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SCUTTLEBUTT 1314 - April 23, 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 emphasis. Corrections, contributions, press releases, constructive criticism and contrasting viewpoints are always welcome, but save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. TEAM NEW ZEALAND Veteran sailor Grant Dalton will take over the running of Team New Zealand although the syndicate has not yet said if it will again challenge for the America's Cup. Team New Zealand's trustees said today Dalton will fill the new role of managing director while Dean Barker retains the skipper's role. The trustees did not say who will be appointed to the other new position they established, that of sailing director. Team New Zealand have been undergoing an internal review since their failed bid to defend the America's Cup this year when the Swiss team Alinghi beat them 5-0. Limited findings from that review will be released next month. Dalton said today he believed Team New Zealand could mount a successful challenge in 2007 when Alinghi defends the Cup somewhere in Europe. "My immediate priority is to retain core people," Dalton said. "I have started this process and it should be completed within a few days." As well as Barker, the other three members of Team New Zealand's management team for the 2003 defence will stay with the team. Former chief executive Ross Blackman will lead the business organisation while Tony Thomas will remain involved in fundraising. Syndicate head and key designer Tom Schnackenberg is also staying in the team, although Dalton has not said in what position. Trustees spokesman Peter Menzies said they had undertaken a wide search for a person to lead the syndicate, and Dalton was the outstanding candidate. "His track record in major sailing events, his people leadership skills and his single minded drive will give Team New Zealand new direction and focus," Menzies said. Dalton's task now was to complete a feasibility study into whether Team New Zealand can afford to challenge in Europe, with Alinghi yet to say where the next defence will be sailed. It is expected to cost at least $150 million to mount a European bid, about twice that spent on the failed defence. The Government has already pledged $5.6 million for the team, and may contribute more funding if a challenge goes ahead. - New Zealand Herald, full story: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3450752&thesection=news&thesubsection=general STATEMENT BY GRANT DALTON My immediate priority is to retain core people. I have started this process and it should be completed within a few days. I am pleased to announce that Dean Barker has given me a commitment to stay with Team New Zealand as skipper. That is a very important starting point for the job that lies ahead over the next four years. Ross Blackman will continue to lead the business of Team New Zealand and Tony Thomas will continue his involvement in fund raising. Tom Schnackenberg will also stay with the team. Tom has been involved with the America's Cup for 20 years and I am pleased he has agreed to continue. Retaining their expertise and experience is, I believe, of paramount importance. I still have much to learn about Team New Zealand but I am convinced that we can mount a successful challenge for the 2007 America's Cup. We have a great depth of knowledge and experience and we can build from that established base. We have the continuing support of many sponsors and there is no doubt that the New Zealand public is still behind the team. A successful Team New Zealand is important for New Zealand. Holding the America's Cup made Auckland the sailing capital of the world. It projected an image of New Zealand that promoted high-value tourism; it was good for our boat design, building and refurbishing industry. It was good business for the companies that provided goods and services to the syndicates and to the many thousands of people who came to watch the regatta. Team New Zealand gave us all pride in our achievements against the best in the world and I feel privileged to be involved. ULLMAN SAILS WINS 4 OF 6 CLASSES Ullman Sails customers win 4 of 6 classes at Newport Harbor Yacht Club's Ahmanson, Skylark, and Dickson Regatta. Congratulations to the following teams: PHRF A: Wasabi (2nd*), Silver Bullet (3rd*); PHRF B Black Knight (1st*); PHRF C: Willpower (1st*); Schock 35 Class: Outlier (1st), Piranha (2nd), Whiplash (3rd), Super Gnat (4th); J/105 Class: Bold Forbes (2nd), Wings (3rd), Mischief (4th), Indigo (5th), Ancara (6th); Santana 30/30 Class: Aries (1st). Let Ullman Sails show you how easy it is to put you and your crew in the winner's circle. (* Partial inventories) Visit us at www.ullmansails.com AROUND ALONE The race is tightening up as the Around Alone fleet roars through the tropics heading for cooler waters. The frontrunners, Bernard Stamm on Bobst Group Armor lux and Simone Bianchetti on Tiscali still enjoy a sizeable lead over the rest of the fleet, but the race for third in Class 1 is getting closer and Bruce Schwab on Ocean Planet is anxiously looking over his shoulder. The strategy that Thierry Dubois on Solidaires and Emma Richards on Pindar played early in the leg is finally paying off and they are well situated to roll over the top of the slim Tom Wiley design. Schwab is hoping to make it through a patch of lighter air and into fresher winds before getting rolled. . The pressure lies mainly on the shoulders of British skipper Emma Richards if she is to ensure finishing ahead or just behind Tiscali to retain overall 3rd place. Between Schwab and his pursuers is Class 2 leader Brad Van Liew on Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America just over 30 miles behind Ocean Planet. If Bruce is nervous about being overtaken, he should give Van Liew a call. Brad see things differently as he wrote in his daily log. "Man I wish I could just coax a wee bit more out of Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America so I could reel in Bruce Schwab. Meanwhile on Leg Four: Derek Hatfield on Open 40 Spirit of Canada has survived another thrashing after a huge low pressure system kicked in with 40 - 50 knot winds for two days: "I have been knocked down at least 10 times over the past two days. With the rollover at Cape Horn fresh in my mind, my biggest fear was the mast. The boat has suffered some minor damage, the most frustrating being damage to the new mainsail. It is down on the deck right now and I should have it back up tomorrow. It was torn along the luff for about two feet when the boom hit the water during one of the knockdowns and the lazy jack system broke under the load." Hatfield also suffered some bruising on his shoulder blade when he fell and winded his back hitting the cockpit during the storm. - Mary Ambler & Brian Hancock, http://www.aroundalone.com/ STANDINGS: 2200 UTC April 22 CLASS 1. Bobst Group-Armor Lux, Bernard Stamm, 1643 miles from finish; 2. Tiscali, Simone Bianchetti, 155 miles from leader; 3. Ocean Planet, Bruce Schwab, 365 mfl. 4. Solidaires, Thierry Dubois, 393 mfl; 5. Pindar, Emma Richards, 451 mfl; CLASS 2: 1. Tommy Hilfiger, Brad Van Liew, 2045 miles from finish; 2. Everest Horizontal, Tim Kent, 193 mfl; 3. Spirit of yukoh, Kojiro Shiraishi, 506 mfl; 4. BTC Velocity, Alan Paris, 738 mfl. - Spirit of Canada, Derek Hatfield, still sailing leg 4. PARTY TIME There's a party at Pacific Sail Expo tomorrow evening (Thursday, April 24) for all members of the Scuttlebutt Sailing Club - 5:00 PM in the Bitter End YC's booth (#208). Dry Creek Vineyards is hosting a reception for the BEYC's Pro Am Regatta, and for the concurrently staged Scuttlebutt Sailing Club Championship Regatta. Major announcements will be made, and someone will win a four day/ three night vacation for two at the Bitter End during these November 1-8 regattas. But even if you don't win the freebee, every SSC member (that's you) is eligible for discounted rates during these events. - http://www.beyc.com TEAM RACING Treasure Island Sailing Center in San Francisco, CA - The Team Racing Pacific Coast Championship was held in near perfect conditions this past weekend with 12 teams competing for a berth in the 2003 Hinman. The rotation format consisted of a single round robin followed by a seeded final 4, bracket-style championship round. A total of 80 races were completed using a fully umpired format. Final results: 1. San Diego Yacht Club I - Bill Hardesty/ Andrea Cabito, Will Stout/ Jessica Amen, Tyler Pruett/ Sonja Bebber; 2. San Diego Yacht Club II - Rob Hallawell/ Adam Roberts, Keith Davids/ Graham Biehl, Zach Brown/ Danielle Richards; 3. Team Hoover Stanford I - David Kenney/ Jess Gray, Ted Conrads/ Amy Halversen, Dave Phillips/Sue Bohlen. - complete results: http://www.tisailing.org/tr/2003trpcc.pdf. SURVEY SAYS The center of the Scuttlebutt universe has been determined, and it is the Northeast region of the United States. Props go out to both the Northeast and the Southwest sectors of the US for the weeklong dogfight that resulted in less than one percent differential between these two powerhouses. These two legged out from the rest, but it was another close finish between Great Lakes-US, Europe, and Pacific NW-US, which finished in that order. Scuttlebutt thanks all those that participated, and particularly those areas that finished in the top five. We promise to reward you soon. THE BOAT SHOW Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta had a near record number of entrants representing an extraordinary variety of classic yachts. Two of the magnificent J Class yachts, Velsheda and Shamrock V, made stunning appearances and there was an enthusiastic turnout of smaller vintage, classic and traditional yachts. Belle Aventure the William Fife ketch built in 1929 made a special trip from the Mediterranean just for the Regatta as did Aello a 1921 gaff-rigged schooner. Mariella the Alfred Milne yawl built in 1938 at the Fife yard, returned from her recent round the world cruise as did Seljm the 107ft Boretti Staysail Schooner after a seven year circumnavigation and just before she sets out on another extended trip. Windrose of Amsterdam the recently launched 151ft schooner called in for the regatta in preparation for her private "Atlantic Challenge" race with Adix from New York next month. The turnout of large and luxurious superyachts (100ft plus) in the Spirit of Tradition class was even greater this year, with Victoria of Strathearn and Windrose of Amsterdam (both recent Builds), Hetairos and Shamoun. In the Tall Ship class it was good to see Star Clipper a regular entrant in the regatta joined this year by the brigantine Eye of the Wind recently massively refitted as a private yacht. The restored Charm III a 1928 Alden schooner and Johanna a 1958 double-ended ketch added to the interest. Three yachts did exceptionally well - Sumurun, Velsheda and Vixen II with a charter party on board, took several prizes with Sumurun being the overall winner. Judging in the Concours d'Elegance sponsored by Boat International Magazine, was made especially difficult this year by the very impressive turnout. Shamrock V was the winner with Edna Frandsena 72ft wooden gaff-rigged cutter built in 1930 and Seljm deserving special mention. - www.antiguaclassics.com Curmudgeon's Comment: Anyone who has been in Antigua while this event is happening will always be disappointed with any other boat show! IT'S THE LAW There have been some changes this year with regard to required safety equipment. The Sailing Pro Shop has done your homework for you through extensive online surveys and located the finest gear available to make your next race a safer and more comfortable adventure. Mustang inflatable lifejackets, ACR strobes, Dubarry footwear, Gill foulies, Steiner binoculars, Camet products and our new line of mylar gear bags (today only for just $29.50) are all on sale now. UPS ground delivers the next day to all of Southern California. Stop by our special Scuttlebutt page for today's specials: http://www.sailingproshop.com/scuttlebutt.htm SPONSORSHIP This week's Scuttlebutt survey takes on the subject of sponsorship, and how we feel about regattas being renamed for sponsor support. Just as sports stadiums are named after a title sponsor, regattas now are too. "Terra Nova Trading Key West" (formerly known as, Key West Race Week), "BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup," "West Marine Bermuda Cup," etc. Title sponsors are providing vital support to event organizers, and they deserve the marketing exposure to justify their involvement. But is renaming the event too high a price, or is it an accepted cost for doing business. Let us know how you feel at the Scuttlebutt survey. - http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com 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 Jean Reynolds: You reported that after two years, CNN has broadcast the last of its monthly Inside Sailing programs on CNN International and that the CNN Inside Sailing website will also cease. It's disheartening to see this, especially when such great strides were recently made in the mainstream media during the America's Cup. Two of the major newspapers in the U.S., The Washington Post and The New York Times, both had superb writers - Angus Phillips and Warren St. John, respectively- based in Auckland throughout the event. After concerns aired in Scuttlebutt that The New York Times would abandon their coverage of the event, the readers spoke out and in the end received unprecedented space and prominent placements about the America's Cup, bringing the event and sport to new readers. Warren St. John tackled the assignment with obvious enthusiasm, telling his stories in an engaging way that could be enjoyed by the racing sailor and armchair sailor alike. In the case of CNN, perhaps it's not the quality of the reporting but the lack of advertising dollars generated by the program. I intend to voice my opinion to CNN that they will be losing a valuable audience and hope other "Butt" readers will do the same (write to insidesailing@cnn.com). This is also the time to acknowledge the Washington Post and The New York Times for giving our sport's pinnacle event such generous coverage by two talented writers. We can only hope their sailing coverage will extend through the non-Cup years. * From Paul Pascoe: Perhaps we could pass on our "wisdom" of running World Championships to other sports? If Athletics were to get on board, they could run the Shotput World Championships in Norway in May, the Discus in USA in June, the High Jump sometime in July. Swimming could have their 100m Breastroke World Championships in Australia, the 200m Backstroke in India, and the 1500m Freestyle in South Africa. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it, but that's exactly what we do. Can you imagine how much publicity these sports would generate if events were spread out, and how many media organisations would send journos to cover the event, and more importantly how much of a buzz it would be for the athletes? Come on everyone, until we get a single event that the public, the sailors and the media can focus on, we are going to remain a minority sport, divided and struggling to get anyone to take us seriously. * From Phil Olbert: It seems that virtually every long distance ocean race has at least one serious whale encounter. Someone said that this is usually because the whale was sleeping and was unaware of the boats approach. People that study whales are well aware of the different sounds whales make, which include distress signals. It seems to me a simple thing to add an acoustic transducer (a simple depth sounder transducer) to the front of the boat and to send a distress signal every few seconds. This would be technically absurdly simple and cheap and would surely have the desired effect of adequately warning the whales of an approaching boat. It seems hard for me to understand why this hasn't been a common item on all racing sailboats, not only for the protection of the whales but also to prevent damage to the boats. * From Jack Dreyfuss (response to Gordon Ettie post): Gordon, I believe the best way to promote fairness and amateur involvement is by setting a good example. It's saddening to hear you leave the Etchells class because some crews are paid. It doesn't help sailing amateurs to see you protest in this manner. These 'problems' you mention are a reflection/ extension of our society (litigate everything and anyone, lack of free time and the vaporizing of the middle class, etc.). May I suggest you rejoin the Lighting and Etchells classes and show the fleets that an Corinthian can relish the competition no matter what their tactics. The Star fleet has many sailors that play the game of fair sailing. Sometimes they even win gold medals. A good example to follow. * From Ralph Taylor: Thank you for publishing the responses of Paco Sola and Frank Anderson regarding the OCS redress at the Lightning World Championships. I see no "taint" here. If the original correspondent had seen something that indicated the competitor was "over early" he should have made himself available as a witness and testified at the redress hearing. Not there and unburdened by any facts besides what you've published, I'm free of bias. But, on a 60-boat line with a competitive fleet, the RC can get screened (despite best precautions) and there can be confusion identifying OCS boats. Sounds like that's what the tape showed, so the jury had to weigh RC confusion against the competitor's (probably) clear testimony as to where he was. The jury either believed him and supporting witnesses or decided the situation was too unclear to, in effect, disqualify the boat. These situations are why we have a redress procedure and why there are juries independent of the race committee. Seems to me like a victory for the Rules. On the other hand, imagine the post-race confusion. Scores are posted with the OCS, then the hearing is held; the scores are revised and re-posted. Now, many aren't doing as well as they were before. And some ain't happy. Yes it's messy, but the alternative is to perpetuate injustice. THE CURMUDGEON'S COUNSEL Never pass a snow plow on the right. |
