SCUTTLEBUTT #362 - July 19, 1999
CMAC
* After 211 miles of the closest racing possible, Great Britain remains in
overall lead of the 1999 Champagne Mumm Admiral's Cup points table. The
toughest character test of a character-building 30 hours probably befell
Ken Read and his crewmates in George David's US Big Boat Idler. Shortly
after the start the instruments failed. Somewhere going down The Solent
they picked up a trailing water-logged rope around the keel and rudder
which dragged their speed down. They got it cleared and began to work up
and out of last place finally to lead.
During the night on the long beat back to the west they fell into a calm
and watched the fleet sail round them. They got going and again hauled
through the fleet to get back up to their rival Brava Q8. On that same
inshore work that served the British Mumm 36 so well Idler was following
Brava Q8, the pair rock-hopping to cheat the current. Idler had just tacked
away from the shore when she hit a rock. 'The boat went from 7.9 knots to
zero knots and I went over the wheel' said Read. Brava escaped unscathed.
Idler got going again and with the wind building and Idler hauling freight
through the fleet once more, the race was stopped short at the entrance to
The Solent, just as they thought they might again make back some time. 'It
was the unluckiest race I've ever sailed' said Read. Idler has been given
permission to haul-out to repair the substantial damage, including bent
frames and a shifted engine mounting.
There is an eerie feeling to this incident: two Cups ago Read - then
steering David Clark's ILC40 Pigs In Space - hits rocks off the Lizard and
severely damaged the boat while the boat he was following somehow went
through the gap unscathed. That boat? Brava.
1. Great Britain, 60 points; 2. Europe, 66.00; 3. Netherlands, 76; 4. USA,
91.50; 5. Germany, 92.50; 6. Italy, 95; 7. Australia, 98; 8. Commonwealth,
137; 9. France, 173
* After running aground and damaging her keel on Saturday morning during
the middle distance race of the Champagne Mumm Admiral's Cup, the US Team
big boat Idler was hauled at Hamble Yacht Services at midnight on Saturday.
The round-the-clock operation to complete repairs in expected to continue
almost right up to the start of Race 6 on Monday morning. After racing for
a straight 30 hours, members of the crew began stripping the interior of
the boat as soon as they got to the dock on Saturday night. They continued
working on removing interior fittings in order to get access to the keel
and bilge area of the boat as it was towed to Hamble Yacht Services for
hauling.
Specialist boat builders and members of the crew are working together to
complete the repairs in time.
Damage to the interior of the boat includes extensive delamination in the
bilge area where the structure supporting the keel is bonded to the hull of
the boat. The lead ballast exterior is flattened where it struct the rock.
There is also damage to the trailing edge of the keel. At the keel to hull
joint, the fairing needs to be repaired. On deck, the big carbon fiber
wheel is being repaired after helmsman Ken Read smashed through the top of
it and tactician Jim Brady went through the side of it. -- Keith Taylor
* With just over half the available points already won and lost in the
1999 Champagne Mumm Admiral's Cup, the patterns of individual success
within the nine competing teams is beginning to emerge. The Admiral's Cup
itself is a team prize sailed for in three classes - there is no individual
prize for the best boat of the series. There are however, prizes for the
best boat in each class. Of the nine teams in the competition, six have
boats in the top three of one or other of the classes, which itself is an
indication of the closeness of the racing. Ironically, Netherlands -
although lying fourth in the team standings -
There are two more inshore races - each worth one point per place in the
low-scoring system in which the better you do the fewer points you get, and
the long-distance Wolf Rock race, where each place is worth
three-and-a-half points. Racing resumes today with the two inshore races
for the Kenwood Trophy.
Top Individual Boats After 5 races: IMS class: 1 Brava Q8 (EUR, Farr IMS
50, Pasquale Landolfi) 16 points; 2 Quest (AUS, Nelson/Marek 46, Bob Steel)
25.5; 3 Innovision 7 (NED, Judel/ Vrolijk 50, Hans Eekhof) 27.5. Sydney
40: 1 MK Cafe (GER, Thomas Friese) 17; 2 Nautica Arbitrator (GBR, Stephen
Bailey) 20; 3 Trust Computer Products (NED, Jochen Visser) 24.6. Mumm 36: 1
Barlo Plastics (GBR, Stuart Childerley) 13.5; 2 Mean Machine (NED, Michael
Sanderson) 24; 3 Ciao Baby (USA, Ed Adams) 24.
OLYMPICS
The Olympic Sailing Committee of US SAILING, national governing body for
the sport, has announced the completion of the 1999 US Sailing Team with
the naming of its members from the Soling and Star classes. US Sailing Team
rankings are based on attendance and performance at a series of qualifying
regattas with each class having its own ranking system. Membership on the
US Sailing Team identifies sailors as strong contenders for an Olympic
berth and provides them with coaching, training opportunities and financial
assistance in addition to national recognition.
The following members of the 1999 US Sailing Team are listed in ranking
order one through five:
Named by the Soling class (skipper and two crew): 1999 Soling World Silver
Medalists Jeff Madrigali, Craig Healy and Hartwell Jordan
(Novato/Tiburon/Byron, Calif.); Tony Rey, Dean Brenner and Tom Burnham
(Middletown, R.I./Watch Hill, R.I./Orange, Conn.); Kent Heitzinger, Peter
Manion and Wally Corwin (Wilmette, Ill./Newport, R.I./Northboro, Mass.);
1998 National Champions Dave Curtis and Karl Anderson with Dave Moffet
(Marblehead, Mass./Barnstable, Mass./ Newport, R.I.); Andrew Horton, Andrew
Herlihy and Andrew Buttner (Shelburne, Vermont/S. Dartmouth,
Mass./Plymouth, Mass.); and Tom Brown, Jeff Thorpe and Scott Hale
(Northeast Harbor, Maine/San Francisco, Calif./Hancock, Maine). Note: Due
to a misinterpretation of the class' ranking system, an exception has been
made this year to include the top-six ranked Soling teams on the 1999 US
Sailing Team.
Named by the Star class (skipper and crew): 1998 North American and
European Champions Mark Reynolds and Magnus Liljedahl (San Diego,
Calif./Miami, Fla.); Howie Shiebler and Rick Peters (San Francisco/El
Segundo, Calif.); Peter Vessella and Mike Dorgan (Burlingame/San Diego,
Calif.); John MacCausland and Phil Trinter (Cherry Hill, N.J./Lorain,
Ohio); and Eric Doyle and Brian Terhaar (both San Diego, Calif.).
Finn class: A recalculation of the rankings for the Finn class resulted in
a change in the fifth-ranked position. The correct list is as follows: '98
Finn National Champion Darrell Peck (Gresham, Ore.); Russ Silvestri (San
Francisco, Calif.); Mike Deyett (Windham, N.H.); Eric Oetgen (Savannah,
Ga.); and Andy Kern (Burbank, Calif.).
US Sailing website: http://www.ussailing.org
BAYVIEW MAC RACE
Reports posted on the race website:
-- Stars & Stripes (Open Class), a Morrelli 60 catamaran, owned by Steve
Fossett, was dismasted at 0945 EDT Sunday morning, nearly five hours after
leading the Mackinac fleet around the Cove Island Bouy. The crew reports
that no one was injured and that the boat is making for Alpena, MI under
power.
-- At approx. 0535 EDT (unofficial), we had our first yacht, Earth Voyager
, cross the finish line. Earth Voyager owned by Ray Howe of Rochester, NY,
is a 60 foot Formula 60 trimaran.
-- 0836 EDT - Trader, BYC's Fred Detwiler was the first mono-hull to finish
at 0816 EDT (unofficial). There is no air, just some zephyrs here at the
finish line. Twelve yachts have been spotted on the horizon from Race
Committee Headquarters
-- 0841 EDT - RX SIGHT has unofficially crossed the finish line. We have
blue skies overhead and looking east; however, looking across the Straits
and westward it is dark and forboding. The twelve boats that we can see, to
the east, have chutes (spinnakers) up as they head west towards us. Meaning
the wind is behind them. Those we see in the front of the pack and closest
to us and Bois Blanc Island appear to have dropped their chutes and are "on
the wind" with headsails in very, very light & variable wind (calm - may be
a better term.)
Race updates: http://www.byc.com/mack99/index.html
IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO
Ullman Sails is bringing you this issue of Scuttlebutt. If you enjoy it,
order a new Ullman sail for your boat - just like the curmudgeon did. At
least check into their web site for information or a price quote. It's more
affordable than you think:
http://www.ullmansails.com/
AMERICA'S CUP
SAN PEDRO, CALIFORNIA - July 18, 1999 - AmericaOne, St. Francis Yacht
Club's challenger for America's Cup 2000, christened and launched its'
first International America's Cup Class (IACC) boat, USA 49, today. The
event was attended by 500+ guests comprised of sponsors, private donors and
media, as well as virtual guests -- for the first time in America's Cup
history, the event was webcast live, allowing a global audience to view the
christening which was held at South West Marine overlooking Los Angeles
Harbor. AmericaOne also unveiled a newly-designed team logo and graphics
look for the team's boats, clothing and website.
"Today is a very proud day for the AmericaOne design, shore and sailing
teams," exuded Paul Cayard, AmericaOne Skipper. "We are celebrating a
vision we conceptualized well over three years ago with all those who have
been so integral to our success - Founders' who provided our start-up
funding, corporate sponsors who have provided us with critical campaign
funding and technical support and media who helped us to tell our story."
USA 49 is the first of two boats to be built by Westerly Marine Inc. of
Costa Mesa, California. It was designed by two-time Cup winner and
AmericaOne principal designer, Bruce Nelson and his design team from Ford,
Hewlett-Packard, SAIC and United Technologies. Although the hull was
skirted, it was evident that its shape was significantly different from
previous IACC boats that were designed for the wind and sea conditions of
San Diego, California.
Guests were provided a rare on-site tour of the compound's workshops, sail
loft and Tech Center (highlighting sponsor's technology contributions to
AmericaOne's design), while virtual guests viewed a video and were taken on
a pre-show compound tour. USA 49 was officially launched following a
traditional blessing and a celebratory champagne toast provided by Moet &
Chandon.
AmericaOne's progressive new identity was crafted in collaboration with San
Francisco's Vanderbyl Design. The new look was revealed on the christening
invitation, credentials and event program. The new colors were introduced
in conjunction with AmericaOne's Official Clothing Supplier, Line 7, which
outfitted the team. The hull remained covered during the event, but skipper
Paul Cayard revealed the graphics on a 1/3 scale model - showing the
breakthrough vibrant green "shards" set on by a background of stealth gray.
-- Gina Von Esmarch
AmericaOne website: http:// www.americaone.org
Curmudgeon's comments: If AmericaOne's racing campaign is orchestrated as
meticulously as their christening ceremony, they are going to be one tough
competitor. The afternoon's program was totally first class with flawless
choreography. And it was fun!
A couple of random thoughts:
-- Keeping the hull skirted each time the crew takes the boat in an out of
the water really eats up a lot of time. A1 also had an underwater 'fence'
positioned to keep 'enemy' divers away from the area where they parked
their beautiful new boat. Security must really be a big pain in the ass for
every syndicate.
-- Although no one explained why gray and green were chosen for
AmericaOne's graphics, the curmudgeon has a couple of thoughts. The gray
could very well symbolize the enormous amount of brain power (gray matter)
working on this project as represented by the 56-member design team on the
dais at the christening ceremony. And the green? That seems to be a major
component of this game -- money!
LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON
Letters selected to be printed are routinely edited for clarity, space (250
words max) or to exclude personal attacks.
-- From Niels Kisling -- Olin Stephen's letter is right on. Wisdom comes
with age and experience and what a pleasure it was to read his take on
ratings! Pretty cool that all this still interests him, too...Good on you
Olin! I'll wait a bit before I throw away my racing sails.
-- From Chris Welsh (Re: Kra-z-kyote) -- I have mixed emotions about arms
race spending in pusuit of speed - but I also was eager to see this boat
compete. Innovations are interesting. The new mast is like the turbine
powered Indy car which raced 30 years ago - potentially much faster, led
the whole race - and didn't finish due to break down. Outlawed the next
year, but at least everyone saw a breakthrough and its potential. Winged
keels, swing keels, forward rudders, unstayed masts and other peformance
breakthroughs are worth seeing on the race course, at least long enough to
evaluate. Thank god the fin keel was not rated away 40 years ago.
-- Bruce B. Nairn -- I can completely understand Peter Huston's point of
view, and yes, I do believe Darwin is right. I also believe constant
pandering to the lowest common denominator (however defined) ultimately
renders the competition useless. To wit: the 1995 America's Cup defense
trials and "the deal". I like a well defined high bar. Other people don't,
and that's fine. In my mind though, put it low enough what do you have?
Soup, not good competition. Yes, I'm from the old school. Winning is what I
play for, but I don't have a problem losing either. It goes with the turf.
I think the more important task is being gracious either way. More to the
point though, I think it is unrealistic for the more "casual" sailor to
expect to win when in fact he/she is really unprepared to do so.
You mention that providing more "tools" for defining competition by the
authorities will somehow help participation in our sport. I think it might
actually have the reverse effect. IMS clearly spells this out. Further, IMS
used one of those "tools" on the French for CMAC and you can see how that
turned out.
Finally, I think the lack of definition in the sport of competitive sailing
is detrimental to it's growth. Not a new idea, and well documented in
Scuttlebutt.
-- From Chuck Voeltner -- I have read with interest the continuing debate
on the perfect formula for rating boats. I can only say that such a
formula does not exist. My mother often told me the only perfect thing is
an idiot. I am sure I speak for most of the sailors out there when I say
that it is not about winning or losing. If you win you analyze what you did
and try to repeat it. If you don't win, you analyze what you did (or
didn't do) and move on. Regardless of the results, it's simply about being
on the water!
-- Ken Brooke, Australia -- Have just read Scuttlebutt 358 and my opinion
for what its worth is that the "like it or lump it" attitude from ISAF has
no place in our sport. I believe National, State and Club Race organising
committees will ignore the proposals for their internal regattas and
everyday club racing and apply the restrictions and categories already in
print. Category B as it stands is sufficiently controversial although it is
current for all events at RPYC. As an unsposored J24 owner/skipper it ain't
easy to be competitive.
-- From Jim Champ UK -- Advertising: Don't forget some of the skiff classes
in Aus/NZ have carried advertising for 80 years plus. Many of them -
notably the twelve footers - are in no way pro classes, its just been a
question of enthusiasts providing some cash to help develop the boats in
exchange for some nominal publicity so it can appear in the books. The new
regs permit this very long established practice, previous ones never did.
That's a good thing.
The new rule also means no peeling stickers off and on, or having one set
of sponsored sails and one set without the graphics. That's a good thing.
As far as PHRF is concerned, Paul Henderson's letter implies that US
Sailing could make the US PHRF *rule* include category A if they wanted.
Surely in practice the boat is just as sponsored even if the stickers have
been peeled off for one event, so you Corinthian Americans ought to think
that's a good thing...
AUCKLAND UPDATE
(Reprinted with permission from DEFENCE 2000, which is available for US $48
per year from John@roake.gen.nz)
* "A little boat speed can make you famous" Russell Coutts, Team New Zealand
* Dennis Conner has lost out to a Dick Hanson, who last year purchased the
website named www.star and stripes Team Dennis Conner wanted the name
only to find that they have been upstaged, not by a New Zealander wanting
to make dollars by selling it, but by a resident American who runs a diner.
He's told the Americans that he is willing to help out, provided that his
Stars and Stripes restaurant is mentioned on every web page. Emma Dalzeli,
Stars and Stripes promotion director, says they are not sure they will use
the name, but applauds with thanks Mr Hansen for being so agreeable
WHIDBEY ISLAND RACE WEEK
Whidbey Island Race Week '99, presented by Northwest Marine Productions,
starts today with five full days of sailing in Penn Cove and Saratoga
Passage with Mount Baker, The Cascade and Olympic Mountains serve as
backdrops. Ten classes have been established. The Olson 30 Nationals are
the highlight of the event this year, plus eight PHRF classes and a Martin
242 One Design round out the field of over 120 boats. Boats and crew come
from all over the Northwest and Beyond, five States and two Canadian
Provinces. -- Bob Ross
Event website: http://www.whidby.net/raceweek
QUESTION
What has 5000 parts, and people who understand exactly what they all do?
ANSWER: It's Sailing Supply -- the only phone call you need to make to
solve all of your sailing hardware and rigging problems at a competitive
price. Whether it's tapered spinnaker sheets or lazy jacks, the experienced
staff will help you get more enjoyment from your boat: Stop by the Boat
Shop -- their San Diego retail outlet - or get same day shipping by phone:
(800) 532-3831. http://www.sailingsupply.com/
TRANSPAC WRAPUP
HONOLULU, H.I.-Pyewacket's Zan Drejes won the Don Vaughn Memorial award as
the outstanding crew Drejes' award was voted by his crewmates. Other
selected honorees:
-- The Steven Newmark Seamanship Trophy went to the crew of Wendy Siegal's
Cal 40 Willow Wind, which reconstructed a broken boom in mid-ocean to
retain third place in the Cruising division.
--The Clare Lang Memorial Trophy for volunteer service was awarded to Doug
Vann, webmaster of the race's web page.
--The Farthest North Trophy was presented to Zephyrus IV, noting that
boat's course far off the track of most of the fleet that cost it the early
lead. Navigator Mark Rudiger accepted the distinction in good grace. "The
crew thought I should come up and accept this award," he said. "I guess
they thought I had something to do with it."
The audience, including crews of Pyewacket and other high-profile entries,
gave its greatest ovation to Les Vasconcellos and Bruce Burgess, the
Waikiki Yacht Club crew of Two Guys On the Edge that made the most of a
head start and led all boats for two-thirds of the race.
Navigator awards were presented to Stan Honey of Pyewacket, Patrick O'Brien
of Lahaina YC's Grand Illusion, the overall corrected time winner; Gerry
Swinton of St. Francis YC's Gone With the Wind, Div. 3 winner; Al Garnier
of Los Angeles YC's Great Scot, Div. 4 winner; skipper Kim Stebbens of
Hurricane from Seattle's Sloop Tavern YC, winner of the Cruising division,
and Vasconcellos, for Two Guys On the Edge's win in the Doublehanded division.
The final award-Tail-End Charlie-was to be presented to Bill Boyd and Scott
Atwood of Vapor when they sailed into Honolulu late Saturday, after 18 days
and 8 hours at sea. -- Rich Roberts
Final results: DIV. 1 - 1. Pyewacket, Roy E. Disney; 2. Magnitude, Doug
Baker; 3. Zephyrus IV, Bob McNeil/John Parrish; DIV. 2 - 1. Grand Illusion,
James McDowell; 2. Cheval, Steve Popovich; 3. Velos, Kjeld Hestehave. DIV.
3 - 1. Gone With the Wind, Bill LeRoy/Jim Cascino; 2. Stealth Chicken,
Alamitos Bay Syndicate, Alamitos Bay YC, 9:08:46:14/7:19:06:40. DIV. 4 -
1. Great Scot, Tom Garnier; 2. Tower, Don Clothier; 3. Glama!, Seth Radow.
DOUBLEHANDED DIV. - 1. Two Guys On the Edge, Les Vasconcellos/Bruce Burgees
Event website: http:// www.transpacificyc.org
THE CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION
Growing Old Is Mandatory - Growing Up Is Optional.
|
