Raja Muda Regatta Sailing Instructions Online Now!
Changes this year include a return to the beachfront Seaview Hotel for the dinner and prize giving at Pulau Pangkor. Whilst also having the Pangkor Island Marina available for shallower draft boats that do not wish to anchor off the Seaview, or who are staying at the Best Western Hotel. A ferry service is being arranged to allow crew to transfer easily between venues. In Penang the new Straits Quay complex is hosting the stopover where there is excellent berthing, food & beverage outlets and nearby hotels, plus some new social events are being planned. Information on the stopovers, courses, marina entrances, hotels and other information can be found on the General Information pages. If your available to crew on a boat or looking for crew members check out the Regatta Forum for the latest updates. The http://www.rmsir.com site has been optimised for use on iPads & Android tabs as well as PCs so you can receive the news and results anywhere, anytime.

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CONTENTS

1. EDITORIAL - South East Asian waters come alive
2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS - Online Yachting TV Show for Asia Launched – Go Yachting - KFC supports Malaysian Match Racing Circuit - Aussie Clipper victory on home soil - Andres Soriano MCM for Team Sanya - China Team Signs Kiwi Young Guns - King’s Cup to host Kiteboard Tour Asia - Tom Slingsby Aussie Sailor of the Year - Changes to IRC Rules For 2012 - Japan tsunami debris floating across Pacific - Smooth sailing ahead in China - Olympic Dreams begin in Perth - UK. ICS report aims to reduce accidents in Malacca and Singapore Straits - Rena disaster in NZ
Up next in Asia - Raja Muda Selangor Int Regatta - Monsoon Cup - Phuket King's Cup
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS - Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing take first VOR points - San Diego gears up for America's Cup World Series - Homemade boat to compete in Weymouth Speed Week
Follow the: AC World Series - Extreme Sailing Series - World Match Racing Tour - Volvo Ocean Race - Global Ocean Race - RC44 - Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
4. World Speed records - 100KMH Sailrocket on big Wednesday
5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month" - ETNZ the EX 40 victim from Almeria – Mini Transat dismasting's, rudder problems & sinking

1. EDITORIAL

Over the next three months the South East Asian region comes alive with top class racing action. As the northern hemisphere winter settles in, sailors looking for T-shirt and shorts sailing conditions, should go quickly to the Asian Sailing Calendar to plan an adventurous and exotic tropical vacation. Up next is the Raja Muda Selangor Int Regatta (Nov 18-26), Phuket King's Cup (Dec 3 -10), Royal Langkawi Int Regatta (Jan 9-14) and Singapore Straits Regatta (Jan 26-31) in quick succession. All regattas have Crew Wanted / Available posts and Boats for Charter sections on their website's, so there is no excuse for missing out. Instead of breezing along on the usual tourist route, joining the regatta scene can produce lasting memories and new found friendships, that otherwise would not be possible on any other holiday.

The AsianYachting Grand Prix Championship awards points based on the overall class results at all these regattas, that go towards the prestigious AYGP 2011-12 Skipper and Yacht of the Year awards. After three 5 star regattas have been completed, under the newly revamped pointscore, 75 skippers and yachts have already scored valuable points and placed themselves in the running for the annual awards. If you missed the recent events, check out the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's China Coast Regatta and the VinaCapital Hong Kong to Vietnam Race press releases. Also to get an idea on how the pointscore is going, search the 2011-12 AYGP Pointscore by Overall Skippers - Yachts and Regatta Results

Match racing enthusiasts should not miss the deciding leg of the World Match Racing Tour, where the best international match racing teams, go head to head at the season ending Monsoon Cup (Nov 22-27) in Terengganu, Malaysia, The purpose built sailing stadium at the Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa is an excellent facility for spectators to watch the racing and the eventful crowning of the 2011 world champion. Take a look at the MC Video Promo.

Good news for people that just want to go for a ride on a sailboat or learn the basics and see if they want to take up further sailing pursuits in the future. We have moved our Discover Sailing trips and Learn to Sail courses to Admiral Marina in Port Dickson. These Go Sailing - PD sessions would suit a small family or agile group of friends that would like to share in a sailing experience on our 25ft racing keelboat over the weekend or during the school holidays. Although no experience is necessary, participants are expected to be involved with sailing the yacht and agile enough to move from side to side during the maneuvers.

On the International scene the Volvo Ocean Race blasts off from Alicante, Spain this Saturday 5th and the postponed double handed Transat Jacques Vabre from Le Havre France on Wednesday 2nd. Gold Coast Australia continues its winning streak on the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race and Ross and Campbell Field on BSL took Leg 1 of the Global Ocean Race. This month also sees the World Match Racing Tour and the RC44 World Championships Puerto Calero, Lanzarote (15-20 Nov) come to a conclusion. The final and ninth Act of the global 2011 Extreme Sailing Series will be contested by 10 teams at Marina Bay in Singapore between the 7th – 11th December. The latest news from these organisations and much much more can be found below.
Enjoy!
Capt Marty Rijkuris

2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS

2.1 Online Yachting TV Show for Asia Launched – Go Yachting
Go Yachting is the first online TV program dedicated to covering the marine scene in Asia. Combining original content with modern editing and graphics, and using HD cameras to produce an international-standard IPTV show, Go Yachting will cover all facets of the industry from regattas and marine events to products, facilities, design and build, boats - big and small, power and sail - and much more. Go Yachting is broadcast monthly on the dedicated web portal, http://www.MarineScene.asia For more details, email go@marinescene.asia follow them on https://www.facebook.com/marinesceneasia and http://twitter.com/marinesceneasia

2.2 KFC supports Malaysian Match Racing Circuit
Tg.Leman, Johor (30 October 2011): Chairman of KFC Holdings (M) Berhad, Tuan Haji Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim today announced its support for the Malaysian Match Racing Circuit (MMRC) at the closing ceremony of the KFC Felda Johor Open 2011 in Tanjung Leman, Mersing. T-Best Events, the organisers behind the highly successful Monsoon Cup will work together with the Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA), to educate and train sailors, manage and co-ordinate the Malaysian Match Racing Circuit. “The circuit will be incorporated within the already successful KFC Regatta in Langkawi, Kedah; Lumut, Perak; and Selangor, culminating in the Malaysian Match Racing Championship, the national qualifiers for the Monsoon Cup at Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu. Keelboat racing will provide local sailors with more opportunities to continuously train and compete professionally in the match racing discipline, harnessing their full potential and preparing them for international events” said Kamaruzzaman, who is also the President of MYA. KFC Holdings (M) Berhad has already made its footing in the local sailing scene with its sponsorship of RM1.5million for the development sailing in Malaysia. These funds are allocated to the MYA, which is channeled to the various state sailing associations. This support for the MMRC is seen as a natural progression of their sponsorship. Full story Here...

2.3 Aussie Clipper victory on home soil
Gold Coast Australia has continued its winning streak, recording a fourth consecutive victory in the first four stages of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race. The team finished Race 4 of the 40,000-mile circumnavigation, the world’s longest ocean race, at 0704 local time this morning (2304UTC Saturday), under clear blue skies, racing in towards the finish line off the Geraldton shore at more than 11 knots. The ecstatic skipper, Richard Hewson, 31, from Hobart, Tasmania, said, “It’s fantastic to be home – I love Western Australia, it’s like a second home and it’s fantastic to be back here.” Asked about the secret to their continuing success, Richard said “It’s down to good management and good sailing. The guys pushed really hard, we’re a good team and everyone works hard and really deserves this, so it’s fantastic.” Their arrival in Geraldton marks the end of a grueling, three-and-a-half-week, 4,800-mile (7,680-kilometre) race across one of the planet’s most feared and forbidding expanses of ocean during which they had to dodge icebergs and deal with mountainous waves whipped up by winds of up to 70 knots. During the race from Cape Town, South Africa, Gold Coast Australia raced across the Southern Ocean, descending to latitude 48 south deep in the Roaring Forties. Rain, hail and even snow blown up from the Antarctic made for uncomfortable living conditions on board the stripped down 68-foot yachts as they battled their way towards the sunshine and glorious beaches of Western Australia. Full details and follow the race at: http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com

2.4 Andres Soriano MCM for Team Sanya
TEAM SANYA, the Chinese entry in the 2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race, announced today that Andres Soriano (ESP/USA) is to take on the role of their Media Crew Member. Andres started working with Team Sanya as part of the Shore Team back in August 2011 when the team was based in the UK. Since then he has developed a close fit with the team and has gained a detailed understanding of the team objectives as well as the workings of the race boat. These facts, combined with Andres’ media background and experience, puts him in a perfect position to take on this role and deliver great results for the team and the event. Andres Soriano, new Media Crew Member for Team Sanya, gave his reaction to his new role: “I am truly ecstatic and excited about my role as media crew member. I know it will be one hell of a ride and I consider myself very lucky to be a part of this awesome Team Sanya race crew. We have already built up a keen fan base and I will definitely take on the challenge to expand that by telling our story in an insightful way never seen before.” More at: http://www.teamsanya.com/en/news/andres-soriano-is-media-crew-member

2.5 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 2012 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

2.6 China Team Signs Kiwi Young Guns
China Team, the official Chinese challenger for the 34th America's Cup, is recruiting more international champion sailors to strengthen the team and bring in new skills, just in time for their participation in the upcoming China Cup regatta. Phil Robertson, from New Zealand, brings with him a wealth of experience in sailing and specifically match-racing experience through his development in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Youth training Program, to setting up and leading a match racing team called Waka Racing. Waka Racing is now ranked 9th in the world for match racing (within less than 2 years). Under the leadership of Phil, the Waka team won the Australia Cup in 2010. With Phil, and also part of Waka Racing, Garth Ellingham has also joined the team. Garth also grew up through the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Lion Foundation Youth Training program and joined Waka Racing 3 years ago as Mainsheet and Tactician. Phil and Garth will join the China Team existing squadron of international sailors, as they train and hone their skills on multihull's while in San Diego, USA, for the next leg of the America's Cup World Series (Nov 12-20, 2011) and support the development of the Chinese sailors as part of a high level training plan to ensure readiness by 2013. More at: http://www.americascup.com/en/Teams/China-Team/Latest/

2.7 King’s Cup to host Kiteboard Tour Asia
The fastest sailing monohulls in the world will feature at the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta. The Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) will host an invitation-only event at this year’s King’s Cup to celebrate 25 years of the regatta. As many as 20 riders are expected to take part in the exhibition event, and the roster will comprise a mix of talented Asian Kiteboarders and International pro riders from the World Tour. Narapichit “Yo” Pudla, two-time Asia Champion from Thailand, and Aya Oshima, two-time Asia Freestyle/ Race Champion and two-time Japanese Freestyle Champion will head this exciting demonstration event. Like Windsurfing, Kiteboarding is a relatively inexpensive entry for sailors who just want to get out there and do it. Gear can be carried on a plane and there is no need for infrastructure that some other parts of sailing requires. The sport already has a strong following in parts of Thailand with Hua Hin playing host to the international tour for the last two seasons and Pranburi the Thailand stop on the Kiteboard Tour Asia. More King's Cup news at: www.kingscup.com

2.8 Tom Slingsby Aussie Sailor of the Year
Gosford Sailing Club members have another reason to celebrate – club member Tom Slingsby last night was named Australian Male Sailor of the Year. Slingsby learned to sail at the club and his father, David, was a previous race director for the Gosford to Lord Howe Island ocean classic. Slingsby, the International Laser world champion and International Etchells world champion crew member, was chosen ahead of what was arguably one of the most talented line-up of Australian sailors nominated for the prestigious award – world Moth champion Nathan Outteridge, world Farr 40 champion Guido Belgiorno-Nettis, world Etchells champion John Bertrand, 470 world champions Mathew Belcher and Malcolm Page, and Rolex Sydney Hobart winning skipper Geoff Boettcher. Bertrand and Slingsby will join forces again next February to defend the Etchells world title when the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron hosts the regatta next February. “Congratulations to Tom for a well deserved recognition of his outstanding skills as a Laser sailor,” Gosford Sailing Club Commodore Geoff Jollow said this morning.

2.9 Changes to IRC Rules For 2012
The following Rule changes come into effect on 1st January 2012 (1st June 2012 for South certification year).
Rule 9.6 is amended to clarify the position when a rating protest has been lodged.
Rule 10.6 is amended to give the Rating Authority greater flexibility.
Rule 21.5.3 is amended to remove the mainsail widths minima in the interests of greater equity for boats with in-mast furling mainsails.
Rules 21.7.1 and 21.7.3 are amended to remove the headsail widths minima in the interests of greater equity for boats with overlapping headsails or a roller furling headsail.
Rule 22.3.3 is amended to require boats with canting keels to have a physical lock at maximum keel cant angle.
The definitions of h and y are amended without change in meaning to replace defective wording and to improve clarity.
The definition of LP is amended to clarify which sails are included in the measurement of LP for cutter rigs.
Typographic corrections without any changes in meaning have been made to Rules 9.6, 25.1, 26.1, and the definition of LH.
The full rule text will be posted on the IRC website by the end of October.
To download a PDF version please go to: http://www.ircrating.org/en/latest-tech-news/349-irc-rule-changes-2012.html If you have any queries please contact info@rorcrating.com

2.10 Japan tsunami debris floating across Pacific
Up to 20 million tons of tsunami debris floating from Japan could arrive on Hawaii's shores by early 2013, before reaching the US's West Coast, according to estimates by University of Hawaii scientists. A Russian training ship spotted the junk - including a refrigerator, a television set and other appliances - in an area of the Pacific Ocean where the scientists from the university's International Pacific Research Centre predicted it would be. The biggest proof that the debris is from the Japanese tsunami is a fishing boat that's been traced to the Fukushima Prefecture, the area hardest hit by the March 11 disaster. They estimate the debris field is spread out across an area that's roughly 3200 kilometers long and 1600km wide located between Japan and Midway Atoll, where pieces could wash up in January. Just how much has already sunk and what portion is still floating is unknown. After news of the Russian ship's findings, the scientists have been receiving calls from media worldwide. The scientists want boaters venturing in the area of the debris to send them details about what they see. Researchers want to know details such as GPS position, time, weather and descriptions of the items.

2.11 QUANTUM Shift Continues...
Quantum Racing celebrates a double win for the 2011 Season! Congratulations to the Quantum Racing team which added a third TP52 World Championship title to their record, topping an incredible season which also included victory at the 2011 Audi MedCup Circuit. The validation testing of Quantum's iQ Technology and Fusion M sails was elevated to a new level this season with on-board, real-time intelligence about sail shapes delivered by VSPARS. The knowledge translated into trimming and rig tuning decisions providing Quantum Racing with a competitive edge to win both the Audi MedCup Circuit and TP52 World Championship. The TP52 verification process offers tangible benefits for the company's mainstream products including improved fiber layouts, precise shapes and exceptional construction details. For proven performance and repeatable shapes, think smart. Think iQ Technology from Quantum. http://www.quantumsails.com

2.12 Smooth sailing ahead in China
Recreational boating industry in china poised to make big advances. Many Chinese regard yachting as a sport for the rich, but Les Glover wants to make it a recreation everyone can enjoy. "Boating is a pastime everyone can enjoy at their own level and budget in Australia," says Glover, chairman of Success Group International. And that is exactly what he is looking forward to realizing in China. In 2009, with the help of Tianjin Marine Economic Area Administrative Commission, the company started the Sino Australia Royal Yacht City project. The project is located in the Central Fishing Port of Tianjin Binhai New Area, about 170 kilometers southeast of Beijing, and covers 2.2 square kilometers. It will cost 799 million euros ($1.1 billion) and will open in 2018. It is divided into four stages, comprising a yacht club, about 1,000 yacht berths, high-end hotels and supporting facilities. Wu Weizhen, executive general manager of Sino Australia Success Enterprise Co, says that once Royal Yacht City is completed it will work with other yacht clubs in the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta providing services such as mooring and supplies. In the initial stage of the project 100 seaside villas and 150 berths are being built. The Sino Australia Royal Yacht Club, covering 10,000 square meters, will be unveiled to the public next year. Full story at: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/weekly/2011-10/21/content_13946498.htm

2.13 Olympic Dreams begin in Perth
The Perth 2011 ISAF SailingWorld Championships take place in Perth, Western Australia, from 3-18 December 2011. Competition takes place in the ten sailing events selected for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition and is the principal qualification regatta. The world?s best sailors, including current, former and future World and Olympic champions, will enjoy outstanding racing conditions. With the World Champion crown at stake and the possibility of earning the right to represent their countries at the Olympic Games, the racing will be close, exciting, full of drama and of the highest standard. Fremantle will put on a warm welcome for visitors and locals. The Worlds Village, close to Bathers Bay, will become the centerpiece of international spectator involvement with live big screen sailing coverage, music and cultural experiences to complement the race action. Seventy five per cent of each event?s entry quotas for the London 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition shall be qualified from Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships. ISAF has published the 2012 Olympic Qualification System as approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at www.sailing.org More info and follow the action at: http://www.perth2011.com/

2.14 UK. ICS report aims to reduce accidents in Malacca and Singapore Straits
Navigation safety and environmental protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore could further improve following a detailed investigation into accident reports by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). ICS (as part of a wider initiative being undertaken by the Round Table of international shipping associations) has conducted a survey of incident reports which it is anticipated will result in the development of agreed proposals to enhance the management of traffic in the Straits. With more than 70,000 vessels each year (over 150 a day) transiting this strategically important international waterway, ICS believes it is imperative that safety continues to be prioritised. While only a very small proportion of these transits result in accidents or near misses, the ICS survey has identified heavy shipping traffic, inappropriate speed and the loss of situational awareness as significant factors that need to be addressed. The ICS report praises the skill and professionalism of those managing, operating and navigating ships in the Malacca and Singapore Straits. However, ICS suggests that improvements could be made to the location of pilot boarding areas and the timing of pilot departures. There is also concern about the understanding and use of navigation systems such as ECDIS, AIS and radar, both at sea and ashore. More at http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=93466

2.15 Rena disaster in NZ
The Rena, a 775-foot cargo ship, remains aground on the reef off the North Islands of New Zealand. It has already spilled over 330 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, with another 1,300 tons on board. Crews are working to develop a way to heat the heavy oil in order to pump it onto a waiting tanker. In addition, over 100 containers have already been lost, and the ship is expected to break up over the next weeks. -- NA Sailor, read on: http://tinyurl.com/NA-Sailor-101811 See graphic MV Rena aground on Astrolabe Reef images - http://www.bymnews.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=1017 A video animation showing how Rena is wedged on Astrolabe Reef - 20th October - http://bymnews.com/photos/displayimage.php?pos=-166373

2.16 North Sails in Asia now!
North Sails has become the world leader in sailmaking through an ongoing commitment to making sails that are faster, lighter and longer lasting than any other sails in the world. Whether you race or cruise, North Sails is committed to designing and building sails that are just right for you! New lofts established in Thailand and Singapore to cater for your every need. So if your sailing an Optimist, J24, Etchell, Farr 40, TP 52 or success on the Volvo Ocean Race go no further. When performance counts, the choice is clear. http://www.northsails.com/

3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS

3.1 Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing take first VOR points
After months of preparation and training, the six Volvo Open 70s had their first test at the In-Port Race in Alicante, Spain. With a stroke of starting brilliance and upwind speed Ian Walker’s, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Azzam took maximum points from the first competitive action and gain an early advantage over their rivals. Following the In-Port Race, the Legends Regatta and Reunion will see representatives from 61 former Volvo Ocean Race/Whitbread Round the World Race yachts converge in Alicante with up to 15 yachts from past editions racing next week. Then the 2011-12 edition of the world's toughest and longest professional yacht race on a fleet of state-of-the-art 70ft racing yachts will go head-to-head on November 5th for the first of nine ocean legs, a 20-day, 6,500 nautical mile passage from Alicante to Cape Town, South Africa. From there they will visit Abu Dhabi (UAE), Sanya (China), Auckland (New Zealand), Itajaí (Brazil), Miami (USA), Lorient (France) and Lisbon (Portugal) before the finish in Galway (Ireland) in July. During their marathon race around the world, the 11-man crews – 10 sailors and one embedded Media Crew Member -- will have to deal with mountainous seas, extremes of temperature and hurricane force winds as well as having to negotiate some of the planet’s most hazardous commercial shipping lanes.

The escalating threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean forced the race organisers to redraw the course for the second and third legs. Now, on the way from Cape Town to Abu Dhabi, the teams will race to a ‘safe haven’ port, before being transported to a re-start venue to complete the leg in a sprint to the finish in Abu Dhabi. The process will be reversed for the third leg from Abu Dhabi to Sanya, China. The start of Leg 1 to Cape Town on Nov. 5th will be shown live. Start time is 1400 CET (Spanish time). For more info on the Volvo Ocean Race visit http://www.volvooceanrace.com During the race, the multimedia team will be producing daily news updates, a weekly 3-minute news round-up and highlights from each of the 9 legs and 10 in-port races -- all available online at the VOR YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/volvooceanracevideos
Skipper, Team, Yacht Design
Frank Cammas, Groupama, Juan Kouyoumdjian design
Iker Martinez, Team Telefonica, Juan Kouyoumdjian design
Ken Read, PUMA Ocean Racing, Juan Kouyoumdjian design
Chris Nicholson, CAMPER, Marcelino Botin design
Mike Sanderson, Team Sanya, Farr Yacht Design
Ian Walker, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Farr Yacht Design

3.2 Sneak preview at the DK 47
On a recent visit to Admiral Marina in Port Dickson we came across the all new carbon fibre DK 47 taking shape on the hardstand. The Royal Malaysian Navy have commissioned DK Yachts to build two new yachts for the sailing team and after sea trials expect to compete on the Raja Muda Regatta in November. If your serious about forming a racing team and joining the racing class at major regattas in the region, this could be the boat to do it for you. 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

3.3 San Diego gears up for America's Cup World Series (Nov 12-20)
The series was born to give America's Cup challengers critical training time and to grow fan interest prior to the 34th America's Cup in 2013. In less than two weeks, the third event of the America’s Cup World Series (AC World Series) will land in San Diego, a location known for its storied history with the America’s Cup. The nine-day event will feature both fleet and match racing on a new professional circuit that has been attracting sailing fans and non-sailors alike with its next generation racing speed machines, the AC45 wing-sail catamarans. "We're really excited about the San Diego event. As an American, having a chance to race in the US is always something I look forward to,” said Terry Hutchinson, Skipper, Artemis Racing. “Having the race course inside San Diego Bay gives us the opportunity to show what we do to more people than ever before, so that's also a big bonus and for Artemis Racing, this is another chance for us to hone our skills against top competition as we work towards the America's Cup in 2013." Check out the Video Preview AC45 Uncovered

3.4 Homemade boat to compete in Weymouth Speed Week
An unemployed sailor is aiming to take on the world’s best in a homemade boat financed with his dole money. Jonathon Barton is preparing his unusual craft, dubbed SS DSS, to take part in Weymouth Speed Week. The creation is made out of anything Mr Barton could lay his hands on including metal, fibreglass, plastic and wood. The legendary competition attracts competitors from across the world. The world’s longest-running speed Sailing event is taking place in Portland Harbour and features every conceivable type of wind-powered craft. Hosted by the National Sailing Academy, the event is centered on a measured 500-metre course. The lack of rules provides the opportunity for experts and dreamers to build the type of boats which would otherwise never see the light of day. There are no restrictions as to who may enter. And that is what prompted Mr Barton, 50, to enter. He said: “I know the build quality is not perfect, but if I could get some high-tech materials into the construction I am certain this craft can contribute greatly to new ways of sailing control and propulsion. He follows many inventors who brought some very strange looking craft to speed week in the past. Read on Click Here

4. WORLD SPEED RECORDS

4.1 100KMH Sailrocket on big Wednesday
Since the Vestas Sailrocket team started in 2002, their pursuit has been the all out world speed record, as measured on a 500 meter course. Their best speed so far of 47.36 knots was good enough to set a sub record in 2008 (B Division, 150 - 235 sq.ft), but not enough to surpass the current record of 55.65 knots set in 2010 by kitesurfer Rob Douglas (USA). The team is now in Walvis Bay in Namibia with their latest craft, and on Wednesday they went faster than they ever had gone before...50 knots over the 500 meter course. And they weren't even trying. Here is pilot Paul Larsen's report: Hi all, just a quick one to say that we have punched through 54 knots, 62 mph and 100 kmh. The fun part is that we did it two up and VESTAS Sailrocket 2 was far from optimally trimmed. It was a wild ride. The day was quite unsettled but I decided to make the most of it and take Adam from WIRED USA
for a shot in the back seat. We have never sailed two up before. VSR2 struggled to get started but once she found her feet... WHOOSKA! It was a crazy ride that took me... Follow their progress at: http://sailrocket.com/

5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"

5.1 ETNZ the EX 40 victim from Almeria
On a day when the wind arrived in Almeria, bringing up to 18 knots, the action ramped up a few gears. The spectators were treated to a spectacular display of Extreme 40 close combat racing inside the stadium of the port of Almeria and a two boat smash in the penultimate race. The victims, Emirates Team New Zealand hit by Groupe Edmond de Rothschild - the sound of the collision stopped the crowd in their tracks and ended the Kiwis day with a gaping hole in the stern of their port hull. Back on shore the damage also proved to extensive to repair overnight and Act 8 is over for Adam Beashel’s team: “We were comfortably sailing on starboard tack with Groupe Edmond de Rothschild sailing behind us and we were not paying much attention to them as we were assuming they would dip us,” said Beashel. “It was only at the last second that I saw them bow down behind us, trying to get behind but there just wasn't any room. There was a loud bang and a collision and they went into our transom. Unfortunately it's not going to be an overnight fix either so this is the end of the regatta for us. The boat can be fixed before Singapore and we can only hope that we have done enough in the interim and let the jury decide how it is best decided on from here. Hopefully, it will turn into something salvageable for the season.” International Judge/Umpire Jos Spijkerman was working the event, and has created an animation to detail the incident and the rules involved. Here is the link: http://rrsstudy.blogspot.com/2011/10/ess-act-8-almeria-crash.html Here is a video of the incident: http://youtu.be/1rQBDJMXz2Q

5.2 Mini Transat dismasting's, rudder problems & sinking
Photo by Pierrick Garenne / GPO
16 Oct: With northeast wind (12 to 15 knots), the third night on the second leg of the Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50 gave some skippers a run for their money. Last night, the race director had to manage the third dismasting, that of Renaud Chavarria (596 - Beziers Mediterranee), after the night before, the Italians Andrea Caracci (756 - Speedy Maltese) and Tiziano Rossetti (542 - Una Vela per Emergency). "Edulis" one of the support boats diverted and is alongside Chavarria. He now must make a jury rig and return to the Canaries, the Cape Verde Islands are too far away.

25th Oct: Scott Cavanough (797 - brainchild.org.au) was forced to abandon his 2010 Brett Bakewell-White's design prototype. The boat dismasted and that severely damaged the bow. The possibility of setting up a jury rig was impossible. Scott got on board the escort boat Pen Ar Clos this morning. Scott followed the standard safety procedure and he - at regular intervals - has pressed his ERPIB's red button, indicating that he had a technical problem and that he was asking for help. Yesterday, the race director asked one of the seven escort boats, Pen Ar Clos, to navigate through the night at high speed to be, in the early morning, alongside the Australian sailor. It has to be said too... The American sailor Emma Creighton (574 - Pocket Rocket) remained all night near Scott, accepting to put her race aside for a while. Emma has set sails again this morning after the arrival of the escort boat in the zone. Beau geste Emma... Scott will stay aboard Pen Ar Clos until Brazil.

Update on the withdrawals: This will remain one of the great questions of the 2011 Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50... Why there were so many problems with the rudders, problems that in many cases forced their victims to withdraw. Aurelien Ducroz has had to abandon at Mindelo. David Prono (728 - Get it Right - www.esi-group.com) told the race director that in addition to its torn starboard rudder, there was a leak at the fittings. Brendan Archin (757 - Association La touline) also confirmed his withdrawal from the race. The Swedish Ulf Brandstrom (772 - GRPMS.com) ends his race for health reasons, his infected knee does not allow him to carry on. 7 Series boats are officially out of the race, to which will probably be added the unfortunate Bruno Simonnet who is on his way to Cape Verde. On Protos side, Aurelien Ducroz now is the fourth skippers to withdraw from race. More at: http://www.charentemaritime-bahia.transat650.net

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