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SCUTTLEBUTT 1711 - November 15, 2004Powered 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, whining and personal attacks for elsewhere. PETERRSON TO HEAD ISAF Göran Peterrson from Sweden has been was elected President of the International Sailing Federation after a run-off election with Sadi Clays from Belgium. (The ISAF voting process requires that a candidate must have received 50% of the ballots in order to be declared elected.) Additionally, seven ISAF Vice-Presidents were elected: George Andreadis, (GRE), Fiona Barron (GBR); David Irish (USA), David Kellett (AUS), Teresa Lara (VEN), Teo Ping Low (SIN) and Nucci Novi Ceppellini (ITA). On Friday, November 12, the world of sailing honored retiring ISAF President Paul Henderson at an evening reception in Copenhagen, Denmark. Attended by 300 representatives from the world of sailing and the world of sport, the outstanding contribution Paul has given to sailing was recognized. ISAF President of Honour, HM King Constantine read a statement from IOC President, Dr Jacques Rogge that said in part, "Paul is leaving to his successor a great legacy, a modern, well run, very respected Federation." During the evening representatives from the different constituent groups of ISAF paid tribute to Henderson. This group included US Sailing President Janet Baxter on behalf of ISAF Member National Authorities and Paul Cayard on behalf of Sailors. Nucci NOVI Ceppellini spoke on behalf of the ISAF Executive Committee and presented Henderson with a Rolex timepiece to celebrate his 70th Birthday on November 17.- www.sailing.org LASER RADIAL AND NEIL PRYDE RS:X SELECTED FOR OLYMPICS The ISAF Council has voted on the equipment to be used in the 2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta in Qingdao. Eight classes were agreed on immediately and shall remain as follows for the 2008 Olympic Games: 1. Multihull Open: Tornado 2. Keelboat Women: Yngling 3. Keelboat Men: Star 4. Double-handed Dinghy Open: 49er 5. Double-handed Dinghy Women: 470 6. Double-handed Dinghy Men: 470 7. Single-handed Dinghy Open: Finn 8. Single-handed Dinghy Men: Laser Discussion then moved towards the windsurfing event, for which two options were brought to the table: The Mistral One-design and the Neil Pryde RS:X. The Neil Pryde RS:X was the recommended board by the ISAF Windsurfing Equipment evaluation panel and was also recommended by the Events, Women's Sailing and Executive Committees earlier in the week. The Council voted 26:12 in favor of the Neil Pryde RS:X board. The tougher decision was choosing the woman's single-handed dinghy. Initially discussion was all about the ostensible facts that the ideal weight range for the laser radial was heavier than that required for the Europe. It was highlighted that if the aim of the Federation was to increase the participation of emerging nations in the Olympic Games the availability of the Laser Radial in these nations was a huge boost to achieving that goal. Cory Sertl (USA), in supporting the Laser Radial represented the point of view of the Women's Sailing Committee and noted that coming from an established nation, she acknowledges that sailors at the top level automatically gravitate towards whatever is selected, and that "ISAF is making this decision for the sailors around the world who haven't had the opportunity to participate in the Olympics. We are doing this for the best of the sport." The voting - narrowed to rule out three other potential candidates and focus solely on the Europe Dinghy and the Laser Radial - went 24-12 in favor of the Laser Radial, with two abstentions. - www.sailing.org/Article_content.asp?ArticleID=8365 SANTAS HELPING SANTAS It's tough to be a good Santa. Innovative, cutting-edge gifts that stay inside the budget can be a challenging find. Let our elves help put a smile on the faces of those receiving and buying the gifts with the latest technology at great prices. Suggestions: Virtual Skipper 3- $28.95. Mylar sportsbag - $24.95. Closeout Gill gloves and Dubarry shoes - 40% off. Polarized sunglasses - 40% off (call for brands). Sail bags- 50% off. Selected wetsuits at 40-60% off. Reyn Spooner shirts - up to 50% off. Call 800-354-7245 to order these specials or go online for more great Santa ideas. http://www.sailingproshop.com/holiday.htm ANOTHER ENTRY On November 12 - exactly one year from the start of the next Volvo Ocean Race - ING Real Estate announced their support of the all Australian Premier Challenge entry for the race. This support will enable Premier Challenge to confidently build their new Volvo Open 70. Headed by Grant Wharington, the syndicate has an abundance of yachting experience as well as undisputed success in the business and campaign management arena. On the water, Wharington is flanked by world-renowned sailor Ian "Barney" Walker, an experienced tactician and Volvo Ocean Race veteran. Barney has already circumnavigated the world twice and is considered to be one of the most talented offshore competitors in the world. The race-boat has been designed by Don Jones, designer of the innovative and successful super-maxi yacht "Skandia", Wharington's current racing yacht which he is currently using for crew trials and training for Premier Challenge. - www.volvooceanrace.org VENDEE GLOBE We must point out Jean Le Cam's masterstroke aboard Bonduelle. He was willing to give up a few miles to get back on track in front of his rivals. He had to move over to the west to get in the right position to enter the Doldrums, and this he has now achieved. He can now keep his nearest competitors in check, just like during his finest hours in the Figaro. These past 48 hours will remain one of the great moments of the Vendée Globe 2004, from a tactical point of view. Also, a word on Hervé Laurent's fine performance aboard UUDS. Apart from the fact that he managed to repair his damaged bow stay, he managed to cover 308 miles in the 24 hours leading up to the 7 p.m. check-in at an average speed of 12.8 knots, which was the best performance of the entire fleet. An all the more astounding performance considering that Hervé's boat is not the most recent in the fleet, as it's the boat Christophe Auguin won in back in 96/97. The good news for the skippers is that for the moment the Doldrums are not very active. According to Richard Silvani at the French Met Office, Météo France, "When the Doldrums are not very active, it also means that the trades on either side are weak with winds blowing at only 10-15 knots. The skippers should manage to keep up an average speed of 10-12 knots to reach the convergence zone, before slowing a little, but not a lot, and then making off on the other side at the same speed in the trades, which will be south-easterly instead of north-easterly." - www.vendeeglobe.fr/uk/ Standings at 0400 GMT November 15: 1. Bonduelle, Jean Le Cam, 2. PRB, Vincent Riou 27.4 (distance to leader) 3. VMI, Sébastien Josse, 59.1 dtl 4. Hugo Boss, Alex Thomson, 68.6 dtl 5. Sill, Véolia, Roland Jourdain, 88.1 dtl 6. Skandia, Nick Moloney, 147.3 dtl 15. Ocean Planet, Bruce Schwab, 319.0 dtl QUOTE / UNQUOTE "I got the 1.5 oz spinnaker out of the hatch and hoisted that, only to get the sail wrapped around the forestay. I started to get it unwrapped by climbing up the forestay but it was so badly tangled and I began to cut it away, but then this kite also dropped in the drink and I ran over it with the keel 3 times as well. After spending what seemed like hours manoeuvring the boat to get rid of the sail, I finally watched my best kite drift off." - Conrad Humphreys, Hellomoto "My Stategy?? See where Jean is pointing and try and match it! [chuckle]" - Nick Moloney, Skandia WHO'D HAVE THUNK IT? In response to the recent resurgence of interest in this classic and 'much loved' IOR class, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club is to revive the Quarter Ton Cup. Already several of the best known Quarter Tonners, including "Odd Job", "Purple Haze", "Diamond", "Murphy's Law" and a number of Farr 727s, have confirmed their intention to race. The organisers are now actively seeking other Quarter Tonners and are particularly keen to locate past Quarter Ton Cup winners and boats such as "Extension", "Catch", "Needlework" and "Enigma". The 2005 Quarter Ton Cup will be run by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Cowes from 15 18 June and it is hoped that the regatta will culminate in the Island Sailing Club's Round the Island Race as the "offshore race" on Saturday 18 June. The spirit of the event will be very much about racing the Quarter Tonners in their original format so modern carbon rigs and other more recent and costly modifications will not be allowed. Fun competitive racing, great partying, renewing old friendships and making new ones will be the key elements of the regatta. - louise@rcyc.co.uk ENDURING ONE-DESIGN CLASS Some reasons why the Snipe is a top international class: 1- The Snipe is found around the World in more than 26 countries; 2- It has builders around the world and is fairly priced; 3- The Snipe lasts a long time (15+ years). A new Snipe easily competes at the top level for 8 years, or the equivalent of two full Olympic campaigns; 4- Top sailors around the world sail and cross train in the class; 5- Most of all, the Snipe class is about Serious Sailing and Serious Fun for all ability levels. More info at http://www.snipeus.org NEWS BRIEFS * After 24 years as US Sailing's Olympic Director, Jonathan Harley has left to pursue other interests. Gary Bodie and Katie Richardson will now serve as the prime contacts for US Sailing's Olympic department. Bodie will continue to work from Hampton, and serve as the High Performance Director. Richardson will work from the US Sailing office in Portsmouth, and serve as the Associate Olympic Director. Olympics@ussailing.org * With a Mistral blowing across the Saint Maries trench in the Camargue region of the South of France, so Sunday Irish sailboarder Finian Maynard broke the 11 year old record for the ultimate speed under sail. Maynard today managed to average 46.82 knots over the 500m course, beating the previous record of 46.52 knots set by the Australian C-Class speed sailor Yellow Pages in October 1993. Maynard's time has yet to be ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council whose observer Michel Rousselet was present today. - The Daily Sail website, www.thedailysail.com * The 2004 Snipe North Americans concluded with current world champion, Augie Diaz, and crew, Lisa Griffith winning the competitive event. Hal Gilreath and James Liebl finished up in second and Henry Filter and Lorie Stout were third. 45 crews came from across the U.S., Canada and Brazil to Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville, Florida. The final day's racing had to be abandoned when the wind disappeared and the series was scored on six races with one-discard series. For Hal Gilreath, this marks eighth time he has finished either second or third in the North Americans or Nationals. - www.snipeus.org/news/news.htm * US Sailing's Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards are presented annually to the individuals who demonstrate excellence through outstanding on-the-water sailing achievement during the current year. A slate of nominees determined by US Sailing's members is presented to a panel of sailing journalists who discuss the merits of each nominee, and then determine the winners by secret ballot. Members can now submit nominations for the 2004 awards online: www.ussailing.org/awards/rolex * To help celebrate the Silver Anniversary of the Heineken Regatta, the Sint Maarten Yacht Club and the regatta organizing committee are publishing a book to chronicle events. While recent years are easy to report, with many articles and photographs from the world's top writers and snappers; the first five years from 1981 through to 1985 are, however, more difficult to document "We are looking for anyone who sailed in the first five years, who took pictures or who knows someone who did," said Director Mirian Leffers-Ebbers." To share your memories: regatta@heinekenregatta.com THE GOLD CUP COLLECTION Sperry Top-Sider sets a new standard in boat shoes with its expanded luxurious Gold Cup Collection. Designed and engineered with the same care given the finest vessels, and made with meticulous craftsmanship, Sperry Top-Sider offers the discerning sportsman new options, including a slip-on, tassel, and fisherman sandal. View at http://www.sperrytopsider.com 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. This is not a chat room nor a bulletin board - you only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot and don't whine if others disagree.) * From Fred Schroth (edited to our 250-word limit): Increased participation will come when we sincerely welcome and help newcomers to join us. There's a rapidly growing fun group of Texas sailors who sail various boats in a traveling handicap fleet. The sailors call themselves members of "The Fleet With No Class." Recent regattas have had some of each of the following one design boats: Snipe, E Scow, Mutineer, Buccaneer, MC Scow, Dolphin Senior, Laser, Radial, Sunfish, Force Five, JY 15, Vanguard 15, Galillee 15, Harpoon 5.2, Super Sunfish, Windmill, flying Scot, Thistle and I know there were others. The sailors are mostly beginning 20 to 40 year old racers who have recently been given, found, or have purchased their first sailboat. The fleet "members" welcome anybody who shows up with any sailboat that might float long enough to complete a race. The sailors are supportive before, during, and after the events and they make certain sailors are made welcome and asked to return for more fun. As a fanatic one design sailor who has a history of turning up his nose at and chasing off any boat which is not part of a huge one design fleet, I have been converted. There are hundreds of thousands of plastic boats sitting unused and in need of a new enthusiastic owner. One way to make the sailing community grow would be to figure out how to welcome and involve the person who shows up at our sailing venue with a ratted out garage sale treasure. * From Ted Beier: Peter Huston's editorial in Issue 1710 made a lot of sense. We at our local sailing club would like to find ways to re-energize our racing, or should I say lack of racing, fleet. What was the format at the Scuttlebutt Series that he was recommending? And how can a group make activities around racing more fun, other than throwing better parties afterward? One fleet at our club has just adopted the better parties, and skipped the racing altogether. If this starts a thread, it could provide some valuable information. Curmudgeon's comment: I believe Huston was referring to the recently completed Musto Scuttlebutt Sailing Club Championship at the Bitter End YC reported in 'Butt 1705: www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/archived_Detail.asp?key=2942 * From Alexander Meller: In response to Christine Hartmann and in support of Glenn Selvin (Butt 1710): Sailing make look elitist and expensive from inside your yacht club dining room, but it does not have to be, and probably should not be. I belong to a one design racing association (annual membership about $400), keep one design dinghies of two classes at that sailing association (total storage about $500) and campaign my boats at the local, regional, national and international level, probably for less than it costs to keep and race a day racing keelboat locally in most venues. Sailing does not actually need expensive yacht clubs with dining rooms and bars (though these certainly have their place), and sailing does not need to be about large expensive yachts. It needs more community sailing associations, inexpensive facilities, easy access to the water, and smaller less expensive boats. * From Eli Slater: (RE: Chip Pitcairns comments on the America's Cup): The America's cup was never intended to be a competition between countries. It was actually a competition between yacht clubs, and it is still I believe. Nationalistic pride certainly does comprise part of the viewing pleasure for sure, and I agree that professional international teams make the event somewhat less interesting than years past. There has also been debate on here recently about technology as it relates to the cup and the number of competitors. Again, the cup has never been a poor mans game, and indeed there has never, save for a few instances in 1986, 1995 etc. where the number of boats in the event was high. If one looks at the history of the cup, they will find that the technology and cost debate has been raging on since its inception. * From Donal McClement: I am hugely amused at the comments from Americans about IRC. If it is' not invented here it's no good 'comes to mind. The Rule Working Party jointly sponsored by US Sailing was almost scuppered by the unilateral decision by US Sailing to withdraw from it. What are people supposed to do? Just sit back and do nothing seems to be the attitude of many Luddites. For heavens sake, you Americans, give the system a chance and I can assure you that you will be pleasantly surprised. There is nothing worse in this life than people who decray or comment on a system that they have not used or not even seen used elsewhere. 6,000 boat Owners worldwide are happy with IRC and as the Chairman of the Race Committee at Cork Week from 1986 to 2000 where we had more than 300 boats form 22' to 88' racing under IRC I can assure the readers that the system works pretty well. My request is please don't knock something until you have tried it and all credit to Barry Carroll and his group for finally taking a lead in this matter. I am sure that within 12 months everyone in the US of A will be saying, 'What a good system.' And I am an Irishman not a Pom. * From Rich du Moulin, Vice Commodore, Strom Trysail Club: Those in the "founding" group of clubs bringing IRC to America are not seeking the perfect rule. Our goal is to provide enjoyable competition for the greatest number of participants in fast, seaworthy boats. IRC meets these goals as witnessed by the upcoming Sydney-Hobart. All rules can be designed/ optimized to, but with IRC such boats are powerful, fast and stable, not IMS slab-sided with internal ballast and wooden keels. IRC compliments PHRF which has had to cope with super-charged yachts electing PHRF over IMS, hurting entry level racers who often quit. IRC can rate top end boats, even canting keels and Transpac 52s who also sail in their own classes. IRC measurement is more complex than PHRF but easier than IMS. We recently weighed and measured ten boats (Soverel 33, J105 & 109s, Express 37s, Beneteau 36.7 and 40.7s, Santa Cruz 52) in one day for endorsed certificates. Unendorsed certificates are even easier. Our first of many US-IRC Public Seminars is at American Yacht Club in Rye, NY November 20. Someday there may be a better rule, but we are not going to wait around for it. With the US going IRC, for the first time since the IOR days our sport will have one universal rule around the world. CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATIONS The man who fell into the upholstery machine is now fully recovered. |
