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SCUTTLEBUTT 3693 - Tuesday, October 9, 2012Scuttlebutt 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. Website: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/scuttbutt Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sailingscuttlebutt RSS: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/rss/index.xml Today's sponsors: Gowrie Group, North Sails, and J Boats. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU This article by Saving Sailing author Nick Hayes first appeared in the October 2012 issue of Spinsheet. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Children benefit emotionally and socially from ritual. PhD researchers Mary Spagnola and Barbara Fiese at the University of Washington write, "naturally occurring family routines and meaningful rituals provide both a predictable structure that guides behavior and an emotional climate that supports early development." But kids learn by experience. Sometimes experiences teach skills or consequences. Other times, things out of control turn experiences into adventures, and teach about fear, risk, determination and things larger than ourselves. Sailing, of course, can provide both the ritual and the experience, and of course, the adventure. So it is simply an ideal instrument of parenting; a way to make great kids. But this article won't be about the kids. It's about you. What's in it for you if you make sailing with kids your family ritual and experience? What if you dropped enough other things - soccer, baseball, the long commute, your mani/pedi appointment - and made enough time, over and over, to go sailing with your kids? Let me start by talking about what family sailing is not. Sailing with kids isn't a game. It's a way of being. You might play games while sailing with kids, and it will be fun and frustrating for everyone, as any game can be. But imagine a soccer match where you're not stuck cheering on the sidelines, but sprint down the field, take a clothesline pass from your daughter and headbutt the winning goal. The crowd goes wild. Daughter hoists dad on shoulders. Well, perhaps that's a stretch, but you get the point. Moms and dads who sail with kids have a chance to be heroes. And who better? Sailing with kids isn't dangerous. Not sailing with kids is. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that American children spend more time consuming media than any other non-school activity, and the result is that most kids won't develop important problem solving and social skills, and their health and welfare is at severe risk. But as a parent, how does one limit TV or video game time? The virtual world is virtually everywhere right? No. Nothing is virtual on a sailboat. Like a remote island, a sailboat is refuge of reality. An actual place with only real things, like wind, water and people working together to make something from them. From the parent's perspective, sailing is the perfect tool to distract from screens and attract to new things. Sail with kids and they'll be too busy, bored, excited, or happy to miss media. Since there isn't any available anyway, they'll inevitably self-determine. They might make up a game or sing for entertainment. Or maybe you will. We often break out Queen's "Fat Bottom Girls." And I play a mean air guitar. -- Read on: http://savingsailing.com/2012/10/04/whats-in-it-for-you/ GOWRIE GROUP: CONSOLIDATE TO SAVE AND ELIMINATE GAPS Take advantage of the premium savings available through consolidating your boat, home, umbrella, and auto insurance with one company. Consolidation also ensures that you do not have risky gaps in your coverage, or unnecessary overlaps. The insurance experts at Gowrie Group understand the risks yachts-people face on and off the water, and are committed to getting you the right protection, at the best price. Request an insurance review and quote now. It's smart. It's fast. It can save you money. Call us at 800.262.8911 or fill out our easy online quote form: http://tinyurl.com/gowrie1 I WAS THERE - A NON-SAILOR'S STORY When events come to our town, we either run from them to avoid their crowds or our curiosity pulls us toward them. Joe Eskenazi from San Francisco Weekly wanted to see what the AC World Series was all about. Here is his report... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Your humble narrator is no sailor. This was my third time on a sailboat since age 3. And, like that young voyage, this one involved a hefty dose of Dramamine and a subsequent dizzy nap below deck (I was jolted awake when our small boat rocked like a bathtub toy in the wake of a paddlewheel steamer -- a first for me). Another first was being passed like we were standing still by a pair of America's Cup catamarans. Most everyone who didn't flee San Francisco over the weekend can relate to the (Fleet Week) experience of fighter jets, cargo planes, or even a lumbering 747 soaring ominously low overhead. Well, that all happened to those bobbing about the bay, too. The highlight of the weekend was something you couldn't have done on dry land. Out on the water, the America's Cup vessels stand out like basketball players navigating a normal-sized crowd. En route to the starting line, the catamarans sail through the assemblage of weekend boats, which is a nice touch. A pair of racing vessels from the Artemis team approached us. They deftly split, and straddled us, each passing only 15 yards or so from our small boat as they blasted past us toward Marina Green. It's worth noting that both boats shot past us with perhaps seven times our velocity while riding the same wind and current. Say what you will about the America's Cup -- and we have, again and again -- but this was a fairly breathtaking experience. As for who won the race, no one much cared about that (Apparently, however, it was a good day for the home team). I can't profess much interest in the outcome of the Indianapolis 500 either, but being straddled by race cars on the way to the stadium would have been notable too. -- http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2012/10/post_25.php TRANSIT: The buses were crowded and the streets were full of revelers, but gridlock did not suffocate San Francisco on a frenzied weekend of big crowds at events spread across the city. Muni managed to haul hundreds of thousands of extra passengers, and while some buses and streetcars were packed full or moved slowly, the transit agency's strategy of flooding key lines with extra service seemed to work. "America's Cup will be a breeze compared to this," said Jim Kelly, deputy transit director for the Municipal Transportation Agency. Read more: http://tinyurl.com/SFC-100812 CAN COPPER ANTIFOULING PAINT BE KIND? By Darrell Nicholson, Practical Sailor As we point out in the October 2012 of Practical Sailor, cuprous oxide (copper) still rules the roost when it comes to long-term antifouling protection, with hard paints and ablative paints fairly evenly matched for durability. For those who care about reducing their impact on the ocean, this raises a question: If we want to stick with copper (as opposed to an eco-friendly, copper-free antifouling), which type of paint - hard or ablative - is easier on the environment? Copper leaching is the main concern among environmentalists, so it would seem a simple matter to discern which paints have the most copper in them. However, when comparing copper paints, it is important to note that the copper percentages listed on the can are usually calculated by weight. Which means that a paint that has heavier solids and resin may actually have more copper than a "thinner" paint that boasts a higher copper percentage. While some low-copper freshwater antifouling paints clearly have less copper than saltwater blends boasting 65-percent copper, there may only be a small difference in the amount of cuprous oxide in a paint that advertises 39-percent copper versus one that shows 45 percent. To see whether we could nail down a more definitive answer this question, we turned to Interlux's Jim Seidel (who, as far as I can tell, talks about bottom paint in his sleep). While he wasn't able to provide a simple, clear-cut answer to our question, Seidel did provide some extremely useful insight into the way bottom paints work, which will help you make an informed decision when choosing a bottom paint-whether or not eco-friendliness is your top concern. -- Read on: http://www.practical-sailor.com/blog/-10906-1.html YELLOW BIRDS AND MEASUREMENT RULES The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) measurers recently congregated in Antigua for their annual review meeting in advance of the 2013 racing season. The managers of the CSA rating rule travelled from Barbados, St. Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, Grenada and St. Thomas to agree on their approach to the 2013 season with respect to any concerns with the rating rule. Their objective is to ensure the written rule effectively takes account of new technology and changes in boat configurations and to assess the interpretation of the rule to be certain that it is the same across all islands to ensure continuity as boats race in regattas across the region. Over the next three months CSA measurers will be reviewing the rule to accommodate changes in new sail cuts and designs, carbon standing rigging, swing keels and asymmetric dagger boards and will amend the rule as necessary prior to the start of the season. Following the meeting, discussion among measurers, boat designers and high profile sailors will continue to ensure the adjustments made are well thought through. Having been in use for more than 50 years, the CSA rating rule, first developed by Al Rapier from Trinidad, has continued to work well as a measurement rule throughout the Caribbean. During the 2011/12 racing season 350 certificates were issued. -- Full report: http://tinyurl.com/CSA-100812 FREE SHIPPING ON NORTH SAILS GEAR Didn't make it to the Annapolis Boat Show? Not to worry... North Sails is offering free shipping on all North Sails Gear online orders through Sunday, October 14 on purchases over $40 (excl. tax & shipping). Mention SBUTT in the comments during check-out and shipping charges (surface shipping within the USA only) will be deducted. North Sails Gear has some great items for Fall including fleeces pullovers, jackets, hats, belts, tees & more...! http://www.NorthSailsGear.com SAILING SHORTS * Long Beach, CA (October 7, 2012) - Dustin Durant won the 2012 ISAF Grade 3 Butler Cup-Long Beach Stop match race regatta, hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club and part of the three event 2012-2013 California Dreamin' Series. Durant is no stranger to the Catalina 37s, having won the 2012 Grade 2 Ficker Cup and competed in the 2012 Grade 1 Congressional Cup. The next stop is at San Diego Yacht Club, Jan. 12-13, 2013. The overall winner is invited to the 2013 Ficker Cup on April 5-7 in Long Beach, CA. -- Full report: http://forum.sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/gforum.cgi?post=14604#14604 * Last year Australia's Steve Brewin won his second A-Class Catamaran world title, besting a field of 96 competitors to secure the top spot at the 2011 A-Class Catamaran World Championship in Aarhus, Denmark. This October he looks to defend his title when the A-Cat fleet arrives in Islamorada, Florida for the 2012 Ronstan A-Class Catamaran World Championship. Well over 100 top sailors are set to do battle in the Florida Keys when the regatta kicks off on October 20th. -- Full report: http://tinyurl.com/A-Class-100812 * The Canadian Yachting Association High Performance review is under way this week with a stacked agenda in Toronto, ON. Discussions will continue from the strategic work already developed earlier this year at the HP summit in Toronto. The spring summit was the starting point for developing a High Performance Plan for the next Olympic quadrennial and beyond. Input has been provided by coaches, sailors, PSAs and CYA's High Performance Advisor at 'Own the Podium' (OTP). -- Full report: http://tinyurl.com/CST-100812 * Sailing World magazine has announced their nominees for the 2013 Boat of the Year awards. The BOTY awards recognize and honor the best new sailboat models introduced to the North American market. Sailing World nominated 14 performance-oriented models for its awards. Nominees include the Bavaria B/One, C&C 101, Carkeek HPR40, Dufour 36 Performance, Harbor 30, J/70, K1, McConaghy 38, Motive 25R, RS Venture, Sparkman & Stephens 30, SeaRail 21, and the X-Yachts Xp 38. -- Full report: http://tinyurl.com/SW-100812 * Beneteau Group elevated Wayne Burdick to president of the holding company for Beneteau's U.S. group entities and tapped Laurent Fabre, formerly director of sales and marketing for Beneteau's North American powerboats division, to replace Burdick as president of Beneteau America. Under Burdick's direction as president of Beneteau in North America since 1997, the company became the leading brand of high-quality production sailboats in the United States. In his new position Burdick will manage relationships with industry partners on behalf of all Groupe Beneteau marine brands. -- Soundings, full report: http://tinyurl.com/TOT-100812 RAVE REVIEWS AT ANNAPOLIS FOR THE J/97 The first 'J' in 25 years (under 32') to combine full accommodations in a high performance, easily driven hull. The J/97 sleeps more than it takes to sail her, and was named 2011 IRC Boat of the Year in France. No need for hotel rooms at the next regatta. This boat does it all! http://www.jboats.com/j97/ GUEST COMMENTARY Scuttlebutt strongly encourages feedback from the Scuttlebutt community. Either submit comments by email or post them on the Forum. Submitted comments chosen to be published in the newsletter may be limited to 250 words. Authors may have one published submission per subject, and should save their bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. Email: editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com Forum: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/forum * From Keith Kenitzer: While I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Len Ruby, I found his obituary very touching and inspiring (in Scuttlebutt 3692). Clearly he led a life well lived. When I was kid and young adult, like many, I aspired to be like the professional athletes that I was a fan of. Now, as a 50+ year old "weekend warrior", I aspire to be like Dr. Len Ruby, enjoying my passions of sailing and playing hockey for a long as I can. I offer condolences to Dr. Ruby's family. I know they are celebrating his very rich life rather than mourning his passing. * From Elizabeth Kratzig: Congratulations to Taylor Canfield for winning the Bermuda Gold Cup! Certainly he did not do this by himself.....who was on the TEAM? Let's give them all Credit. Match Racing is about the Team, as much as the Skipper. COMMENT: Since details about the crew on each team for each event is typically not provided on the World Match Racing Tour website, this is a frequent problem we face. Our apologies for not acknowledging Taylor's team of Mike Rehe, Dan Morris, and Josh McCaffrey. -- Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt * From John Cole: I traveled to San Francisco and was at Piers 30-32 on Thursday (10-4-12) to catch a charter and watch the match racing on the water for the morning. I decided to head over to the Marina Green for the afternoon racing. Over 10 cabs turned me down to take me to the Marina district. I had to hoof it to a major hotel to find a cab. No big deal but a pain for one guy, and I suspect a huge pain if you have a volume of people from out of town with no vehicles. There is no parking in the Marina district to speak of. On the water I was with 50 non sailors. We need to educate non sailors about how the race works. They all enjoyed watching but needed the commentary to keep them on track. One other note - there is no food in AC village. A hot dog stand would make a killing. Better yet have some good food. There are not many close restaurants. The wine bars were nice. The Marina Green is ideal for watching the race because it's relaxed and right in front of the finish line. With the use of the AC app you can keep in touch with the race and enjoy the finish. We spent a lot of money for a trip to SF. I have not been there in 40 years. The organizers need to get it dialed in a little but they have a real opportunity. The staff that ran the village were really good. They should be commended. * From Ryan Hamm, Charleston, SC: In response to Scot Citrin and George Morris total trashing of television coverage (Scuttlebutt 3692), all I have heard for years on Scuttlebutt is about the lack of television coverage of sailing. Now that we have major coverage on weekends that is as good as any in decades, the naysayers start up. Can we please give it a chance? What's next you asked... nothing if we all complain all the time. For those of us that love the coverage, would you negative guys please just keep it to yourself. Several of my friends tell me how great the coverage of the Americas Cup has been. And these are friends that used to sail but quit after childhood. If ex-sailors and non-sailors are entertained and it gives them any inclination to get back in the sport, than this is a huge success. Heck, I have raced against at least five of the skippers and many of the crew in the AC races from this past Sunday and I thought the coverage and racing was great. What does that say about me? I guess I don't know anything about it either. I think Gary Jobson is one of the best ambassadors of the sport we have ever had and is respected outside our sport. Please don't buy into it people. Let's grow the sport instead of shrinking it by trashing those that have done more for it than almost anyone. It was fantastic coverage and fantastic sailing and these boats are incredible machines. * From John Fretwell: With all the supposed emphasis of this America's Cup to convince the general public that ours is an exciting spectator sport, I was disappointed to see that my TV Guide labeled the program "Yachting." Hmm...Football or Yachting? PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT The Scuttlebutt website provides a marketplace for private parties to buy and sell, or for businesses to post job openings. For free. As a bonus, each week the Scuttlebutt newsletter includes some of the recent ad postings. Have an ad? Post it in the Classified Ad section of the Forum. CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION If there was a way to read a woman's mind, I am not sure I would want to. I already know I am annoying. SPONSORS THIS WEEK Pure Yachting - Ribcraft - Gowrie Group - North Sails J Boats - Doyle Sails - IYRS - Allen Insurance and Financial Harken - Ullman Sails - The Pirates Lair - Quantum Sails Need stuff? 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