AsianYachting November
2006
News and Views
ASIA
MARINE are one of the leading boat brokers in SE Asia
and the authorized dealer for FOUTAINE PAJOT, DUFOUR, HANSE, TRAWLER,
NAUTITECH CATAMARAN AND WHITESHARK. They also have 15 years experience
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CONTENTS
1. Editorial - AY
Grand Prix Skipper
and Yacht Championships
underway - China
Coast Regatta & HK
to Vietnam Race results
2
"Unluckiest sailors of the month"
90-
year old Anchovy
- Sailors on
Sydney Harbour & at King
Edward VII Gold Cup
3. Austral
- Asian News - Round-up of all the racing action,
Boatshows and sailing news in Asian waters
Up next - Raja
Muda SailAsia
Rally and Monsoon
Cup in Malaysia and Phuket
King's Cup in Thailand
4. International News - Follow
the Single
handed Velux
5 Oceans - 2006 Route
du Rhum
Up next - AC
skirts come off in April
& Biodiesel Earthrace the way to go...
Goto Archived AY News & Views and Race Reports 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01 98-99
1.
EDITORIAL
When most Asians were enjoying the Indian Deepavalli and Muslim Hari Raya celebrations the Hong Kong sailors were hard at it on the China Coast Regatta and the HK to Vietnam Race. It was the first time the newly acquired TP52's - Paul Winkelmann's Island Fling and Sam Chan's Ffree Fire 52 could be seen in action and a good opportunity for crews to measure up against some formidable opposition. However they did not have it all their own way as Neil Pryde's Farr 52OD Hi Fi managed to take out the CCR 06 narrowly in front of Island Fling but Paul Winkelmann's crew kept on the pace to record a blistering time on the Vietnam Race and claim overall first place. The CCR 06 is the first five star Racing Class event of the 2006-07 AY Grand Prix Skipper and Yacht Championships. Neil Pryde enters the top of the scoresheet, is were they finished of last season. We welcome browsers to see how the pointscore is shaping up this year at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP06-07.htm
As
we have been working hard on the Miri
Magic building project, allot of problems have surfaced that
directly affects the growth of the Marine Industry in Asia. Do you know
it is cheaper to get a complete boat built overseas and imported duty-free
into Malaysia than it is to get one built here, after paying 10% Customs
Duty and 5% Excise on all the imported parts, pieces and materials it
takes to build the entire boat? A problem all these boatbuilders rushing
in to set up in Asia may need to take into consideration if they expect
to sell locally. The next ASEAN Marine Tourism Symposium will take place
14 - 17 June at the Sutera Harbour Resort, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah were
a ASEAN Marine Tourism Council is expected to be formed. In an attempt
to air some problems presently facing the industry like 1. Legally registering
a roadworthy small boat trailer in Malaysia 2. Financing
on boats in Asia 3. Marina silting issues before the industry gets started
and an attempt to list all the Marine Industry players in Malaysia and
Brunei can be found at: http://asianyachting.com/news/MMIAlistings.htm
The
next two months are going to be extremely busy with the Raja
Muda and Monsoon
Cup in Malaysia and Phuket
King's Cup in Thailand. Plans are well ahead for this year's
Raja Muda Regatta (17 - 25 Nov), hosted by Royal Selangor
Yacht Club in Port Klang. Regatta Chairman and
Club Commodore Dato' Richard Curtis reports that there has been a much
greater response than in the past few years, with approximately 50 yachts
committed to entering the event. Press Releases, AY
Race Reports and historical
links to all the past winners are posted at: http://asianyachting.com/news/RMSIR06.htm
To compliment the start of a hectic racing season SailAsia
Rally will be taking over from Sail
Indonesia at
Raffles Marina, Singapore on the 3rd Nov, ending up in Langkawi for an
exciting week with the Langkawi
International Boat Exhibition (LIBEX
24 to 27 Nov).
AY
will be covering all these events, so stay tuned to the website to access
daily photo edition reports or on your e-mail inbox to keep up with all
the racing action and yachting news from Asian waters.
Happy sailing were ever you are...
Capt Marty Rijkuris
2 "Unluckiest sailors of the month"
2.1 Sydney Harbour racing on 07-08 Oct produced some spectacular sailing, with one yacht foundering when being towed by a Marine Dept vessel, after being holed in a port-and-starboard collision and another sports boat turning turtle after apparently losing its bulb keel. The crew of eight were sighted standing on the upturned hull until rescued. No-one was injured in the two incidents, but there were plenty of wild broaches and out-of-control gybes in the strong winds and choppy conditions.
2.2
Recovered...
The 90- year old wooden boat Anchovy broached
and sank on September 2nd in 50ft of water South East of Rose Island in
Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The two crew were quickly pulled from
the water by Team Alinghi, who were nearby competing in the Farr 40 Pre-World
Championship Regatta. As soon as weather conditions allowed, several volunteers
and supporting organizations began searching for the vessel on behalf
of the Museum of Yachting. After a number of unsuccessful attempts, a
volunteer diver located her and thanks to the collaborative efforts of
Oldport Marine headed by Matt Gineo and Ron Ackman and MoY volunteers,
Anchovy was brought to the surface. We are happy to report that
she looks to be in fine condition and after a bit of attention she is
expected to again grace the Museum's boat basin next Spring as part of
the in-the-water collection." - For story and photos: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/06/moy.htm
2.3
Sailors struck by lightning at 58th
GOLD CUP
Group
A's racing was suspended at the King Edward VII Gold Cup
in Hamilton, Bermuda (Oct 11) when a squall pushed through producing heavy
rains and a bolt of lightning that struck three race boats. One boat,
Peppercorn, saw its masthead windex blown off
and a hole put in the bow when the lightning presumably traveled down
the forestay and into the water through the hull. It was as if someone
took a marlinspike and punched through the hull from the inside out. Four
individuals were treated for injuries, which included Karl Anderson
and Mark Ivey (both crew for Chris Law), Eric
Boothe (bowman for Brian Angel), and umpire David Pelling
of Canada. Ivey described what happened: "We had just changed boats
after the James Spithill race and a downpour began. We went below and
were holding out. Then we heard a huge bang and sparks came out of the
mast step. I was sitting on the partners and it shot through me and out
my feet. I felt real weak and crawled out of the cabin and laid on the
cockpit sole for awhile as it was pouring rain". "They were
treated for diffuse electrical shock," said Sherwin. "All had
a thorough cardiovascular and neurological exam. They suffered from mild
superficial burn and muscle spasms. Thankfully, nobody had entry or exit
wounds, which could have indicated deep tissue burn injury." More
at: http://www.WorldMatchRacingTour.com
3. Austral - Asian News
3.1
Sailors' Raft Up in Bangkok -
and great sailing movies!
This month they are giving you some advance warning of the Raft Up on
Thursday 9th November at Tenderloins Restaurant & Bar, Sukhumvit Soi
33, about 200 metres in the soi from Sukhumvit Road end. So if your in
Bangkok around 6:30 pm. This is a great chance to network with crews and
skippers, have a few cool ales or rums, and some good food in a nice friendly
atmosphere. During last months regatta it seems there is good interest
in this event, so organisors will respond with some great videos of the
Volvo Round the World Race and some footage of the America's Cup at the
next session. Please let David Bell know if you are coming by emailing
david.bell@rakahng.com or
for more info try Mobile Phone +66 81 836 4790 or Fax +662 255 7892
3.2
Larry Ellison on the World
Match Racing Tour
The Allianz Cup may not be Larry Ellison the CEO of Oracle and founder
of the BMW ORACLE Racing Team last World Tour event. At a packed press
conference at the St. Francis Yacht Club he received an impromptu invitation
to Stage 6, the Monsoon Cup in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, from Peter
Gilmour, the event’s technical director. “Just yesterday I
got word that Russell Coutts is unavailable to come because he doesn’t
have a crew,” said Gilmour. “So Larry, there’s an opening
for you. It’s known as the world’s richest event in sailing
with a 1 million ringgit ($275,000) prize money.” “Are you
serious?” replied Ellison. “I guess that’s a yes,”
Gilmour concluded. Listen
to Peter Gilmour invite Larry Ellison to the Monsoon Cup -
AY Monsoon Cup Reports here...
3.3
Fespic Games in KL (Nov 25 - Dec 3rd) the last of the
series
Kuala Lumpur: The hosting of the ninth Far East and South Pacific Games
for the disabled by Malaysia is the last edition to be known as Fespic
Games and will mark the way forward with the inauguration of the Asia
Para Games. The dissolution of the two existing organisations - the Fespic
Federation and the Asian Paralympic Council are giving way to the birth
of a new Paralympic Organisation of Asia. This year will feature 19 sports
in four categories of disability and a total of 4,000 athletes from 62
countries are expected to compete. The sailing competition will be held
using Access 2.3 and Access Liberty classes, not the 2.4mR & Sonar
as stated in last months N&V. More info goto: http://www.kl06fespicgames.com.my
3.4
ISAF ANNUAL CONFERENCE (2-12 NOV)
With
over 100 submissions and 14 Committees, the discussions in Helsinki will
cover the full spectrum of the sailing world. However, every year three
or four hot topics emerge which spark lively debate across the meeting
rooms and across the larger sailing world. Last year the Medal Race format
for the Olympic Sailing Competition took centre stage, and in 2006 the
topic is back on the agenda with Submission 089, which proposes to make
further changes to the scoring system to increase the importance of the
Medal Race. Staying with the Olympic Games, Submission 064 proposes a
new media friendly course for the two windsurfing events. For offshore
sailors, Submission 101 will be of particular interest as it proposes
to tighten the regulations of classes meeting the definition of Offshore
Yachts. For match racers meanwhile, Submission 078 proposes match racing
to return to the Olympic Sailing Competition. Funding and sponsorship
is of vital importance to sailors worldwide and is an issue addressed
at the core of Submission 015. It proposes to allow a provision for advertising
space for class sponsors in the Class Rules. Away from the race course,
Submissions 016, 030, 031 and 034 propose methods of achieving a minimum
of 20% women's representation on the Council. Whilst ISAF does currently
achieve 20% women's representation, the debate will focus on the regulations
governing the process. More at: http://sailing.org/meetings/2006november
3.5
Sunsail Asia opening up new destinations...
Sunsail is the biggest charter
yacht company operating in the world today. Sunsail
Asia are leading the way
in opening up new Asian destinations and proud to give you a chance to
discover some of the most intriguing and unspoiled countries in the South
East Asian region. So do it soon! After a very successful 2006 season
they are also expanding both Flotilla holidays
and Bareboat Charter yacht
fleets and ask interested clients to check out their weekly RYA
Courses or latch onto one of their great value MileCatcher
Voyages by Calling +66 76 239057 Fax: +66 76 238940 Email:
sales@sunsailasia.com or visit
http://www.sunsailasia.com
3.6
Watch out for all the Firefly's buzzing around...
Exciting times for all sailors in the S.E. Asian Region, and in particular
for multi-hull aficionados, is the news that no less than five, and possibly
six Firefly’s will be competing at the 20th
King’s Cup this December. These fine yachts add allot
of colour, speed and great competition to any regatta and Latitude 8,
the Phuket based builders have a solidly booked production line till the
end of March next year. A Firefly trucking along at 22 knots is a sight
not to be missed. Class racing with no handicaps is extremely popular
around the world - First home is the winner, a lot more satisfying than
calculating if you have won or lost by a few seconds because of a boats
handicap. AY
gives this new class our wholehearted support and wish them every success.
3.7
Clipper Uniquely Singapore round
the world again
Keppel Corporation have announced its sponsorship of the Singapore entry
in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race. The 68-ft yacht will
again take on the name, Uniquely Singapore. Keppel Corporation
is the Primary Sponsor of Uniquely Singapore and Host Port Sponsor
for the Singapore Stopover of the Clipper Race, with the Singapore Tourism
Board coming onboard as the first race partner. This is the second consecutive
race that both organisations have worked closely together in the Clipper
Race and Keppel engineering played a big part in repairing the keels in
Subic Bay last time round. Mr Lim Chee Onn, Executive Chairman of Keppel
Corporation said, “The Clipper experience provides Keppel with a
global platform on which we are able to share our corporate values with
fellow Singaporean's.“The crew members in the last race demonstrated
clearly their global mindset, passion and courage in overcoming challenges,
stretching way beyond their normal limitations and being fully committed
to being an effective team member. “We would wish to strengthen
such qualities amongst more Singaporean's. To build on the momentum and
spirit thus achieved, Keppel is happy once again to sponsor Uniquely
Singapore in one of the world’s most anticipated sailing events.
For crewing positions goto http://www.clipper-ventures.com
3.8
Brunei Bay Radio HF radio services in SE Asia, Western
Pacific & Eastern Indian Ocean.
Ever heard of HF/SSB radio E-mail or SailMail? Well if you live on a remote
tropical Island or operate vessels away from cell phone range you can
still receive e-mails and voice services at isolated locations on land
or sea by HF/SSB radio from Brunei Bay Radio. They also operate a regular
voice broadcast schedule of SE Asian regional marine weather, METAREA
forecasts/warnings, Maritime Safety Information (MSI) warnings and operate
the regional gateway for the popular SailMail - low cost HF radio e-mail
- service for cruising yachts. Brunei Bay Radio has just announced the
start of a new HF/SSB radio e-mail service suited to charter yachts, live
aboard dive boats, yachting event organisors and isolated island resorts
that require more connection time, file transfers and other features.
This service has been established to assist the region's growing marine
tourism industry with a reliable e-mail service for about 25% of the cost
of "low-cost" satellite services. For more info and how to sign
up contact Allan Riches http://www.bruneibay.net/bbradio
Email: allanr@bruneibay.net
Phone: 673 2 221685 Fax: 673 2 221687
3.9
Global piracy decreasing but hotspots remain deadly
A recent study conducted by the ICC International Maritime
Bureau (IMB), notes that reported piracy attacks world-wide are on the
decline. They found that the number of attacks through to the end of the
3rd quarter 2006 decreased to 174. This is 31 less attacks than the 205
that occurred in the first three quarters of 2005. Of the 174 total attacks
listed in the report, vessels were boarded in 113 cases and 11 ships were
hijacked. 163 hostages were taken, 20 crew members were kidnapped, and
six were killed. Bangladesh recorded an alarmingly high 33 incidents –
22 actual and 11 attempted. The majority of these attacks occurred in
and around the port of Chittagong, making it the world’s most dangerous
port. The Malacca Straits have been dropped from Lloyd’s of London’s
list of dangerous waterways. This decision is thought to be largely the
result of improvements to security implemented by the littoral states
bordering the Straits. Worldwide, there have been more attacks on container
ships (37/24) and fishing boats (15/3) in the first nine months of 2006
compared with the same period last year, while the number of attacks on
bulk carriers, general cargo ships and tankers have diminished. Full roundup
on the ICC Commercial Crime Services website http://www.icc-ccs.org/main/index.php
3.10
Need to insure your boat in SE Asian waters?
JCC Reinsurance is proud to announce the launch of a new yacht insurance
venture MUI YACHTINSURE
from JNZ Insurance consultants designed to provide insurance for all yachts
in SE Asian waters and also bring increased security to all involved.
For further information feel free to contact the General Manager Noorizha
Binti Onn Tel: +603-2171 1448 Fax: +603-2171 1448 Email: jnzconsult@yahoo.com
or for quotation purposes download the MUI
Yactinsure Proposal Form
from: http://www.jccre.com/news_updates_MUIYachtinsure.htm
3.11
Admiral Frank becomes China Team Honary Chairman
Frank Pong, an important player in the Asian world of
sailing, former commodore of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and owner/skipper
of some of the most magnificent racing boats in Asia, has joined China
Team as Honorary Chairman. I am getting more involved with the China Team
with a great deal of hesitation, not because they are at the bottom of
the ladder at the moment, which is not a bad place to start, as you can
only go up. I am afraid of the demand of my own time into my own sailing
activities. At the present time, there is no doubt the sorely missing
part of sailing in China is the knowledge and a pool of people who can
just go onto a 35 footer and sail with competence. Hence there is a great
deal of need for big boat sail training. To represent China Team in the
Americas Cup arena is a great honour for me. But this brave initiative
has sparked off lots of others in China who would otherwise have been
too shy to try. I suppose if the China Team helps to set off once again,
the spirit of adventure in our people, it will have done more than it
dared to dream to achieve, at this time and for this time. More details
and Photos at: http://www.china-team.org/china/news-en/franck%20Pong
3.12
Beijing 2008 sailing schedule
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has approved
a final version of the competition schedule for the Beijing 2008 Olympic
Games. Racing will take place in Qingdao from the 9-21 August, with the
Medal Races taking place from 16-21 August. 22-23 August are scheduled
as reserve days. The first races begin the day after the Opening Ceremony
on 9 August. The first two of sailing's eleven Olympic Champions will
be decided with the Medal Races on 16 August. One Medal Race will follow
on 17 August, with two Medal Races per day from then on. The Closing Ceremony
for the Games is on 24 August. ISAF Vice-President and Technical Delegate
for the Olympic Sailing Competition David Kellett (AUS) commented, 'The
revised competition program for the Olympic Sailing Competition extends
the focus for sailing during the Olympic Games. For the media and fans
the attention is on the medal days, and sailing will now have six medal
days. The scheduled start times for sailing are excellent, with few other
sports taking place at the same time. Sailing has a greater opportunity
than ever before at the Olympic Games to reach the world.' More at:
http://www.sailing.org/default.asp?PID=19645
3.13
Looking for a tropical retirement home in
SE Asia?
Raimon
Land is a reliable
Bangkok-based luxury property developer that have an excellent track record
of delivering quality residential projects in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
They
proudly achieve high yield holiday rentals through their professional
asset management team. Also main
sponsors at the Top
of the Gulf Regatta, Evason
Phuket
Race Week and Thailand's prestigious Phuket
King's
Cup Regatta are renown
for hosting the more lively parties at their sponsored events. More at:
www.raimonland.com
or goto AY
Real-Estate page...
3.14
Scuttlebutt
Video of the Week
The Asian counties are simply unable to host a World Championship without
also having unbelievable parties. This region has a long history of going
over-the-top with their festivities; even the Scuttlebutt team remembers
the 1989 Snipe Worlds in Japan, where each evening the competitors boarded
buses to travel to a new town that was hosting a party. We heard that
the festivities at the 2006 Pre-Olympic regatta in Qingdao were epic,
and a video of the Opening Ceremonies at the 2006 470 Worlds in Rizhao,
China is a great example of the length that they go to. We are betting
that you have never seen this kind of event in the US. Also, if you have
a video you like, please send them your suggestions for the next Video
of the Week. Click here to view a selection of videos: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/#media
3.14
Arab countries embrace Olympic's and sailing
sports
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that it has awarded
the US$21 million - 2012 Olympic broadcast rights in the Middle East to
the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU). It is a significant increase
from the broadcast rights agreement signed for the Olympic Games in Beijing
in 2008 - includes coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games in Bahrain,
Djibouti, Iraq, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, the
United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Yemen. Interest in sailing has been growing
throughout the Middle East in the build up to the 2006
Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, which features 14 sailing events.
Qatar also hosted the Asian
Sailing Championships back in March and the finish of the
Oryx
Quest last year. In the UAE, the Maktoum
Sailing Trophy, ISAF
Nations Cup Regional Final, ISAF
Grade 3 Dubai Match Race and Dubai
Junior Regatta have all taken place this year and Kuwait
is scheduled to host the ISAF Grade 3 Alkharafi International Regatta
in November. More at http://www.sailing.org/default.asp?PID=19530
3.15
Asian built classic boat So Fong
shines in Saint Tropez
Phillipe Masset, General Director of Rolex France awarded the Trophee
Rolex and a Rolex steel Submariner timepiece to Bruno Entrecanales yacht,
So Fong. The 26 metre (85ft) dark-blue hulled schooner designed
by the legendary naval architects, Sparkman & Stephens, was built
in Hong Kong in 1937 had the lowest score for the week of racing of all
the classic division yachts over 16 metres. The final race on Saturday
provided perfect conditions for the boat. Skipper Perico Villalonga-Hook
attributed the win to "the great crew work. We need 20-25 knots of
wind to really get the boat going", and Saturday they experienced
just that. The 2006 Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez had 287 yachts and 3,000
sailors competing in Modern and Tradition Divisions. Great event photos
of the Classics can be found at: http://www.regattanews.com/photos.asp?eventid=159
3.16
Quantum Fusion
M just keeps getting better!
Quantum Sail Design Group designs, engineers and manufactures
sails for racers and cruisers who demand the highest levels of quality
and performance. They are leaders in the sail making industry by offering
top quality products supported by a high level of personalized customer
service, recognized expertise, professionalism and a passion for developing
the sport of sailing. Quantum sails are available at more than 55 lofts
located throughout the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Europe, South Africa,
South America, Malaysia, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.
So now, more than ever, you can count on Fusion M delivering great boat-speed
and reliability. Goto: http://asianyachting.com/news/QuantumSails.htm
3.17
New Yendys being built in China
Sydney yachtsman Geoff Ross has ventured into China to build his latest
grand prix racing yacht in a bid to win his second Rolex Sydney Hobart
Yacht Race. The Reichel/Pugh-designed 16.8-metre LOA yacht, again to be
named Yendys (Sydney spelt backwards), is the first grand prix
yacht to be built in China. A joint venture company between Australia’s
McConaghy Boats and China’s JinLi Composites, each internationally
renowned in their field, has built the new Yendys using the latest
high-tech composite construction methods. The yacht is due to reach Sydney
by ship late in November, but first will be transported by barge down
the Pearl River Delta to Hong Kong. Ross is putting together a highly
experienced international crew, including three current America’s
Cup sailors from the Oracle challenge, to campaign the yacht for the Rolex
Trophy and Rolex Sydney Hobart in December. Web site http://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com
3.18
Featured AY Yacht Brokerage
- Helsal
II
LOA: 20.04m Beam: 4.40m Draft: 3.00m Port of Registry:
Melbourne, Australia Registration Number: 396348 Type: Sloop Builder:
Gismar, Sydney Year: 1980 Displacement: 13.3T Licensed to carry: 16 persons
Located: Asia. Helsal
11 is one of Australia's famous maxi yacht. Over the years she has won
nearly every
major offshore race in the Austral-Asian region and more recently has
embarked on a globe trotting tour competing on what the owner calls "must
do" events, like the Capetown to Rio Race. Before coming to Asia
a complete interior refit was conducted and a new keel was fitted to improve
speed and windward performance. Helsal
II is a good way to get into the big boat scene for
relatively little money and she is also available for charter on the King's
Cup, Singapore Straits, China Sea Race and the Presidents Cup in the Philippines.
Asking
Price Aus$300,000 o.n.o. For
more details Goto the Inventory and photos at: http://asianyachting.com/boats/Helsal2.htm
4.
International News
4.1
They're off with an almighty bang...
Bilbao, Spain - Sunday 22nd Oct: In a 15 to 20 knot southwesterly breeze,
six international skippers started the first leg of the Velux 5 Oceans,
a solo round-the-world yacht race. American Tim Troy did not make it to
the starting line. His Open 60 Margaret Anna failed the stability
test by three degrees. Graham Dalton also missed the start due to severe
mast damage after being blown down on the hardstand, in a 60 knot gust,
cracking the inboard end of the lower starboard spreader. It was a tough
first night at sea living up to its name as the Ultimate Solo Challenge
with winds over 45 knots and big seas.
Worse
was to come, leader Bernard Stamm on Cheminees Poujoulat, reported
in survival mode, hove to under triple reefed mainsail alone as winds
of up to 70 knots battered the fleet. The 3 British yachts - Mike Golding
was forced to climb Ecover's mast in the big swell to repair
his main halyard - Alex Thomson experienced gear failure and shredded
a headsail on Hugo Boss just 27 hours into the race - Sir Robin
Knox-Johnston reportedly rolled over on SAGA Insurance and all
headed to Spanish ports to carry out repairs. Basque sailor, Unai Basurko
on Pakea also experienced breakages and returned to Bilbao --
They have all resumed racing and been joined by Graham Dalton's Open 50
but have lost a few days on the leaders. Bernard Stamm is closely followed
by Kojiro Shiraishi's Spirit of Yukoh who managed to survive
the Force 10 conditions with minor damage. Track their every move over
the next few months at: http://www.velux5oceans.com/
4.2
Route du Rhum - 74 starters
at it again...
The start of the eighth Route du Rhum went exactly as planned with the
fabulous sight of a fleet of 74 lone yachtsmen aboard six different classes
of yacht spread along the 2 mile startline in light airs and seas stirred
up by the bows of hundreds of different pleasure craft. As the 60’
trimarans picked up some fresher winds they took advantage of flat calm
seas, to take an early lead, even though they have 3500 miles of racing
ahead. The Route du Rhum, which has acquired a reputation of being hellish,
due to the havoc back in 2002 when most the multihull fleet capsized or
were wreaked. (3 trimarans finishing out of 18) A high-pressure area is
well established over the top of Brittany, so the solo yachtsmen will
have to head out west to feel the effects of the low-pressure areas blocked
off the American coast. Franck Cammas (Groupama) passed Cape Frehel with
a 5 minute lead on the rest of the fleet and benefited from ideal weather
conditions for his boat. Follow the progress at: http://www.routedurhum-labanquepostale.com
4.3
Warning to all offshore racers.
DK Yachts are warning all offshore racers to sit up and
take notice when one of their World Champion Mumm 30, Farr 40 or Mills
DK46 lines up on the starting grid. It is business as usual in their new
ultra modern 110,000 sg ft workshop facility in Malaysia. Ray Roberts
DK 46 Quantum Racing is currently, the in form IRC Racer in Australia,
winning the Sydney - Mooloolaba Race, Airlie Beach Race Week and the Hahn
Premium Race Week to complete a trifecta of major events up Australia's
east coast this year. The DK built Mumm 30's of Philippe Kahn's Pegasus
Racing and Richard Perini's Foreign Affair finished up taking
1st, 2nd at the North American Championships and will be in serious contention
for the Worlds coming up in Nov-Dec. Serious
Yachts for Serious Sailors
can be found at http://www.dkyachts.com
4.4
AC skirts come off in April
So you'll see what everyone has done. Typically there haven't been huge
gains through appendage packages, but in April we're all going to see,
and people will likely react to what they see a little bit. It's late,
but there is still time to react to that a bit." If the keel, bulb
and winglets aren't where the gains are going to come from, what should
we be looking at? "Hull shapes, the hull is still a huge component
of the total drag of the boat and we've seen some developments there.
Grant
Simmer the Managing Director and Design Coordinator for Alinghi. "It's
always hard to gauge your performance and so the fleet race next year
(Louis Vuitton Act 13 in April) will be interesting for us. It will be
a read of sorts on how prepared we really are." Simmer adds "The
first New Zealand boat (NZL 84) is quite a radical boat: narrow, slab-sided,
an unusual bow. It's an unusual boat and yet it won the last regatta,
so clearly it is fast. I think the hull shapes in the second boats of
the top teams will be interesting to see as they come out over the next
couple of months." - Full story: http://tinyurl.com/pdf2o
All important dates for next years finals
April 3 - 6: LV Act 13, fleet racing Valencia
April 16: Challenger elimination series starts
May 14: Challenger semi-finals start
June 1: Challenger finals start
June 23: America's Cup regatta starts
4.5
Biodiesel the way to go...
America's Better Biodiesel Inc
announced it has agreed to be the exclusive provider of biodiesel fuel
to the Earthrace powerboat
in its bid to set a new circumnavigation world record. Earthrace is a
78-foot New Zealand built trimaran powerboat that -- powered solely by
Better Biodiesel’s biodiesel fuel -- will strive to circumnavigate
the globe in a record 65 days. With the race slated for next year, its
itinerary includes an 18-month educational tour now underway calling at
60 of the world’s great cities to highlight alternative fuels while
raising awareness about sustainable resources and the environment. Biodiesel
fuel is made from plant matter and animal fats, is biodegradable and produces
lower emissions than petrol diesel. By providing its 100 percent pure
biodiesel, Better Biodiesel, Inc., and its production technology, will
share the world stage with Earthrace -- while a global economy struggles
with an oil market characterized by high prices, geopolitical instability
and eco-toxicity. More on this extraordinary wave piercing boat at: http://www.earthrace.net
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