SCUTTLEBUTT No. 869 - August 1 2001
Scuttlebutt is a digest of yacht racing news of major significance; commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American emphasis. Corrections, contributions, press releases, constructive criticism and contrasting viewpoints are always welcome, but save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere.
AMERICA'S CUP
Construction on the syndicate bases (in Auckland) is proceeding rapidly, vastly changing the appearance of syndicate row. The buildings on the Swiss base ("dream box") extend the entire width of the site, from hard on the boundary with TNZ to the OWC base at the other end, leaving only a narrow entranceway from Halsey Street to the base forecourt. The buildings include two tall IACC boat sheds and remain at this height for the full width of the double site (the former Nippon and Le Defi bases). The size and intensity of construction dominates syndicate row. When completed the Swiss base will be partly open to the public and press. The official opening is scheduled for December.
Construction of the GBR buildings is almost complete. The base is located on the city side of TNZ, with a super yacht bay and car park separating the two bases. The buildings comprise a single IACC boat shed (about the same dimensions as the old America True shed) and a separate adjacent one storey sail loft.
Next door to the GBR base, the steel framework Victory Challenge building has been erected. At this stage, it appears to comprise a single IACC boat shed with the roof sloping down to incorporate a sail loft.
Oracle has also gone into construction mode. A second IACC boat shed is being built alongside the first and is of similar dimensions. The former Amex yacht club is moored in the water at the front of the base on the boundary with Prada. I understand it is intended to serve as an administration centre.
Prada have also been busy, adding a third "tent-like" building adjacent to the existing two, extending further along the wharf towards the sea entrance to the Basin. A massive free-standing flag pole now occupies the centre forecourt of the compound near the waters edge. - Hauraki News, www.chez.com/hauraki/LatestNews/AmericasCup-LN.htm
WHICH BOAT IS FASTER?
(Nautor Challenge's Grant Dalton will be soon be selecting which of the two new V.O. 60 he will sail during the Volvo Ocean Race. He discussed this in a recent story on the madforsailing website. Here's an excerpt from that story.)
The decision over which boat to take will prove a hard one for Dalton. "We will take a technical decision not an emotional one like we did last time," commented Dalton adding that a mistake they made with the Merit Cup campaign four years ago was testing two boats only in the Mediterranean. As a result of this they'd chosen the narrower boat - Farr had also recommended this - and it proved to be slower, compared to the beamier high stability boats. It may prove that the more powerful, fuller hull shape of the Frers boat is great reaching and upwind and while the Farr boat is better all round in lighter conditions. In this case Dalton says it will be a case of returning to the weather models to see which boat will be the more successful. - From a story by James Boyd on the madforsailing website. www.madforsailing.com
GORI
What do Pyewacket, Sayonara, EF Language, Kingfisher, Club Med and Playstation have in common? While there are probably a few correct answers, the one we were thinking of is that they all have Gori Propellers. Gori has a new US distributor, and you can order them online from pyacht.com. pyacht.com
LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON
leweck@earthlink.net
(Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name and may be edited for clarity or space - 250 words max. This is not a chat room or a bulletin board - you only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot and don't whine if others disagree.)
* From: Charlie Ross: I'd like to commend Cam Lewis for describing the situation clearly and not "Dumping" on or criticizing the Race Committee. A perfect example for others that write into Butt. The point was made in the description without any whining or negative spin. I would also like to thank the Curmudgeon for three things: Selecting more positive letters with good stories, Emphasizing Rule 90 (Please don't kill that thread), and, inventing such a great forum for sailors.
As for Rule 90, here are some things we have learned that add fun at every event we go to. Have a good portion of women on the crew (We call them nieces), invent a drink and share it generously after racing with new and old friends, Have a good Stereo. Take 30 or so of your new friends out for a midnight sail on Saturday night of the regatta (Have someone sober drive the boat and let everyone else let loose.) Write a regatta report that emphasizes the fun things and funny things. Instead of criticizing others, make fun of them, forgive them, hug them, and make them a drink.
* Hal Smith: Breaches of safety considerations on the race course are never the intent of a good RC. I am an instructor for the Basic Race Officer certification program, and the first thing I teach from the prepared US Sailing materials is that each race must be Fair, Safe and Fun. This is one of the very good things provided by US Sailing.
It is unfortunate that I occasionally find members of clubs or regional associations who have been doing race committee for so many years that they think this new certification program is useless. Certainly many of these long-time PRO's have valuable experience which could be shared with others, but they may also be ignoring certain primary disciplines which can be good for any endeavor. The US Sailing certification courses help refresh those disciplines.
I cannot comment on the merits of the situations described in the 'Butt, because there is insufficient information. I do encourage everyone involved with race management to complete the appropriate US Sailing RM course and then teach others if you would be so generous with your time. We all want the best and safest possible racing.
* From John Sweeney: For those interested in seeing what the America's Cup would look like on San Francisco Bay, wait no longer. This Friday night, two IACC yachts will square off for the first match race of its kind on the Bay. IL Moro Di Venenzia 1 and New Zealand Challenge 14 will sail against each other on a short course near the Marin shoreline. Start time will be around 6:30pm off of the Corinthian Yacht Club.
While we may have to wait a few years for Oracle to bring the Cup to the Bay, we are working on setting up a class organization for a discreet group of IACC owners. The goal is to have a class of IACC yachts permanently racing on the Bay. So far there are three IACC yachts that will be based in Sausalito with room for many more. If you own an IACC yacht and are looking for a great place to keep your yacht year round, contact john@sailingbillboards.com.
* Bill Elmer: The discussion on Cam Lewis losing his board and the SC 50 dragging in the bottom might also include enforcing a restricted zone in the start area. The presence of boats in the 50 plus foot range starting when smaller slower boats in the remaining classes are milling too close to and at times almost on the start line has been a real concern of mine for years as it has the potential for damage and personal injury. It would have been quite terrifying to be in a J-24 who was in the way of Team Adventure crossing at 20k! So I would encourage committees who have an established starting area in the RI's to enforce the area. While the RI's may include language on possible disqualification, RC's seem reluctant to impose such a harsh penalty when there is a no harm no foul situation. So instead I suggest better enforcement, notification and maybe the use of a fixed time penalty versus disqualification for boats clearly infringing the start area. Safety first, then Rule 90, have fun.
AMERICA'S CUP JUBILEE
Where would a celebration of 150 years of the America's Cup be without the auld mug being present and presiding over the week long celebration? Well of course it must be there but getting the 24inch high silver ewer, crafted by Garrards in 1848, from its current home in New Zealand to its first home in Cowes is not something that is taken on lightly. When it travels, it travels first class by air escorted by the man who is currently ultimately responsible for it - the Commodore of the holding Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Commodore Peter Taylor. He is also supported by a security team.
The arrival in Cowes will not be in an armoured car however as after the security has been taken care of there is also a significant amount of protocol to be dealt with. At dawn on Saturday 18th August, approximately 05:30, the Cup will land in Cowes just in front of the Jubilee Village surrounded by a vanguard of Maori warriors brandishing flares to light the passage ashore.
A challenge, known in Maori as a "Wero", will be made to the Commodores of the Royal Yacht Squadron and the New York Yacht Club, the Cup's hosts for the week. This involves the transfer of a small symbolic dart called a "Taki". The way in which it is given and accepted relates to whether the Maori group and the people challenged have war-like or peaceful intentions. - www.americascupjubilee.com
QUOTE / UNQUOTE
"Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with." - Mark Twain
MATCH RACING
Seven America's Cup syndicates have confirmed they will be taking part in the United Airlines RYA Match Racing Open Championship. The regatta, Britain's new and only grade one match racing event, is to be held during 16 - 20 September at the Portland and Weymouth Sailing Academy. The entries include: Ian Walker, GBR Challenge, UK; Andy Green, GBR Challenge, UK; Chris Main, GBR Challenge, UK; Ben Ainslie, One World, USA; John Cutler, Oracle, USA; Gavin Brady, Prada, Italy; Paolo Cian, Onorato Challenge, Italy; Morten Henriksen, Illbruck Challenge, Germany; Sebastian Destremeau, Le Defi, France.
CONSOLIDATING
(Dean Brenner has written an interesting piece for the SailNet website about "How to Consolidate Gains on the Racecourse." Here's an excerpt from his 'basic rules of thumb' for consolidating the gains you've made after rounding the final leeward mark.)
Cross when you can. You'll need to keep in mind when to let strategy determine your moves and when to let tactics dictate. If you're going upwind with boats on the same tack on your windward hip and you really want to cross them, pick the right time to do so. Ideally, you should tack when you are in pressure and the boat is slightly headed, and it helps if the other boats are pointing a little bow down at you. Remember, you are never technically ahead of a boat until you cross it.
Protect the starboard-tack advantage. The further you go up the last leg, the more you should be aware of preserving the starboard- tack advantage in the last crossing situation.
If the wind is oscillating, treat the last shift like it is persistent, since it is likely to be your last shift of the race.
Avoid the laylines. On the final beat, this has more meaning than it does at any previous weather mark, since there are two marks making up the finish line, and therefore, four laylines. Ideally, try to stay inside the two "inside" laylines (the port-tack layline to the right end of the line and the starboard-tack layline to left end) as long as possible. This maximizes your options as you move up the racecourse. - Dean Brenner, SailNet website.
Full story: www.sailnet.com
UBIQUITOUS
People from every corner of the US are realizing the benefits of owning a Protector Cabin RIB. Not only do they make great tenders for race boats but they are also being used for commuting, spectating, fishing, picnic boating, sea kayaking, camping and more. Last week many had chance to see these boats first hand. Stay dry, stay safe, stay warm! Drive a Protector today. Call toll free 877.664.BOAT(2628) or check us out at www.protectorusa.com
CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS
* August 4: Laser Gorge Blow Out, 20 mile downwind run from Cascade Locks, OR to Hood River. www.gorgesailing.org
* August 7-9: Junior Womens Singlehanded Sailing Championship (Leiter Cup), Richmond YC www.RichmondYC.org
* August 24-27: The International Festival of the Sea at the Naval Base, Portsmouth (UK) will be the biggest maritime event in the world this year. With around 1000 ships from coracles to carriers, it is expected that more than a quarter of a million people will attend. www.festivalofthesea.co.uk
* July 13, 2002: Bacardi Bayview Mackinac Island Race, Bayview YC. www.byc.com
EDS ATLANTIC CHALLENGE
If you have ever wondered how important .0026% is, ask Mike Golding, skipper of Ecover. After 3,300 miles of tough racing, Golding and his team were that close to a second place finish in Leg 3 of the EDS Atlantic Challenge. After trailing Sill Plein Fruit (Gael Le Cleac'h) for most of the leg, Ecover finally charged past in the early hours of Monday morning only to be overtaken again near the finish line. As both boats gybed downwind looking for an edge, it was Le Cleac'h and his team that prevailed in the end.
Sill Plein Fruit's official finish time was 04:58:10 GMT, and Ecover's was 05:07:36 GMT. Just minutes separated them, but in a system where placing counts more than time, Sill's victory counts a lot. The EDS Atlantic Challenge is scored on a point system rather than elapsed time. Ellen MacArthur's Kingfisher finished first.
Leg 4 starts on August 6, 2001 and sails to Boston. The final leg returns to St. Malo, France where the first yachts are expected to finish the race between August 23 and August 26. - Meaghan Van Liew, www.edsatlanticchallenge.com
TRAFFIC JAM
Daniel Forster has a terrific photo on his website showing the boats being loaded on the submersible cargo ship for shipment to the America's Cup Jubilee in Cowes: www.yachtphoto.com/currentevents01.html
THE CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATIONS
At the feast of ego, everyone leaves hungry.
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