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CONTENTS

1. EDITORIAL - International sailing onto new dizzy heights
2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS - Can Fish bombing be banned by UN? - Asian Marine and Boating Awards - Inaugural Singapore Match Race League - 3rd Asia Superyacht Conference & Singapore Yacht Show - Top of The Gulf Regatta & Coronation Cup (April 29th - May 3rd) - Samui regatta turns on the glamour - China Team definitely in AC34 - Sail Malaysia - Passage to the East Yacht Rally - Langkawi to Sabah - Jessica Watson youngest Sydney Hobart skipper - Team Korea will contest AC34 - New licence's for Singapore yacht operators - Inaugural Sail Maluku Rally 2011 - Solo Sailing to Save the Dolphins
Up next in Asia San Fernando Race - Commodore's Cup - Top of the Gulf - Sail Malaysia - Sawadee.com Regatta Samui
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS - ISAF Sailing World Cup heats up in Palma - Virbac-Paprec wins Barcelona World Race - Sodebo crosses finish line but no gong for Coville - Message from Francis Joyon - VOR strategy on piracy - Cruising Club of America Awards - Racing Rules for AC34
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 launched - Virbac-Paprec new 24 hour record
5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month" - Lechera Asturiana dismasted again - Groupe Bel retires from BWR

1. EDITORIAL

As some parts of the world seem to be on a path of destruction, it is left to the International sporting community, through friendly competition to bring some peace and harmony to the rest of the world and perhaps a glimmer of hope that humanity can settle differences in a more amicable sort of way. Over the last year, various decisions made in high places is propelling International sailing onto new dizzy heights at an unbelievable pace, something that we have never seen before. The launching of the AC45 wingsail catamaran and the subsequent plan to race these rocket ships on a series together starting mid-year is a gigantic step forward. This is only a prelude to the forthcoming AC72, to contest the 34th America's Cup which is shaping up to be a sailing experience beyond all other and considerably raising the bar in the quest to find the fastest sailing team on the planet.

As Asia does not want to be left behind in the mad rush forward, globe trotting circuits like the WMRT are broadening their horizons into Asian waters and the Extreme 40 Sailing Series next stop is Qingdao, China from 15-17 April. Now that the Chinese and Korean teams have entered AC34 there is the likelihood that one of the pre-race acts could be held in China for all to see. The European Audi TP52 and Soto 40 circuit has some exciting new builds coming on stream shortly and the all new MOD 70 class (Multi One Design trimaran) make their debut, will further drag sailing enthusiasts and fans screaming into the new era.

This month the 480nm Hong Kong to San Fernando Race starts on the 20th April and the three remaining regattas on the action packed AsianYachting Grand Prix return with the Commodore's Cup at Subic Bay in the Philippines from 27-30 April, the Top of the Gulf at Ocean Marina, Pattaya, Thailand from April 28th to May 3rd and the season ending grand final Sawadee.com Regatta at Koh Samui late next month from May 30th to June 4th. Recently Capt Marty gained recognition for AY by making it into the Dark Blue Book or commonly known as the "Who is who? in the World of Sailing" (See photo)

Discussions have already started about next seasons events and expanding the Grand Prix to include IRC 1, Premier Cruising, Multihull and Sportsboat classes if they can ever get their act together at six events.

Bill Gasson is inviting regatta organisers and competitors to an open forum after the TOTGR to look into standardising the classes and how to form a league or circuit out of the major AYGP events and further enhance these Asian regattas. Other suggestions include forming an Eastern and Western Circuit for Hong Kong boats that don't want to travel all the way to Singapore, Malaysia, Phuket and vice versa for the SE Asian boats traveling to HK or Philippines to compete. The TOTG and Ko Samui regattas being the last two regattas each season and middle ground location would be the common events for both groups. If you have any opinions you want to express make sure to get along to the forum or if you cannot make it email them to us at: info@asianyachting.com

The beauty of sailing is that's its a "Sport of Life" as it can be conducted by any age group and at all levels providing your healthy enough to get around and perform some basic tasks within a team. As we mostly study the quest for speed we often overlook the cruising sailors that form the bulk of the yachts that visit SE Asia each year. The end of the month sees Sail Malaysia get underway with the Passage to the East Yacht Rally from Langkawi to Sabah. These rallies play a crucial role in opening up fantastic new destinations in the South China Sea by promoting the less traveled route to the East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah.

Other International news, Ocean Sprint 4 of the Velux 5 Oceans is coming to a conclusion and the leaders on the Barcelona World Race have crossed the finish line on their lap of the world. All sorts of news is coming out from the AC 34, 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 Can "Fish bombing" be banned by UN?
As it seems the UN can now switch on & off bombings - Perhaps they could put the powers invested in them, to better use and try to save the planet by placing a global ban and outlawing "Fish bombing" that destroys coral reefs anywhere in the world... Through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Ravyna Jassani from Selangor who recently went to Sabah as part of the Special Pangaea Borneo Project led by famed world explorer, Mike Horn to learn about the marine bio-diversity of Borneo as well as the environmental issues it is currently facing. "We set sail to Semporna after doing some diving and snorkeling around one of the beautiful islands on eastern Sabah and passing by scenic views and a wonderful sunset, we saw a small fishing boat about 50m or 100m away. It was as if they were hiding something." Ravyna said they continued to monitor the fishermen, wondering what their motive was, one of the men, took something from the boat and casually threw it in the water. "We all knew what would happen next! Our worst fears were coming true. It was a fish bomb! We all couldn't believe what had just happened. A bomb had just gone off, 50 or 100m away from our boat. What if someone was diving or snorkeling out there?" she said. Dynamite fishing not only kills the fish in the area, but permanently damages the coral reefs as well, she said because these reefs play a very important part in the marine ecosystem. "It is the habitat and food source for thousands of different species of marine life." For Ravyna's eye witness account of the "Fish bombing" in Sabah goto: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=77474

2.2 Asian Marine and Boating Awards
These awards are being run with the backing of the biggest boat show in Asia, the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show and they have been given a free hand when it comes to the judging. Alistair Skinner the AMBA Judges Coordinator said "Unlike other 'awards' people actually have to win these ones. The invited judges are members of the media who he hopes would have a wider view of what is out there, where a broker may be 'swayed' by the brands they represent". The Asian boating scene is growing and it deserves a robust set of awards that truly reflect the opinions of knowledgeable people within the industry. This is the 16th year of the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show. It is developing and moving further away from being an exhibition to being a true show. The Asian Marine & Boating Awards will be revealed at the opening night's black tie Gala Dinner. Nominations for awards are now with the panel of judges. The show runs for four days from 14th April to 17th April 2011.

2.3 Inaugural Singapore Match Race League
Singapore’s Marina Barrage played host to 8 match racing teams on the weekend of 26th and 27th March 2011, kicking off the inaugural event of the Match Racing League 2011. The racing was held in the iconic Marina Barrage and teams sailing in a prime water body, flanked by the imposing Marina Bay Sands hotel, Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer. The 8 teams, all buoyant and excited at the prospects of sailing in a new water body, arguably the most spectator-friendly so far, gathered on Saturday morning at the skippers’ briefing. A building westerly breeze meant that the round robins would be run right in front of the Barrage pontoon area, with superb spectator vantage points of the tight racing. The carnage at the Barrage started with teams warming up immediately to the aggressive match racing jousts, essential to gain the upper edge in boat positioning using the OB markers along the shoreline. Those with the practice and match race experience under their belts shone, as the gusty winds picked up to over 10 knots, the tippy and powerful Platu 25’s coming into a life of their own! Going head-to-head in short intense 12 minute races, the 8 teams fought tooth and nail to notch the precious points to scale the round robin table. Eventually it came down to Maximillan Soh (SAFYC) vs Russell Kan (NOSS) and after overcoming early mistakes with sheer boat speed and determination Soh and team ‘Send it sideways’ coasted across the finish line in front of a buoyant crowd to be crowned Kings of the Barrage! Full story at: http://www.sailing.org.sg/news/11/018/index.php

2.4 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 has thus far won every leg of the Velux 5 Oceans race. This result firmly places him on the top of the leader board. Winners of these round the world races usually put it down to preparation, preparation and more preparation. Van Liew has chosen Ouantum Sails for their durability as each leg means more than three weeks at sea and reliability to cover more than 6,000 nautical miles across the harshest of conditions, mostly in the Southern and Atlantic Oceans. During the stopover he meticulously prepares for the next ocean sprint, and is presently on the 5,700 nautical mile leg 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/

2.5 3rd Asia Superyacht Conference & Singapore Yacht Show
To be held in Singapore in an early timeslot (6-9 April) and new this year, alongside Asia's the first ever dedicated superyacht show, Singapore Yacht Show (8-10 April) at ONE°15 Marina Club. "When I travel around the world and attend some of the major shows in the world, its clear just how little people know about what is going on in the Asia-Pacific region" commented conference Chairman Simon Turner. He added "I am sure that one of the reasons for this is the sheer size of our region and the massive geographical area it covers. We roughly define it as being from the Seychelles in the West (the Seychelles being just one of new destinations being covered at this year’s conference) to Hawaii in the East, and from Vladivostok in the North and New Zealand in the South. This means that it is very difficult for anyone to get a proper understanding of the market by travelling around all these areas. The conference gives a unique insight into what is going on around the region and enables delegates to meet key contacts all in one place at one time. This year, with the added benefit of the new Singapore Yacht Show following straight on from the conference gives delegates an unprecedented opportunity to really understand this region." With recent incidents heightening the problems caused by piracy in the Gulf of Aden, the conference will dedicate a major part of the proceedings to enable yacht owners, captains, shipping companies and brokers to fully understand the real extent of the problem posed to superyachts around the world. Latest updates on SYS Conference at: http://www.singaporeyachtshow.com/conference Visit http://www.singaporeyachtshow.com to view the latest news and updates about the show.

2.5 Top of The Gulf Regatta & Coronation Cup (April 29th - May 3rd)
This elite-level multi class competition is held on the first week of May at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien beach, South Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand each year. It incorporates the prestigious Platu 25 Coronation Cup and timed to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej of Thailand. A wide range of offshore yachts will be racing alongside dinghies and beach cats plus the Optimist Champion of Thailand will be crowned here. Bill Gasson, chairman of the organizing committee, added that boats are available for charter and “It’s hard to find a better location, good wind and a great sailing area just out the front door of the marina". More TOTGR info from: info@topofthegulfregatta.com and annual sailing events held from Ocean Marina at: www.topofthegulfregatta.com The TOTGR is the ninth event on the AYGP Championships and has attracted several top class racing yachts that bolsters an already strong fleet of local racers.

2.6 Samui regatta turns on the glamour
BANGKOK, Feb. 28, 2011 The Sawadee.com Regatta is again providing leading companies and brands with unique marketing and activation opportunities. As brands continue to fight through the clutter of multiple marketing channels and ways to be seen, heard and experienced; strategic event sponsorship across Asia continues to become one of the most effective ways for organizations to realize multiple sales, marketing and hospitality objectives. Sponsorship, as a marketing concept, had its origins as an opportunity for companies to have their logo seen and for guests - normally clients - to enjoy some corporate hospitality. Today sponsorship - particularly in the growing lifestyle sector - has matured into a marketing channel that allows brands to be positioned and activated with targeted audiences for extended periods of time. Nowhere in Asia is this more evident than at Koh Samui's International Regatta that is contested at the end of May each year; in the tropical seas off Chaweng Beach. Just a one-hour flight from bustling Bangkok, the regatta annually welcomes an international "fleet" of participants, spectators and sponsors, the latter who leverage the event for far reaching branding opportunities. The Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts, Centara Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Neil Pryde are just some of the respected global brands that align themselves with this "on" and "off" water marketing opportunity. Full article at: http://en.prnasia.com/pr/2011/02/28/110038112.shtml

2.7 China Team definitely in AC34
Unlike some of the other campaigns that have been announced, with little or no funding, the China Team has the full support of the Chinese Government, and the announcement also came with photos of Bruno Trouble and quotes from Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton. With a couple of years to run, and enormous resources, China Team could be a worthy challenger if they can find the right sailors. Mr. Wang Chao Yong, chairman of China Team says: “All boats need to be designed by the team, and built in country. We have been working with some of the best worldwide designers for hull and wings for a few months already, in partnership with top Chinese Universities. This is an opportunity to showcase China’s talents in the leading-edge hi-tech areas of both hydrodynamics and aeronautics. Our boat will then be built in China, and ready to sail by February 2012. China Team, a boat which will truly represent China, as most sailors will be Chinese. Thierry Barot, CEO of China Team has been busy recruiting champion sailors who will be responsible for training the sailing team. “Our boat will be powered mainly by Chinese sailors, and we are very fortunate to have an elite team of international sailors to come to China and train our Chinese team” Richard Worth, Chairman of the America’s Cup Event Authority should be smiling. The China deal should sure up the commercial package a little. He said: “We are very pleased to welcome our eighth challenger, China Team, to the 34th America’s Cup. China Team makes a wonderful addition, bringing another continent of athletes into our international field of strong competitors, as well as a very powerful market to add to the commercial strength of the 34th America’s Cup.”

2.8 Sailmaking... Evolved
Evolution Sails are a Global Sailmaking Group and present plans include further penetration into 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/

2.9 Sail Malaysia - Passage to the East Yacht Rally - Langkawi to Sabah
Is one of 2 rallies organised in Malaysia each year. The objective of this event is to promote the less traveled sailing destinations in East Malaysia. After regrouping at Pangkor Island Marina, Perak (26 – 27 April) and Pulau Indah, Selangor (1 – 2 May) the yachts will make their way to Puteri Harbour Marina, Johor for the official start from 6 – 10 May. Selected marine destinations up the East coast of the peninsula are in store for the rally fleet - Sebana Cove Marina, Tioman Island, Rompin, Kapas Island and Kuala Terengganu before crossing the South China Sea to Kuching in Sarawak. Then onto Miri to join the Borneo International Yachting Challenge and ending up in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on 22 – 24 July - A host of dinners, receptions and exciting activities are planned along the way. There is a possibility that Brunei maybe included before Miri and further stops at Sandakan and Tawau after KK to complete the Sabah experience. Sail Malaysia programs are owned and managed by PassionAsia Sdn. Bhd. More info contact Sazli Kamal Basha mail@sailmalaysia.net Website: http://www.sailmalaysia.net Office: +603 77276561, H/P: +6012 2094418

2.10 Jessica Watson youngest Sydney Hobart skipper
The 17-year-old Queenslander and youngest round-the-world sailor will take the helm of the Sydney 38 Another Challenge on December 26. Her crew of six other young Australians and three Britons will all be aged 21 or under, making them the youngest ever to compete in the blue water classic, with an average age of 19. First Watson must turn 18, the youngest age allowed by the rules, which she will do on May 18. The Young Australian of the Year, who last year became the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world, made the announcement at Sydney's Cruising Yacht Club (CYC). "I am absolutely delighted to be working with such a dynamic and motivated group of young sailors," she said. Having faced down criticism that her global adventure was too dangerous for such a young sailor, she said she and her crew would take extra care to meet all safety requirements for the 2011 Sydney-Hobart. CYC Commodore Gary Linacre said: "It is passionate sailors such as these that are the future of sailing in Australia and we wish them all the best in their training and preparation."

2.11 Team Korea will contest AC34
The ninth challenger to enter the America's Cup before the 31 March deadline is Team Korea. The team will be known as the White Tiger Challenge (the white tiger is a symbol of Korea). Dong Young-Kim is the Team President, or Young as he is known. He runs the Korea Match Cup, under the auspices of the Sail Korea Yacht Club, who have made the official AC entry - More about the White Tiger - Legend has it that there are four guardian gods in Korea. They are the Chungryong (blue dragon), Hyunmu (turtle-snake), Jujak (phoenix) and Baekho (white tiger). Unlike the first three creatures, who are fictional, the Baekho is the one and only real animal and thus the King of all beasts. For that reason, white tigers have been highly respected and revered in Korea for thousands of years. More at: http://www.americascup.com/

2.12 New licence's in Singapore for yacht operators 24m and larger
The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) in Singapore is to introduce a new class of licence in the second half of the year for those operating yachts 24m and longer. “The Advanced Power Pleasure Craft Driving Licence is in anticipation of future pleasure craft which could be larger," an MPA spokesperson told MediaCorp. Local yacht industry executives said the new licence makes sense since it expects growth in the superyacht segment. Singapore Superyacht Association executive director Jean-Jacques Lavigne told the website there are 19 superyachts based in Singapore. But marinas are continuing to add superyacht slips. The Marina at Keppel Bay added eight slips for superyachts since last autumn, and ONE°15 announced this month that it has added 66 berths. Lavigne said that the local industry felt that that the “existing Power Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) was no longer adapted to the current situation”, and that a new license would improve safety standards. Complete article Here..

2.13 Inaugural Sail Maluku Rally 2011
After the final party for the Darwin Ambon Race participants on August 14th, Helen de Lima from PT. Sandy DELIMA Tour & Travel is promoting the Sail Maluku Rally 2011 which takes adventure lovers to neighbouring islands and other fantastic destinations in the exotic Maluku Marine paradise. Great for cruisers in no hurry and yachts returning to Australia. Many sailors have cruised extensively after the race and had a great time at Nusa Laut, Banda and Saumlaki. Check it out at http://sailmalukuarchipelago.com/ Hellen de Lima E-mail: hellen.delima@sailmalukuarchipelago.com Phone +62-911-341257 Fax: +62-911-354952 Mobile: +62812 815 2078

2.14 Solo Sailing to Save the Dolphins
by Tim Zimmermann - SailingWorld.com
You have to admire California-based solo sailor Michael Reppy, now in his 60s. He wants two things in life: first, to set the singlehanded transpacific record from San Francisco to Tokyo; and second, to help stop the Japanese drive fisheries (made notorious by the film, "The Cove" ) that slaughter thousands of dolphins every year. Lots of would-be record-setters link (sometime in the most casual of ways) their attempts to environmental causes, but Reppy has been singularly dogged in his efforts to both set the record AND call-out the Japanese on their brutal, annual dolphin drives. He's about to set on out his fourth attempt on the record—set by Bay Area singlehander Peter Hogg at 34 days, 6 hours—on his 43-foot trimaran, Dolphin Spirit. Hogg laid down that mark in 1992, besting a time set by the legendary Eric Tabarly in 1969. And Reppy has been trying to better it ever since. It’s certainly been an exciting campaign.

His first attempt, in 1997, in a 36-foot Shuttleworth-designed trimaran, ended in classic solo-sailing multihull fashion, which is to say with a spectacular pitch pole within days of Tokyo and the record. For that attempt, Reppy partnered with Earth Island Institute to draw attention to a pod of killer whales captured by the Taiji drive fishermen. Thirty days into the journey, as Reppy ripped along at 18 knots through squally weather 300 miles from Tokyo, he was anticipating a big press turnout to mark his imminent record. With a gale forecast, he wanted to make as many miles as he could before dropping his spinnaker. When he finally came on deck after a nap to drop it, he was a few minutes too late. As he stepped into the cockpit, the tri took off on a wave, stuck a bow in, and cartwheeled. Reppy dove back into the cabin and called for rescue. Eighteen months later, his tri turned up on the island of Midway. Reppy wants that record. But he also wants the big press conference in Tokyo he was denied when he pitchpoled in 1997. He knows there's only so much a foreigner can achieve in Japan, but there's no questioning the sincerity with which he's doing his part to stop the dolphin slaughter. Any sailor who's seen the beauty and grace of dolphins playing in a bow wave, or marveled at their intelligence and, yes, humanity, has to be rooting for Reppy and the dolphins of Taiji. Goto Full Sailing World article So I’ll be following this one with more than casual interest. You can too, and also learn a lot more about Reppy and his solo-sailing advocacy at the Dolphin Spirit website. http://www.dolphinspirit.org/index.html ED NOTE: In view of the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear melt down just north of Tokyo, Reppy may want to reconsider the timing of the record run and possibly add a few more causes to the list like monitoring the air and water for radioactive content across the Pacific Ocean towards Japan.

3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS

3.1 ISAF Sailing World Cup heats up in Palma
Princess Sofia Trophy, the third stop on the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Sailing World Cup 2010-2011 series comes to life in Palma de Mallorca, Spain in April and the first European stop for the World Cup. Racing starts Monday, 4th and concludes with the medal race on Saturday, April 9 in nine of the 10 Olympic Classes. Women's Match Racing consist of an opening series, a knockout series, and a sail-off for boats not advancing to the knockout series, with the final matches scheduled on Saturday, April 9. A look ahead at the action in the Finn, the Laser Radial, the Star and the Laser goto ISAF preview or the event website: http://www.trofeoprincesasofia.org/

3.2 Virbac-Paprec wins Barcelona World Race
Breaking the finish line on Monday morning 4th April at 10hrs 20mins 36 seconds (UTC) Jean-Pierre Dick (45) and Loïck Peyron (51) have won the second edition of the Barcelona World Race on Virbac-Paprec 3, completing the 25,200 miles round the world race in 93 days, 22 hours, 20 mins and 36 seconds at an average speed of 11.18 knots. For Jean-Pierre Dick the victory repeats his 2007-08 triumph in the inaugural edition of the round the world race for crews of two, when he won with Irish co-skipper Damian Foxall. Today’s win also adds an elusive round the world victory to Peyron’s two previous podium finishes, each ten years apart - second in 1989-90 in the inaugural Vendée Globe solo round the world race, and second in The Race in 2000, for fully crewed giant multihulls. The French duo highlighted their drive and pace when they set a new 24-hour speed record for IMOCA Open 60-footers of 506.33 miles on January 22nd (average speed 21.1kts) Without doubt the success of their proven partnership amounts to more than the sum of its parts, even given Peyron’s 30 years of ocean racing successes and Dick’s incredible durability, his appetite for short handed and solo racing, his meticulous, scientific approach and delivery, and his remarkable trajectory towards the top of this exacting and demanding sailing discipline. Goto Full Story http://www.barcelonaworldrace.com/en/actualite/news/detail/route-to-victory-0-17457

3.3 Sodebo crosses finish line but no gong for Coville
After setting out on Saturday 29 January at 11h07'28'' (GMT) on the solo round the world record attempt, the skipper of SODEBO crossed the finish line off Ushant today, Thursday 31 March 2011 at 12h15 (GMT) after 61 days, 7 minutes and 32 seconds at sea. Thomas Coville took 3 days, 10 hours, 43 minutes and 26 seconds longer than Francis Joyon on IDEC in 2008 (57d 13h34'06''). Paradox: the challenger was faster than the record holder. However, due to less favourable weather conditions, which meant that Thomas wasn’t able to follow as direct a route as that of the record holder, the skipper of Sodebo covered 28,431 miles at an average of 19.42 kts, or 2,031 miles further than Francis Joyon, who covered 26,400 miles at an average speed of 19.11 kts. After a lively start off Ushant two months ago, conditions also proved rather beefy for the finish off the NW tip of Brittany. Though all the solo sailor’s efforts weren’t crowned with victory on the finish line, the emotion was very real with increased vigilance necessary to protect the damaged starboard bow as it buried into the chaotic sea. Sodebo then berthed in the port of La Trinité-Sur-Mer, SW Brittany

3.4 Message from Francis Joyon
“In a world where oil escaped from the sea bed for weeks on end offshore of New Orleans, a world where nuclear power stations are throwing out radioactive clouds and where seawater has been irradiated to the extent that it has damaged life for generations to come, Thomas Coville has proven, through his journey around the world under sail, that natural energies aren’t lacking in strength. The fact that he hasn’t beaten the round the world record isn’t the most important thing. The key to this journey is that our circumnavigations of the globe, in crewed as well as solo configuration, have been more effective under sail than under power. Right now, no boat powered by an engine has managed to circumnavigate the globe as quickly as we do under sail, due to their weight and range associated with the massive amount of fuel required aboard. If our sail boats could influence the upcoming decisions about energy, which are both vital and urgent, they could help us understand that the only way forward is free of pollution, CO2 and radiation, using natural energies: the wind, the current and the sun... Congratulations to Thomas for this fast, damage-free journey across the ocean. Francis Joyon” Full story visit the website -- http://www.sodebo-voile.com/

3.5 VOR strategy on piracy
With the recent killing of four Americans aboard their hijacked yacht off the coast of Oman, and the statistical data showing that attacks are occurring throughout the northernmost region of the Indian Ocean, the focus now turns to the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race. The second leg of the race extends 5430 nm from Cape Town, SA to Abu Dhabi, UAE, with the route heading directly through this zone of piracy. The first leg of the VOR from Alicante, Spain to Cape Town begins November 5th, with the second leg to begin December 11th, thus delivering the fleet to this area of concern later that same month. Curious what measures race organizers were considering, Scuttlebutt checked in with Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race. Here was his reply: "This is a topic we obviously take seriously, and in fact it was already very much on the agenda in the last race, as our route through the area was not that different (Cape Town to Cochin, India). Obviously now we are going further north and as well the piracy activity has increased. "Our Race Management has a specific strategy related to piracy. In brief we are relying on professional advice and monitoring to make the right decisions. We work with a global risk management company as well as an agency specialised in piracy. Both were also working with us in the last race. "Our most important measure is to avoid the critical areas as much as possible by amending the route through adding gates and exclusion zones. This we can do up until the boats leave Cape Town. We did exactly this also in the last race. In addition we are cooperating with Official and Military organisation for monitoring and support. "Part of the measures we will take will be publicly known and parts will be confidential for obvious reasons. In addition it's important to take into account that we through our race control setup in Alicante can monitor the fleet constantly as well as also be directly in contact with the relevant authorities who is providing information to us."

3.6 Cruising Club of America Awards
The Cruising Club of America (CCA) celebrated its outstanding sailors of 2010 during the annual Awards Dinner on March 4, 2011, at the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan where CCA Commodore Sheila McCurdy (Middletown, R.I.) made presentations to the following winners: Blue Water Medal: Alexander Whitworth (Sydney, Australia) received the Blue Water Medal for his circumnavigation of the world via the Northwest Passage West to East Far Horizons Award: William E. Cook (Hyannis, Mass.) received the Far Horizons Award for a series of meritorious voyages to the far north of the globe including cruises to Greenland and Baffin Island, Canada. Rod Stephens Trophy: Alessandro Di Benedetto (Rome, Italy) received the Rod Stephens Trophy for his resourcefulness in jury rigging Findomestic, a 21-foot (6.5-meter) monohull, during his approach to Cape Horn in 2010 during his solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. More at: http://www.cruisingclub.org

3.7 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

3.8 Racing Rules for AC34
Following months of consultation with the entered teams to ensure spectacular racing in the next edition of sailing’s pinnacle event. The rules have been simplified to take into account the significant investment in technology that will improve the experience of watching America’s Cup racing.
Some examples of amendments to the Racing Rules for the 34th America’s Cup:
1. Simplified systems providing viewers access to the on-board communications during racing.
2. Increased likelihood of the first yacht crossing the line of being the winner.
3. This has been achieved by providing greater powers to officials to make real time decisions coupled with the reduction in the issues that are determined after the race in Protest rooms. Goto the Racing Rules here... More at: http://www.americascup.com

4. WORLD SPEED RECORDS

4.1 Vestas Sailrocket 2 launched
The Sailrocket team launched 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 has been 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. The craft has been packed up and sent to Walvis Bay, Namibia where testing and the quest for the fastest speed will begin with a vengeance Check them out at: http://www.sailrocket.com/

4.2 Virbac-Paprec new 24 hour record
The WSSR Council announces the ratification of a new World Record
Record: 60 ft Monohull 24 Hour Distance Record
Yacht: Virbac-Paprec
Name: Jean Pierre Dick FRA / Loick Peyron FRA.
Dates: 21st January to the 22nd January 2011. At 1100 hrs on both days.
Start position: 36 43.51'S; 28 29.83'W
Finish position: 39 15.79'S; 18 16.63'W
Distance: 506.333 NM
Average speed: 21.1 kts
Comments: This record was established during the Barcelona double handed Race.
Previous record: 2007 "Hugo Boss" Alex Thompson/Andrew Cape, GBR, 501.3nm, 20.9kts

5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"

5.1 BWR - Day 61 - Lechera Asturiana dismasted again
1st March: Approaching the Cook-Strait between the two New Zealand main islands, still sailing in the Tasman sea, the IMOCA Open 60 'Central Lechera Asturiana' with Juan Merediz and Fran Palacio ESP lost her mast, approximately 160 miles west of Cape Farewell, heading for the Cook Strait and lying in 11th place. This is the third team with such an incident so far. No injuries reported. Not an excessive wind, but massive cross waves were responsible for the dismasting. The Spanish team have been successful in recovering the broken half of the spar, the genoa which went in the water and all of the standing rigging is reported to be largely intact. They managed to set a jury rig comprising part of their mainsail and a small staysail and head for Wellington under a jury rig, which was 290 miles from their reported position at a speed around 7 kn. On arrival in New Zealand they carried out a detailed assessment of the damages with representatives of North Sails and Southern Spars from Auckland. They also broke their mast off Lisbon on the 2nd of December whilst on the delivery passage from Sanxenxo to Barcelona, (See Jan 2011 "Unluckiest sailors of the month") and won a three week race to step a replacement rig on time and managed to make the race start on 31st December. Now on the 31st March Central Lechera Asturiana have rejoined the Barcelona World Race course, leaving Wellington after a 27 day break to repair their snapped mast, the same time that – half the globe away - race leader Virbac-Paprec 3 was off Casablanca. More at: http://www.barcelonaworldrace.org

5.2 Groupe Bel retires from BWR
Kito de Pavant and Sébastien Audigane and their team have reported the damage to Groupe Bel is too great for the yacht to continue in the race. The duo has decided to abandon the and officially informed the race management on Friday at 1736hrs UTC. After arriving in Ushuaia on Wednesday evening the skippers completed the full assessment of Groupe Bel’s keel damage. The appendage itself and surrounding areas inside the hull are reported to be too damaged to allow any safe chance to repair them on site and resume racing. The Groupe Bel Team is now organizing the return of the IMOCA Open 60 to Europe by cargo ship. 'Our round-the-world ends at the far end of the world', said De Pavant, 'an unfortunate end after two months of racing, three oceans crossed and the rounding of three capes. Stopping the race is obviously as heartbreaking for us sailors, as it is for those who share their adventures every day through what they have written and their pictures. This difficult decision was made with the support of Bel Group, which puts the safety of its men first. The great adventure since Barcelona The duo’s resolution and motivation has held out to the end. They were in third position before their required 48-hour stopover in Wellington to repair their sails (gennaker and medium spinnaker), Groupe Bel then had to deal with the wrath of Atu a tropical low which the emerged from in good shape leaving Estrella Damm astern. Just under 300 miles from Cape Horn, Groupe Bel was up to fifth place with the serious ambition of giving her all in the Atlantic battle. Only on Monday afternoon, abnormal noises coming from the keel-head alerted the dup, who noticed that it was moving forward and backward in a worrying manner. The two following days were particularly stressful as they tried to get to Ushuaia harbor as quickly as possible, since the keel threatened to come away from the hull at any moment as they rounded Cape Horn.

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