In This Issue
• Arcus and Gentoo prevail in IRC championships
• Stage 3 Leg Of La Solitaire Du Figaro
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• Kieler Woche 2020: Six nations on the winners' list
• Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Nationals
• Defi Azimut
• Jeepster & Brutus win at the J/70 UK Nationals
• Swan Tuscany Challenge
• Aarhus selected to host fourth SailGP event of Season 2
• A Lecture by Maynard Bray
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Vismara Marine / Marten Yachts V65 Fast Cruiser
• • VECTOR 1450 - Offshore aluminium chase boat
• • Ker 40 - "Icebreaker"
• The Last Word: Arnold Schwarzenegger
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
Arcus and Gentoo prevail in IRC championships
Mid-September it may be, but conditions for the Royal Ocean Racing Club's 2020 IRC championships felt more like June this weekend, with shorts and T-shirts conditions and allowing a full schedule of racing to be laid on by PRO Stuart Childerley and his team. The event concluded today with two windward-leeward races on the central-eastern Solent in more variable and generally lighter winds than on Friday or Saturday.
Despite being new to their A35 Arcus, John Howell and Paul Newell's crew managed perfect scorelines on day one and today to win not just IRC Three, but the IRC National Championship overall.
Demonstrating how the RORC's IRC rating rule smiles on professionals and amateurs alike, the Arcus crew is firmly in the latter camp, comprising principally co-owners Howell and Newell and their sons, who come from the Buckinghamshire area.
At the opposite end of the IRC spectrum, a 1-3 today was enough to comfortably secure Niklas Zennström's FAST40+ Rán victory by five points in IRC One, but a few uncharacteristic blemishes on their scoreline dropped them to second overall.
Having led the fleet around the race track this weekend, Tony Langley's TP52 Gladiator finally made up her time to secure her first win of the event in today's final windward-leeward.
The hardest fought victory across the three classes was that of 2012 winner David Franks aboard his J/112E Leon. They had been handicapped with Franks only coming out of COVID-19 isolation on Friday; maths not working in their favour from the event's mandatory crew number reduction rules (for social distancing), but mainly from being one of the lowest rated boats in IRC Two and having to find lanes and constantly fight their way up through the fleet. On the plus side the Leon crew had sailed together previously this year. Otherwise, Franks had no complaints: "It has been fabulous, a very good event, well organised. It was lovely to see so many boats out on the Solent."
Running alongside has been the IRC Two-Handed Nationals. With the increased popularity of this discipline due to it being social distancing-friendly and becoming an Olympic event for Paris 2024, the fleet was packed with talent. Going into the final day Dee Caffari and James Harayda on the Sun Fast 3300 Gentoo was tied with Jeremy Waitt and double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson on Richard Palmer's JPK 10.10 Jangada. However a 1-3 was enough to secure Gentoo the title as Jangada's 4-4.5 caused her to drop off the podium, albeit just one point short of second. -- James Boyd
Stage 3 Leg Of La Solitaire Du Figaro
The Race Director of the 51st La Solitaire du Figaro shortened the course for Stage 2 to ensure that the skippers had a full extra night of sleep before this afternoon's start of Stage 3, a 492 miles 'monster' of a leg from Dunkirk down the Channel and all the way around the Brittany coast to Saint Nazaire.
Considering the light winds which are expected to prevail for much of this decisive leg, and the constant intense demands of close, side by side racing along the rocky, very tidal French coast, the 33 skippers who started in a moderate 15 knots WSW'ly and choppy seas this afternoon will have cause to be thankful they started today with full reserves of energy.
Although they set off in a good breeze, one which was due to build during the early evening to 18-20kts, by the first mark, Daffodil buoy at Dieppe, the winds are expected to die away and remain light for most the remainder of the course.
Britain's Phil Sharp (OceansLab) who lies in 23rd place overall, showed the flee the way in the early hours of the race as the fleet short tacked westwards up the Channel in a narrow lane, compressed by the shipping zone offshore of them. And Sam Goodchild (Leyton), who in third overall holds the best mid-Solitaire position ever of a British skipper, made a solid start to his leg, lying 10th very much in the heat of the peloton.
The 33 solo sailors still in the race (after the retirements of Robin Marais - Ma Chance Moi Aussi - who went aground off Start Point on Stage 2 and the injured Corentin Douguet - NF Habitat) were setting up to pass the two great capes of the Opal Coast, Blanc Nez and Gris Nez where the shipping lanes are at the busiest.
Top five, leg 3, at 0503 France time
1. Sam Goodchild - Leyton, 275.7 to leg finish
2. Pierre Quiroga - Skipper MACIF 2019, 1.32 nm to leader
3. Lois Berrehar - Bretagne CMB Performance, 1.63
4. Adrien Hardy - Ocean Attitude, 1.65
5. Xavier Macaire - Groupe SNEF, 1.82
Top five overall after Stage 2
1. Armel Le Cleac'h - Banque Populaire, 5j 22h 48mn 49sec total time
2. Xavier Macaire - Groupe SNEF, 0j 0h 37mn 30sec time to leader
3. Sam Goodchild - Leyton, 5j 23h 32mn 48sec, 0j 0h 43mn 59sec
4. Yann Elies - Queguiner Materiaux - Leucemie Espoir, 5j 23h 38mn 48sec, 0j 0h 49mn 59sec
5. Tom Laperche - Bretagne CMB Espoir, 5j 23h 40mn 3sec, 0j 0h 51mn 14sec 0
Seahorse September 2020
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
Update
Racing the AC75s, why wand controls are old hat and the forgotten brilliance of John Gill and Walt Walters, racing through the Battle of Jutland and an Italian Volvo Race veteran trying hard to make a (sensible) difference. Charles Lawrence, Jack Griffin, Francesco Bertone, Giuliano Luzzatto, Terry Hutchinson, Francesca Clapcich
Ultimate product
Reckmann have long been acknowledged as producers of the Porsche of sail furlers in terms of engineering and reliability. But maintaining this hard-won reputation means never standing still
Beautifully simple
The man who built Alinghi's America's Cup winning rigs knows a thing or two about eliminating any scope for failure
Don't jump to conclusions
Just because an extremely quick multihull sailor decides to spend some time checking out the cruising lifestyle does not mean for a moment that they have any intention of slowing down...
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Kieler Woche 2020: Six nations on the winners' list
Eight days of high-performance sailing, 19 classes and 278 races: That is the balance sheet of Kiel Week 2020, for which the chief race director Fabian Bach and his teams have been responsible on the inshore race tracks. "We are very satisfied and, with a few exceptions, were able to complete the entire program in all classes. In the Laser and 29er silver groups we skipped a few races because of the strong wind," said Bach. "The teams did a great job. Of course we were also lucky with the wind, but that's part of the game." -- Herman Hell
* 49er: Lutz / Beucke (GER) Qualify for Tokyo
Tina Lutz and Susann Beucke of Germany have won their selection trials and will race in Tokyo. The pair are leading Kieler Woche which is the third leg of their national trials and since they were already leading the trials have mathematically locked up Olympic selection.
The German duo are long time campaigners but have yet to attend a games. They won the 2017 European Championship in Kiel, so clearly they are comfortable in the Kiel waters and sailed beautifully on the first day of gold fleet to move into the lead. -- Ben Remocker
Segelreporter, the German sailling online magazine has the full story.
* Finns on Day 4 at Kieler Woche
Nicholas Heiner wrapped up victory at Kieler Woche on Sunday after two more races. A fifth and a second left him with an 11 point lead at the top. Facundo Olezza, who has spent all week in third place moved up to second with a 2, 6, while Nils Theuninck dropped to third after a 4,7.
However the day belonged to Anders Pedersen with two confident race wins to leave him fifth overall. Max Salminen also had a consistent day with two thirds to end up fourth.
While the day was forecast to have very strong winds, in the end it was great day of racing for the big men of sailing, with a relatively cold south-westerly of 16-20 knots.-- Robert Deaves
* OK Dinghies on Day 4 at Kieler Woche
Mads Bendix has won Kieler Woche after no more races were sailed on the final day, Sunday. With the forecast showing 20-30 knots all day, the fleet took the collective decision to opt for an early end to the regatta after eight great races over the first three days.
Andre Budzien was second with Thomas Hansson-Mild rounding out the top three.
Kieler Woche was intended to be part of the 2020 Euro League for the class, which was cancelled due to COVID-19. Hopefully, in 2021 the Euro League will be able to happen, with Kieler Woche again planned to be part of the series. -- Robert Deaves
Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Nationals
A week of highs in Weymouth - high flying, high spirits, and high-quality racing. In a difficult year for so many reasons, the Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Nationals at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy has been a highlight.
At the top of the fleet Dylan Fletcher's performance has been nothing short of outstanding. He's regularly seen topping podiums at events around the world, but rarely has he put in such a commanding performance, continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in a Moth
The USA's Brad Funk, who pushed Dylan all the way at the 2019 Nationals, took second place overall in his Beiker-designed Moth. Brad's high foiling style, fly-bys and laid back but hugely focused approach to sailing is always a joy to watch.
2021 sees the World Championships scheduled to take place at Lake Garda, and many of the British sailors have their eyes set on the event to show what they can do at a global level. For Dylan Fletcher, competing at the Worlds has proved difficult with commitments in the 49er and the SailGP getting in the way, but he's hopeful he will be able to take part:
"I'd like to hope that next year in September I'll be in Garda. It's just post-Olympics and my wedding's a week before, but we're already talking about little areas we need to be pushing in development, so I'd love to line up against the likes of Tom Slingsby, Paul Goodison and Peter Burling. I'm sure they'll be hard to beat, but I'd hope I'll be a bit stronger if it's lighter conditions. It would be a perfect honeymoon!"
Final Top Ten (Sailed: 13, Discards: 2, To count: 11):
1. Dylan Fletcher, GBR, 14 points
2. Bradley Funk, USA, 39
3. Alex Adams, GBR, 40
4. Chris Draper, GBR, 46
5. Eddie Bridle, GBR, 51
6. Simon Hiscocks, GBR, 6
7. Stu Bithell, GBR, 97
8. Jason Belben, GBR, 110
9. Ross Harvey, GBR, 117
10. Billy Vennis-Ozanne, GBR, 119
Defi Azimut
Enjoying an established breeze, sunshine, a host of remarkably well prepared and receptive skippers, and a series of full-on races where the potential winners were impossible to guess in advance, everything came together to ensure the success of the tenth Defi Azimut.
17 competitors joined the fray to battle it out in the three complementary formats. Armel Tripon (L'Occitane en Provence) posted the best time during the speed runs (23.35 knots), Jeremie Beyou (Charal) taking the win in the 48-hour Azimut after the incredible suspense of the finish, and today, Kevin Escoffier (PRB) proved to be the quickest to circumnavigate the Ile de Groix.
An unrivalled sporting success
"The variety of the formats enabled a great many skippers to really demonstrate what they're made of and provided the perfect showcase for their talent. The Speed runs and the Round the Ile de Groix are always spectacular and the social aspect is much appreciated by the guests. As for the singlehanded 48-hour Azimut, at least five boats could have secured the win at any one time and to my mind the suspense at the finish was key to the success of this edition", explained the organiser Jean Marie Corteville, as he disembarked this afternoon from MACSF, having been invited to contest the Round the Ile de Groix by skipper Isabelle Joschke.
As is the case every year, in addition to the competitive jousting, the Defi was also an opportunity to gather together the various protagonists that make up Lorient's ecosystem around themes associated with the economy, technology and the environment. A cross-disciplinary event, the Defi puts the excellent hosting capacity of Lorient La Base to very good use and stands out as a real jewel in the maritime landscape of Brittany's 'Sailing Valley".
Top three - Groix Azimut Tower
1. PRB - Kevin Escoffier
2. APIVIA - Charlie Dalin 3.
Top three - 48th Azimut
1. Charal - Jeremie Beyou
2. Heart Initiatives - Samantha Davies
3. MACSF - Isabelle Joschke
Top three - Runs
1. L'occitane En Provence - Armel Tripon
2. Linkedout - Thomas Rouillard
3. Arkea Paprec - Sebastien Simon
Jeepster & Brutus win at the J/70 UK Nationals
The J/70 UK Class boast reigning World Champions in both the Open and Corinthian Classes. However, a dramatic end to racing at the 2020 J/70 UK National Championships, resulted in two new national champions. Spectacular conditions on the final day were used to the full by the Royal Southern YC Race Team, led by PRO Charlie Stowe, the scene was set for a memorable finale to a superb regatta. Graham Clapp's Jeepster is the new J/70 UK Open National Champion, and Charles Thompson's Brutus is the new J/70 UK Corinthian Champion.
In the Open Championship, Paul Ward's World Champion team on Eat Sleep J Repeat was second. Newcomers to the class, Nick Phillip's Chaotic was third.
Top five, UK National Championship
1. Jeepster, Graham Clapp, GBR, 16 points 2. Eat Sleep J Repeat, Paul Ward, GBR, 22 3. Chaotic, Nick PHilips, GBR, 27 4. Jelvis, Martin Dent, GBR, 34 5. Calypso, J Peters & J Calascione, GBR, 37
Top five, Corinthian teams 1. Brutus, Charles Thompson, GBR, 45 2. DSP, Doug Struth, GBR, 50 3. Soak Racing, Marshall King / Ian Wilson, GBR, 51 4. Yeti, Jack Davies, GBR, 80 5. Cosmic, Patrick Liardet, GBR, 84
Full results on YachtScoring.com
Swan Tuscany Challenge - The Return To Gentlemanly Racing
The Swan Tuscany Challenge heralds the return of the fun and excitement of gentlemanly competition in the bay of Scarlino.
Nineteen One Design yachts moored in the beautiful Marina di Scarlino, met for four days of intense racing to test their abilities and prepare for the upcoming Swan One Design Worlds, taking place from October 13th to 17th in the same venue.
"The fast reaction of the company in organizing an alternative regatta after the cancellation of the Rolex Swan Cup and the number of Swan One Design yachts attending, is proof of the enthusiasm for real-time racing and the energy flowing within the Swan family." says Enrico Chieffi, Nautor Group Vice-President.
With good winds, sunny days and blue skies, the Tuscan Archipelago turned out to be a magnetic arena for the teams to compete.
The action in the Swan One Design fleet, after months of forced shut-down hotted up with the participation of new owners fully prepared to face their competitors and ready to race until the last breath.
The Swan Tuscany Challenge marked a milestone for the Nautor's Swan family:
Fifty years old, Swan 43 Kokkola arrived with her owner on Thursday night to join her old and new generation compatriots: Swan 48 - Mia, Swan 65 S&S - Saida, Swan 80 Anthos, Swan 78 Azzurro, to unfurl their sails for a day exploring the islands around Scarlino.
On Friday night Kokkola was honoured for her 50th Anniversary by the management of the company.
Aarhus selected to host fourth SailGP event of Season 2
SailGP today announced the selection of the Danish city of Aarhus to host the fourth event in the global championship's second season. ROCKWOOL will serve as Title Partner for SailGP's Scandinavian debut as the world's fastest sail racing descends on the picturesque Bay of Aarhus, August 20-21, 2021. The grand prix event will mark the first opportunity for helmsman Nicolai Sehested and the Denmark SailGP Team presented by ROCKWOOL to race on home waters following the inauguration of the team late last year.
ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP will take place in Aarhus, the city's new vibrant waterfront district, with racing on the surrounding bay. The sustainable, smart city is an experienced international event host and world-renowned sailing venue, having recently staged the 2018 Sailing World Championships.
SailGP will begin Season 2 next year in San Francisco on April 17-18, before stopping in New York (June 4-5) and Plymouth, UK (July 17-18), en route to Denmark. The European leg of the season is planned to continue in team markets France and Spain, with further venues to be announced. At the conclusion of the season, the champion is awarded sailing's largest monetary prize of US$1 million.
SailGP's roster of national teams now sits at eight with the recent addition of New Zealand to the championship, bringing the number of Olympic gold medalist helmsmen in the league to four (Sir Ben Ainslie/Great Britain, Peter Burling/New Zealand, Nathan Outteridge/Japan, Tom Slingsby/Australia).
A Lecture by Maynard Bray
"Rediscovering Herreshoff: A New Look at a Unique Boatbuilding Enterprise" Originally filmed on September 20, 1994... this is a special one.
Join us as we continue our journey into HMM's video archive of years past!
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The Last Word
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