Monday, November 05, 2007

Kokomo wins the CYCA Farr 40 regatta

[source: Sam Crichton, Australian Farr 40 Fleet]

After two days of racing off the Sydney Heads, Lang Walker's Kokomo (CYCA) was declared the winner of the Farr 40 CYCA Regatta. Seven boats raced the six-race series with Kokomo named the eventual winner of the third regatta in the Australian Farr 40 2007/8 circuit.

Racing on Saturday was a wet affair as the fleet sailed in a southerly breeze that reached 18 knots. The typical lumpy seaway off Sydney Heads made for a hard day of sailing over four races. Kokomo, steered by long-time crew member Mark Walsh, won the first race of the series.

Both Kokomo and Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban (CYCA) had two wins for the series with Ichi Ban taking the wins in races two and six and Kokomo in races one and four. “There were plenty of opportunities to make gains and losses out there. It was great to have Beasho weave his magic and to have Mark helm for us this weekend,” commented Kokomo's mainsheet trimmer Richard Allanson.

Race three of the series went to the New Zealand team of Brett Neill’s White Cloud. Neill and his team travel across the Tasman to join the Australian fleet for each regatta on the Australian schedule.

Day two and the threatening dark skies cleared into a ideal spring day with the building westerly breeze flattening the seas from Saturday. The breeze reached 23 knots as the fleet sailed the last two races of the regatta.

Kokomo again took the Boat of the Day award with two second places while Ichi Ban improved on their day one finishing places and as a result moved up the leader board to finish third overall.“I now appreciate how hard it is for these guys (Farr 40 owners) the get these boats around the track. It’s hard work and takes a lot of concentration,” remarked Walsh after racing.

Lisa and Martin Hill’s Estate Master, which made its Farr 40 debut 12 months ago, took the gun for race five of the series and they finished in second place overall.

“It’s 12 months since we joined the class and we are really happy with where we are. We are knocking on the door and we’ve managed to finish in the top three for the first three events this season,” said Hill.

The Farr 40 class would like to thank the CYCA for hosting this event. The next event on the Australian Farr 40 schedule is the Savills SORC Regatta, hosted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club on November 24-25. - Sam Crichton

Results
1. Kokomo Lang Walker 14pts
2. Estate Master L & M Hill 17pts
3. Ichi Ban Matt Allen 21pts
4. White Cloud Brett Neill 23pts
5. Transfusion G. Belgiorno-Nettis 23pts
6. Revolution Edake Jeff Carter 35pts
7. Quantum Leap M. Blumentals 36pts

CST Composites wins Mick Scully Trophy

[source: Frank Quealey, Australian 18 Footers League]

(Photo By Brad Maylon www.frothers.com.au)

Chris Dixon, Greg Dixon and Justin Healey were clearly the masters of the 15-18knot westerly wind on SydneyHarbour today when they brought their skiff CST Composites home an easy winner of the Mick Scully Trophy race.

The trio grabbed the lead on the second windward leg of the course to record a 4mins 1sec win over Kinder Caring Home Nursing, skippered by Brett Van Munster.

Pure Blonde (Janes Francis) was a further 52secs back in third place, just ahead of the early race leader Macquarie Real Estate, skippered by 2005 world champion Euan Mc Nicol.

Maytag (Nick Press), Ssangyong Yandoo (John Winning), Club Marine (Adam Beashel) and Keith Piggin Estate Agents (Peter Morrison) were next in a great finish which saw the group cross the line with just a few secs separating.

The tough conditions saw six of the 22 starters fail to complete the course.

A mad scramble at the start saw near collisions and capsizes abound, while John Winning and his Ssangyong Yandoo team were brilliant to take the lead at the pin end of the line.

On the first windward leg Macquarie Real Estate took the lead but as the 3-buoys handicap system came into play it was Maytag which headed the pack on the downwind leg.

Last week’s winner Asko Appliances (Hugh Stodart) was forced out with gear failure on this run while Maytag surrendered her lead with a capsize.

On the second windward leg, Macquarie led from CST but CST’s crew were superb as they regained the #1 position over Macquarie at the 3-buoys marks.

The battle for third placing was now ‘hotting up’ with Kinder Caring, Pure Blonde, Ssangyong Yandoo and Keith Piggin all in contention.

CST totally dominated the next spinnaker run to open up her race winning margin and the spectator interest was now totally focused on the race for minor placings.

As the wind fluctuated in strength and direction, at times, the positions changed several times on the final windward leg which set up a great spinnaker finish.

Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League

Monday, October 29, 2007

Ichi Ban wins the Rhodes Waterside Farr 40 Regatta

(photo: Damian Devine, RPAYC)


Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban has won the Farr 40 Rhodes Waterside held at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club over the weekend. Martin Hills Estate Master finished second on a countback with Lang Walkers Kokomo (third).

Tacticians in the fleet included Colin Beashel on Kokomo and 2008 Olympic Laser representative Tom Slingsby on Transfusion, who you would have to say finished a disappointing 4th overall.

It sounds like the conditions were light and moderate over the three day regatta, no doubt providing the tacticians with plenty of headaches.

Results

1. Ichi Ban M Allen CYCA 13 pts
2. Estate Master M Hill MHYC 20
3. Kokomo L Walker CYCA 20
4. Transfusion G Belgiorno-Nettis MHYC 29
5. White Cloud B Neill RNZYS 32
6. Quantun Leap M Blumentals RPAYC 36
7. Revolution Edake J Carter MHYC 48
8. Impi I Resnekov RSYS 57

Asko Appliances take Race 1 of the 18ft Skiff Club Championship

(photo by Brad Maylon)

[Source: Australian 18 Footers League, Frank Quealey]

Hugh Stodart, Niall Kinch and Paul Schulz again showed their light wind skills when they steered Asko Appliances home an easy winner in Race 1 of the Australian 18 Footers League’s Club Championship on Sydney Harbour today.

The talented trio took their victory by 1min 15secs from John Harris’ Rag & Famish Hotel in the tricky light north-easterly breeze, with early leader Omega Smeg (Daniel Phillips) a further 20secs back in third place.

Gotta Love It 7 (Seve Jarvin) finished a close fourth, followed by Fiat (Michael Coxon) with Australian champion Micah Lane’s Macquarie Real Estate in sixth place.

The young Pure Blonde crew, skippered by James Francis, won the start with a port tack at the buoy end of the line but midway up the first beat it was Fiat which showed the way from Pure Blonde and Asko.

Fiat was a clear leader over Asko on the left hand side of the course while Omega Smeg led a small group on the right.

A change came over the race on the final section of the leg where Asko took a 5secs lead from Fiat at the windward mark.

Omega Smeg was a further 10secs back in third place ahead of Gotta Love It 7, Ssangyong Yandoo, Macquarie Real Estate and Southern Cross Constructions, which was one minute from the lead.

Daniel Phillips made a great tactical move when he elected to gybe Omega Smeg immediately after rounding the mark.

The manouvre was a winner as it put Smeg into a 10secs lead at the wing mark at Rose Bay (Shark Island).

Smeg increased her lead over Asko to 18secs at the leeward mark while Gotta Love It 7 had moved into third place – 35secs from the leader.

Fiat was back in fourth spot, followed Yandoo, Macquarie, Rag & Famish (after a slow start), Pure Blonde, Kinder Caring Home Nursing and Southern Cross.

The red mainsail of Smeg led the pack back to the Beashel Buoy windward mark where her lead was now 20secs over Asko.

These two leaders had edged ahead of the next group and staged a great battle down the long spinnaker run back to the leeward mark off ClarkIsland.

Asko took the line down the northern shore while Smeg went to the middle.

When the pair met near Taylor Bay, Smeg held a narrow lead but the greater boat speed of Asko won out as she took a 15secs lead as they turned for the final lap of the course.

Asko revelled in the conditions over the final windward leg and headed for home with a race winning lead.

The battle was now on for the minor placings between Rag & Famish Hotel, Omega Smeg and Gotta Love It 7, which held the spectators interest right to the finish line.

The next race in the 13-race selection series to determine the Australian team for the Giltinan Championship will be sailed on Sunday 11 November.

The full result sheet from today’s race is attached and photographs from the racing will appear on the club’s
www.18footers.com.au website

Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Figaro Madness!

The french skipper Corentin Douguet sailing (or surviving) in 40-55 knots of wind in a Figaro. This guy must be completely nuts, struggling to keep it upright with main and jib, he then decides to hoist the chute and then promptly lay the boat on its side....

Friday, October 26, 2007

Team Acuity Win Rolex Osprey Cup Grade 1, Florida

RPAYC’s Team Acuity, comprising of Katie Spithill, Nina Curtis, Jessica Eastwell and Kristen Short took out the Rolex Osprey Cup, Grade 1 in St Petersburg, Florida, USA in convincing form winning both their semi finals and finals with a clean sweep.

Sailing in Sonars out of St Petersburg Yacht Club, the line up consisted of 10 teams from 4 nations, including Olympic sailors Sally Barlow – USA, Anna Tunnicliffe – USA and Guilia Conti – ITA.

The team finished 1st in the round robin, 2 wins clear of their next opponent. The semi-finals saw a rematch from the final in their last Grade 1 in Italy, where they’d finished 2nd against two-time world champion and Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year Sally Barkow. Winning this in 3 straight wins, they moved onto the finals.

The team get back onto the long haul flight to Sydney tomorrow to return to normal life for a few days before training recommences with coach Traks Gordon for the 2008 ISAF Women’s Match Racing Worlds in Auckland, New Zealand in April.

Semi Finals
Katie Spithill 3 wins vs Sally Barkow 0 wins
Guilia Conti 3 wins vs Liz Baylis 2 wins

Finals
Katie Spithill 3 wins vs Gulia Conti 0 wins
Petit Finals 1. Sally Barkow 3 wins vs Liz Baylis 1 win

Final Placings
Katie Spithill - AUSTRALIA
Guilia Conti - ITALY
Sally Barkow - USA
Liz Baylis – USA

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

33rd America´s Cup - What´s the call Justice Cahn???

Justice Cahn has adjourned to make his decision regarding the validity of the CNEV challenge. One of five things could now happen,

1. He rules in favour of SNG (Alinghi). GGYC (BMW Oracle) then enter the competition and everyone gets on with the 33rd America’s Cup to be held in 2009.
2. He rules in favour of SNG. GGYC then appeal and the 33rd America’s Cup is delayed.
3. He rules in favour of GGYC. SNG appeal and the 33rd America’s Cup is delayed.
4. He rules in favour of GGYC. GGYC then become Challenger Of Record and the two parties agree to sail the existing IACC V5 boats in 2009.
5. He rules in favour of GGYC. GGYC then become Challenger Of Record and the two parties fail to agree on the new protocol. The 33rd America’s Cup is then raced in multihulls next year in accordance with the GGYC challenge.

If Justice Cahn was to rule in favour of SNG then it is hard to believe that Oracle (GGYC) would just drop the court case they have caused so much fuss about. Oracle, no doubt have the most money. A four year cup cycle allowing their design team to go to work would be the best option for them. So I think they would appeal the decision.

For me, options 2 & 3 seem the most likely. But let’s wait and see what the old codger has install for the America’s Cup community.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Gotta Love It 7 - 2 wins from 2 races

Photo: Brad Maylon
[Frank Quealey, Australian 18 Footers League]
Seve Jarvin and his young Gotta Love It 7 team of Sam Newton and Robert Bell won their second successive race of the season when they mastered the 20-knot North East wind to take out the Life Members Trophy on Sydney Harbour today.

Gotta Love It 7 had the boat speed upwind and were spectacular under spinnaker to win by 24secs from Ssangyong Yandoo (John Winning) with CST Composites (Chris Dixon) a further 12secs back in third place.

Behind the placegetters were Macquarie Real Estate (Micah Lane), Fiat (Michael Coxon) and Asko Appliances (Hugh Stodart).

Gotta Love It 7 led a tightly bunched fleet to the windward marks, where the three-buoys came into play for the first of three times during the race.

Macquarie Real Estate took advantage of going to the middle mark and was first to set her spinnaker, ahead of Sean Langman’s Thurlow Fisher, 7, Asko, CST and Ssangyong Yandoo.

The spinnaker run to the wing had the spectators cheering loudly as the skiffs jumped across the water at tremendous speed.

7 took the lead off Steel Point to lead at the wing mark but Ssangyong Yandoo was putting plenty of pressure on to grab second place ahead of Macquarie Real Estate.

Keith Piggin Real Estate (Peter Morrison) joined the leading group on this leg and was holding sixth spot before breaking a mast at the gybe.

The three leading teams worked back up the second windward leg with little between them.

Ssangyong Yandoo rounded the blue marker 15secs ahead of Gotta Love It 7 which had to go to the further white buoy. Macquarie was next to the blue buoy and actually split the others with the distance advantage over 7.

Once again Gotta Love It 7 was brilliant on the long downwind leg to the start mark and from that point was never headed to score an excellent victory.

The strong winds took a toll on the fleet with only 14 of the 21 starters completing the course.

Next week is Race 1 of the Club Championship and is also the first selection race to determine Australia’s 15 boats to contest the 2008 Giltinan Championship in February.



Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League

Monday, October 22, 2007

Alinghi hopeful of last minute agreement

This reply by Alinghi to Tom Ehman´s scathing comments of yesterday! Considering the battle of words in the press over the last two days, I think there is little hope of a last minute agreement and the 33rd America´s Cup with be locked up in court from Monday.

[Source: Alinghi]

Over the past few months Alinghi, Defender of the 33rd America’s Cup, has been engaged in dialogue with BMW Oracle Racing (BOR) at various levels in an attempt to find a solution to the law suit filed by the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) against the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG). BMW Oracle, through Russell Coutts, has repeatedly shifted the discussion frame by adding new demands each time Alinghi moved to resolve the issues raised. Nonetheless, the last communication to BOR from Alinghi before their press release was an invitation to a private meeting in New York before the hearing to try and resolve the issue once and for all. This morning they confirmed their attendance at this meeting.

The Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) and Alinghi have done much to try to convince BOR to drop their law suit; the SNG instigated a Protocol review with the entered Challengers and, with the Challenger of Record, Club Náutico Español de Vela, agreed a number of amendments to satisfy the GGYC and BMW Oracle's claims. At this point, Russell Coutts requested via the Challengers group, reassurance that Alinghi would not have a head start in designing their new boat and advised at least two challengers BOR would settle if Alinghi could prove it did not have a design advantage.

Alinghi responded by asking the entered Challengers to set the displacement, a fundamental parametre, for the new class. The Challengers did so, and were satisfied that this would negate any design head start. For BOR it still was not enough and they then wanted to analyse the displacement parametre in light of the full rules, not trusting the Challenger’s designers, who confirmed the parametre was crucial enough to provide the expected guarantees.

To the dismay of Alinghi and the Challengers, BOR, through Russell, sent a letter on 18th October to Alinghi with a further nine issues to be satisfied, including new points not previously raised. Several of these were completely against the fundamentals of the programme agreed by all legitimately entered Challengers and the cost cutting strategy presiding over the 33rd America’s Cup.

With regard to the rules disclosure, Grant Simmer, Alinghi design team coordinator, says: "Alinghi is working with the Challengers to develop the new class rule. This was started on the 15 September and the Challengers have stated that they are happy with this process. There are several key issues still being debated but we are working towards issuing the rule on 31 October. If BOR chooses to enter they will be welcomed into this process.”

Brad Butterworth, Alinghi team skipper, adds his positive comments on the situation: “We are driven by the vision to create a bigger and better event for everyone in 2009 with new boats but reduced costs and increased competition. Some may say we were too ambitious but since then we have undertaken a raft of measures to try and find a solution to this issue. We have consulted on the design of the new class, we have amended the Protocol and we have allowed the challengers to pick the displacement of the boat, as we were led to believe this was the last remaining issue for BMW Oracle. Despite not yet having issued the new class rule, they know a lot about the concept, plus they had the chance to agree the displacement. I firmly believe that there is still time left to agree a solution with BMW Oracle and for them to drop their law suit and join the other Challengers to help us make this an even greater event than the last. The last communication that we sent to them before their press release of last night was an invitation to a private meeting in New York on Monday morning before the hearing to have one last go at finding an agreement, something we still hope to do for the better of the event, the challengers and us.”

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Wot Yot takes the treble in the Flinders Island Race

Looks like the little boats got shafted again in the third race of the Blue Water Pointscore! There luck has to change soon - doesn´t it?

Here´s the race report.

[Source: Lisa Ratcliff]

Prior to last year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart, Graeme Wood was named Ocean Racing Rookie of the Year at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s annual awards night. Ten months on, the success of his TP52 Wot Yot now has Wood in contention for offshore yachting’s ultimate prize, the Tattersalls Cup for the overall winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Heading into last night’s Flinders Island Race, the third of the seven-race Blue Water Pointscore Series which includes the Rolex Sydney Hobart, Wood was leading the IRC pointscore. Following confirmation this afternoon of Wot Yot’s IRC and PHS wins, Wood has cemented his top placing and importantly, his confidence has skyrocketed.

“Winning on IRC is the game for us,” said a delighted Wood, who left the boat in the capable hands of skipper Mike Green for last night’s 92 miler while he attended a function.

“This is our first attempt at the Blue Water Pointscore and now we are doing so well I can say that it’s become a very serious attempt.

“We decided after Audi Hamilton Island Race Week that we had to get our act together. We have checked all the hardware and the sails and now we are playing around with the crew weight…and stepping everything up a notch.

“I run a Corinthian crew and we are in it for the fun and the glory. I think that makes a positive difference to the attitude on the boat,” Wood added.

The 22 boat fleet that lined up at 8pm last night in Sydney Harbour for the race to Flinders Islet, off Wollongong, was tested when they were smacked by two southerly fronts, the first hitting at 20 knots at around 10pm last night and the second striking with more force at 35 knots.

After rounding Flinders Islet, the front runners hoisted spinnakers for a quick sprint back up the coast, the breeze averaging 20 knots until sunrise at around 4.30am this morning when it began to lighten off.

Wot Yot hit a top boat speed of 25 knots during the run home and took line honours at 6am, almost 20 minutes ahead of Scooter, Sean Langman’s former Grundig/AAPT sailing its first race under new Queensland owner Peter Harburg.

Despite its conservative race, Andrew Short Marine Brindabella was third over the line and second on PHS results. During the worst of last night’s southerlies, skipper Andrew Short decided to play it safe by dropping the Jutson 79’s huge mainsail and beating to Flinders under headsail only. Like many in the fleet, Short is trialling crew for the Rolex Sydney Hobart and he was prepared to sacrifice speed in order to finish the race without incident.

On provisional IRC handicap results, Wot Yot beat sistership Ragamuffin, Syd Fischer’s new TP52 sailing only its second race since arriving in Australia in September, and ASM Brindabella.In the Tasman Performance Series (PHS) results, Wot Yot beat ASM Brindabella and Scooter.

While the larger boats were able to squeeze the last out of the dying S/SE breeze, the tail enders had a painfully slow morning foundering off Wollongong in 2 knots of wind.

Denis Doyle’s Sextant was the third last boat to finish at 3.37pm this afternoon, Doyle reporting “at dawn the breeze backed to the west and went light for us off Bellambi, which is when the little boats got buried. It was a battle to keep the boat rolling…eventually at around midday an easterly then a sea breeze filled in and we had a beautiful sail home”.

Four yachts retired overnight and this morning, they were Rod Skellet’s Krakatoa, Rob Reynolds’ Pla Loma IV, Phil Darling’s eXpresso and Geoff Hill’s Swan Song.

The final Blue Water race before the double points earner, the Rolex Sydney Hobart which will start at 1pm on Boxing Day`, is the 180 nautical mile Cabbage Tree Island Race on Friday 9 November 2007.

Most of the yachts which went to sea last night have been nominated for the 2007 Rolex Sydney Hobart with a total of 58 yachts on the application for entry list so far. The closing date for applications is Friday 2 November 2007 and the CYCA is anticipating a fleet of 80 yachts.

Full results from the Flinders Island Race available at http://www.cyca.com.au/sysfile/downloads/bwps_308rr.htm - Lisa Ratcliff

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Bertarelli Speaks, Part II

Here is a link to a great interview by Stuart Streuli with Alinghi head, founder and billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli.

Bertarelli comments on his friendship and eventual falling out with Russell Coutts, saying that Coutts would only helm Alinghi in the 32nd America´s Cup if Bertarelli handed him the team at the end of the cycle! He also makes some interesting comments on the state of affairs in the 33rd America´s Cup and the protocol. See, there´s always two sides to a story!

Read the interview at Sailing World here.

Friday, October 19, 2007

2008 Australian Olympic Team Announced

[source: Australian Olympic Committee]

The first members of the 2008 Australian Olympic Team were announced at a press conference in Sydney on 18 October 2007.

Following nomination from Yachting Australia the Australian Olympic Committe is pleased to select 16 outstanding sailors. A decision on the women's Laser Radial class will be made shortly.
Hopes are high for the sailing team to produce several medals in Beijing. Below are short biographies on those athletes selected. Full biographies will appear on olympics.om.au in November.


Elise Rechichi – 470 Perth, WA
Elise Rechichi and her 470 partner Tessa Parkinson are genuine medal hopes for Beijing. In 2005 they were named Australian Youth Team of the year at the Australian Sport Awards. Twelve months later Elise contracted a debilitating virus after cutting her foot whilst launching her boat at a test event in China. The young Western Australian lost 20 per cent of her body weight and was sleeping up to18 hours a day as a result. With courage and perseverance Elise fought back and in 2007 the pair clinched gold at the Olympic Test event in Qingdao, China.

Tessa Parkinson – 470 Perth, WA
Tessa Parkinson and Elise Rechichi will be two of the youngest Australian Team members at the sailing venue in Qingdao. Tessa was introduced to the sport by her family and friends as an eight-year-old, sailing Mirror dinghies at Fremantle Sailing Club. Her childhood ambition “to be the best at a sport and to go to the Olympic Games,” has inspired the Western Australian to achieve amazing results over her short career. Tessa’s career highlights include winning the 2007 Olympic Test event and being named 2005 Australian Youth Team of the year at the Australian Sport Awards.

Nathan Wilmot – 470 Sydney, NSW
Athens Olympian, Nathan Wilmot, made history with sailing partner, Malcolm Page, at the 2007 World Championships by securing gold in the 470 class. This was their third 470 World Title as a pair. And they are only the third pair ever to win three World Championships in their discipline.

Malcolm Page – 470 Sydney, NSW
After winning his third World Championship title in July 2007, Malcolm Page and partner Nathan Wilmot are in-form and determined to stand on the podium in Beijing. In Athens, Malcolm believes the pair’s greatest hurdle was psychology. “It was our first Olympics and I don’t think we appreciated what it was. We also made little errors that compounded and we let it slip away. I think we overcame that, which is why we dominated the 2005 Worlds,” he said. Malcolm and Nathan’s focus is now on Olympic gold, especially since they’ve achieved everything else in this class.

Tom Slingsby – Laser Sydney, NSW
2007 World Laser Champion, Tom Slingsby, has his eyes set on Beijing gold after his recent taste of victory. The 23-year-old from the Central Coast of NSW was introduced to the sport by his family at the age of eight. “My Dad is my biggest support. He’s taken me on yachts all my life and helps me in every way,” said Slingsby, who is currently coached by Arthur Brett. In 2006, Tom won the ISAF World Sailing Games title, and he rates that win as a career highlight, but Tom’s proudest moment was actually winning the 2007 World Title, an Olympic selection event, under difficult racing conditions and media pressure.

Jessica Crisp – RS:X Sydney, NSW
Jessica Crisp is a seasoned Olympic campaigner. In 1984 as a 14 year-old, Jessica competed at the Los Angeles Games in the windsurfing exhibition event. Since then Jessica has represented Australia at the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games in the Mistral windsurfing event, placing 5th and 6th respectively. In 2008, this event has been replaced with the RS:X class of windsurfing. In 2006, Jessica placed 7th at the ISAF RS:X World Championships and she rates this result as a career highlight because “sailing and racing this board is like a whole new sport,” she said.

Darren Bundock - Tornado Gosford, NSW
The name Darren Bundock is synonymous with Australian Sailing. The two-time Olympian is back for number three in Beijing. In Sydney he won silver and in Beijing he wants to go one better. “After 16 years of international competition I still love the sport and competing at the highest level, which is what you need to stay motivated,” said Darren. At the 2007 ISAF World Championships he placed a notable 4th with sailing partner Glenn Ashby. Over his illustrious career, Darren has won 10 world titles. His most recent world crowns include the 2006 ISAF World Championships in Argentina (Tornado class) and 2007 F18 World Championships (F18 class).

Glenn Ashby – Tornado Bendigo, VIC
Beijing 2008 is Glenn Ashby’s first Olympic Games and with partner Darren Bundock. They are a dynamite combination. In 2007, they won gold at the F18 World Championship (F18 Class) and in Argentina in 2006 they claimed the Tornado class World Championship crown. In 2006, Glenn also won the A Class World Championship. “I like going hard and fast. I’ve had so many bumps and crashes in my sport I’ve lost count,” said Glenn, who resides in Victoria and is coached by Michael Fletcher.

Nicky Bethwaite – Yngling (subject to medical assessment on 8 January 2008) Sydney, NSW
At 53 years of age, Nicky Bethwaite will be a senior member of the 2008 Australian Team. Nicky first represented Australia at the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988 in the 470 class. Yngling class was introduced at the 2004 Athens Games which sparked renewed Olympic interest for Nicky. She placed 13th in Athens and in 2008 Nicky is determined to better this result with her team mates Karyn Gojnich and Angela Farrell. In late 2007, Nicky suffered a setback to her Olympic campaign after breaking both her arms in a bike riding accident. However, this will not deter her.

Karyn Gojnich – Yngling (subject to Nicky Bethwaite satisfying nomination conditions on 8 January 2008) Sydney, NSW
Mother of two, Karyn Gojnich is ready for Beijing. In 1988, Karyn was one of the first female sailors to represent Australia at the Olympic Games competing in the 470 class with Nicky Bethwaite. The Beijing Games will be Karyn’s third Olympic Games and she will have familiar company. Nicky Bethwaite is again Karyn’s teammate with Olympic newcomer Angela Farrell making up the crew.

Angela Farrell – Yngling (subject to Nicky Bethwaite satisfying nomination conditions on 8 January 2008) Sydney, NSW
Sydney youngster, Angela Farrell, has teamed up with two of the most respected women in Australian Sailing, Nicky Bethwaite and Karyn Gojnich, for her first Olympic campaign. In Beijing Angela will be competing in the Yngling class. “Being in command of experienced skippers means stepping up to the challenge in training, racing, and off-water commitment,” said Angela. At the 2007 ISAF World Championships the team finished a commendable 10th.

Nathan Outteridge – 49er Wangi Wangi, NSW
Beijing will be Nathan Outteridge’s first Olympic Games. He is ready and focused. “I have done so many overseas competitions in which I have learnt so much,” said Nathan. His crew-mate for Beijing is Ben Austin and over the past two years this partnership has resulted in some impressive results on the international 49er class circuit. At the 2007 ISAF Sailing World Championships the pair took home bronze.

Ben Austin – 49er Sydney, NSW
Ben Austin will be making his Olympic debut in Beijing with crew-mate Nathan Outteridge. In 2007, this pair took home bronze at the ISAF Sailing World Championships, and at the 2008 Games they are determined to make another podium appearance. “The biggest challenge I face in my whole Olympic campaign is to be successful as a sailor, a physiotherapist and a husband,” said Ben.

Iain Murray – Star Sydney, NSW
Iain Murray is one of the biggest names in sailing. From 1977 to 1982, Iain won a record six consecutive 18ft skiff world titles. Iain was project director/design team and helmsman for Kevin Parry’s Kookaburra Syndicate for the 1987 America’s Cup defence. The father of three is also an exceptional businessman. He has an engineering/naval architect degree and his business involves designing and building in areas of aged care, marinas, childcare, hotels and boat building. In Beijing Iain will be competing in the Star class with crew-mate Andrew Palfrey.

Andrew Palfrey - Star Sydney, NSW
Andrew Palfrey will be making his Olympic debut with crew-mate, Iain Murray. At the 2007 ISAF Sailing World Championships, this talented pair finished in 9th place. In 1999, Andrew with team mates Cameron Miles and James Mayo just missed selection in the Soling Class for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. However this did not deter the trio; they went on to win the 1999 Etchell’s World Championships. “The Etchell sailing was part of our Soling training,” Andrew said.

Anthony Nossiter - Finn Sydney, NSW
Beijing 2008 will be Anthony Nossiter’s third Olympic Games. At the 2004 Athens Games the certified practicing accountant from Sydney placed an impressive 6th in the Finn Class and at the Sydney 2000 Games he finished 13th. Anthony is on track for another successful Olympic campaign. Recently he clinched 10th place at the 2007 ISAF World Championships.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Pimp my ride

[source: Sailing Anarchy and some dude named “Sportscar”!]

Well OK maybe just sell the shitter and upgrade to a flat out IRC racer. This is yet another new "Chutzpah" for Bruce Taylor of Melbourne. Designed by Reichel-Pugh and built by Hart Marine on the Mornington Peninsula, this 40 foot IRC racer is sure to turn some heads.

Looks like Bruce has decided to throw everything at winning this years Sydney to Hobart, a goal which has eluded him for many years.

The boat features a nice long bowsprit for hanging those massive asymmetric sails off. Double spreader rig, twin steering wheels and a chine in the stern area (a common feature on today’s racers TP52, VO70, etc).

Nice job fellas! Can’t wait to see it out sailing.



Ichi Ban wins the Corinthian Doors Peppers Anchorage F40 Regatta

After three days of racing at Port Stephens on the central coast of New South Wales, Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban has defended their title from 2006 and won the Corinthian Doors Peppers Anchorage Farr 40 regatta. Seven boats raced in the nine race series and enjoyed a variety of conditions, from picture perfect spring weather to thunderstorms and torrential downpours.


The final day of racing and the fleet sailed for a third day just north of Cabbage Tree Island. After waiting under postponement for nearly two hours while the race committee waited for the breeze to settle, racing eventually got away in an eight knot nor’easter.

Overnight points on the leader board had the first five boats within striking distance of each other so crews were keen to make every move count. Leading the fleet around the mark for the first time was Jeff Carter’s Revolution Edake with Ichi Ban in pursuit. Ichi Ban managed to sail through Revolution Edake and stay in the lead to cross the line for the first of their two wins for the day.

Race nine and the pin end of the start line became rather congested while Ichi Ban and Transfusion ran down the line from the boat end. Ichi Ban timed the start perfectly and showed the fleet a clean set of heels as she headed to the right side of the course. They continued to extend their lead but a headsail halyard breaking just after they rounded the bottom mark gave them a slight fright but the crew made a quick recovery and they went on to take the second gun for the day.

“It’s been great to be back sailing with the Australian fleet and the racing has been close all weekend. We had a moment today when the crew worked really well together to recover from a halyard breaking and it shows how important good crew work is in this fleet. The local fleet will see a number of teams back racing over the next few regattas and we are looking forward to an exciting season with the Australian fleet”, commented Allen after his win.

Class newcomer Guido Belgiorno-Nettis’s Transfusion had a great start to they Farr 40 racing coming second to Ichi Ban on a countback with Lisa and Martin Hill’s Estate Master filling the third place on the podium. “We’re very pleased with this result and Matt and his team have shown us what we have to aim for”, said Guido Belgiorno-Nettis.

The Farr 40 class would like to thank event sponsors Corinthian Doors, Peppers Anchorage and Club Marine Insurance for their continued support.

The next event on the Australian Farr 40 schedule is the Pittwater Regatta being hosted by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, October 26-28.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Women's Match Racing Worlds Head Down Under

[Source: ISAF]

The Notice of Race for the 2008 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship is now available on the newly launched championship microsite.

View the Notice of Race, along with past World Championship results, at the newly launched championship microsite - www.sailing.org/wmatchworlds.

The tenth edition of the ISAF Women’s World Championship will also be the first held in the Southern Hemisphere, with the world’s top women match racers set to go head to head in Auckland, New Zealand from 1-6 April.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, winner of the 1995 and 2000 America’s Cup, will host the 2008 Worlds.

Racing on Waitemata Harbour will take place in ten Elliott 6m boats owned by the Squadron and used for the New Zealand Women’s Match Racing Championship over the last few years.

On 1 April 2008 the Opening Ceremony at the RNZYS will get the Worlds underway, with the final, to decide the 2008 ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Champion, scheduled for 6 April.

Fourteen skippers will be invited to contest the title. As defending champion Claire LEROY (FRA), long time leader of the ISAF World Match Race Rankings and a nominee for the 2007 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award, receives an automatic invite. Invitations will also be sent to the top ten skippers from next release of the Women’s ISAF World Match Race Rankings on 24 October (affectively the top 11 with LEROY already occupying the #1 spot).

Two qualifying events – the ISAF Grade 2 CYCA Harken Women’s Match Race in Sydney and the ISAF Grade 3 New Zealand Women’s Match Racing Championships will offer lower Ranked skippers an opportunity to earn the right to challenge for the World title. In addition to this their will be one wildcard entry.

John CRAWFORD, RNZYS Commodore, is looking forward to host the Worlds, "We have the world class resources to run this event!” he said. “Ten fully equalized boats, experienced Race and Boat Management teams, a great umpire team, including America's Cup Umpires - we are really looking forward to hosting this world class competition."Sara ROBERTS, RNZYS Sailing Manager and a former match racer, added, “It is a great opportunity to see the world’s best girls here in Auckland. We are sure that we will have a real World Championship on a very high level!”

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Gotta Love It 7 takes the Alf Beashel Trophy

[Source: Australian 18 Footers League]

The new 18ft Skiff season got off to a great start today with a 12knot North East wind and a 21-boat fleet on hand on Sydney Harbour.

The Gotta Love It 7 team, skippered by Seve Jarvin with crew of Sam Newton and Robert Bell, showed they were again going to be a force when they took out the Alf Beashel Trophy by 41secs.

Pure Blonde (James Francis) finished second with Southern Cross Constructions (Chris Pomfret) a further 44secs back in third place.

Right from the start Gotta Love It 7 took the lead as the fleet headed for the triple windward marks near the Beashel Buoy.

Closely bunched behind the leader were Fiat, Asko Appliances, Rag & Famish Hotel and Active Air-2UE.

Nearing the windward marks, Rag & Famish crossed 7 to grab a narrow lead but it was the “C/Red” mark skiffs which came out on top as the fleet headed downwind.

Southern Cross Constructions led Maytag which “B/Blue” marker skiffs Gotta Love It 7 and Maytag led the chasers.

Fisher & Paykel was fifth, followed by CST Composites, with Rag & Famish (the leading “A/White” marker) seventh just ahead of Fiat.

Pure Blonde gybed inside Southern Cross at the wing mark to take the lead then held her lead at the end of the first lap - but it was now Gotta Love It 7 in second place.

7’s upwind speed was enough to lead narrowly at the 3-buoys windward marks the second time and the pair staged a good duel on the straight run back to the leeward mark.

Although Pure Blonde’s crew continued to pressure the Gotta Love It 7 team, the t crew maintained their advantage over the final lap of the course to score a good first up win.

Many new teams were having their first race start and once they have gained a little more experience we are in for another great season.

Next weekend we stage another 3-buoys handicap race for the Life Members Trophy.

Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League

Monday, October 08, 2007

CYCA Bluewater Pointscore - Bird Island

The first race in this years Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's Blue Water Pointscore was held on Friday night. With a forecast that promised fresh to frightening NW conditions, all competitors were hopefull of finishing the 85 nautical mile course in well under 12 hours. Unfortunately is was not to be and before the boats had even left the harbour after the 7pm start they were becalmed. It proved to be a challenging night, with frequent holes in the breeze and sloppy conditions on the Tasman Sea.

It was day break before the first boat "Wot Yot" rounded Bird Island, the 40nm leg taking just under 12hours (painfully slow). At this stage a moderate NW breeze was in and all were hoping that the forecast would come true. The leading yachts held onto this breeze but once again the small boats got shafted! The Easterly sea breeze battling the hot nor-westerly. "Splash Gordon" reported completing several auto-gybes, sailing peacfully along in the westerly only to have it completely crap out and come instantly from the east.

"Wot Yot" beat Syd Fischer's new Ragamuffin (ex-Morning Light TP52) who finished 3rd with the once great maxi Brindabella 2nd across the line.

Here's a link to the IRC results.
http://www.cyca.com.au/sysfile/downloads/bwps_208rr.htm

ISAF World Sailing Rankings - 3 October

Good news for Australia! Lets hope these great results continue into 2008.

[Source: ISAF]

Australia hold onto their three top spots whilst there is just one change amongst the leaders in the latest release of the ISAF World Sailing Rankings on 3 October.

The Aussies stay at the top of the Laser, 470 Men and Tornado Rankings thanks to
Tom SLINGSBY, Nathan WILMOT and Malcolm PAGE, and Darren BUNDOCK and Glenn ASHBY respectively. The single change amongst the world #1 crews sees the Polish team of Mateusz KUSZNIEREWICZ and Tomasz HOLC move up one place to claim the top spot in the Star. Even without regular crew Dominik ZYCKI, KUSZNIEREWICZ claimed a top ten finish at the recent ISAF Grade C1 Star Europeans to leapfrog Xavier ROHART and Pascal RAMBEAU (FRA) and reclaim the world #1 spot he held once before in May.

Despite Australia’s three world #1 spots, it is Spain who can claim the title of top nation in this Ranking release with four teams occupying top three spots.
Marina ALABAU leads the RS:X Women Rankings, Fernando ECHAVARRI and Anton PAZ, and Iker MARTINEZ and Xavi FERNANDEZ lie second in the Tornado and 49er Rankings respectively, whilst Ivan PASTOR stays at #3 in the RS:X Men Rankings.It is also a very good Ranking release for Germany and Poland. The Germans, like Spain, hold four top three spots, whilst Poland hold two top spots and a second place. The Netherlands also perform well, however Great Britain drops off the pace somewhat. After being the top nation in the previous Ranking release, the Brits lose two of their top three spots and fall back to sixth nation.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

2007 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Nominations

Source: ISAF
ISAF and Rolex are proud to announce the shortlisted nominees for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2007.
The criteria for nomination for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2007 was "outstanding sailing achievement" in the period 1 September 2006 to 31 August 2007. ISAF received numerous nominations for sailors from across the world and in a variety of disciplines who met the criteria.
The nominees are:
Female
Sarah AYTON, Sarah WEBB & Pippa WILSON (GBR)
Marcelien DE KONING & Lobke BERKHOUT (NED)
Claire LEROY (FRA)
Evi VAN ACKER (BEL)
Male
Ed BAIRD (USA)
Franck CAMMAS (FRA)
Vincenzo ONORATO (ITA)
Robert SCHEIDT & Bruno PRADA (BRA)
Rohan VEAL (AUS)
The ISAF Member National Authorities (MNAs) - the national governing bodies for sailing around the world - are now invited to vote for the one female nominee and one male nominee whom they feel deserves the honour of receiving the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award 2007.
The winners will be announced at the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards Dinner and Presentation which is being held on Tuesday 6 November 2007. The venue for the events is the beautiful Penha Longa, a historic and gracefully restored monastery in the hills just outside Estoril in Portugal.
Each winner will be presented with the prestigious ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award Trophy and a distinctive Rolex timepiece.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

New York Court does not grant Injunction

[Source: Alinghi]

After a brief hearing in the New York Supreme Court today before Justice Cahn, the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) is pleased to announce that the Judge did not grant the Golden Gate Yacht Club’s (GGYC) application for an injunction, and instead ordered the parties to submit written legal arguments designed to dispose of the case in the shortest possible time. The Judge set the 22 October as the date to hear legal arguments to resolve the central issue, which focuses on the validity of Club Náutico Español de Vela (CNEV), the Spanish challenge, accepted by the SNG after winning the 32nd America’s Cup.

The Spanish challenge, CNEV, also advised the Court that it will intervene in the case as a party so as to reinforce and confirm its legal standing as Challenger of Record for the 33rd America’s Cup.

Importantly, this is the second successful legal outcome in only a matter of days, following the America’s Cup Arbitration Panel’s ruling over the weekend that declared legitimate the Challenger of Record, and that the 33rd Protocol complies with the Deed of Gift.

“Naturally we are pleased with this outcome which is another welcome positive result in this unfortunate legal process,” said Hamish Ross, Alinghi General Counsel, adding: “As we had asked the Court, SNG will be submitting, as planned, its motion to dismiss the case entirely, and we look forward to having an opportunity to clear this matter up as quickly as possible on the date set by the Court. We now need to draw a line under the uncertainty and damage created by the Golden Gate Yacht Club and BMW Oracle Racing’s actions and focus on the future.”

Meanwhile work continues apace on the 33rd Americas Cup in Valencia following the first Competitors Commission meeting on Friday of last week and with further meetings being scheduled. This period of consultation with the five registered challengers runs until the end of October when the new class rule will be published, ensuring that the America’s Cup remains at the pinnacle of international sailing.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Arbitration Panel confirms validity of CNEV

On Friday the AC33 Arbitration Panel investigating the validity of the CNEV (Spanish) challenge for the 33rd America's Cup reached its decision. And what do you think that decision might be...

It is interesting however, that the arbitration panel has made a recommendation to SNG and CNEV to amend some of the provisions in the protocol. I can't wait to read what these may be on Monday. Perhaps the right of Alinghi to sail in the challenger elimination?

By America's Cup Media 07-09-2007

This afternoon, the Arbitration Panel reached a decision on the ACAP 33/01 case, in the matter of the Protocol governing the 33rd America’s Cup and in the matter of an application filed by SNG on July 20, 2007 in respect of the validity of the challenge of Club Nautico Español de Vela (“CNEV”) for the 33rd America’s Cup.

In compliance with directions from the Arbitration Panel, the full document will be made available from this website Monday September 10, but it the meantime this is the summary of the decision:

“[162] The decision of the Panel is the following:
- The Panel (i) has the competence to rule on its own jurisdiction and (ii) also has jurisdiction to rule on the present matter;
- The challenge for the 33rd America’s Cup made by CNEV on July 3, 2007 (i) is a valid challenge entitling CNEV to challenge for the America’s Cup as Challenger of Record and (ii) SNG is obligated to accept (as it was the first valid challenge it received);
- The Protocol signed by SNG and CNEV on July 3, 2007 complies with the Deed of Gift; and
- Although this does not affect the compliance of the existing Protocol with the Deed of Gift, the Panel believes that SNG and CNEV should consider amending the Protocol in respect of some of its provisions as stated in point points [155] and [156].”


http://33rd.americascup.com/en/

Saturday, September 01, 2007

33rd America's Cup Dispute Timeline

ACM have set out the timeline for the dispute resolution as below.

By America's Cup Media

Golden Gate Yacht Club v. Société Nautique de Genève: Arbitration/Litigation status (as of 24 August 2007)28-08-2007

In order to keep our readers up to date with news of the dispute playing out in the New York court between the Golden Gate Yacht Club and the Société Nautique de Genève, we have drawn out a simple timeline and explanation which explains the steps that have been taken and the ones to come.

The dispute between SNG and GGYC is now proceeding on three paths: (i) the arbitration before the arbitration panel under the 33rd Protocol, (ii) the complaint filed by GGYC in NY court, and (iii) the motion filed by GGYC in NY court.

Arbitration
- SNG, CNEV, ACM and Royal Thames have made submissions to the Arbitration Panel.
- GGYC was invited to participate in the arbitration but refused.
- A ruling is expected as to the validity of CNEV’s challenge in the coming weeks.
- Two of the three arbitrators were also arbitrators for the 32nd America’s Cup.

Litigation: GGYC’s Complaint
- GGYC’s complaint which challenges CNEV’s status as Challenger of Record was dated 20 July but was not served on SNG until 17 August.
- SNG’s response is due in mid-September.
- SNG believes GGYC’s claims are without merit and will defend itself against them.

Litigation: GGYC’s Motion
- On 22 August GGYC applied to the NY court seeking:
- An expedited schedule for the case commenced by GGYC’s complaint under which
discovery (the exchange of information between the parties) would be completed in
September and trial would be held in October, and
- A preliminary injunction requiring that SNG (i) provide GGYC with SNG’s club sailing
rules and (ii) identify where a two-team match between SNG and GGYC in July 2008
would be held.
- The 22 August “order” of the NY court only sets a schedule for the parties’ submissions on GGYC’s application and in no way addresses the substance or merit of the application.
- SNG’s written response to the motion is due to be filed 5 September.
- A hearing on the motion before the NY court is scheduled for 10 September.
- The complaint and the motion are part of the same case and are before the same Judge (Justice Cahn) in NY.


http://33rd.americascup.com/en/

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Breitling MedCup - Round 2 Caixa Galicia Win!

CxG CORPORACIÓN CAIXAGALICIA with Roberto Bermudez de Castro steering and John Kostecki calling tactics on the new Botin and Carkeek design has won its first TP52 regatta finishing on 24 points well clear of second placed Artemis on 34 points. Artemis's scorecard featured 3 firsts and 2 seconds, although a 13th position in the opening race probably hurt their final result. Even so Russell Coutts and the crew should be proud. In third place on 59 points was Siemens with Alinghi strategist Murray Jones calling the shots.

Looking at the wide spread in finish points there is still some improvement to be made by all boats. A very good one design fleet would have a spread of about 2 - 4 points between boats.

The next regatta in the Breitling MedCup will be the Copa del Rey starting on July 30.





Photos: Thierry Martinez (http://www.thmartinez.com/)

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Foiling Moth Tacking Practice

Here's a great video for all those budding foiling moth sailor's out there. Rohan Veal tries to stay foiling through some tacks on Lake Garda, Italy.... enjoy!

GGYC to seek legal redress in the New York Courts

By seeking redress in the courts, the GGYC have ruled out just about all hope of having the 33rd America's Cup in 2 years time. What a shame.

[source: Golden Gate Yacht Club]

LACK OF RESPONSE FROM SWISS AMERICA’S CUP DEFENDER FORCES GGYC TO SEEK LEGAL REDRESS IN THE NEW YORK COURTS

While ignoring the valid GGYC challenge, SNG accepts a second challenger under the invalid AC 33 Protocol

New York, NY, 20 July 2007 -- Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) filed a lawsuit today against the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, which has jurisdiction over the America’s Cup Deed of Gift.

The San Francisco club is asking the Court to:

* void the purported challenge of the Club Náutico Español de Vela (CNEV) because CNEV does not qualify under the Deed of Gift as a challenger;

* declare the “Protocol Governing the 33rd America’s Cup” agreed between SNG and CNEV null and void because (i) CNEV was an invalid challenger, and (ii) SNG is engaging in self-dealing by accepting CNEV’s purported challenge and entering into a protocol which eliminates Challenger rights and omits basic information regarding match rules and conditions.

* declare that GGYC’s challenge filed on 11 July 2007 for the 33rd America’s Cup is valid; and

* require SNG to accept GGYC’s challenge, and implement the terms of the Deed of Gift by participating with GGYC in the establishment of a proper protocol though a consensual process; or, failing that, to proceed with a match with GGYC under the rules expressly set forth in the Deed of Gift.

Key excerpts from the lawsuit filed today:

The action arises out of defendant SNG’s violation of the clear, express terms of the Deed of Gift, a trust instrument executed under the laws of New York, on October 24, 1887. SNG is the present holder and successor trustee of the trophy known world-wide as the America’s Cup. The Deed of Gift (“Deed”) provides that the America’s Cup is a “perpetual Challenge Cup for friendly competition between foreign countries.” By failing to enforce the terms of the Deed, SNG has turned the Deed of Gift on its head and transformed it into a “Defender’s Cup,” dominated by SNG, in breach of SNG’s fiduciary duties.

SNG has accepted a challenge that is invalid under the Deed of Gift from Club Náutico Español de Vela (“CNEV”), a brand new yacht club… specifically created to collaborate with SNG.

SNG used CNEV… to engineer a match Protocol in which virtually all Challenger rights are eliminated and total control of the event and its rules are granted to SNG, altering the very nature of the competition and giving unprecedented and unfair advantages to SNG.

By refusing to disclose…the basic elements of regatta venue, date and boat design rules, there is no opportunity for a fair and equitable competition.

Moreover, while SNG’s Team Alinghi can begin to plan its campaign and design its yachts, all other competitors are stalled.

The Deed of Gift, a document dating from 1857, defines the rules for the America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport.

The Deed states that the Defender and first-in Challenger (known as the “Challenger of Record”) “may, by mutual consent, make any arrangement satisfactory to both as to the dates, courses, number of trials, rules and sailing regulations, and any and all other conditions of the match.” Since the 1992 Cup, such mutual consent has been called the “Protocol.”

If the defending and challenging clubs cannot reach mutual agreement, then the Deed prescribes particular match rules. In all but one of the previous 32 editions of the Cup – in 1988 – the Defender and Challenger have adopted a Protocol, or “Conditions” as the document was known prior to 1988.

“Yesterday SNG left us no choice other than to go to court when ACM [America’s Cup Management – SNG’s company formed to manage Cup events] announced that SNG had accepted on Wednesday a second challenger under the invalid Protocol. This is a clear signal that SNG intends to ignore our challenge under the Deed and proceed with its efforts to dictate unilaterally the terms of the competition,” said GGYC Commodore Marcus Young.

“The recently completed 32nd America’s Cup, in which Alinghi raced Team New Zealand, delivered what many said was the closest and most exciting in the history of the Cup. The fact that the racing was so close brought the Cup to more people world-wide than ever before. It’s a real shame that SNG is trying to change the rules to create an unfair advantage.

“We still hope SNG will accept GGYC as Challenger of Record even before the court has to rule on our lawsuit. If not, we hope the courts will swiftly resolve this matter so we can get back on the water for a fair and exciting 33rd America’s Cup.”

For more information, including a copy of the lawsuit (when available), please visit www.ggyc.com.

Breitling Medcup Round 2 - Day 2

Vicente Tirado's Caixa Galicia with John Kostecki calling tactics moved 14 points clear on the second day of the Regata Breitling-Illes Balears. In second place is Artemis with Russell Coutts calling tactics, scoring a second and first in the two races of the day. Artemis has moved up from fourth place overall, 5 point clear of Peter de Ridder's Valle Romano Mean Machine in third spot.

Breitling Medcup TP52 Circuit

Regata Breitling Results




Photos: Thierry Martinez (http://www.thmartinez.com/)

Friday, July 20, 2007

America´s Cup Propaganda!

Do not believe what you read! In an effort to lure the challengers into their corner of the ring, the GGYC has sent out this press release stating that it "will continue building on the sportsmanship and close competition of the latest America’s Cup". I very much doubt it. It the 32nd America´s Cup BMW Oracle (Challenger of Record 32nd America´s Cup) successfully fooled the challengers into a compressed round robin series, eliminating the weak teams early and then having a nicely spaced out semi-final and finals program enabling time to do some more testing before facing the defender. Too bad it back fired on them.

Here´s the press release form the GGYC.

Golden Gate Yacht Club Shares Vision for Close Competition in America’s Cup

Golden Gate Yacht Club said today that the San Francisco club’s challenge will continue building on the sportsmanship and close competition of the latest America’s Cup.

Last week, Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) lodged a challenge for the 33rd America’s Cup with Defender Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), and in taking this step, the GGYC also wants to support the competitive position of all challengers.

“Close racing and intense rivalry are at the heart of a great event,” GGYC Commodore Marcus Young said. “We want the next regatta to be as exciting as the last one - and to do that it must offer neutral rules and an equal chance for all syndicates.”

He said the recent Protocol proposed by SNG raised serious concerns in departing from fair competition.

“It is proposed to abandon neutral regatta officials. The Challenger Commission would lose its voting powers. And for the first time in history, the Defender not only wants to introduce its own new rule for the class of boat to be raced, but also to keep this new rule secret. It will be disclosed to challengers at a much later stage, putting all challengers at a huge disadvantage.”

“These proposed changes are moves against the fantastic and close competition that we have witnessed in the last regatta,” he said.

Golden Gate’s vision for the 33rd America’s Cup is for a circuit of races in the current ACC yachts, shared neutral event management and a democratic challenger commission.

GGYC supports the right of challengers to determine their own selection series format. It also wants to create a continuous circuit of world-class events throughout the world to provide exciting competition in the interim Cup years for the competitors, media, sponsors and fans.
The San Francisco club supports the continued use of Valencia as the venue for the next regatta. “The city has made an enormous investment developing a magnificent America’s Cup port and infrastructure that far exceeds any previous Cup host city and this should be retained,” the GGYC Commodore said.
“The proposed changes would not only reduce the asset value of current boats to almost zero but also jeopardize the participation of syndicates and damage the event,” he said.
GGYC believes all participants – challengers and the Defender – should start immediately to mutually develop a new design rule, allowing all future competitors a fair and equal opportunity and sufficient time to develop, design and build their new yachts.

Each competitor should be permitted to build the same number of yachts."Achieving these goals would benefit all challengers in delivering fair competition and build on the great successes of the 32nd America’s Cup in Valencia,” Young said.GGYC awaits confirmation of acceptance from SNG to become the Challenger of Record for the 33rd AC.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

33rd America's Cup Venue Negotiations

It is rumored that Ernesto Bertarelli (Alinghi) has recently had a meeting with the prime minister of Italy, Romano Prodi, to possibly discuss the subject of hosting the 33rd America's Cup at an Italian venue. It is well known that the Louis Vuitton Act in Trapani was a huge success and this port would no doubt be on the list of preferred sites along with others, such as, Marseille (France), Lisbon (Portugal) and maybe even a venue in Greece!

I think that ACM would be silly to effectively stop the momentum gained during the 32nd America's Cup by choosing to go to a different location coupled with the new class that apparently everyone wants so bad. A new venue would require at least a four year lead time and make it very difficult for the smaller teams to find sponsorship. In fact, most of the large European business' have board meetings scheduled for the third quarter of this year, and would make sponsorship decisions at this meeting. Surely ACM are aware of this and will make the obvious (to everyone else in the world) announcement soon that the 33rd America's Cup will be held in Valencia. Let's hope in 2009!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Breitling MEDCUP Round 2

The Breitling Regatta being second event in the TP52 circuit will start on Wednesday July 18 in Puerto Portals only 7 kilometres from Palma. 24 boats are entered for the regatta which will no doubt feature a plethora of America´s Cup sailors now free of their duties.

Regatta Breitling site

Breitling Medcup TP52 Circuit

Regatta Breitling Results

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Dexia Farr 40 Skagen 2007

It's nice to see some Aussies getting out and spreading their wings in the European circuit and achieving some good results. Hooligan (Marcus Blackmore) and Kokomo (Lang Walker) have finished second and third in the Dexia Farr 40 regatta held in Denmark. Opus One (Wolfgang Stoltz) won the regatta with multiple world champion Barking Mad (Jim Richardson) finishing fourth. The fleet experienced breezy conditions throughout the regatta and the new masthead spinnakers proved a handful for the owner drivers. Here's the regatta site & results.

The Farr 40 fleet now head to the Marstrand Regatta in Sweden, July 23-28 before heading back to Denmark for the pre-worlds in Copenhagen which start on August 24.

Hooligan wipe out under masthead spinnaker - Day 2

Friday, July 13, 2007

The Games for the 33rd America´s Cup begin!!!

It seems Larry did not appreciate the Spanish signing a blank sheet of paper for the 33rd America´s Cup protocol, effectively handing over all power to Alinghi. Let the games begin... Let´s hope we do not go back in time to 1988 when we saw court case after court case and then an absurd match between a catamaran and monohull!!

[Source: Golden Gate Yacht Club] The Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) of San Francisco today presented a formal challenge for the 33rd America's Cup to the Société Nautique Genève (SNG), defending yacht club of Cup winner Team Alinghi. The challenge was delivered in person on July 11th by representatives of GGYC to an officer of the Swiss club in Geneva. The GGYC challenge follows the SNG's acceptance of what appears to be an invalid challenge that unfairly advantages the defender, Team Alinghi.

After Alinghi won the 32nd America’s Cup on July 3rd, SNG accepted a challenge from the Spanish Club Nautico Espanol de Vela (CNEV). It appears that CNEV is a brand new yacht club specifically created for this challenge and as such fails to meet the requirements for a challenging yacht club as defined by the Deed of Gift. The Deed of Gift, a document written in 1857, defines the rules for the America's Cup to this day. The Deed of Gift requires that the Challenging yacht club conduct an annual regatta on an arm of the sea. CNEV has never conducted a regatta of any kind and thus cannot be a legitimate Cup challenger.

Furthermore, the race Protocol for the 33rd America’s Cup agreed to by the challenging yacht club CNEV and the defending SNG are invalid because they fail to specify the rules for the next competition by omitting a specific regatta date, location and class of boat. The Protocol is also invalid because virtually all Challenger rights are eliminated and total control of the event and its rules are granted to the Defender, Team Alinghi. The Alinghi Protocol for the 33rd Americas Cup alters the very nature of the competition giving unprecedented and unfair advantages to the Defender.

Without the basic elements of regatta venue, date and boat design rules as required by the Deed of Gift, the Alinghi Protocol provides no opportunity for a fair and equitable competition. Only the Defender can begin to plan their campaign and design their yachts while all the other competitors must sit and wait for further information. We have spoken with most of our fellow AC 32 Challengers and we believe that they share our view. We seek to continue to expand and build upon the successes of the 32nd America's Cup which was exciting and rewarding for competitors, sponsors, media and fans by returning to an environment where mutual consent in forming the rules provided a fair and close competition for all.

We will endeavor to work with SNG to mutually agree to appropriate terms for the 33rd America's Cup to keep the event exciting and fair for all. Under SNG's stewardship, the 32nd America's Cup delivered some of the most hotly-contested racing in recent Cup history and brought Cup sailing to more people worldwide than ever before. We hope we can build on this for the future and continue the momentum we started here together in Valencia. The Deed of Gift requires the Defender to accept a valid challenge, and together the Defender and Challenger can mutually agree on the rules for the competition. Failing such agreement, then the original rules in the Deed will dictate the terms, defaulting to a challenge to take place in ten months with a boat defined by the challenger.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Valencia 12 Metre Regatta

Competitor List
1- ZINITA (1927)2- VANITY V (1936)3- TRIVIA (May 1937)4- WINGS (June 1937)5- SOVEREIGN (1963)6- IKRA (1964)7- VALIANT (1970)8- FREEDOM (1979)9- CHALLENGE 12 (1982)10- SOUTH AUSTRALIA (May 1985)11- WRIGHT ON WHITE (Dec 1985)12- HISSAR (Jan 1986)13- KIWI MAGIC (July 1986)