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Scuttlebutt Updates
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Archived NewslettersSCUTTLEBUTT 2290 – February 28, 2007Scuttlebutt is a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions,features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus. Scuttlebutt is distributed each weekday, with support provided by UBS, main partner of Alinghi, Defender of the 32nd America's Cup (http://www.ubs.com/sailing). LIGHTNING CLASS REACHES OUT The International Lightning Class Association recently announced a new boat grant program, where two young teams will be awarded a competitive boat, substantial regatta subsidies for a season of racing, as well as mentoring and coaching. The purpose of the program is to help draw in new, younger sailors that might not otherwise be able to cover these initial costs. The grant program is the brainchild of 2003 Lightning North American Champion Allan Terhune and 2005 Runner-Up Bill Fastiggi, and it is these two who have kindly responded to a few questions posed by Scuttlebutt: * What do you see as the hindrance now for entry into the class? Has this changed over the past ten years? We think there are two big issues. First and foremost – cost. Let’s face it, sailing your own boat can be expensive. The Lightning offers some unique advantages though; the boats are durable and retain good resale value, you only need three people so logistics are easier than bigger boats, and the class is just so active. There are boats all around the world. Second – because the Lightning is an older design, many people have the perception that it’s an “old man’s” boat. Young people remember their parents talking about learning how to sail in a Lightning and they think of classic wooden boats. New Lightnings look quite different with lots of controls, and boats are pretty technical. People are surprised to find that the Lightning is one of the most active classes around and the racing is very competitive and tactical. The North American Champs is typically a 75 to 100 boat regatta, and the Southern Circuit is probably the most fun you can legally have on a sailboat! -- Read on: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/07/0227 IT’S ABOUT SPEED, BABY The following excerpt comes from the 32nd America’s Cup event site, where the discussion covers the role of the helmsman, and how at the top level of the sport, helming the boat is about one thing - speed. Tacticians and strategists decide where to put the boat on the racecourse. A navigator takes care of most of the time and distance judgments. The helmsman simply steers the boat so that it’s fast. Of course, this is easier said than done. Flavio Favini, helmsman on Mascalzone Latino – Capitalia Team, has been sailing for over 30 years and has become one of the most successful sailors in Italy. He has won eight World championships and this is his second America’s Cup with Vincenzo Onorato’s Mascalzone Latino team. “The main responsibility of my job on this team is the speed of the boat,” Favini says. “I’m not driving at the starts – we have better helmsman for that in Jes Gram-Hansen and Cameron Dunn. Me, I’m not a specialist at match racing. I drive the boat after the start and make sure it goes as fast as possible.” At this level of sailing there is a tension between people who sail by computers and instruments and those who sail by feel and instinct. The designers have calculated theoretical numbers that the boat should achieve in all types of conditions – targets. The helmsman has to hit or better the targets. “I just try to use my skill and experience to make the boat go as fast as I can. I try to use my ‘feel’ and also use the instruments, but mostly it’s by feel and that only comes from experience. I try to sail the boat like I’m sailing a big dinghy, but then I’ll use the instruments to make sure I’m not crazy.” -- Full story: http://tinyurl.com/2umq8g FUTURE OF THE SPORT Future Olympic sailing medalists and Americas' Cup skippers gathered at Miami Yacht Club, "Home of the Sailing Champions" and the No Excuses Sailing Team during the week of Feb 17-25 for a combination camp/ clinic/ pajama party/ regatta. Head coach Leandro Spina and ITC coaches Bocha Pollitzer (ARG), Ramon Aixemeno (ESP) and Fernando Alegre (PER) had a busy week coaching forty talented sailors from 10 countries who came to Miami for training and racing. In attendance from the 2006 World Championship were winner Julian Autenrieth (GER), 4th place Stephie Zimmerman (PER), 7th place Jonathan Martinetti (ECU), and 8th place Benjamin Grez (CHI). Also the 2006 North American Champions Ivan Aponte (PUR) and Ariana Villena (ECU), plus National Champions Sacha Pellison (FRA) and Raul Rios (PUR). The daily schedule saw them rise before 7 a.m. each day, spend an hour on physical fitness before breakfast, attend classroom lectures, rig up their boats and spend five hours sailing on bouncy ocean waves - not the placid waters of Biscayne Bay. After sailing, they watch videos, critique their performance, eat dinner and hit the sack by 10 p.m. Reigning World Champion Julian Autenrieth, 15, who won the camp’s three-day regatta, traveled here from Germany during his school's spring break for the fellowship and warm weather. "The coaches are very good," Julian said. "The other sailors are top sailors also - very high level." Julian, who has been sailing Optis for five years, aspires to go to the Olympic Games in 2016 in the 470 Class. After that, he would like to sail the America's Cup. -- Full report: http://tinyurl.com/39kn4d Curmudgeon’s Comment: Is anyone else amazed by the level of the Optimist sailors participating in this camp, and the comprehensive instruction being provided? Be sure to catch Kenny Read’s note in the Letters to the Curmudgeon section below. DOYLE SAILS IS ON THE MOVE! Actually, we’re already there. Doyle Sailmakers Inc. has moved to a new state-of-the-art 31,000 square foot loft that’s designed to manufacture, repair, and wash superyacht sails – as well as, of course, continue to make great racing and cruising sails for all sizes of boats. You’ll find us at: Doyle Sailmakers, Inc., 96 Swampscott Road, Salem, MA 01970. Tel: 978-740-5950; Fax: 978-740-5959. And you can find the Doyle Sailmakers loft nearest you at http://www.doylesails.com OLD RECORD FALLS HARD (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) As the tall, slim apparition of Magnitude 80 emerged from the gloom of Banderas Bay Tuesday morning, it became clear that the dawn of a new era couldn't wait for sunrise. Moments later, Doug Baker's sleek white maxi-sled crossed the beachfront finish line of Del Rey Yacht Club's 19th International Yacht Race to Puerto Vallarta, presented by Corum, after sailing the 1,125 nautical miles from Marina del Rey, CA in the record time of 3 days 15 hours 51 minutes 39 seconds. Average speed: 12.8 knots, computed to the shortest possible course. With Lorenzo Berho's Raincloud far back, Mag 80 will collect a sweep of honors for first to finish, first in class, first overall on corrected handicap time, plus the record. How is it that after 22 years, the record of 4:23:00:14 fell with such a crash, by more than 31 hours? Mag 80 is a much faster boat than Dick and Camille Daniels' MacGregor 65, Joss, of 1985, as have been many others over two decades since. But those others didn't catch this year's weather conditions, similar to what Joss enjoyed: off the wind and strong and steady almost all the way. "The conditions were great, no doubt about it," Baker said. "Couldn't have asked for anything better, from start to finish. I've been doing this since '81, and I've never had a better year for conditions." -- http://www.pv07.com MIAMI SPICE The stakes will be high when the 2007 Acura Miami Grand Prix starts on March 8. For many of the programs, it signals a resumption of their Key West battles. In addition to renewed rivalries and Miami class championships, the Acura Grand Prix Awards will double the race course drama. The Farr 40 class will also have their National Championship at stake. The Acura Grand Prix Awards will be presented to the boats with the lowest combined cumulative points for Acura Key West and the Acura Miami Grand Prix. Given the stature of both events and the competitiveness of these four grand prix groups, the Farr 40, Mumm 30, Melges 32 and IRC winners will be special champions. The 10-race series is scheduled on March 8–11, with the course located just south of Miami’s Government Cut. TV and Internet Productions will bring the Miami racing excitement into homes and offices around the world. Acura is sponsoring a special internet production which will be available nightly after racing (viewed on JobsonSailing.com). Additionally, a special Jobson Sailing production on the 2007 Acura Miami Grand Prix will air on ESPN 2, Saturday, March 31 at 12:30 PM ET. The Acura Key West 2007 special airs on Sunday, March 11 at 1:30 PM ET. -- Full report: http://www.premiere-racing.com/miami07/pages/miami_2007_news.htm SAILING SHORTS * (Feb 27, 2007) US Sailing and Ribcraft, a leading manufacturer of professional grade rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), announced a new partnership today naming Ribcraft an Official Sponsor of US Sailing and the US Sailing Team, and Official Coach Boat of US Sailing. The three-year agreement runs through 2009 and includes the creation of a US Sailing Ribcraft RIB available to US Sailing members and member sailing organizations. -- Full report: http://www.ussailing.org/pressreleases/2007/ribcraft.htm * The 2007 US Women’s Snipe Nationals held Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25, was hosted jointly by Coronado Yacht Club and San Diego Yacht Club. Fifteen teams competed in the breezy but flat waters of south San Diego Bay, with Samantha Treadwell (defending 2006 Women’s Snipe Champion crew) and crew Julie Mitchell winning the event. Just three points back was the second place team of Aimee Graham/ Jerelyn Biehl, tied on points with the third place Barb Tillson/ Michelle Fenell, but breaking the tie by virtue of having more first place finishes. -- Full results: http://tinyurl.com/2oe8ss - Photos: http://tinyurl.com/2ugsm6 * (Feb 27, 2007) The National Sailing Hall of Fame today announced that the City of Annapolis has committed $260,000 to support the new addition to the Annapolis waterfront The National Sailing Hall of Fame & Museum is a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history of the sport of sailing. The NSHOF is being located on the Department of Natural Resources property at Annapolis City Dock and will provide a significant new tourist attraction for the City of Annapolis and State of Maryland. The property will remain State property. -- http://www.nshof.org * St Petersburg, FL - Greg Fisher with crew JoAnn Fisher and Jeff Eiber of Annapolis, MD got out of the blocks fast with a 1-2 at the Thistle Midwinters East, where the 69-boat fleet is hosted by St Petersburg YC. Racing continues through March 2nd. -- Results: http://tinyurl.com/2jdagc * Now airing on T2P.tv, Marisa Gustafson gives us a sideways look at the CR914 National Championship 2006 held at San Diego Yacht Club. -- http://www.t2p.tv/guide/cr914n06.php MELGES 32 WINTER SERIES The Melges 32 Winter Series wraps up with Miami Race Week. Once again this hot class will feature nearly 20 boats racing. The Melges 32 Winter Series Champion will be crowned at the final awards ceremony. Then the fleet works its way to Charleston Race Week. Shortly after that, the focus will be on the Annapolis NOOD where the Melges 32 East Coast Championship will be held. Due to popular demand, rumor has it there will be over 20 Melges 32's racing in that championship! You can still get boats - call or email today! (262) 275-1110, mailto:andy@melges.com - http://www.melges32.com LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name, and may be edited for clarity or simplicity (letters shall be no longer than 250 words). You only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot, don't whine if others disagree, and save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. As an alternative, a more open environment for discussion is available on the Scuttlebutt Forum. -- Scuttlebutt Letters: editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com -- Scuttlebutt Forum: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/forum * From Chip Johns, President, Vanguard Sailboats: In Issue 2289, Hank Lammens put it all down in one simple quote, "It is all about having fun.” Yes, winning is fun, but the most important thing in sailing or any other sport is to enjoy it. If one enjoys it, the "wins" will come one way or another. Hank is the perfect example of this. He is intensely competitive, but he always has a huge grin, before, during, and after a race. Thanks, Hank for making this point so clearly! * From Ken Read, Vice President, North Sails: (referring in part to items included in Issues 2288 and 2289) Besides proving that the fine art of exaggeration is in fact hereditary, I think my brother Brad and I have moved off perhaps the most important lesson we have learned, and one that I have continually tried to convey to youth sailing groups and associations. After each such meeting, I finish with what I believe to be the most important thing that I can relate, which is directed as much to the parents as it is to the kids. The point I try to make is that sailing is a means to an end, and should never be treated as a 365-day sport. Sailing should be treated as a way to get kids to think about teamwork, organization, ownership of an expensive toy, and respect. Sailing and hockey were the perfect mix for Brad and myself and our family. I believe if we had sailed year-round, we would have burned out and wouldn't be sailing today. We were not over-coached. We were allowed to make mistakes, and we had a blast with both sports, which have in fact turned into life long learning experiences… for all the right reasons. * From John Gross: I applaud Ken and Brad Read. Playing hockey and sailing too. For many years I played Rugby on Saturday. Then sailed as a crew on Sunday. Then back to work on Monday as a carpenter. I enjoy both sports being physical, tactical, and to be fit. To have that extra energy to bring it up a notch, to win at what you love to do. * From Daniel Brugman: On the subject of hockey players and sailors, Ben Smith must also be mentioned. Ben was the US Women’s Olympic ice hockey coach for the 1998, 2002, and 2006 Games (medalling at each games), and is also an Etchells sailor. While I was able to enjoy four years of playing hockey for him (at Yale), I only lasted one weekend in the boat, but I am still waiting for the callback. I also heard that he introduced Jack Parker, BU's hockey coach, to Lasers. * From Glen Dickson: (Re: Various letters criticizing John Manderson's comments on kinetics) I know John Manderson personally, and find it somewhat amusing that he has triggered so much vitriol for a) writing a reasonable letter that pointed out something most dinghy sailors know intuitively; and b) trying indirectly to defend a very talented teenager that spent a week getting thrown under the Scuttle-bus. I don't know Paige Railey personally. But I'm sure there were judges at some of the major world championships she has won, and I doubt she would have been so consistently successful (i.e. Rolex World Sailor of the Year) if she were blatantly cheating all the time. Sounds like she had some recent bad luck, or maybe was trying too hard. Anyone who has recently sailed a Laser at a major event will tell you that there is a very fine line between legal and illegal kinetics, particularly downwind; the top sailors are not going fast by sitting still on the runs. As for John, he is not a blatant rule-breaker, either. He finished top 15 at a Snipe Worlds and now is trying to improve his skills in the Star, not a class that people generally regard as a bunch of cheaters (though those big crews do move around a bit, too). I spent last Sunday afternoon on a very chilly Toms River in N.J. sailing Techs with him. He was out iceboating on the same piece of water the Sunday before. Seems our sport could use more of "his sort," not less. * From Alistair Skinner, Club Admiral, Shanghai Boat & Yacht Club: A couple of letters regarding habitual Rule 42 breaking I feel need answering. Rule 42 is quite clear; the boat will be propelled only by the force of the wind on the sails and the waves on the hull. ISAF have published clear interpretations of the rule after a conference dedicated to the problem. Now call it what you will, but Paige Railey breaking a rule so frequently as to receive 2 event DSQ’s (observed by two judges, 3x/event, equals being CAUGHT 6 times) either shows a total lack of awareness of the rules or something akin to cheating. There is no gray area. Cheating is cheating, whether meant or by accident. Cheats deserve to be kicked out and people doing it by accident need further coaching, not excuses made for them. And as far as the comment made about some boats being designed so kinetics suit them is utterly ridiculous. Is it okay for a Ferrari to break the speed limit because the car is intended to go fast? Wake up people - we who sail by the rules, ALL the rules, should not be expected to be placed further down a fleet because someone else places victory higher than honour. It’s only because of the ‘kineticists’ that we even need on-the-water umpires in the first place. It isn't allowed by the rules, so they shouldn't do it, and I am saddened by the thought that anyone should make a noise when someone is caught habitually breaking the rules. Curmudgeon’s Comment: With regard to Paige Railey and her recent bout of rules infractions, we shall consider this topic closed in the newsletter. MATCHRACE.COM FOR SALE A lovely domain name for a team, yacht club, sailing center, America's Cup syndicate, etc. Serious inquiries only. Contact editor@scuttlebutteurope.com or dmccreary on Skype. CURMUDGEON’S CONUNDRUM How can the weather be hot as hell one day and cold as hell another? Special thanks to Doyle Sails and Melges Performance Sailboats. Scuttlebutt is also supported by UBS, main partner of Alinghi, the Defender of the 32nd America's Cup. |
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