Brought to you by boats.com Europe, 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
NOTE TO MY READERS: Eurobutt will take a short hiatus starting Friday. Your humble narrator will be travelling, visiting family and friends and taking a bit of vacation time. Scuttlebutt Europe will not have a Friday issue this week, nor likely to have any issues next week. Normal schedule to resume for the Monday 26 August issue.
Rolex Fastnet Race
Team SCA at the Needles. Photo by Rick Tomlinson, rick-tomlinson.com 
Now downwind, homeward bound back from the Fastnet Rock, the overall IRC leadership has shifted in favour of the bigger boats. With this, there is some excitement sparking up around the Rolex Fastnet Race Village at Plymouth Yacht Haven with the women's Volvo Ocean Race team, Team SCA, moving into first position. This morning the pink VO70 had edged ahead in the IRC Canting Keel class, and this afternoon they have taken the overall lead.
However they are being seriously threatened by the all-male crew led by Ian Walker on Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, currently just over a mile astern of Team SCA. While there are three male coaches sailing on board Team SCA, including Kiwi veteran and multiple Volvo Ocean Race winner Brad Jackson, the rest of the crew is female.
Former Olympian, multiple Laser Radial and Europe World Champion and Volvo Ocean Race sailor, Carolijn Brouwer, is on board, along with British Vendée Globe sailor Sam Davies and Olympic match racer Annie Lush.
Brouwer, originally from the Netherlands, who was helming Team SCA at the start, said that although the Rolex Fastnet Race was the team's first official race, for the crew it represented another step in their training for next year's round the world race.
"We are in 9-10 knots of breeze and conditions are very, very tricky," Brouwer continued. "We have been doing a lot of manoeuvres and a fair few changes - we are just focusing on keeping them clean and tidy." They have used being in contact with the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing VO70 to compare their performance. "Conditions are extremely tricky and it will only get trickier the closer we get to Plymouth. We just need to keep focused and keep chugging along, like we have over the last couple of days and hopefully it will all turn out okay."
At 1600 BST, Team SCA had 120 miles to go and was 27 miles from Bishop Rock to the west of the Scilly Isles.
* Esimit Europa 2, the 100-ft Maxi skippered by Jochen Schumann, is set to claim monohull line honours at the 2013 Rolex Fastnet Race.
At 17:00 BST she was 85-nm from the finish line in Plymouth, with the crew reporting an ETA of 01:00 BST Wednesday morning. In the prevailing light conditions, Esimit Europa 2 has a natural advantage over her nearest rival, Mike Slade's heavier ICAP Leopard (GBR) and consequently throughout the day has been able to build what looks like an insurmountable lead. It currently stands at 20-nm.
Volvo 70 Team SCA (SWE) is making good progress on the heels of ICAP Leopard currently finding itself in a strong position with the IRC rating system taken into account. "Since the Fastnet Rock we have been pushing into this lighter stuff," reported Team SCA's Brad Jackson. "The boats behind us keep coming at us but we eventually hit some breeze and keep getting away. We'll keep trying to do that for a while."
* The MOD70 Edmond de Rothschild crossed the finish line in the Rolex Fastnet Race this Tuesday at 1108 GMT. Sébastien Josse and Charles Caudrelier, who had opted to race double-handed in preparation for their participation in the upcoming Transat Jacques Vabre, completed the 610-mile course between Cowes and Plymouth, via the Fastnet, in 48 hours and 8 minutes. More important than the race time or ranking - Gitana XV secured 4th place in elapsed time - the men of Gitana Team's main aim was to qualify for the transatlantic race between Le Havre and Itajaï.
On his arrival in Plymouth, after 48 hours at sea, the skipper of Edmond de Rothschild ran through the race scenario: "We're tired but happy to have completed this race and qualified for the Jacques Vabre. The weather conditions pretty much echoed the forecasts with a really physical start to the race... We exited the Solent close-hauled in a building breeze - an average of 12 to 15 knots - and those few miles were intense with a great many tack changes to be performed. During these manoeuvring sequences, we clearly lacked muscle power to drive the boat in the way we're used to doing in crewed configuration. Fortunately the 150 miles between exiting the Solent and Lizard Point were easier to handle, because the minute you have some open water it's less of a strain on a physical level.
In the Celtic Sea, we had more breeze than forecast with an average of 17 knots, which peaked at 25 knots. There were short and fairly choppy seas, which weren't very comfortable. As planned though, as soon as we rounded the Fastnet, we switched to a run. It was a great night in this configuration. This morning, the wind totally died away with just 10 miles to go till the finish. We were virtually at a standstill for 4 hours and we had to be patient as we waited for the south-westerly breeze to kick back in and steer us towards the entrance to Plymouth Sound, where the finish line was set."
ORACLE Sailing Crew Implicated In AC45 Measurement Bust
A previously confidential report by the Chairman of the Measurement Committee reveals that according to an internal inquiry by Oracle Team USA, one member of their sailing crew was involved along with three members of the team Shore crew in the AC45 Measurement incident which broke late last week.
A previously confidential report by the Chairman of the Measurement Committee reveals that according to an internal inquiry by Oracle Team USA, one member of their sailing crew was involved along with three members of the team Shore crew in the AC45 Measurement incident which broke late last week.
The incident relates to the finding on July 26, that a builder supplied part of three AC45's managed by America's Cup Defenders Oracle Team USA, had been tampered with, and had over 2kgs of ballast added to it.
The discovery was made by boatbuilders working for America's Cup Regatta Management (ACRM).
The amount of additional weight added is miniscule, and it is equally hard to understand why it would be located forward in the boat, however the point is that it was a breech of the class rules for the AC45 - which is a one design manufacturer supplied class.
The flipside of that situation is the time taken to clear off what should have been a very simple matter of the team identifying the people involved, the circumstances, and providing the Measurer with an explanation - all within 24 hours. Maybe they could have avoided the ignomy of withdrawing from the last four events of the America's cup World Series, of which Oracle team USA had won three and finished second in the other.
Instead what should have been a minor error, has dragged on for over two weeks and now the investigatory phase of a Rule 69 Hearing has got underway involving a substantial number of the team members, at a time when they should be preparing for the Defence of the America's Cup. -- Excerpt from Richard Gladwell's article in Sail-World.com
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Purchase the Extreme Sailing Series Collection by Marinepool directly from the official online store: www.extreme-sailing-series-store.com or contact us for your customized team wear.
On to the Louis Vuitton Cup Final
Luna Rossa practicing. Photo by LUNA ROSSA/Carlo Borlenghi. Click on image for photo gallery.
The biggest question in every sport is who is going to win the contest? On paper, Emirates Team New Zealand looks like an easy victor against Italy's Luna Rossa in the Louis Vuitton Cup, America's Cup Challenger Series. In July New Zealand defeated Luna Rossa in every head-to-head race by over one mile. Last week, however, the Italian crew improved each day against Artemis Racing in the semifinal match. Did the competition help Luna Rossa enough to where they could possibly defeat the powerful Kiwis?
Before addressing Italy's chances, there are some important points to note about the upcoming regatta. The first two races will be on Saturday, August 17. The winner is the first boat to win 7 races. It could be a long series. The first race each day is scheduled for 1:10 local time. The race should last about 30 minutes. After a 30-minute break the boats will start again for Race Two at 2:10. Over the past month we have seen the wind here in San Francisco build later in the afternoon. There is a 21-knot wind strength limit in August and this limit is adjusted for the current. If there is a flood tide of 1.5 knots the wind limit increases to 22.5 knots. Conversely if the tide is ebbing at 1.5 knots (flowing out of the bay) the race committee will reduce the wind limit to 19.5 knots.
Adding to the equation each team is allowed - for one time only in the series, no questions asked - to postpone the second race of the day. This allows for a breakdown or some other problem. Like any sport "time outs" are generally held until the end of the game. We might learn that one boat is faster in lighter winds, and so that team may use their time-out to avoid racing when the wind is heavy in the afternoon. -- Gary Jobson
ISAF Invites Bids to Host the 2017 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship
ISAF is now inviting all Member National Authorities to bid for the 2017 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship.
The ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship is ISAFs longest running event, having taken place every year since the first championships hosted by Sweden in 1971.
The event has been held in 26 countries over the past 43 years. The 43rd edition took place from 13-20 July in Limassol, Cyprus before the flag was passed over by Cypriot sailors to the Portuguese team, host team of the 2014 ISAF Youth Worlds that will take place in Tavira. Langkawi, Malaysia will host the 2015 ISAF Youth Worlds before it heads to Al Musannah Sports City, Oman in 2016.
In advance of the 2013 ISAF Annual Conference in Oman, ISAF is inviting bids to host the 2017 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship.
A new addition to the Bid Manual for the 2017 ISAF Youth Worlds includes investing in the legacy of the Youth Worlds. On the importance of a long lasting legacy ISAF Youth Worlds Technical Delegate Antonio Gonzalez de la Madrid said, "It is vital that MNAs think about the lasting legacy hosting an event of the ISAF Youth Worlds stature can have on sailing within their nation."
MNAs interested in bidding should contact the ISAF Secretariat here to receive the bid manual. The deadline for bids is 15 October 2013. Bids will be reviewed by the Youth World Championship Sub-Committee during its meeting on 10 November 2013 at the ISAF Annual Conference in Oman.
Celebrating 30 Years: 2013 J/22 World Championship
Newport, Rhode Island, USAP: Sixty-five teams from the U.S, Canada, England, South Africa and the Cayman Islands have already signed up to be a part of history at the 30th Anniversary J/22 World Championship presented by Fidelity Investments® scheduled for October 1-5, 2013 in Newport, Rhode Island.
Hosted by Sail Newport, many special events are planned in honor of the World Championship and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the boat. Along with Presenting Sponsor Fidelity Investments®, other sponsors have joined including Waterline Systems, J Boats, Coral Reef Sailing Apparel, Gosling's Dark and Stormy® and the Rhode Island State Yachting Committee.
A Legends Regatta on Monday afternoon, September 30 will reunite past champions as well as noteworthy J/22 sailors who have been members of the Class during its long history. After racing, the Legends sailors will join the opening ceremony on Monday evening to launch the World Championship week.
Registration is open until September 15, but the early deadline is August 14.
Kiteracing Oceanic Championships Are Coming To Western Australia
Two years on from Perth 2011, an international level competition course racing event is coming to Western Australia's Indian Ocean shores; the Kiteracing Oceanic Championships.
Kiteboarding has become one of the fastest growing water sports worldwide, founding a loyal community of enthusiasts at every beachside suburb with regular breeze. Western Australia's peerless beaches and ocean breezes attract thousands of colourful kites down to the gustiest spots most afternoons along the coastline.
The International Kiteboarding Association is the ISAF sanctioned governing body for kiteboarding, overseeing the course racing on Leighton Beach in December. Ranking points from this competition to roll towards the world championships with this event joining the IKA's annual racing calendar, adding further reason for competitors from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Spain, Germany and further abroad to race.
This event is building to become the most anticipated races on the international circuit and together with The Fremantle Doctor, conditions are bound to bring us an exceptionally fast race to watch.
The longest kiterace in Australia, the Lighthouse to Leighton is slated for Saturday December 14th. This 19km race launches from Rottnest Island to speed across the Gage Roads pass back to mainland shores. In 2010 Alex Caizergues set a record time of 23.34 to finish this now world renown race.
The inaugural Kiteracing Oceanic Championships will take place on Leighton Beach in North Fremantle from December 10-15, 2013.
Cork Dry Gin Calves Week
With a good sailing breeze, from the north west, forecast for the last day of sailing in the 2013 Cork Dry Gin Calves Week 2013, Race Officer Neil Prendiville took the opportunity to send the fleets in an unusual triangular course. A beat from north of the Calf Islands to Goat Island 3 nautical miles west of Schull Harbour, a fast spinnaker run down the smooth channel inside Goat and Long Islands and a broad reach out and around the Middle and Calf Islands was the set for some challenging and enjoyable sailing.
The wind, which was light onshore, built to a 17 to 18 knot breeze outside Copper Point, with gusts up to 25 knots, added interest to the spinnaker legs in particular. Classes 0/1 and 2/3, and the larger Whitesail boats, completed the circuit twice, with the smaller boats finishing after the run around the Calves.
Many boats struggled however to hold their spinnakers in the gusts with a few generous broaches to add to the excitement, which may explain why in the final shakeup Fool's Gold were ahead of Rockabill V on corrected time in IRC. Both however were behind Kieran Twomey who completed a clean sweep in Class 0/1 IRC for the week.
Overall results:
Class 0&1 IRC Gloves Off Kieran Twomey (RCYC)
Class 0&1 Echo Freya Conor Doyle (KYC)
Class 2&3 IRC Big Deal Derek Dillon (FYC)
Class 2&3 Echo Amazing Grace Brian O'Sullivan (TBSC)
Class 4 Shelly D Michael Murphy (SHSC)
Class 4 Echo Seven Whistler Rene Wubben (WHSC)
Whitesail 1 IRC Fizz Ciaran Geoghegan (DSC)
Whitesail 1 Echo Act 2 Roche/O'Leary/Andrews (RIYC)
Whitesail 2 La Perle Noire James and Deborah Crowley (SHSC)
Schooner Astor at Dun Laoghaire
Schooner 'Astor' built by the famous Wm. Fife & Sons of Scotland in 1923. Teak planks over English oak frames. Originally commissioned for Dr McCormick of Sydney, Australia, Her homeport since 1987 is Newport, California, USA.
Although used mainly for cruising these days, this historic boat won the America Schooner Cup Race five times consecutively and has just finished up at the Fife Regatta 2013 where she was placed second in Class 1.
She is now in Dun Laoghaire Marina to allow the owners and crew to sample the delights of Dublin City, before she continues on her way with next stop, the Mediterranean.
Afloat magazine: afloat.ie
Royals 'Sink' Abramovic Yacht
The Emirati royal family has dethroned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in the race to own the world's biggest mega-yacht, Yachts France magazine has reported.
The 180-metre (590-foot) "Azzam" built for Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, the president of the United Arab Emirates and emir of Abu Dhabi, has ousted Abramovich's 163.5-metre (536-foot) "Eclipse" from the top of the yacht league table, the magazine said in its annual survey of the world's 100 biggest yachts.
After holding the top spot for three years, the "Eclipse" was pushed into second place by the "Azzam" after its delivery this year by German builder Lurssen Yachts.
The floating palace features six bridges and a 550-square-metre (6,000-square-foot) lounge decorated in the opulent turn-of-the-century Empire style, the magazine reported.
Despite its size, the behemoth can also move at a top speed of 31.5 knots (58 kilometres per hour/36 miles per hour), making it the third-fastest yacht among the top 100.
business.iafrica.com/worldnews/875067.html
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The Last Word
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