QUANTUM Shift Continues...
Some sail makers save their best stuff for only the big boat programs. Not Quantum. Their iQ Technology informs the development of every sail from the smallest one design classes right on through to the TP52 and beyond. With a full inventory of Q™ sails Brad Van Liew's Eco 60 Le Pingouin will sail into Punta del Este, Uruguay today, to win the third ocean sprint of the Velux 5 Oceans race. Winner of the first two ocean sprints places him firmly at the top of the leaderboard. Van Liew has been at sea for more than three weeks and covered more than 6,000 nautical miles through the Southern Ocean. During the stopover he will be preparing for ocean sprint four, which will take the racers 5,700 nautical miles to Charleston in the U.S. state of South Carolina. No matter what your boat size or sailing venue, find your speed at: http://www.quantumsails.com and follow Brads progress on Le Pingouin at: http://www.velux5oceans.com/

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CONTENTS

1. EDITORIAL - Catch up with past and future events
2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS - ICOMIA World Marinas Conference - Singapore 10-12 May - Asian teams for AC34? - Indonesian benefits from Olympic solidarity - Edmond de Rothschild wins Ex 40 Act One - Transfusion crowned Farr 40 World Champions - Competitive One design racing in Asia - SB3 Western Circuit Series
Up next in Asia Platu OPEN - San Fernando Race - Commodore's Cup - Top of the Gulf
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS - Bruno & Loïck Peyron team up for AC34 - BWR yachts close in on Cape Horn - Thomas Coville Sodebo arriving Cape Horn - RC-44 racing comes to San Diego - Leg 3 VELUX 5 OCEANS finish today - AC72 Class Rule Amended
Follow the: Velux 5 Oceans - AC 34 - Barcelona World Race - Extreme Sailing Series - World Match Racing Tour - Volvo Ocean Race
4. World Speed records - Vestas Sailrocket 2 aims for speed sailing record - Rambler 100 sets new Caribbean 600 Record
5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month" - AC45 capsized - Team Vodafone plan quick recovery - Banque Populaire V abandons Jules Verne attempt

1. EDITORIAL

After a hectic start to the New Year, March brings some relief from major regatta's on a large scale and returns to the club racing level. If your new to the AY Circulation List or missed some of the recent event coverage, Click on Royal Langkawi Int Regatta, Singapore Straits, Neptune Regatta, Bay Regatta, Subic Boracay Race and Boracay Cup to catch up with the latest news. Anyone contemplating introducing a new event, March and early April are free. This month One-design racing takes a precedent with the Platu OPEN from 12/14th March at Pattaya, Thailand and the SB3 Western Circuit Series on the same weekend 12-13 March at Raffles Marina, Singapore.

During April the 480nm Hong Kong to San Fernando Race starts on the 20th and the action packed AsianYachting Grand Prix returns with the Commodore's Cup at Subic Bay in the Philippines from 27-30 April and the Top of the Gulf at Ocean Marina, Pattaya, Thailand from April 28th to May 3rd. Unfortunately there is a clash of dates but we will endeavour to produce Race Reports from both events. Discussions have already started about next seasons events and suggestions include forming an Eastern Circuit for boats that don't travel all the way to Singapore, Malaysia and Phuket. More on this latter.

On the International scene, Ocean Sprint 3 of the Velux 5 Oceans is coming to a conclusion and the leaders on the Barcelona World Race are closing in on Cape Horn. The Extreme Sailing Series has kicked off in Oman and the next stop is Qingdao, China from 15-17 April. All sorts of news is coming out from the AC 34, RC44 San Diego, Volvo Ocean Race and World Match Racing Tour as they get ready for the season or countdown to the race begins. The latest news from these organisations and much much more can be found below.
Enjoy!
Capt Marty Rijkuris

2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS

2.1 ICOMIA World Marinas Conference - Singapore 10-12 May
Just a reminder to inform you that the early bird discount for the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference is only available for another day! Register before 2nd March to ensure you receive the discount. WMC2011 is the seventh conference in the series and is the world's most exclusive international marinas event where over 350 industry professionals gather from around the world. Marina owners, operators, harbour masters, nautical tourism promoters, port, harbour and boat yard operators, equipment suppliers and technology providers will come together for over 2 days to learn, network and do business. WMC2011 takes place at the Swissotel, The Stamford, Singapore on 10 - 12 May. This years’ programme features a content packed agenda, high profile speakers, networking sessions, evening drinks receptions, a conference dinner and a marinas day tour. Please visit http://www.wmc2011.asia

2.2 Asian teams for AC34?
Two prospective teams from Asia were in Auckland for the launch of the AC45 on Tuesday. By way of contrast to the secrecy that has surrounded the teams pre-entry, to date, one group representing Chinese interests were happy to be photographed and sailed on the AC45 in Auckland. Representatives from a prospective Challenger from China had a short test sail on board the AC 45. The other group represented, are believed to be Korean interests. Both were at a dinner hosted by Louis Vuitton. America's Cup Media reports: While the time on board was brief, it was long enough to know that the AC 45 is the right platform for teams to step up to multihull racing in the America’s Cup, say the prospective team’s General Manager Thierry Barot and designer Yann Dabbadie. 'The boat is very well balanced, a very safe design that is great for teams without much experience,' said Dabbadie after a day on the water observing the AC 45 in Auckland. 'It’s very basic and very easy to handle – a very good first step.' For Cup veteran Barot, who was with Team China in the 32nd America’s Cup, the new AC 45 gets a thumbs up. 'It’s magic. It’s impressive on the water. There is so much power yet it is so safe. I really think it will be exciting for public and media.' The prospective Chinese team, represented by Barot and Dabbadie left New Zealand after three days of meetings with America’s Cup officials including Regatta Director Iain Murray. We are getting closer, ' Barot said of China’s prospects for challenging. 'We hope to start training soon with the Chinese team.' The Chinese words emblazoned on the shirts of Barot and Dabbadie were 'Xin Yi Dai.' Those words mean New Generation. Perhaps a New Generation is coming soon to the 34th America’s Cup. Stay tuned. More at: http://www.americascup.com/

2.3 Enjoy huge Sunsail discounts
Sunsail's South-East Asia bases are easily accessed by direct flights from all major Asian cities. The main base in Phuket is conveniently located at the new Ao Po Marina, just a few miles away from Paradise Island and some of the most stunning beaches you can find. With 3 other great areas including Langkawi, Koh Chang and Koh Samui, plus all your berthing, insurance and maintenance taken care of by a team of Sunsail professionals, you can enjoy access to year-round, worry-free cruising. Check out the huge discounts each month on high-performance cruising yachts built for comfort and designed especially for the great sailing in Asia! Visit Sunsail Asia www.sunsailasia.com and pick up a copy of the 2011 Yacht Charter brochure and receive regular updates on Sunsail's activities in the Asian region contact Tel: +66 (0)76 239057 Email: sales@sunsailasia.com

2.4 Indonesian benefits from Olympic solidarity
The ISAF Training and Development Department is pleased to announce that the IOC Olympic Solidarity department has agreed to fund a Training Scholarship candidate from Indonesia. This will make them the sixth successful International Sailing Federation Member National Authority (MNA) to benefit from this exciting course. Dates are now confirmed as the 5 September - 28 October 2011. Mrs Dyan Puspito Rini, known as 'Ririn' to her fellow coaches, was identified by ISAF Trainers on a Technical Course for Coaches run in Indonesia during September last year and after months of discussions between ISAF, The Indonesian MNA and the Indonesian National Olympic Committee, the funding was successfully allocated this week. Mrs Puspito Rini has previous study credentials with a Bachelor Degree in Social Sciences and has attended both ISAF race management and race officer courses as part of her work with the Indonesian National Team. Of her experiences so far Ririn said, "The years I spent in the Indonesian sailing sport activities have been a very important part of my life and career. What I have seen in competing and training abroad has convinced me that there are so many potentials in Indonesia in regards to sailing." Full story at: http://www.sailing.org/news/35426.php

2.5 Groupe Edmond de Rothschild wins Ex 40 Act One
Groupe Edmond de Rothschild have won act one of the Extreme Sailing Series at The Wave, Muscat, Oman. The all French crew came ahead of Artemis Racing by ten points after finishing fifth in the final double points race to seal the win after 32 races over five days. An emotional Pierre Pennec (FRA) was in tears at the finish. "I am very emotional as it's a lot of work, a lot of personal investment. It's a long time now that I wanted to drive an Extreme 40, and winning ahead of all these champions, it's amazing." Seven boats were in with a mathematical chance of winning the regatta with two races to go. A total of 32 races were held over the five days - 11 races out on the open water courses on the first two days, and the remaining 21 within the confines of the 'stadium' right in front of the public. The second day delivered the most breeze - up to 21 knots - with the breeze softening to between 5-10 knots in the last two days. With 22 points available in the final race of the day, both Artemis Racing and Red Bull Extreme Sailing were able to take victory. But in the end Terry Hutchinson's (USA) Artemis Racing finished in fourth place, one place ahead of Pennec's men who had therefore done enough. Hutchinson commented, "It's good to see that all our hard work since the end of 2010 has paid off but there is still much room for us to improve. We're having a little bit of a crew rotation for Act Two in Qingdao, so there will be lots of work to do". Act Two of the Extreme Sailing Series will be staged from 15-17 April in Qingdao, China, preceded by two open-water racing days. Check out the teams progress at: http://www.extremesailingseries.com Check out the final day action and summary watch the video on Capt Marty's YouTube Channel

2.6 Transfusion crowned Farr 40 World Champions
A courageous fight back in the penultimate race of the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship by Guido Belgiorno-Nettis' Transfusion and a second place in the decider has seen the Australians crowned world champions on home waters Overnight leaders and defending champions Nerone (ITA) warned that Transfusion would have to force the win and that's exactly what they did. Sailing superbly and recovering from a couple of debatable tactical choices they finish two points ahead when the final points were tallied. In race nine Transfusion's crew were coughing dust for the first upwind leg, rounding the top mark well back and lacking boat speed while Nerone was sailing hotter angles out in front on the first downwind run. Transfusion's US tactician, John Kostecki, now a three-time Farr 40 Worlds winner, lived up to his reputation as one of the world's best as the local boat clawed its way back to finish second to Massimo Mezzaroma and Antonio Sodo Migliori's Nerone. "We weren't phased at the time, but our comeback was definitely as good as it gets" said a relieved Belgiorno-Nettis back at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron where the boat took up the winner's berth and the crew were one by one thrown in or jumped in the water to celebrate. "It is a big achievement, it's still sinking in. I joined the class in 2007 and in the first year we decided to have a shot at the Worlds. It's been a three year program and it came down to the last race. We certainly peaked at the right time." Check out the Rolex photo Gallery at: http://www.regattanews.com/photos.asp?eventid=255&groupid=0

2.7 Sailmaking... Evolved
Evolution Sails are a Global Sailmaking Group and planning further expansion in the Asian region. They have a new way of doing things and new technology to share in an industry that could use a few new ideas. From durable cruising sails to regatta winning EM Membrane racing sails, they have found innovative ways to improve their product through advances in manufacturing, engineering and design. Whether your plans include cruising the Med or crossing the Atlantic, Sydney/Hobart or winning IRC Nationals, Bucket or Sportsboat competition, Dinghy sailing or One Design racing, or just a weekday twilight race with your friends, you must consider Evolution for your next sails. Check them out at: http://www.evolutionsails.com/

2.8 Most competitive One design racing in Asia.
Pattaya Thailand: Last year saw another increase in quality and international participation and early signs indicate that in 2011 this will continue. Charter boats will be in big demand so please register your interest as early as you can.
Dates are
Platu OPEN.................12/14th March with a one day feeder event on the 11th for practicing.
Top of The Gulf...........30 April – 3 May. (Will organise practice races if you want)
Platu NATIONALS......12/14th August with a one day feeder event on the 11th for practicing.
Platu Cup......................8/9th October
If you are thinking of doing any of these regattas and require any help contact Kiev Scott to register or charter a boat or ask for more details kevscott@hotmail.com Cell +66 878 25 00 11 NOR's available on web site http://www.OMYCsailing.com

2.9 SB3 Western Circuit Series
Marcus the SB3 Singapore Fleet Captain reports that "We are getting ready for our first SB3 2011 Regatta on the 12-13 March out at Raffles Marina". We are hoping to see all 17 SB3 Singapore boats and crew on the starting line. Awards and points will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for the 1st Regatta. These points will be accumulated at the end of the year for the "Sailor of the Year" award. Please help get the word out and look forward to seeing you at Raffles next week.

3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS

3.1 Bruno and Loïck Peyron team up for AC34
Energy Team, the new French challenge set up around Bruno and Loïck Peyron, has been officially registered for the 34th America's Cup. Energy Team are the sixth challenger registered and they are aiming to grab the silverware. Launched and run by Bruno Peyron and Loïck Peyron their challenge is backed by the prestigious Yacht Club de France. The construction of the first AC72 multihull will begin at the Multiplast yard in Vannes, France on 1 September 2011. Within a month of the official announcement last September that the America's Cup was to be raced aboard multihulls the Peyron brothers announced that they wanted to bring French know-how together to set up a challenge to win the America's Cup. This is exactly what they have now achieved. The America's Cup has always been a challenge between yacht clubs. Loïck and Bruno Peyron will be benefiting from some prestigious support as the Yacht Club de France will be taking the Energy Team challenge to the Golden Gate Yacht Club in San Francisco. Energy Team aims to be one of the most competitive Challengers starting at the Louis Vuitton Cup events. Energy Team's ambition is to do all it can to take part in the next two editions and to win the America's Cup. Bruno is the project's general manager with Loïck the official skipper of the boats and will also be in charge of the Design Team. The construction of the first AC72 catamaran will begin on 1 September 2011 and will be done by Multiplast, with the launch planned for April 2012. Yann Penfornis, managing director of the yard, will be coordinating the AC 72 design and construction teams, under the supervision of Loïck Peyron. http://www.energyteam.fr/presse/

3.2 BWR yachts close in on Cape Horn
(February 27, 2011: Day 59) - As the lead two boats closely follow each other's tracking position, they will both be dealing with some tough weather for the next few days. "It is icy cold and it is raining, sleet on the deck," said Loick Peyron (FRA) on Virbac-Paprec 3. "I currently play with the pilot, push button sailing. MAPFRE sails well and they are very serious customers. We watch their position, their speed and course, one imagines their sail combinations and their weather. The race is full of excitement, it is thrilling." One hopes for manageable conditions for rounding Cape Horn, but the current outlook presents some doubt. "The routings suggests we could get to Cape Horn on 3rd March," explained Iker Martinez (ESP) on MAPFRE. "For the moment we have to face a weather situation, because we are going to have a heavy storm. Looking at the routings we see that this storm is coming and if we go fast we could arrive to the Horn just as it is starting, but if we end up behind it could take us full on and there is no escape because we have to round the Cape and this should be done just before or at the beginning of this great storm and that doesn't look good at all." Race Tracker: http://tracking.barcelonaworldrace.org

3.3 Thomas Coville Sodebo arriving at Cape Horn
February 27, 2011; Day 30, 22:00 UTC) - The weekend has helped Thomas Coville (FRA) on the 105-foot trimaran Sodebo, as he has reduced his deficit on the solo round the world record by nearly 100 nm, and is now 1142.9 nm behind the record set by Francis Joyon (FRA) set in 2008 on the 97-foot trimaran IDEC. Coville's approach to Cape Horn may soon find himself amid the Barcelona World Race fleet that are on their approach as well. What most people don't realise is that Thomas Coville almost capsized his trimaran Sodebo while crossing the starting line of the Round the World single handed record January 29th 2011 in Ushuant. The wind was strong and gusty and moments after this photo was taken they nose dived and almost cart wheeled head over heels. Heavy weather sailing! More action watch the video on Capt Marty's YouTube Channel or follow their progress visit the website -- http://www.sodebo-voile.com/

3.4 DK Technology 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

3.5 RC-44 racing comes to San Diego
Sailboat racing as a stadium sport comes to San Diego Bay this week with the inaugural RC-44 championship regatta. The five-day event starts Wednesday 2nd and concludes on Sunday 6th and will feature 11, high-performance RC-44 sloops. While most San Diegans have no idea what an RC-44 is and who is actually racing, although one of the favored boats is owned by Larry Ellison of Oracle America’s Cup fame, the regatta will give event the most land-locked among us a chance to see close-quarter sailboat racing. All the starts - and finishes - during the racing will be just off the end of the Broadway Pier. Depending on the direction of the wind and the day of the racing, the courses will take the boats up along the Embarcadero or toward Harbor Island. The 11 boats entered will represent nine nations. For those more knowledgeable of sailing, the list of skippers reads like a Who’s Who. Among the world-class skippers entered are Russell Coutts, the hero of New Zealand’s America’s Cup victory off San Diego in 1995, Paul Cayard, Coronado native Rod Davis, Kevin Burnham and Morgan Larson. Event details and news updates at: http://rc44cupsd.com/

3.6 Leg 3 VELUX 5 OCEANS finished today
(February 28, 2011; Day 23) - Overall VELUX 5 OCEANS race leader Brad Van Liew (USA) is expected to cross the finish line in Punta del Este, Uruguay Tuesday 1st March afternoon local time, but light winds have hampered his daily progress. Keel problems have restricted Zbigniew ‘Gutek’ Gutkowski (POL), and now Derek Hatfield (CAN) has taken over the second place position, though only two miles separate the rivals with 483 nm remaining. Derek Hatfield and Zbigniew 'Gutek' Gutkowski were today neck and neck in the sprint for the finish line of the third leg of the VELUX 5 OCEANS. Separated by just a few miles, the race rivals could see each other from their yachts, an incredible achievement given they have been at sea for more than three weeks and have covered more than 6,000 nautical miles through the Southern Ocean. With Chris Stanmore-Major and Spartan just 30 miles behind them, positions are now up for grabs in what is set to be a thrilling end to the sprint from Wellington, New Zealand via Cape Horn to Punta del Este in Uruguay. More at: http://www.velux5oceans.com

3.7 AC72 Class Rule Amended
America's Cup competitors this week amended the AC 72 class rule, the design rule that will govern the development of the Cup class wing-sailed catamarans for the 34th America's Cup and the America's Cup World Series events in 2012. The rule had been introduced in October and was modified this week following recommendations from the Measurement Committee and reflected the unanimous support of the Competitor Forum that represents all entered teams. The single most notable change is the reduction of the number of wing masts required, simplifying design and logistics as well as saving time and costs. Initially the rule called for both a small and large wing. "We have already learned a lot about the performance of the next generation of America's Cup boats from the initial sea trials of the AC 45 in New Zealand," said Iain Murray, Regatta Director and ACRM CEO. "With teams already working on their ultimate America's Cup designs of the AC 72, all agreed that one wing size of up to 40-meters (131-feet) could be raced across the wind range. This also allows for more efficient logistics with only wing size rather than two different size rigs. This is a good example of the teams working together to improve efficiencies and reduce costs for all competitors." The number of rigs per team was reduced from eight wing-spar sections to six. The resulting efficiency will result in significant cost savings. More at: http://www.americascup.com

4. WORLD SPEED RECORDS

4.1 New Vestas Sailrocket 2 aims for speed sailing record
The Sailrocket team launches its second-generation speed sailing boat from the Isle of Wight on 8 March, 2011. Vestas Sailrocket 2 is designed to be significantly faster than its predecessor, with the ultimate aim of breaking the ‘Outright World Speed Sailing Record’. During the last 15 months, the Sailrocket team has been focused on building a better, safer and –above all – faster boat in Vestas Technology R&D’s facilities on the Isle of Wight. Now Vestas Sailrocket 2 will be launched to the public for the first time. “Since we started pursuing the Outright World Speed Sailing Record 9 years ago, the record has been raised by exactly 9 knots. The current record holders, the kite surfers, have taken it out of the reach of all the previous contenders and it is going to take a very special boat to get it back. Vestas Sailrocket 2 is a boat that aims high. The only satisfactory outcome for us is the outright record,” Paul Larsen, pilot and project leader from the Sailrocket 2 team says. Check them out at: http://www.sailrocket.com/

4.2 Rambler 100 sets new Caribbean 600 Record
George David's maxi yacht, Rambler 100 has broken the RORC Caribbean 600 monohull race record subject to official confirmation. Rambler 100 crossed the finish line in Antigua in the early hours of Wednesday morning in an elapsed time of 1 day 16 hours 20 minutes and 2 seconds to beat Mike Slade's ICAP Leopard record by nearly four hours. Rambler 100 and ICAP Leaopard have been locking horns over 600 miles of high-speed action in a fight to the finish. Competing against each other for the first time and battling it out to snatch the record for the third edition of the RORC Caribbean 600. The Rambler crew contained the entire compliment of the PUMA Ocean Racing team which will be competing in the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race. PUMA skipper, Kenny Read said, "That was a lot of fun but hard work for a while. You do something like sail around the world and that is almost easy compared to this because there is no time to take any sleep. You're taking so many corners and turns, but it is also a gorgeous course, it's a dream-come-true type of event. Full story at: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/

5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"

5.1 AC45 capsized
Artemis Racing became the first team to capsize the prototype AC45 that will be used in the 2011-2012 AC World Series. While taking a break during their training session to repair the roller furler, the boat got hit with a gust from about 10 degrees off to one side and slowly rolled over. "There is very little structural damage to the wing but a lot of the 'skin' of the wing came off," described team CEO Paul Cayard. Repairs are expected to be completed this week. Sailing in winds of around 20 knots on Hauraki Gulf, Auckland in New Zealand, when the boat capsized. No one on board was hurt. The carbon fibre catamaran appears to have suffered significant rigid sail damage, as well as damage to the catamaran's right hull. An ACRM Rigid Inflatable helped keep the America's Cup prototype steerage and afloat as the damaged cat returned to its Viaduct Basin base. Another tender brought some elements of the solid wing back to the dock separately. Iain Murray, CEO of ACRM commented, 'The purpose of the prototype is to give the competitors and ACRM experience with these types of boats and wing sails. Fortunately no one was injured. I am confident we will get this boat back sailing very soon.' The AC45 prototype is managed by ACRM on behalf of the America’s Cup competitors. Artemis is the third team to sea trial the boat and today was the first day of their session. As has been standard procedure, an ACRM representative was on board. More at: http://www.americascup.com

5.2 Team Vodafone plan quick recovery
9 Feb 2011: It could have been much worse for Team Vodafone Sailing when the trimaran lost its rig on Auckland's Waitemata harbour, but the mast survived relatively intact and damage to the boat was minor. The trimaran was reported to be flying two hulls and traveling at over 25kts when a shroud gave way. She was leading the race at the time, but was being pursued by the prototype AC45 sailed by Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker at the time of the incident. The AC45 was reported to be catching TVS, but had not yet passed her. No injuries were reported to the crew, and damage to the wingsail is also reported to be minimal. “We were extremely lucky in the incident as not only was no one hurt, but the damage to the rig and boat were both minimal,” says Skipper and Owner, Simon Hull. After the incident the wing mast was still afloat as was towed back by two Emirates team NZ tenders who were quickly on the scene. The repair is expected to be completed in a matter of weeks and next up is a program of local racing. The BMW Auckland Regatta from 18-20 March is likely, as is the Auckland to Tauranga race at Easter, and the Auckland to Fiji race in June. More at: http://www.teamvodafonesailing.co.nz or catch the action video on Capt Marty's YouTube Channel

5.3 Banque Populaire V abandons Jules Verne attempt
With a lead of 324 miles over the reference time, the Maxi Banque Populaire V was handicapped for more than 48 hours by a damaged daggerboard due to a collision with a UFO. The crew have tried everything to repair the broken piece and resume their round the world tour. However, after 24 hours of intensive care, Pascal Bidegorry and his men must face the facts: it is not possible for them to continue this journey with a daggerboard that does not fulfil its potential when one looks closely at the long upwind voyage ahead to the Kerguelen Islands. After fourteen days of sailing that has seen an impressive performance from the boat, the fourteen men on board are therefore forced to quit in their first record attempt of the Jules Verne Trophy. Reached by telephone late this morning, Pascal Bidegorry talked through this difficult but reasoned decision: “Yesterday, we spent the day sawing the end of the damaged daggerboard. We managed to clear a good part of it and scraped inside it to make it fair. Right now, the guys are trying to fill it in with whatever they find. Then we will have to fair the outside. The boat is a true composite workshop at the moment, which is not ideal at 46 ° south, in the cold and permanent fog. We are left with two meters of daggerboard instead of the usual 5.80 meters. The disappointment and frustration of the Maxi Banque Populaire V’s crew and of Banque Populaire itself are inevitably strong today, but everyone knows that this decision is right, as there is still two thirds of the world left to sail around in this attempt.

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