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SCUTTLEBUTT 2168 - August 28, 2006Scuttlebutt is a digest of major yacht racing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus.FROM GLENN BOURKE (Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race has written a letter specifically to Scuttlebutt readers about the recently concluded Volvo Ocean Race Volvo Ocean Race, as well as changes that are planned for the next race . and why those changes are being made. Following is a major excerpt from the letter which is posted on the SailingScuttlebutt website.) I have read with great interest and at times complete dismay regarding some of the recent comments about the last edition of the Volvo Ocean Race and our plans for the next one. Dismay, in that it appears some people feel we are actively trying to devalue the history and tradition of the race by incorporating the proposed changes. Dismay also, that it appears those same people believe we have not been listening to those constituents who have greater experience than ourselves. I can tell you, neither is true. During the 8 months of the last race and again in the months post its conclusion, we have continued to listen to sailors, designers, sponsors, shore crew, team managers, the press, sports fans, non sports fans, industry leaders, billionaires, clubs, classes, ISAF, and even my mother (sorry if I have missed you from one of the above categories), to try to distil down the elements to make the next iteration of the race better than the last. Take for example just the sailors. I've had long conversations with Mike Sanderson, Paul Cayard, Mark Christensen, Seb Josse, Tony Mutter, Horacio Carabelli, Tom Braidwood, Stan Honey, and many, many more. I did this as often as I could to get the most pertinent information to help direct us forward. And I don't believe we ever disregarded what they said, or professed to know more than they did. In fact, quite the opposite! We asked because sometimes the answers were not clear and we wanted to find the best solution and we valued their opinions. Our only objective was to do better. Nor did Volvo play any manipulative role in the format. My bosses, the Board members of the Volvo Ocean Race, very much let us absorb the information and try to make the best decisions for the future of the event on their behalf. And better than that, they stood behind the event, supporting it as actively as they possibly could. They considered our impact on this great sport in general and they were there for the counting each and every time I needed it. While I have your attention, let me straighten out a few facts, because it appears that not everybody is aware of our basic proposal for the future. With regards to the Volvo Open 70 rule itself, we will change it only to attempt to improve the durability of the boats themselves and where possible, level the playing field. We are doing this in consultation with designers, engineers, approval authorities, insurers, and a broad cross section of sailors. The crew numbers will remain the same for an all male crew but may increase to 12 and 14 respectively for mixed and women's crews. I would like to also point out that at least as many of the current VO70 sailors I have spoken to told me to keep the number of crew the same or reduce it, as have asked me to increase it. The route will start in Alicante, Spain in late 2008. The proposed route from there will be around the Cape of Good Hope to the Middle East (a very long leg and probably with part of it in the Southern Ocean). From the Middle East to the Sub Continent and on to South East Asia and then China. From there, to Australia or New Zealand, with a Southern Ocean leg around Cape Horn to Brazil. From there the traditional route will kick in, with ports and nations who provide entries getting the highest priority. The in-port races will remain as part of the format, as will pit-stops. Finally, to everyone out there still reading this, please understand, we don't profess to have all the answers. We are simply trying to do our best, to learn from our mistakes and correct them, to improve the things we have done well and, to create an event at the pinnacle of our sport. One which is watched and enjoyed by millions, that stacks up commercially, and hopefully in some small way inspires people to participate in sailing. They are our objectives. If you love sailing, I find it hard to imagine how you could condemn us for trying. -- Glenn Bourke, CEO, Volvo Ocean Race. To read all of Mr. Bourke's comments: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/06/0825/ THIS IS A TEST . . . Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre -- The first of the Medal Race line ups was decided in Qingdao, China Sunday at the Olympic Test Event. The ten Laser sailors who will compete for the medals at the ISAF Grade 2 Qingdao International Regatta on Wednesday have been decided, but no North American's made the cut. However, after a difficult couple of months Paige Railey (USA) is looking real good in the Laser Radial fleet, posting bullet and a second place in Sunday's two races to move into a comfortable 22 lead with just one race of the opening series remaining. And Anna Tunnicliffe (USA) has moved into the sixth spot in this 34-boat fleet, with Mexico's Tania Elias Calles Wolf now in the eighth spot. USA Sailors are also holding down the top two spots is the Star standings. George Szabo/ Eric Monroe hold a one point lead over Andy Horton/ Brad Nichol, but only four points separate the top four boats in this seven-boat class. After seven races, Tornado sailors John Lovell and Charlie Ogletree (USA) are in fourth place in the 19-boat Tornado class - the same position that the USA sailors Sally Barkow/ Debra Capozzi/ Carolyn Howe occupy in the Yngling class. Stuart McNay/ Graham Biehl (USA) have slid to fifth place in the large 42-boat 470 Men's class, with Canadians Stephane Locas/ Oliver Bone in 16th, Amanda Clark/ Sara Mergenthaler (USA) are in tenth in 37-boat Women's 470 standings. Zack Railey (USA) remains in the fifth spot in the 18-boat Finn class where Ben Ainslie (GBR) has stung together five bullets and a deuce (his throw-out) for a commanding lead. Dalton Bergan/ Zachary Maxam USA) are North America's top crew in the 49er results, presently positioned in eighth place, with Canada's Rob Dale/ Hunter Lowden in 14th. -- Complete standings: http://www.2006qdregatta.com/ COMMENTS FROM QINGDAO * Carrie Howe for Team Seven Sailing, USA Yngling: What is it they say? Be careful what you wish for! We've been wishing for wind and we got it this morning - twentyfive knots of breeze, waves and huge swells. These were lively conditions to say the least. They were so lively that seasickness became a potential problem for some of the US team members as they rocked and rolled, waiting for the first start gun at 1300 hours. Before we left the dock it was pouring. The breeze was awesome and we were excited. We had action even before we left the dock, securing the tents we use for our waterfront preparations before they blew away. Then more adrenalin on the water as we checked out the conditions in monster swells that must have been half the height of our mast. It stayed that way from 0600 until noon when the wind died completely and we were left rolling and slamming around in the leftover swell and waves. Adding to that, the current was ripping and making it impossible to stay near the race committee without a tow from our coach boat. From noon on, we had a four-hour wait for conditions to improve. Several US team members had problems with seasickness and it was pretty well impossible to stay in the boats in those conditions. We bailed out and got into the rigid inflatable coach boat and took the Yngling in tow. I've been searching for a metaphor to sum up the situation today. I guess it's like getting suited up and psyched up for an ice hockey match or figure skating, only to find that the rink has melted. No fun, that's for sure. * From Anna Tunnicliffe, USA Laser Radial: There was just enough wind for some upwind testing before the start but when we returned to the start line, the Race Committee called a postponement for an hour. The conditions were miserable. No wind and big, sloppy leftover seas that left us rolling around uncontrollably. I was quite seasick. After a little over an hour we headed back ashore and sat around for another hour before the Race Committee decided we should head out and give it another try. This time the wind at the start was almost up to seven knots. I made a bad start, due largely to the presence of boats that had been carried over the line early by the tide. There was a lot of current, shoving us upwind, making for a windward leg that only lasted four minutes. There was a reach next, but downwind the situation was ridiculous. It didn't matter if you had rounded the weather mark first or last. By the time we were halfway down the run we were all strung out in a line across the axis of the course. As the breeze continued to fade, the leaders were squished back and the trailing boats caught up. Worst of all, we weren't getting any closer to the leeward mark. It was a silly situation and the Race Committee came to our rescue by calling the race off and sending us home. -- www.annatunnicliffe.com * From Carol, Kim, and Margaret, Team Cronin, USA Yngling :Three knots of breeze, and two knots of current running upwind ... this was going to be challenging, even by Qingdao standards. -- http://www.teamcronin.org FARR 40 WORLDS IN NEWPORT Newport Rhode Island is humming with activity with all the best Farr 40's in the World. They are preparing for the 2006 World Championships in September and Team One Newport is working with the Class to create some awesome Worlds Merchandise. Team One Newport can create some great gear for your Event as well. Call 800-VIP-GEAR and ask for Peggy or Maura and visit http://www.team1newport.com to see all that Team One Newport can do for you. COATES WINS J/105 NAs Marina del Rey, Calif. -- This has been one dynamite year for J/105 skipper Tom Coates from San Francisco. First he won Acura Key West Race Week; then he dominated the 36-boat J/105 fleet at the Annapolis NOOD; next he was the top gun at New York YC's Race Week in Newport, and this past weekend he never seemed to be seriously challenged as he lead the J/105 North American Championship from start to finish. His blue-hulled Masquerade won the seven race, no throw-out series by seven points over Wings sailed by Dennis and Sharon Case from San Diego. Wings was the only boat in the 31-boat fleet that was able to complete the series with all single digit finishes. Class newcomers, Gary Mozer and Doug McLean's Current Obsession 2, finished just three points behind Wings to take the remaining spot on the podium in this Santa Monica Bay regatta hosted by the California YC in steady winds -- essentially in the 8-14 knot range. -- Complete results and photos: http://tinyurl.com/n4934 Video coverage of each day's races is available on demand: http://www.t2p.tv SKIFFS ON THE BAY San Francisco -- The 18' Skiff International Regatta wasn't quite a changing of the guard---Howard Hamlin, 53, was the winning skipper for the third time in five years---but if runner-up Samuel (Shark) Kahn, 17, is the wave if the future, that's fine with Howie. "It's great to see Shark doing so well," Hamlin said after wrapping up the title with first and second places Saturday. "Maybe it will draw other young kids into the class." Kahn passed former winner John Winning, 54, for second place on the last day, and the Australian indicated that he, too, would welcome an influx of youth, although he will continue to campaign around the world "if the body's up to it." -- Rich Roberts, On the podium: 1. Pegasus White, Howard Hamlin/ Mike Martin/ Trent Barnabas, 11pts 2. Pegasus Black, Samuel (Shark) Kahn/ Cameron MacDonald/Paul Allen, 15pts 3. Yandoo, John Winning/ Andrew Hay/' Geoff Bauchop, 17pts Event website:http://www.stfyc.com (Click successively on Regatta Information/ 2006 Racing Calendar/ August) MELGES 24 WORLDS Heyeres, France -- Day one of the Melges 24 World Championship in Hyeres on the French Riviera brought stunning conditions for the 119 competitors from 14 nations as they completed the first two round robin races of the championship. There was plenty of close action and more than a few thrills and spills with broaches galore and two broken masts by the end of the day. It was also a very long day on the water, particularly for the teams sailing on race course Alpha who did not get back to the dock until after 6pm. In the overall standings top Italian match racer and America's Cup sailor Paolo Cian, helming Sherekhan for Maurizio Cardascio, has just a one point lead. Fellow Italian and double Mumm 30 World Champion Luca Valerio, helming Alina Helly Hansen for Maurizio Abba, is tied on points for second place with Reigning North American Champion Brian Porter of Chicago, whose Full Throttle crew includes 2002 Melges 24 World Champion Harry Melges. Simon Strauss's Team Gill, with Irish Olympian Mark Mansfield at the helm, is in fourth place and Switzerland's Jean Marc Monnard lies fifth just one point behind them. Full results and photographs are available from www.m24world2006.com SAILING SHORTS * De Ridder and the Mutua Madrilena TP52 crew have won the Athens Trophy, their second Breitling MedCup regatta victory after winning the season's opener in Punta Ala, Italy back in May. The team's scores (3-3-1-2-1-9-2-3) proved a model of consistency for a notoriously tricky venue, but more importantly left them with a 14 point cushion going in to the final event of the Breitling MedCup TP52 circuit in Ibiza next month. Standings: 1. Mutua Madrilena (C), 24pts; 2. Warpath, 38pts; 3. Caixa Galicia, 38pts; 4. Crristabella, 47pts; 5. Siemens, 60pts; 6. Lexus/Atalanti, 63 pts7. Bribon (C), 65. -- http://www.medcup.org * The fourth day of the 49er Canadian Championship yielded a 20 knot southerly breeze that kept all sailors on their toes. Race leads changed quickly with capsizes and crashes in the wavy conditions. Second place Matt Dubreucq and Geoff Galesgave (USA)it their best effort to dethrone the leaders, only five points ahead. However, it was too little too late and Dan Cuningham and Rob Paterson (CAN), fresh from the European 49er circuit, held on to claim victory at the 2006 49er Canadian Championships in a nine boat fleet at Kingston, the site of next year's Youth World Championships. http://www.cork.org/results2006/49R.HTM * With an eighth and fourth place finish on the final day, Oslo YC held off strong challenges from the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club and the St. Francis Yacht Club of the United States to win the Dennis Conner International Yacht Club Challenge sailed in J/24s in New York Harbor. Those two USA clubs finished second and third respecively. The 15-boat event with entries from ten nations was intended to promote international goodwill through friendly competition. Full details on the regatta are at http://myc.org/iycc/default.htm SSC BURGEE OVER TAHITI Members of the Scuttlebutt team have just completed a bareboat charter of the French Polynesian islands, and will report on their trip soon in the Scuttlebutt newsletter. Upon boarding their Moorings charter, they hoisted the Scuttlebutt Sailing Club burgee, and enjoyed an unbelievable adventure. Look for their log soon on the ins and outs of doing Tahiti, and look for Scuttlebutt Sailing Club gear at the Scuttlebutt store: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/store EIGHT BELLS I would like to note the death of Bill Shaw, a renowned yacht designer and friend for over fifty years. After lots of youthful sailing and time in the Merchant Marine and the Navy, Bill pursued his dream of becoming a naval architect by joining the firm of Sparkman & Stephens, where he was involved in the design of many famous yachts, including the America's Cup defender cOLUMBIA as Chief designer. He was a founder of the Midget Ocean Racing Club, sparked by his design of the Shaw 24. He later joined Pearson Yachts as chief naval architect, a position he held for 27 years, also advancing to become general manager of Pearson. During his career there, over 40 classes of boats were designed and produced, mostly quality, family-oriented racing/cruising fiberglass sailboats. He was active in many sailing organizations, including the Cruising Club of America, the New York Yacht Club and the Storm Trysail Club. Bill was a great shipmate, and he will be missed by his many friends and those who sail in one of the boats which he designed. -- Jim Harvie 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. 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, and personal attacks for elsewhere. For those that prefer a Forum, you can post your thought at the Scuttlebutt website: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi) * From J. Joseph Bainton: Olympic Disaster predicted - I have never been to Qingdao and have no interest in going there to sail. When this venue was announced knowledgeable folks predicted a disaster and reports to date have proven the pundits correct. Can somebody please explain why ISAF could not have avoided this unhappy situation and secured for our sport an Olympic venue where fair sailing is possible on a routine basis? * From John Ritter, In the Southern Chesapeake we have a mid-octogenarian who tends to eschew the beer can races for a weekly casual lunch cruise these days (ah, retirement!), but still makes the 'big' races. "Army" hasn't missed our traditional 'biggest race of the year' for a string of 24 ?) consecutive years now . and tends to exemplify the adage "old age and skill will beat youth and strength every time." I sat one out one year under SCA in a blow with a roiling chop (too much for my boat, I thought) - he sailed it, and after the race shrugged it off: "the boat still sails the same - it's just heeled further over." My hat's off to those expert "old salts" still teaching us 40-something young pups their tricks - the sport is better for them. * From Peter O. Allen, Sr.: Peter Huston has provided us, as usual, with some provocative thoughts on reasons for the decline in sailboat racing. I have long suspected that one design racing in the USA would be aided by our national organization designating a few national classes, thereby letting sailors know which classes might have some life in them a few years hence. While designers and builders tempt us with hot, sexy new racers, I think these new entries tend to dilute support for the existing classes. If the USSA were to name "offiicial" one, two, three and four person boats, for example, I think that would strengthen one design sailing in this country. I can hear the cries now, of "unfair" and other, stronger expletives, but I think something has to be done to help guide one design sailing in the USA. As for PHRF type racing, USSA might work toward the establishment of metropolitan racing fleets that would combine and concentrate PHRF fleets in a metro area. This could make for larger fleets and more interesting racing. They might also advocate greater recognition for crew members, as there currently is much incentive for a crew member to give up large chunks of time away from family. USSA might also provide some structure for crew training, which is lacking in most areas. And that training should not be solely to send expensive speakers out to give costly lectures. Prepare an outline for a series of programs to be given by experienced sailors from those "metro" fleets. * From Barrie Harmsworth, ISAF Youth and Development Committee: We have heard this anthem about a decline in sailing for over three or four years now at the ISAF meetings. But where is the hard evidence? Looking at the International Optimist Dinghy Class Association they have increased their numbers by nearly 30% (solid facts from their scrupulous and hard working secretary Robert Wilkes). Similarly for the Laser 4.7 fleet. The IRC fleets world wide show nearly a 20% increase. We by the representatives of the boat building industry that there is evidence in a decline in new boat sales but I don't think that is directly linked to a lack of interest in sailing, more likely, as one of your correspondents wrote, the cost of new boats, and probably, the availability of marina berths. Whilst I believe that we should not be complacent, I don't agree with the unsupported alarmist message that sailing is in decline. If nothing else it is an uncalled for slight on all those whose role it is to promote sailing and encourage others to do so. Promote sailing, yes, spread doom and gloom, no. * From Mike Priest In 'Butt 2166, Peter Huston opines " the abuse of ... time by unthinking and self-serving race organizers is perhaps the biggest culprit." for the decline in racing participation. I feel strongly that he owes a huge apology to just about anyone who gives their time to run regattas for racers. It is not about W/L courses or point to point races. It is about the chance to compete on some kind of level playing field. None of us want to go back to IOR boats, but "in the day" there were clear worldwide rules that were agreed upon. IOR 70 was the limit, no mechanical/ stored energy use, no moveable ballast. Since then, probably due to the PC world of "I won't be the one to tell them they can't come" we now allow monster boats, with engines driving their hydraulic canting keels. I am talking about placing these boats on the same line, for the same trophies as conventional boats. (TransPac, Sydney/Hobart, and many others, including local races) The national and international ruling bodies need to have some backbone and set real limits. I think that an entry level, or non-billionaire boat owner wants to see "real" and "enforced" rules so that there is some expectation (or even a perception) that the goal posts of the playing field are not moving while the game is being played. CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION In an age of political correctness, I can see the day coming when a 'beer gut,' will be called a 'liquid grain storage facility.' This issue of Scuttlebutt presented by Team One Newport (thanks Martha!) |
