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SCUTTLEBUTT #506 - February 17, 2000OUTTA HEREMy sea bag is packed and in short order I'll be heading for San Diego for the start of the Puerto Vallarta Race. I'll be navigating Jim Madden's shiny new, just launched J/160, Stark Raving Mad. (To save time, we've combined the shakedown cruise with the boat's first race.) Although I'll be leaving my computer behind, Scuttlebutt WILL continue. My friend David McCreary at Boats.Com has agreed to produce and distribute 'Butt in my absence. Not to worry! David's a pro one of the few people on earth I'd trust with this treasured creation of mine. However, his commute is a bit longer than the curmudgeon's, so 'Butt may be arriving a bit later than usual. I'm really delighted there will not be an interruption during the America's Cup -- you will know a lot more about what's happening in Auckland than we will offshore in the Pacific. I plan to stick around PV long enough to do the MEXORC Regatta aboard Kelly Vince's J/120, Simply Red. However, However, I'll return to Scuttlebutt World Headquarters in time to produce and distribute the March 6 issue. While I'm gone, please address your letters to: Scuttlebutt@boats.com. PLEASE! If mail keeps arriving at my Earthlink address at the normal rate, my email box will explode about the third day of the race scattering letters all over cyberspace. ECONOMIC BOOM There's no room at the casa for thousands of patriotic Italians desperately seeking accommodation while their country's top yachtsmen fight for the America's Cup. The Prada team say that "half of Italy" is on its way to Auckland to support their battle against Team New Zealand but many are finding it difficult to get flights and accommodation. Air New Zealand and Qantas confirm that the number of Italian passengers is increasing and many inner-city hotels say they are booked out for at least the next week. Air NZ spokesman Alastair Carthew said figures for December showed that 1216 Italians arrived here, compared with 765 for the same month last year. "We're still getting lots of inquiries from Italians wanting to stay. When the Americans were knocked out of the cup we thought they would pack up and go home but they all seem to be staying on," he said. The expected influx of Italian tourists comes as police and the Auckland harbourmaster made a plea yesterday to the 1500 boats expected to watch the start of racing this weekend to continue the good behaviour shown so far this summer. Harbourmaster Captain James McPetrie is expecting that the spectator fleet for the first two races will be about that number, the same size as for the end of the Louis Vuitton finals. -- Francesca Mold and Jason Collie, NZ Herald Full story: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ac2000 THE REST OF THE STORY Slow sales of everything from ice-creams and soft drinks to expensive T-shirts and yacht club memberships have led to a $9 million income shortfall for the company running the village. "The problem is [money] has not been spent around here by the public. That is the key issue," said the chief executive of America's Cup Village Ltd, Ian Collinson. A woman who would not pay $10 for a water taxi so she could take close-up photographs of the Team New Zealand base was typical of the "sort of response," he said. America's Cup Village Ltd had earned only about half of its projected income, despite better-thanexpected crowds. The company had accepted "very conservative" forecasts from sponsors and licence holders. Auckland City councillor Jon Olsen, who has been demanding accountability from the village chiefs, said the figures were a disgrace. "Why are these people disappearing into the mist when the numbers aren't what they are supposed to be? Auckland ratepayers are being taken for another ride." America's Cup Village Ltd and its owner, Infrastructure Auckland, aided by the public relations firm Network Communications, yesterday held a press conference to explain developments. These included a decision by the Infrastructure Auckland board not to pursue a sale of its cup village assets for at least 18 months. -- Bernard Orsman, NZ Herald Full story: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ac2000 PRAMS TO PROAS, MAXI'S TO MINI'S Whatever it is you may race, Optimist Prams off the beach to Maxi Sleds offshore, Ullman Sails have proven time and again they can accelerate you into the winner's circle. Check out http://www.ullmansails.com and find out what many already know -- Ullman Sails can help you dive into the silver. So, if you want to ad some to your shelf, do yourself a favor and contact Ullman Sails for a spring time tune-up. SEX APPEAL One day this week, Prada's two boats were being towed out to the inner Hauraki Gulf for practice when ITA-48, the trial boat, radioed skipper Francesco de Angelis on ITA-45, the race boat. "Hey, Francesco," the caller said, "did you hear that an Auckland radio station took a poll to pick the sexiest men? Ricky Martin was first and you were second." De Angelis grinned and pumped both arms in the air: Yes! A few minutes later he phoned back to ITA-48: "Who's Ricky Martin?" he inquired about the Latin pop star. -- Rich Roberts, Quokka Sports Full story: http://www.americascup.org/ LAUNCHING On 18 February 2000 at 1100hrs (NZ time) in Auckland, New Zealand, 23 year old Ellen MacArthur, UK BT/YJA Yachtsman of the Year 1998, and Lady Pippa Blake, wife of Sir Peter Blake, will officially launch the new Open 60 Grand Prix raceboat 'Kingfisher' for the solo, non-stop, around the world Vendee Globe yacht race. There is now an almost complete history of the build of Kingfisher on the web site at: http://www.kingfisherchallenges.com/uk/media/boatbuild. Then view the launching, log on to http://www.kingfisherchallenges.com, and take a virtual tour of the boat with Ellen from 0600hrs GMT - but you'll have to supply your own Moet! -- Mary Ambler LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON (leweck@earthlink.net) Letters selected to be printed are routinely edited for clarity, space (250 words max) or to exclude personal attacks. But only one letter per subject, so give it your best shot and don't whine if people disagree. -- From Tom Nunn -- I agree with Joe Dervin that there are some tremendous Youth programs around the US. I wish that I had been involved in a program like one of the Optimist programs that do so well around Long Island Sound in CT when I was younger. I would be a much better sailor than I am now. But I have also listened to Tony Kornheiser' radio show on ESPN Radio. Tony tries to get a rise out of his readers and listeners. It makes for some very interesting sports commentary when the topics are criminals in the NFL and John Rocker's racially offensive comments in Sports Illustrated. Unfortunately, like many who are unaware of what the sailing world is REALLY like, Tony is stuck on an old image of sailing as an elitist activity. He would probably be surprised if he saw my 2 year old $10 canvas beach shoes with holes in the top that I find to work incredibly well at keeping me on a well heeled deck! I think it is unfortunate that Tony printed an article like this but those of us who are in sailing know the truth and know a response would only give some credence to Tony's comments. -- From Steve Otton -- Mr. Kornheiser needs to put down his Post, and at least pick up a yachting magazine. We are losing our edge ? I don't think so. It is true that more focus should be placed on junior sailing programs but there is most likley more focus here in the states than anywhere else in the world. Anyone who paid any attention to the finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup will know that it was a hell of a battle. There must be a winner, and a loser. What would Mr. Kornheiser have done differently ? "Yacht it up ? How about "Zip it up" and get out on the race course, replace the blazers with drysuits and lets go ! -- From Tom Donlan -- Tony Kornheiser is a funny guy, but he shouldn't be taken seriously about any sport that doesn't use a ball. -- From Michael Herman -- I love all the bull about made in NZ. Perhaps the world should know that Bob Rice was made in "America." Especially those in our country who are not sailing wise. The news media plays the hype but doesn't always tell it like it is. --From Paul Lombardi -- On Friday Team NZ and Prada's Luna Rossa will meet for the first time. All over the world people who sail will be watching both boats fight it out on the race course. I hope parents involved in youth sailing will spend time with their children to show how seamanship and teamwork really works as both of these teams show the world how it's done. -- From Ersin Turk Konuk -- Are the Italians in a psychological warfare with the Kiwis? First Doug Holthaus and then Doug Peterson repeatedly on the offensive. I like Doug Peterson and have a lot of respect for his talent. We all know he is a genius when it comes to boat design, but I think he should be a little more humble and wait for the results of the races and then tell the world his opinions about how poorly the Kiwis are doing because of their boat design. Since the America's Cup is big money game he is better off with the Italians than the Kiwis anyway. Italians have more money and they are very very hungry for the cup. They must have paid him a bundle where the Kiwis probably could not afford him. -- From Ross Macdonald ( Re: Bruce Kirby's article regarding TNZ) -- The Code 0 is rearing it's head once again, but this time it may be for a different reason. My belief is this sail has been developed as a tactical sail on off-wind legs where in a close situation (perhaps within 3 lengths of each other) they would hoist this sail inside the spinnaker 'furled'. In the event of a luff, the Code 0 is deployed, spinnaker comes down, and wind her in. Assuming PRADA does not have one of these sails and hoist a genoa, TNZ would have the luxury of holding it's opponent to the angle which suits their VMG best (or PRADA's worst). Probably greater than 100 TWA. As they approach the 'proper course' layline and are technically forced to bear away and gybe, TNZ will only gain more with their big sail, versus PRADA's genoa, until they both decide to hoist spinnakers. Should TNZ find themselves the weather boat in a close situation, their only concern will be taking the spinnaker down in time prior to a luff. Remember, the leeward boat can only luff as hard as the spinnaker cloth will allow them! -- From Art Kamisugi, Hawaii -- In 1992, after A3 won the America's Cup, Bill Koch chartered a jet and flew his entire crew, staff, and support team to the island of Hawaii as a "thank you" gesture. He even included the security staff, the janitors and cooks, as well as all of their families. They checked into the Mauna Lani Resort, a 5 star hotel, for a 3-day weekend of luaus, beach parties, and dancing. My wife Libbie and I were invited to attend the festivities, as the Mauna Lani Resort had taken a bold move in 1988 and sponsored our Peterson designed 48 foot sloop built by Dencho Marine. We renamed our boat "Mauna Lani Flash" and have enjoyed our association with the resort. As Bill could have taken his entourage anywhere in the world, the question came up of how did he choose the Mauna Lani Resort for his victory celebration? He had a simple answer. He wanted to support the Mauna Lani Resort, as they supported yacht racing. There was a lot of discussion last summer in the Scuttlebut about what sponsors should do for yacht racers, but I think that we should all take a lesson from Bill Koch and support all of the sponsors everywhere who support our sport. MILLENNIUM CUP You could picture the Havana cigars flying into the Beluga caviare and the Dom Perignon being indecently shaken ... $1 billion worth of superyachts were leaving behind lazy harbour moorings for a taste of salt and sailing action. More than 40 superyachts set sail in winds ranging up to 25 knots yesterday when the starter's gun sounded for the Auckland to Kawau Island Millennium Cup - the official race and party for the fabulously wealthy. In the glamorous 100ft-plus class it was the 70-year-old J-class Velsheda that led much more modern and expensive yachts past North Head, where more than 200 spectators braved showers to watch. On board Mari Cha was American-born, Hong Kong-based owner Robert Miller, who started the Duty Free Shoppers chain. But the eagerly awaited clash between the American mega-millionaire owners of the two largest single-masted yachts in the world turned into a fizzer. The Georgia, owned by property baron John A. Williams, got off to a shocking start and appeared to have problems with its headsail, before it cruised up to Kawau near the back of the field. Meanwhile, its arch-rival the Hyperion, owned by Netscape boss Jim Clark, worked its way through the fleet, and took third place on the line. The two boats meet for their own private duel tomorrow. The boats moored off Kawau Island last night in what Itasca skipper Allan Jouning said was possibly the biggest and most spectacular meeting of superyachts yet. "You have Antigua, the South of France, and the bucket of Nantucket, but I don't think I've ever seen a gathering like this." Helicopters and boats took 950 VIPs ashore for cocktail hour on the beach, followed by a feast of fresh seafood, ostrich, European chocolates and pavlova in a marquee next to Mansion House. -- Nick Perry, NZ Herald, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ac2000/ CURMUDGEON'S COMMENT: Photographer Tom Zinn captured the Millennium Cup action and quickly posted the images on his Adrenalin Images website. Just go there -- you'll enjoy the visit. And make sure you double click on the images to fill the screen on your monitor: http://adrenalinimages.com/ BLOCK ISLAND Great competition is expected for Block Island Race Week 2000, a favorite East Coast regatta scheduled for June 19 -23. Racing will take place One-Design, PHRF, IMS and Cruising Canvas (non-spinnaker) classes during the five-day series that features the popular Around-the-Island Race. The ever expanding J/105 fleet is projecting 30+ entries, and the Soverel 33 class will host their National Championships at Block Island. On the grand prix scene, the commitment by reigning IMS World Champion Innovision from the Netherlands, suggests that Race Week may serve as a tune-up event for boats competing in the IMS Worlds next July in Newport. This even-year event is promoted and organized by Premiere Racing, Inc. with Boatscape.com as the new title sponsor. -- Peter Craig, http://www.Premiere-Racing.com PERFORATED TOERAILS The huge perforated toe rail on modern boats is a bonafide 'butt bruiser.' These days, crews have learned how to cope with the pain by sailing wearing Camet sailing shorts with the optional foam butt pads. They work, no blue toes, no sleeping legs You get the idea: http://www.camet.com/ A NEW RACE COMMITTEE TAKES OVER The America's Cup Match Race Committee will be pioneering a new high-tech software system, which could become the tool of choice for round-the-buoys racing anywhere in the world. Principal race officer Harold Bennett has assembled a well-drilled group of race officials drawn from the race management team at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Bennett has placed a high premium on reliable information systems and electronics to aid his task. "If I am going to run fair races for these two teams, I have got to have information equal to or better than they have themselves, as far as the weather goes," he said. "To that end, we will have our own weather boats on the course." The four course vessels (the committee boat, the two wing boats and the windward mark boat) are all equipped with sophisticated weather instruments, which interface by telemetry to provide true wind speed and direction information across the course area, including averages over time. New software, developed by local marine technology company KiwiTech in association with Raytheon, is used for laying the course accurately. RayTech Navigator uses digital charts as its base information, and then allows the race committee to overlay its course, taking account of land, navigation obstacles and, in the case of the Hauraki Gulf, Telecom's cables that run along the seabed. An errant anchor ripping up one of the cables could create mayhem with New Zealand's international communications and carries the prospect of a $250,000 fine, so it's a factor to be taken into account. Running alongside the chart window are the wind speed and direction inputs. In terms of the America's Cup sailing instructions, the course can be laid within a large circle that virtually encompasses most of the inner Gulf area. One of Bennett's early decisions each race day is to decide where he should lay the course within that area to take best advantage of the prevailing conditions. Once that decision is taken, he feeds the coordinates of the committee boat end of the start line into the computer and the wind direction. In an instant, the programme overlays the diamond shape of the course, with the laylines running out to the wing mark boats and then converging again at the windward mark. The exact GPS coordinates are provided for the wing mark boats and the windward mark, and where the spectator fleet can be stationed. In an area as shifty as the Hauraki Gulf, it's rare for an 18-mile race to be completed without having to shift marks. By monitoring the weather data, the committee can feed new wind-direction information into the system and it will show how the course should be re-oriented to maintain an accurate windward-leeward track. -- Ivor Wilkins, Quokka Sports Full story: http://www.americascup.org/ WINNING ELEMENTS When you win, you want everyone to know about it, and nothing tells the story better than sharp looking crew apparel from Pacific Yacht Embroidery. For a winning program, the look of your crew gear is as important as the cut of your sails. Pacific Yacht Embroidery will make that special effort to set your crew out from the crowd. Just get in touch with Frank Whitton to learn how affordable his high quality crew apparel can be. Even if you lose you'll feel better because you look so good: Pacyacht@aol.com / 619-226-8033 AC TV COVERAGE Race 1 of America's cup 2000 gets underway on ESPN2 LIVE at 7:00pm et (4:00pm pt) on Friday, February 18. After four years and nine months, two boats will finally meet for the America's Cup. All races will be carried live and will be two and a half hours in length:
* If necessary Full schedule: -- http://www.jobsonsailing.com/tvsched.html INDUSTRY NEWS The Sydney 38 has 11 yachts sold off the plan, announced Sydney Yachts' today. The latest contract involves the sale of six (6) initial Sydney 38's to a group of sailors in Chicago for their racing season this year. The arrangement plans for the growth of the fleet with additional yachts to be supplied for the 2001 season. -- Louise Bashford Website: http://www.bashford.com.au MISTRAL WORLDS Leaders after four races - MEN: 1. Joao Rodrigues, POR, 2. Lars Kleppich, AUS, 3. Alexandre Guyader, FRA, 4. Aaron McIntosh, NZL, 5. Amit Inbar, ISR, 10. Michael Gebhardt, USA. WOMEN: 1. Lai Shan Lee, HKG, 4 points, 2. Alessandra Sensini, ITA, 5, 3. Lise Vidal, FRA, 9, 4. Faustine Merret, FRA, 10, 5. Marzena Okonska, POL, 14. Event site: http://www.windsurfers.com.ar/mundial2000.htm ONE FINAL THOUGHT The folks at Virtual Spectator truly lived up to their revised commitment to the 'Buttheads. By the time their free offer ended last night, they had efficiently provided just about 2000 copies of their incredible program to the 'Buttheads. These are quality people with a quality product. I look forward to working them again! THE CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATIONS I always wanted to be a procrastinator, but never got around to it. |
