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SCUTTLEBUTT 1941 -- October 10, 2005
Scuttlebutt is a digest of major yacht racing news, commentary, opinions,
features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus.
INSTANT REPLAY & COUNT-BACK
The Act 9 finale could not have been closer. Sailed in 15-20 knots of
breeze, the final race of the 2005 America's Cup pre-regattas, was decided
by the judges and video replays. The judges then determined that the
Spanish Desafio2007 team had won the final fleet race -- a split second
ahead of BMW Oracle Racing. Alinghi's third place finish in that race was
just enough to make the Swiss boat the Act 9 fleet race winner -- on a
tie-breaker with BMW Oracle Racing. Last week Alinghi won the Act 8 match
race series on four way tie-breaker. That tie was also with BMW Oracle
Racing, plus Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Challenge.
TRAPANI, Sicily - America's Cup holder Alinghi won the Louis Vuitton Act 9
and the 2005 America's Cup Class Championship with a third-place finish in
the fifth and final fleet race Sunday. Desafio Espanol won the race, and
U.S. challenger BMW Oracle finished second. Alinghi ended the fleet series
off the Sicilian coast in a 56-point tie with the American boat but the
Swiss defender prevailed with a 3-1 head-to-head record in three days of
sailing with all 12 boats racing on the same course at the same time.
Alinghi, which had also won the Act 8 match races series which ended last
Tuesday, increased its total to 71 points in the 2005 ACC season
championship, 10 ahead of Emirates Team New Zealand and BMW Oracle. Alinghi
clinched the title as the best performer across all the Acts sailed this
year. The Swiss boat, as the defender, is eligible to compete for the
annual ACC Championship along with each of the 11 Challengers.
Sunday's fleet race was one of the most exciting of the Trapani Acts with
Desafio Espanol leading BMW Oracle across the line by a hair. Alinghi came
in third 12 seconds behind. Luna Rossa took fourth place ahead of Italian
rival +39 Challenge. Emirates Team came next, 51 seconds behind. -- AP, the
Mercury News, full story: http://tinyurl.com/8khop
ACT 9 FLEET RACE FINAL STANDINGS
1. Alinghi (SUI), 56
2. BMW Oracle Racing (USA) 56
3. Emirates Team NZ (NZL) 46
4. Desafío Español (ESP) 40
5. Team Shosholoza (RSA) 37
6. Luna Rossa (ITA) 34
7 +39 (ITA) 26
8. Victory Challenge (SWE) 24
9. United Internet Team Germany (GER) 22
10. Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team (ITA) 19
11. China Team (CHN) 11
12. K-Challenge (FRA) 12
2005 SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Alinghi (SUI), 71
2. Emirates Team NZ (NZL) 61
3. BMW Oracle Racing (USA) 61
4. Luna Rossa (ITA) 57
5. Desafío Español (ESP) 42
6. Victory Challenge (SWE) 34
7. K-Challenge (FRA) 32
8. +39 (ITA) 32
9. Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team (ITA) 30
10. United Internet Team Germany (GER) 21
11. Team Shosholoza (RSA) 18
12. China Team (CHN) 9
Curmudgeon's Comment: In the rankings of the challengers only, with the
influence of Alinghi removed, BMW Oracle Racing moves to the top of the
leaderboard.
Event website: http://www.americascup.com/en/
QUOTE / UNQUOTE
"On paper Alinghi won the last three regattas and also on paper we tied
with them. Good on them, I'm not trying to take that away from them but
we're knocking, and they've probably noticed." -- Chris Dickson, skipper,
BMW Oracle Racing
"The vision of the Louis Vuitton Acts, the pre-regattas before the
America's Cup, was to make sure that during the years that were to follow
2003 and our victory in Auckland, we would have races and would continue to
keep the public interested in the sport and in the Cup. It was also very
important to us to stay current and to maintain our level of racing. I
think this new format of the America's Cup is really a success." -- Ernesto
Bertarelli, head of the Alinghi syndicate
"As the old saying goes, 'you have to be careful what you ask for -- you
might get it.' We wanted to modernize the event: to have more events;
closer, more exciting racing; to bring it closer to the media and fans.
Well, it seems we have succeeded in spades. Full credit to the vision of
Larry and Ernesto for a modernized AC, and the execution of that vision by
the 12 teams, ACM, the Regatta Director, the Challenger Commission and many
others. -- Tom Ehman, BMW Oracle Racing Blog,
http://bmworacleracing.twoday.net/
WHAT MAKES OCKAM DATA BETTER?
Almost 30 years of research utilizing a scientific approach to solve the
issue of instrument accuracy. Ockam allows for the calibration of sensor
inputs to ensure more reliable and accurate data into the system. The
proven Pentium-powered Tryad CPU processes the information at up to 8 times
per second. The graphical Matryx display provides a simple way to refine
your numbers and control the system. Ockam Instruments' superior processing
and Matryx display technology for that distinct competitive advantage. Not
just for Americas Cup and Grand Prix racing yachts, we have solutions for
everyone. To find out more, contact mailto:lat@ockam.com
LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP
Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker admits to a love/hate relationship
with NZL82, but says he does feel some sadness with the realization that
the boat may have sailed its last race. The syndicate looks increasingly
likely to bring on its first new boat, NZL84, in next year's America's Cup
pre-regattas. Which means the final day of the last pre-regatta of the year
in Trapani, Sicily, which took place overnight, could be the end for NZL82.
"In some ways it is sad to see a boat that we put a lot of hard work into
being retired," Barker said.
"The boat is okay at best. It is not as good as Alinghi and not as good as
Oracle. It puts a lot of pressure on the sailing team to sail better than
what some of the other teams need to, to have good results. "It has been
frustrating, but certainly now the focus is on the new boat."
To say NZL82 has had an interesting life would be an understatement.
Breaking down twice in the last Cup, the black boat was then knocked off
its cradle during a storm in Marseille last year which sent it back to the
boatshed. After a lot of cosmetic surgery it has become something of a
workhorse and is now almost an entirely different boat from the one seen
bobbing around the Hauraki Gulf, beaten and broken, in the 2003 defence.
However, it has always been clear that the new Emirates-sponsored syndicate
was keen to see the back of NZL82. Barker said the replacement, NZL84, was
well under way in Auckland and the team was looking forward to putting it
through its paces. -- Julie Ash, NZ Herald, full story:
http://tinyurl.com/9zz5c
SENATOR'S CUP
Annapolis, MD With remnants of Tropical Storm Tammy lingering long enough
over the Mid-Atlantic coast to produce two solid days and nights of
torrential rain and winds to over 30 knots, event organizers of the 3rd
Annual Annapolis Volvo Senator's Cup were forced to decide the outcome
after Match 3 in favor of England's Chris Law who was leading local-based
New Zealander Gavin Brady 2-1 after Friday's competition sailed in Nautor's
Swan 45 One-Designs.
Friday's race action started with Chris Law winning the first match after
holding off an attack from Gavin Brady on the first spinnaker run. But
building breeze and waves in the Severn River prompted organizers to call
off use of spinnakers for Matches 2 and 3. This did not diminish, however,
the closeness of the action, as these two America's Cup veteran helmsmen
using mostly local crew talent traded results in the remaining matches,
with Brady winning and successfully defending the favored right side of the
course to win Match 2, and Law capitalizing on a navigational error made by
Brady to overcome a penalty and go on to win the deciding Match 3. All
proceeds from Senator's Cup are used to support local charities. -- Dobbs
Davis, www.senatorscup.com, On-demand video coverage of the racing: www.t2p.tv
TESTING, TESTING, TESTING . . .
In order to test the use of new technological materials for the Olympic
Star class, parallel races will be held on the sea at the Seatec
International Exhibition on the 2 Febuary 2006. The event, organised by
architect and sailor Andrea Tarabella, in co-operation with the Nautical
Club of Marina di Carrara, willaim to provide necessary information to
analyse the differences between sails made of traditional Dacron and high
technology sails made of laminated Pentex.
A congress, will be held afterwards within the Seatec exhibition. The test
results will be shown during the congress, providing the ISCIRA
International Association with all necessary data to evaluate the pros and
cons of diverse materials. The aim is to improve Star performances and find
a good compromise between performance and life of the sail, without
substantially changing its price.
The aim is to emphasise any speed differences of the two boats in order to
compare the different materials. For this event, Halsey Italia will provide
two sets of sails for the Star, one made of the traditional material,
Dacron, the other made of Pentex technological material with a triradial
cut. Two identical stars, from the prestigious Lillia Shipyard, will be
available for the parallel.
The races will by recorded by video and a photographer for a better
assessment of the results, which will then be shown in the Seatec
Exhibition, Marina di Carrara. The helms will be Enrico Chieffi, current
Italian Star Champion, Star World Champion in 1995 in Rio de Janeiro and
Mario Salani, second in the Italian Finn 2005, Star World Champion in 1991
at Cannes and one design Halsey sails manager. -- http://www.sailweb.co.uk
SAVE ON C420S, CFJS AND OPTIMISTS THIS FALL!
Vanguard is offering fall discounts on C420s, CFJs, and Optimists.
Discounts = $400 off a C420, $300 off a CFJ and $100 off 1-3 Optis, $225
off 4-6 Optis and $350 off 7 Optis. Orders must be placed between now and
December 15th. To find your local dealer visit http://www.teamvanguard.com
A CALL TO MATCH RACERS
From June 1 - 4, 2006 the St. Thomas YC in the US Virgin Island will be
alive with both Open and a Women's match racing action at the North
American Regional qualification races for the ISAF Nations Cup. The
competition will take place in IC 24s in the steady trade winds and
tropical conditions that this Caribbean venue provides. Other Regional
Finals will be hosted by Finland, Portugal, Slovenia, Great Britain, United
Arab Emirates, Ecuador and New Zealand. Each qualifying event will provide
Open and a Women's competition, with the winning teams qualifying to
represent their nation and their group at the ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final
in September at the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Ireland.
In its opening year in 1991, the ISAF Nations Cup attracted 50 nations, and
ISAF anticipates many more will be on the start line in 2006. The objective
of the ISAF Nations Cup is to provide an inexpensive entry into the world
of international match racing. To participate in the ISAF Nations Cup,
wealth is not a deciding factor, with all equipment equalized and provided
free of charge.
The complete Nations Cup schedule is now posted: http://tinyurl.com/9o9yj
IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN
ISAF has just issued "the official rankings for Olympic classes," and by
now most regular readers recognize that the curmudgeon does not get real
worked up about this periodic event - especially when the Olympics are
three years away. However, here are a couple of highlights.
Great Britain remains the most successful nation in the Rankings with six
sailors within the top three places across the eleven events. With Ben
Ainslie back at the top of the Finn Rankings and Chris Draper and Simon
Hiscocks (GBR) holding firm to the 49er top spot, they have two number one
crews, a feat shared by the Ukraine thanks to Olga Maslivets in the Mistral
and 2004 Olympic silver medallists, Ruslana Taran, Anna Kalinina and
Svetlana Matevusheva in the Yngling. Elsewhere Rankings' leaders come from
Brazil, the USA, Portugal, France, Spain, Hong Kong and Sweden, meaning the
top spots are shared between Europe, Asia, North and South America.
Looking at the North American picture, Paige Railey (USA) retains her hold
on the top Laser Radial rankings, with Canada's Jen Spalding ranked #4 --
just ahead of Lisa Ross (CAN) and Keamia Rasa (CAN). In the Star class
George Szabo (USA) moves into the number three spot behind Fredrik Loof
(SWE) and Iain Percy (GBR), but ahead of his boss Mark Reynolds (USA) who
is ranked fifth. Jen Provan (CAN) has moved up to #10 in the women's 470 --
the same ranking that Johnny Lovell and Charlie Ogletree (USA) hold in the
Tornado Class. And in the Yngling class, World Champion Sally Barkow (USA)
has missed too many events to stay in the top ten, and is now ranked #11.
For those who simply must know more: www.sailing.org
LASER MASTER WORLDS
Fortaleza, Brazil -- The final two races of the Laser Masters Worlds was
sailed in 20 to 22 knots easing to 15 knots for the final race. In spite of
the tropical air and warm sea temperatures, this has been one of the
toughest Masters Championship ever held with no races under 15 knots and
always big waves demanding total concentration.
The final standings in the 53-boat Masters Division were: 1. Murray Thom
(NZL) 11 pts; 2. Peter Conde (AUS) 28; 3. 182048 Kurt Miller (USA) 38; 4.
Gonzalo Campero (ARG) 44; 5. Vann Wilson (USA) 51; 6. Allan Clark (CAN) 60;
7. Tracy Usher, (USA) 563. Australia's Mark Bethwaite won the 29-boat Grand
Masters division with an eleven point lead over Nicolas Loivingston (GBR),
while Australia's Kerry Waraker edged Peter Seidenberg (USA) for the Great
Grand Masters title. Complete results:
http://www.2005laserworlds.com.br/results.html
SERIOUS RACING WITH SOUTHERN CHARM
Scheduled for April 6-9, 2006, Charleston Race Week is perfectly placed if
you're traveling north after Miami, or if you decide to make it your first
regatta of the spring season. Free storage for trailered boats, free
dockage for first 50 entries. Southern hospitality and great racing!
843-722-1030 or http://www.charlestonraceweek.com
PRIORITIES
Ben Ainslie admits he yearns to be out at sea steering one of the sleek,
multi-million dollar, hi-tech (America's Cup) racing machines but knows
that as a relatively new kid on the block he has a lot to learn. "I'd love
to be out there racing but you've got to be realistic. It doesn't matter
how many gold Olympic medals you've won, it's a different game here," he
said. "This is my first involvement with the America's Cup and I hope it is
going to be the start of a long career in the Cup."
While he his learning useful lessons, Ainslie says that trying to combine
the demands of formula one yachting with his Olympic campaign is going to
be tricky. But he is optimistic about racing in Beijing in 2008 and isn't
ruling out representing Great Britain in London in 2012. "That's a unique
opportunity. I would be 35, but it would be amazing racing in your home
waters," he said.
But if he had to choose between the two? "The America's Cup ... but I've
still got a long way to go to winning (it), so I'd better focus on that for
a bit." -- Reuters, UK, http://tinyurl.com/bmnsq
NEWS BRIEFS
* The Volvo Ocean Race and broadcaster and naturalist, Sir David
Attenborough, announced their support for BirdLife International's Save the
Albatross campaign. Around 100,000 albatrosses a year - approximately one
every five minutes - drown when taking bait from hooks suspended on
longlines up to 130km long. As a result, 19 of the world's 21 species of
albatross are now threatened with global extinction. The Volvo Ocean Race
provides a worldwide platform to highlight this slaughter. Operation Ocean
Task Force. will place trained people on longline fishing vessels to show
the crews simple and practical techniques to prevent seabird deaths. --
www.savethealbatross.net
* The American Bus Association (ABA) has selected the Volvo Ocean Race as
one of its Top 100 Events in North America for 2006. ABA President and CEO
Peter Pantuso says the Volvo Ocean Race was selected because it offers
excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers
from around the world. "The real news here is that the event has been
recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when
reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy."
* Trieste -- The 1725 boats sailing in the Barcolana 37 race were greeted
with 30 to 35 knots of wind at the start the most crowded fleet race in the
world. The maxi yacht Skandia, with Lorenzo Bressani at the helm and Furio
Benussi as tactician, sailed the 17-mile triangular course in 58 minutes
and 20 seconds to demolish the record set by Cometa in 2001 by nearly 17
minutes.
* The Melges 24 Gold Cup returned to its birthplace this past week -- to
Wisconsin's Lake Geneva. The event was won by Jeff Ecklund with crew Harry
Melges, Scott "Chuck" Norris and Anthony Kotoun; second was the Full
Throttle team with Brian Porter and third went to Scott Holmgren with Vince
Brun driving. -- www.melges.com/2005_M24_Goldcup.html
* What's in a name? From our perspective the opening regatta for the
Australian Farr 40 season is certainly a headline writers nightmare:
Corinthian Doors Peppers Anchorage Port Stephens Farr 40 Regatta 2005.
http://www.farr40.org/
CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATIONS
"If the world were a logical place, men would ride horses side-saddle." --
Steven Wright
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