From the Archives: Scuttlebutt 2000

As Scuttlebutt approaches the publication of its 5000th newsletter, here’s a flashback from Scuttlebutt 2000 on January 3, 2006:

• Seven teams began the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race from Cape Town, South Africa to Melbourne, Australia. Skipper Mike Sanderson and Team ABN Amro One would eventually be the overall winner.

• When Spain’s government employees reported to work this week, they were forced to abandon a tradition that has typified Spanish life for decades. Instead of taking the customary two or three hours for lunch, they will be allowed only one.

• “By accepting multiple challengers in 1970, the NYYC signed its ”death sentence’ and finally lost the America’s Cup to Australia 13 years later,” observed Bruno Troublé. “After 1970, the competition among the Challengers slowly became tougher than the one held to select the Defender. The America’s Cup is now, ‘a Defender against the rest of the World’.”

• “Assuming that the sun will rise again tomorrow morning, I have no doubt that another issue of Scuttlebutt will arrive sometime after it sets,” said John Burnham. “Congratulations on your persistence in reaching #2000. I hope you have at least as much fun producing the next 2000.”

We’ve actually had more fun and look forward for more to come. Have a Scuttlebutt memory to share? Send to editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com