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1940 60ft Classic Sailing Yacht "LASSE". 230000 EUR. Located in West Coast of France
LASSE was launched in August 1940 in Stubbekøbing, 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
I love first times. I want my whole life to be composed of them. Life is only interesting if life is wide. -- Lucien Carr
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