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SCUTTLEBUTT 3312 - Monday, April 4, 2011Scuttlebutt is published each weekday with the support of its sponsors,providing a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus. Website: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/scuttbutt Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sailingscuttlebutt RSS: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/rss/index.xml Today's sponsors: Quantum Sails, West Marine, and IYRS. FIFTEEN TEAMS COMMIT TO THE AMERICA'S CUP (April 1, 2011) - Following the March 31st entry deadline, organizers announced Friday that 14 challengers from around the globe, plus defending champion Oracle Racing of San Francisco, have signed up for the 34th America's Cup. Of the 14 challengers who've entered, 12 have been validated while the others are being checked against qualifying requirements. Some of the vetted teams have yet to publicly announce their challenges. Of the undisclosed team, it's believed that Korea and Canada will be represented. "It's obviously an acceptance of the new vision of the America's Cup," said Iain Murray, the regatta director and CEO of America's Cup Race Management. "People must be liking what they see, which is the World Series, the catamarans, the 45s, new rules. They can see all that stuff now. And there's more to come, with television production, and maybe just the event being in San Francisco. There's a package around the America's Cup of activity and people that's never been there before." The first season of the America's Cup World Series (ACWS) will run into July 2012 and be sailed in 45-foot wing-sailed catamarans. The second season will begin in San Francisco in August 2012 with a 72-foot version of the fast cat. The 72-footers will be used in the America's Cup itself, replacing the plodding sloops that were used from 1992-2007. A champion will be crowned at the end of each season. The ACWS will begin in Cascais, Portugal, Aug. 6-14, then move to Plymouth, England, Sept. 10-18. The San Diego regatta will be held sometime between mid-October and early December. All three ports will allow for viewing from the shore, one of the changes organizers have made in an attempt to make the sometimes-confusing sport more fan friendly. In the past, America's Cup races have been held miles offshore. -- Full story: http://tinyurl.com/ESPN-040111 The current entries are... DEFENDER: Oracle Racing, Golden Gate Yacht Club (USA) CHALLENGERS: Aleph-Equipe de France, Aleph Yacht Club (FRA); Artemis Racing, Kungliga Svenska Segal Sallskapet (SWE); China Team, Mei Fan Yacht Club (CHN); Emirates Team New Zealand, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (NZL); Energy Challenge, Yacht Club de France (FRA); Mascalzone Latino, Club Nautico di Roma (ITA); Team Australia, Multihull Yacht Club of Queensland (AUS); Venezia Challenge, Club Canottieri Roggero di Lauria (ITA); Four challengers - Confirmed/Confidential; Two challengers - In vettinging process Additional details: http://tinyurl.com/ACUP-040111 BUT REALLY: It is unclear if late entries will be accepted, though there is a provision (and late fee) to allow it. Additionally, the submission of entry provides no guarantee that the team will be competing for the America's Cup. The only two teams that are believed to be financially stable as of now are Oracle Racing and Artemis Racing. NOT NEWPORT: While it was believed that the an America's Cup World Series event would be stage in Newport, RI this fall, it appears that the region was not able to get organized in time. Newport remains in the running to host a World Series regatta in the 2012-2013 cycle. -- Providence Journal, full story: http://tinyurl.com/ProJo-040111 FAST ENOUGH BUT NOT DIRECT ENOUGH After setting out on Saturday 29 January at 11h07'28'' (GMT) on the solo round the world record attempt, Thomas Coville (FRA) and the 105-foot trimaran Sodebo finally crossed the finish line off Ushant on Thursday 31 March 2011 at 12h15 (GMT) after 61 days, 7 minutes and 32 seconds at sea. Thomas Coville took 3 days, 10 hours, 43 minutes and 26 seconds longer than the current record set by Francis Joyon on IDEC in 2008 (57d 13h34'06''). The paradox is that Coville was faster than the record holder, but due to less favourable weather conditions, he wasn't able to follow as direct a route as that of the record holder. Coville and Sodebo covered 28,431 miles at an average of 19.42 kts, or 2,031 miles further than Francis Joyon, who covered 26,400 miles at an average speed of 19.11 kts. While pleased that his record still stands, Joyon was also philosophical about man's pursuit of such dreams. "In a world where oil escaped from the sea bed for weeks on end offshore of New Orleans, a world where nuclear power stations are throwing out radioactive clouds and where seawater has been irradiated to the extent that it has damaged life for generations to come, Thomas Coville has proven, through his journey around the world under sail, that natural energies aren't lacking in strength. "The fact that he hasn't beaten the round the world record isn't the most important thing. The key to this journey is that our circumnavigations of the globe, in crewed as well as solo configuration, have been more effective under sail than under power. "Right now, no boat powered by an engine has managed to circumnavigate the globe as quickly as we do under sail, due to their weight and range associated with the massive amount of fuel required aboard. "If our sail boats could influence the upcoming decisions about energy, which are both vital and urgent, they could help us understand that the only way forward is free of pollution, CO2 and radiation, using natural energies: the wind, the current and the sun. Congratulations to Thomas for this fast, damage-free journey across the ocean." Find all the latest about the maxi-trimaran Sodebo on the website http://www.sodebo-voile.com CARIBBEAN SWEEP Congratulations to Quantum customers Jim Swartz, Richard Oland, and Austin and Gwen Fragomen who finished 1-2-3 in the IRC 1 Division at the International Rolex Regatta hosted by St. Thomas Yacht Club. The 52 footers, equipped with Fusion M sails, were described throughout the regatta as "locked in battle" by Ed Baird who crewed aboard Vela Veloce. Still sporting Quantum Racing graphics, the TP52 Vesper/Team Moneypenny won all but one of the six races. In the 16-boat IC 24 class, second place went to Fraito Lugo of Quantum Puerto Rico on Orion. Anticipate the Shift... with Quantum Sails: http://www.QuantumSails.com FORTY YEARS LATER Since its launch at the New York Boat Show in 1971, over 200,000 Lasers have been sold. The strength of the class comes from its rigid one design rules that designer Bruce Kirby approved 40 years ago. Other than grumblings about overpriced equipment, it's hard to argue with the success of the class. However, the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) is now dealing with an issue with one of its three builders and the rights holder, and is looking to change its class rules as a solution. But Bruce Kirby is calling bull s--t on the class. Here is an excerpt of an interview from Sail-World: "Two and a half years ago, I sold my rights to the New Zealanders, the Spencer families' Global Sailing. I am 82 as you know, and this move was what you would call estate planning. "The Spencers have been building Lasers through Performance Sailcraft Australasia for umpteen years. I simply figured the Spencers had the good of the class in mind - far more so than anyone else that was on the horizon - and that they would do the best job in looking after the class and promoting it and enhancing it. "Now it would appear that Laser Performance Europe (one of three builders for the ILCA) doesn't want to recognize the fact that this transfer has taken place. It is really weird because they paid the royalties to Global Sailing for two years as they were supposed to do, and then all of a sudden they stopped doing that. That action has caused issues between LPE and Global Sailing and they will have to sort it out.' What was his response to the ILCA statement 'Lawyers also informed us that the Kirby design patent has in fact expired.' Kirby responded. "That's total bull s--t! There never were any patents. You can't patent a sail boat design. These were contracts, legitimate contracts drawn up by lawyers and there is no suggestion that I had a patent on the boat. These were long term contracts that were renewable every so many years. No-one's ever questioned them so I don't know what lawyer they found that suggested this course of action. It's crazy!" -- Full report: http://www.sail-world.com/index_d.cfm?nid=81938 * Here are comments from The Laser Forum: http://www.laserforum.org/showthread.php?t=36049 ONCE A BRIDESMAID, ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID (April 1, 2011) - Reigning champions Wolfgang Hunger and Julien Kleiner (GER) have taken out the 2011 SAP 505 World Championship at Hamilton Island Australia today and the final race could not have been scripted better, it had all the melodrama of movie thriller. It was Hunger's fifth 505 world title win (he also owns two 470 world titles) and Kleiner's second 505 title (both with Hunger). It was also the second time Holt and Smit have had to play bridesmaid. "I have no choice but to go to the Worlds in La Rochelle next year - I'm hooked," Holt said. Going into the final race, the Germans held a three-point advantage over Mike Holt/Carl Smit (USA) with a drop in place. Both pairs knew what they had to do to claim the crown. Explained Hunger: "We got a very good start and tacked on Michael (Holt) but we did it too late, so we went around in the top three at the first mark. From there, we were in front of them, then they were in front of us and so on." Holt needed to put four boats between him and Hunger and while there were chances early on, all that changed. So up the final beat, Holt/Smit tried to sail the Germans back into the fleet. It had its effect, but a bit late. "The pressure was very up and down, but shifts were only small - 10 degrees - so there were no big gains to be made with those," Smit said. The SAP 505 World Championship was a shortened seven-race series when racing was abandoned for three days after the opening day due to exceptionally heavy winds and big seas accompanied by incessant downpours of rain. The 2012 SAP 505 World Championship will be held in La Rochelle, France, from 17-27 July. -- Complete report: http://tinyurl.com/505-Worlds-040111 Final standings (top 5 of 86) 1. GER, Wolfgang Hunger/ Julien Kleiner, 1-1-3-(15)-4-2-6, 17 2. USA, Mike Holt/ Carl Smit, 3-6-1-3-6-1-(7), 20 3. AUS, Sandy Higgins/ Paul Marsh, 2-7-5-1-3-7-(9), 25 4. USA, Howie Hamlin/ Andy Zinn, 4-(10)-6-4-8-3-1, 26 5. GBR, Luke Molloy/ Jim Turner, 14-11-2-5-5-(86 DNF)-3, 40 Full results: http://tinyurl.com/505-Worlds-2011-Results Photos: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/11/0403/ WATERCRAFT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is asking boaters to report how they operate and maintain their boats as a part of determining new recreational watercraft management practices. The deadline for comments is June 2. "Management Practices would be methods, techniques, or tools which could mitigate any environmental impact of normal discharges into our waters," said BoatUS Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. "They will vary according to boat type and what that vessel could potentially discharge. For example, the EPA is looking at engine maintenance and could create a management practice that requires the use of a bilge sock to soak up oil in your engine compartment. Of course, this couldn't apply to a rowboat. But it's important to understand they are looking at all recreational watercraft." To hear boaters' concerns and suggestions, the EPA has set up two ways to communicate: Boaters can be heard at the agency's alternative weekly online webinars that started March 21 and end April 25; or Boaters can e-mail the EPA directly at CleanBoatingAct-HQ@EPA.GOV until June 2. -- Read on: http://www.boating-industry.com/output.cfm?id=2735713 WEST MARINE PERFORMANCE APPAREL CATALOG IS HERE Just in time for the boating season, our new Performance Apparel catalog has 72 pages of our favorite apparel for on-the-boat action or just relaxing and keeping it casual. Features include: The best in foulies from West Marine and Musto, a new complete luggage system designed for boaters by West Marine, and a ton of new casual apparel for men and women. Featured brands include: Columbia, Tommy Bahama, O'Neill, Nautica, Life Is Good and many more. Browse the eCatalog version now: http://bit.ly/2011ApparelCat HALL OF FAME INDUCTION NOMINATION FORM NOW ONLINE The sport of sailing in the United States is a step closer to having its own "Hall of Famers" with the National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame now starting the process with an online form available to the general public to use to make nominations. Future Hall of Famers will be Americans who are 45 years of age and up, and who have made a significant impact on the growth and development of the sport in the U.S. in categories such as design, racing, cruising, coaching and administration, among others. Non-citizens may be included if they have had an impact on the sport in the U.S., and posthumous nominations will also be accepted. The nomination period will run from April 1 through June 1, with the inductees for 2011 determined by late August. The historic first class of inductees will be recognized on October 23, 2011, during ceremonies scheduled to take place at the San Diego Yacht Club in California. To nominate your candidate online, click on the button above, or go to www.nshof.org and click on "Induction". You can also click on the direct link below: http://tinyurl.com/NSHOF-040111 => Curmudgeon's Comment: If you're wondering who to nominate, the Scuttlebutt Forum has a list that currently has 165 individuals who have been suggested as candidates. Here is the link: http://forum.sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/gforum.cgi?post=11636#11636 SAILING SHORTS * (April 3, 2011, Day 92; 21:01 UTC) - While the fat lady hasn't sung yet, the Barcelona World Race choir is getting ready. With Jean Pierre Dick/Loick Peyron (FRA/FRA) on Virbac-Paprec 3 now only 71 nm from the finish, and a lead of 222.8 nm over second place Iker Martinez/Xabi Fernandez (ESP/ESP) on MAPFRE, it appears that a winner's breakfast will be getting made for the French team. -- http://www.barcelonaworldrace.org/en * Fort Lauderdale, FL (April 3, 2011) - The Southern Florida mafia dominated the US Trials for the Snipe class, hosted by Lauderdale Yacht Club to select the representative for the Pan American Games that will be held this year in Mexico. Twenty-five teams competed, but most were mere entry fees as Miamians Augie Diaz/Kathleen Tocke needed all seven races to squeeze out a three point win over fleet member Ernesto Rodriguez/ Mary Hall, with local Brian Kamilar/ Enrique Quintero just one point further back in third. -- Photos/ reports: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/11/0403a/ * (April 3, 2011; Day 8) - The VELUX 5 OCEANS fleet continues their northerly climb along the Brazilian coast, with heat and humidity causing discomfort amongst the solo sailors. The stealth mode feature has been in use by the top three entries, which blocks their position reports for a 24 hour period when enacted. This feature can be used twice by each sailor on this leg from Uruguay to Charleston. -- http://www.velux5oceans.com/ * The April Sail1Design ICSA Team Race Rankings finds Boston College maintaining their consensus #1 ranking, followed by Georgetown. Big movers this time are the College of Charleston to #3, and Roger Williams, tied for #4 with the Harvard Crimson. Full rankings: http://www.sail1design.com/rankings/icsa-rankings * Exhibit space at Strictly Sail Pacific, the west coast's only all-sail boat show slated for April 14-17 at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA, is "sold out," posting a 20% increase compared with last year's event. Details: http://forum.sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/gforum.cgi?post=11647 * The United States Coast Guard yesterday published a direct final rule that removes exclusivity for Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as the only USCG approved lab to test inflatable lifejackets. The National Marine Manufacturers Association called the move a "positive movement in support of more innovative lifejackets and lifejacket options for boaters." -- Boating Industry, full report: http://www.boating-industry.com/output.cfm?id=2737045 SCUTTLEBUTT SAILING CALENDAR Events listed at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/calendar EIGHT BELLS It is with deep sadness that the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) regrets to announce the death of Past Commodore Geoffrey (Dickie) Bird, on March 24, 2011. RHADC Commodore, Robert Mason stated: "It is an especially poignant note during a Marion Bermuda race year as Dickie was one of the founders of the race. He remained actively connected with the race throughout his life both as a participant, as RHADC Commodore and as a Trustee of the race organization. Arguably without the vision of Dickie and a few others, the race would have never been started and Bermuda would be the lesser for it. His further contributions will be missed." Marion Bermuda Trustee, Buddy Rego recalls "As a Committee member, Flag Officer, and Trustee, Dickie held the most focused, determined meetings ever. There was never room or time for matters not on the agenda or of a long winded nature!" Mr. Bird's ashes will be scattered in the Great Sound and a celebration of his life will take place at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on Church Street in Hamilton, Bermuda at 11am on June 25, during Marion Bermuda Race week. -- Complete report: http://forum.sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/gforum.cgi?post=11648 OPEN DOORS AT IYRS An Open House at IYRS in Bristol on April 6 kicks off a series of events when this Rhode Island school rolls out the welcome mat for members of the public. Visit the school during an Open House and see student work underway, or join the annual celebration at the school docks when students launch their fleet of projects on graduation day. The April 6 Open House runs from 4 to 7 pm at the Bristol campus, "Launch Day" takes place in early June, and more Open Houses are slated for May and July. For more information, visit: http://www.iyrs.org/NewsEvents/EventsCalendar/tabid/164/Default.aspx GUEST COMMENTARY Scuttlebutt strongly encourages feedback from the Scuttlebutt community. Either submit comments by email or post them on the Forum. Submitted comments chosen to be published in the newsletter may be limited to 250 words. Authors may have one published submission per subject, and should save their bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. Email: editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com Forum: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/forum * From Ray Godwin: I was in the Oakland airport Saturday and picked up a copy of the S.F. Chronicle (California's best large newspaper it said). There was a good article about the 15 teams entered in America's Cup... but it was in the Arts and Entertainment section. Still not much respect for the Sport. * From Pete Sherwood: (re, drinking laws in Scuttlebutt 3310) Iowa is a bit slow off the mark... all of Australia is 0.05 and you lose your car and boat license no matter what you were operating at the time. Has been like that for at least 5 years, probably 10. Good rule too, although most prudent seaman (and motorists) are perfectly safe with a couple of brews under their belt, you have to consider all the muppets out there endangering others all the time... with a few beers under their belts they are lethal! * From Mark Lammens: While I know that Scuttlebutt 3311 was the April Fools edition, I would like to point out an obvious mistake on the Paul Elvstrom (DEN) announcement. He competed at eight Olympics, not six. Additionally, Elvstrom holds the record for most race wins with 18. Ben Ainslie (GBR) has 12 race wins, Robert Scheidt (BRA; 2 Gold, 2 silver) has 11 race wins, Valentin Mankin (RUS; 3 Gold, 1 Silver) has 9 race wins and Torban Grael (BRA) who has the most Olympic medals with 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze, has won 8 races at the Olympics. Jochem Schumann, GER and DDR (3 gold and 1 silver), only won 5 races but had sixteen 2nd and 3rd place race finishes. * From Andy Green, yachting television commentator: The racing rules are dull to read but offer some real excitement for the fan who wants to learn more or enjoys minutiae. Formula 1 motor racing is built on rules controversy and interpretation, and their commentators do a great job of keeping it simple but sucking the viewer in with detail about the little things. Don't get rid of the rules, just explain them more clearly and embrace them when the detail is interesting. I only have three rules whenever I commentate on the TV. It may cause Umpires to go queasy but I think they are simple: 1. If you're on the right you're in the right (Starboard rights over Port) 2. Windward boat keeps clear (boat closer to the wind must keep clear) 3. If you're inside at the mark, you get room to round I never really need any others, and if I do it's time to go to the analyst chair and get some technical help. => Curmudgeon's Comment: As a commentator, it also helps to be British (because you sound smart) and to be excitable (because you convey the action). Andy is both. APRIL FOOLS We hope you enjoyed the annual April 1st edition of Scuttlebutt. A special thanks to everyone who submitted stories, and also thank you for your tolerance if you're among those people who would prefer we grow up and discontinue this tradition. And lastly, our apology if you're just now realizing the Friday edition was a complete spoof. -- Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt editor CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION Women may not hit harder, but they hit lower. SPONSORS THIS WEEK Quantum Sails - West Marine - IYRS - Morris Yachts Atlantis WeatherGear - North U - North Sails - Gowrie Group Ullman Sails - Melges Performance Sailboats - Point Loma Outfitting Need stuff? Look here: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ssc/suppliers |
