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SCUTTLEBUTT 2059 - March 27, 2006Scuttlebutt is a digest of major yacht racing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus.VOLVO OCEAN RACE ABN AMRO One sailed a faultless race out on Guanabara Bay to win the fourth in-port race of the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06 in front of a fleet of 1,100 spectator boats. Skipper Mike Sanderson and his crew took an early lead in the race and crossed the finish line just under two and half hours later to beat second placed movistar by a little over two minutes. During the race all five of the other boats held second place at some stage and the points were extremely hard fought. After plenty of jostling, movistar went on to take second place and after facing a race against time to repair the boat after leg four, movistar skipper Bouwe Bekking (NED) was content to settle with this. Paul Cayard's Pirates of the Caribbean, who were joined for this race by Brazilian Olympic champion Robert Scheidt, looked set to take second place at one point until a boat handling error saw them drop down the fleet. Cayard explained: "We gybed too soon (at the second leeward mark) and missed the lay-line, we had to do two quick gybes and a spinnaker drop, then got the jib wrapped around the headstay and had to drop it." The day got worse as they took the wrong side of the downwind leg and dropped back to sixth place overall. The teams returned to the dockside at the Marina da Gloria in front of a magnificent crowd of 19,000 spectators. The teams now have a week to prepare for the leg re-start which sees the boat leaving Rio on Sunday 2 April for the 5000 nautical mile journey to Baltimore. In-port race results: 1. ABN AMRO One, Mike Sanderson (NZL) 3.5 pts 2. Movistar, Bouwe Bekking (NED) 3 pts 3. Ericsson Racing Team, John Kostecki (USA) 2.5 pts 4. Brasil 1, Torben Grael (BRA) 2 pts 5. ABN AMRO Two, Sebastien Josse (FRA) 1.5 pts 6. Pirates of the Caribbean, Paul Cayard (USA) 1 pt Current leaderboard: 1. ABN AMRO One, Mike Sanderson (NZL) 52.5 pts 2. ABN AMRO Two, Sebastien Josse (FRA) 36.5 pts 3. Pirates of the Caribbean, Paul Cayard (USA) 31.5 pts 4. Movistar, Bouwe Bekking (NED) 31.0 pts 5. Brasil 1, Torben Grael (BRA) 28.5 pts 6. Ericsson Racing Team John Kostecki (USA) 23.5 pts Australian Chris Nicholson received the Musto Seamanship Award for his bravery and quick thinking in saving movistar from potentially sinking during the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06. He dived underwater to connect two emergency bilge pumps directly to the batteries, suffering a series of electric shocks as he secured the connection, and was able to fire up the pumps to drain tonnes of water that had risen to four feet high in the mid compartments. - http://www.volvooceanrace.org SEEKING ASIAN RECORDS Ellen Macarthur and crew onboard the 75ft trimaran B&Q crossed the start line off of the east coast of Japan last Saturday to begin a 906 mile (1678km) leg from Yokohama (Japan) to Jeju Island (South Korea) to kick off the Asian Record Circuit 2006. Ellen and her team are setting out to establish 10 new offshore record runs between 9 cities in 6 countries. The collision damage from a floating tree during the delivery trip meant that the shore team faced a race against the clock to repair to keep the tour on schedule. The dagger-board and the sacrificial crash box on the bow took the full brunt of the collision, as it is designed to do - but whilst the main structure of the boat was therefore spared, the repair has been a big one and has taken the total focus of the team. On the water B&Q will be facing a very different set of challenges compared to those faced during the round the world record last winter. This record circuit will cover some of the world's busiest shipping zones, with large fishing fleets not used to seeing a fast moving three hulled missile! Use of the radar is going to be rather full time, and this time other boats not icebergs are going to be the main focus. - http://www.teamellen.com INTERNATIONAL ROLEX REGATTA St. Thomas, USVI (March 26, 2006)--Though today's light breeze may have caused some frustration, it didn't dampen the spirits of sailors wrapping up three days of competition at the St. Thomas Yacht Club's International Rolex Regatta -- especially for the winners in eight classes, who each went home with a Rolex Submariner timepiece as a prize. The event, held for its 33rd year, hosted hundreds of sailors aboard 92 boats, ranging in size from 24 to 80 feet. For all but the IC-24 class, today's agenda was the Pillsbury Sound Race, which started outside Cowpet Bay and then wound for some 14 miles among nearby islands. All of yesterday's leaders maintained their overall positions after the distance race was scored, including Gilberto Rivera of San Juan, Puerto Rico, sailing his J/24 Urayo in the CSA 24 Spinnaker Class. "In fact, we did not have to sail at all," said Rivera, explaining that his team mathematically secured its victory yesterday. "We sailed because we wanted to enjoy the day, and we tried to not be aggressive, since other boats were sailing for second place." It is Rivera's first time to win a Rolex watch, which he will give to his father in thanks for his "sponsorship" of Rivera's sailing program over the years. "It is also his birthday today, so it will be very special," said Rivera. Results are posted on the event website, where hometown rosters, nightly reports and photos also can be found. Daily video coverage is available at t2p.tv. The next event on the Caribbean circuit is the BVI Spring Regatta in Road Town, Tortola, March 27-April 2. - http://www.rolexcupregatta.com ACCURATE, RELIABLE & DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE Words you wish described your sailing instrument system. Ockam is the leader in providing the most accurate real-time data available. The high-speed Tryad processor combined with an available 3-axis rate stabilized compass takes the full motion of the boat into account to deliver a stable wind solution that you can depend on. With performance and weight in mind, all sensors interface close to their location, allowing the information to stream unimpeded throughout the system's reliable and robust single cable "daisy chain" network. This eliminates heavy multiple cable runs and expensive junction boxes. To learn more, contact Ockam: mailto:lat@ockam.com IN MEMORIAM Our office received the sad news of the passing of William Stiger in a Huntington, NY hospital on March 21. Bill was a long time member of Olin's design team (1962-1980). He worked on many of the 12 meter projects. Bill was a shipmate of mine on Eric Ridder's Tempests (both the 80' ketch and the 58' sloop). At that time, Bill was in his early 70's racing on a maxi boat and pulling more than his share of the load. Bill was stationed in England with the Eighth Air Force during WW II. He was a member of the New York Yacht Club, Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, and the Cruising Club of America. He held the CCA award for 15+ Bermuda Races and as I recall he had participated in over 20 races. There was not a better shipmate. Sail on Bill. - Rex G. Herbert Jr., Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. OLYMPIC ICEBOATING Last week we posted the question, "Why not Olympic Iceboating?" Responses on the Scuttlebutt Forums have provided insight as to why the winter Olympics had not included this part of the sport. Here are some excerpts: * Eric Anderson, "First off I think you have to ask whether Iceboat racers want it to be an Olympic sport. I think the answer to this is generally no. Right now the most popular ice boat is the DN. They are not one-design; they are a development class. I think to make it an Olympic class would require radically restricting the rules for runners and other gear. The DN class is not going to vote for this." * Peter Harken, "Our sport is called 'Chasing Ice' and aptly so. The DN lads put more miles on their cars and trailers than any other sport in the world, including the Dakar or Baja races. They will move 200 miles or more in a night to another 'maybe OK ice' and have to do it again the next night for maybe no wind for several days, then a blizzard and pick up and 'chase ice' again and again all winter long." Read Eric and Peter's complete responses (and others) or post your at http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/forum/0323 CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS (Sponsored by West Marine) Events listed at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/calendar NEWS BRIEFS * Alistair Richardson's Team Basilica from Britain wrapped up a triumphant week in the Volvo Extreme 40 Grand Prix series with three podium finishes, to win the Rio trophy after a challenging light air final day in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Motorola-CHR won the final race to finish in second with skipper Conrad Humphreys, and Tommy Hilfiger, helmed by Randy Smyth, finished third place overall, which maintained their overall first place ranking for the Grand Prix Series. The next leg of the Volvo Extreme 40 Grand Prix Series will take place Baltimore, USA, April 28-May 3. http://www.volvoextreme40.org * WindCheck, which is a great publication that serves the Long Island Sound area, has a crew exchange board on their website to help connect boats with crew for both racing and cruising in the New England area. Details have been posted on the Forums: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/forum/0326 * Photographer Glennon Stratton was in San Diego, CA over the weekend to shoot the Laser Midwinters West, hosted by Mission Bay Yacht Club. Royce Weber of Surf City, NJ won the 72-boat Laser fleet, while Victoria Crowder of Toronto, ON bested the 90-boat Laser Radial fleet. See Glennon's images, which include a link to the regatta website, at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/06/mww * The government announced that it was not intending to build a second runway at Manises Airport outside Valencia, despite the Americas Cup Races and the forthcoming visit of the Pope. According to the Spanish Airports Authority - AENA - Manises is one of the fastest growing airports in Spain, with some 4.5 million passengers in 2005 - double the figure of 2004, whilst the estimate for this year is 6 million passengers. - Valencia Life Network, mailto:publisher@valencialife.net * Viano Mercedes-Benz enters the match race world as title sponsor of Paolo Cian's team for the season of 2006. The team, led by the Neapolitan helmsman, the only Italian who conquered the fifth position in the international ranking list and the bronze medal at the last Match Race World Championship, also includes Pierluigi Fornelli, Nando Colaninno, Nello Pavoni. * Established and managed by prominent businessman and sailor Iain Murray, Azzura Marine in Australia has just signed a lease with the Newcastle Port Corporation (NPC) which will provide for the redevelopment of the site at Dyke Point in Carrington to create a premium superyacht precinct. Their development plans intend to support the new build construction, refit/repair and servicing of all vessels including sail and motor, up to 120 metres in length. The development of a one stop, all purpose state-of-the-art precinct, will aid the port of Newcastle in becoming a superyacht hub in Australia. - http://www.azzuramarine.com "CALLING ALL SAILORS!!" Spring is here! Thanks to the relatively mild winter in New England, boats are already going into the water. While on the West Coast, spring sailing is underway from Puget Sound to San Diego. This June the sailing world will celebrate the 100th edition of the fabled Newport to Bermuda Race, while on the West Coast we're gearing up for the 14th biennial West Marine Pacific Cup race from San Francisco to Hawaii. But you don't have to be a racer to take advantage of the great deals we've put together that will help make your boat safer and faster this season! Check out http://www.westmarine.com/sailing for all your needs. FROM THE BLOG * Top ranked US Olympic 470 team of Mikee Anderson-Mitterling and David Hughes have just left for a seven week Europe training tour, which will include events in Spain, France, and Austria. Read their latest report on Scuttleblog: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/blog/2006/0326 * This past weekend landsailing came to Long Beach, CA, where the Blokart Western Regional Championships were held. Scuttlebutt was invited to attend the event, and posted a report with photos on Scuttleblog: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/blog/2006/blokart * The Curmudgeon is on his umpteenth Mexican distance race, this one being Balboa Yacht Club's race from Newport Beach, CA to Cabo San Lucas. His boat, a Jeanneau 52 called 'Between the Sheets, started last Friday and is currently in a podium position. According to his first blog report, it seems to be a smooth ride so far. Follow the Curmudgeon's reports on the blog: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/blog/2006/cabo LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON (Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name and may be edited for clarity or space - 250 words max. You only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot and don't whine if others disagree. And please save your bashing, and personal attacks for elsewhere. For those that prefer a Forum, you can post your thoughts at the Scuttlebutt website: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi) * From David Meagher, Chairman Race Committee, Cork Week 2006: For hundreds & thousands of sailors who are looking for a measurement system that removes the subjectivity of crew skill and local committees and is international in scope, IRC is doing a very a good job. Despite its widespread use, PHRF in the USA & other similar systems here in Europe (ie ECHO in Ireland) have huge issues with subjectivity, parochialism, and the inability to factor-out crew skill and boat tuning from a design's inherent performance. This is especially true for a design that is a one-off. Based on my experience, each PHRF & ECHO region behaves like a petty European principality of the Nineteenth Century, setting its own ratings with little regard for what other regions may have already concluded. Just read comments from sailors at recent events about how close the racing was in IRC. Wake up and smell the roses - IRC WORKS! * From Clark Chapin: As a confirmed one-design sailor, I've followed with interest the continuing debate surrounding IRC. I noticed Dave Moores's comment in Scuttlebutt #1258 that "So far it has avoided the pitfall of being type-forming..." It seems to me that with the string of handicap and level racing rules stretching back into history from the current TP52, IRC and the IACC rules back through IMS, IOR, MORC, the Metre Rule, the CCA Rule and countless others, it is much more likely that we just haven't yet seen the type-forming that will occur. PHRF, on the other hand, has hung around despite the perennial complaints about rating inequities. If I could pick a definite date that would indicate that a rule has passed into the Great Beyond, I'd start a betting pool for the date when IRC will join this long list. As a guess, I'll stake a claim to January 1, 2016. In the meantime, if IRC works and gets more people out sailing, it's a good thing. If nothing else, it may boost sales of the T-shirts that say, "Friends don't let friends sail PHRF";-) * From Jordan J. Dobrikin: In response to Mssrs. Dave Moores, Paul Kueffner and others with respect to Keelboat, Handicap Racing, in North America. How about a good look at the Portsmouth System, now being managed with US Sailing. It is tried and true in that it has been serving the Dinghy and Multi-Huller's the world over. An excellent, self correcting/policing, scientifically based, computer managed, system, that get's rid of "local, political" bias: IMHO. It also allows for Races/Regattas in different Wind Speed Ranges, an achillies heel in PHRF; again IMHO. Websites: http://www.ussailing.org/portsmouth http://www.ussailing.org/portsmouth/table_vi.htm * From Damian Christie, Melbourne, Australia: Although I agree with David Eisenberg's suggestion of a 'spending cap' for the America's Cup (Scuttlebutt 2052), I'm not sure it could work. Who would impose such a spending cap and how could it be implemented? After 1992 (when some Cup budgets exceeded $US100 million), there was a concerted effort for the 1995 defense by all the competitors to reduce costs by limiting the number of new boats they could build to two each. Yet despite the two-boat rule, the costs had escalated again by 2000, with Luna Rossa spending $US150 million and Alinghi and Oracle committing even more to the 2003 challenge. Another reason for the escalation in Cup budgets has been the 'open slather' policy of now recruiting personnel from all over the world - sailors and designers now demand handsome remuneration, regardless of how good or poor their form is historically in the Louis Vuitton Cup, let alone the America's Cup. In the end, the only way to reduce costs (particularly when recruiting high calibre sailors) is to go back to the Cup's ideal of being a 'friendly competition between foreign nations' - that is the boats are crewed by nationals of the countries in which they are being built. There would then not be such enormous pressure to recruit the best sailors and more countries might have the opportunity to compete with their own talent. Unfortunately, for that to happen, someone first (other than Larry Ellison!) will have to take the Cup from Ernesto Bertarelli's grasp! * From Talbot Wilson, Bermuda Race Press Officer: (re: Scuttlebutt 2054, Not just 40 pages of rules): At bermudarace.com, the actual Newport Bermuda Race NOR rules document is available for download both as a straightforward 19 page pdf document or as a pdf version of the full-color 40-page Notice of Race book. The 40 pager is certainly not all rules, but includes the actual Notice of Race plus articles on the history of the race, what's new for the centennial, hints on preparation for first-timers, notes on weather and the Gulf Stream and much more. There are photos of from all ages of the race from the 1906 winner to the winners of 2004 divisions. Hard copies for the Notice of Race Book will be sent to all yachts entering the race and will be available to the public while the supply lasts. Contact mailto:chairman@bermudarace.com for your hard copy. CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION "It's never just a game when you're winning." - George Carlin Special thanks to Ockam Instruments and West Marine. |
