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
Dragon Edinburgh Cup
Lymington, UKToday saw another fabulous day of tight racing for the 24 teams in the 2014 Dragon Edinburgh Cup supported by Aberdeen Asset Management. The sun shone, while the fresh, unstable north-north westerly breeze ensured plenty of place changing.
After four races this is a high scoring regatta for all but Graham and Julia Bailey, Will Heritage and Keith Tippell on Aimee. With just five points, they lead the Open division by nine points and the Corinthian fleet by 13. Lawrie Smith remains second in the Open division and Ted Sawyer third, while Mark Wade is the second Corinthian and Eric Williams third.
Today's very shifty offshore wind oscillated through more than 40 degrees, and varied from 10 knots in the lulls to more than 20 in the gusts. -- Rupert Holmes
Top five after four races:
1. Aimee, Julia Bailey / Graham Bailey / Keith Tippell / William Heritage, 5.0 points
2. Tigger, Lawrie Smith / Tim Tavinor / Simon Fry, 14.0
3. Little Hook, Ted Sawyer / Martin Payne / Mark Hart, 30.0
4. Avalanche, Mark Wade / Amanda Wade / Duncan Grindley, 30.0
5. Rackham, Mark Dicker / Selina Dicker / James Campbell / Sophie Bubb, 33.0
F18 World Championship: American Youth To The Fore
As promised, Northern Ireland offered glorious sunshine, waves and a steady 16-18 knots on Day 3 of the 2014 F18 World Championships at Ballyholme Yacht Club. With only 1 minor course change all day, the Committee Boat was able to run another 4 races to get caught up on schedule.
The USA Youth team of Taylor Reiss and Matthew Whitehead excelled today with 5,2,2,1 and moved into first place overall with a small lead over Gunnar Larsen and Ferdinand van West.
The French crews also showed their pedigree through the day filling the top 4 places in Race 6. Gurvan Bontemps and Benjamin Amiot have menacingly appeared on the leaderboard with 1,3,3,3 today.
After looking forward to today's action, title contenders Glenn Ashby and Brett Goodall unfortunately hit a floating object (suspected plank of wood) at full speed on the first race of the day and damaged their port hull. With only 6 races to go but their boat fixed (it helps that the crew is the boat builder), it will take a superhuman effort to get back to a respectable score.
There are two days of racing left but the wind looks to drop a little on Thursday.
1. Taylor Reiss and Matthew Whitehead
2. Gunnar Larsen and Ferdinand van West
3. Grumman Bontemps and Benjamin Amiot
4. Morgan La Graviere and Armaud Jarlegan
5. Patrick Demesmaeker and Klass Victor
Jonbuoy and R10 AIS: The Ultimate Combination In Man Overboard Recovery
The weather is extreme, there's poor visibility and you've got a man overboard incident. Ocean Safety's Jonbuoy Recovery Module is a highly visible and incredibly stable inflatable structure, which can make a rescue attempt much easier for the crew and man overboard (MOB). To heighten its performance the Jonbuoy can be fitted with a Kannad Safelink R10 AIS Survivor Recovery System, which provides accurate information on the location of the casualty.
Combining these two innovative products is a massive step towards improving recovery prospects. The Jonbuoy Recovery Module performs by supporting the MOB in a cradle like position in its inflatable support structure, whilst the R10, once activated, alerts vessels fitted with an AIS receiver within a 4-6 mile radius.
The Kannad R10 is professionally fitted to the Jonbuoy so that when the Jonbuoy is deployed from its container, the R10 is activated and starts transmitting, as the recovery module automatically inflates.
The Ocean Safety Jonbouy Recovery Module and Kannad R10 combination really does give the best chance of recovery, in a man overboard situation.
The Jonbuoy Recovery Module can be found on the pushpits of yachts ranging from 30ft to 150ft, as well as large scale projects and races including the Volvo Ocean Race fleet, the new super-maxi and the J Class yacht "Ranger".
Clipper Fleet In London This Weekend
Welcome the Corinthian sailors of the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race back to London on Saturday, July 12 2014 as they celebrate their momentous 40,000 miles circumnavigation with a triumphant victory parade in front of crowds of spectators.
Tickets for the official spectator boats are priced at £15 for adults and £7.50 for children with boarding beginning at 09:15 on the day.
The spectator boats will meet the Clipper Race fleet on the Thames before following its victorious parade all the way up to Tower Bridge before entering St Katharine Docks.
Central London's only marina, St Katharine Docks, will host the homecoming ceremony. A formal procession will take place between 10am to 3pm as the twelve 70-foot racing yachts parade up the Thames to Tower Bridge. Entry is free to the Race Village.
Three Bullets For Ballistic Catapult At Volvo Cork Week
The fast high performance yachts racing at Volvo Cork Week enjoyed the unique Slalom Course today, the triangular course has an offset mark which forces the crew to gybe half way down the reaching leg, providing high octane manoeuvres in close quarters with other yachts.
Marc Glimcher's American Ker 40, Catapult (Baltimore SC) was launched on the Slalom Course today, scoring three straight bullets. Each race was won by just seconds with three high performance yachts pushing hard; Richard Matthews' Hakes 42, Oystercatcher XXX (Royal Burnham YC), Andy Williams British Ker 40, Keronimo (Yealm YC) and Anthony O'Leary's Ker 39, Antix (Royal Cork YC).
In IRC Two, Michael Boyd's Grand Soleil 43, Quokka (Royal Irish YC) had another great day. Quokka won the first two race but dropped to fourth for the last race of the day. After four races, Quokka has a slender lead for the class from Tony Ackland's Dubois 37, Dark Angel (Swansea YSC).
In IRC Three, Pat Kelly's J/109, Storm (Rush YC) was in impressive form scoring a win and a second in today's races to open up an 8.5 point lead at the top of the class.
In IRC Four, Paul Tingle's Corby 25, Alpaca (Royal Cork YC) had a great day scoring two wins and a second, to climb to the top of the class. Tim Cunliffe's Half Tonner, Insatiable (Royal Cornish YC) finished the day in style with a win, to place the Cornishmen just two points off the lead.
In the Sportsboat Class Robin & Ben O'Mahony's 1720, Spiced Beef still leads the class, having scored two first places today.
Racing continues Thursday, full results available at www.corkweek.ie
Sales Negotiator
A leading UK builder of quality cruising yachts has an opportunity for a sales negotiator at their East Coast facility. The successful candidate should be a knowledgeable, experienced yachtsman with a proven track record in sales, ideally within the marine industry. Additional language skills would be an advantage.
Applications in confidence by email to yachtsales100@gmail.com
No Racing...
Day 2 of the 2014 49er & 49erFX European Championship was a non-issue. There was no wind in the morning but it was forecast to be hot inland so there was hope for a sea breeze.
Some clouds formed over this city in the early afternoon, however, so that killed any hopes for the day.
The same schedule is planned now for day 3, so three 49erFX races starting at 11:00 followed by four 49er races not before 13:00.
Of note from Day 1, Dylan Fletcher and Alain Sign have repaired their boat and done some testing. They expect to be able to race and will now have their entire regatta riding on tomorrows racing. Fortunately, the forecast is for 20 knots of wind all day, so everyone in Finland is hopeful for a full day.
* No racing was possible on the fourth day at the Finn Silver Cup in Hoorn as strong winds caused the abandonment of all racing. The fleet was sent out on time for the scheduled start at 12.00 but it soon became apparent that the wind was above sensible limits with many boats capsizing in the fierce gusts. After one postponement the race officer abandoned racing as the wind hit 31 knots and sent the fleet back to the harbour, where racing was eventually abandoned for the day later in the afternoon after the wind refused to moderate.
Thursday's weather is predicted to be a return to summer, with light winds and high temperatures in Hoorn. In a change to the schedule again, three races are planned from 11.00. The Finn Silver Cup will conclude on Friday 11 July.
* No racing on today, but a day to prepare physically and mentally for the longest offshore leg of the 2014 Tour de France a la Voile. 177 miles, about 24 hours of racing from Dieppe to Granville, and some rough weather conditions ahead for the 9 boats of the fleet. The teams will cross the start line at 5pm.
The weather expected for the next 24 hours is not the typical summery weather that the sailors could dream of. The fleet will be sailing in a cold north-westerly wind ranging from 20 to 30 knots, with rain falls. And they will be sailing against the wind all the way up to Cape La Hague (northern tip of the Cherbourg peninsula), which means about twenty hours upwind, sitting on the rail, wet and cold.
Croatia First Regatta
The Notice of Race for the first annual Croatia First Regatta was made available today by the organising authorities, the Yacht Club First Sailing and Mariner Boating Events.
Whilst expressions of interest are only now being formally accepted, there is already a ground swell of interest from private teams and Beneteau Dealership entries.
The regatta is being supported by Beneteau Head Office in France.
The Inaugural Croatia First regatta was designed and created by Croatia Sailing experts Mariner Boating who have partnered with local operators First Sailing, Ultra Sailing and the Croatian Sailing Federation. The regatta will be contested in a one-design fleet of race ready Beneteau First 45s provided by First Sailing.
Beginning in Split and finishing on the island of Korcula, the entire regatta and travel experience will be managed by Mariner Boating and their partners. Participants and their partners will be able to spend each night after the races in boutique style accommodation on land, pre-arranged by Mariner Boating, or take the option to sleep on-board.
Entries are now being accepted from both amateurs and professionals teams from around the world.
Industry News
Telegramme Group, a major French media, sports and entertainment group, as part of their diversification and development strategy have acquired a majority shareholding in OC Sport, the global sports marketing company specialising in professional sailing and outdoor events.
OC Sport was originally created by Mark Turner in 1993, who then joined forces with Dame Ellen MacArthur in 1997, to form the backbone of the operation that launched and then developed MacArthur's sailing career.
In the last ten years, OC Sport has become a global sports marketing and events company specialising in professional sailing at both event and team level (Extreme Sailing Series, The Transat, Barcelona World Race, Artemis Offshore Academy, Dongfeng Race Team) and in outdoor events, especially in premium amateur cycling races (Haute Route Alps, Haute Route Pyrenees, Haute Route Dolomites Swiss Alps) and mass participation running events (Harmony Geneva Marathon for Unicef, French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes).
Telegramme Group has acquired a majority of the share capital of the group, with Rene Duchemin and Turner remaining as shareholders.
----------------------------------------------
Hudson Wight Performance Sailwear has been appointed the Official Clothing Sponsor for this year's Charles Stanley Cowes Classics Week from 21-25 July, organised and hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club, Cowes.
The technical sailing clothing brand sells direct via its website http://www.hudsonwight.com and from their Showroom on The Parade in Cowes. For the duration of this event, the Royal London Yacht Club has also invited Hudson Wight to have a Pop-Up Shop on the Club balcony.
Hudson Wight is producing Event-branded Day Jackets for the team of seven Race Officers as well as Polo Shirts for the Club staff and all the Event volunteers. The company is also providing a range of fantastic prizes for the competitors.
A Hudson Wight Performance Jacket is being presented to the winner in each of the 12 classes racing and the Overall winner receives a complete Hudson Wight Bundle including a full set of HW1 offshore-spec foul weather gear.
www.rlyc.org.uk
www.hudsonwight.com
----------------------------------------------
North Sails has announced that World Champion sailor Tim Healy has been appointed president of North Sails One Design. Healy, who rejoined North Sails as One Design Coordinator in January 2013, will succeed Vince Brun.
North Sails founder Lowell North hired Vince in 1977 to work on the original loft floor in San Diego making Star sails. "Ever since 1977, you can make a very strong argument that North's One Design Division's success is due to Vince's passion and commitment to North Sails products and our clients," commented Ken Read, president of North Sails Group. "Fortunately, Vince will not be stepping away from North Sails completely; he will be sticking with us to consult with the next generation of North Sails One Design leaders."
While passing on the title of president to Healy, Brun will remain an active part of North Sails One Design, serving as a member of the newly formed One Design Management Team, which will develop the future strategy for the group. Vince will also be instrumental in product development, R&D, and customer support, ensuring North Sails remains the leader in one design sails.
IBI News: plus.ibinews.com
----------------------------------------------
Hyundai SeasAll has appointed Telemark Trade of Skjetten, Norway, to handle its range of marine diesel engines. The announcement completes the Korean company's European distributor network.
Telemark Trade is headed up by Klas Grave.
The removal of the Norwegian horsepower tax, scheduled to be lifted on July 1, should boost the market for all engines.
IBI News: plus.ibinews.com
Featured Brokerage
2008 Mills Custom. USD 240,000. Located in Hong Kong
Ambush was built by MacConaghy in 2008 and has since been successfully campaigned through Asia both on and offshore. She has been professionally maintained throughout and continues to win.
She is currently configured with a pole and a rating of 1.157 which has proven a very potent set up inshore against the newer breed of lighter 40 footers.
Ambush's design was developed by Mark Mills as a progression from the original Tiamat and the king 40 with input from Dave Ullman and the owners who have considerable offshore experience.
Lying Hong Kong so ideally placed to campaign the Asian circuit starting October.
Contact:
Drew Taylor
ambushdrew@gmail.com
+852 9303 2428
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
Happiness doesn't depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude. -- Dale Carnegie
Editorial and letter submissions to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com
Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: gb@beesonstone.com or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html