SCUTTLEBUTT No. 723 - January 5, 2001
SAILING INTO THE 22nd CENTURY - By Peter Isler
(Following is an excerpt from Peter Isler's regular column on the Outdoor
Life Network's website.)
Peering into our new millennium crystal ball - let's try to interpolate
where sailing will be in another hundred years. Technology will continue to
trickle into our sport - boats will be constructed out of injection molded
- ultra strong plastics - that make today's carbon fiber/honeycomb craft
seem perilously fragile and very difficult to make.
Masts will be composite, wing-shaped structures that rotate like today's
catamaran masts requiring very little, if any, standing rigging. Sails will
bear little resemblance to their canvas predecessors... incredibly light
and strong - they too will be formed in injection type molds. But
performance-oriented boats won't have conventional sail plans - they'll be
powered by kite sails flying up high in the stronger winds aloft.
The clothing worn by a sailor on a cool 20 knot autumn day will be as
comfortable as wearing your favorite cotton sweats ... but will be
completely waterproof. Special chemical inserts will provide heat upon
demand... a great feature - especially in sea boots.
On larger "keel" boats - the fixed keel will be a think of the past.
Moveable ballast systems like today's Schock 40's CBTF underbody will
provide extra speed and full control of heel. The ballast will no longer be
lead - but rather some super-heavy material such as spent uranium.
Batteries will have become so efficient that winch grinding and sail
hoisting on bigger boats will all be performed by mechanical means. Broad
band communications afloat will mean that no matter where you are - you
won't be able to escape from the office!
Thanks to the durability of their construction (and the critical importance
of minimizing waste on an overcrowded planet) sailboats will be used longer
and by a larger number of people. Rather than being privately owned, most
boats will be operated as a time share - a more efficient use of resources,
and also more practical as waterfront real estate (ie. dock space) will
become increasingly expensive. For this reason - small boats and sailboards
that can be easily stored away from the water will grow again in
popularity. With the five day work week a thing of the past, the waters
will be graced with sails, every day by sailors taking their turn aboard
"their" boat.
Navigation will be a no-brainer - with hand held units providing accurate
spotting of one's position on a chart. On board computers will aid
neophytes in the art of sail trim. Of course the age old adage will still
apply, "when in doubt - let it out" (the mainsheet or jibsheet that is).
The good news is that despite the burst of technology and man-made marvels,
sailboats will still require the wind to get moving and provide for a great
way to escape the shoreside mayhem - as they have for centuries. -Peter
Isler, Outdoor Life Network's website.
Full story: http://www.olntv.com
PLAYSTATION
Gibraltar January 4, 2001 - Maxi-cat PlayStation departed from Gibraltar at
17:35.07 GMT today (Thursday) returning to the seas to chase down the rest
of The RACE field.
Skipper Steve Fossett and his international 12 man crew completed the
mandatory 48 hour 'pit stop' stopover imposed under the RACE rules after
receiving shore assistance following sail problems on Sunday/Monday.
PlayStation's crew have replaced the damaged new mainsail with the original
North Sails Spectra mainsail (used throughout 1999 and 2000) and have also
put on board some of the original headsails in case further problems occur
further into the race. The torn Mainsail was not repairable.
Of course the crew are eager to catch up to the top 4 placed boats, Team
Adventure, Club Med, Innovation Explorer and Polpharma Warta - the top 3
(fortunately for PlayStation) making slow progress and still encountering
light winds on the nose. These conditions are forecast to continue for the
next 24-36 hours.
"At the anticipated pace of The Race, we will have to average 1/2 knot
faster than the lead boat in order to win... but the entire Crew is game
and so much can happen during an Around the World passage. SO WE ARE ON,"
Fossett said. - http://www.fossettchallenge.com/
THE RACE
Grant Dalton's Club Med overtook Cam Lewis's Team Adventure today as both
boats fought fluky upwind conditions, which has been the story of The Race
since it started on New Year's Eve. Some 40 miles behind in third is the
third Gilles Ollier-designed 110-footer, Innovation Explorer, skippered by
Loick Peyron.
"Whoever said that sailing round the world was downwind?" asked Dalton,
who's competing in his sixth circumnavigation race. "We are just ending our
fourth day at sea and we've still got headwinds - and it's going to
continue for another 24 to 36 hours."
At 1700 GMT today, Club Med was positioned at 33 05'N and 012 53'W, almost
halfway between Morocco and Madeira. Club Med was to the east and south of
Team Adventure, and their courses suggested they were diverging even
farther from each other. The sked showed Club Med sailing 266 and Team
Adventure 305 .
The two crews are planning for an eventual windshift to the northwest, but
that might be another 24 hours away. Official weather forecaster Meteo
Consult is predicting southwesterly winds tonight around 8 knots, and the
passage of a cold front tomorrow could shift the wind to the northwest.
"We've been beating to windward now for three and a half days!" Peyron said
today. "The wind is going to strengthen and theoretically we should be
passing through the worst tonight and tomorrow. We should pick up the wind
shift first. The two others (Club Med and Team Adventure) have gone further
south from us and as soon as the wind is favorable, we should be able to
head for the right side." - Sean McNeill for Quokka Sports
Full story:
http://www.quokkasailing.com/stories/2001/01/SLQ_0104_therace_WFC.html
THE REST OF THE STORY
For the first time since the start in Barcelona, Team Adventure has
relinquished her lead to Club Med. That's the way it appears on paper
anyway, however if you look at an overall weather strategy, they are very
well positioned to regain the lead in the next 24 hours. Let me explain. As
the top three boats sail south they have been butting up against a
persistent and fairly strong high pressure. The high has been feeding them
light and variable southwesterly winds, and Team Adventure and their
competitors have been short tacking on each wind shift. They have reached a
point where going any further south may land them becalmed in the grip of
the High; great beach weather, but not much fun for sailboat racing. Club
Med (and Innovation Explorer) are still heading south and effectively
towards the finish (or the Southern Ocean which is a more objective waypoint).
Team Adventure has opted to head west on a course perpendicular to the
others. As they travel west they lose ground (on paper,) however they are
sailing towards a cold front that is rapidly approaching from the west. The
front has moderate westerly winds which are forecast to clock into the
northwest by Friday afternoon. The first boat into this new wind will
(should - it's a yacht race after all) make big gains on the competition.
Only time will tell if Cam Lewis and his team of terrific tactical sailors
are making the right move. Stay tuned. - Brian Hancock,
http://www.teamadventure.org/
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VENDEE GLOBE - By Philippe Jeantot
To get away from the icebergs, yesterday, Ellen MacArthur (Kingfisher),
Roland Jourdain (Sill Matines et La Potagere) and Marc Thiercelin (Active
Wear) have gybed and are heading to the 60 . This tack is not the best, but
on a short term the objective was to leave the dangerous zone and to sail
towards warmer waters.
In just a few degrees in latitude (yesterday they were by 58 South, today
by 55 ), the water has warmed up by 6 degrees Celsius and the icebergs have
disappeared. Apparently none of the sailors has seen any today. At this
gybing game, the positions evolve quickly and Roland Jourdain is back in
second position, and stays on a intermediate option compared to Ellen who
has chosen to go far North. Yesterday she was the furthest South, today she
is the furthest North of the four leading boats.
Since the beginning Michel Desjoyeaux (PRB) prefers to stay North, and he
gybes on an average 53 degrees latitude, which allowed him to increase the
gap during the night while his fellows competitors were sailing North. In
the morning, gybe after gybe, the trend was reversing and Marc Thiercelin
managed to gain 42 miles and Thomas Coville (Sodebo) 75 miles. -
http://www.vendeeglobe.com
Standings: 1. PRB, Michel Desjoyeaux, 2. Sill Matines & La Potagere, Roland
Jourdain, 189 miles behind leader, 3. Kingfisher, Ellen MacArthur, 252
miles behind leader, 4. Active Wear, Marc Thiercelin, 394 miles behind
leader, 5. Sodebo Savourons la Vie, Thomas Coville, 745 miles behind leader.
LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON (leweck@earthlink.net)
(Letters selected to be printed 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. We don't publish
anonymous letters, but will withhold your e-mail address on request.)
* From: John Standley standleyford@msn.com.au Surely 11 should be
pronounced tenty one. If it was onety one then 21 would be twoty one and 31
threety one.
* From: Mike Priest - It seems that Ken Guyer read things differently
than what I've seen. I believe the America's Cup's original "home and
birthplace" was England??? Even if it did "sublet" a room in New York for
132 years, lets not twist things too far! I say let them all race, wherever
they are from!
* From: David Edwards, Liverpool,England
david_offshore@yachtrace.fsnet.co.uk Hopefully Britain will recommence
challenging for the Cup in 2003, as I beg to differ with Ken Guyer 'butt
722 as to the "original home and birthplace" of the Cup. This year is the
150th anniversary of the Cup we managed to lose in 1851. I seem to recall
from one observer, (unfortunately I cannot remember the publication) that
we British are the only one's who could celebrate a defeat. I think
however, we are celebrating the marvellous history of the world's oldest
sporting trophy. I am sure there will be quite a number (including me) on
the pilgrimage to Cowes in August 2001 and for your interest do visit
www.amcup2001.com
On the back of Sydney 2000, a British team winning the Cup, now that would
be a movie to make!
* From: Paul Larsen LARSENMEDIA@compuserve.com In response to Bruce
Munro's comments I have one question: isn't that the same skipper who was
one of the first Americans to jump the mother country ship for money less
than a decade ago? I for one applaud the sailor's actions. And while I have
the utmost respect for Messrs. Roberts, Stephens, Gurney, and Du Moulin, I
take the opposite view on the nationalism issue as it pertains to the
America's Cup. They may characterize continent-skipping sailors as
"mercenaries" and the modern Cup as not what the framers of the Deed of
Gift had in mind, but I fear they may be out of touch with the times. The
horses are out and closing the barn door now won't do much good.
The Cup is what it is, or what it has become, which is a big money
proposition. In that respect this event is no different from other sports'
premiere events and why shouldn't the stars of the show be paid
accordingly? For far too long world-class sailors have received slave wages
while others both within and out of the event have profited. I say it's
time they received their due and we should recognize that they have a right
to pursue their best opportunities wherever they can find them.
* From: Greg Weeger GWeeger1@aol.com in reply to the commodore of St.
Francis Y. C. Bruce H. Munro - I believe most American's believe in the
intent of the deed of gift. But where in the history of the cup has money
ever been an issue. The cup has always been about the best people, design
and technology money can buy. From schooners to J-class era, through the
twelve's to the latest challengers. It has been money that won this race
not the lack or surplus of National identity. It is about time great
sailors are being compensated for their accomplishments.
* From: "Manfred C. Schreiber" manfred.schreiber@SPSystems.de I am at
present having long nights, reading Pete Goss book called Close to the
Wind. A must read, especially whilst following these two big races. Not
being part in the Race must be the heaviest thing to swallow for Pete and
it is also a pitty for us spectators that Team Philips (were is she now?)
pulled out. I bet, that she would lead with this unususal weather pattern
and maybe she could have jumped ahead into another system...mmh.
Talking about Ellen Mc Arthur now being in second place. This is
unbelievable to me. Especially when you have read about the struggles out
there or followed the past Vendees and the dramas. This women and her Team
deserve it all and I am constantly pressing thumb whilst sitting at my dry
desk in the northerly grey winter. May our thoughts and well wishings keep
all the competitors out there in good shape. May they all come home safe
and satisfied from their journeys.
* From: "Bruce A. Cook" BruceCook@compuserve.com To set the record
straight, in addition to the two grade one open match race regattas, there
are THREE grade one women's match race regattas in the USA: Santa Maria,
Osprey, and the ROLEX/CONDE NAST THOMPSON CUP hosted by the Seawanhaka
Corinthian Yacht Club in Oyster Bay, New York from October 2-7, 2001.
VOLVO YOUTH WORLDS - By Peter Bentley
Four Gold medals have been determined following today's two races in the
2000 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship on Sydney Harbour.
Although a strong wind warning was in force for Sydney the expected 30 knot
blow did not materialise and crews had to be content with varibale breezes
from the northeast between 8 and 12 knots.
Having dominated the entire regatta it was fitting that Norway1s Siren
Sundby was the first to secure her Gold Medal. Sundby only sailed one race
today with a second place sufficient to tie up the Gold without need to
compete further.
It has been a great regatta overall for the Polish girls, with Mistral
sailboarder Agata Brygola (POL) also securing the Gold Medal today. Brygola
had two wins today, which was enough to secure the Gold with a race to
spare. The battle for Silver and Bronze will continue tomorrow between the
Allison Shreeve (AUS) and Jenny Le Bihan (FRA).
In the boy's Mistral, Netherland's Joeri Van Dyk produced yet another
determined performance to score a 1st and 2nd, taking the Gold medal with a
race to spare. Nicolas Guyader (FRA) is assured of the silver medal while
Alexander Chabner (ISR) and King Yin Chan will be fighting over a single
point to decide who wins the Bronze medal.
After a slightly hesitant start, Britain's Victoria and Emma Rawlinson have
won no less then five of the last seven races sailed in the Girl's 420. By
taking both races on the penultimate day they ensured themselves of the
Gold Medal with a race to spare.
In the Volvo Trophy Team Competition, France saw their lead eroded still
further and no lie just 19 points ahead of the host nation. Though it is
conceivable that Australia could surge past on the last day, with just one
race to sail in each class it seems unlikely.
Team standings: 1. FRA 339 pts, 2. AUS 320 pts, 3. NED 263 pts, 4. GBR 239
pts, 5. NZL 223 pts, 6. POL 207 pts, 7. GRE 198 pts, 8. GER 190 pts, 9. ESP
179 pts, 10. DEN 157 pts.
Full Results: http://www.boatingoz.com.au/~volvoyouth.htm
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VOLVO OCEAN RACE
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, January 4, 2001 - After screaming across the Tasman
from Hobart, Tasmania, the final 160 miles to the finish in Auckland seemed
endless for the illbruck Challenge team as the lack of breeze tested their
patience off the coast of New Zealand. Finally their patience paid off when
the breeze filled in, putting the Volvo Ocean Race team into Auckland this
evening ahead of rivals Tyco and News Corp.
illbruck finished the race from Hobart shortly after 7 pm local time
Thursday with Tyco finishing about a half hour later. News Corp had not
finished by late Thursday night. The three Volvo 60s raced from Hobart
following the finish of the Telstra Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. illbruck
was the top Volvo 60 in the Hobart Race and took third place overall in the
race. The Volvo 60 teams restarted from Hobart December 30 and continued
racing as part of their training for what will be Leg 3 of next year's
Volvo Ocean Race.
illbruck led from the start of this 1,470 mile run across the Tasman Sea.
Leading out of the River Derwent in Hobart, skipper John Kostecki and the
illbruck crew had a great start and soon extended their lead over Tyco,
skippered by Kevin Shoebridge, and News Corp, skippered by Jez Fanstone.
Volvo Ocean Race contender Assa Abloy competed in the Sydney to Hobart Race
but did not race to Auckland. - Jane Eagleson, www.illbruckChallenge.com
INDUSTRY NEWS
Vanguard Sailboats has agreed to purchase the assets of Seitech Marine
Products with the transaction expected to be completed by February 13th,
2001. A newly formed company, Seitech Products, a wholly owned subsidiary
of Vanguard Sailboats will manufacture and market Seitech products though
Seitech's existing distribution network and sales channels. Seitech is the
leading North American manufacturer of launching dollies for small boats of
all types up to 600 lbs and multiple-boat trailer and storage racks.
Peter Seidenberg, current President of Seitech Marine Products, will become
Vice President of Development, Seitech Products, and continue working on
the development of the Seitech product line for Vanguard. Fran Seidenberg,
current VP of Seitech Marine Products will help assure a smooth transition
to the new company with particular attention to customer service. The other
present employees of Seitech are expected to stay with the new company,
which will be located at the nearby Vanguard complex. - James Appel,
http://www.teamvanguard.com / www.seitech.com
THE CURMUDGEON'S QUOTATIONS
"Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." -
Elbert Hubbard
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