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SCUTTLEBUTT 1919 - September 8, 2005Scuttlebutt is a digest of major yacht racing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus.KOSTECKI SIGNS WITH ERICSSON In an announcement that confirms the suspicions of many commentators, that the man would pop up somewhere in the Volvo Ocean Race after leaving the BMW Oracle America's Cup operation, Ericsson Racing Team told the world that John Kostecki would be joining Neal McDonald and his crew as tactician for the In Port races. Kostecki won the 2001-02 Volvo Ocean Race with the very impressive illbruck campaign, but it was Neal McDonald who gave him the toughest run for his money when he took over the ASSA ABLOY boat on Leg 2. A combination of the two would seem to provide a very solid team both inshore and offshore. Olympic medallist, ten times world champion in a wide range of one-design classes, member of four America's Cup campaigns, Kostecki would seem well qualified for his role. Add his experience to the crew roster and there are no fewer than 25 previous Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Race campaigns in the Ericsson team. Kostecki will also play an integral part in preparation, training and development throughout the race. Skipper Neal McDonald commented, "John will be a great asset to the Ericsson team. With the experience of two Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Races and four America's Cup campaigns, he has a proven track record in both inshore and ocean racing. The inshore races count for nearly 22% of the overall results and so his talent and knowledge will be invaluable to the team." -- http://www.volvooceanrace.com/pages/news/news186.htm THE DICKSON FACTOR (In his first 'inside the America's Cup' column for The Daily Sail subscription website, Tim Jeffery looks at the latest goings-on in Larry Ellison's team. Here are a few brief excerpts.) So what is going on inside BMW Oracle Racing? One source puts it thus: Chris (Dickson) is micro-managing everyone and everything. This team has some of the best and most experienced people. It has huge potential. We all want it to succeed. But working here is plain misery? No one ever pretends a Dickson-run campaign is a bundle of laughs. Yet he has a rare talent, can drive a boat in a manner which impresses hardened pros - remember Tokio's run the Channel three Whitbreads ago? Remember how he dominated the match race circuit before Russell Coutts succeeded him? Remember how Dickson can step on a boat and extract fractions more out of it than most other drivers. Yet he has a manner in which those around him feel hired not valued. If Dickson vents his frustration, it can be more withering than a nuclear winter. Consider the sail trimmers that BMW Oracle has and see how often they sail with Dickson outside of the America's Cup. This is no coincidence. So we can conclude that it is no coincidence either that before Brady, John Kostecki had left. Before him Dirk de Ridder. Helmsman, tactician and top trimmer - all gone. All of which leaves the question of whether things at BMW Oracle are difficult or dysfunctional? No question, BMW Oracle is a team of talented, experienced dedicated people all of whom thought they could realize their potential in a way that mitigates the Dickson factor. -- www.thedailysail.com TRIVIA QUESTION When Scuttlebutt reported last week that Southern Yacht Club (LA) was the second oldest yacht club in the United States (1849), there were few 'buttheads that were curious which club was the oldest. So here we go… what club in the US is the oldest? (Answer below) REFIT The Volvo Open 70 MoviStar, the Spanish participant in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006, is back in the water at its Real Club Nautico de Sanxenxo base in northern Spain. Now, two months before the start of the Volvo Ocean Race, MoviStar is ready to continue its development. 'We have a new keel bulb and a new mast,' remarked team manager, Pedro Campos. 'These are major changes for a boat, especially one like this, which is so sensitive to the slightest change. The idea is to enhance the weight distribution and improve performance, which we will be able to check out now, when we return to our training in the water.' 'These changes are a significant step forward in the boat's development,' continued MoviStar's skipper Bouwe Bekking, 'but they also mean that we have to re-calibrate many of the boat's parameters. It is not just a question of putting in a new mast and bulb and carry on sailing. We now have to learn how to get the best out of these changes, but the good thing is that we know from the start that they will have a very positive impact on the boat's performance.' -- http://www.sailing.org/default.asp?ID=j62Fh5A1~ ULLMAN SAILS CONTINUE TO POWER WINNERS At the 2005 CBYRA Annapolis Race Week, held September 3-5 during Labor Day weekend, Ullman Sails powered the winners in the Melges 24 and J105 fleets. Congratulations to Marty Hublitz and his winning J105 crew on "Veloce," followed in 2nd place by Jim Konigsberg on "Inigo." Capturing top honors in the Melges 24 fleet was Neil Sullivan and his crew on "M-Fatic." Time and again, Ullman Sails deliver the power of the "Fastest Sails on the Planet" to their customers. To join this winning team, contact your nearest Ullman Sails loft and visit http://www.ullmansails.com JUD SMITH CONTINUES TO LEAD ETCHELLS WORLDS With top five finishes in each of the first four races, Jud Smith has hung onto his lead in the 72-boat Etchells World Championship regatta … without even one bullet. Samuel 'Shark' Kahn got his second bullet in race four, and now trails Smith by just three points after a day when the wind stayed in the 12-15 knot range. Stuart Childerley (GBR) won the first race of the day which moved him into fourth place. Standings after four races of six races 1. Jud Smith, H Frazer, A Wills (USA) 13 pts 2. Samuel Kahn, B Lee, J Madrigali, A Finglas (USA) 16 pts 3. Tito Gonzales, B Mauk, J Linton, D Gonzales (USA) 27 pts 4. Stuart Childerley, S Russell, R Marino (GBR) 32 pts 5. Iain Murray, G Szabo, A Palfrey (AUS) 33 pts 6. William Palmer III, T Corkett, Jr., W Bennet (USA) 34 pts 7. Hank Lammens, M Lammens, D Sabin (CAN) 41 pts 8. Brian Thomas, M Brink, H Schreiner (USA) 49 pts 9. Ante Razmilovic, D Bedford, S Fry (GBR) 59 pts 10. Philippe Kahn, F Loof, M Ivey (USA) 70 pts Event website: http://www.sfetchells.org/worlds/index.php SHOW ME THE MONEY Paul Larson, a crew member on the maxi-catamaran Doha 2006, which won the Oryx Quest organised by, now bankrupt, Tracy Edwards has told BYM that he has not received his share of the prize money. "We dont even know who owes us the money," said Larson, speaking from on board a multihull in Cadiz "is it Tracy, is it Quest, is it a Qatari?" When asked whether he knew if the maxi-catamaran's owner had received his share of the £1 million prize, Larson said "We don't even know who the owner is!" He went on to say that the crew, seen above celebrating the arrival in Doha, after winning the Oryx Cup, were "Rather taken aback to get an empty gold envelope at the prize giving", but said that they had accepted that the money would be in their bank accounts within 10 days. -- Marian Martin, http://www.bymnews.com/new/content/view/17171/57/ CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS (Sponsored by West Marine) Events listed at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/calendar DECISION TIME The Challenger Commission for the 32nd America's Cup ("CC") did a syndicate debriefing following Acts 6 & 7 in Sweden. Following are a few excerpts from the meeting minutes. Trapani Measurement -- The Technical Director reported that there would be no allowance for gravitational differences when weighing yachts in Trapani (as there had been in Malmö). Gravity, he said, is essentially the same in Trapani as Valencia. He does plan to weigh all the yachts again, though not necessarily do flotation checks. Television -- Strong concern over the weak distribution of the TV coverage was once again expressed, and the CC's TV task force was authorized to initiate a top-level meeting with ACM to discuss coverage and distribution, particularly during the remainder of the 2005 Acts and for 2006. Team Photographers in Helicopters -- A proposal by the Defender to amend the Protocol's recon rule to permit team photographers to take images (still and video) from above other teams' yachts during Acts racing (even if only for team promotional and media purposes) was not supported. It was considered unfair to small teams which probably need such images the most, but likely did not have the resources to obtain them on that basis. There was also concern about the Defender's proposal making it easier for the Challengers to be reconned. Instead, it was suggested that ACM provide access to event photographer and videographer images (stills and video) shot from a helicopter during racing for distribution to and use by all teams, with appropriate restrictions on what they can and cannot shoot (e.g., not directly over a yacht). Moreover, with all teams getting the same images after each race, adherence to the recon rules by the "pool" photographers could readily be checked. Future Events -- The Chairman confirmed his understanding that there will not be an exhibition regatta at Lake Geneva in August of 2006, and that it is unlikely that there will be an event in China in 2006. Challengers were continuing to discuss among themselves options for other events in 2006 in addition to the three ACM Acts, and this would be taken up at the next CC meeting. The complete minutes of the Challenger Commission's September 5 meeting are posted at: http://www.challengercommission.com/ NEWS BRIEFS * Photographer Thierry Martinez happened to look out his balcony in Cowes, England Wednesday afternoon and saw the Pirates of the Caribbean team's Volvo 70 "The Black Pearl" passing by for her first sail. Quick with the camera, Thierry sent Scuttlebutt this first image of skipper Paul Cayard's new ride: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/05/poc0907.jpg * Porto Cervo, Sardinia, ITA -- After yesterday's carnage among the fleet of 37 yachts competing in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - which included one broken mast on the Kiwi 98-foot Maximus and a number of ripped and torn sails - the crews today experienced another wet and wild ride, with winds ranging from zero to 20 knots, rain and hailstones. More breakages were reported and a number of boats retired. Australian Grant Wharington's Skandia was over the line early and according to the Race Committee failed to restart correctly. Skandia filed a protest against the Race Committee that will be heard on Thursday. -- www.yccs.it * With just over a week to go before the start of the Transat 6.50 Charente-Maritime/Bahia (ex-Mini Transat), the 69 competitors are now in La Rochelle preparing for the 4,000-mile solo transatlantic race which starts on Saturday 17 September. -- Sue Pelling, Yachting World, full story: http://tinyurl.com/74oel * North Sails has partnered with expert meteorologist Chris Bedford and his team at Sailing Weather Services to provide free weather forecasts for the Lands' End Larchmont NOOD Regatta from September 10-11, 2005 in Larchmont, NY. Detailed forecasts will be emailed to subscribers each morning by 0730 local time. Sailors can sign up for forecasts by logging on to: http://na.northsails.com/ew/ew_main.taf * La Rochelle, France- A fully-equipped new Melges 24 (white hull, Balbi trailer, North Sails) was stolen recently after being delivered by builder Devoti. Complete boat description and contact information available on the Melges website: http://www.melges24.com/news/newsarticle.asp?NID=99 B&G ON EVERY VOR AND AC BOAT B&G, the Performance Sailing Division of Simrad, will be out in full force during the forthcoming Volvo Ocean Race and America's Cup. Every boat competing will have B&G equipment onboard with at least 15 of 19 boats using WTP, the high performance processor. Advice and technical support from B&G's service team, together with the Custom Projects Program, was an essential requirement for many of the racers. This program allowed each team to fully utilize B&G's expertise in high performance electronics, providing each yacht in the VOR and AC fleets with a system designed for their individual requirements. http://www.BandG.com TRIVIA ANSWER Before we answer the question as to what is the oldest club in the US, we have a correction to make. Not to kick a man when he's down, but a little research discovered that Southern Yacht Club (LA) is not the second oldest yacht club in the United States (as was stated on the SYC website). Their neighbor to the east, Mobile Yacht Club (AL) was established in 1847, making MYC the oldest club on the gulf, and the second oldest in the US. Also established in 1849 along with SYC were gulf neighbors Biloxi Yacht Club (MS) and Pass Christian Yacht Club (MS). Sadly, the operations of all four of these gulf clubs have been halted due to the damage from Hurricane Katrina. So, what is the oldest club in the US? That would be New York YC (NY), established in 1844. There were a couple other clubs established earlier than the NYYC, but they appear to be rowing clubs, and 'buttheads don't row. - http://www.burgees.com/OldUSClubs.htm 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 neither 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. And please save your bashing, whining and personal attacks for elsewhere.) * From: Andrew Bray, Editor, Yachting World: Charlie McLaughlin (Scuttlebutt 1918) makes the same error that many other observers make when talking about the cost of the America's Cup. By saying how many African AIDS victims might receive medication for the same amount he makes the (insulting) assumption that Messrs Bertarelli, Ellison et al are not already generous donors to charities and other worthy causes. I say long live the America's Cup - if the mega rich want to go an play high stakes games why not? Love it or hate it, it gives the rest of us something to talk about and, dare I say, provides fuel for Scuttlebutt's august columns. * From Malcolm McKeag: 'Enough is enough', says Charlie McLaughlin, lamenting the high cost and exclusivity of the America's Cup as presently enacted, and I do so heartily agree. Enough is enough of this nonsense (I nearly said 'horseshit', but Scuttlebutt is a family magazine). Enough of this lamentation about how not everyone can get to compete (as if every kid on the block can just walk onto a pro-football field and demand a go at the ball). Enough of this fatuous arithmetic about how many pills could be sent to, or water wells dug in, Africa if all the money spent on AC participation, by all the participants, were by some unidentified process parceled off to that complex continent (as if the space program, the Iraq adventure, NASCAR racing or anything else with a big budget were somehow morally superior to ridding Africa of AIDS, but sailing isn't). Enough of this abuse of language in discussing rates of remuneration (how many cine-technicians do you get for $150 a day? how many cinema actors for salaries comparable to those of the stars on the boats?). Following the America's Cup is like watching television - if you don't like the program, turn it off. But don't waste your breath on trying to stop the producers from making it, or coming the Holy Joe over others who enjoy the show. Speaking of waste - why am I even bothering to waste my time dignifying Charlie's waste of words with a reply? As the man says, Enough is Enough. * From Steve Taft: A little history and perspective on Charlie McLaughlin's diatribe. The America's Cup has never been about determining who the best sailors are. It has always been about technological development, money and egos. Always will be. * From Christopher Miller Emirates Team New Zealand (Re: Charlie McLaughlin's comments on AC budgets): The economic stimulus of the America's Cup, particularly to the region that holds the event, should not be dismissed. From 1995 to 2003 the two events brought in an estimated NZ$1 billion dollars to the New Zealand economy. And it all trickles down. The HIV-infected of Africa could treated for 385 days - five times longer than Charlie's plan - by diverting all global expenditure on imported bananas towards life-saving pills. My plan also has the benefit of saving many sailors from the dreaded curse of having bananas onboard. However, this would be a tough choice for me because I like bananas. * From Mats Grip, Sweden: So, the Cup is empty without Conner and Coutts? I agree it is sad to see that they cannot compete this round, but to say the cup is empty is a bit harsh towards the participants in this round. The first ever South African challenger does not fill the cup? The first ever Chinese challenger does not fill the cup? The numerous Italians do not fill the cup? The second Victory Challenge from Sweden does not fill the cup? The second BMW Oracle challenge does not fill the cup? ETNZ worth nothing? (Forgive me for not including all the challengers on this list) Saying that the cup is empty in spite of the fact that there are more challengers than there has been in years is not exactly polite to those challengers. Let's hope we'll see Coutts back next time, and maybe even Conner, but don't "diss" the guys that are there. They do deserve the credit! * From Chris Upton (re Herb McCormick's empty cup): Considering the costs of today America's Cup compared to the J class or event the handicap racing of the 19th century editions one can not bemoan the excessive expenditure of private funds. The early AC challenges we held among the wealthiest people in the world. Sir Thomas Lipton was well known for his humble beginnings. Many of the contenders and defenders were recently wealthy. That achievement goes hand in hand with an ego. By today's standards Ellison and Bertarelli are not as rare as the Lipton/Vanderbuilt/Sopwith cadre. There is more extreme wealth available today than there was in the days of the original competition. We all pine for the shining days of the twelves off Newport. But the cup has moved to the IACC class and its original roots of a competition between men and nations of wealth. In the J and Schooner days there was no sponsorship or return on their investment. Ranger lived as long as an IACC. I propose a Corinthian competition in big boats sailed by nationals. Even if it is not as big of an event as the AC it would be great to see which country has the best sportsmen. Not professionals. The Olin Stephens Trophy is to be first held in Newport in honor of the Corinthian days of the twelves. The successive defending champions must defend on the oceans, seas or bays * From John C. Wade: From the back of the boat I wish to say thank you to the guys in the front. You are suberb; you make it possible for me to sail. We are twins. We are one. I have never lost a race because of the guys in the front, but I have gone the wrong way so many times, its a wonder I still have guys in the front. Bless you and thank you! CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go." -- Oscar Wilde |
