AsianYachting - September
2007
News and Views
RMSIR
the most challenging tactical regatta in Asia...
The
annual island hoping Raja
Muda Selangor Int Regatta not only caters
for racing
class yachts but also is very popular amongst the cruisers, multihull's
and classics. Held along the west coast of peninsula Malaya starting from
the Royal Selangor
Yacht Club in Port Klang and finishing up
in the legendary and Duty-Free Islands of Langkawi. Navigating
your way on 3 coastal overnight passage races combined with a tricky 4
race inshore program makes it technically very
demanding
and draws on all the crews sailing skills and ability to be successful.
Surviving four major social functions at some of Malaysia's finest resorts
and enjoying a bit of friendly hospitality on the way has resulted in
many competitors coming back year after year. NOR,
More info, SI's at: http://www.rmsir.com
or Email
info@rmsir.com
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 page views per day.
CONTENTS
1.
EDITORIAL - Websites
and email newsletters proving to be the best way to attract entrants and
promote events globally
2.
TEAM NEWS - Hi
Fi undergoes major surgery - Thai SEA
Games Keelboat team doing the miles
3.
AUSTRAL
- ASIAN NEWS - ILL-winds
for Indonesian cruisers - Rise
up as Dato' Peter Gilmour
Up next - Borneo
International Yachting Challenge
- Malaysian
and Asian qualifiers for the Monsoon
Cup
- SEA
Games selection trials
4. INTERNATIONAL NEWS - Mad
Mini Transat sailors
ready to set sail again
Up next - Follow the Maxi
Yacht Rolex Cup Sept
2-8 - Rolex
Big Boat Series Sept 13-16
5.
WORLD SPEED RECORDS
-
Francis Joyon and IDEC new cross Channel record - ICAP
Leopard SMASHES Rolex Fastnet Race Record
6. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"
- Broken
boats, masts, sails and limbs on Rolex Fastnet Race - New
Open 60 Pindar dismasted
Goto Archived AY News & Views and Race Reports 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01 98-99
1.
EDITORIAL
If you think last month was very busy on the domestic and International sailing scene then this month with the Borneo International Yachting Challenge, Malaysian and Asian qualifiers for the Monsoon Cup and SEA Games selection trials, will certainly keep the sailors and yachting media on their toes. Many sailors have asked why AY is at all the major events. Up to date news and results posted on the internet as soon as it happens is not only a requirement these days but proved to be an excellent way of promoting the region and the event quickly around the world. Concerns have been expressed that the reporting and website at the recent Qingdao Olympic test event was not quite up to scratch. Others have gone on to say that if there is little or no coverage at the event then it did not happen at all. Event organisers have admitted that email newsletters and websites have proven to be the best way to attract entrants and promote the event Internationally. That is probably why the Sailing Calendar is one of the most visited pages on the AY Website.
Websites,
blogs, forums and email newsletters have become a popular way of expressing
opinions and airing any gripes in the sailing world. To help us out we
welcome any news stories, gossip, photos or new ideas from our readers
that would extend our scope and improve future media coverage in Asian
waters.
Keep on Sailing
Capt Marty Rijkuris
2.
TEAM NEWS
2.1
Hi Fi undergoes major surgery
Neil
Pryde has made a major decision on how to extract some more speed out
of his Farr 52 OD Hi Fi. Unable to sell the boat and move onto
something faster, UK yacht designer Hugh Welbourne was once again bought
in to see what could be done. After surveying local hi tech boat builders
McConaghy Boats, China was chosen to cut away the hull and replace it
with a new Welbourne hull. General manager Mark D'Emilio is very familiar
with this procedure, while working at DK Yachts they successfully preformed
a similar task on Neil's former Hi Fidelity a few years ago.
To the average bystander this would seem quite a drastic measure but they
can rest assured by using the old deck, internal bulkheads, furniture,
mast, rigging and sails this is a significantly cheaper alternative than
building a new boat. We hope it all works out and they are ready for the
up and coming racing season.
2.2
Thai SEA Games Keelboat team doing the miles
The Thai Platu crew for the SEA Games is made up mainly of Thai Naval
personnel. Wiwat Poonpat (Helm), Anun Daochanterk (Mainsheet), Nattapol
Srihirun (Trimmer), Veerasit Puangnak (Keyboard/Skipper) Boontham Saichon
(Bow). The Team (We love the King, Team Platu Thailand (WLKTPT)) have
found a sponsor in PTTPE the Thai fuel and petro chemical company that
has generously agreed to fund a trip to Germany to compete at the Platu
World Championship '07. WLKTPT will be the team to beat after using the
Platu World Champs for an intensive learning week which may take years
of local events to learn. The team is confident in it's ability to sail
fast and handle the boat to an international standard but understands
the necessity to upgrade it's psychological, strategic and tactical skills
in order to win against other top SEA nations at the SEA Games '07. After
12 races they are presently running in 19th place overall from 50 yachts
including their arch rival Scott Duncanson's PCS Ferret in 27th
place. Worlds Website: http://www.platu25.de/home/
2.3 Log up 500nm on
Sunsail Asia's MileCatcher
voyages...
Sunsail Asia's
next MileCatcher voyage travels from Koh Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand
to Langkawi on the west coast of Malaysia. The voyage is split into 2
legs of approx 500 miles each lasting 7 days. Leg 1 departs
Koh Samui on Mon 24th Sept and heads south along the Malaysian peninsular,
stopping at the Perhentian islands, Redang, Tengol and finishes at Tioman
Island on Sunday 30th Sept. Those departing or joining at Tioman can fly
Berjaya Air to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, where on-going international
flights can be arranged. Leg 2 continues from Tioman on 30th Sept navigating
through Singapore and then head north up the Straits of Malacca, stopping
at Port Dickson, Pangkor Islands and finishing at the Sunsail base on
the duty free island of Langkawi on 7th Oct. Check them out by Calling
+66 76 239057 Fax: +66 76 238940 Email: milecatchers@sunsailasia.com
and sales@sunsailasia.com or
visit http://www.sunsailasia.com
3. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS
3.1
Deepest darkest Borneo welcomes all sailors...
Borneo International Yachting Challenge
may sound like a big racing class event but in reality being off the major
cruising routes and remote from any established racing fleets they have
done well by attracting 28 competitors from 10 different countries. The
concept initially was to welcome cruisers to visit the region, join in
some fun and share in a unique cultural experience all the way from duty-free
Labuan to the Miri Marina in Sarawak. Jointly organized by the State of
Sarawak in deepest darkest Borneo and the Federal Territory of Labuan
and relevant tourism boards this annual event has gained International
status and over the four years since its inception has quickly become
well known in yachting circles. Developing marine infrastructure and promoting
them through sporting tourism pursuits have been widely considered the
successful formula in opening up new cruising destinations to the world.
For more information goto: http://www.borneorace.com
or contact: leelm@samling.com.my
AY Race
Reports will be available at: http://asianyachting.com/news/BorneoChallenge07.htm
3.2
Rise up as Dato' Peter Gilmour
23 August 2007 Peter Gilmour, Monsoon Cup Race Advisor and four time Match
Racing World Champion, has been conferred the title of Darjah Dato' Paduka
Mahkota Terengganu (DPMT) which carries the title Dato’ or equivalent
to Sir in the UK awards. The title of Dato' conferred only by a state
ruler in Malaysia, was awarded by His Majesty Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin,
the 16th Sultan of the state of Terengganu and the 13th King of Malaysia
in conjunction with his 45th birthday. The investiture was presented on
behalf of His Majesty by his son Tengku Muhammad Ismail, the Regent of
Terengganu, at the Istana Maziah (Royal Palace) Terengganu, on 18 August
2007. Dato’ Peter Gilmour receives this honour in line with the
key role he played in developing the Monsoon Cup in Terengganu, Malaysia
and for inspiring international relations in the sport of sailing. His
continuous efforts to promote and boost tourism to the eastern state during
a traditionally quiet period were also recognized. Full story at: http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=14344
3.3
ILL-winds for Indonesian cruisers
The sudden introduction of a 5 percent bond for foreign flag yachts visiting
Indonesia threatens efforts to create a cruise tourism sector. In stark
contrast to official posturing in support of developing Indonesia as a
cruise destination, the Indonesian Department of Customs and Excise has
suddenly introduced a new regulation requiring visiting yachts to pay
refundable cash guarantee equal to 5 percent of the vessel's value. The
fee, levied at the yacht's port of entry into Indonesia, will be refunded
upon final exit of the vessel from the nation's territory. Raymond T.
Lesmana, the chairman Indonesian Sea Lovers Foundation (Yayasan Cinta
Bahari Indonesia), complained to Bisnis Indonesia that the new regulation
has been implemented without prior warning from the government and at
the very time Indonesia is hosting Sail Indonesia 2007, part of a world-wide
cruise regatta by sailing yachts. This year the participants of Sail Indonesia
2007 are exempted from paying the guarantee. While the regulation provides
for a return of the guarantee at the final port of exit, the exact mechanism
for the refund remains unclear, at least at this stage. Bali Marina which
hosts a number of visiting yachts has been thrown into some degree of
confusion by the new ruling, with many fearing that the armada of yachts
at the Marina may soon weigh anchor and leave the country. More on this
as it comes to hand.
3.4
SAVE your boats
POWER for COOL DRINKS!!!
Just replace the old incandescent power wasting light bulb with the new
LunaLed18. Use your existing
anchor light housing. LunaLed18 fits in most anchor lights of your mast-top
tricolors! No wiring to change. No worries about polarity, no worries
about typical boat voltage fluctuation. And it only needs 0.2 Amps at
12 V DC. Lunatronic is offering LED lighting solutions, HF radios, PACTOR
modems and on-board PCs to send and receive e-mails at sea or from remote
inland locations. Visit http://www.lunatronic.net
or call them in Singapore at (+65) 97328710.
3.5
ROLEX becomes
Official Timepiece of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
August 6, 2007 Hong Kong, ROLEX celebrated the start of a long-term partnership
with the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC), one of Asia's premier sailing
and rowing clubs, which over its rich 150 year history has been a focal
point for active and competitive oarsmen and sailors through to the present
day. The initial four-year partnership will feature ROLEX as the Official
Timepiece for all of RHKYC's activities, with the 565 nautical mile China
Sea Race (20th March 2008) and the 480-nautical mile San Fernando Race
(April 2009), the Club's biennial races to the Philippines, becoming part
of ROLEX's distinguished portfolio of international offshore races. More
at http://www.regattanews.com/event.asp?id=186
or RHKYC at: http://www.rhkyc.org.hk
3.6
Calling all Sailors...
With keelboat events on the increase and now included at regional games,
AY
is taking on the task of forming a racing team. Past dinghy sailors and
boat crews keen on furthering their sporting achievements are invited
to join the squad and try out
our signature Miri
Magic 8
racing yacht. Depending on the progress and
level of expertise achieved over the next few months, a team will be selected
to contest the Raja Muda Regatta in Nov and the Royal Langkawi Regatta
in January. Initially team building will be conducted on weekends from
the
all new AY
Center in Pt Dickson (See location
map) with selected members going onto an intensive training
program. Interested persons are asked to contact the AY
Headquarters for more details
on +6 06 6477701 or Email:
info@asianyachting.com
3.7 Aay Aay you semitee sams...
The International Maritime Bureau – Piracy Reporting Centre, which
is physically located in Kuala Lumpur, but which has worldwide responsibilities
under a UN resolution, has newly launched a dedicated hotline for seafarers
and all concerned parties to report any information that they may have
/ seen / heard / known etc relating to maritime crime and security. The
Centre assures the public that all information received will be treated
in strict confidence and will be passed on to relevant authorities for
further action. Maritime crime and security concerns us all and with your
help, we can try to minimise the risks and help save lives and property.
The maritime security hotline can be contacted 24 hours a day, every day
at: EMAIL: imbsecurity@icc-ccs.org
OR PHONE +603 2031 0014 FAX: +603 2078 5769 TELEX: MA 34199 IMBPCI
3.8
Raimon
Land
has your retirement home in Thailand
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 that posses a
excellent track record of delivering quality residential projects.
From Bangkok to
Pattaya and Phuket the company has projects in all the
most sought-after areas
which proudly achieve high yield holiday rentals through their professional
management team. One aspect
that distinguishes 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 the prestigious Phuket
King's
Cup Regatta and
now the Koh
Samui Regatta More at: www.raimonland.com
or goto AY
Real-Estate page...
3.9 Featured Brokerage - Platu 25 THA
106
Length:
7.3m - Beam: 2.62m - Sail Area: 32.5 sqm - Displacement: 1,325 kg
THA
106 could possibly
be
the last Platu for sale in Asia. The hull has been totally renovated -
stripped and epoxied with new standing and running rigging installed in
2005. Ideal for National authorities looking to train keelboat racing
teams for the SEA Games in Pattaya this December that will be contested
on Platu 25's. Goto the full listing and comparative inventory page at:
http://asianyachting.com/boats/Platu25.htm
4. INTERNATIONAL NEWS
4.1
Racing to hot up at Porto Cervo
As the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) prepares to round out a year of
festivities marking its 40th Anniversary, this year's Maxi Yacht Rolex
Cup, now in its 18th edition, promises to be an extra special celebration
of the finest in sailing prowess and technology. The event, hosted by
YCCS and organized in conjunction with the International Maxi Association
(IMA), will run from 2nd to 8th September on the crystalline waters off
Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy. The toughest competition is often to be
found among the high-tech "grand prix" craft of the Racing division,
speed-machines engineered to the highest standards to provide the fastest
monohull sailing possible. An Antipodean battle of the giants is sure
to take place between long-time rivals Bob Oatley's Wild Oats XI (AUS)
and Neville Crichton's Alfa Romeo (NZL). For more information including
entry lists and results please visit http://www.yccsmaxi.it
4.2
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. They just keep turning up and sailing
away with all the major prizes. Amongst all the TP52 action at the 26
Copa del Rey Camper Audi, Vicente García Torres’s Farr 520
Plis Play (winner of 2003 Kings Cup) from Alicante was the winner
of the IRC Class that made its debut this year. There were two points
difference between the two leaders coming into the final race with Plis
Play (means Do it quickly) getting the better of Stephan Reith's
81ft US maxi Bon Bon and a gaggle of Swan 45's. Serious
Yachts for Serious Sailors
can be found at http://www.dkyachts.com
4.3 Mad
Mini Transat sailors ready to set sail again
The 30th Mini Transat begins on September 16th, which is the 4240-mile
singlehanded race starting in La Rochelle, France, stopping in the Canary
Islands and finishing in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. Sailed in the Open
6.5 Meter Class. An interesting one to watch will be American Clay Burkhalter
after launching his Rod Johnstone designed 21-footer (of J-Boats) in February
2006, and recently came third out of 70 entries in a two-handed warm-up.
Follow the race as it unfolds at: http://www.transat650.org
4.4
San Francisco dreaming...
The Rolex Big Boat Series September 13-16 annually attracts thousands
of world-caliber sailors, all of whom are eager to win one of the six
specially engraved Rolex timepieces given to the winners of the St. Francis
Yacht Club’s six Perpetual Trophies. Against the dramatic backdrop
of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island in picturesque San Francisco
Bay, intense competition is guaranteed in pursuit of the champion’s
title. The 2007 Rolex Big Boat Series – known as one of the sailing
world’s most prestigious international competitions – will
again be a premier international event. Try http://www.stfyc.com
or http://www.regattanews.com
5.
WORLD SPEED RECORDS
5.1
Francis Joyon and IDEC smash cross Channel record
Sunday, 19 August 2007. Francis Joyon has pulverised the solo Channel
crossing record, with a time of 6 hours 23 minutes and 36 seconds. The
skipper of maxi-trimaran IDEC covered the 138 nm course at an average
speed of 21.58 knots, bettering the time set by Thomas Coville, on board
the 60 foot trimaran Sodeb'O, by 1 hour 32 minutes and 11 seconds. It
was no walkover though. "I set out feeling a bit drained, because
I left la Trinité-sur-Mer yesterday morning and had to sail hard
to get to the Isle of Wight in time.” “Never mind,”
Francis continued “the record is broken and it’s a real feeling
of satisfaction. It’s also a great advancement in getting to know
the boat. I’ve discovered that some of the things we’ve worked
on for the last 18 months are super efficient; on the other hand, I’ve
found things that can be improved. More pictures at: http://www.bymnews.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=98
5.2
Quantum Sails just keep
getting better!
Quantum Sail Design Group designs, engineers and manufactures
sails for racers and cruisers who demand the highest levels of quality
and performance. Have you ever noticed that more and more photos of winning
boats at top events are wearing the familiar green
Q on their sails. That is because winning sailors now
prefer top quality products supported by a high level of personalized
customer service, recognized expertise, professionalism and a company
with the passion for developing the sport of sailing. Ray Roberts on Quantum
Racing is a shining example as they have won nearly everything in
their path both in Australia and Asian waters over the last few years.
The fastest sails are now available at 55 lofts throughout the world.
So now, more than ever, you can count on Fusion M delivering great boat-speed
and reliability. Goto: http://asianyachting.com/news/QuantumSails.htm
5.3
ICAP Leopard SMASHES Rolex Fastnet Race Record...
August 15, 2007: At 08h 58m 53sec local time, Mike Slade's new 100-foot
super maxi crossed the finish line off the Plymouth breakwater under spinnaker,
breaking the Rolex Fastnet Race monohull race record that has stood since
1999. With an elapsed time of 1 day, 20 hours, 18 minutes, the Bruce Farr-designed
ICAP Leopard (GBR) chopped just under 9 hours off the record set by Ross
Field on the 80-foot RF Yachting.
Wind
was southwest at 10-15 knots as the boat finished in a light rain and
reduced visibility. Only 10 miles behind was George David's 90-foot Rambler
(USA), finishing at 09h 43m 21sec and also well within the previous record
time. She currently leads the fleet overall on corrected time. Dockside
in Plymouth, Slade was presented with a Rolex Yachtmaster timepiece in
steel and platinum and the Erroll Bruce Cup for his Line Honours win by
Lionel Schurch of Rolex SA and RORC Commodore David Aisher.
6. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"
6.1 Broken boats, masts, sails and limbs on Rolex Fastnet Race.
Strong winds and short steep seas took their toll on the 271 boats that
eventually started on the Rolex Fastnet Race. Broken boats, masts, sails
and limbs led to a high attrition rate, with 213 of the 271 starters having
retired. Boats were streaming into Plymouth - the race finish - and other
ports along the Devon and Cornwall coastline after they elected or were
forced to retire and head for shelter. For some boats it was not so much
the wind, but the accompanying sea state that was proving exhausting for
the crews.
Among
the casualties is the 98-foot super-maxi Alfa Romeo. With the wind at
30 knots, gusting to 40 knots, the sea state wasn't too bad, but owner
Neville Crichton and crew were concerned with the expected conditions
at Land's End. He said, "We had made a decision before the race to
assess the conditions at Land's End. It's hard to just throttle back --
we were match-racing along the coast with Leopard, on port tack with a
triple-reef in the main and had just cracked sheets when the mainsail
tore. While this damage was minor we were more concerned with the possibility
of damaging the rig." The boat retired and eventually made their
way to Gosport. According to the Coast Guard, during the first night three
yachts experienced rig problems: Jambalaya, a J/105 was dismasted, the
US entry, Ariel, a Swan 47 had problems with the forestay and anchored
off Plymouth Sound, and the Prima 38, Oz Privateer was dismasted. Onboard
Dominic Chapell's IMX 40 Maverick 2, the crew were sailing along comfortably
in 35-40 knots of wind, when the mainsail ripped and they had few options
but to drop out and head for Plymouth. Torn mainsails also took the toll
on the IMOCA Open 60 boats of Jonny Malbon's Artemis Ocean Racing and
Dee Caffari's Aviva.
6.2
New Open 60 Pindar dismasted
The glorious spectacle of seven Open 60s and two of the fastest maxis
on the planet racing at Skandia Cowes Week was marred when Pindar, the
brand new Open 60 helmed by Mike Sanderson was dismasted during the big
boat’s sprint around the Isle of Wight. Launched in July, Pindar
was using the inaugural Artemis Challenge at Skandia Cowes Week as a shakedown
ahead of the Rolex Fastnet Race. Her soaring wing mast, a revolutionary
and highly sophisticated design, snapped off less than two metres from
the deck as the boat passed through Freshwater Bay in around 14 knots
of breeze. No one was hurt and Pindar was towed back to her base in to
be repaired. Owner Andrew Pindar is hoping she will be Fastnet fit come
Sunday. “I don’t know why it happened. We heard ‘Bang!
Bang!’ and then it seemed like a fast sort of slow motion as the
sails came down. I am glad the designer Juan Kouyoumdjian was on board
and we are now looking at what could have caused it.” “I am
very disappointed,” Pindar added.
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Come
on girls! - Let's go shopping?
As the South East Asian
region is expected to turn into a world-class yachting tourism destination,
AY
is expanding the Shopping
Mall to include a Charter
Yacht page for the popular "Fly
in, have fun, fly out" sailors. Plus a Real-Estate
page to promote the ever increasing residential
Condominium, Resorts
and Marina developments the region has on offer. Browse the full
AY
advertising
rates and find other things for-sale including the Fastest
Sailing
Gloves on the Planet in the AY
Shopping Arcade here...
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some fast and effective advertising?
Want to get a last minute promotion out quickly in Asia or market your
products to a diverse marine oriented audience, around
the globe? NO Problems!
Join some of our regular advertisers DK
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Sails, Raimon
Land and Sunsail
just to mention a few, who have successfully negotiated and wisely
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obligation free quotes E-mail info@asianyachting.com
or browse the
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rates at: http://AsianYachting.com/Mall/Advertising.htm
AsianYachting
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No. 627106-T)
A 308 PD Perdana Condo Resort, Jln Pantai, 71050, Pt Dickson, Malaysia
Tel: 6 06 6477701 Email: info@asianyachting.com
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