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SCUTTLEBUTT 3006 - Wednesday, January 13, 2010Scuttlebutt is published each weekday with the support of its sponsors,providing a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus. Scuttlebutt on Twitter: http://twitter.com/scuttbutt Scuttlebutt on Facebook: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/facebook Today’s sponsors: North Sails and Team One Newport. LESSONS FROM A 4,200-MILE RACE IN A 21-FOOT BOAT By Marty McOmber, Three Sheets Northwest What does it take to race across an ocean alone in a small boat against some of the best sailors in the world? It’s a question that Seattle sailor and rigger Chris Tutmark can now answer. In October, he and fellow Pacific Northwest racer Craig Horsfield completed one of the most demanding sailing races in the world - the 4,200-mile Transat 6.50. And in doing so, Tutmark joined a very small club of U.S. sailors who have successfully completed the race, commonly called the Mini Transat. This single-handed race in 21-foot boats has been a proving ground for many of the world’s elite open ocean racers. Because organizers limit the number of non-European boats in the race, only a handful of U.S. sailors have participated. So it is especially remarkable that the Northwest produced two campaigns for this year’s race. Here’s what Tutmark had to say about his experience: “I am sitting here in my office in Seattle and it really has not fully sunk in that I have just done what less than 20 Americans have done. And I was able to do it in about six months. In those six months I took delivery of a brand new boat, sorted out all the inevitable teething issues, logged over 1,000 miles racing, did a 1,000-mile non-stop solo voyage, sailed another few hundred miles doing deliveries and then raced this same 21-foot boat across the Atlantic. “Add in there that I was doing this in a country where I had never been prior to April and only rudimentarily spoke the language. Seeing the words on paper, it does seem a little more daunting, but having lived this I guess my perspective is a little skewed. “Along the way, I was able to learn a lot, mostly about myself. The biggest lesson I think I learned was that my personal limits are much higher than I thought and not to let doubters stand in the way of a goal. Previously I have done long ocean races and also done an Ironman distance triathlon (Ironman Canada 2005) and this experience was one that required so much more effort than any of these past endeavors that they seem relatively benign in comparison.” Read on for some of the other things that Tutmark learned: http://www.threesheetsnw.com/blog/archives/7082 CHANCES OF RACING IN FEBRUARY Those who visited Valencia for the 32nd America’s Cup, from the Louis Vuitton Trophy starting in the late spring through to the Cup itself at the height of the summer, might be thinking ‘Mediterranean = shorts, T-shirts, sunglasses’, but this is unlikely to be the case come this February during the 33rd Match, for the shorts and T-shirts at least. Looking back at the weather for the week around February 8 in past years: 2009: 0-18degC, mean wind speed 8.6 knots, max 26 knots (gust 33 knots) 2008: 2-20degC, mean wind speed 3.7 knots, max 17 knots (gust 20 knots) 2007: 5-20degC, mean wind speed 5.9 knots, max 27 knots (gust 39 knots) 2006: 0-18degC, mean wind speed 3.2 knots, max 8.6 knots 2005: 1-21degC, mean wind speed 3.2 knots, max 14.6 knots (gust 24 knots) According to Roger ‘Clouds’ Badham, meteorologist with Emirates Team New Zealand, during February typically around five fronts will pass across Valencia over the course of the month. “They will close the place down for at least a day and a half to two and a half days depending upon the nature of the front and its severity.” -- The Daily Sail, complete story: http://tinyurl.com/yb6hw8r * BMW Oracle Racing team meteorologist Chris Bedford had provided for Scuttlebutt in May 2009 with a detailed report of the expected weather conditions for February in Valencia, Spain. Here is the link to his report: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/09/0518b/ * If you are unfamiliar with Celsius temperature measurement, the ‘Suppliers & Resources’ section of the Scuttlebutt website includes a metric convertor, along with a lot of other tools: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ssc/suppliers/ ONE YEAR FREE SAIL CARE & REPAIR WITH YOUR NEW NORTH SAIL North Sails is offering FREE sail care & repair WORLDWIDE on all new North sails purchased starting January 1, 2010.* This bold new program is a testament to two important cornerstones of North Sails' worldwide leadership in sailmaking: 1. North Sails makes the highest quality products and... 2. We stand behind every sail we build. Now, when you hoist your new North sail, you’ll experience performance AND peace of mind. *Online registration is required. Some restrictions apply. For more information, visit http://www.na.northsails.com A SKIFF FOR ALL OCCASIONS Last week the 9er World Championships were held in Freeport, Grand Bahama, which included the 49er and little bro 29er. Both skiffs, both sporty, with the 49er positioned as Olympic equipment since the 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia. The 29er was introduced that same year as a trainer boat for the 49er, and succeeded in attracting a young audience seeking an alternative to the popular yet conservative youth trainers, the Club 420 and Flying Junior. But what about the female skiffies? Enter the 29erXX. The 29erXX is a souped-up version of the 29er skiff, taking the existing hull and foils of the standard 29er and adding a trapeze for the helm, a taller mast, and a bigger sail plan. But how will the new 29erXX class encourage growth beyond what the 29er group is capable of, rather than competing against it? Jen Glass (USA), International 29er Class President, explains: “The boats are aimed at different groups is the short answer. The XX, much like the 49er, was designed with the Olympics in mind. The 29er, while it is still an open class, is primarily a junior boat and a trainer for the 49er. Hopefully we will be calling the 29er a training boat for the 29erXX too if the later succeeds in achieving Olympic status for a women’s event in 2016. “The 29erXX fills a void for female sailors who are looking for another step past the 29er. There really isn't a good platform for women to sail double trapeze skiffs. In order to avoid conflict with the 29er class, we have been targeting the over 18 year old sailors. I don't want to take the youth sailors out of the 29er to create a 29erXX fleet and diminish the 29ers. There are many ex-29er sailors who still own 29ers but don't race them anymore because the existing 29er fleet is younger than them. For these sailors I think the 29erXX is what they need to come out of retirement.” A chance to see this new class in action will be at the 2010 29erXX Seiko Superbowl Regatta on January 31 - February 3 in Miami, FL. Details: http://www.29er.org/index.php/Seiko-Superbowl-Regatta-Miami.html WHAT IS THE RORC CARIBBEAN 600? For the true offshore racer there is a new reason to head further South than Miami and Key West this winter. The Royal Ocean Racing Club has created a 600-mile offshore race - the RORC Caribbean 600 - that circumnavigates the islands of the central Caribbean, with an impressive fleet of boats preparing for the second edition of the event to be held February 2010. “The RORC Caribbean 600 is a yacht race that has been designed with the needs of yacht owners in the 21st century,” commented Eddie Warden-Owen, Chief Executive of the RORC. “The course uses 14 tropical islands as turning marks offering magnificent scenery by day and a carpet of stars at night. Amid the trade winds, ocean swell and warm water, the race should take most boats two and a half to three days, which means less holiday time used up, or more time to revisit some of the tropical islands en route. The course with its many corners is tactically challenging for the afterguard and with many sail changes is also physically demanding on the crew.” Last year’s line honours winner, Mike Slade’s 100 foot super-maxi ‘ICAP Leopard’ is being shipped straight from the Rolex Sydney Hobart race in time to do the race. Making the same journey from Hobart is the overall winner of this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race, Niklas Zennstrom’s RP 72, ‘Rán’. Also there to win overall is Danilo Salsi’s Swan 90, ‘DSK Pioneer’ and Karl Kwok’s Farr 80, ‘Beau Geste’. From the USA, Tom Hill’s RP 75 ‘Titan’ and Ronald O'Hanley's Cookson 50 ‘Privateer’ - which is the sister ship to last year’s overall race winner - will be joining the fleet. A contingent from the Antigua Superyacht Cup in January is expected to participate as well, with Peter Harrison’s Farr 115 ketch, ‘Sojana’ already committed. Among the most prestigious yacht clubs in the world, the London based RORC runs over a dozen offshore races all year round, including the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Commodores Cup. All members must have completed at least 500 miles offshore racing in a single season before they are elected for membership. The RORC Caribbean 600 qualifies any competitor for membership. -- Race details: http://caribbean600.rorc.org SAILING SHORTS * The 2010 CISA (California International Sailing Association) Advanced Racing Clinic applications are now being accepted for the April 8-11 youth clinic. Hosted by Clinic Director Andrew Campbell at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club in Long Beach, CA, the program will consist of lectures and on-the-water drills including tactics, strategy, sail trim, boatspeed, etc., together with information on what is important for developing a successful Olympic campaign. This clinic will be held in Lasers, Laser Radials, Club 420s, International 420s, Club FJs, and 29ers. Applicants are encouraged from all over North America to apply. Applications are due February 1st. Complete details: http://tinyurl.com/y9n4lcx * Sixteen year-old Abby Sunderland is in the midst of finalizing her Open 40 boat preparation, and hopes to sail out of Marina del Rey, CA this Saturday to begin her attempt at being the youngest person to sail non-stop around-the-world. -- http://abbysunderland.com/ * British solo yachtswoman Sam Davies has won the coveted title of YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year for 2009. Portsmouth born Sam, now based in Concarneau, France, was first placed Briton in the French Vendée Globe 2008/09 singlehanded non-stop round the world race in her Open 60 yacht ‘Roxy’. The 36 year old was the first woman, finishing third overall. Recently she completed the Transat Jacque Vabre transatlantic race, finishing 10th with team mate Sidney Gavignet. The Yachting Journalists' Association award is open to any British resident or passport holder who has made an outstanding achievement under sail or power during the year. -- Full story: http://www.covarimail.com/view.lasso?id1=557&id2=395732 COOL IN KEY WEST! It's pretty cool in Key West and we know that the sailing and atmosphere is always awesome but the weather has gone cool as well. There's still time to order warm wicking layers from TEAM ONE NEWPORT and get it there. The Team One Newport delivery girls will even hand deliver your order! We have the latest hiking products: Sailing Angles Hiking shorts and pants (with the hip protectors!) and the Spinlock Keelboat Hiking pad. Don't forget the Zhik thermal gear or the Patagonia Capilene and Slam thermals! Visit http://www.team1newport.com or call 800-VIP-GEAR (800-847-4327). See you there!! LETTERS AND FORUM Please email your comments to the Scuttlebutt editor (aka, ‘The Curmudgeon’). Published letters must include writer's name and be no longer than 250 words (letter might be edited for clarity or simplicity). One letter per subject, and save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. As an alternative, a more open environment for discussion is available on the Scuttlebutt Forum. -- To submit a Letter: editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com -- To post on the Forum: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/forum * From Charlie Clifton: I've been having what I believe to be ethanol related problems with my motorcycle, outboard motor and other small engines particularly with those that have extended periods between usage. In conversation with my small engine mechanic, he informed me that he has been seeing numerous ethanol related problems often requiring carburetor replacement which sometimes exceeds the value of the machine. In his experience, there is one fuel treatment that effectively deals with the problem. While it may not solve the fiberglass fuel tank problem, it may avoid the carburetor damage problem until a permanent fix regarding the fuel is addressed. I have no association with the manufacturer and my experience with the product is too limited to give a definitive recommendation but I haven't had any problems since I began using it a couple of months ago. If interested, more info can be found at http://www.sentrytreatments.com * From Doran Cushing: Regarding ethanol and those who are in power to make policy, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, "honorable" about those whose addresses are connected to the White House (as published in Scuttlebutt 3005). On the ethanol issue they are federal employees who "elect" to support the corn industry instead of the consumers who pay their salaries (and pay for the "Cadillac" health care coverage). * From Gerard Wolf: (re, story in Scuttlebutt 3005) Kudos to Bill Schanen and his observations and comments on the current use of “Yuppie 911” GPS rescue services. In the end they are just “calling WOLF” and will diminish the support for a very important safety provision technology has provided us. I cannot agree more with his position and I must thank Bill for bringing this to our attention. * From Cameron McIntyre: In response and agreement to Bill Schanen’s article (in Scuttlebutt 3005) on personal locator devices. A friend of mine who spends a lot of time solo out at the Channel Islands recently purchased one of these devices upon my recommendation. The device allows his family to look up his exact location on the internet at anytime, a great security and safety feature. And in case of EMERGENCY he can activate the device. Unfortunately it really is not a surprise that people have abused these devices. I should think that the rescue agencies would be able to mandate astronomical fines for device activations in non-emergency situations. * From Dean Brenner, Chairman US Olympic Sailing Program: In Scuttlebutt 3005 there was a reprint of a passing reference in a blog by someone using the screen name “Tillerman” that bothered me and deserves a rebuttal. In the discussion of the cold weather in Florida, the author wrote: “In Fort Lauderdale the wind chill was in the 20's and they canceled the last day of the USSTAG Qualifier, whatever that is, but it appears to be something to do with girls on keelboats.” Hey, Mr. Tillerman, the “girls on keelboats” you so quickly (and at least to me, condescendingly) dismissed was a literal “who’s who” of top female Olympic talent in the USA today, all fighting for spots on our national sailing team and for the three country spots at US SAILING’s Rolex Miami OCR in two weeks. These “girls on keelboats” included none other than two-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year and 2008 Olympian Sally Barkow; two-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, ISAF World Sailor of the Year and Olympic Gold Medalist Anna Tunnicliffe; and a lineup of highly-decorated female athletes that included Genny Tulloch, Molly Vandemoer, Debbie Capozzi, Suzy Leech, Katy Lovell, among many others… apologies to the women not named here who were racing because I can’t name all of you. But Mr. Tillerman, these women have accomplished more in our sport than nearly all of us, including me. So how about we all show them the respect they deserve? * From Edward W. Coyne: The comments regarding the recent cold weather Etchells regatta in Miami were insulting, condescending and representing poor sportsmanship. I am familiar with both Etchells racing and cold water sailing. I have sailed Etchells for a few years including past Jaguar Cup Series races in Miami, fleet racing in Chicago (not exactly a warm venue) and the Etchells Worlds. I also have the dubious record of having windsurfed on Lake Michigan at least once a month, every month for 60 consecutive months, which included several encounters with ice including having my feet freeze to the sailboard. So I am familiar with cold water sailing. There are huge differences in the safety of sailing a keelboat in a 50+ fleet in strong winds in cold weather from sailing a single handed comparably simple boat. I would imagine that most or all of the Laser competitors were wearing wetsuit, drysuits or the equivalent as it would common for them to end up in the water. This is not true for a keel boat in Miami. Most of the sailors, many travelling from good distances, would not be prepared for the highly unusual weather. The potential for damage and injury increases with the wind and temperature conditions witnessed by the amount of damage sustained by one of the competitors. Making a decision to avoid uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions should not be considered “whining” or a lack of machismo that the author of the letter is so proud of. -- Read on: http://tinyurl.com/y8l9rt7 => Curmudgeon’s Comment: The author of the blog posting referred to by Dean and Edward offered this reply: “Edward, I apologize for my poor choice of words, for my disrespect and poor sportsmanship, and for any offense caused to you or anyone else. You are right. Sailing is meant to be fun. Every sailor has the right and the responsibility to make their own decisions as to whether the conditions on any given day are something they want to handle or not. And I should not have disparaged fellow sailors for making such decisions.” -- http://tinyurl.com/ybvgbhf * From Craig Dymock: I have a "Lipton Cup" hallmarked 1901 Birmingham. Do any of your readers know anything about these miniatures? Is it the smallest America's Cup ever? It was purportedly given to a friend's grandfather by Lipton himself for delivering one of the "Shamrocks". From where and to and when has been lost or forgotten. If any of your readers have a similar item or can shed some light... * From Duncan Wood: From time to time there are references to the origins to collegiate sailing in Scuttlebutt. My uncle, Jack Wood was the first (I believe) inductee into the college sailing Hall of Fame and is considered in many circles as the father of intercollegiate sailing. See attached an old article that you might find interesting. -- http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/10/jack_wood.pdf CURMUDGEON’S OBSERVATION “Thousands of geniuses live and die undiscovered -- either by themselves or by others." - Mark Twain Special thanks to North Sails and Team One Newport. Preferred supplier list: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ssc/suppliers |
