|
SCUTTLEBUTT #346 - June 22, 1999GUEST EDITORIAL -- Seth RadowIf PHRF rated only the boats and not the sailors then PHRF would improve. If PHRF nationalized the rating board so that the performance/ measurement database of each boat model were statistically meaningful and intelligently assigned and there was some consistency from region to region this would improve the accuracy of the ratings on all boats. If there was performance information on numerous types of courses and varying wind strengths and a VPP that could accurately predict speed we would have a near perfect system. If this rule were developmental the sport and performance of new boats could continue to improve with time and technology. This system could be called the "International Measurement System". Because of the developmental nature of this rule there would be significant expense to keep up with the developments. This would attract only Grand Prix type boats and would attract some of the best talent in sailing. Eliminating the developmental portion of the rule such that older boats would not become obsolete and the expenses could controlled quite effectively. This rule might not appeal to the Grand Prix crowd, but it certainly would appeal to the "Club" sailor. This system might eliminate the necessity to have "spot on" accurate measurements as the designers/ builders could submit numbers that would be reasonably accurate. We could call this system "ORC Club". If this "Club" system is not accurate enough, go one step further, half way between the aforementioned two systems and require accurate measurement of the hull, foils, stability, etc. Include a "secret" and essentially static VPP such that boats could not be optimized for the rule. Lets call this one "Americap". No need for PHRF and it's occasionally arbitrary, frequently inconsistent and, always inaccurate ratings. PHRF is obsolete today. Other systems are in the works and at least one is due around the millennium, let's call one IR2000. KIEL RACE WEEK In 1998 Kieler Woche sailed into a new quantitative dimension with 2,000 boats from,48 countries. In 1999 some 5,000 yachtsmen and -women are again expected to participate in the 105th Kieler Woche - more than 12 times as many as at the Olympic Games. This year's competitions will once again turn out to be a rendezvous of world champions, European champions and Olympic gold medallists - 19 medal-winners from Savannah took part in 1998. Kieler Woche's international character is also evident in the ration of German to foreign competitors (40:60 on the triangular courses). No other series of regattas covers so many different aspects of sailing as Kieler Woche. In additional to the international classes (14 disciplines, June 19 - 22) and Olympic classes (11 disciplines, June 23 - 27), some 280 seagoing yachts will be competing in the offshore regattas and more than 20 Mumm 36s in their world championship. Race results: http://www.kyc.de/regatta/kieler-woche/index.html SUPERYACHTS Sydney Harbour will play host to more than 60 superyachts, both sail and power, during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, according to New South Wales Minister for Sport, Gary Scully. Their stopover, he says, will generate up to $50 million for the State economy. In expectation of this grand showing of opulence, the State Government will built 25 temporary superyacht berths in Rozelle Bay. The remainder of the superyachts will be spread around the harbour at existing marinas and wharves in Mosman, The Spit and Rushcutters Bay, including at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. More than 70 superyacht owners have already expressed expressions of interest with the Waterways Authority to berth in Sydney during the Olympic season. Each owner will pay $83,000 for a two month berth in Rozelle Bay. Many of the sailing superyachts, such as Morning Glory, owned by News Limited International's Rupert Murdoch, have indicated their interest in competing in the CYCA's 2000 Sydney to Hobart following the Olympics with the motor superyachts also accompanying the fleet south to Tasmania. The CYCA has already issued a preliminary Notice of Race for the Sydney to Hobart Super Yacht Race 2000, as part of the 56th Sydney to Hobart. The Superyacht division will be open to vessels with a minimum LOA of 33 metres. -- Peter Campbell CHAMPAGNE MUMM ADMIRAL'S CUP PRACTICE REGATTA The final days racing in the Solent for IMS 50s and Sydney 40s run by the Royal Southampton Yacht Club has finished, and after 6 days racing the Netherlands IMS 50 'Innovision 7' won the IMS class with 47 points. She was followed by the UK entry 'Venture 99' with 75, and only two points more in third place was the US entry 'Idler'. Great Britain's Sydney 40 'Arbitrator' won in its fleet. Final Results after 18 Races: IMS Fleet: 1. Innovision 7 (Ned) 47pts, 2. Venture 99 (GBR) 75pts, 3. Idler (USA) 77 pts, 4. Brava Q8 (ITA) 86pts, 5. Rubin XV (GER) 86pts, 6. Chernikeef (Commonwealth) 124pts, 7. Breeze 3 (ITA) 126.2pts; Sydney 40 Fleet: 1. Arbitrator (GBR) 41pts, 2. Trust Computer Products (NED) 56pts, 3. Invicta (ITA) 81pts. For more details: http://mummadmiralscup.org/ LOOKIN' GOOD The wind blew a solid 18 knots with gusts into the 20s for the Friday night race at Long Beach Race Week. Very few members of the 17-person crew on John Carroll's 51-foot Arana were prepared for the salt water spray that frequently engulfed the boat. However, the curmudgeon had on his new Gill dinghy smock. Not only did the GORE-TEX smock keep me dry; the fabric breathes so I was always comfortable. But even more important perhaps -- I really looked bitchin'. See for yourself: http://www.douglasgill.com SHORTHANDED The 1999 Singlehanded Sailing Society of San Francisco Bay's Corinthian Race, 20 miles criss-crossing the bay and dodging islands was sailed in consistent 15 knot winds with a 3.7 knot ebb pushing boats towards the first marks and a 3.2 knot flood helping them toward the finish line. Forty one boats started in and 39 finished following a minor collision at Blossom Rock,where the various currents come together between Treasure Island and the SF City Front. Twenty boats sailed singlehanded and 21 sailed double. Results: http://www.sfbaysss.org LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON Letters selected to be printed are routinely edited for clarity, space (250 words max) or to exclude personal attacks. -- From Paul Henderson, ISAF President -- ISAF is not a closed dictatorship but a fraternity for Sailors. If a minority group has an idea which they believe will enhance Sailing they have the complete right to voice it in hopes of gaining support. Some wanted to greatly reduce the number of World Championships. Various impacted jurisdictions were asked to present papers on the issue, which put the discussion in the public sailors domain, thanks to E-Mail. ISAF does not at this time endorse or turn down the suggestion. Jeff Martin spoke eloquently on behalf of a liberal WC policy. Personally I believe that each ISAF Class should have as their right 1 per year whether Olympic or not. But even the most liberal proponents must admit that when the Laser Class, a few years ago, had 15 World Champions declared in one year that was over the top. In fact it makes Sailing look ridiculous and debases the worth of winning the title "World Champion". -- From Nick Gibbens -- I recently lost my mast on an Express 27 while out sailing in 25 knots of breeze under spinnaker. The boat was in good condition and was in experienced hands. It is unclear what went wrong as all pieces seem intact. It appears to first have broken at the hounds above the weld for the halyard exit box before breaking again above the spin. car track.. My insurance adjuster and surveyor are now considering wear and tear as a reason for this failure. They have gone so far as to send the section to a lab for analysis! Maybe I should have tossed the whole kit into the bay! Wear and tear are not covered under my policy. Has anyone else dealt with this issue? This is why I thought I was buying insurance! -- From Scott MacDonald -- Buzz Taylor, President of the United States Golf Association, announced a 10 year 50 million dollar plan to introduce golf to young people and make the sport more accessible. This is the competition sailing faces as a sport over the next decade and is why we need to make adjustments in the sport to attract major sponsorship agreements. -- From Jennifer Golison (in response to Randy Smith's comments in 'Butt '345) -- The Farr 40 Rules are supposed to be rules, not based upon subjective perceptions. Flam, Matzinger, Little, etc. qualify as amateurs, period, and have said "no thank you" to money offers to maintain that status. The Farr 40 class will have huge problems if their class "rules" are subject to arbitrary interpretation. P.S. You may work 50-60 hours a week, and only spend 10% sailing, but Steve works 80-100 hours a week working, and still somehow manages to find time to sail and volunteer for everything at the yacht club. -- From Jerry Kaye -- PHRF came into existence about 1959 and sentiments like Kevin's started in 1959. I have been on the Southern California PHRF Board twice and without exception, those who need time are given time. In the last two years, owners who asked for time got it (Cat 42, C&C 41, etc). Those doing the loudest griping either will not go before the local or Regional board and ask for an adjustment or show up to make a case about "the other guy's gift rating." Generally, those racers that win by excessive amounts (two minutes on corrected time) on a nearly consistent basis who have had an adjustment made to their ratings turn a blind eye to the data, refuse to present a counter-case (based on facts), act in a civilized manner, take it personally, refuse to try out the new rating or all of the above. A recent appeal of an adjustment after a year and a half of total domination included personal attacks and misstatements of facts. Surprise! His appeal was denied. In golf, lowering the handicap is considered a compliment and a recognition of achieving a higher level of accomplishment. Some of the most highly repeated, accomplished and talented racers (some have served on PH) won't try out a new lower rating and then (if needed) come back for an adjustment or to appeal. It's far too easy, I guess, to just gripe. I invite Kevin and others to attend PHRF Board meetings to learn more about the system. PROFESSIONAL SAILING For the ten crews at the Mumm 36 World Championships, the longest day of the year proved to be longer than any of them could have expected, with the short offshore race of just 80 miles taking just under fifteen hours in very variable winds of Kieler Bucht. Finishing in the last of the northern twilight under the eerie glow of Kiel Lighthouse, the crews were hungry cold and tired after a long day's racing that the early morning weather forecast had predicted would be over in time for an early dinner. Standings: 1. Moby Lines E Cheffi 1 3 2 2 6 (14 points) 2. Barlo Plastics A Stead 3 2 4 3 3 (15 pts) 3. Thomas I Punkt K Jablinski 6 1 6 1 2 (16 pts) 4 Breeze 1 T Hutchinson 2 4 3 7 4 (20 pts) 5. New Yorker C Larson 5 6 1 6 7 (25 pts). Event site: http://www.kyc.de/regatta/mumm-wm/index-e.html LOTUS CUP 17 teams from nine countries were competing for a total of USD 14.500 in appearance and and price money in a new event, Lotus Cup, created by the norwegian company ProSail and Risor Sailing Club. The regatta took place in the small idyllic seaside village of Risor in southern Norway 18th and 19th June with some of the worlds best 49er teams present. A large crowd on the pier alongside the racecourse enjoyed excellent sailing both days in winds ranging from 15 to 20 knots, cheering their favourites as they tacked or jibed within a few feet from grandstands and sponsortents. The regatta turned out to be a great fight between the Worlds top ranked team, Marc Audineau/Julien Farnarier, the New Zealanders Daniel Slater/Nathan Handley and the triple Worlds champion Chris Nicholson/Daniel Phillips who eventually fell out of contention with a PMS, a DNF and a capsize in the last race. The sailors enjoyed excellent racing at a high level and the intimate and informal setting of the regatta, which is hoped to become a permanent fixture on the 49er circuit. -- Mikkel Thommessen Final Results (after one discard): 1. Marc Audineau/Julien Farnarier, FRA, 2, 1, 6, 3, 5, 3, 2, 1 - 23 points; 2. Daniel Slater/Nathan Handley, NZL, 4, 6, 3, 7, 2, 5, 1, 2 - 30 points; 3. Chris Nicholson/Daniel Phillips, AUS, 1,2, 2, 6, 3, DNF, 2, 5 - 39 points; 4. Michael Hestbak/Jonathan Persson, DEN, 7, 4, 10, 5, 2, 9, 3, 3 - 43 points; 5. John Boyd/Gary Boyd, AUS, 11, 3, 1, 8, 4, 13, 1, 5 - 46 points; 6. Marcus Bauer/Philip Barth, GER, 6, 7, 12, 1, 7, 1, 4, 11 - 49 points; 7. Christoffer Sundby/Vegard Arnhoff, NOR, 8, 8, 8, 2, 6, 7, 4, 7 - 50 points; 8. Morgan Larson/Kevin Hall, USA, 9, 9, 10, 1, 9, 5, 6, 6 - 55 points. BLOCK ISLAND RACE WEEK The fleet wallowed under dull gray skies during a two-hour postponement while the race committee waited for a predicted 10 knot easterly to materialize. The wind eventually filled in from the northeast and built slowly to 6-7 knots, which was enough to start, and complete, one race on each course. Port tack starts proved popular in a number of classes in the shifty conditions that prevailed. However not everyone was successfully in executing the maneuver that put them on the shorter, favored tack but put the burden on them to keep clear of starboard tack boats. In PHRF Class 33-60, Paul Zabetakis' Mumm 36 Impetuous, from Stamford, CT, suffered damage to her stern as she tried to cross in front of the Donald Patterson's Taylor 41, Orion, from Virginia Beach, VA. -- Keith Taylor Standings: 1D35 - 1. JAZZ, FISHER 2. VICTORY 3. WIDOWMAKER, WORTH; J/105 - ECLIPSE, EMERY 2. WET PAINT, PRIESTLY 3. WET LEOPARD, SORENSEN; Farr 40 - 1. TOTAL ECLIPSE, BREGMAN 2. SOLUTION, THOMSON 3. HISSAR, CATO. Complete standings: http://blockislandraceweek.com WHERE, OH WHERE? A lot of people at Long Beach Race Week asked me where they can buy the great looking, fast drying Camet sailing shorts just like the curmudgeons. That's easy - all of the dealers are listed on the Camet website. And they're everywhere. Camet has dealers in 14 states plus Europe and South America: http://www.camet.com/ TIP O' THE DAY Ten Things to Check Before Every Start: 1. Current 2. Compass heading to first mark 3. Wind direction Check every 5 or 10 minutes while preparing for your sequence 4. Get a line sight. Get a range on the line by sailing outside the leeward end and sighting to the weather end. Get a bearing on land to judge when you approach your start. This is one great way to know if you are on the line, over or late. 5. Jib leads 6. Main halyard, jib halyard, rig tension, etc.. Basically get tuned well before the preparatory signal. 7. Course #. Sounds obvious, but always know the couse you're sailing (You will probably be winning and will not have anyone to follow). 8. Which end of the line is favored. 9. Which side of the course is favored. 10. What shift are you going to be on right at the start. Knowing if you are lifted or headed right off the starting line can set you up in rhythm for the entire beat. -- The Coach at Sailweb.net. AUCKLAND UPDATE (Reprinted with permission from DEFENCE 2000, which is available for US $48 per year from John@roake.gen.nz) * There has been no shortage of volunteers to staff the Louis Vuitton Challenger series, with the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club providing the bulk of the workers from amongst their members. The Bucklands Beach Club is the host club for the challengers, although most Auckland clubs are represented amongst the volunteers, whose work will be wide and varied. Observation: Three of the last four winners of the Louis Vuitton have ended up winning the America's Cup. * TEAM NEW ZEALAND FINANCES O.K. Team New Zealand expects that both of their new yachts will be finished by November, and out sailing on the Hauraki Gulf before month's end. Team New Zealand's spokesman Alan Sefton is on record as saying. "This will give us just enough time to shake them down, and then get serious about working them up to full potential for the America's Cup Match in February." Sefton says "Team New Zealand's defence program was right on track with no financial problems, their mainstream funding in place, although the budget is tight. There will be no bells and whistles. There is no complacency nor over-confidence. Considering the technological might and the resources being thrown against us, you can understand that we are running scared," he said. "At the same time, we know that nobody could do more than we are at the moment to ensure a successful defence." NON-RACING TRIVIA Bill Gates is still the richest man in the world. The chairman of Microsoft has seen his personal worth rise to a cool US$90 billion from $51 billion last year, and at one point in April it actually broke through the $100 billion barrier as the value of his stock holdings rose. Gates, who founded the software company in 1975, is so rich that his fortune is nearly three times the $36 billion of his nearest challenger, investor Warren Buffett, according to the latest edition of the business magazine Forbes. Gates has been the world's richest person now since 1995. Paul Allen, who founded Microsoft with Gates but is no longer with the company, is third on the list, with $30 billion. Microsoft president Steven Ballmer is fourth with a worth of $19.5 billion. In a sign of the economic boom that is driving US stock markets, the seven richest people in the world are Americans. Also, Gates now is worth as much as the entire top nine on the Forbes list 10 years ago. -- Reuters Limited. For the full story: http://www.wired.com/news/news/business/story/20314.html ADECCO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP -- Report by Bob Fisher KIEL-The Adecco World Championship for the Maxi One Design class is on again and promises to be even more exciting than the first event in Holland. In the two weeks since that regatta was completed, all eight skippers and crews have had time to improve the tuning of their boats in an effort to displace Ludde Ingvall and the European entry, Skandia, who dominated the racing at Scheveningen. 'We've made some changes,' said Ross Field, the New Zealand skipper of RF Yachting, 'They are small but important.' Field is not the only one of the eight to re-cut sails, this has been a universal move in search of more speed. Even Ingvall admits to making changes in this area in order to try to stay ahead of the opposition. In a brisk westerly breeze of 15-18 the eight boats started a 200-mile offshore race in the early evening. At 0135 local time, Gunnar Krantz' Team Henri-Lloyd was dismasted The incident occurred soon after they had rounded the southern tip of Langeland to begin a 30 mile windward leg. No one on board was injured. Krantz described the dismasting as happening in slow motion, 'We had just settled down for a battle with Ross Field (RF Yachting NZL) and Ludde Ingvall (Skandia EUR) when there was a sudden bang. It was followed by another bang, and then bang again. It seemed like a long time before the awful crunching, munching sounds of pieces of the boat breaking began. It was like someone telling us our regatta was over.' It is believed that the attachment point of the forestay, where it joins the mast, had failed. This is an integral part of the carbon fibre spar. When this gave way, the mast was held for a few seconds by the luff of the jib and the halyard, but these were no match for the loads which are normally taken by the forestay and, with a crack, the jib luff parted and the mast fell aft, over the port quarter. Team Henri-Lloyd was motored back to Kiel, where she went alongside at the Military Harbour. Her crew steadily set about clearing away the damage before a mobile crane arrived to lift the mast clear of the boat. Specialist boat and spar builders will attend during the morning to assess fully the damage and estimate the time needed to repair the boat. It is expected that Team Henri-Lloyd will next race in the Gotland Runt, starting on July 4th. 'We are sad about this,' said Krantz, 'It spoils our chances of winning the Adecco World Championship as we will lose two races with double points and the whole of Kieler Woche.' -- Bob Fisher Event website: http://www.adecco-championship.com THE CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATIONS "If the automobile had followed the same development as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year killing everyone inside." --Robert Cringely, InfoWorld |
