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SCUTTLEBUTT 2462 – October 26, 2007Scuttlebutt is a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions, featuresand dock talk . . . with a North American focus. Scuttlebutt is distributed each weekday with the support of its sponsors. READY TO PUSH THE BUTTON A New York Supreme Court judge has heard arguments about whether Alinghi, the Swiss team that holds the America's Cup, must meet America's BMW-Oracle 10 months from now in a race between giant catamarans or trimarans. Tom Ehman, an international sailing rules expert from the Detroit area who works for Oracle and has been involved with the America's Cup for 27 years, said that the Swiss are taking that possibility seriously. "Within hours of the time we issued our challenge, they were on the telephone to the same multihull experts we've been talking to. In fact, for a while there was a kind of bidding war going on," said Ehman, who was one of the people arguing Oracle's case in New York City on Monday. The judge is expected to issue a ruling in two to three weeks. If the Swiss lose (the lawsuit), they can negotiate with the Americans. Ehman said that rather than have two syndicates race giant catamarans, BMW-Oracle would prefer to involve all of the challengers and the defender in selecting a new monohull design for a Cup off Valencia in 2010. "But if they lose and won't negotiate, then we are ready to build the multihull and race next September. We have a design team and a build facility, and we are ready to push the button," Ehman said. He added, "That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing for the America's Cup. I think a lot of people would love to watch giant multihulls" dicing around the turn marks at 30-40 miles per hour." -- Excerpts from a story by Eric Sharp, Detroit Free Press, full story: http://tinyurl.com/3yytzl SAILING IS NUMBER THREE Sailing is said to be the third largest recipient of sports sponsorship expenditure in Europe, according to a recent study from the UK's International Marketing Reports. The company, which analysed the top 2,000 sponsorship deals in Europe, published its findings in a report entitled Driving Business Through Sport 2007. The report found that although sailing receives an estimated €267 million per year ($382.2M), the sport accounts for just 4 per cent of total European sports sponsorship expenditure. "We found that football (soccer) and motorsport took 70 per cent of sponsorship spend, which left just 30 per cent for all other European sports," says Simon Rines, author of the report. "This is because of the enormous popularity of football and the ability of Formula One to deliver a global business platform. "Sailing, however, has clearly followed the business model created by Formula One and has attracted technology companies keen to showcase their wares on a global platform," he adds. "As a result, the telecommunications sector now accounts for 12 per cent of all sailing sponsorship by value. These companies are using sailing to demonstrate their systems through web and mobile services which make following international sailing events much more exciting." -- IBI Magazine, full report: http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20070925162005ibinews.html LATEST MATCH RACE RANKINGS The following rankings are managed by ISAF, and are a reflection of each competitor’s score based on their participation and success in ranked regattas. There are five categories of events (Grade 1-5), of which the greatest emphasis is on performing well at Grade 1 events. An individual’s rank is then used in gaining entry into match racing events. Here are the latest rankings as of October 24, 2007: Open Rankings After five months at #2 behind Ian Williams (GBR), Mathieu Richard (FRA) claims the world #1 spot for the first time, buoyed by his recent victory in Bermuda at the ISAF Grade WC Gold Cup. Williams had held the top spot since May 2007, but lost crucial Ranking points with a disappointing 12th place in Bermuda. Richard has been one of the most consistent performers on the match racing circuit over the past few years, holding a top ten Ranking since October 2002. His win in Bermuda was his first ever on the World Tour and, in addition to giving him the world #1 spot, has thrown him right into contention with Williams at the top of the Tour standings. With just two events remaining, the 31 year old skipper will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Claire Leroy (FRA), who holds both the #1 spot in the World Rankings and the World Championship title. 1. Mathieu Richard (FRA) 2. Ian Williams (GBR) 3. Paolo Cian (ITA) 4. Sébastien Col (FRA) 5. Staffan Lindberg (FIN) 13. Peter Gilmour (AUS) 17. James Spithill (AUS) Women’s Rankings Claire Leroy’s (FRA) run in the world #1 spot continues unabated, although Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen (DEN) has made a considerable dent in her points lead. A dominant victory at the ISAF Grade 1 Ladies Match Cup in Germany helps the Danish skipper reduce the gap to the top spot from 875 points to 257. However Leroy has led the World Rankings for well over two years now and looks unlikely to give up the top spot without a fight. It has been an incredible 12 months for the 27 year old French skipper, whose victories have included the ISAF Women’s Match Racing Worlds, the ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final and the Women’s European title – a string of performances rewarded with a nomination for the 2007 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award. 1. Claire Leroy (FRA) 2. Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen (DEN) 3. Katie Spithill (AUS) 4. Christelle Philippe (FRA ) 5. Sally Barkow (USA) 10. Elizabeth Baylis (USA) 16. Katy Lovell (USA) 17. Sandra Hayes (USA) Complete story at http://tinyurl.com/36yxp6 FALL IS IN THE AIR… And on the air… Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 4th when 60 Minutes will be airing a feature on Tom Perkin’s Maltese Falcon. Whether you sail a superyacht or something a tad smaller, fall is discount season at your local Doyle loft. Call now to lock in the best price of the season. Fall is also the perfect time to bring your sails in for a wash and check over. To take advantage of our fall discount pricing, contact your local DOYLE loft, 800-94-DOYLE, http://www.doylesails.com THE STORY OF LOKI Regarding the R/P 60 LOKI, that lost its rudder last weekend during the Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta, the crew had managed get an anchor to hold and were airlifted off the boat. However, when the anchor finally gave up in the gale force conditions, she ended up on the northern shore of the Sicilian coastline, lying on a sandy beach with some rocks surrounding her. The keel snapped off about three feet down from the top, no doubt after hitting the beach, and a large rock was chewing a massive hole in the transom. A true nightmare and a very sad sight. How did it all happen? Click here for the story from Sail World. FROM THE FORUM - COURTESY TO RACE MANAGERS The story in Issue 2461 regarding a disconnect between the PRO and competitors at a major championship of an international dinghy class was posted in the Scuttlebutt Forum, where it has received some notable comments. Several worthy points have been raised...here are some samples: * From Bunty: “This all sounds so familiar. I spent 15 years on our club committee running or assisting on bridge and being on protest committees etc etc. I have, obviously, been a racer too so feel I can see both sides clearly. Unfortunately the majority of those racing have absolutely no idea what pressure the officials are sometimes under to keep an important event running smoothly. Not just for the competitors but also to keep sponsors happy. There are times when the bridge messes up big time - like with setting courses and start lines badly - but even with that - if the wind is shifting alot it can be so so difficult to lay the perfect course and start line. And as you said...........the wind out at the course was good enough to hold racing but back at shore it was a different story. Whatever it is the bottom line is that the competitors (if they want to act mature and professional) have to go by what the officials say regardless of what they personally may think.” * From Snipe 12912: Makes me remember a lesson learned many years ago. My father was Race Manager, and we had, like all others sailed off the course for lunch. We timed the return poorly, like so many who were behind us heading back out. There was just a handful boats at the line on time, enough wind to run the race, and a father who could not postpone the race to let his kids and others catch up. Tough, but he made the right call. Don’t think we were ever late for a start after that. * From 505er: On the assumption that the event in question is the 505 North American Championship, as a member of the organizing committee and a competitor in the event, I feel compelled to respond. I am sorry that a member of the RC felt that this (the competitors not leaving shore at the harbor start time) was disrespectful of the RC. This was not at all about disrespect; it was more about a group of sailors who very much enjoy sailing and racing, trying to make sure they were going to enjoy their sailing and racing. -- Much more to this post and others: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=5408 BRENNER STAYS ON THROUGH 2012 Phoenix, Ariz. (October 25, 2007) - US Sailing has announced that its Board of Directors has voted to extend the term of its Olympic Sailing Committee Chair Dean Brenner (Wallingford, CT) through 2012. US Sailing President Jim Capron (Annapolis, Md.) made the announcement today at the organization's Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. "In the past three years since Dean Brenner became Chairman, he has led the OSC and the Olympic sailing program to new heights," said US Sailing President Jim Capron. "Under Dean's direction, the revenue base of the program has grown, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Trials earlier this month were a success, and feedback we have received from athletes, sponsors and others indicates that the program is doing well and has strong momentum going into the 2008 Olympic Games." In addition, Capron announced that US Sailing has received a grant to help support some of the cost that the OSC Chair - a volunteer position - incurs throughout the Olympic Quadrennium. The agreement of the grant is for 2008-2012 with the opportunity to extend at the end of the agreement. -- Full report: http://www.ussailing.org/pressreleases/2007/osc_chair.asp * Scuttlebutt publisher Craig Leweck met with Dean Brenner a couple weeks ago in Annapolis, MD, where Brenner indicated his enthusiasm to take on another quad. While he was immensely proud of the accomplishments of his committee and the team thus far, he was keenly aware of the experience he had gained during his chairmanship, and was eager to use that to continue improving the program. SCUTTLEBUTT OFFER - WIN LINE 7 GEAR Line 7 is teaming up with Scuttlebutt and giving away a new Line 7 Offshore jacket and Aquatec 2 pants to a new e-Newsletter subscriber who has signed up between Oct 22 and Nov 15, 2007. If you are not already an e-Newsletter subscriber, or would like to help out your sailing pals, spread the word and join the Scuttlebutt community to earn a chance at winning some new gear from Line 7. Based in New Zealand, Line 7 has been the official clothing supplier for the past twelve years to Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup, and this week they have announced their appointment as the official clothing supplier for the World Match Racing Tour. Complete free subscription details at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/subscribe SAILING SHORTS * NEW DATE: The Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound is sponsoring a demo day now on Sunday, October 28th at Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich, CT to provide an opportunity to view and experience some of the sport boat choices currently available. Available will be the RS K6 (19’, 616lbs), Viper 640 (21’1”, 737lbs), Laser SB3 (20’2”, 1,375lbs) and Ultimate 20 (20’10”, 1,350lbs). Photos and details at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/07/1025a * In the Mini Transat, the 13th competitor to complete the second and final leg was American Clayton Burkhalter, finishing the 4240-mile solo ocean race that goes from France to Brazil. Final results will be based on the combined elapsed time of both legs, with competitors still finishing before final results can be determined. -- http://www.teamacadia.org * Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor assisted the Chicago Marine Police with the rescue of four men in the water along the Calumet breakwater Wednesday at approximately 10 p.m. The four men capsized in their sailboat after it struck the Calumet break wall in heavy seas Wednesday evening. All four were wearing lifevests. Station Calumet Harbor administered CPR to three of the recovered men. One was conscious, while the other three were unresponsive. While in the hospital, one of the men survived and three of the 20 to 30 year old men died. -- BYM News, full story: http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=17130 * As of November 6, 2007, British Airways will no longer carry certain items of sporting equipment – including windsurfers. They state, on their website, that due to the large size and handling complexities, some sporting equipment cannot be accommodated through the airport baggage system or within the aircraft hold. These items include Hang gliders, Windsurfing boards and sails, Surfboards, Kayaks or canoes, Pole vaults, and Javelins. Passengers wishing to transport these items are being advised to contact their local freight company to arrange carriage for any items that exceed the permitted weight and size. -- Sail World, full report: http://www.sail-world.com/uk/index.cfm?nid=38586&rid=3 * (October 25, 2007) Record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari made a special trip to London today to receive her MBE from Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Caffari is taking a break from her preparations for her forthcoming transatlantic race to attend the ceremony. Caffari was named in the Queen's Birthday Honour’s list earlier this year in recognition of her services to sailing after her record-breaking round the world voyage last year. In May 2006, after 178 days at sea, Caffari became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world, against the prevailing winds and currents. * The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club has unveiled plans for a new major trophy for the 2008 Newport Bermuda Race. The North Rock Trophy is a scale replica of the original North Rock Light Tower that once warned mariners by marking the rocky approach to Bermuda from the North. It will be awarded to the first IRC boat on corrected time in the St. David's Lighthouse and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Divisions. The Newport Bermuda Race starts June 20, 2008 and is jointly organized by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and the Cruising Club of America. The 2006 centennial fleet had a record 264 starters. -- Complete details: http://www.us-irc.org/newsfull.cfm?ID=55 * Gary Jobson (USA), world-renowned sailor, author, and commentator, will host the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards in Estoril, Portugal on November 6, 2007. The ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards is dedicated to the outstanding achievements over the past year of the four female and five male nominees who will all be hoping to take home the sailing world's most prestigious annual award of recognition. A list of the nominees is at http://www.sailing.org/20475.php * With just one week left to submit an application for entry to compete in Australia’s best known offshore yacht race, a fleet of 66 has so far been nominated for the 63rd Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The list includes four 30 metre maxis vying for line honours, along with an international fleet that has already exceeded last year’s total with eight yachts so far representing the UK, USA, New Zealand and Mexico. Applications for entry close at 5pm on Friday, November 2, 2007 for the race start on Boxing Day, December 26, 2007. -- http://rolexsydneyhobart.com/default.asp CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS (Sponsored by West Marine) Here are a few of the events that are coming up: Oct 25-27 - Harvest Moon Regatta - Galveston, TX, USA Oct 26-28 - J/109 North Americans - Long Beach, CA, USA Oct 26-28 - U.S. Offshore Championship - Annapolis, MD, USA Oct 27-28 - Manhasset Bay Fall Series - Port Washington, NY, USA Oct 27-29 - Clearwater Challenge - Clearwater Beach, FL, USA View all the events at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/calendar PHOTOS OF THE WEEK Some of the random photos from the sport received this week at Scuttlebutt include images at the finish of the Mini Transat race, the launching of the round the world one-design racer Veolia Oceans, shots from the Albacore Internationals, Geoff Ewenson talking to the animals. “pornography” from Daniel Forster, and a sweet start line shot from the U.S. Championship of Champions. If you have images you would like to share, send them to the Scuttlebutt editor. Here are this week’s photos: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/07/1026 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 Steve Bodner: (regarding the Hall vs Rios case in Issue 2461; edited to the 250-word limit) As a 10 year veteran of the Olympic windsurfing class, I was amazed at the decision to give Rios redress due to her ripped sail, as a similar case happened at the RS:X Worlds last year and the jury denied redress to the competitor with a ripped sail! The impact of an 8-inch hole can be analytically calculated easily by reducing the size of the sail by the damaged area. . Once the new total area is computed, that can be compared to the original area to compute the degradation in performance due to the hole. It is important to point out that the RS:X sail is composed of 8 separate panels divided by 7 rigid full length battens. A small hole in one panel would have virtually NO effect on the other 7 panels. Another important point is the fact that Rios planned away from the incident, which also proves it was probably not significant. As most windsurfers know that once planning, a smaller sail is more efficient. This is where having a knowledgeable, windsurfing jury may have helped, as they would have known that the impact of a sail tear on an RS:X windsurfer is significantly less than on a soft sail boat. Yes, Hall did make a bad decision by not making herself available and knowledgeable of the redress earlier and not applying for redress herself but the fact still remains - the jury at the trials went against a precedent made at the Worlds by an experienced windsurfing jury. * From Bill Seifert: Since CNEV's "annual regatta" is in Optimists, why not make Optis the class for the next AC races? Think about the reduced cost for rock star crew. With smaller costs for a campaign, almost any country could challenge, opening up the event to the world. The requirement for a club to be on an arm of the ocean has already been altered. Imagine Liechtenstein as the America's cup winner. AC technology has not yet trickled down to small one designs, despite IACC mainsails looking more and more like an Optimist sail. An all carbon fiber Optimist could be carried by a six year old. Of course, the boat would have to be tied down on land to prevent it being blown away in 8 knots of wind. => Curmudgeon’s Comment: Not sure that sailing singlehanded boats is what the America’s Cup is all about, but then again, there is no shortage of confusion surrounding the event. From Issue 2461, it was pointed out that in the court hearing last Monday, Alinghi lead counsel stated that the two previously reported Spanish “annual” events were not in fact the official regatta (one of them being an Opti clinic), but rather it would be something else scheduled for November. * From Michael H. Koster: (regarding letter in Issue 2461) I would like to nominate Tom Whitmore for a Nobel Prize in Economics. He got an existing Nobel Prize winner to buy his company's sails and then use the transaction to promote the product, all at the customer's expense. Congratulations Tom! CURMUDGEON’S OBSERVATION You know you're a redneck when you think fast food is hitting a deer at 65 mph. Special thanks to Doyle Sailmakers and West Marine. |
