AsianYachting March 2004
News and Views

Current Skipper and Yacht Rankings after six ***** five star AsianYachting Grand Prix events have been run off the 2003/04 Sailing Season see's Peter Ahern's YO! jumping into the lead and Stuart Harissons Mumm 30 Panic making a steady climb up the rankings whilst the Malayan legends led by Amir Zohri on Gotcha Lagi! make their first appearance after the BMW - RLIR 04 Reports here...

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CONTENTS

1. Editorial - Tunku Abdullah's yachting symposium plan
2. "Unluckiest sailors of the month" - Bruno Peyron's 14-man crew onboard Orange II
3. Austral - Asian News - Next up... China Sea Race (starting on 8th April)
4. International News - VDH and Adrien SMASH THE RECORD, at last!
5. World Speed Records - Follow the round the world and Jules Verne Trophy attempts

Browse past News & Views - Web Editions click on: March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov  Dec Jan Feb

1. EDITORIAL

Firstly we would like to apologize for the lateness of this March News and Views edition but our world has been thrown into turmoil ever since the editors lap-top computer and business carry bags were stolen off the trolley at the KL International Airport back on the 25th Feb on his way to Langkawi. Just a word of warning to subscribers who don't want to loose your important files and work documents as you pass through airport lounges in Asia, you may have to chain the carry bags onto your wrist as apparently notorious gangs are known to be working the airports reportedly removing up to 20 or 30 bags a day at the KLIA, alone. Don't just park the trolley with your carry bags in front of the shop or leave it unattended as you go to order your favorite prosperity burger or into the toilet to relieve yourself. Take them with you!

Since our Feb edition allot of newsworthy events have taken place. As the BMW RLIR 2004 drew to a close, the Royal Langkawi YC Commodore Tunku Abdullah proposed holding a yachting symposium to address the growing number of regatta's in the region and how they can be linked into a logical calendar of events for the racers to attend in the RLIR Summary has attracted allot of attention. "We will invite governments, yacht clubs, marinas, boat manufacturers and other interested parties to attend and try to address various issues connected with cruising the region including the important one of security". Some racing boat owners including Peter Ahern YO! and Keith Moore Pla Loma are considering forming a owners representative body and have asked that if the symposium goes ahead, that they have the decency of inviting all the regular racing class owners to attend and put their point of view forward.

It was also heard at the BMW Group's Corporate Affairs press conference with TV3, that BMW (Malaysia) has offered assistance with the symposium plan and possibly sponsor the resultant steering committee through the development stages over the next few years. Similar to their F1 commitments and other global motor sports training programs, they would like to promote BMW's association with Oracle Racing regionally by selecting the best youth sailors each year to visit their training base and use the facilities during the build up to the next America's Cup in Valencia, Spain. I hope this was not just a bit of sponsors grandstanding in front of the politicians and royalty, as so often happens at these events as Vijay's intentions seemed to be quite genuine.

Opening up this can of worms has surprisingly gained considerable moral support and as this topic remains very close to our hearts we have decided to run a Open Email FORUM through info@asianyachting.com to follow developments, include any suggestions or comments made and endeavor to answer your questions in future AY publications. Watch this space over the coming months.

At AY we hope that forming an Asian regatta management committee will see a higher International standard of race and regatta management (that we have been campaigning for the past year) with a common goal of coordinating and running top class events for all to enjoy.

Being the producers of the annual AsianYachting Calendar (One of the most visited AY reference pages) and presently in the process of putting the finishing touches on the 2004/05 AsianYachting Calendar (which runs from July to June) we hope to get a invite to attend the symposium, as well. While we are on the calendar we ask all those sailor girls that expressed interest in becoming monthly pin-up calendar girls this coming year, to send their sexiest or most revealing photos taken onboard any yacht for the selection process to begin.

Personally I think if they do manage to organize such a bringing together of all the parties concerned it might be a means of making our way forward and addressing the present depleted racing class fleet numbers plus an opportunity to promote the less expensive sports boat classes and youth training programs.
Smooth sailing for now
Capt Marty

2. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"

After starting out for the first time on 18 Feb and making a quick u-turn back to the base in Lorient 24 hours later to effect repairs on the damaged bow sections, our deer old friend Bruno Peyron and his 14-man crew onboard the new maxi-catamaran Orange II once again set out on their quest for the Jules Verne Trophy. Unfortunately for them further technical problems were to develop during this second outing as they closely chased Olivier de Kersauson's Geronimo down the Atlantic that the decision to withdraw yet again from this attempt was hard to make and join the growing number of failed statistics in Jules Verne Trophy attempts.

"We dove to inspect the damage, took some pictures, analyzed the situation with the shipyard, and we have to face the facts: we do not have the possibility to repair the broken part ourselves. We're at 80% of our potential, and it's not possible to tackle such a challenge if we're not at 100%" explained Bruno Peyron. Will they take another go at it, this year? "It remains an open question, and we wish to study all the possibilities before making a premature decision. We are coming back to start again, that's for sure! But when, we don't know". More on Orange II and Bruno's exploits at: http://www.maxicatamaran-orange.com/

3. Austral - Asian News

3.1 Next up - The China Sea Race
Organised by the Royal Hong Kong and Manila Yacht Clubs the bi-annual 600 nm race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay in the Philippines sets sail on April the 8th for offshore racing and cruising yachts with valid IRC Certificates is considered one of Asia's longest standing classic offshore races. Website http://www.chinasearace.com or e-mail the RHKYC at aangus@rhkyc.org.hk

3.2 Omega Asian Yachting Circuit
The leading positions on Proteus Sports 4-regatta Omega Asian Yachting Circuit remain poised coming into the final event, the China Sea Race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay in the Philippines. Is the 10 points Ray Roberts has scored so far on Hollywood Boulevard enough to hold onto the lead or can Fred Kinmouth's Stella Minter Ellison do one better to break the present first place tye with Ray Roberts. The Omega sponsored Neil Pryde on Hi-Fidelity will have to win the CSR to stand a chance in the overall race but lurking in the wings is Ray Ordoveza's Clariden Karakoa. They finished 2nd in Phuket and 1st in Singapore so they only need to finish in the first five places of the racing class to record a run away win after discarding the non appearance points for the RMIR. More on the Omega AYC contact Proteus Sports at info@proteus-sports.com or turn to www.asianyachtingcircuit.com

3.3 Learn to Sail courses anyone?
The next 2-Day AY Introductory Sailing Course for participants interested in becoming Competent Crew on sailing yachts will be run over the weekend 3rd & 4th April at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club in Port Klang and repeated again on the 17th & 18th of April. To enroll simply contact Khairul Sharil the RSYC Sailing Center Manager on 03-3168 6964 H/P 012 3899498 or Email: info@rsyc.com.my

3.4 Featured AY Grand Prix Yacht Brokerage
Ross 7.80 mk.1 Trailer Sailor c.1985 Ideal for harbour racing and short coastal hops, this very popular class boat (sailed extensively in Brisbane, Perth and New Zealand) has been raced & actively sailed from the RYSC in Port Klang for the last 15 years. 2003 IRC handicap 0.916. She is a genuine trailer sailor slipped after each sail. Mast lowers easily and she presently meets category 3 safety requirements. Boat was extensively refitted by Fedara Yachts for the 2003 season. Price: US$15,999 or only RM 59,990 o.n.o. and further details can be found here...

3.5 Presidents Cup 2004
The Manila and Subic Bay Yacht Clubs organising committees have advised of a name change and the regatta will be known as the Smart Infinity Presidents Cup 2004 (13th - 17th April) for keelboats and ocean multihulls which forms part of the China Sea Race Series. For more info contact the regatta secretariat at mycrace@i-manila.com.ph or browse the NOR at www.manilayachtclub.com

3.6 BOAT ASIA 2004 sets sail and makes waves in April
Boat Asia 2004 gets underway in Singapore from April 15-18. and promises to be better than ever before, showcasing the very best in sailing yachts, powerboats, super yachts and marine equipment & accessories. Boat Asia 2004 will provide potential regional buyers with an unparalleled chance to compare boat specifications, exchange notes with fellow enthusiasts, and pursue networking opportunities. Some 8000 visitors from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand are expected to descend upon Singapore for the show.... For more info click on: http://www.boat-asia.com/

3.7 DK Yachts spreading its wings
DK Yachts built Farr 52's have won the prestigious RMIR and Kings Cup trophies in Asia this season. In Australia the JP Morgan Regatta, Sailing South Week in Tasmania, Scotchmans Hill Series and their class on the glamorous Sydney - Hobart Race. In Europe Vicente Garcia's brand new Farr 520 Plis Play (Means: Do it quickly) fresh from the Thai Kings Cup victory have already notched up a few wins in Spain and working on a racing campaign to lift the Spanish Kings Cup this year and become a double Kings Cup winner. Serious Yachts for Serious Sailors can be found at http://www.dkyachts.com

3.8 Jelik sweeps the Boracay Race
Frank Pongs new Jelik took out the daily double of Line and IRC Handicap honours during this years Standard Insurance Manila to Boracay Race. Ernesto Echauz's Standard Insurance Centennial one of the original Sydney 46's built held onto 2nd place and Ray Ordoveza's Clariden Karakoa ended up 3rd. With one long race and 2 regattas remaining this season in the South China Sea we figure Jelik has a outsiders chance and Frank is firing off a warning shoot at his racing class competitors that have temporarily occupied the champions throne throughout the season so far. His crew will have to put in a transpac performance during the China Sea Race and a tremendous effort around the cans during the Presidents Cup and the year ending Ko Samui Regatta to be crowned the 2003/04 AsianYachting Grand Prix Champions in May.

3.9 AsianYachting Shopping Mall
Yacht clubs and sailing groups check out the fastest selling yachting gloves in Asia at the new AsianYachting Mall from: http://AsianYachting.com/Mall/AYGloves.htm Made with best Amara (synthetic leather which is 300% stronger than real leather) Double stitched with the worlds strongest "Kevlar" thread enables us to supply these quality products in bulk with your club logo on the velcro wrist flap at very competitive prices. For more Specials in the AY Mall go here...

3.10 Ko Samui Regatta
Since the Ko Samui Regatta (23rd-29th May) is the last 5** event on the AsianYachting Grand Prix Season we have been invited to award the prestigious 2003/04 Champion Skipper and Yacht Ranking prizes at a combined gala prize giving dinner party on the last night of the Regatta. This is indeed a honour since Capital TV will once again be shooting a 25 minute video program to be aired via the Star World and UBC satellite TV networks across Asia. Going by the current rankings if Ray Ordoveza's Clariden Karakoa, Sam Chan'sFfree Fire, Fred Kinmouth's Stella Minter Ellison or Frank Pong's new Jelik finish on the podium at the China Sea Race and the Presidents Cup they will close in on Peter Ahern's 2 point lead on YO! over Ray Roberts Hollywood Boulevard to make an exciting final showdown when they are expected to all come together again in Koh Samui. To find out the latest on the Biggest Event ON the Gulf of Thailand visit their site www.samuiregatta.com or e-mail peter@samuiregatta.com

3.11 Changes set to make 5th Tahiti Nui Cup

3.12 Photos, Photos Galore!
Guy Nowell reports that the Raja Muda Int Regatta,  Kings Cup and SSR 2004 photos can be browsed online and searchable by boat name. Full resolution prints can be ordered directly from his website by going to: http://www.guynowell.com

3.13 The BALI RACE is on again!
Dick McCune from the Royal Bali Yacht Club advises that the Darwin Bali Yacht Race will start from Darwin on 31 July 2004. They would like to extend a personal invitation to all racing sleds intending to visit the Asian region to join this wonderful 1000 nm downwind race. "This is the Transpac of the Southern Hemisphere".

A 1000 mile sleigh ride where Helsel II broke all their previous records and Australian Maid has consistently enjoyed this downhill run so much to take handicap honours each year. (Now there's a challenge!) It is our dream to have more than two, fast yachts 'in sight of each other' for 2004 rather than simply provide a excellent photo opportunity for our cruising participants. Don't hesitate to visit http://www.darwinbalirace.com for up-dated info or contact David Woodhouse in Darwin at: mail@darwinbalirace.com

3.14 After the resounding success of Hollywood Boulevard's new sails during the recent Singapore Straits Regatta the Quantum Sail Design Group in Malacca, Malaysia have reported an increased demand for their Carbon Kevlar Fusion Membrane sails and the super fast spinnakers they produce for the world wide market. Place your order at: http://www.quantumsails.com or obtain a obligation free quotation from Bruce Anson at: banson@quantumsails.com or Phone ++60-6-231-6145

4. International News

VDH and Adrien SMASHED THE RECORD, at last!
At 2:26:14 am (CET) on 9th March 2004 Jean Luc Van den Heede aboard Adrien finally crossed the finishing line off the Créac'h lighthouse on the Island of Ushant in NW Brittany to claim the round the world, non stop, westabout record for singlehandedly battling against the winds and currents in the Southern Ocean previously held by Phillippe Monnet, who achieved it in 151 days on 9th June 2000. VDH as he is known and at age 58, crossed the finishing line after 122 days 14 hrs, 3 mins and 49 secs at sea thereby reducing the reference time by 29 days, 5 hrs, 50 mins and 47 secs according to Claude Breton, the WSSRC (World Speed Sailing Record Council) official timekeeper.

Although VDH and Adrien seemed to finish in brilliant style it has taken 4 previous round the world single handed races with the wind before making a attempt on the East to West against the winds record. Amongst his solo global racing credentials is a 2nd in 1986 and 3rd in the 1995 BOC Challenge, 3rd in the 1989-90 and 2nd in 1992-93 Vendée Globe.

This was his 4th round the world attempt "backwards" from East to West against the winds and currents. In 1999, his first attempt aboard his monohull Algimouss had to be abandoned because of a leak after he hit some flottsam. In 2001 during his first attempt aboard Adrien, the current monohull (which hadn't yet been perfected at that stage), he was forced to abandon the attempt because a problem with the forked keel supporting structure breaking loose inside which incidentally won them the AY Unluckiest Sailor of the Month award back in January 2002.

Then again in January 2003, it was his mast that let him down, when it broke off Tasmania making him a 2 time winner of the AY Unluckiest Sailor of the Month award yet again in February 2003. This was extremely difficult for him to take, as half way through the challenge VDH had 18 days lead over the record set by Philippe Monet and was forced to jury a rig into Hobart then sail all the way back to France the way he came with a steel telegraph pole before getting ready and embarking on this successful attempt beginning on the 7th November last year.

From all at AY we salute you on your victory over the elements at last and I hope the champagne back in your homeport of Les Sables d'Olonne in Western France is just as sweet. More on this incredible achievement at: http://www.vdh.fr

* French President Jacques Chopra sent a message of congratulations to VDH, proclaiming his "superb performance which is registered in gold letters in the history of the sea. Your performance and your talent as a sailor are cause for admiration by all, my best wishes on our next challenges."

5. World Speed Records

Sunday 14 March 2004 - 0510 GMT - 1170 nm W/NW of Cape Horn: American skipper Steve Fosse (59) and his international crew of 12 on the 125' maxi-catamaran Cheyenne pressed on yesterday despite further serious breakages occurring up the mast - one which could seriously threaten their Round The World Sailing Record attempt as they are currently 2050 miles ahead of the successful 2002 RTW record pace of Orange after 5 weeks at sea.

They have logged an incredible number of 500 nm consecutive day's run in the South East Pacific including her best day ever of 623 miles in 24 hrs before the mast rigging and sail track problems have continued to plague them. To follow this drama as it unfolds with detailed maps, images, stories by the crew, plus all position data & media support information - including access to video and hi res photos - please see www.fossettchallenge.com

Saturday 13 March 2004 Geronimo's stealthy approach to Southern Ocean
Olivier de Kersauson's Cap Gemini and Schneider Electric trimaran Geronimo crossed the Cape of Good Hope, SA longitude as Day 16 ended with a total of 523 nautical miles covered at an average speed of 21.80 knots, putting the 11-man crew 657 nautical miles ahead of Bruno Peyron's record.

After restarting this Jules Verne Record attempt between the Créac'h lighthouse on Ushant and the Lizard Point in Cornwall on Wed 25th of Feb they have set a new fastest time to the Equator of 6 days 11 hrs. Presently averaging over 25 knots on her first full day in the Southern Ocean has seen the speed now established at over 21 knots, so the next few days will tell if they are on the way to breaking Bruno Peyron's 64 days, 8 hrs, 37 mins and 40 secs this time.

The decision to stay north of the Antarctic convergence for reasons of strategy and safety is having its effect. Geronimo is now inside the high pressure region, where wind speeds are falling. The trimaran's average speed for Day 17 will therefore be significantly lower, but Olivier de Kersauson is holding firm to his resolve to avoid seeking speed at the risk of finding himself amongst icebergs. Many of the crew still have clear memories of when the trimaran Charal lost a float in a growler field way back in 1993 not far from their current position. Anyway, sailing amongst such hazards means reducing speed to such an extent that any advantage down there is lost. Wise counsel therefore prevails and the hierarchy of priorities remains unchanged: bring home the men first, then the boat and, finally, the trophy. The latest news on Geronimo is at: http://www.trimaran-geronimo.com

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