Welcome to the new look...
AsianYachting - February
2007
News and Views
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 have just announced the
start of a new HF/SSB radio e-mail service suited to charter yachts, live
aboard dive boats, yachting event organizers 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
Distribution: Emailed to over 2700 recipients on all points of the compass. Known to be read by sailors as far north as Iceland to the extremes of the Southern Ocean. Also found hidden away (For future consumption) on computers operated by some of Europe's business elite to visiting royalty at posh oriental Clubs in the far east.
AsianYachting.com is now a major yachting news provider in Asia which averages over 3000 views per day.
CONTENTS
1.
EDITORIAL - Changes
and additions to the News and Views
2.
TEAM NEWS - Monthly rap-up on
what the racing teams in SE Asia are up to
2
. AUSTRAL
- ASIAN NEWS - AY
Grand Prix Skipper
and Yacht Championships
plus all the news from Asia
Up next - Royal
Langkawi Int Regatta, 10th
QBE Insurance Phang
Nga Bay Regatta in
Feb,
Standard
Insurance Manila
to Boracay Race
and 15th
President's
Cup Regatta
in March
3 . INTERNATIONAL NEWS - 2008-09
Volvo Ocean Race - Bidding
for the Asian stopovers...
Up next - Tony
Bullimore ready to depart? VELUX
5 OCEANS in the deep south
4 . WORLD SPEED RECORDS - Dame
Ellen's Taipei to Hong Kong record broken
so soon...
5
"Unluckiest sailors of the month"
- Kiwi Lindsay Wright
on Loose Goose - Humpback
whale holes yacht
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
After lengthy deliberations we have decided to drop the popular "Unluckiest sailor of the month" Awards to the bottom of the News & Views and start off with the New Look 2. TEAM NEWS section featuring a rap-up, including all the gossip, rumors and where about's of racing teams in SE and East Asian waters. Until recently predicting which regatta's the serious racing yachts are going to, has been almost secret until the regatta begins. Now with a renewed interest in keelboat racing taking place in Asia and news coming in, that some long time campaigners are reviving their teams whilst others are combining their talents has forced us to keep the news more interesting.
Hope you like the
new layout, which will still be emailed out in html text format with liberal
use of red and blue
to highlight some topics
and hyperlinks but we would
like to remind all readers to goto the AY
Web
Edition were a selection of the best photos collected each
month are posted alongside the associated articles. As the News is a little
longer and more in depth than usual, lets keep this Editorial brief and
get straight into the all new TEAM NEWS
first. Hope you like it and send any email comments to info@asianyachting.com
or if you are a little more daring, go through the ritual of posting a
blog comment directly on the newly created capt
marty - asianyachting Blogsite
for everyone to see...
Happy Sailing
Capt
Marty Rijkuris
2. TEAM NEWS
2.1 Apologies must first go to the Singapore Management University - SMU Sailing Team after pointing out an error in the SSR 07 - AY Race Reports Vladimir Borstnar's Angel was not the defending IRC Class C champion. Last year's winner was actually Wildon Goh's Quarterdeck, crewed by the SMU team (I misread my earlier report). They are a young and proud student team in only their 3rd year of competition mainly in Singapore and I know last year's win meant a lot to them. In fact it was a very close battle, with the SMU Team winning on count back after a tight series. Sorry about that, so I have amended the AY Race Reports on the web edition to suite.
2.2
Neil Pryde's Team Hi Fi on the prowl
Although Neil Pryde on Hi Fi are not on the official entry list
for the Royal
Langkawi Int Regatta next week, a little birdie told AY
after a crew meeting in Batam during the SSR they have decided to contest
this years regatta. Lyndon the Philippine sailing master and delivery
skipper said that he would have liked to return home for the Boracay
Race and President's
Cup but crew availability latter in the month and the lure
of racing a regatta in SE Asia that Neil has not won yet - let alone compete
on became the driving force. Let's see if it materializes
2.3
Reemergence of Peter Ahern's
YO! 2 Team.
After purchasing Asia's only remaining Farr 40 Peter Ahern and his trusted
tactician Dutchman Rolf Heemskerk have been planning an assault on the
racing class at this years 5th
Royal Langkawi Int Regatta This threat should not be taken
lightly, if you remember rightly that Peter and his crack crew on the
previous YO! won the first three 2003
2004 2005
regattas before conceding the title by not contesting in 2006
2.4
Team Ulumulu - Quantum Racing
combining skills
Troy Yaw's Team Ulumulu from Miri in Sarawak are combining forces
again with Ray Roberts Quantum Racing to defend the title they
so handsomely won last year 2006
This time on Rays DK46 shipped from Sydney to be known as Team Ulumulu
- Quantum Racing. The other competitors may have their hands full
coming up against the Sydney yachtsman, who was recently announced Ocean
Racer of the Year after claiming victory or second place in every major
racing event on Australia's east coast last year.
2.5
Royal Malaysian Navy
It has been reported in the Malaysian newspapers that the RMN are out
seriously training on their Farr 520 Zuhal and expect to be standing
on top of the podium by the end of the RLIR. Malaysian sporting personalities
are renown for having great aspirations going into the event but sometimes
can't match this with the necessary ability and experience required when
mixing it with the big boys and their fancy racing machines.
2.6
At 76ft Jelik is the biggest...
Admiral Frank Pong has a soft spot for Malaysia as some of his boats were
built or modified here. The decision to leave Jelik in Pt Dickson
since the King's Cup last year, was primarily to keep a boat in the region,
that time permitting could be prepared for the RLIR. Running a fleet of
maxi's based in Hong Kong around on selected regional events requires
up to twenty professional sailors full time on the racing team and shore
crew. By Asian standards this may seem to be huge extravaganza but engineering
minded Frank Pong finds the challenge of racing the fastest boat in the
world is driven by the personal passion of seeing his crew grow in camaraderie
and stature as they acquire seamanship and racing skills. Most of all,
as Frank is supposed to be retired, enjoy the teams achievements.
2.7
Firefly cats to make their debut as a One design class
Henry Kaye the main driving force behind forming the Firefly One Design
class in Phuket, reports that all five are heading for Langkawi and the
RLIR 07 committee will award the Multihulls Challenge Cup to the winner
of the group along with daily Firefly one design trophies. Roger Kingdon's
Moto Inzi will be defending his last years win and the very colorful
Andrew Marshall's Pink Lady, Bill Phelps Twin Sharks,
Chris Jongerius The Frog to be launched just in time on the 2nd
Feb and last and by no means least Henry Kaye's Mambo make up
the formidable “Phuket Five”. An emerging like minded, solid
group of multihull sailors with the imagination, flare and eagerness to
race as a one design class doing away with the issues of handicaps. One
thing is for sure the racing will be competitive with the Aussie designer
Mark Pesscot helming Twin Sharks and a bunch of eager sailors
out to beat him. No procession courses for these guys. Tough windward
leeward courses have been selected to make racing as competitive as possible.
It will be tactics, skill, agility aboard and sheer determination that
three lucky teams will need to be on the podium by the end of the event.
2.8
Sportsboat Teams to battle it out on Platu 25's
Five teams have registered
so far. One from as far away as Queensland Australia and another from
the SMU Sailing Club in Singapore will be taking on three Malaysian teams.
The RMN team has won here before while the Malaysian Yachting Association
and Penang Swimming Club will be making their debut on the Platu 25 and
good practice before contesting for places on the SEA Games coming up
in December. State governments are being urged to develop keelboat racing
teams that can eventually go on and train in match and fleet racing pursuits.
2.9
Miri Magic on the move again...
After six months of costing's and receiving quotations from reputable
boat builders in Malaysia, it was finally decided to award the contract
to build five (5) more Miri Magic
- Malcolm Runnalls designed
8 meter offshore racing yachts to JG
Boats in the duty-free islands of Langkawi. Operating manager
Aussie Paul Scholten is very experienced in composite construction techniques
and during his time has overseen the building of many fine maxi sized
racing yachts both in Australia and Asia. The moulds were lifted onto
Lim's low loader in Pt Dickson on Sat 27th Jan (See Photo
Edition) and transported up the highway to the NW state of
Kedah. Then by barge across to Langkawi and offloaded at JG Boats on Mon
29th Jan. Wow! we are finally underway. This multi-purpose sailing boat
is specially designed with safety in mind to teach beginners how to sail
keelboats. As she also doubles up as a fully fledged day racer with sportsboat
capabilities is approved by the Malaysian Yachting Association as a sail
training vessel. Preference will be given to purchasers that would like
to put their boat into service during Asian
Yachtmasters Training
Courses and sponsor their own racing team that can compete
on yacht club events and local regattas. Eventually aspiring for places
in the holly grail of World Match Racing
at the Monsoon
Cup in Terengannu. Full details on this incredible boat at:
http://asianyachting.com/AYmasters/Promotion/Runnels8.htm
2.10
Hong Kong Teams return home
After the Sing Straits it is believed that Sam
Chan's Ffreefire 52, the Fred Kinmonth/Nick Burns owned Mandrake
and Robert Knight's DK46 Drumstick either headed back to Hong
Kong via the Philippines and may turn up to race again either in Boracay
or the Hong Kong - San
Fernando Race in April. After competing at regattas in Hong
Kong, Vietnam, Phuket and Singapore, Paul Winkelmann has allegedly put
his TP52 Island Fling on a ship bound for the UK and never coming
back. (See Sing Straits 07 -
Race
Report & Summary) Crew grumbling's included "That
the race management and event organisers at Asian regattas have along
way to go before they can run a serious fleet racing event, without some
sort of committee stuff up or lengthy jury hearings to rectify another
missed opportunity". The big Premier Cruising Class yachts are probably
enjoying their popular tropical hide-away spots over the new year break
and expected to make a big showing at the season ending Koh
Samui Regatta at the end of May.
3. Austral - Asian News
3.1
The 2006-07
Regatta Season continues...
Next up the 5th
Royal Langkawi Int Regatta in Malaysia from the
4th to 9th February
- Cruisers and Phuket based racers will have to wait till Chinese New
Year (Feb 16
- 20) for
the 10th QBE Insurance
Phang Nga
Bay Regatta but a word of advice, you want to get in quick
- As 42 of the limited 45 spots have already been taken. Organizers are
accepting entries on
a first-come first served basis and only considered confirmed once payment
has been received.
On
March 3rd the
action quickly swings over to the Philippines for the start
of the 200 nm Standard Insurance Manila
to Boracay Race
organized
by the Manila
Yacht Club Some
crews remember surfing down the east coast of Mindoro at 17 knots and
others the swinging beach parties. From
March 7th to 10th an early running of the 15th
President's
Cup Regatta is scheduled to take place this year
at Boracay. Organisers felt that by moving the event around to other exotic
Philippine locations it
would attract more foreign participants, sponsors and highlight
some of the great sailing destinations they have to offer.
Website: http://www.manilayachtclub.org/prescup/
3.2
Sunsail Asia opening up new destinations...
Get ready for a flood of activity at Sunsail
Asia. They have 4 new monohulls
arriving early Feb and will closely be followed by some new Leopard catamarans.
Check out the MileCatcher
deliveries from Phuket to Vietnam and Koh Samui in April, May. Vietnam,
reopens in May and will have an increase in fleet size including catamarans.
Koh Samui will also re-open in May as a Bareboat only base and will have
a larger fleet. The popular SO35's are available for the Top
of the Gulf Regatta and a special Regatta Package is available.
For many years now they have lead the way in opening up new Asian destinations
and are proud to give you a chance to discover some of the most intriguing
and unspoiled countries in the South East Asian region. Check out their
weekly RYA
Courses or latch onto one of the great value Flotilla
holidays by Calling +66 76 239057 Fax: +66 76 238940 Email:
sales@sunsailasia.com or visit
http://www.sunsailasia.com
3.3
2006-07 AY Grand
Prix Skipper and Yacht Championships
In our
own home grown annual AY
Grand
Prix Skipper
and Yacht Championships Paul
Winkelmann's TP52 Island Fling draws level with Neil Pryde's
Hi Fi on six points. The Fred Kinmonth and Nick Burns owned Mandrake
increases to five points and clearly within striking distance of the leaders.
Bill Bremner's third place on Foxy Lady III earns them an extra
point and puts them one win away from the leaders with four regattas to
go. As racing now separates out between Langkawi and the Philippines further
scoring opportunities are dependant upon which events the owners choose
to do before coming together again at the season ending Koh
Samui Regatta. Check out how your favourite racing team is
scoring during the 2006-07
Season goto: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP06-07.htm
3.4
Dame Ellen's Taipei to Hong Kong record broken
so soon...
The World Sailing Speed Record Council announces ratification
of a new World Record from Taipei to Hong Kong. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey
47 Johan II skippered by Philippe Grelon (FRA/NZL) and a crew
of 7 including Boris Bourdin and Eric Frotier, completed the leg on the
18th to the 20th Dec 2006 with an elapsed time of 2 days, 15 hrs, 40 mins
and 42 secs (average speed: 7.30 knots) to best the previous record by
one hour and 20 minutes! The previous record was held by Dame Ellen MacArthur
sailing her huge trimaran B&Q Castorama in April 2006. Not
long after leaving Taiwan the weather conditions deteriorated at the entrance
of the Strait increasing to more than 40 knots of wind. They broke the
boom in a violent gybe at 0300 the first night out and continued under
genoa alone, which still gave them enough speed to stay in the game. By
the next morning the north east monsoon was blowing a steady 55 to 60
knots in the Taiwan Strait, and we were seeing 6-10m waves. We rigged
a trysail to give more control of the boat and Johan II was flying
along at more than 10 knots all day long, surfing sometimes up to 18 knots,
which is quite respectable for a 12-ton boat! Take a look at some of the
pictures at: http://www.photoshelter.com/gallery-show/G0000o3_wACBIka4
3.5
Looking for a tropical retirement home in
SE Asia?
Few
real estate companies in Asia enjoy the success of public-listed Bangkok-based
luxury property developer Raimon
Land. The company
has positioned itself as the developer of choice for buyers and investors
who seek the best in lifestyle developments and an
excellent track record of delivering quality residential projects.
From Bangkok and Pattaya to Phuket the company has projects in all the
most sought-after areas
which proudly achieves high yield holiday rentals through their professional
management team. One aspect
that separates Raimon Land
from its competitors is the company’s clear commitment to lifestyle
events and have made
a strong commitment to the yachting scene in Thailand by sponsoring
the Top
of the Gulf Regatta, Evason
Phuket
Race Week and the prestigious Phuket
King's
Cup Regatta More
at: www.raimonland.com
or goto AY
Real-Estate page...
3.6
SingaporeSailing achieving their targets
Emerging as the top sailing nation at the recent 15th Asian Games, Singapore
sailors clinched six World titles in the last 18 months, winning the 2005
Youth World Championships (420 boys), 2006 Byte World Championships (boys
and girls) and 2006 Laser 4.7 World Championships (boys and girls), this
has cemented Singapore amongst the top youth sailing nations in the world.
"2006 was a great year for SingaporeSailing, we greeted the new year
by winning three world titles at the Optimist World Sailing Championship
held in Uruguay. 15 year old Griselda Khng added a girl’s world
title under her belt ending her Optimist career with a golden touch. The
good news is that our abilities to perform well on the world stage augurs
well for our strong team philosophy and bench strength of competing at
the SEA Games and Asian Games,” said President, Mr LOW Teo Ping.
To see what they are upto in Singapore goto: http://www.sailing.org.sg/
3.7
Malaysian Sailors plan assault on Singapore's dominance..
Singapore
lorded over grabbing five gold medals in the recent Doha Asian Games which
followed in the wake of their seven-gold medal haul an the Manila, SEA
Games in 2005. Malaysian
Yachting Association honorary secretary Lawrence Yeow feels "Malaysia
too can have a golden outing in the Sea Games and are preparing to contest
all the 13 classes in Korat, Thailand. Super Moth and keelboat racing
have been added to the Sea Games sailing programme to be held in Pattaya
on Dec 9-15 — in addition to the 11 events that were held in Manila.
We have capable sailors in the optimist, laser, 420 and 470 classes and
want to compete in the other events as well. We have the sailors but what
we lack is the proper equipment for some of the other classes which we
hope to purchase from the funding provided by the National Sports Council,"
he said. While admitting it would be difficult to end Singapore’s
dominance, Lawrence believes the 9 months to the Sea Games is enough time
to mount a decent challenge. "We
have the programs in place to develop the sailors but we also need the
state associations to get involved. If they can find the right people
to lead the associations, we are prepared to provide the boats and hardware
for them to get started." Before the Sea Games, Malaysian sailors
will also be involved in the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia in May,
the Asian Sailing Championships in Bali, Indonesia in June and the ISAF
World Youth Championships in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, in July.
3.8
Top of the Gulf Regatta beckons
Thai yachting legend Bill Gasson is eager for all keelboats, large multi's,
beach cats and dinghy class owners to mark the first week of May (3rd
to 7th) down on the calendar and urges all sailors to make a big effort
to attend the Top
of the Gulf Regatta at Ocean Marina (Conveniently located
south of Pattaya and the new Bangkok International airport). Also on offer
are invitations for sports boat enthusiasts to contest the prestigious
Coronation
Cup, held annually on identical Platu 25 keelboats to commemorate
the Coronation of His Majesty the King of Thailand. Boats are available
for charter and as this event has one of the best locations, with good
winds, just minutes to seaward of the marina - It should not be missed.
This outing can also serve as a good workout for racing teams going onto
the season ending Koh
Samui Regatta latter in May and early June. More info at:
http://www.topofthegulfregatta.com
or E-mail: info@topofthegulfregatta.com
for more news on other Ocean Marina sailing events.
3.9
Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09
- Bidding for the Asian stopovers...
The next edition of the world's most demanding offshore adventure features
11 ocean legs, eight inshore races and shorter stopovers on a route which
takes them into new and unfamiliar waters of the Middle East, India, SE
Asia and China. CEO Glenn Bourke and Jonathon Rust have been touring the
region and trying to convince politicians of the benefits of hosting a
stopover and entering a team in the 2008 edition.
At
the end of the Monsoon Cup the Malaysian PM made an announcement about
Terengannu being a stopover, Singaporean authorities are assessing the
possibilities, the facilities in Hong Kong have been surveyed and two
stops are planned for China with Qingdao, Shanghai, Hainan and Guangzhou
vying for the honours. Organisers are seeking places that have adequate
berthing for the yachts, boatyards with haul out and maintenance facilities
for 70ft yachts and enough space to erect sponsorship tents for a race
village, open to the public. Suitable waters for teams to compete an inshore
race with spectator viewing areas will also be considered a necessity.
The commercial realities is that sponsors want to enter Asia because it's
a big new market. To enter a team will cost around US$20 million and building
a boat around US$2 million plus this funding would need to be secured
over the next six months. A stopover alone is expected be around US$2
million and the promotion benefits include International recognition and
added value for business connections and as a tourist attraction. For
me Langkawi would be the best place in Malaysia to host a stopover. It
has all the marine facilities in place and a welcome port to arrive in
after a tough Indian Ocean crossing and to prepare for the vagaries of
the Malacca Straits before entering Singapore. (See provisional 2008-09
schedule in the International Section
below)
3.10
Sheer luxury at Asia Marine
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 in Yacht Management and offer Marine
Services to boat owners with attractive management packages. ASIA
MARINE also run a successful Yacht
Charter Agency with a fleet of 25 yachts around Phuket
and Koh Samui. They also have 10 passenger Cruise Boats on the inland
rivers of Laos and exotic Bangkok waterways to choose from. Their professional
team operates a state of the art “Online
Booking Services“ and provide charterers with the best
"last minute deals"
Obtainable from Charter Reservation Officer, Ms Sudrak (Mo) Phongpheng
Tel: + 66 (0)76 239 111; Fax: +66 (0)76 238 974 Email: charter@asia-marine.net
or browse the web at: http://www.asia-marine.net
3.11
Saito San receives honorary medal
The Cruising Club of America (CCA) has presented their Blue Water Medal
for 2006 to Minoru Saito, an admired Japanese solo sailor, who at the
age of 71 completed his seventh single-handed circumnavigation of the
world. Saito, sailing his 50 foot sloop, Shutendohji II, first
raced around the globe in the 1990-1991 BOC Challenge and has been sailing
almost continuously in solo world-circling races and voyages ever since.
His latest voyage which ended in June, 2005, in Japan, completed 240,000
miles at sea. Minoru has always sailed without sponsorship, with a sparsely
funded budget and with a long-running heart ailment. While seldom among
the winners and sailing an ageing boat, his dogged persistence, cheerful
attitude and indomitable spirit have been recognized and praised in yachting
circles all over the world. More at: http://www.cruisingclub.org/awards/awards_bluewater.htm
3.12
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
3.13
India bound?
The Yachting Association Of India
has launched a new website at www.yai.org.in
The new website includes the latest news, currently featuring previews
of the forthcoming Multi Discipline Clinic at Mumbai, Mumbai to Kochi
Sailing Rally and South Asian Yachting Regatta in Bhopal.
3.14
Melbourne Osaka Cup Double Handed Yacht Race 2007
Is a 5,500 nautical mile (approx 10,200 km) epic journey without stop-over's
that runs from Australia every four years, pitting two sailors and boat
against the power of the ocean all the way to Japan. There are now 23
confirmed starters for the 6th Melbourne Osaka double handed yacht race
which starts on March 25 off Station Pier on Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne,
Victoria. They will be traveling backward through the seasons with autumn
in Melbourne, summer at the equator, and spring in Osaka. The objectives
of the race are to promote a challenging long-distance, short-handed racing
event and encourage the development of suitable seaworthy yachts that
strengthen the ties between Melbourne and Osaka as sister cities and ports.
For all info on the race: www.osakacup.com
or contact Jenni Morris at Leisurecorp on: 613 9642 1227 Email: Jenni@leisurecorp.com.au
3.15
America’s Cup 2007-
GILMOUR To Coach Alinghi
Peter Gilmour, Australian match racing veteran and reigning ISAF Match
Racing World Champion, will be sailing with Alinghi periodically
over the next few months to sharpen the crews match racing edge in the
lead up to the America’s Cup Match that starts on 23 June in Valencia,
Spain. Team skipper Brad Butterworth has raced against him on the match
racing circuit for years. 'We look forward to having Peter Gilmour on
board as a consultant to provide us with a fresh, objective analysis of
our performance,' he said, adding, 'When you race in-house as regularly
as we do, it is vital to measure yourself against outside competitors
and as there is just a fleet race left before the Match, we won’t
have this opportunity. Therefore we are seeking an objective point of
view and bringing in an outsider of Peter’s caliber will hopefully
bring some new ideas and a critical analysis of our match race skills.'
Follow the defenders at: http://www.alinghi.com/en/
3.16
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. Stagg Yachts, Inc. have ordered three
new Mumm 30s
to be ready for delivery this spring and will be promoting the sale of
these new boats. “We have had such positive dealings with DK in
the past and since Khalilur (Rahman Ebrahim, owner of DK Composites) is
so solidly behind the Mumm 30, a three boat order was placed. They will
be built in accordance with strict one design standards and will come
from the factory incorporating all approved hardware upgrades. Serious
Yachts for Serious Sailors
can be found at http://www.dkyachts.com
3.17
Clipper Ventures unveils
route for Clipper 07-08
Clipper Ventures Plc is pleased to announce the route for the Clipper
07-08 Round the World Yacht Race. This will be the sixth biennial round
the world race for non-professional sailors operated by Clipper Ventures,
which offers a unique opportunity for amateur sailors to experience the
thrills of ocean racing. Building on the success of the new East-about
format, which was adopted for the first time for the Clipper 05-06 race,
Clipper 07-08 will follow a similar route with some exciting new stopovers
and return visits to ports much favoured by the 05-06 crews. Liverpool
will again be hosting the race start and finish with the boats setting
off on their exciting adventure from the River Mersey on 16 Sept 2007.
From there the boats will have a short stopover in Europe before tackling
the first of their three Atlantic crossings en route to Brazil. The second
ocean crossing will see the boats head across the South Atlantic to Durban,
where they will have to navigate up the East Coast of South Africa avoiding
the tricky Agulhas current before crossing the Indian ocean to Western
Australia. This is the sixth Clipper race and over 1,500 people have now
taken part. The crews have got something really exciting to look forward
to in Singapore and Qingdao plus” Changes to the route will see
the boats race to the tropical destination of Hawaii via a short stopover
in Pusan, South Korea. More can be found at: http://www.clipper-ventures.com/plc/new/
3.18
China Team lures West Australian yachtsman
Three years after having been the Tactician with Le Defi Areva in the
2003 America’s Cup, Sebastien Destremau has come out of self-imposed
exile, emerging aboard Team China in the 2007 America’s Cup in Valencia,
Spain. Sebastien has spent the past three years as a freelance journalist
and the Sailing & Development Manager at Fremantle Sailing Club in
his hometown of Perth, Australia. Ranked 13th in the world as a tactician,
Destremau was a wanted man however he chose Team China because “With
a very young family (3 year old twins), I didn't want to spend the last
two years training in Europe and testing two boats. China Team with a
very short program suited me perfectly this time around” More China
Team news at: http://www.china-team.org/
4.
International News
4.1
VELUX 5 OCEANS in the deep south
The five remaining yachts in the VELUX 5 OCEANS departed Fremantle WA
on Sun 14th Jan and are expected to arrive in Norfolk after 14,200 nautical
miles at sea and more than 50 days alone through the deepest stretches
of the Southern Ocean. Billed as the Ultimate Solo Challenge, this race
saw incredible action and unbelievable drama in the first leg and the
second leg, even longer and tougher, is already testing these skippers
to their limits and providing compelling reading stories from the Southern
Ocean. The second leg takes the skippers through some of the harshest
and most desolate waters on the planet. Battling the extreme conditions
of the deepest Southern Ocean, rounding the infamous Cape Horn, negotiating
the frustrating Doldrums and finally finishing in Norfolk, Virginia (USA)
in March. These skippers will go through ice and heat in yachts designed
for speed and performance, not comfort. With no toilets or luxuries and
living off freeze-dried food for two months, the skippers are hoping to
complete a feat only achieved by a small group of pioneers in circumnavigating
the globe solo. Two of the favourites were forced to withdraw during Leg
1, so expect the unexpected! Follow all the heroes via www.velux5oceans.com
4.2
America's Cup 2007 finals at last
The yacht races consist of 12 teams representing nine countries and will
be held this European spring in Valencia, Spain. The America's Cup begins
in April with the Louis Vuitton Cup races, which narrow down the field
of challengers from eleven to one. By early May, seven of the eleven challengers
will pack up and go home. The one challenger left sailing at the end of
June will race against Alinghi, the Swiss team that won the last
America's Cup in 2003. In preparation for the 32nd America's Cup, the
Challenger Commission have been meeting in Valencia, with all 11 Challengers
well represented. Look for updates at -- http://www.challengercommission.com
4.3
Anyone up for a round the world rally?
Entries for Blue Water Rally No.7 from 2007-9 already exceeds 30, with
yachts from 9 nations due to take part. They will follow the highly successful
formula established over 12 years of running round the world cruising
rallies. The Blue Water Rally is aimed at families and friends sailing
their own yachts, is cruising-only and follows the well-proven equatorial
route through some of the most beautiful cruising areas of the world.
Throughout the event there is the “umbrella” of a professional
support team in over 20 ports of call aimed at minimising problems and
maximising enjoyment and safety of crews as they “Sail the Dream”.
For full details see www.bluewaterrallies.com
4.4 Bring it on EuropeSailing
Corporation
A new pan-European fleet racing competition in 40ft America's Cup look
alike yachts is being planned by EuropeSailing Corporation, an organisation
based in Italy claiming it will have more than 70 of the €89,000
day sailors in the water by 2011. The initiative is being led by Tom Gozdecky
who has commissioned Marco Lostuzzi to design the yacht. Built using a
resin infusion technique the Twelve-OD is 12m long and completely open,
much as an AC boat, with no accommodation. A Hall Spars carbon mast, Navtec
rigging, Harken deckgear and other quality kit completes the package with
the 3000kg yacht designed to be transported by road. Gozdecky said that
pan-European fleet regattas are being planned with 10 24-boat grand prix
events sailing for the Europe Sailing Cup. Keeping cost down and crew
to a maximum of five make the Twelve-OD accessible, claims Gozdecky, who
believes many yachtsmen want to get behind the wheel of a yacht that looks
and feels like BMW Oracle or Alinghi!
4.5
Volvo Ocean Race
coming to Asia
The Notice of Race for the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race has just been published,
starting on 4 October 2008 with an In Port race in Alicante, Spain and
a slated finish around 20 June 2009 in the Baltic Sea. The total race
distance for the tenth edition of one of the sailing world's grandest
events will be approximately 39,000 miles. The provisional schedule for
Asia is as follows:
- Leg 1: Alicante,
Spain to South Africa, via scoring waypoint at Archipelago of Fernando
de Noronha, 6,500 nm, start 11 October 2008
- Leg 2: South Africa to the Middle East, via scoring waypoint at 20 degrees
south, 5,000 nm, start 16 November 2008
- Leg 3: Middle East to India, 1,600 nm, start 20 December 2008
- Leg 4: India to South East Asia, via scoring waypoint at island of Palau
Weh, Indonesia, 2,000 nm, start 3 January 2009
- Leg 5: South East Asia to China (port 1), 2,200 nm, start 24 January
2009
- Leg 6: China (port 1) to China (port 2), 300 nm, start 8 February 2009
- Leg 7: China (port 2) to Brazil, via scoring waypoints at 36 degrees
South and Cape Horn, 12,000 nm, start 22 February 2009
- Leg
8: Brazil to the North East USA, via scoring waypoint at Archipelago of
Fernando de Noronha, 4,800 nm, start 18 April 2009
- Leg 9: North East USA to Western Europe, via scoring waypoint on the
longitude of St John, Newfoundland, 2,500 nm, start 16 May 2009
- Leg 10: Western Europe to Sweden, 1,500 nm, start 6 June 2009
- Leg 11: Sweden to Finish. 250 nm on a flexi-course, start 19 June 2009
In Port races will be held in Alicante, Middle East, South East Asia,
China (port 2), Brazil, North East USA, Western Europe and Sweden.
To view the Notice of Race: http://volvooceanrace.org/pdf/NoticeofRace_2008_01.pdf
The Volvo Ocean Race is an ISAF Special Event. For more information on
the race, the Volvo Open 70 and the teams competing, visit - http://www.volvooceanrace.org
5.
World Speed Records
5.1
Hydroptère on the pace...
The support team for the foiling trimaran 'Hydroptère' reports
that they have reached the record speed of 46.5 knots and, according to
their measurement system, beat the 500 meter distance record in her category
as well as the absolute record for the nautical mile. The first two records
Alain Thébault and his crew would like to beat is the 500 meter
record, held by Techniques Avancées with 42.12 knots and the Nautical
mile record, held by Finian Maynard with 39.97 knots. The team is encouraged
that the speed peak recorded at 46.5 knots will enable the boat and her
crew to take up the challenge as soon as possible. The team still needs
to verify the recent speed runs reached before Port Haliguen, France,
in Quiberon Bay, with the World Sailing Speed Record Council in order
to make those first speed breaking records official for l'Hydroptère.
Keep your eyes on -- http://www.sailspeedrecords.com
5 "Unluckiest sailor of the month"
Humpback
whale holes yacht
A yachtsman was airlifted to safety after a collision with a humpback
whale that left his 10m trimaran with a gaping hole in its main hull.
Lindsay Wright, 52, was sailing Loose Goose
home to New Plymouth and was about 150km from Port Waikato at midday when
the whale crashed into his vessel. "I was sitting down napping, and
there was a loud crack," he said. "By the time I swung my knees
out of my bunk, the cabin was knee deep in water. "I jumped up on
deck and a big male humpback whale just nosed up to the boat. We looked
at each other for maybe 30 seconds. "I was just too stunned to be
scared. I hoped he wasn't coming back for the coup de grace." Mr
Wright said he wondered whether the whale had been sleeping on the surface
and the boat had ran into it, frightening it and causing it to slam his
tail into the hull. With the water rising in his yacht, Mr Wright set
off his emergency beacon and waited for help. The Rescue Co-ordination
Center picked up Mr Wright's distress alert at 1pm. At 6pm, the Northland
Emergency Services Trust Helicopter arrived with St John paramedics on
board, and Mr Wright was winched to safety. More at: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=61&objectid=10418448
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