SCUTTLEBUTT No. 809 - May 7, 2001
Scuttlebutt is a digest of yacht racing news of
major significance; commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with
a North American emphasis. Corrections, contributions, press releases and
contrasting viewpoints are always welcome.
ORACLE RACING
(Latitude 38's Richard Spindler visited the Oracle Racing Syndicate's Ventura base last week and filed a story on the magazine website. Here's an excerpt.)
Perhaps the biggest news was that Kiwi Chris Dickson, who was slated to be the helmsman, will instead be working as a liaison between the syndicate and designer Bruce Farr. Rather than having a designated helmsman, Oracle now has what's called a "collaborative afterguard" - and a very strong one at that. It includes Paul Cayard, who made it to the Challenger Finals behind the wheel of AmericaOne; John Cutler, who was the helmsman on the surprisingly effective America True; Cup vet Tommaso Chieffi; and Peter Holmberg, who was a part of Dennis Conner's team in the last Cup, and who only the day before had won the prestigious Congressional Cup Match Racing in Long Beach. In addition to a powerful afterguard, the Oracle Team is stocked with veterans from almost every syndicate in the last Cup, many of
them Kiwis.
There have been rumors and speculation about the Oracle Racing syndicate, in part because they weren't affiliated with a yacht club for so long, because of a few personnel changes, and perhaps in part due to rumors about Seattle's OneWorld Challenge having money issues. Based on what we saw and heard, anybody who thinks the Oracle Syndicate is hurting in any way has another thought coming. A very relaxed and fit looking Paul Cayard told us it was great they had all their funding in place, and we were later told there was going to be even more good news on that front. Bill Erkelens, head of the syndicate, told us the team was very happy to be in Ventura and was enjoying a great reception. And the facility, boats and support boats all looked top notch. - Richard Spindler, Latitude 38
Full story and photos:
www.latitude38.com
ISAF
(Following are some excerpts from the notes of the May 5-6 ISAF Mid-Year meetings in Santa Margharita, Italy, as posted on the ISAF website - www.sailing.org.)
ISAF Eligibility Code - The ISAF Council approved revisions to the Eligibility Code to be effective 6 May 2001. The purpose of the revisions is to require that membership in a competitor's MNA or an organisation affiliated to his/her MNA will only be required at significant events, such as a world or continental championship, and those events at which ISAF Race Officials officiate. In addition, an MNA may require such membership for events within its jurisdiction.
2004 Olympic Regatta - Qualification System - Council approved the 2004 Olympic Regatta qualification system presented by the Events Committee, which will be subject to final approval in November 2001. It very much follows the system used for Sydney, with the same total number of athletes, but a slight change to the total number of entries per event. The system will continue to allow entries not taken, to be transferred to other events, with the first priority being given to those events in which the smaller nations are more likely to participate, ie the Dinghy Open - Laser, and Boards Men and Boards Women - Mistral.
Approximately 30% of each event's entry quote shall be qualified from that event's 2002 World Championship, 40% from each event's entry quote from that events 2003 ISAF World Championship (scheduled in Cadiz), 20% from each event's entry quota from that event's 2004 World or Continental Championship scheduled to finish by 31 May 2004 at the latest. The remaining 10%, plus any unclaimed qualification from the previous years,
will form a pool of available entry positions, which will be filled taking various considerations into account.
2004 Olympic Regatta - Event Format -the proposed Event Format was discussed and agreed, with the main changes for 2004 compared to 2000 as follows: - that each class will be allocated a specific course for the duration of the regatta. This was not possible in Sydney, where classes sailed on different courses, due to the available sailing area. However, postponed races may be sailed on any available course. - The number of discards has been changed, with no discards after 1-4 races have been completed, 1 discard after 5-11 races have been completed, and 2 discards after 12 races have been completed. The 2 discards will only apply to the 49er which are scheduled to sail 16 races, with all other classes scheduled to sail 11 races.
The pairing of classes on each course was considered, and the following confirmed: Mistral Men and Women Laser and Europe 470 Men and Women 49er. However, in respect of the Finn, Yngling, Tornado and Star no decision was made, as it was agreed to invite Organising Committees to test various pairings over the coming months, with a final proposal to be made in November 2001.
2004 Olympic Regatta - Supplied Equipment - it was agreed that the only equipment to be supplied will be the Laser.
Sailors' and National Identification - to enhance exposure, television coverage and overall promotion, the Events Committee's recommendation to require that wherever possible crew names be on the bottom of mainsails, and national flags be on, as appropriate, mainsails and spinnakers for the Olympic Regatta and ISAF Events, was supported by Council.
Outside Assistance - Deferred from the November 2000 Conference, the matter of 'outside assistance' during the Olympic Regatta was discussed. The aim of restricting 'outside assistance' is to ensure that the Olympic Regatta is a test of talent, not technology and that no sailor is provided with any unfair advantage. The recommendation that no 'outside assistance', including any forms of electronic equipment could be used either by their competitor or their support staff from the time of leaving the venue until after racing is completed and the athletes have returned to the venue, was supported in principle, with the specific wording to be prepared.
Yngling - the matter of a weight limit was raised, but the conclusion at this stage is that there is no intention to introduce a weight limit. However, the matter will continue to be considered by the International Class and further analysis undertaken at the forthcoming Yngling World Championships in June 2001.
Overall Strategy of Events - the Events Committee presented their recommendations on the future structure of ISAF Events, highlighting that sailing should streamline the number of events which are 'World Championships', to better promote the sport. The current situation, where over 200 World Championship titles are awarded each year dilutes their worth and is confusing. The final proposal will be put forward for November 2001.
ISAF Offshore World Championship - Hans Zuiderbaan, Chairman of the ISAF Offshore Committee, reported that RORC had expressed their interest in incorporating the concept of the Admiral's Cup into an ISAF Event, to be held in 2002. It is hoped that the ISAF Offshore World Championship will be the vehicle to develop a strong and successful offshore team event, and further discussions will now take place in order that a proposal can be made for November 2001.
2002 ISAF World Sailing Games - Council approved that the event now be held in Marseille, France during the first two weeks in July 2002. The events and equipment will be confirmed in November 2001.
2003 ISAF Team Racing World Championships - Council confirmed that the venue for the 2003 event will be confirmed prior to the start of the 2001 ISAF Team Racing World Championships being held in August, in Brno, Czech Republic. Whilst two nations had been bidding for the event, Australia and New Zealand, they have agreed to present only one nation's bid, rather than competing against each other.
America's Cup - a policy was approved which states that ISAF will not appoint an ISAF Race Official to officiate at the America's Cup, challenger and defender series who has a conflict of interest due to any involvement with an America's Cup syndicate. The wording of this policy will shortly be available on the ISAF website.
Challenges - Always wanting to keep the sport on its toes, the President closed the meeting by challenging the Events Committee to consider identifying, as soon as possible, the events and therefore equipment (classes) which will be in the 2008 Olympic Regatta, and therefore not be in contention for selection in November 2004. This would provide continuity for the sport and enable nations and sailors to plan ahead, rather than not knowing whether an event and class will remain in the Olympics after this four-year cycle. This was followed up with a challenge to consider providing the women with a one-design boat, following the concept of the equipment (class) used for the Dinghy Open event. The Chairman of the Events Committee agreed that the Committee would consider these proposals.
The text of the revised part of the Eligibility Code is available from: www.sailing.org/regulations/revisedelig.doc
WANNA SEE SOMETHING SLICK?
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LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON
leweck@earthlink.net
(Only signed letters will be selected for publication, and they may be edited for clarity, space (250 words max) or to exclude unfounded speculation or personal attacks. This is not a bulletin board or a chat room - you only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot and don't whine if others disagree.)
* From Skip Allan: My home sailing waters are the open ocean of Monterey Bay, central California. On recent weekends I have watched jet skiers run their PWC's into the kelp forests along our coast. I then watched in stunned amazment as these sea going cowboys used sea otter pups, left in kelp paddies by their foraging parents, as slalom marks as they jetted their way from Santa Cruz Harbor to Capitola and return, 50-100 yards off the beach.
Though I have no proof, I suspect these otter pups were highly stressed by this action. I would highly encourage the PWC industry and its executive director to take some of the more than $1 billion being invested in making PWC's cleaner and quieter, and spend it on educating PWC users. It is the fact that these craft can go into kelp, at a high rate of speed, being driven by unaware drivers with little sea sense that offends me.
* From Andy Besheer: Maybe Monita Fontain of the PWIA ('Butt 880) should ask herself why sailors respond so negatively to PWC's even after they have reduced their raw fuel emissions and decreased their noise output. In the great scheme of things, its probably not because most sailors don't like the craft but because we're all sick of and fed up with a (hopefully) minority of PWC users who have absolutely no understanding of seamanship, safety or courtesy.
I cannot count the times I have been buzzed by PWC's going flat out in tight channels with two way traffic and speed restrictions. PWC operators either do not know the rules of the road or do not believe they apply to them. We've all seen PWC operators skipping wakes of commercial craft and putting themselves and others in danger with their irresponsible antics.
Yes, on a hot summer day a PWC looks like it might be a fun toy. But until the operators of PWC's as a group realize that they are part of the marine community - and must abide by the same rules and courtesies that apply to all the rest of us - they will continue to be ostracized and opposed at every turn by mainstream boaters.
* From Marilyn Mower Executive Editor, ShowBoats International: Yes, the new craft are quieter and less polluting, but that doesn't mean the early models have disappeared. The big issue isn't the craft, it's the users. Rental outlets make these dangerous toys available to people who have no licenses and no training. Because the renters are often people on holiday, they have no sensitivities for local customs and concerns, and the rental companies seem unwilling to impart this information. THIS is why operating restrictions are necessary, especially in environmentally sensitive areas like national parks. Personally, I am in favor of requiring driver's licenses for all motorized vessel operators.
* From Paul Miller: As a country that prides itself on personal freedoms we should not ban PWC's simply because they are annoying. Good science and a realistic safety evaluation are required to make a fair evaluation and hopefully the administration will do just that. Don't think however that the PWC industry would have reduced emissions 75% and noise 70% if it wasn't for the threat of bans and new regulations spurred on by environmental groups!
* From Vernon Brickey: Grant Dalton's comment that a fellow-competitor's breakdown was a high-point in The Race has twice been alluded to as an example of the "unsportsmanlike" conduct that exists in sailboat racing today. That is one possible interpretation. Taken in the context of the interview, however, a more fair reading would be that it was a "high point" because the competitor's breakdown was the result of a correct tactical call by Dalton's navigator further up the course that gave them a significant lead and that getting an early lead was a deliberate strategem by Dalton to make the other skipper push his boat beyond it's breaking point.
It was obvious that Dalton felt the race was to be one of attrition. A fair analogy might be the deliberate engagement in a jibing duel with a nearby boat that has suspect crew work and, sure enough, that boat hourglasses its spinnaker giving you the race. Wouldn't the success of this tactic be a "high point." Was the engagment in the duel 'unsportsmanlike' or rather the very essence of competition?
* From Dawn Riley (In response to Pat Healy's email): I can 100% guarantee you that no women on the 1995 America 3 women's team were taking steroids. We complied completely with the IOC drug usage regulations. For people who probably don't know: this means there were no over the counter or prescription medicines taken without first checking with our medical advisor. This means that when one woke up in the middle of the night with a head cold the night before a race - no Theraflu, no Nyquil etc.
I am extremely insulted that in today's 'enlightened age' anyone is shortsighted enough to think that women can't compete with and against men without using performance enhancing drugs. The last time I checked, sailing big boats successfully from a crew's perspective is about 80% practice and knowing how to use what you have and preventing mistakes. The only time it comes down to all strength is when you have made a big mistake and have to try and overpower the boat.
Finally it is completely insulting to the women on the team the top-notch physical training team and Bill Koch to discard the success of this team by stating that drugs were the only reasons.
* From J. Joseph Bainton: Reply to those who oppose drug testing-- Folks, do you want sailing to remain an Olympic Sport? If so, then stop whining about drug testing, because drug testing in connection with Olympic Competition is here to stay for the foreseeable future. ISAF and national governing authorities cannot change this reality. So let's accept Paul Henderson's unusually gracious invitation to help integrate drug testing into our sport in a way that causes the least friction. One big step might be to permit sailors to waive at the inception of every four year Olympic cycle their right to compete at the next Olympics in exchange for a release from all IOC mandated drug testing. Finally, let us pause a moment to give Mr. Henderson our sport's thanks for his deft efforts that resulted in sailing staying in the Games.
* From Clark E. Chapin: Although the idea of US Sailing publishing a "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking" for changes to the rules seems like an obviously good idea, there are a couple of immediate shortcomings: First, the changes to the rules are already considered in open meetings by the US Sailing Rules Committee. The meetings are open to observers, but few people attend because the work of rule writing can be absolutely mind-numbing. I'll also go out on a limb and predict that interested parties can be added to the distribution list of the materials (via E-Mail). But be prepared! It has always seemed to me that the Committee is inundated with proposals, counter-proposals, and discussions. Second, anything that the US Sailing committee agrees upon can be re-written by the ISAF Rules Committee. And believe me, ISAF put the "Byz" in "Byzantine." Lastly, the major changes for 2001 - the ISAF Codes, were never considered by the ISAF Rules Committee at all but approved by the super-Byzantine Council. In other words: US Sailing ain't the problem, folks.
* From Will Keene: I would like to point out that the most devastating issue facing sailors today is the lack of funding the Army Corp. of Engineers has to dredge recreational harbors. Its a fact that dredging of "our " harbors is more critical to the sailing community more so than any other group of recreational boaters. If you like to sail, I would suggest that we all work on this issue, because our segment of the recreational boating market will run aground before all others, and those of us who enjoy being on the water may only be able to get on the water in one of those shoal draft, clam digging jetskis. So if you want to write your congressman, I think it would make sense to draw attention to this issue.
TECHNOLOGY
StarTrack's revolutionary GPS satellite tracking technology is bsing used for the first time in an international yacht race in the 2001 Air Niugini Coral Sea Classic, starting on Monday. Each of the breadboard-sized units, installed on the yachts is interrogated via a satellite above the equator.
From Monday noon, when the race starts, each hour, the position of each boat in the fleet, and its placing under handicap will be updated on the race's official website This information will be displayed on the chart, which will show the progress of the fleet towards Port Moresby. The website will also post the official race radio sked's twice each day, along with news and photos from sailing commentators and photographers. http://www.sail-world.com
CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS
* June 7-10: J/80 World Championship, Ida Lewis Yacht Club & Sail Newport, Newport RI. www.sailnewport.org/J80worlds
NO CHICKEN TENDERS
With all the hot racing action going on, you still can not help noticing the awesome new tenders beings used by many of the worlds top racers. From the rugged conditions of the Kenwood Cup to the short stormy chop in Newport, RI and even the biggest ebb tide in SF Bay, one boat stands above the rest in performance, stability and comfort, THE PROTECTOR! Built in New Zealand, Protectors are now being imported to the states and Europe by ProtectorUSA. For more information to call toll free 1.877.664.BOAT or log on www.protectorusa.com - Get onboard!
ANNAPOLIS NOOD
Annapolis (Md.) - Conditions during the sunny spring weather Annapolis Sailing World NOOD (National Offshore One-Design) Regatta didn't make racing easy for any of the 233 competitors in 16 one-design classes. On Day One fickle sea breezes of 5- to 10-knots shifted from an initial southerly to the southwest, turning the day into a current strategy game. By Day Two a cold front had brought a steadier 10- to 15-knot northeasterly to the competitors, but reading the tidal pattern continued to be the challenge.
On the last day an unusual easterly filling the sails with puffs between 10- to 20-knots gave the class fleets plenty of chop and plenty of work adjusting the lines and backstays. But the shifts also gave the players plenty of chances to gain or lose, according to Terry Hutchinson, Annapolis native and tactician aboard Owen Kratz' first place 1D35, JOSS.
The Annapolis NOOD, now in its third year, started in 1999. With 208 boats in its first year, the event drew the largest inaugural fleet in the history of this national circuit organized by Sailing World magazine (Newport, R.I.) and presented by Farmers Insurance Group.- Cynthia Goss
CLASS WINNERS:
1D35 (13 boats)
Owen Kratz League City, TX JOSS
Henderson 30 (9 boats)
Kevin Young Pepper Pike, OH DARK & STORMY
J-35 (12 boats)
F.N. Sagerholm Jr. Ocean City, NJ AUNT JEAN
Mumm30 (18 boats)
Timothy W. McCarron Winnetka, IL MIRAGE
Alberg 30 (10 boats)
Rolph Townshend Severna Park, MD SKYBIRD
Cal 25 (8 boats)
Arthur Libby Arnold, MD LOVE SHACK
Catalina 27 (9 boats)
John Ebell Annapolis, MD HI TIDE
Pearson 30 (7 boats)
Arthur A. Libby III Annapolis, MD RESULTS
S2 7.9 (6 boats)
Greg Robinson Severna Park, MD WINED-UP TOY
J-22 (34 boats)
Ray Wulff Annapolis, MD NORTHERN AGGRESSION
J-24 (24 boats)
Russ Potee Glen Burnie, MD DREAM GIRL
J-80 (11 boats)
Kerry Klingler Bronx, NY USA 352
J-105 (30 boats)
Alexander Cutler Annapolis, MD HOOKED ON TONICS
J-29 (7 boats)
John Esposito New Rochelle, NY HUSTLER
J-30 (19 boats)
John White Severna Park, MD
Melges 24 (18 boats)
Henry Filter Stevensville, MD L5-S1
Complete fleet results and daily race reports: www.sailingworld.com
SDYC YACHTING CUP
San Diego YC - Class winners:
J-120, CC Rider, Chick Pyle & Chuck Nichols
J-105, Incorrigible, Thomas Carruthers
Farr 40, Shadow, Peter Stoneberg
1D35, Koinonia, Doug Ament
Melges 24, USA 248, Maseda/Rajewski
Schock 35, Kathmandu Kirschner/Harris
PHRF 1, Stars & Stripes, Dennis Conner
PHRF 2, Snoopy Roberts/Bennett
PHRF 3, Muddy Waters, Rick Johnson
PHRF 4, Chimera, O'Conor/Hoenemeyer
PHRF 5a, X.S., John Thawley
PHRF 5b, Blur, Aaron & Dixon Hall
Complete results at www.sdyc.org/raceinfo/ycresults.htm
WORRELL 1000
The 19th running of this grueling, one-of-a-kind, open ocean race for 20-foot catamarans started Sunday, May 6th at trendy South Beach in Miami Beach, Florida. Sailing identical Inter 20s, (20-foot, off-the-beach catamarans) in this event that is often described as a nautical Tour de France, the competitors race north in 13 daily legs averaging 70 to 80 miles, regardless of weather. The course includes every major beach resort from southern Florida to Virginia, a distance of 1,000 miles, with stops at 12 oceanfront checkpoint cities in 5 states before finishing almost two weeks later on Saturday, May 19th in Virginia Beach, Virginia. -BOATmagic website - www.boatmagic.com
RESULTS - First Leg (Miami Beach, FL - Fort Lauderdale, FL - 22.7 mi statute miles): 1. Alexander's on the Bay; 2. Sail For Sight; 3. Tybee Island; 4. Guidant; 5. Bay Wind.
Full results: www.worrell1000.com
THE CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION
Most of the time we don't communicate; we just take turns talking.
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