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@scuttlebutteurope.com
Joe Harris & Patrick O'connor Win Atlantic Cup Leg 1
After racing 648 nautical miles, the fleet of four Class 40s competing in The Atlantic Cup presented by 11th Hour Racing finished in light winds on Wednesday morning. The leading three teams traded positions in the run up to New York where ultimately first through third were separated by a mere 22 minutes.
#106-Gryphon Solo 2, skippered by Joe Harris and Patrick O'Connor, crossed the finish line first at 05:20:10 ET on Wednesday, May 14, with an elapsed time of 89:15:10 to complete the 642 nautical mile first off-shore leg of the Atlantic Cup from Charleston, S.C. to New York City. Gryphon Solo 2 finished 15 minutes 5 seconds ahead of #54 Dragon (89:30:05), followed by the team of #39 Pleiad Racing (89:37:20).
Last night, coming into NY Harbor, Gryphon Solo 2 was defending a .1 nautical mile (nm) lead and was 300 yards away from the finish line in a very fickle breeze. The breeze shut off allowing Pleiad to catch up and both teams battled to reach the finish in a windless, current against them situation for over three hours. Dragon, who was 9nm behind closed the gap and also fought the fickle, current situation. All three teams had multiple approaches to the finish line before they were able to actually finish. Gryphon Solo 2 ultimately was able to sail past the line and allow the current to take them back down to duck across the finish.
Flatline skippered by Kyle Hubley and Frederic de Mesel, scored as DNS and are given 0 points for the first leg. The first leg represents one third of the scoring for the overall Atlantic Cup, so Flatline is still in contention once they join the fleet here in NYC.
Rolex Farr 40 North American Championship
Long Beach, California, USA: A brush fire fueled by the Santa Ana winds created a smoky backdrop for the Farr 40s preparing to leave the docks at Long Beach Yacht Club for the first day of racing at the 2014 Rolex Farr 40 North Americans. The breeze continued to fire things up as the 19 boats sailed three tight races on the Pacific Ocean.
The first race got off as scheduled at noon in 16 knots of breeze, and after a general recall and restart the fleet was led around the five-mile long course and across the finish by 2013 Rolex Farr 40 World Champion Alberto Rossi and his Italian team on Enfant Terrible. At the first gate, Bernard Minkow and Julian Fernandez, on the Mexican-flagged Flojito y Cooperando were second, but by the finish they had been overtaken by New York's Alexander Roepers on PLENTY.
A change in direction and drop in speed to 10 knots of breeze, dictated a change of course and the fleet was sent off on race two aimed directly for Catalina Island. Rossi continued to exhibit the form that won him the first race, with Germany's Wolfgang Schaefer on Struntje light and Malibu's Jeff Janov, on Dark Star, following him across the finish line.
The Rolex Farr 40 North Americans continues Thursday, May 15, and concludes Saturday, May 17 from Long Beach Yacht Club.
Day One Results (Top 10 of 19; 3 races)
1. Plenty, Alexander Roepers, USA - 2, 5, 1; 8 points
2. Enfant Terrible, Alberto Rossi, ITA - 1, 1, 10; 12
3. Flash Gordon 6, Helmut Jahn, USA - 4, 4, 4; 12
4. Struntje light, Wolfgang Schaefer, GER - 6, 2, 7; 15
5. Dark Star, Jeff Janov, USA - 5, 3, 8; 16
6. Nightshift, Kevin McNeil, USA - 7, 8, 2; 17
7. Groovederci, John Demourkas, USA - 8, 6, 6; 20
8. Flojito y Cooperando, Minkow/ Fernandez , MEX - 3, 16/ZFP, 3; 22
9. Blade 2, Michael Shlens, USA - 11, 9, 5; 25
10. Skian Dhu, Dirk Freeland, USA - 10, 10, 12; 32
Complete results: www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=976
Class website: www.farr40.org
Calling All Clubs & Class Associations!
In advance of the arrival of its 2014 products, Hudson Wight Performance Sailwear has limited availability of the much-admired 2013 HW1 'oilies' made with 3-layer OceanVent fabric. Clubs and Classes can now offer these to members at 25% off via the Hudson Wight Affiliate Scheme, making a full set only £300 while stocks last.
Affiliates will still receive their normal commission of 15% on every order placed by members and friends using their unique Hudson Wight Affiliate code via the website www.hudsonwight.com
Hudson Wight's prices are already far lower than other brands because they only sell direct via this innovative Affiliate Scheme. It's therefore a great deal for members and friends as well as a valuable new source of revenue for Clubs and Classes. Existing Affiliates are already enjoying the benefits of the Hudson Wight Affiliate Scheme but the scheme is open to ALL Clubs and Classes.
If you're not already an Affiliate you are almost certainly missing out so please drop Hudson Wight an email to discuss joining the Affiliate Scheme at: affiliates@hudsonwight.com and they will contact you immediately.
Get on board right here, right now! www.hudsonwight.com/affiliates/affiliate-scheme
Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race
The Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race will set off in less than three months and the RORC's toughest offshore race of the year has attracted 20 yachts from 11 nations: (China, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, USA, France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Oman, Russia, Germany and the UK) to participate in the non-stop race.
The 1802nm race, starting on Sunday 10th August from Cowes, takes competitors non-stop around the breathtaking coastline of Britain and Ireland including the most northerly point, the island and lighthouse of Muckle Flugga.
After a fast and furious race for some in the 2010 edition, new world records were established. Completing the course in 5 days 21 hours 26 minutes 55 seconds, Franck Cammas and the French crew on the Volvo Open 70, Groupama 70 smashed the monohull world and RORC record. This year, three VO 65s: Azzam, Dongfeng and Team SCA, will all race each other for the first time and use the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race as essential training for the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race.
Another world record breaker in the last race, Britain's Ned Collier-Wakefield is hoping to hang onto the 40ft category record for sailing around Britain and Ireland in his Class40, Concise 8. He will have several other Class40s to contend with, including the French Voiles 44 and after this race his sight will be set on the World Championships and singlehanded Route du Rhum.
Also making up a strong international field of top offshore racing teams will be Sidney Gavignet who has numerous offshore miles under his belt. The French Volvo Ocean Race and Transat Jacques Vabre veteran turned multihull sailor, will represent Oman with the MOD 70 trimaran, OmanSail-Musandam. The race is part of Oman Sail Elite Sailing Squad Programme, following on from the Artemis Challenge at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.
roundbritainandireland.rorc.org
Diverse Racing Fleet For ARC 2014
The ARC 2014 Racing Division looks set to be one of the most diverse for some time, attracting professionals and amateur adventurers to race from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia offering club level racing on a transatlantic course.
Volvo 70 Monster Project returns, having been beaten in 2013 by Knierim 65 Caro, which broke the course record. Currently standing at 10d 21h 25m, the record could be under serious threat in 2014 from super-maxi Farr 100 Leopard by Finland, one of the most exciting racing yachts of recent times.
Returning regulars add a personal level to the competition each year. In 2014, there's likely to be some friendly competition between Beneteau First 47.7s EH01 and Gagarin and the smaller First 40s, Southern Child and Lancelot II. Ross Applebey's Lightwave 48, Scarlet Oyster will be looking for their fourth consecutive class win in IRC Class B. French Pogo 10.50 Galahad is the smallest racer to date, while at 30 metres LOA, Leopard by Finland is twice the size of a typical family cruiser that joins the ARC.
The ARC 2014 Notice of Race, includes a specific change to classes following feedback from competitors. The inclusion of IRC Hull Factor as a class parameter will allow the organisers to separate heavier displacement cruiser racers, from traditional racers and modern style "downwind flyers" when arranging the classes.
Read more at tinyurl.com/ARCracing2014
Santa Maria Found?
More than five centuries after Christopher Columbus's flagship, the Santa Maria, was wrecked in the Caribbean, archaeological investigators think they may have discovered the vessel's long-lost remains - lying at the bottom of the sea off the north coast of Haiti. It's likely to be one of the world's most important underwater archaeological discoveries.
"All the geographical, underwater topography and archaeological evidence strongly suggests that this wreck is Columbus' famous flagship, the Santa Maria," said the leader of a recent reconnaissance expedition to the site, one of America's top underwater archaeological investigators, Barry Clifford.
Tentatively identifying the wreck as the Santa Maria has been made possible by quite separate discoveries made by other archaeologists in 2003 suggesting the probable location of Columbus' fort relatively nearby. Armed with this new information about the location of the fort, Clifford was able to use data in Christopher Columbus' diary to work out where the wreck should be.
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Is Looking For A Marine Services Manager
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is looking for a high caliber individual to fill the post of Marine Services Manager.
This is a senior management position reporting directly to the General Manager.
The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for delivery of marine services to support all the Club's marine based activities:
- Sailing, local and International events, sailing development and sail training, race management and race support
- Rowing and paddle sports, local and International events, rowing development and training
- Maintenance and operation of a sizeable fleet of Club owned boats
- 46 berth marina and 310 moorings
- Pontoons and slipways at 3 clubhouses
- Hardstanding / haul out & boat handling facilities for around 250 boats at 3 clubhouses
- Yacht repair facility with 50T travel hoist
- Yacht chandlery
We are looking for someone with:
- A proven record of achievement in the marine (recreational) Industry.
- Strong leadership and management skills.
- Extensive knowledge of marine related operations, the associated standards, best practice, legislation and compliance requirements.
- Relevant professional qualifications.
- A positive approach to team building, promoting effective communication and be capable of instilling a strong work ethic amongst all staff.
- Ability to plan and implement improved workplace practices and procedures.
- Past experience working in a Club environment with a proven ability to develop new products and services to meet member expectations.
- Strong communication skills including a good command of written and spoken English.
- Ability to effectively represent the Club's requirements in dealing with related government departments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft office software.
We offer attractive remuneration and excellent fringe benefits to the right candidate.
Interested parties should submit a comprehensive CV together with a recent photograph to the Human Resources Manager, RHKYC, Kellett Island, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong or email hrm@rhkyc.org.hk
Industry News
Beneteau has announced a new dealership arrangement for Norway. Long-time importer Normar, which has represented Beneteau sail and inboard boats for 20 years, will now focus on new projects.
Erling Sande will continue in its role as an importer of Beneteau outboard boats, while Aaby Marine will handle inboard powerboats and NorMaritime will import sailing yachts.
NorMaritime is a new company that will sell Beneteau sailing yachts in Norway. The company was founded by Geir Dahl Andersen and Ole-Petter Pollen, both of whom have strong experience from Olympic sailing campaigns and match racing.
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Garmin Ltd. said it is buying New Zealand-based Fusion Electronics Ltd. and its subsidiaries.
The acquisition of the privately held marine audio equipment company is expected to close June 30. Financial terms are not being disclosed.
Garmin New Zealand Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Switzerland-based Garmin, will operate as Fusion Entertainment in Fusion's present facilities in Auckland, New Zealand, after the acquisition is completed.
Substantially all of the Fusion product line will remain available, as will support for the company's existing products. Fusion Entertainment will continue to support all Fusion-Link partners accordingly.
Fusion's flagship head unit, the 700 Series, allows boaters to connect and control their audio through select marine multifunction displays and select multizone audio configuration specific to their vessels.
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Surrey-based Sartech Engineering Ltd. has appointed Sue Brown as General Manager at its headquarters in Redhill. Sue joined Sartech in 1997 as Office Manager and has seen a lot of developments in the Search and Rescue industry in the last 17 years.
Sartech was founded in 1989 by Managing Director Peter Forey. 25 years and three moves to successively bigger premises later, the company has become one of the world's leading specialists in search and rescue technology.
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Henri Lloyd is pleased to announce a new agent for Spain. Barcos & Cosas is well established marine shop specialising in nautical sportswear, will be the designated agent for "Levante" and Catalonia.
Barcos & Cosas has a wealth of experience in the sailing industry. As well as their marine boutique, located in the beautiful coastal town of Moraira, the company also operates the sailing school of the Nautical club of Moraira, of which Henri Lloyd is a sponsor.
Barcos & Cosas are ideally situated on the Mediterranean coast to serve both the Valencian Community and Murcia Region. As well as the physical shop, Barcos & Cosas has an extensive online service, stocking a range of sporting and leisure brands.
Barcos & Cosas will carry a comprehensive range of technical sailing and leisure garments in their specialist boutique and online at www.barcosycosas.com
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Harken has announced that John Jensen has joined the company's leadership team as Chief Financial Officer. John brings with him 30 years of experience from a variety of industries including technology, publishing, and manufacturing. He served as President and COO of Allied Computer Group and Reiman Publications. In 2002, he founded Jensen Consulting LLC, partnering with over 50 small and midsize companies to position them for growth, and to meet the challenges of today's multinational environment.
John is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is a member of the Executive Committee (TEC), the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), and the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs (WICPA). He serves on the Board of Directors of four private companies.
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Lewmar is pleased to announce a promotion and 3 new appointments to its OEM and distribution sales department.
Ben Kay, previously Marketing Manager has been promoted to head the OEM sales team. Ben joined Lewmar in 2007 and has worked closely with many of the key OEM and aftermarket accounts.
Supporting Ben, Guillaume Delcourt has joined the OEM Sales team to head up the French OEM accounts. Guillaume, a French national previously held a position as International Sales Manager at Karver in France.
Justine Abella also a French national joined the OEM sales team as an Account Manager. Justine previously held positions with Furuno and Raymarine in France.
Letters To The Editor - editor@scuttlebutteurope.com
Letters are limited to 350 words. No personal attacks are permitted. We do require your name but your email address will not be published without your permission.
* From David Le Pelley, High Performance Yacht Design Committee: If you are intending to submit an abstract for HPYD5, please remember it needs to reach us by 1st July.
Abstracts should include a detailed description of the proposed paper and not exceed a single A4 page. They can be submitted electronically to info@hpyd.org.nz
The deadline for final papers is 1st October. The conference will be held in March 2015 in Auckland, NZ.
Featured Brokerage
1988 Baltic Yachts. $199,950 US Dollars. Located in Trinidad.
Originally built by Baltic Yachts, Finland as Martela O.F.
She was completely refitted following the race and campaigned as Runn.
In 1993 she participated in the 1993/4 Whitbread Round the World Race as Uruguay Natural. On completion of the race she was laid up and bought in November 1995. She underwent a comprehensive refit, including rewiring, repainting and re-plumbing. In addition a lightweight saloon/galley area designed by Ken Freivokh was installed and the interior was repainted.
Between 1995 and 1998 she was campaigned as Maxima. She was then sold to Bols Sport.
She was then thoroughly refitted and in the process lightened by more than a ton.
In the winter of 2000 and spring of 2001 she was further refitted.
Brokerage through Berthon:
Contact Ben Cooper ben.cooper@berthon.co.uk
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
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