SCUTTLEBUTT No. 867 - July 30 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, constructive criticism and contrasting viewpoints are always welcome, but save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere.
DOCK TALK
Cam Lewis' Team Adventure sustained a good amount of damage on Thursday afternoon when she ran aground at the start of the Around Long Island Race. We ("Spank Me BT") an 82 ft. Maxi draw 15 ft. Our navigator saw on the charts that there was a spot around the start that was only 14. We asked the committee to move. They declined, but said we could start on the Atlantic Ocean side (opposite the pin side) of the committee boat to ensure we had depth. We doubted this would ever hold up under protest or appeal, so we decided to start as close to the committee boat as possible.
We started 5 minutes before Team Adventure, and during our starting manuveurs, we brushed the bottom. Apparently (we didn't see it) Team Adventure hit that spot and stopped dead in her tracks. Reports are that a few fell overboard, and that the boards were damaged enough to prevent her from starting. - Michael Silverman
POSTPONEMENT FLAG
As huge seas and gale to storm force winds continued to batter the coast of New South Wales over the weekend, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia late this morning postponed for third time the start of its 369 nautical mile coastal passage race from Sydney to Southport on the Queensland Gold Coast.
Seas rising to 10 metres and more and south-westerly winds consistently at 50 to 60 knots have already sunk a motor cruiser and have dismasted and overturned a 14 metre cruising yacht off the coast between Sydney and Newcastle, 80 miles to the north. The major sea ports of Sydney, Botany Bay and Newcastle have been closed to shipping entering or leaving, leaving several ships including a cruiser liner hove to 25 miles offshore.
A 70 boat fleet had been scheduled to start in the 16th annual Sydney-Gold Coast Race at 1300 hours Saturday, but the CYCA Race Committee decided conditions offshore were too dangerous offshore. The Race Committee advised that a further postponement had been made, with the race starting at 1000 hours tomorrow (Monday) if sea conditions ease sufficiently overnight, as forecast. - Peter Campbell
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THREE-PETE
Mark Gaudio completed a successful 'three-pete' by winning his third national championship in 28 days. After winning the Naples Sabot Masters Nationals and the Lido 14 Class Championship, Gaudio won the 35-boat Cal 20 Nationals at the King Harbor YC this past weekend.
Final results:
1. Mark Gaudio, 10
2. Mike Busch/Kenny Dair, 15
3. Walter Johnson, 20
4. Mark Folkman, 21
5. Bill Schopp 34.
LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON
leweck@earthlink.net
(Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name and may be edited for clarity or space - 250 words max. This is not a chat room or a bulletin board - you only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot and don't whine if others disagree.)
* From Dave Rosekrans President, US Sailing: The comments from Craig Fletcher about having fun and from Doug Wall about US Sailing adopting Rule 35 - "Have fun" are right on. When we revised the mission statement for US Sailing in 2000 we added "fun" to the values statement. My personal pledge to US Sailing when recently elected was "HOFF" or honesty, openness, fairness and fun. Most of us sail because we love the sport and are having fun at it. We need to keep in mind that the ultimate goal of our US Sailing training, race management, rules, government relations and other programs is to help sailors have fun.
* From Andrew Troup (atroup@email.com): R. Geoffrey Newbury's excellent suggestion of a floating compound got my metal gears whirring. Australia and America True both demonstrated in 2000, at different levels, that affordability does not necessarily imply mediocrity. Every kiwi hopes that the B syndicates will prove this truism in 2003 by contradiction.
There just happens to be a very large, clearly pelagic coal barge, (and a fine looking vessel, as coal barges go), complete with tug, languishing in Lyttelton Harbour, half a thousand miles to the south of the venue for the next America's Cup. I myself had thought of putting in a frivolous offer on the basis that it could make a wonderful mobile party venue, as it has been conspicuous by its inability to attract a buyer so far.
* From Malcolm McKeag: Geoffrey Newbury's idea of using 'an old frieghter' as a self-contained floating base for an America's Cup syndicate sounds attractive and was, in fact, proposed at least as long ago as 1981. This was Peter de Savary's first thought when he launched his Royal Burnham Yacht Club Victory campaign for the 1983 Cup. A fairly detailed feasibility study was undertaken and as I recall there were even some scheme drawings produced of how the ship would be converted to handle two Twelve Metres and all the back-up, including workshops, docking, accommodation, sail loft etc. The reality turned out to be it was cheaper - then - to rent a compound and some houses in Newport, RI, and so the ship idea slipped back whence it came: the imagination and the world of James Bond (or, more correctly, James Bond's villianous opponents).
But it remains a great idea. How about, instead of a freighter, a big, pensioned-off Russian submarine. There are said to be quite a few available up Archangel way. After each day of sailing, the yachts would slink alongside, their masts would retract, they would slide in the special opening doors in the bows into what had been the torpedo room, the doors would close and - to the sound of klaxons, of course - the boat would slip beneath the waves and no one would know where it was until it surfaced again the next day.
* From Peter Harken: Mr. Newbury's idea which has merit, on bringing an old bulk freighter ready for the scrap heap into Auckland's beautiful harbor and skyline as an Americas Cup syndicate base; I believe the peoples of NZ who take immaculate care of their land and waters, would have it anchor no less than 12 miles from any of their shores, even if it was painted slick willy. Syd Fisher's syndicate sailed by the young lads of Australia did have an old crane barge right in the downtown Viaduct basin opposite AC row, next to the American Express YC. It raised a lot of hackles, but Syd is a tough smart bird from the land of OZ as everyone down under knows and whipped that big old barge in there before the outcries of protest could gather enough steam. He also had an ace in the hole in the fact that many Kiwis hearts went out to these young underdog lads even though they were Aussies, their main rivals in all sporting events.
This rather tough rivalry, to say the least, is most evident in a Kiwi/Aussie rugby match which is a hoot to watch if you enjoy ancient Roman type gladiator matchups. Letting that Aussie syndicate crane barge, which was no beauty, in the inner sanctum of their harbor was a "special occasion" which I really doubt would be allowed again if I know the Kiwis love and care of their environment.
* From John Roberson: There seems to be some confusion between the politics of boycotting the Olympics, and awarding the Olympics. I agree that once the Olympics have been awarded to a particular nation or city, then a boycott makes the athletes into political pawns. However, to award the Games to a country, many of whose citizens are denied what we consider to be basic human rights, and where freedom of speech and expression are suppressed.
Where there is also a likelihood that those employed to build the facilities, and provide the services, may not work under the safety standards that we would expect, or be treated with basic human respect, is a good enough reason not to vote for that venue. Agreed, no country is blameless, but should the Games be awarded to a country that barely pays lip-service to attempts to improve these situations?
* From Russ Wasden (Re James Marta's commentary regarding the Olympics - #866). To state that the Olympics are "about athletics and athletes" sounds very nice, but is embarrassingly naive. To a greater extent in the past, but still today, politics are a big part of the Olympics. To deny the fact that the Games are a showcase for nationalism contradicts what one observes clearly. The host nation looks forward to glorifying itself and its achievements. The athletes aren't regarded so much as individuals as they are citizens of a given nation.
More so these days, at least in the US, the Olympics are all about money, and not much else. Where else can the media provide such a compelling spectacle without paying any of the athletes anything for their efforts?
Which is more disgusting: the Olympic Games themselves, as they are covered on TV in the US (what's with the "cry cam"?); or China, and the fact that any free country would have anything at all to do with such a slave state? You can have them both, I'm going sailing.
Apart from sailing, I gain consolation from the fact that the viewership ratings for the Olympics are in decline. It seems we're finally outgrowing them, and that is a good thing.
* From Ken Guyer: Georges Bonello Dupuis made an observation in Butt 866 that there were no American teams in the America's Cup match in Auckland. The point being made that it would be "too optimistic" to think of a U.S. team winning in '03. I assume the comment was a bit tongue in cheek. I will point out that holding the only America's Cup match in the history of the entire event absent the U.S. (as challenger or defender) as a new standard for odds of winning, is pretty much the height of optimisim! I guess it is that optimism that keeps the challenging countries coming back each time.
* From Fred Schroth: (In response to a request for better terminology for windy days made by Nancy Samovar): Capital letters because the words should be yelled with enthusiasm and not merely spoken softly. BLOWING THE DOG OFF THE CHAIN, CRANKING, NUKING, BLUSTERY, HONKING, SNORTING, HOWLING, HOOTING, TOOTING, RIPPING, TEARING THE TOPS OFF THE WAVES, FAT BOY WEATHER, CORPUS WEATHER.
Longer phrases: It's so windy the thermometer's horizontal, so windy the windsock has been replaced by a logging chain, so windy the birds have to walk to weather, like perfume through a prom.
Description: You know that little piece of cassette tape that RC guys like to tie to the eraser of a pencil and then endlessly hold while standing on the front of the committee boat? Well, if the cassette tape stands out straight most of the RC guys will understand that there is wind. If the tape tears off and whisks by their heads most of the RC guys understand that there is enough wind to set a course. If the Eraser rips off and pokes the RC fellow in the eye, half the fleet can be over early and no one will care. When the pencil shatters and nothing but sawdust blows past the RC guy the sailors from Corpus Christi rig their boats for a typical afternoon sailing contest.
* From: Dave Gruver: I think Doug Wall is on the right track with a rule to have fun. But instead of the last rule of the ISAF (Rule 90), perhaps it should be the first, last and only rule of the Scuttlebutt Sailing Club.
CURMUDGEON'S COMMENT: Thanks for the suggestion Dave - I've just added it to the agenda of the SSC's annual meeting at the Bitter End YC in the BVI on November 7. BTW - in keeping with Rule 90 (or perhaps Rule 1), that meeting will take place at a hosted cocktail party.
* From: Ryan Glaze: As a former Opti sailor and Opti coach, you can't beat what an Optimist has to offer young sailors. From the IODA web page, "For those with the will and the talent, the Optimist creates the skills that can lead to the top, maybe 20 years later. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics former Optimist sailors made up over 50% of the dinghy skippers and won medals in every event except boards and, this year, the Star class." If you want a definition of a great dinghy sailor, it will start with an optimist. Former Opti sailors have won 42 medals in the last 4 Olympics. www.optiworld.org/ioda-oldboys.html
* From Brett Davis: If you look at the last 10 winners of the ICYRA College Sailor of the Year award, you will find that at least 6 of them are Sabot sailors and maybe 8 who ARE NOT Optimist sailors. Also, why is every example of the well-rounded Optimist grad shown in a single handed boat? It would seem more logical to me for optimist graduates to move into the large and dynamic field of competitive sprit boats?
* From David Tabor: I've been reading the current debate on Optis with some interest. Currently residing in my basement is a half built Optimist I have been building with my 10 year old daughter and 6 year old son. Living an hour and a half from the nearest Opti fleet I have no illusion they will become competitive or even want to race; indeed this is a family project to enable them to dink around while Dad shouts encouragement from his Laser on the local lake/reservoir
I chose the Opti because of its construction so as to have a boat we could build instead of buying a plastic toy that will have no inherent family value. I have no doubt that the sense of accomplishment they will feel at the helm as well as the skills they will undeniably pick up "just dinking around" will become evident if they choose to continue sailing. Already my daughter has made observations about the boat based on her experiences at the helm while sailing with me on a 43' ketch. Better boats for a junior program? Sure. More affordable? Doubtful. Better at teaching basic sailing skills and rules? Debatable.
SCREWPILE REGATTA
A record fleet of 136 boats descended upon Solomons July 22-24 to face off in the ninth annual Screwpile Regatta. With an advantageous geographic location, a well-oiled group of local organizers, a lengthy list of dedicated sponsors, and the support of a legion of Bay sailors, the event has quickly grown into the centerpiece of the Chesapeake's summer sailing season. Racing was contested in eight PHRF classes, MORC and four one-design classes. - SpinSheet website.
Full story: www.spinsheet.com
CORRECTION
In the last issue of 'Butt we screwed up the month of the California Judges Workshop and Test. The calendar announcement should have read:
* August 25-26: US Sailing Judges Workshop and Test for certification, Newport Harbor YC. Presenting will be Tom Farquhar. Contact Barry Ault: wbault@home.com / 619-225-1120
LASER RADIAL YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Villanova, Spain - The long waited for wind returned to Villanova for the final days racing. 264 competitors were rewarded with 3 races in 12 to 15 knots and large surfing waves to bring the 2001 Laser Radial Youth World Championship to an exciting close.
Having wished for more wind earlier in the week overnight leader, Michael Bullot from New Zealand was as surprised as everyone else when the flat calm disappeared around midday to be replaced by the Levante wind contrary to all forecasts. Bullot was not expecting any wind and left his hiking pants and boots at his hotel! Nonetheless, with three single digit finishes, Bullot becomes the first sailor to achieve the double win of the Laser Radial Open and Youth World Championships.
Final results:
1. NZL Michael Bullot 29
2. GRE Iason Georgaris 37
3. FRA Alexandre Monteau 48
4 FRA Mathieu Murati 49
5. TUR Guray Zumbul 62
30. USA Charles Fulmer 139
31. USA Ryan Shaughnessy 140
35. USA Jeffrey Bonanni, 148
36. USA Carl Horrocks 151
40. USA Christopher Branning 158
41. USA Reed Johnson 161.
Complete results: www.laserinternational.org
EDS ATLANTIC CHALLENGE
The wind has gone light and variable for the leading yachts in the EDS Atlantic Challenge and the conversation has turned to food. Lack of food on-board and a bounty of food just over the horizon on land. It's the classic end of passage dichotomy. Up until this point you do not allow yourself to even dream about that first cheeseburger, but now with the miles whittling away it's okay to imagine one in your hand. The cruel reality, however, is that there is very little to eat in your immediate future as supplies on most boats are nearly depleted. - Meaghan Van Liew
Standings:
1. Kingfisher (Ellen MacArthur - UK) DTF - 243 miles
2. Sill Plein Fruit (Gael Le Cleac'h - FR) DTF + 191 miles
3. Ecover (Mike Golding - UK) DTF + 235 miles
4. Gartmore (Josh Hall - UK) DTF + 479 miles
5. AlphaGraphics (Helena Darvelid - SWE) DTF + 1004 miles. www.edsatlanticchallenge.com/positions
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
EDS Challenge organizers have decided to delay the start of the final leg of the from Boston back to St Malo by a day, which should mean that their arrival in Europe will not clash with the America's Cup Jubilee Regatta in Cowes to mark the 150th anniversary of sport's oldest trophy. - Stuart Alexander, UK Telegraph
SAILING WORLD NOOD AT MARBLEHEAD RACE WEEK
For husband-and-wife crew Kim and Christina Pandapas, the thrill of winning the largest class at the Sailing World NOOD at Marblehead Race Week--which concluded today off Marblehead--was as big as it gets. "I grew up in Marblehead, and Race Week is the Holy Grail," said an elated Christina Pandapas of Marblehead, after reaching the docks this afternoon as winner with husband Kim of the 43-boat Rhodes 19 class.
Marblehead Race Week drew a fleet of 226 boats from 11 states, Canada, and Ireland. Winds were generally light, never topping 10 knots throughout the four-day series. The first two days saw extremely shifty air; the final two days of Race Week saw a light southeasterly that had small 5- to 10-degree shifts. Except for an opening day that began in rain and gray sky, sun and blue sky moved in on the afternoon of the opening day and stayed for the duration of the series.
For race reports, photos and complete fleet results: www.sailingworld.com
SANTANA 20 NATIONALS
Charlie Ogletree grabs the trophy in the Santana 20 2001 Nationals held in Klamath Falls Oregon. Two-time Class Champion Chris Winnard starts off with first place at the beginning of the three day series with Ogletree's consistent finishes keeping him in second. Winnard loses ground on the second day, and even with a bullet on the last day's race, he was not able to recover. Long time class member Charles Witcher takes third. Bruce Golison lost his trophy chances with an OCS at the first race, but demonstrated that he could have been up at the top with his 1-3-1-4-2 finishes in the following races.
Winds were steady during most of the racing with no shifts to speak of so the strategy was focused on getting a perfect start and having good boat speed. Overall, great racing, sunny weather and good camaraderie dominated the event. 26 Competitors traveled from as far away as Tulsa, Oklahoma; Vancouver, Canada and Mexico City and in three days of racing there was not a single protest hearing.
Final results:
1-Charlie Ogletree
2-Chris Winnard
3-Charles Witcher
4-Bruce Golison/Steve Washburn
5-Ken Cardwell
6-Kerry Poe
7-Yumio Dornberg
8-Lance Purdy
9-Mike Sherlock
10-Paul Stephens
www.s20.org
MORE SANTANA 20 NEWS
In case you're wondering, Charlie Ogletree used a full inventory of Ullman Sails to win the Santana 20 Nationals. If you need more boatspeed, one proven and affordable way to make it happen is to work with the pros at Ullman Sails to spruce up your sail inventory. For the location of the nearest loft that can provide you with a price quote: www.ullmansails.com
LIGHTNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Circolo Velico Marsala - Marsala, Italy (44 boats):
1 USA-LINTON, JEFF, 17
2. USA-FISHER, MATT, 18
3 USA-FAUDE, WILLIAM, 21
4. CAN-MACDONALD, LARRY, 22
5. ITA-NOTO, MARIO, 22
6 USA-GROTHEER, PHILIP, 31. www.lightningclass.org
THE CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATIONS
Middle age is having a choice of two temptations and choosing the one that will get you home earlier.
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