Sign on for the Langkawi to Sabang Race
Get ready for the inaugural Sabang International Regatta taking place from Sep 15-25. A lead in cruise/race from Phuket is being organised before the yachts officially start from the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, North West Malaysia. Participants will then race across the Andaman Sea to Pulau Weh, Indonesia were Sabang is the main township on the island. Huge celebrations to welcome the boats and sailors are planned in Sabang and North Sumatra including tours of the formerly tsunami devastated Aceh Province. Weh Island is blessed with scenic natural beauty, beaches, forests, coral reef and extensive maritime history. Entry fee USD100.00 per yacht inclusive of skipper and USD25.00 fee for each additional crew member. Those wishing to join for the social events at Sabang, a fee of USD50.00 will be charged per person. For further info, Race Schedule and Entry Form, kindly log on to http://www.sabangregatta.com or contact Mr. Iwan T. Ngantung, Competition Manager of Indonesia Sailing Federation at iwan_ngantung@yahoo.com

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CONTENTS

1. EDITORIAL - Opening up new horizons - Destination South China Sea
2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS - Sanya Lan looking for one in a billion - Sign on for the Langkawi to Sabang Race - Raja Muda Regatta - New Penang stopover - IRC 2012 Keel Fin Materials - Clipper 11-12 off Round The World - Ferretti signs €100m Chinese capital injection - New time slot for PIMEX - Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing VO70 revealed - China’s new marine interests: Implications for SE Asia
Up next in Asia - Western Circuit Sailing Regatta - Sail Indonesia - Sail Maluku Archipelago Rally - Sabang International Regatta
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS - AC45 World Series kicks off this month - Extreme action in Cowes! - Solitaire Du Figaro underway - Nine Entries for Volvo Legends Race - Format Defined for Louis Vuitton Cup
Follow the: AC 34 - Audi MedCup Circuit - Extreme Sailing Series - World Match Racing Tour - Volvo Ocean Race - Global Ocean Race
4. World Speed records - Banque Populaire V New British Isles Record - Rambler 100 sets new Transatlantic record
5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month" - Team Korea joins AC45 capsize club - Round the Island carnage

1. EDITORIAL

Opening up new horizons - Destination South China Sea
The August 2011 News & Views is coming to you from deep inside the virgin rainforest on Tioman Island, on the East Coast of the Malay Peninsula. We are conducting a feasibility study into staging the inaugural East Coast Yachting Festival incorporating the Round Tioman Fun Race next year in mid June. Having "One of the Ten Best Islands in the World" right on the doorstep, sure has its advantages and provides a wonderful opportunity for Malaysia to take the lead and officially welcome sailors and pleasure craft owners into the South China Sea and open the Southern Gateway to the last great cruising playground in the world.

This fascinating yacht cruising destination spans about 1,300,000 sq miles and is the biggest sea in the world by far. Flanked by China to the north, Philippines and Borneo on the east, Indonesia and Malaysia to the south and Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam to the west. The chief ports include Manila, Singapore, Tanjong Perlapas, Port Klang, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Hong Kong, and Macau. In the southwest it merges with the Gulf of Thailand and in the west it is separated from the Gulf of Tonkin by the Chinese island of Hainan. The principal rivers draining into the South China Sea are the Mekong and the Xi Jiang. Shipping and fishing are economically important throughout the region. Weather in the region is marked by seasonal monsoons and typhoons are often experienced during the wet season. The best months to cruise the region is from April through to October each year.

Although Pulau Tioman and the off lying diving attractions have a huge reputation to live up to on the world stage, the island arrives into the 21st Century relatively untouched by the 3 to 4 thousand villagers and naturally well preserved by courtesy of the Marine Park classification. The history of Tioman has already been well documented and maintains a compelling presence on the internet. Goggle Tioman Island and hundreds of results can be found including Island Guide, Online Resort accommodation and even Berjaya Air bookings can be arranged, just to name a few.

More details on the proposed 2012 East Coast Yachting Festival and the tentative multiple class Round Tioman Fun Race sailing program is posted on their own AY Micro-sites. As this project is a "Work in Progress" these sites will be updated as things come together and notification when confirmed progress is made. Expressions of interest by participating yachts can be Emailed to: info@asianyachting.com

After the full on “Multi Only” SEA Property Multihull Championship, Darwin Ambon Race, Borneo International Yachting Challenge and Six Senses Phuket Raceweek all on around the same time, the pace in Asia settles down to a more leisurely cruising/rally style across the SE Asian archipelago. Sail Indonesia continues to snake its way across Indonesia and the inaugural Sail Maluku Archipelago Rally starts on Aug 15, after the Darwin Ambon Race finish festivities are over.

Racing enthusiasts are not left out, as the Western Circuit Sailing Regatta comes alive with 5 days of sailing action (August 6th, 7th - 13th, 14th - 20th) over 3 weekends in front of Raffles Marina on Singapore's west coast. This event is co-organised by Raffles Marina and the Singapore Management University (SMU) and has quickly become one of the premier regattas on the Singapore sailing scene.

Since Six Senses Phuket Raceweek, Hasslan has beavered away with the newly expanded 2011-12 AYGP Championship pointscore and when finished will post the highly interactive AYGP Skipper and Yacht of the Year tally on the AYGP Micro-Site.

The International scene is getting ready to explode into action. The much anticipated 2011-12 America's Cup World Series kicks off from 6-14 August in windy Cascais, Portugal. Showcasing the new AC 34 format and the eight professional racing teams mastering the skills to harness the exceptional speed and maneuverability of their "out of the box" AC45 catamarans, over multiple sailing disciplines and keen to put the first points on the board.

Somehow a clash of dates unfortunately has the next round of the Extreme Sailing Series and Cowes Week coinciding with the start of the AC World Series. Some musical chairs for team members and new recruitments signed amongst the big teams. The slugging fests at the Audi MedCup Circuit and World Match Racing Tour continue through August. The Volvo Ocean Race and Global Ocean Race camps, are getting ready to unleash another round onto the sailing public. The latest news from these organisations and much much more can be found below.
Enjoy!
Capt Marty Rijkuris

2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS

2.1 Sanya Lan looking for one in a billion
Sanya, China: Team Sanya is on the hunt for the next Chinese super star in sailing. The team, under the leadership of Skipper Mike Sanderson, is finalising details of their sailing team right now and that team of 10 sailors will include at least one Chinese sailor. The criteria is pretty straightforward - you need to be Chinese, super strong and fit (90 kgs), ideally have some sailing experience or sporting experience competing at the highest level, you need to speak fluent English (as the 9 other guys are unlikely to be able to speak Chinese), you need to be willing and able to get stuck into being part of this team at every level - helping out on boat work, pre-race preparations, media interviews, fitness training - and generally willing and able to turn your hand to whatever each day brings. So far Team Sanya has gathered a shortlist of around 20 potential Chinese sailing team candidates whom they are assessing right now with a view to the first two candidates joining the team for the Fastnet race from 14th August 2011. If you are interested in putting your name forward for consideration, please send your details to info@teamsanya.com. We need to have a copy of your CV/biography as well as a short video/podcast/set of images about you and why you want to join the Team Sanya sailing team.

2.2 Come enjoy Sunsail's super discounts
IT'S TIME! Take advantage of Sunsail's fantastic end of year specials and book yourself a well deserved holiday! Push through those winter worries and let Sunsail customize the sailing vacation of a lifetime. The world is 70% water…make it 100% fun! 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 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 destinations including duty-free Langkawi, Koh Chang and Koh Samui, plus all your berthing, insurance and maintenance taken care off, 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

2.3 Raja Muda Regatta - New Penang stopover
This year they are moving the Penang stopover to the brand new Straits Quay Marina in Tanjung Tokong, Penang for the first time. Featuring a sheltered location with dredged entrance channel and modern, full facility pontoons, the marina is situated close to the area used for harbour racing at Penang. Safe berthing facilities are considered a priority by RMSIR organisers. Developed by the Eastern and Oriental Group, Straits Quay includes serviced apartments, shops and many restaurants, cafes and bars, some with tables and chairs overlooking the water. The Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel and Naza Talyya Hotel are located close by and have good facilities including a sandy beach. Details of those offering special rates to Raja Muda participants will be posted on the Regatta web site. The online boat registration is now active, and, if you registered online last year, you can speed up the process even more by using and amending those details again for this year. Obtain an “early-bird” discount by paying the entry fees before 1st October. The website is continually updated so please keep http://www.rmsir.com bookmarked, or you can use the forum, with RSS feed and join the email subscriber list to ensure you are notified whenever there are changes or announcements.

2.4 IRC 2012 Keel Fin Materials
At a recent meeting of the IRC Technical Committee, the subject of the rating cost of different keel fin materials was discussed. Specifically, the Committee addressed keel types 10, 11 and 12. They noted that in recent years IRC treatment of keels generally has changed and improved significantly. The Committee are concerned that complexity for owners and designers should not increase and should preferably decrease. The Committee also consider that keel fin design decisions should be based on the most appropriate solution (in both technology and cost terms) for any particular boat as opposed to driven by rating considerations. Owners are therefore advised that the Committee are considering changes to the IRC treatment of different fin materials including but not limited to iron, solid steel, hollow steel and composites. While no firm and final decisions have yet been taken, it is likely that in future the difference in IRC TCC for the use of different fin keel materials for keel types 10, 11 and 12 will vary less than at present. -- IRC Technical Committee. More at: http://ircrating.org and http://rorcrating.com

2.5 Clipper 11-12 off Round The World
The Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race began on 31 July 2011 from Southampton. At 40,000 miles it is the world's longest ocean race and more people than ever will be taking part. Five hundred people more than 40 nationalities and all walks of life have signed up to take part in the challenge of a lifetime. More than 40 per cent of them had never sailed before beginning their pre-race training. The ten 68-foot yachts were berthed in Ocean Village, Southampton, and a colourful and emotional departure ceremony held on Sunday 31 July before slipping their moorings and heading out into Southampton Water for a spectacular parade of sail towards the start line at the historic Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes. The yachts exited the Solent to the east on their 40,000-mile circumnavigation which will take them from the Solent to Madeira, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Geraldton Western Australia, New Zealand, the Gold Coast, Singapore, Qingdao, California, Panama, New York, Nova Scotia, Derry-Londonderry, Den Helder in the Netherlands and back to the Solent on 22 July 2012. Follow the race on http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com where you will be able to view yacht positions updated every three hours plus dramatic diaries, photos and video from on board. You will also be able to pit your own skills against those of the crews by playing the online game.

2.6 QUANTUM Shift Continues...
A new chapter of the green revolution was completed during the opening rounds of the 2011 Audi MedCup Circuit. Engaging in fierce battles up and down the order, in 25-30 knots and surfing seas, Quantum Racing skippered by Ed Baird and Iberdrola skippered by Jose Maria Torcida are leading the overall standings in the TP52 and the Soto 40 series respectively. Not for the first time on the Audi MedCup Circuit and likely not for the last time this season the common hue of the leading teams is green, and the complexion of those who are chasing in pursuit might already be a similar shade. Some sail makers save their best stuff for only the big boat programs. Not Quantum. Their iQ Technology is evident on every sail from the smallest dinghy one design classes right through to the TP52 and beyond. No matter what your boat size or sailing venue, find your speed at: http://www.quantumsails.com

2.7 Ferretti signs €100m Chinese capital injection
A memorandum of understanding makes way for Shandong Heavy Industry Group to partner with the Italian yacht builder for production in Asia. Italian yacht builder Ferretti Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Shandong Heavy Industry Group for a capital injection reportedly worth €100m and the creation of an Asian manufacturing and distribution joint venture, according to reports in the Italian press. Shandong — or Shantui as the company is also known — has signed a non-legally binding contract with Ferretti’s shareholders (the company’s managers and Mediobanca) that paves the way for Shandong to acquire a small stake in the boatbuilder. In exchange for the investment, Ferretti is to give exclusive rights for the production and distribution of Ferretti boats in Asia to Shandong via the creation of a joint venture. The Shandong group produces machinery for construction and agriculture. Its annual turnover is more than US$10bn. Ferretti Group designs and builds motoryachts under the Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Itama, Bertram, Riva, Mochi Craft, CRN and Ferretti Custom Line brands.

2.8 New time slot for PIMEX
For its ninth edition next year, the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) will be moved from its traditional post-New Year slot, and will be held in the Royal Phuket Marina from 29th March to 1st April 2012. The new dates at the end of the season mean that an exciting range of new boats from some of the biggest brands in boat building will be available for the show, providing the best in-water display in the show’s history. Exhibitors at PIMEX 2012 will have access to the thriving boating scene in Asia’s favourite cruising grounds, Phuket, Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Exhibition Hall and Berthing plans have been posted and bookings are open for prime locations in the exhibition hall and marina (subject to availability). Following demand from the industry, the in-water display has been increased to cater for up to 60 vessels. More details at: http://www.iirme.com/pimex/Home

2.9 Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing VO70 revealed
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority unveiled the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team’s state-of-the-art Volvo Open 70 racing yacht in Portofino, Northern Italy. The yacht was developed by Farr Yacht Design and built by Italy’s Persico S.p.A, in Bergamo. Conceived in March 2010, it is the combination of more than 7,000 design and 49,000 build hours. The new VO70's black hull is emblazoned with a striking falcon, the national emblem of the United Arab Emirates of which Abu Dhabi city is the capital, soaring across its bow and main sails. “We have invested in the very best yacht design and build technology available to underpin the expertise of the highly-skilled Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team we have formed,” said His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, ADTA and Team Principal, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. “This level of commitment is a clear signal of our intention to deliver a first-class performance in our debut Volvo Ocean Race and in our podium ambitions.” The team - which is skippered by double-Olympic medalist, Ian Walker - has set its sight on a rigorous Atlantic Ocean sailing programme, before heading to the race start in Spain this October.

2.10 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/

2.11 China’s new marine interests: Implications for SE Asia
By Yang Fang – Marine Security Asia
CHINA’S 12th Five-Year Plan, which was released in March 2011, has for the first time incorporated maritime development guidelines in a single chapter. The plan emphasizes an optimal marine industry structure that includes exploiting and utilising marine resources rationally and scientifically, enhancing maritime development, and improving control and management capabilities. The call for development of the marine economy is in line with China’s growing maritime interests. During the course of the 11th Five-Year Plan, China’s marine economy increased by 13.5%. However, this increase accounts for no more than 10% of the national GDP. In the years to come, the Chinese government will transform the national economy into a more marine-based one. Coastal provinces have increased investment in marine industries and programmes to promote the marine economy. The country’s coastal provinces and municipalities – Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan – all have their own offshore development plans. However, many challenges lie in the way of such progress. These include the increasing demand for resources and the need to expand the size and role of law enforcement agencies at sea, which involve risks of confrontation with foreign ships. Full story and analysis Here...

3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS

3.1 AC45 World Series kicks off this month
The AC World Series for the brand new AC45 wingsail catamarans kicks off on 6 August in Cascais Portugal and the organisers have announced that the regatta will consist of four events over nine days: the Cascais America’s Cup Open, the America’s Cup 500 Speed Trial, the America’s Cup Match Racing Championship and the America’s Cup World Series Cascais Championship – a winner-takes-all race, which is the showcase competition of the Cascais event. The new format and race course are designed to showcase both the exceptional speed and maneuverability of the AC45 catamarans and the skills of the competitors. The highlight will be a spectacular, winner-takes-all fleet race on Sunday August 14, where the teams will be vying for not just the Cascais title, but also to put first points on the board for the 2011-12 AC World Series. Tight, short race courses are designed to deliver close racing for the fans on shore as well as the online and TV audiences. The one-on-one match races promise to be even more intense, at just 20 minutes per pressure-filled contest. Every decision – and every mistake - could be a game changer. Streaming video of the America's Cup World Series events in Cascais, Portugal (Aug. 6-14), Plymouth, UK (Sept 10-18) and San Diego, USA (Nov 12-20) will be available online at the America's Cup website. Exact times for the Cascais event to be announced soon. -- Goto http://www.americascup.com/en/Discover/Race-Format/The-AC-World/

3.2 Extreme action in Cowes!
Cowes, will once again play host to the 2011 Extreme Sailing Series™ circuit. Twelve teams with 48 sailors from 15 nationalities, will line up on the starting grid on Saturday 6th August for Act 5 at the only UK stopover on the global circuit at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. Saturday to Tuesday will see the Extreme 40s in action from 3pm right in front of the Extreme Village at Egypt Point. From Wednesday to Friday the Extreme Village will be a great vantage point to come and watch all the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week action and as soon as the last finishers are past Egypt Point, the Extreme 40s will be lining up for their first start. But there will be plenty to do and see before the main action gets underway. British Championship Windsurfer Guy Cribb has challenged the Extreme 40s to some head-to-head combat and will be showing the crowds some of his fancy tricks at the weekend. Every afternoon, at 6.15pm there will be a presentation to the top boat of the day : an opportunity to come and meet some of the top international sailing heroes. Follow the action at http://www.extremesailingseries.com

3.3 Solitaire Du Figaro underway
49 skippers set sail in the Figaro class and presently taking on the challenge of arguably the toughest single handed race. The fleet will sail a 1700-mile course over four stages, starting in Perros-Guirec on the North Brittany coast on 23 July and visiting Caen, Normandy, Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, Les Sables d'Olonne, Vendee, before finishing in Dieppe, Pas de Calais, on 28 August. Three past winners of the Solitaire du Figaro will be racing in an attempt to join that elite club of skippers that have two overall victories to their name. Amongst them are Nicolas Lunven, who won the title in 2009 and is regularly at the top of the class leaderboard. He will be up against Jeremie Beyou, winner in 2005 and one of the top players in short-handed offshore sailing. Eric Drouglazet, the third participant to have won the race in the past, took the top podium spot in 2001 and has long been a central character on the Figaro circuit. Since 1970, 13 Britons have participated in Solitaire du Figaro. Nigel King is now the doyen of that group coming back for his third attempt. Amongst his compatriots are Conrad Humphreys of Vendee Globe fame, the very current Phil Sharp of mini transat success and the extremely talented Sam Goodchild, prodigy of the Artemis Academy. Follow their progress at: http://www.lasolitaire.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 Nine Entries for Volvo Legends Race
Alicante, Spain: Two-time Whitbread yacht Adventure, the British Royal Navy entrant in 1973 and 1977, will be represented at the Volvo Ocean Race Legends Regatta by her sister ship Dasher, raced by original members of Adventure's crew and joined by some of the crew from British Satquote Defender, the British Joint Services maxi boat entry in 1989-90. This latest addition brings the Legends fleet to nine, and with several more boats likely to confirm their participation a fleet of around 15 is now looking possible for the race in Alicante in November. Adventure, a production Nicholson 55 sloop, competed in the first two Whitbread's, finishing second in 1973-74 and seventh in 1977-78. She was later given to the Russian Navy and is now lying in St Petersburg. During her second race around the world, she was skippered in part by the late Ian Bailey-Willmot, former Race Director of the Whitbread Round the World Race and later Chairman of the Race Committee.
Entries in the Volvo Ocean Race Legends Regatta and Reunion
1. Copernicus 1973-74 (45': the smallest boat ever to race)
2. Great Britain II/Whitbread Heritage (Maxi - took part in the first five races
3. Rothmans 1989-90 (Maxi)
4. Berge Viking 1981-82 (Swan 57)
5. Charles Jourdan 1989-90 (Maxi)
6. Steinlager 2 1989-90 (Maxi Ketch)
7. Gauloises III 1981-82 (62' Sloop) sailed by the French crew of Grand Louis/Japy-Hermes and Kriter IX
8. Traite de Rome 1977-78 and 1981-82 (51' aluminium sloop)
9. Adventure/Dasher
More at: http://www.volvooceanrace.com

3.6 Format Defined for Louis Vuitton Cup
The next Louis Vuitton Cup will consist of five stages, all of the challengers will participate in at least the first three, before eliminations begin. The first day of racing for the Louis Vuitton Cup will be July 4th, 2013 (changed from July 13th). The last possible day of racing will be September 1. "There are nearly two full months of competition, and all of the challengers will be racing for at least the first five weeks," said Iain Murray, the Regatta Director. "As a group, the challengers wanted to introduce a format that would strike a good balance between allowing the potential of some of the new teams to develop over time, while still ensuring the top teams were constantly improving, so that the eventual winner will be prepared to take on the defender." The first three stages of fleet and match racing will be used to select the four semi finalists that will continue on with a knock out series till the eventual challenger is crowned. The 2013 event will mark the 30 year anniversary of the first Louis Vuitton Cup. More at http://americascup.com

4. WORLD SPEED RECORDS

4.1 Banque Populaire V New British Isles Record
It was 11:06:58pm on July 8th when the Maxi Banque Populaire V finished the Tour of the British Isles, bringing to 3 days 3 hours 49 minutes and 14 seconds the reference time held until then by Sidney Gavignet, single handed. Less than a month after having shattered the SNSM Record, Loick Peyron and his men catch a new title to their conquests by improving the Record by more than a third, by 1 day 11 hours 20 minutes and 13 seconds. Once this UK loop completed at the average speed of 23.34 knots, the skipper from La Baule, obviously pleased with this new experience shared with twelve men on board, gave way to an initial assessment: "It was very nice and very informative and I was able to deepen my knowledge on the boat. We have sailed as if we were sailing around the world in accordance with shifts and with the precise number of people on deck. Next challenge for Maxi Banque Populaire V is the the Rolex Fastnet Race on August 14 at Cowes. For Loick Peyron and his men, the opportunity will once again be seized to confront offshore sailing, diverse competition and to gather more miles in the perspective of next winter's round the world loop.

4.2 Rambler 100 sets new Transatlantic record
Rambler 100, skippered by George David (Hartford, Conn.) crossed the finish line of the Transatlantic Race 2011 on Sunday 10th July at 16h 08m UTC. The elapsed time for Rambler 100 was 6 d 22 h 08 m 2 s They have established a new record for the 2,975 nautical mile course from Newport, RI to Lizard Point, South Cornwall, UK, which is to be ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council. Skipper George David spoke of his satisfaction "For the first 80 hours of this race we were ripping along; towards the end we hit a few holes in the wind, but the net speed average was 15.7 knots across the Atlantic, which I think is going to prove a record in its own right--as a speed record for any transatlantic race. We feel pretty good about that. Flying along at 28 knots is an exhilarating experience but one that concentrates the mind. Rambler is a finely balanced machine and anything can go wrong and there are huge forces opposing each other. If those forces go out of balance, bad things can happen very quickly. But as I say this has been an exhilarating race, where we have been well out of sight of land, completely unsupported and in a high performance machine, which you are taking close to the edge, for a very long time--that is, without doubt, exhilarating.” Full details results photos and videos at: http://www.transatlanticrace.com/

5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"

5.1 Team Korea joins AC45 capsize club
23rd July Cascais: Team Korea joined the AC45 capsize club during a training session ahead of the AC World Series - Cascais. There was no damage to the boat or wing, nor any injuries to the crew, and the team resumed its training session without needing to check in at shore. Skipper Chris Draper said, "We have been pushing the boat and the maneuvers harder and harder all week, and today midway through our session we got caught out. We were trying a maneuver perhaps a little too early in our plan and paid the price when it didn’t go well!" "Our guys reacted very quickly and the wing touched down slowly with everyone safe and uninjured. The support boat was very fast to help and we had the boat upright and damage free within three minutes, but it shows these ‘Cat’s have to be respected. After assessing the situation we were clear to get the boat wound up again and continued our training session. "I’d like to say what a great job the support team and the guys on board did in being able to right the boat so quickly and not damage anything. We lost one winch handle, so it was actually very encouraging that we were able continue sailing and move on from this quickly. "in many ways it’s good to have got this out of the way and behind us. It’s all been in our minds of course, and we were able to deal with it quickly and efficiently. With today's incident, Team Korea joins both ORACLE Racing crews, Artemis Racing and Emirates Team New Zealand in the 'capsize club'. With the new teams pushing both man and machine harder with each training sail, the question now becomes, who's next??? Photo Credit © Gilles Martin-Raget / ACEA

5.2 Round the Island carnage
After a day dominated by the weather in the Solent which threw everything it had to offer at the record-breaking fleet that competed in the 80th Anniversary J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, the last of the 1900+ yachts home, Pendragon of Dartmouth, a Jeanneau Sun Fizz 40, made it across the finish line a mere three seconds before the line closed officially at 2200hrs, bagging themselves the 'Tenacity Trophy'. 16,000 sailors faced wind speeds of up to 28 knots and huge swells off the Needles and at St. Catherine's as the record-breaking fleet undertook this most famous 50 nautical mile west about Island circumnavigation. A number of incidents were reported to the Coastguard, including 'Man Overboard' reports and capsizes as well as dismasting's. Line Honours went to the French 50ft multihull Prince de Bretagne who was first to cross the finish line in 3hrs 49m and 58s. Nick Rogers, who usually sails a 470 double-handed keelboat with partner Chris Grube, helmed Contessa 26 Sundowner to the overall victory. Action from the event can be seen on World On Water.

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