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Start Of The Transat Jacques Vabre Set For 1300hrs Thursday Off Le Havre
At a skippers briefing at 1500hrs local time today race direction confirmed that the start of the 11th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre from Le Havre to Itajaí, Brazil will be at 1300hrs (local time) on Thursday, November 7, for Class40, Multi50, IMOCA and MOD70.
The fleet will dock out from Le Havre's Paul Vatine Basin in the morning at 0930hrs am starting with the Class 40 Proximedia - Sauvez mon enfant until 1100hrs with the MOD70 Oman Air - Musandam last out. The Quinette lock gates open at 1115hrs.
At 1300hrs the 44 boats will cross the starting line, head to the France Info mark (north cardinal General Metzinger) to be left to port before setting sail to Itajaí in Brazil.
Given the big depression forecast for the night of Saturday into Sunday race management have an option of requiring a weather stop, as authorised by the sailing directions, for Class 40 and perhaps also the Multi 50's in Roscoff. That announcement will be made tomorrow pre-start.
2011 Title Defenders
Monohull 60':
Virbac-Paprec
Jean-Pierre Dick & Jeremie Beyou
15days 18h 15min 54sec
Multihull 50':
Actual
Yves Le Blevec & Samuel Manuard
17days 17h 7min 43sec
Class 40':
Aquarelle.com
Yannick Bestaven & Eric Drouglazet
21days 17h 59min 8sec
www.transat-jacques-vabre.com/en
Spindrift 2 New Holder Of The Discovery Route Record
Photo by Chris Schmid. Click on image to enlarge.
After crossing the finish line in San Salvador in the Bahamas this morning just before 0600hrs GMT, Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard's maxi trimaran, Spindrift 2, has beaten the previous record for the Discovery Route, held since 2007 by Franck Cammas and his maxi trimaran, Groupama 3, by more than 20 hours (20 hours, 29 minutes and 32 seconds).
Spindrift 2 left Cadiz (Spain) on October 30 at 1519hrs and 34 seconds GMT. The crew of 14 now holds the record time for the 3,885 miles route after setting a new time 6 days, 14 hours, 29 minutes and 21 seconds at an average speed of 24.5 knots. Spindrift 2's actual distance traveled was 4,503 nautical miles at an average of 28.41 knots.
It is an achievement full of astonishing statistics with Spindrift 2 traveling 714.4 miles in one day last Friday, at the extraordinary average speed of 29.7 knots. One burst of speed was recorded peaking at 46.08 knots.
Crew of the maxi Spindrift 2 for The Discovery Route :
Dona Bertarelli
Yann Guichard
Xavier Revil
Jean Baptiste le Vaillant
Antoine Carraz
Thierry Douillard
Christophe Espagnon
Sebastien Marsset
Nicolas Texier
Erwan Tabarly
Francois Morvan
Thomas Rouxel
Simone Gaeta
Erwan Israel
Weather routing : Richard Silvani
Fine Art Classic Boat Prints
A selection of limited edition classic, historic and contemporary sailing prints spanning the beginning of yachting photography to current images of classic yachts, printed on fine art paper for the home, office, boardroom and reception areas.
Each edition within the Classic Boat range is limited to 100 numbered prints, individually produced using the Giclee fine art printing system. This matches high quality archival standard inks with selected 300gsm fine art photo rag textured paper to produce outstanding black & white and colour images.
Limited edition prints are supplied unframed and deliverd in art tubes.
We also offer a mounting and framing service, but due to the irregular size of many of these prints, prices have to be quoted individually and orders can ony be taken over the telephone or via e-mail.
Subjects include
- America's Cup
- Contemporary Classics
- Cowes
- Dinghies
- Dragons
- Eileen Ramsay
- Historic Collection
- Keelboats
- Sir Francis Chichester
Available from 10x8 to 60x40 ins.
Contact:
Phone (UK) 44 (0)1243 555561
Email: ppl@mistral.co.uk
A great gift idea: pictures.classicboat.co.uk
World's Fastest Sailor Shares Ambitions For Yacht Design
As if it wasn't enough to achieve the realisation of an 11-year dream and sail the fastest boat on the planet, record holder and ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the year nominee Paul Larsen now has his sights set on changing the face of yacht design.
Australian-born Larsen, who has lived in Weymouth, Dorset for 14 years, aims to use his speed sailing expertise to improve 'practical' yacht design, with a goal of breaking a transatlantic record.
Larsen and his team, based at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, are already creating 2m-long remote-controlled scale models and 'playing around' in Portland Harbour waters.
Among their ambitions is to create a comfortable sailing yacht that can cross the English Channel faster than a powerboat - 45 to 50 knots should be possible, although it is still early days, says Larsen.
Larsen's team are now looking to make sailing 'more efficient', and in turn widen its application to include commercial and naval shipping as well as benefiting leisure sailors.
More at Practical Boat Owner:
Key Changes To Cork Week 2014
Photo by Tim Wright, www.photoaction.com. Click on image to enlarge.
Anthony O'Leary, Racing Chairman for Cork Week, explains that 2014 will see some changes aimed at substantially reducing cost.
"Competitors can expect a variety of courses set in open water, coastal and in the harbour, which should test the crew handling and get just about every sail out of the bag. We are blessed with some superb sailing grounds and we are intent on making full use of them. The focus for Cork Week is the same as it has always been, great sailing and a fabulous atmosphere ashore.
The resounding message from sailors in 2012 was that the racing is fantastic and the shoreside 'craic' is as good as ever but a major concern has been cost.
For 2014, Cork Week will have a 4 day racing programme running from Tuesday to Friday (8-11 July 2014). This will reduce the previous 5 day regatta programme but not the number of races. At least 10 races will be scheduled for all classes. This change is designed to allow competitors to take less time off work and can reduce their overall costs for Cork Week by as much as 20%
In recent years, Two-Handed racing has become increasingly popular all over the world and Cork Week will recognise this by introducing a Two-handed Class for the first time. The Sir Thomas Lipton Cup is one of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's most famous awards. The trophy, dating back to 1900, will be awarded to the best yacht in the Two-handed Class. By its very nature, sailing short handed reduces accommodation and living expenses for a competing yacht.
The 1720 Class has been having a renaissance in Ireland, there are 26 1720s in Cork alone and charter opportunities are available. Cork Week is also talking with other one design classes and we would be delighted to entertain discussions with many more class associations. The management team is also keen to encourage participation by charter companies and corporate entries and plans are in place to offer assistance.
The entry fee for Cork Week 2014 will also be reduced by 30%, compared to 2012 and the reduction in racing days and other measures will effectively reduce the overall cost of attending Cork Week by at least 20%.
Vettel Tells Newey To Forget Yachting
Sebastian Vettel has urged the designer of his dominant Red Bull cars, Adrian Newey, to forget about switching to the world of competitive yachting.
Before meeting with British sailor Sir Ben Ainslie in Abu Dhabi last weekend, Briton Newey admitted he was interested in getting involved with designing an America's Cup boat.
"I can't imagine him doing that," new quadruple world champion Vettel told Austria's Servus TV.
"I've never seen him go boating -- he loves driving and has a lot of fun doing it," the German smiled.
"If he goes boating, he will always come back with a huge sunburn, which is not right," Vettel joked.
Vettel might have delivered the comments in jest, but the message was dead serious -- Newey plays a crucial role in Red Bull's success.
Wight Vodka Favourite Yachting Bar
With the fifth anniversary Wight Vodka Favorite Yachting Bar competition open we've started receiving nominations for the 2013 award. This one's your humble narrator has visited dozens of times over many years... the bar(s) at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club at Hamilton Harbour.
A note from Brian Billings last night;
"There is no better bar to soak up the Bermuda yachting history than in the Bermuda cedar wood bar at the Royal Bermuda yacht Club and enjoying Bermuda's National drink the Dark & Stormy or a Wright Martini, while you look out to the beautiful Hamilton harbour."
There are two bars there... the one that most know, out by the decks and docks, open to the harbour. But there's another one just inside that is timeless in a "British Empire at Raffles Singapore" way... It's small, quiet, and full of history, burgees and tall tales. One of your humble narrator's favourite places.
So... what sailor's bar sticks in your mind? Let us know...
scuttlebutteurope.com/sailors-bars.html
Clipper Race: Low Pressure System to Increase Wind and Sea State
The wind is picking up, the barometer is dropping and the sea state will be increasing over the next day and the yachts are relishing the high speeds expected of the Southern Ocean Sleigh Ride.
Yesterday saw a full day of light wind beating, with Old Pulteney, GREAT Britain, Switzerland, OneDLL and Derry-Londonderry-Doire all headed south; crossing the narrow, strong and swift Agulhas current.
The bigger Yankee 2 sails are up and today a low pressure system is expected to hit, followed by a front which will come in fast and hard.
Qingdao is leading the fleet as of 12:00 UTC, followed by Henri Lloyd and OneDLL.
Laser Europa Cup - Spain
Costa Brava, Spain: Laser Europa Cup Spain held over the weekend proved a test of patience and skill as tide was strong and winds were light.
More than 200 sailors from 16 nations were present in the penultimate leg of the 2013 series. A total of five races were completed with a discard.
Day one had the best wind, blowing in from the south at about 13 knots. For the next two days a light northerly wind of about 7 knots puffed in and out.
It proved tough for sailors getting around the course, battling not only with each other in the fight for the podium, but also against the tide on the Costa Brava.
The top spots on the overall results varied very little over the three day event proving once again that the best sailors are able to adapt to all conditions.
The podiums for the different classes:
Laser Standard fleet:
1. Alexandr Denisiuc, MDA, 9 points
2. Guillaume Girod, SUI, 16
3. Tadeusz Kubiak, POL, 23
Radial fleet :
1. Sebastien Shschneiter, SUI, 11
2. Agata Barwinska, POL, 15
3. Ricardo Benvenuto, ITA, 17
4.7 fleet:
1. Rafael De La Hoz, ESP, 4
2. Cristina Garcia, ESP, 8
3. Albert Carcelle, ESP, 13
Full Results www.cvpalamos.org
2013 ISAF Annual Conference
Muscat, Oman: The 2013 ISAF Annual Conference will take place in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman from 9-16 November.
Over 130 submissions have been submitted by Committees, MNAs and Class Associations proposing changes to existing policies, regulations or rules as well as looking to introduce new ones.
The 2013 Annual Conference will see key discussions on the future of the ISAF Sailing World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition format and qualification. The 2014-15 Offshore Special Regulations will be finalised whilst discussions on changes for the 2017-2020 Racing and Equipment Rules of Sailing commence.
All submissions and topics will be discussed at Committee, Sub-committee and Commission meetings commencing on 9 November. From the Coaches Commission to Oceanic and Offshore Committee, all will consider submissions and other areas relevant to them.
The recommendations and opinions of these expert committees come together at the meeting of the Council, the final decision making body of ISAF, on 15 and 16 November. The Council will approve, reject or defer the submissions and other feedback from the committees.
On Tuesday 12 November Oman will play host to the 2013 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards.
A diverse collection of male and female sailors make up the 2013 nominees and they will be celebrated throughout the evening. The female nominees are Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie (NZL), Raiya Al-Habsi (OMA), Deneen Demourkas (USA) and Erika Heinken (USA).
The male nominees include Mathew Belcher (AUS), Francois Gabart (FRA), Johnny Heineken (USA), Paul Larsen (AUS) and Ian Williams (GBR).
ISAF Annual Conference Microsite: www.sailing.org/meetings/2013-Conference.php
Rushall Sailing
Rushall Sailing is the bespoke coaching organisation, created by top sailor and world class coach, Mark Rushall.
Resulting from many years winning major championships, and in the race boat industry, Rushall Sailing will help you identify your goals, and improve your racing skills. Whether you are aiming to move up your fleet rankings, or 'Going for Gold' at the Olympics, our philosophy is to ensure your learning is enjoyable and rewarding.
As well as his many coaching successes, Mark also creates bespoke coaching tools, including class DVDs, books, articles and video content, both under his own brand name, and as authored content.
Contact mark@rushall.net
28th Atlantic Rally For Cruisers Sets Sail November 24
Over 280 boats and 1400 people, including 25 children aged under 16, will take part in the 28th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, which sets sail on November 24 from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, heading 2700NM across the Atlantic to Saint Lucia. For the first time in the rally's history, there will be two routes available: 50 boats will sail via the Cape Verdes to Saint Lucia, setting off 2 weeks ahead of the main group taking the direct route.
This year there are boats registered from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, UK, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, USA and 10 other nations, making 31 in total. ARC crew crossing the Atlantic this year are aged from 22 Months to over 70 years.
www.worldcruising.com/arc/event.aspx
* Three Irish yachts are among over 280 boats and 1400 people, including 25 children aged under 16, will take part in the 28th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, which sets sail on November 24 from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, heading 2700NM across the Atlantic to Saint Lucia.
From Ireland Peter Boylan's Annabella, a Sweden Yacht 45 compete in the cruising division as does the Dufour 34 Shelduck skipperd by Neil Hegarty. A third Irish yacht, Wizard, a Beneteau Oceanis 50 skippered by Brendan Cahill is also entered.
Afloat magazine: afloat.ie/sail/
Letters To The Editor - editor@scuttlebutteurope.com
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* From John Burnie: Boat names: my final contribution - all seen in Cowes.
Ferro-concrete boat called MAID OF PORTLAND.
Rather boozy crowd on one called SEROSIS OF THE RIVER
And who remembers the Admirals Cupper called FUJIMO? (This one may need explaining - but perhaps not here!)
PS SILVER APPLE is still on the hard in Beaulieu looking for a loving owner.
* From Keith Mackeown: I feel compelled to reply in the interests of historical accuracy. It was Big Apple that went up on the rocks in Jersey. Hugh Coveney's next boat Golden Apple of the Sun had the poem. Golden Apple's moment of humour in the face of disaster was the legend, perhaps apocryphal, of Mr. Cudmore leaving a note on the chart table saying 'Gone to Lunch' as the crew were being winched off during the '79 Fastnet storm so as to prevent a claim of salvage.
(I double checked this with Patrick Coveney, Hugh's eldest son, and Neil Kenefick crew member on Golden Apple in 1979 Admiral's Cup)
* From Malcolm McKeag: if I may be permitted one more bite at the cherry... a celebrated British sailor, sailmaker and regular championship winner once named one of his boats 'Hoof Hearted' just for the pleasure of hearing the Mayor's wife read the name out at the Prize Giving (try it, aloud). And when I was Assistant Editor of Yachts and Yachting, shortly before The Flood, names in the Fireball class became so outrageously double-entendre that we had to begin censoring. Of course, as in all such cases, this quickly became a contest as to who had the bigger problem: innocent Fireball sailor or dirty-minded censor? In the end for a time we printed only sail numbers in reports for that class.
* From David Evans: Further to your article on interesting and unusual names, many years ago, 1970 to be precise,whilst racing a Hornet at the London Corinthian Winter Series, I recall an OK Dinghy with the rather clever name of "Slopalong Placidly".
For the older generation (now) brought up on diet of black & white Cowboy films, this had a resonance!
* From John Collings: The best yacht name I ever saw was at the Bristol International Festival of the Sea in 1996.
It was, quite simply...
Never Again II
* From Peter Bullick: I have an Elan 434 which I have named after the manufacturer and my surname, Bullick.
'El-torro' first two letters of Elan. Toro for Bullick, two r's as there are two l's in Bullick. My Battle Flag has the Spanish Fighting Bull upon it.
* From David Pelly: The verse on the transom of Golden Apple was, of course, from the final stanza of The Song of Wandering Aengus by William Butler Yeats. I seem to recall that there was just about room for the final three lines:
And pluck till time and times are done
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.
Many a tedious night watch could be spent thinking up variations on the theme. The Golden Apple was cored when she hit a rock in the approach channel of Beaucette Marina on Guernsey. And the tide was falling fast...
Among my favorite names is 'Scandal' which Edward Fitzgerald, of Omar Kayyam fame, gave to his schooner because he said she was the fastest thing out of Woodbridge. Yachting journalist Jack Knights gave this a new twist when he called one of his boats 'Bad News' hoping it would travel fastest. In reality it sank and then gave us all the opportunity for some mildly blasphemous headlines when, on the third day, it rose again.
When I helped the late Alan Harmer, whose daytime job was making jet engines for helicopters, build a rather complicated Fireball, we decided to call it 'Ozymandias' having in mind the inscription below the statue of this tyrant, or rather of his legs, which reads 'Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair.'
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She has superb lines, a delight to sail and exudes quality and comfort. She has excellent sea keeping qualities and does not slam into heavy seas. She is very capable for the experienced skipper who wants to cover distances.
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Complete listing details and seller contact information at uk.yachtworld.com
The Last Word
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