Big discounts at Sunsail
Incredible big discounts up to 25% plus extra days charter for free on various sailing craft are some of the offers going in the Austral-Asian region. Grab a fantastic Sunsail bargain for your next sailing holiday. Vessels are booking fast so don't miss out! They are proud to announce that the Leopard 38 - better known to Sunsailors as the Sunsail 384 - has been named 'Boat of the Year' by Cruising World, earning the titles 'Import Boat of the Year' and 'Best Multihull Cruiser'. This new and innovative catamaran is now available at some Austral-Asian bases. Take a Video Tour of what to expect when you charter a Sunsail boat including their innovative award-winning Sunsail 384 catamaran! Some yachts are still available for the Six Senses Phuket Raceweek (21 to 25 July). Check them out by visiting the Sunsail Asia website www.sunsailasia.com and receive regular updates on Sunsail's activities in the Asian region contact Tel: +66 (0)76 239057 Email: sales@sunsailasia.com

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CONTENTS

1. EDITORIAL - AY will be streaming the LVT finals live.
2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS - Victory for Uniquely Singapore in New York - Match Race Thailand at RVYC (5&6 June) - Penang to welcome Jewel of Muscat - ISAF warning on Pirate Zone - Singapore Sailing president Low Teo Ping to step down - Hong Kong back for Rolex Commodores’ Cup - ISAF publish Olympic Commission Draft Report - Kieler Woche - 6th ISAF Sailing World Cup event (19 - 27 June) - The Bay Regatta – Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi - Dick Sanders RIP - World Youth Sailors set sail for Istanbul
Up next in Asia - Kieler Woche - 6th ISAF World Cup event (19 - 27 June) - Six Senses Phuket Raceweek (21 to 25 July)
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS - PRO Harold Bennett's report on 33rd AC - RC 44 first official World Championship - Designers focus on new America’s Cup Class - Newport Bermuda Race starts June 18 - Portimão new venue for WMRT Portugal Match Cup - Royal Canal, Ireland September reopening - AC34 UPDATE - Where the AC all began - Alex Thomson's HUGO BOSS officially unveiled
Follow the: Ongoing Clipper Race - Newport Bermuda Race starts June 18 - Audi MedCup Circuit - Extreme 40 Sailing Series - RC 44 Championship
4. WORLD SPEED RECORDS - ICAP Leopard going for transatlantic record - New Trans-Med Record to Banque Populaire
5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month" - Tornado levels Oklahoma marina - Drama filled start for the Mini Pavois - BMW Oracle boats suffer damage at Louis Vuitton Trophy

1. EDITORIAL

The final four days of the Louis Vuitton Trophy La Maddalena will be televised around the globe, live, beginning on 3rd June. In territories without live television, fans can pick up the program on three live streaming AYTV Channels, (LVT Live - AYTV - SAIL TV). With 10 of the best sailing teams in the world dueling on the sparkling waters in the Mediterranean off Sardinia, the Louis Vuitton Trophy is a premiere sailing competition featuring America's Cup style match racing. The finals will be a great spectacle with up to five hours of live racing per day including onboard camera’s, helicopter shots and 3D graphics. Produced by Sunset+Vine|APP and powered by Sail.tv are providing the best viewer experience on the net. Highlights and replays of the Audi MedCup and World Match Racing Tour are also available at http://asianyachting.com/SailTV.htm for your viewing pleasure.

While they are battling off Sardinia, we have our very own contest going on at the season ending Sawadee.com Samui Regatta. The 2009-10 AYGP Championship is coming to a conclusion and although Ray Roberts has won the Skipper of the Year, racing has intensified between Roberts and Neil Pryde's Hi Fi for the Yacht of the Year and bragging rights for the Koh Samui title. As we go to press they are tied on points with two days to go. (Access the AY Race Reports) A new Armani - Koh Samui Blue Blazer has been ordered (In case we end up with separate winners) and the champagne is on ice ready for the spectacular prize presentation on the majestic Centara Grand Beach Resort lawn setting.

As one season ends another one is due to start. Six Senses Phuket Raceweek (21 to 25 July) is the first regatta in the 2010/2011 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship and fabulous value ‘earlybird’ discounts on entry fees for boats and crew registration are now open via http://www.phuketraceweek.com/ For those who don’t have a boat in Phuket, there are numerous competitive yachts – from IRC to cruising, monohull and multihull – available to charter, either with skipper or bareboat. Check them out and we hope to see you there.

On the International scene the ISAF World Cup for Olympic classes, the RC44 Circuit and the World Match Racing Tour continue on this month. All these topics and much much more on the Asian and International scene are covered (Below) and regularly updated on the AsianYachting website.
Enjoy!
Capt Marty Rijkuris

2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS

2.1 Victory for Uniquely Singapore in New York
(June 1, 2010) - In a race which went right down to the wire, Uniquely Singapore has secured their first ever victory in Clipper 09-10, crossing the finish line at Ambrose Lighthouse at 12:18 local time (16:18GMT). The south east Asian team has been in a nip and tuck race with fellow competitors Cape Breton Island since departing Jamaica eight days ago on the tenth leg of the global series, but managed to pull ahead in the last few hours of racing. Uniquely Singapore crossed the finish line at the site of Ambrose Lighthouse at 12:18 local time (16:18GMT) with Cape Breton Island crossing in second place, 52 minutes behind them at 13:10 local time (17:10GMT). The final podium position was also fiercely contested between Chinese entry Qingdao and English entry Hull & Humber with Qingdao just sneaking ahead to claim their fourth 3rd place of Clipper 09-10. The next leg departs New York on June 6th for Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada with an estimated arrival time of June 11-13. -- Complete story, photos and videos at: http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com

2.2 MatchRace Thailand at RVYC (5&6 June)
The first ever match racing events at Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Thailand, has attracted a strong field of skippers. Players include Neil Semple (THA), Jon Ericsson (FIN), Kevin Whitcraft (THA), Cristopher Lim (SIN), and Morten Jakobsen (THA). Two Skippers came second in their respective regional qualifiers of the MR Nations Cup, but only one has reached 31 on the world ranking list. The event is spectator friendly, as the course area is right in front of the beach bar. Results will follow on each event day, so there is something to look forward to. This event organizers can be contacted on Matchracethailand@gmail.com

2.3 Penang to welcome Jewel of Muscat
A reconstruction of a 9th - century Arab sewn-plank ship “Jewel of Muscat is expected in Penang end of this month or early next month,” announced YB Danny Law Heng Kiang, State Tourism Development & Culture EXCO “the date is uncertain as the sailing speed of the ship depends on the wind and sea condition.” She set sail from Muscat, Oman on 16th February 2010, the Jewel of Muscat is currently sailing from Sri Lanka to George Town, Penang. The beautifully hand-sewn Jewel of Muscat sails without an engine and other modern navigational technologies, instead fully by wind power and uses a kamal (an ancient navigational tool), the sun and the stars to guide her way. She was hand-sewn with nearly 70,000 stitches and over 100km of hand-laid rope on Qantab beach in Oman’s capital Muscat using ancient methods with neither nail nor screw. Back in 1988, a 9th - century ship wreck carrying over 60,000 pieces of Chinese pottery (from Tang dynasty) was found off shore Belitung, Indonesia; and this year, the Jewel of Muscat is making her historic voyage through the “water silk road” from Oman to Singapore, stops at India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Being a gift presented by the Sultanate of Oman to the people of Singapore, the Jewel of Muscat not only plays a role diplomatically and historically, she also encourages cultural exchange and charity function. Further information at: http://www.jewelofmuscat.tv/

2.4 Discover your winning ways with Quantum Sails
Sails from the Quantum Sail Design Group powered the winning boats for both the Cadet and Junior divisions of the Lake Garda Optimist Meeting held April 1-4, 2010. This event attracted 943 young sailors from around the world. Albert Gelpí of Spain sailed with a Quantum Radial Light to earn first overall at the Cadet level, placing first in four races and second in one race. Capturing the top spot in the Junior division with a six-point lead was Frederik Rask of Denmark who sailed with a Quantum Radial X-Heavy. Then at the International Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas, Richard Oland's Vela Veloce (Southern Cross 52) and Austin & Gwen Fraagomen's Interlodge (JV52) finished 1st and 2nd - powered by Quantum full inventories and also dominated the IC 24 division with Orion (1st), Lime (2nd), and Brand-New Second Hand (3rd). Find your speed at: http://www.quantumsails.com

2.5 ISAF warning on Pirate Zone
In view of the recent escalation in piratical attacks in the area of the Gulf of Aden, Yemeni and Somali, and the consequent very high risk, the essential advice is not to enter this area. However a yacht which, despite this advice, decides on such a passage is recommended to make contact in advance with the naval authorities and will find in the document basic guidance for her transit. The Guidelines are a joint production of MSC(HOA) and ISAF under the auspices of the ISAF International Regulations Commission. The Commission has been established and appointed by the ISAF Executive Committee in accordance with Regulation 41 to provide advice on matters related to the regulation of recreational boats or craft by government actions or otherwise. In response to these warnings the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) recently updated and re-issued its guidelines to yachts contemplating making a passage through the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin. Click here to download a copy of the ISAF Guidelines. http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/ISAFGuidelinesForPreventionOfPiracy-%5B7256%5D.pdf

2.6 Singapore Sailing president Low Teo Ping to step down
After 12 years at the helm, Singapore Sailing president Low Teo Ping is calling it a day. The 65-year-old is the longest serving president that the Sailing Federation has seen. Under Mr Low's stewardship, the sport was a role model both on the competitive front and as an organisation. Since 2004, Singapore's young sailors have achieved 14 world-class titles, including five gold medals at the 2006 Asian Games and 11 gold medals at the 2005 and 2007 SEA Games. The sport has also made inroads into schools with the 'Sail Smart' programme, involving some 500 students. Mr Low's successor will be elected in June and it is understood that one possible candidate is former sailor Dr Benedict Tan. Mr Low, who will continue to be the president of the Singapore Rugby Union, says that he hopes that he has put in place a system that will keep things smooth sailing for the Federation. More on Singapore Sailing at: http://www.sailing.org.sg/

2.7 Hong Kong back for Rolex Commodores’ Cup
Hong Kong has confirmed it will be back at the 10th edition of the biennial Rolex Commodores’ Cup following its happy venture in 2008. The Royal Ocean Racing Club anticipate a total of 12 teams racing from 15 to 21 August. The Hong Kong team is led by Jamie McWilliam. Having finished fifth overall in 2008, surprising many of the more seasoned campaigners in the process, McWilliam and his teammates are resolute in their determination to return. Not just to participate, mind you, but to have a crack at winning. “In 2008 we arrived with a crew that had trained hard but which had never seen the boats before the regatta, as they were either charters or brand new. This meant that we spent quite a bit of important time just before the event working on the boats instead of working on our speed, and as a result we were still learning about the boats during the series. Our team this time was determined to avoid that mistake,” comments McWilliam, explaining that this time, “all the boats are owned by Hong Kong owners and we therefore have much more time to prepare. Our full team will be at the UK IRC Nationals in late June and we are scheduling other weekends over the summer. More at: http://commodorescup.rorc.org/

2.8 ISAF publish Olympic Commission Draft Report
Following the ISAF Mid-Year meeting at Lake Balaton, Hungary, ISAF has published the Olympic Commission Draft Report to the ISAF Executive Committee. Phil Jones, Chairman of the Olympic Commission, explains what the draft Report addresses: "The IOC analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the sports on the Olympic Program and what value they add at the Olympic Games. We have looked at how we are performing, both against the evaluation criteria that the IOC has adopted and against other sports. In some areas we get big ticks and others we have considerable work to do. Our aim must be to strengthen the position of sailing in the Olympic Games." The Commission has set out to put forward the best solutions to the issues identified. We have considered 5 key areas that need to be addressed, and made recommendations about the changes required in each area. The Report looks at: Increasing Universality, Expanding Qualification Opportunities, Building Popularity, Improving Event Structure and Enhancing the Olympic Games. Full Report Click Here

2.9 DK 46's still on Top of the Podium
If your serious about forming a racing team and joining the racing class at major regattas in the region, there is a specially modified Mark Mills designed DK46's, that has won nearly every major event in the Austral-Asian region on the market. DK is one of the most technologically advanced composite manufacturing facility in the SE Asian region. The design office works on high performance IBM CAD/CAM systems which are data supply linked to production and directly command the five-axis milling machine that accurately cuts hull plugs and moulds. Contained within the 110,000 sq ft facility is a multi-cycle computerized temperature oven (25m x 5m x 3.5m), a spray chamber (18m x 6m x 5.5m), an engineering workshop and a dedicated laminating room. In addition, DK also has an in-house 40m long autoclave to cure carbon fibre and kevlar finished products. So what are you waiting for? Serious Yachts for Serious Sailors can be found at http://www.dkyachts.com

2.10 Kieler Woche - 6th ISAF Sailing World Cup event (19 - 27 June)
More than 5000 sailors from over 50 nations are expected to be racing at the 128th edition of Kieler Woche from 19 - 27 June. During the ten days of the regatta about 400 starts will take place by 2000 boats on ten race courses. From 19 - 23 June the sixth regatta of the ISAF Sailing World Cup includes all classes of the Olympic Sailing Competition and the Paralympic class 2.4R. Additionally another 15 International classes will be racing from 24 - 27 June. Here in Kiel on their home waters, the German sailors want to show that they are part of the international high-class competition and gain valuable ranking points towards the ISAF Sailing World Cup. For further information visit http://www.kieler-woche.de For the latest news, photos and videos, as well as Standings, event details and more, visit the ISAF Sailing World Cup website at http://www.sailing.org/worldcup.

2.11 The Bay Regatta – Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi
Is the new name for the well-known Phang Nga Bay Regatta which has run for the past 13 years. The name change does not signify any major changes to the event, which will continue to run each year in early February through the three provinces now reflected in its new name. Including the names of all three provinces, not just one, is the real reason for the change. Often the event spends more time in Phuket and Krabi provinces than in Phang Nga itself. Thus, to allow the event to capitalize fully on potential cooperation and sponsorship, the names of Phuket and Krabi need to be included in the event title. The regatta typically attracts 40 to 50 yachts each year, making it one of the biggest and most popular sailing events in Asia. Unlike most other regattas, this event takes the fleet through the spectacular scenery of Phang Nga Bay to a new anchorage each evening, holding awards parties in a wide variety of different locations. Some evening parties take place on beaches, some in high-class resorts or in local village restaurants and the participants have to sleep on their boats. So mark 9th-13th February 2011 firmly in the diary and get more details at: http://www.bay-regatta.com

2.12 Dick Sanders RIP
We are sad to announce the passing of Dick Sanders, owner and Skipper of "Thai Raver" and we offer our condolences to his family and close friends. Following surgery last December for a brain tumor, and in spite of continuing chemotherapy, he passed away early Wednesday 12th May in a Bangkok hospital. Dick was a founding member of the OMYC sailing group, and was well known for his gusto and infectious laughter. Dick was not one to shy from a challenge; he built his own yacht, originally as a cruiser, though shortly after the launch he tried his hand at racing. Within months had removed more than 80% of the creature comforts he had worked so hard to create to reduce weight to be more competitive. Dick was a proud owner builder, over the years he worked tirelessly to modify, re-fit, tweak, whatever it took to make Thai Raver ever more competitive and rightly so, he enjoyed sharing a Heineken or two after the race at the dock in the cockpit of Thai Raver. Dick will long be remembered as a keen, competitive sailor and fair sportsman. Farewell Dick, we wish you fairwinds and following seas.

2.13 World Youth Sailors set sail for Istanbul
There will be a record attendance at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in Istanbul in July. A total of 344 sailors, 251 boats from 63 countries are registered to compete in the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships 2010 which will be held between 08–17 July 2010. The event has been held in 23 countries over the past 40 years, but it is the first time Istanbul has hosted the championships. With the highest number of competitors of recent years, the regatta looks set to be a competitive regatta for the best young sailors of the world. For more details on the 2010 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship visit: http://www.isafyouthworlds.com

3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS

3.1 PRO Harold Bennett's report on 33rd AC
The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Race Officials Committee has completed their report regarding an alleged incident of impropriety during the 33rd America’s Cup Match held in February 2010. The complaint was filed by PRO Harold Bennett, who had stated that members of the Alinghi team’s club, Societe Nautique de Geneve, had refused to start the second race of the Match due to sailing conditions they deemed inappropriate. The report was made public on the ISAF website. http://www.sailing.org/32808.php

3.2 RC 44 first official World Championship
(May 19, 2010) - Now in its fourth season, the RC 44 Class Association announced that its first World Championship will take place on October 11th - 16th in the Canary Islands (ESP). The recognition by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) is an important milestone for the Class. The first official RC 44 World Championship will bring together twelve RC 44’s in the Canary Islands. Event organiser Daniel Calero. “We are very proud to welcome the world’s best sailors to our venue. The fact that this event is the official World Championship is a great bonus for us as the event organisers, and a fantastic achievement for the Class. ”After the RC 44 World Championship, the RC 44 fleet will be shipped across the Atlantic for the season's last regatta, the RC 44 Miami Cup, on December 7th - 12th. -- Full story available at: http://www.rc44.com/

3.3 Designers focus on new America’s Cup Class
A significant step was taken towards creating the next America’s Cup boat when 19 designers met in Valencia. High performance is fundamental to all three concepts. The monohull proposal will give significantly faster speeds upwind and downwind compared to boats used in 2007. 'The America’s Cup is the pinnacle of our sport, so the boats should be physically demanding to race well and produce fast, competitive racing to engage new fans,' said Burns.
Requirements for all three concepts are:
• fast, dynamic and close racing
• high levels of athleticism required to race the boats to their optimum
• advanced, efficient and cost-effective technologies
• logistical efficiency to facilitate transport to a regular series of regattas
• distinctive to the America’s Cup
• versatility, enabling racing in any venue in winds from 5-35 knots

3.4 Newport Bermuda Race starts June 18
With 196 entries, the 47th Newport Bermuda Race fleet is on track to be the third largest in the race's history. The big fleet may get even bigger during the late entry period. This classic ocean race is a 630-mile thrash across the Gulf Stream to the Onion Patch. Among the non-U.S. entries are the overall winner of the recent Royal Ocean Racing Club Caribbean 600, Beau Geste, Cameron Ward (Sydney, Australia), and Sir Geoffrey Mulcahy's Noonmark VI (Southampton, England), which is on an extended circumnavigation that includes the world's major races. Another foreign entry is Hugo Boss, sailed by British ocean racer Alex Thomson (Gosport, England). "Newport Bermuda is one of the big classics," said Thomson. "Having done many Fastnets and Sydney-Hobarts, I am very excited to present our new boat and represent our sponsor in this famous race." -- Full details http://www.BermudaRace.com

3.5 Portimão new venue for WMRT Portugal Match Cup
13 May 2010 – Portimão has been named as the new venue for the 2010 Portugal Match Cup, which is into its seventh edition. The event will be held at the Marina of Portimão from June 22 – 27, 2010. Previously, Tróia has been the host of this established annual stage of the tour for the past three years and the change in venue will inspire innovative changes to the competition set up. Following the new venue announcement, Justino de Sá Machado, President of Sun Sailing Team (rights owner to run the Portugal Match Cup) said, “back in 2004, we decided to place Portugal in the world sailing circuit, bringing to our waters one of the world’s most media worthy competitions – the ISAF World Match Racing Tour Portimão Portugal Match Cup.” Portimão is adept at hosting international yachting regattas such as the Audi Med Cup and will provide world class facilities for the world class professional sailors of the ISAF World Match Racing Tour to enjoy, backed up by on-shore activities for fans at Portimão Marina and predicted excellent racing conditions. For more information, visit http://www.portimaoportugalmatchcup.com

3.6 Royal Canal, Ireland September reopening
Waterways Ireland has hosted the first meeting of the working committee involved in planning the celebrations to mark the reopening of the Royal Canal. The reopening is intended to take place in September 2010 and will be preceded by a series of events marking the new life given to this highly significant and historic public amenity.145.6km long, the Royal Canal stretches from Dublin to the Shannon passing through Dublin, Fingal, Kildare, Longford, Meath, and Westmeath. 1.2 million people live within this catchment making the Royal Canal one of the largest public amenities on the island. The councils representing this catchment are all participating in the working committee. The reopening of the Royal Canal marks 36 years of campaigning by the Royal Canal Amenity Group who in conjunction with the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and the Heritage Boat Association will be participating in the working committee. There will be a formal permanent recognition of the years of work the past and present members have contributed to saving the canal. BYM News: http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=68375

3.7 AC34 UPDATE
The first official news conference of AC34 was on Thursday, May 6th in Rome. Speaking jointly Russell Coutts, who represents the Defender (GGYC/BOR), and Vincenzo Onorato (ITA, Mascalzone Latino) representing the Challenger of Record, Club Nautico di Roma. Key timetable and dates were announced on the big four decisions - date, venue, boat and format will be revealed by the end of the year.
- Protocol for the 34th America's Cup will be issued by August 31
- Design rule released by September 30
- Notice of Race & Sailing Instructions published by December 31
- Venue confirmed by December 31
- Challenge Period open from October 1 - January 31, 2011

3.8 Where the AC all began
Britain's America's Cup team, TEAMORIGIN, has invited the America's Cup holders, BMW ORACLE Racing, to Cowes this summer to compete in a match race tournament that will involve a race clockwise around the Island over the historic original course that saw the birth of the America's Cup in 1851. This inaugural event will be named The 1851 CUP. In that summer of 1851, fourteen British yachts raced a visiting US yacht called 'America', clockwise around the Isle of Wight. The American yacht won. Her owners were awarded a silver ewer, which became, and continues to be to this day, one of the world's leading sports trophies - the America's Cup. Named for the year of the original race, The 1851 Cup is a new invitational match race regatta which will become a perpetual event that will be competed for by America's Cup teams invited by TEAMORIGIN and the Royal Thames Yacht Club. This year the British and American teams will use their own ACC Version 4 boats, GBR-75 and USA-76, both are currently being prepared for shipping from Valencia, Spain to the UK. -- Full details: http://tinyurl.com/2b8wrb5

3.9 Alex Thomson's HUGO BOSS officially unveiled
Alex Thomson’s new HUGO BOSS IMOCA 60 was officially unveiled at an exclusive launch event at the East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf. Hollywood leading lady, Diane Kruger, joined F1 racing driver David Coulthard, and a host of other celebrities, as Thomson’s new yacht was christened in front of an audience of 650 guests. The boat has undergone a dramatic redesign over the last four months under the guidance of yacht designer Juan Kouyoumdjian. HUGO BOSS stands as the most powerful boat in the IMOCA 60 fleet and over the next few months, Thomson will undertake a rigorous testing and training schedule which will involve a transatlantic and Mediterranean sailing programme before heading to Spain for the start of the Barcelona World Race in December. For more info about Alex and HUGO BOSS goto http:// www.alexthomsonracing.com

4. WORLD SPEED RECORDS

4.1 ICAP Leopard going for transatlantic record
(May 31, 2010) - At 18h 45m 38s UTC on May 29th, ICAP Leopard, the 100ft super-maxi racing yacht owned by Helical Bar PLC chief executive Mike Slade, crossed the start line at Ambrose Light to begin her attempt on the 2,925 nautical mile monohull transatlantic speed record. ICAP Leopard will need to cross the finish line at Lizard Point before 12h 37m UTC on Saturday 5th June to break the current record held by Mari Cha IV of 6 days, 17 hours and 52 minutes (set in 2003). As of 2200 hours they were 1.64 nm behind the record. -- http://www.leopard3.com/transatlantic_record_attempt_2010.html

4.2 New Trans-Med Record to Banque Populaire
The maxi-trimaran Banque Populaire V hahas set a new TransMed record from Marseille to Carthage, Tunisia taking 2 hours 47 minutes and 47 seconds off Groupama 3's previous record. The new record time is now 14 hours 20 minutes and 34 seconds, subject to confirmation by the WSSRC. The 40m trimaran sailed from Marseille at 03:56:56 GMT Saturday morning and finished at Carthage, Tunisa at 18:17:30 GMT for an average speed of 33.24 knots over the 477 mile course. She hit a peak speed of 43.1 knots. -- Boat site: http://www.voile.banquepopulaire.fr

5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"

5.1 Tornado levels Oklahoma marina
May 12th NORMAN — Bob Davis has owned the Little River Marina at Lake Thunderbird State Park for 20 years, but he hardly recognizes it following Monday’s tornado. Davis said the marina, worth about $2 million — not including the 275 or so boats that were docked there — is a total loss. "It was a direct hit,” he said Tuesday morning. "The whole marina is wrapped tight into a cluster. I can’t even identify one dock from another.” Leslie Blair, public information officer at Lake Thunderbird, said the state park was closed Tuesday out of safety concerns and to assess the park’s extensive damage. The Little Axe and Fisherman’s Point campgrounds and Little River Marina are closed indefinitely, Blair said. Short Video clip and read more Click Here...

5.2 Drama filled start for the Mini Pavois
Two dismasting's as the singlehanded Minis set sail from La Rochelle. The conditions proved too much for some and resulted in a fair share of technical misfortunes. The most painful was definitely for Aurélien Ducroz (417 - Nissan), who's boat suffered a dismasting before she reached the mark. The freeride World champion was very disappointed to see this adventure end so quickly. It was also a hard blow for Spain's Jorge Maden Ruiz (636 - Casio G-Shock), who's boat was also dismasted as she was on her way to La Rochelle with a technical problem. Designer and long term Mini-ist David Raison was also disappointed to have to throw the towel with his radical new Magnum design. This boat has undoubtedly shattered the conventional wisdom in MIni design. A broken rudder chock resulted him being to return to port and en route back the hull was damaged and he has since retired from the race. Milan Kolacek also returned to port with a problem with the filler pipe for his water ballast causing water to flood his boat destroying all the electrics. He too has withdrawn from the race.

5.3 BMW Oracle boats suffer damage at Louis Vuitton Trophy
24th May First it was the top scoring Italian team Mascalzone Latino to have a collision with All4One that saw the umpires impose a red flag penalty on the local boat just before the weather mark. Following a 'hard contact' incident in their race against All4One, Mascalzone Latino has been docked a point. The collision occurred on the approach to the top mark for the first time, when Mascalzone Latino was penalised for tacking too close to All4One. Following the completion of their tack, All4One was forced to take evasive action, and their spinnaker pole swept across the transom of the Italian boat. At the time, the on the water Umpires assessed a red flag penalty, forcing Mascalzone Latino into an immediate penalty turn that handed the lead to All4One. Following the race, a one point penalty for 'hard contact' was added, as per the regatta rules. Mascalzone Latino request for redress from the additional one point penalty was later denied. More at: http://www.louisvuittontrophy.com/news/news.php?nws=20100524_Italian_teams

Then on the 25th May a start line collision between ALEPH Sailing Team and Azzurra, for which the French boat was disqualified, knocked two America's Cup Class boats out of action at the Louis Vuitton Trophy La Maddalena today and led to a one-race disqualification for the French ALEPH Sailing Team. Aleph struck the stern of the Italian entry Azzurra as the boats sped down the start line with 35 seconds remaining to the start gun. No one was injured, but the bow of the French boat was knocked almost right off while the aft starboard quarter of the Italian boat was smashed in. The Aleph team quickly published a statement apologising for the collision and subsequent damage. The two boats involved are the BMW Oracle Racing boats USA98 and USA87 which have been chartered to the regatta organisers for the event. Oracle boatbuilders and technical experts assessed the damage over night, but others were less hopeful of the prospects of the boats being back in action even in time for the final. The racing programme has been slowed considerably due to two of the four boats being out of action but organisers will push on and expect to complete the series with or without them. Follow the highlights of the regattas Live on AYTV (virtual eye at the moment, live images will be available in the final four days), interviews, press releases and daily comments, photos, video and highlights. Full story:
http://www.louisvuittontrophy.com/news/news.php?nws=&id=765
Video of collision: http://tinyurl.com/collision-video
Photos of collision: http://tinyurl.com/collision-photos

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