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SCUTTLEBUTT 1339 - May 29, 2003Powered by SAIC (www.saic.com), an employee-owned company. Scuttlebutt is adigest of major yacht racing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus. Corrections, contributions, press releases, constructive criticism and contrasting viewpoints are always welcome, but save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. NEW RECORD A legendary sailing ship record that has remained untouched for a century and a half toppled on Tuesday night when the trimaran Great American II sailed into New York Harbor, 72 days out of Hong Kong. Wednesday morning, American adventurers Rich Wilson (Rockport, Mass.) and Rich du Moulin (Larchmont, N.Y.) were greeted by cheering family and supporters as their 53-foot sailboat passed the Statue of Liberty soon after 10:00 AM. "Two and a half months at sea is a long, long time for a classroom session . . . but it was worth every minute!" said Wilson, skipper of the Great American II, as he and du Moulin stowed their ship's sails at Chelsea Piers on Manhattan's West Side. For their entire journey, two men have been communicating with 360,000 school children who were following a series of lesson plans linked to the voyage, on Wilson's www.sitesalive.com web site and in the Newspaper In Education program for schools. Great American's time from Hong Kong on the 15,000 mile passage to the Ambrose Light Tower off Sandy Hook at the entrance to New York Harbor was 72 days 21 hours 11 minutes and 38 seconds. Her time eclipsed the record of 74 days, 14 hours set by the extreme clipper ship Sea Witch in the China tea trade in 1849. The record, which is one day and 17 hours faster than the old mark, has been reported to the World Speed Sailing Record Council for formal ratification. Although 154 years of technological development separated these two vessels, Wilson and du Moulin struggled to keep pace with the ghost of the 192-foot clipper ship, as they trailed her several times in the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Wilson is already planning future projects for his non-profit sitesALIVE Foundation, in Boston, Mass., with the aim of training teachers to make effective use of communications technology in their classrooms. Keith Taylor, http://www.sitesalive.com SWEDISH MATCH TOUR SPLIT, Croatia - Another lively day of racing on day two of the Swedish Match Tour's ACI HTmobile Cup, saw injuries mount, another squall upset the racing schedule and, finally, leaders begin to emerge from the chaos that has marked the regatta's opening round. Just as the wind picked up from 10 to 20 knots prior to the first starts of the day, Jesper Radich's trimmer Chresten Plinius received a blow to the skull by the boom of his Jeanneau One Design 35. Plinius was rushed to hospital where he received four stitches but was back on board in time to compete in the second flight. The racing was as difficult for the competitors as it was for the race committee, although it allowed all but one of the flights in the first round robin to be sailed. The wind shifted constantly throughout the day. The biggest incidents came as a squall, known locally as a 'Dirty Bora' (because its wind direction varies) passed over the fleet during the first flight. At one point Kustic says it was blowing 35 knots at sea level, and probably 40 knots at the masthead. As the gust hit a number of boats were laid flat and were pinned for around 30 seconds, their crew helpless. To add to the frustration of the race committee the weather mark dragged anchor in the gust. Worst affected by the conditions was Gram Hansen whose boat broached while he was locked in a downwind luffing match with Sweden's Magnus Holmberg. This was the start of a bad day for the Swedish Match Tour leader, losing four races and winning just one. To add to the complications caused by the 'Dirty Bora' was the northwesterly flowing current that in the light winds that prevailed this afternoon caused several boats to collide with marks and pick up penalties as a result. This fooled even old hands like Holmberg, narrowly the regatta leader after today's racing. - Shawn McBride, http://www.swedishmatchtour.com Leaderboard: Magnus Holmberg, 7-2 Karol Jablonski, 6-2 James Spithill, 6-2 Jesper Radich, 5-2 Jes Gram-Hansen, 4-4 Chris Law, 4-4 Mattias Rahm, 3-4 Allan Coutts, 3-5 Paolo Cian, 0-2 Johnie Berntsson, 2-6 Frane Brate, 0-9 NO WEED SPEED In stock now at Ockam - the CS4500 Ultrasonic Boatspeed sensor. Another amazing product from Airmar, our supplier of the Depth/Temp NMEA Smartducer. Flush mounted with a hard, smooth surface, no moving parts, removable sensor in a nylon or bronze thru-hull. No more boatspeed problems caused by seaweed or other junk catching in the paddlewheel. No more damaged paddlewheels from lifting slings or lobster pots. On-the-water testing proved excellent accuracy and responsiveness. Fully compatible with both the Tryad T2 multiplex interface and older style Model 015 Boatspeed Interface. For more information contact your Ockam dealer or Tom Davis (tom@ockam.com). http://www.ockam.com ROUND THE WORLD World Cruising Club, a division of Challenge Business, has released information about the Corinthian Challenge due to set sail in September 2006. The Corinthian Challenge has grown from the need for round the world racing that is accessible to all, regardless of yacht design, sponsorship or depth of pocket. Although the final stopover ports will not be announced until the end of 2003, the proposed course will comprise seven legs incorporating UK, Canary Islands, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South America and the Caribbean before finishing in the UK. Open to monohulls suitable for racing in the most demanding conditions, yachts will be raced under the ORC Special Regulations for Category O. The Organisers have put in place rating restrictions in order to limit the spread of the fleet between stopovers and enable the race to be completed in a concise 9 months. Yachts eligible to enter must have a 2003 IRC TCC Rating of between 1.140 and 1.450 and a minimum overall length of 58 feet or 17.7 metres. To help control costs for competitors, limitations have been put in place in order to deter high budget campaigns in line with the ethos of the whole event. These include limitations on the maximum number of sails that may be used during the race as well as other measures, to be detailed in the Notice of Race. All crew must adhere to the ISAF Rules on Professionals; with no more than 2 crew from ISAF Group 3 and 2 crew from ISAF Group 2 sailing on board at any one time. This limits the number of professionals permitted to take part in the Race and maintains the Corinthian spirit. At least half of the crew on board for each leg must have participated in at least a 500 mile passage aboard the boat they are competing on. The only age restriction is that all competitors must be 18 years old when they reach the start line and each competing yacht must have at least 6 crew on board at any one time. The Entry Fee per yacht is £30,000 with a £1000 deposit payable on application. There will be a berthing supplement of £3000 for all yachts over 80 feet or 24.4 metres. A Notice of Race and Application Form can be obtained from the organisers, World Cruising Club. More detailed information on the Corinthian Challenge can be obtained by visiting the World Cruising Club website: http://www.worldcruising.com/corinthian A LETTER FROM GARY Over the past two months I have received an astounding 1,500 e-mails and 300 cards from friends around the world. For all these messages I am grateful. So far my medical numbers are better and things are looking encouraging. Since my diagnosis, I've had two surgeries, two chemo treatments and two setbacks as a result of the chemo. I've lost a total of 38 pounds and have a new hairdo (none). But my cough has gone away, I'm walking everyday and after a series of upcoming tests, I'm optimistic to finish this regimen in August. I really appreciate all the support from so many friends. My plan is to be back on the job in early September. - Gary Jobson Rich Roberts has more on this story at http://www.yachtracing.com NEWS BRIEFS * The Boat U.S. Santa Maria Cup got underway Wednesday, where an international field of ten teams has gathered for this ISAF Grade 1 women's match race event in Annapolis, MD. Standings after Round One: Liz Baylis 6-0, Betsy Alison 4-2, Giulia Conti 4-2, Klaartje Zuiderbaan 4-2, Marie Faure 3-3, Carol Cronin 3-3, Paula Lewin 3-3, Malin Källström 2-4, Debbie Willits 1-5, Arabella Denvir 0-6. - http://www.santamariacup.org * Wednesday morning Olympic Gold-Medalist Jonathan McKee sailed his 21 foot Prototype Team McLube into Douarnenez, winning Leg Two of the Mini Pavois and becoming overall winner after finishing first in Leg One. Leg Two, Portsmouth to Douarnenez saw only 26 boats managing to start after strong winds depleted 11 boats from the fleet in Leg One from La Rochelle to Portsmouth. The 800-mile singlehanded Mini Pavois was indeed a test for boats and skippers and no doubt will set the tone before the gruelling 4,500 mile Mini Transat which starts from La Rochelle in September 2003. - http://www.yachting-world.com * In November 2002 and February 2003, ISAF approved that only Mistral One-Design boards manufactured after 1 January 2003 to the new specification shall be permitted at the 2004 Olympic Regatta and remaining Olympic qualification regattas. However, in a change to the previous decisions and reflecting the wishes of the sailors, it has now been decided that any class legal equipment may be used for the forthcoming Qualification Regattas, although the previous decision remains for the 2004 Olympic Regatta. - http://www.sailing.org * The Whittley Cruiser 660, took out the Australian Marine Industry Federation's (AMIF) Australian 2003 Boat of the Year Award. The Northshore 369 was awarded Sailing Non-trailerable Boat of the Year. Other winners at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news03/0523.htm STRONG SUMMER SUN - UV PROTECTION Protect your skin and sail forever! A breathable, form fitting, sailing shirt, by Sailing Angles offers excellent UV Protection! 8 oz. Lycra Spandex construction creates a form fitting, unencumbered, sun-protective shirt that stretches when you do whether doing a back flip on the centerboard or leaping for a surprise jibe on your Farr 40. You will find the high collar and low cut waist very functional, offering maximum coverage. Buy one today, protect yourself and sail forever! Sizes jrs, adults, xs-xxxl, white, royal and savannah silver. Available at APS, Layline, and http://www.sailingangles.com CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS * May 30-June 1: Watts Trophy Regatta for Farr 40s, Los Angeles YC. - http://www.layc.org * July 12: Round The Island Race, Edgartown YC. 52 mile race for and both cruising and racing boats around Martha's Vineyard Island. - http://www.edgartownyc.org/ * August 27-September 1: Knickerbocker Cup, Knickerbocker YC, Manhasset Bay. http://www.kyc.net LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON (editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com) (Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name and may be edited for clarity or space - 250 words max. This is not a chat room or a bulletin board - you only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot and don't whine if others disagree.) * From Ginny Lovell: Regarding the U.S. performance in the Olympic classes, it seems obvious that the key is the financial support, or the lack thereof of our talented sailors. The teams that are doing well from other countries are financially supported, and they do not have day jobs. They sail all the time and have the best equipment and coaches. They do not have to worry so much about paying the bills. There doesn't seem to be an arm of U. S. Sailing dedicated to fundraising, and our sailors have to do their own thing in addition to keeping a day job. If you polled the sailors, I would bet the number one complaint would be the lack of support and financial respect. Sailors in Great Britain command a lot of respect and, as was mentioned before, receive money from the national lottery. Being good at fundraising is essential in the Americas Cup arena, but if our nation wants Olympic medals, our athletes should be given support. There is plenty of talent there, just very little money. It's money, stupid! * From Chris Ericksen: I applaud Peter Huston's letter in 'Butt 1338 about US Sailing becoming "US Training." While I embrace the training aspects of US Sailing, I do fear that the organization is experiencing "mission creep" in an effort to widen its appeal. Books sell and make money; powerboaters, bass fishermen and jet skiers all could be members; and all for little additional cost to US Sailing. It is an interesting business model--but not the one it should be. US Sailing's own website declares that the organization's mission is "to encourage participation and promote excellence in sailing and racing in the United States." I encourage US Sailing to mind its knitting and leave the powerboating instruction to the organization that has been doing it for generations: the US Power Squadron. * From Wells Wentworth: Bravo Peter Huston. Amazon.com lists 44 books on powerboat operation, and something tells me the world is not in dire need of a new book on the subject. So while our Olympic sailors are getting pounded by better supported foreign teams, our national governing body is focusing on powerboat training. What's wrong with this picture? * From Wes Oliver: Peter Huston rails about US Sailing being in the "powerboat" business or in the publishing business or in the training business. Obviously he has never been involved with junior sailing or the hiring of instructors for junior sailing. He might be surprised to learn how many competent young sailors aspiring to be instructors or coaches don't have a clue about how to operate a powerboat! The US Sailing Powerboat training course will soon be a prerequisite for our hiring of instructor staff. It does serve an important purpose in furtherance of broadening the capabilities of our younger sailors. Thanks US Sailing for providing important training for our young instructors. * From Janet C. Baxter, President Elect- US Sailing (In response to Peter Huston's comments on US Sailing's involvement with Powerboating): Peter, I encourage you to look at the new Powerboat book. It was written to help Race Managers and Sailing Instructors on the water. Accidents can happen when sailors mix with powerboats, even at the highest levels. This is one more attempt to minimize the risks and maximize the fun. Ever been to a race where the mark drifted away or the RC couldn't get the line set in heavy seas? The stories are great at the bar but not so good for great sailing. We hope that more training leads to more participants, both racing and helping to run the races. * From Bruce A. Eissner, Chairman, Offshore Committee, US Sailing (Re. Peter Huston's comments about US Sailing's "changing focus"): That's nonsense. On the offshore side alone, there is significant activity with regard to a new effort in grand prix sailing, Americap is growing, and we are providing more direct services to races and racers. The Olympic and Regional Games efforts ensure support of sailing at its highest level. There are many other examples. Of course, education is a focus. It ranges from Safety Seminars for offshore sailors to the new power boat program. The origins of the latter came from racers, race organizers and coaches. Surely Peter has noticed that organizers, judges, coaches, and others use power boats. And a recent unfortunate incident involving a power boat and an aspiring Olympic sailor might remind him that better power boat handling can contribute to better racing. * From Sheila McKee: Guess who drove Bates, Jonathan and Charlie McKee to their Soling and raced with them on occasion? Their dear Mom. They were too young to drive a car, but not too young to race. If they needed a crew, I was it, mid position. - got some strong muscles. Otherwise I skippered Tina Conways's Soling with Axel Olsen who never used a stop watch - we just counted down aloud before the start. Their dad didn't race with them though he was a fine racer, but, at that point he served ably on many race committees and was as proud of them as I was. CURMUDGEON'S CONUNDRUM If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting? |
