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SCUTTLEBUTT 1954 -- October 27, 2005Scuttlebutt is a digest of major yacht racing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus.POTENT CONCEPT Ellen MacArthur and business partner Mark Turner talked of merging round the world racing in Spain yesterday at the launch of the new 2007-08 Barcelona World Race. The pair have a concept potent enough to make all other event organizers uncomfortable in a crowded market. The kudos of MacArthur, who may take part, the backing of Spain's second city, who have entered into a joint venture with MacArthur's and Turner's OC Group company, and, above all, the exploitation of a new niche, should ensure success. The Barcelona World Race is funded for three editions in 2007, 2011 and 2115. Crucially there are already a healthy stock of 50 boats in existence with seven more under construction. The event is for Open 60 monohulls, for whom the solo Vendee Globe round the world is their premier event, but raced with two crew not one. The polished presentation in Spain drew heavily on MacArthur's own Vendee past - being runner-up aboard Kingfisher in 2000-01 cemented her reputation, and the fact that the Open 60 class's organizing body, IMOCA, have embraced the race in their calendar.This will draw away entrants from the 2007 two-handed Transat Jacques Vabre race and might prove distracting for Sir Robin Knox-Johnston's 5-Oceans solo, four-stage race in 2006-07. Similarly MacArthur and Turner repeatedly mentioned the soon-to-start Volvo Ocean Race and the grand-prix fully-crew event. "We are taking the best sailors and best ideas from both," said Turner. "We're putting the best of both worlds into one format." This race catches the zeitgeist of extreme racing around the planet. Bruno Peyron in his giant multihull, Ellen MacArthur in the 75ft B&Q and Vincent Riou winning in the last Vendee Globe, have all set new non-stop records of 60, 70 and 80 days. Making it a two-handed event, adds a simple twist to the formula. "Being in a confined space with someone else for three months will be exceptionally hard," said MacArthur. "In a way this will be like a solo race because you will be on deck alone for long periods, though there will always be someone else to call. "We have worked very hard to try and get here," she added. "It's nice to be here with a long-term thing in place. We asked a lot of sailors what do you actually need for a race to be successful." She and Turner arguably run one of the slickest and shrewdest operations in sailing, founded on a love a sailing and hard graft. -- Tim Jeffery, The Telegraph, full story: http://tinyurl.com/bcd58 RACE NAVIGATION (Following are excerpts from an interview with Ericsson Racing Team Navigator Steve Hayles (GBR) about the Volvo Ocean Race which starts in just nine days.) "For the entire lead up, about 50 per cent of my time goes into the first leg preparation. For months I have been studying historical weather patterns and trying to gain a better understanding of how our boat performs in different conditions. We then put these two things together and do a lot of statistical analysis on what would have been the right way to win the first leg in past years, which takes an awful lot of time. We've done hundreds and hundreds of runs - I've probably studied about 600 different runs, racing the boat through about 30 years of weather data. It's a bit like being able to talk to the winning skipper of 600 different Volvo races because if the weather data was right and the performance model was right then there's no question that it was the right way to go. It requires a lot of time, effort, computing power and clever software, but it's a very powerful tool. "We can start to look at some much bigger global patterns in the weather to give us an idea of how we expect the wind and weather patterns to be on the first leg. We've got the in-port race approaching, for which I need to stay in touch with the rest of our weather team and make sure we do a good job on that day, but by far my biggest push is just further understanding this first leg. Also now that we've seen the competition, I need to start thinking about how I might be affected by the decisions that the other teams make. "The Volvo Open 70's are a new generation boat so they're very different to the Volvo 60's which I've done three races on. We knew those boats inside out and there was very little performance difference between them. We don't yet know how we will perform against our competitors, so I need to put some time into how firmly we would stick to a pre-race strategy. If we leave Vigo on the first day and everybody charges off in a different direction to that which I think we should take, what am I going to do? We need to work through those scenarios ahead of time and try to answer as many questions as possible before we actually get out there." -- http://www.ericssonracingteam.com/ MATCH RACE RANKINGS The ISAF World Match Race Rankings were released on Wednesday and both of this year's ISAF World Champions make big moves up the ISAF World Match Race Rankings in this release, although neither is able to dislodge the World number ones -- Ed Baird (USA) and Claire Leroy (FRA). Winners at the Worlds James Spithill (AUS) and Sally Barkow (USA) both move up to third place in the Rankings after dominating the headlines at the recent match racing fest in Bermuda. The other significant change at the top this release sees Staffan Lindberg (FIN) re-enter the World top ten at number ten after an excellent third place in Bermuda. A little further back Gavin Brady (NZL) continues to make strides towards the top 20, moving up twelve places to 25 after finishing seventh at the Gold Cup. The top five in Open rankings are 1. Ed Baird (USA), 2. Peter Gilmour (AUS), 3. James Spithill, 4. Russell Coutts, NZL), 5. Ian Williams (GBR). Barkow is the only North American in the top ten women's rankings although Betsy Alison (USA) is 13 and Sandy Hayes (USA) is 14. The entire ranking list is now online: http://tinyurl.com/89rt8 COMPLIMENTARY MARGARITA AND FREE HORS D'OEUVERS The Vallarta Race '06 race organizers at San Diego YC are hosting an informational and social event on Friday, October 28th from 5-7 pm on the Spinnaker Deck at SDYC. Everyone is invited, whether you're racing down or not! Representatives from the Mexican Tourism Board, Puerto Vallarta Harbor Master, and MEXORC will be on hand to field questions regarding arrangements south of the border. Additionally, members of the Vallarta Race '06 committee will be available for race and social event questions, chartering options, travel packages, information regarding the Americap measuring system and race regulations, etc. Complete details at http://www.sdyc.org/vallartarace RESCHEDULED For the first time in its 46-year history, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has been postponed a week. The show's organizers made the decision Tuesday after assessing damage from Hurricane Wilma to the six sites where it was to be held Saturday through Tuesday. The show will now be held for four days beginning Nov. 3. Before Wilma, the show was expected to attract 125,000 people and generate $600 million for local businesses, including restaurants, hotels and car dealers. It was too soon to tell whether fewer people are likely to turn out as a result. The show was to begin Thursday, but as Wilma neared, organizers had pushed it back until Saturday and shortened it from five to four days. Power outages at many hotels were a prominent reason for the show's postponement, said Susan Engle, a member of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. A woman taking calls for the Hyatt Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale, one of the show's sites, said the hotel is closed and is likely to reopen Thursday. The 380-room hotel suffered no structural damage but is without electricity and water, she said. Electricity was also reported to be out at the Radisson Bahia Mar and Sheraton Yankee Clipper, two major hotels for the show. -- Amy Martinez, Miami Herald, full story: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/12995168.htm IT'S GOOD TO BE A PIRATE Pescanova, the Spanish fish company that had an entry in the 1993 Whitbread Round the World Race, organized a special day for the children of Vigo at their shipyard today. 500 children were invited to come and meet the Pirates of the Caribbean and see the Black Pearl. At 12:00 local time, the Black Pearl sailed into Punto Lagoa Marina with a salute of six cannons and multiple fireworks. The 500 children were all seated in a large, covered, tribune. The Pearl slipped into her dock to the tune from the "Curse of he Black Pearl", and the cheers of the children. A few trailers from the upcoming "Dead Man's Chest" were shown which the kids loved. Next the Pirates took the stage. First lesson of the day...an English lesson..."It's good to be a Pirate!". Repeat after me ... I had the kids chanting; "It's good to be a Pirate!". Then we gave them a video of life onboard, followed by a little geography; illustrating the course around the world and the various ports of call and the big capes that we round. Finally, Juggy, our Tazmanian Pirate, came out on stage all geared up in Southern Ocean garb and disrobed so that everyone could appreciate how much gear we have to wear down south. As much as the day was meant for the kids, I have to say, it was a great day for us. We were all touched by how interested and excited these kids were to see us. These children were well behaved, very attentive and appreciative ... just beautiful to see young kids like that. Thank you to the children of Vigo. You are all officially Pirates. -- Captain Paul, Pirates of the Caribbean BUTTHEADS SAY CAYARD CAN In yesterday's Scuttlebutt Issue 1953, there was a poll asking if skipper Paul Cayard and the team on Pirates of the Caribbean could be a leading contender among the seven-boat field in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006. The Pirates will be pleased to learn that an overwhelming majority feels that despite their late start, the team is capable of reaching the podium. Complete results at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/polls/05/1025 NEWS BRIEFS * For 'Buttheads who will not be able to join the Curmudgeon at the Dry Creek Vineyard Pro Am Regatta at the Bitter End Yacht Club next week, video highlights of the event will be shown online at www.t2p.tv. The 'Junior' skippers at this year's event are Chris Law, Robbie Haines, Peter Isler, Andy Burdick and J.J. Isler. The Masters are Lowell North, Keith Musto, Butch Ulmer, Tom Leweck and Rod Johnstone. T2P.tv will also feature video interviews with BEYC guests who qualified for the finals of the Musto Scuttlebutt Sailing Club Championship Regatta. * With only 100 miles remaining to Bahia and the finish of the 2005 Mini Transat, both Pella and Douget are averaging over 10 knots in their match race to the line. No strategy, no moves, no games: just pure speed sailing for the remaining half a day. Barring disaster - and we have seen it before with Manuard in 03 (dismasted 80 miles from the line) - Douget will have taken a close second in the Leg 2, securing a superb first place overall. -- Yachting World, full story: http://tinyurl.com/dmp6f * The Halloween season often brings out the devil in us, which might be why the latest addition to the Scuttlebutt Games catalogue involves bowling balls and cats. The game creator assures us that no animals were injured during the making of this game, but this is definitely not your typical bowling alley: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/games/catbowling COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE The commitment needed to succeed continues to increase. Fast sails backed up by outstanding customer support are the hallmark of Ullman Sails. The quality of service you receive from your sailmaker will determine whether you are maximizing your boat's performance. Ullman sailmakers are industry leaders in sail development and customer support in North America and over 20 locations around the world. They constantly participate in world-class events to stay on the cutting edge of speed and technique. To insure that your program is receiving the best sails and support, contact your nearest Ullman Sails loft and visit http://www.ullmansails.com EIGHT BELLS Although not a world renowned sailor, the passing on Oct. 14 of James "Jim" Tallet has saddened all those who knew him. Well known in the Seattle and San Francisco single handed sailing communities he had competed in the 2002 SFBAYSSS Transpac and was 3rd to finish but gained instant fame (infamy?) for his seemingly obsessive need to climb the rig. Jim was diagnosed with cancer in 2003 but did not allow that to deter him from pursuing what he loved most (other then his life partner Sharon); sailing. After his diagnosis Jim refused to go quietly into the night and competed in the 2004 single handed Transpac on his beloved J-33 Zapped (again setting fleet and class records for mast ascensions) and the 2005 TPYC Transpac aboard Kahoots. Jim had a gifted writing style and his chronicles reflect not only his amazing sense of humor but also his deep love for the sea and his humble gratitude for being allowed to follow his dreams. His 2004 single handed musings are available at http://home.comcast.net/~jatallet/. For those of us who had the privilage of sailing with and knowing Jim he will always be remembered for LIVING the words "Never give up". This last mast climb must have the best view of all. -- Rick Wickert LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON (Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name and may be edited for clarity or space - 250 words max. This is neither a chat room nor a bulletin board - you only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot and don't whine if others disagree. And please save your bashing, and personal attacks for elsewhere.) * From Greg Farrell: I hate to re-ignite this thread which I'm sure comes around every year however I have just read an article regarding the three new inductees into the America's Cup Hall of Fame and yet again Ben Lexcen is missing from the list. How does this happen? What will it take for the designer of the most famous America's Cup yacht in the history of the event to be recognized along side the other famous names associated with the America's Cup? Perhaps there should be an 'America's Cup Hall of Infamy' created where I'm sure he would be the first nominated and inducted. The only problem is that we would then have to include some of the very members of the Hall of Fame that he so rightly should be listed with in the first place. Curmudgeon's Comment: No, no, no, no, no! We are not going to reopen this thread. The editors of Scuttlebutt have the utmost respects for those who have been inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame. However, we have to agree with Mr. Farrell that the Hall of Fame organization is 'damaged goods' with diminished credibility -- which certainly has had a negative impact on the tone and on the amount of coverage they receive. But rather than start another round of bashing, we are going keep the door on that thread locked up tightly and try to focus on the positive things that are happening in our sport. * From Warren Anderson (Re: Stuart Streuli about Alinghi's new skipper, Brad Butterworth): Yes! This is why the America's Cup is thrilling for me to watch from afar. "To get a real taste of Butterworth's genius, you need to see him round the leeward mark behind by a few boatlengths and slowly grind in the competition..." For billionaires and their foibles, the on-land affairs of sailing rock stars, sponsorship travails ... I give not a darn. But stories about the bleeding-edge technology in ACC that advances all our sailing, and in detail the analysis of on-water genius that wins the races -- I'll gobble that up as long as it is served! * From Jim Welsh: All this talk about pumping on waves, maybe people should sail boats that are fast enough that easing it on a wave is required: http://www.skiff.org.au/photos/Classiccrash/minesequence.jpg http://www.skiff.org.au/images/photos3/dsc_0969.jpg * From Bill Gibbs: Easy Street is in Simi Valley, California. Simi Valley has other odd named streets, of which my favorite is "Fred". I live in the next town over, Moorpark, California. Ventura is our closest harbor, where I keep Afterburner. No jokes, just geography. * From Mike Ratiani: Easy Street is in Honolulu Hawaii.. precise location using Google Earth is 21 20 00 45 N Latitude 151 50 20 97 W Longitude. *From: "Peter Brazier: Here is one Easy Street: (Randwick, NSW).-- http://tinyurl.com/86awp Curmudgeon's Comment: OK, stop - I get the picture. * From Manfred C. Schreiber (About Kites): I am following with interest the discussion about kites which goes from assisting commercial vessels in fuel consumption management to be raced on yachts. Most people here know that the kite-boarders have developed the sport quite far from 2-liners to much better handling 4-liners, safety equipment, etc. More development to come. Kites are used on buggies on the beach and these guys are racing against each other without tangling their lines. (You have to see it to believe it) So everything seems to be possible. Many people seem to be hyped up. Not for me. I think that kites on commercial ships is just a PR-gag to sell shares. The next big thing to collect moonies. Like the cargo-lifter. I do not see Robby Naish or Pete Cabrinha in their old days directing kites on tankers across the pacific. No. On racing yachts? I think we like to play with our symetrics and asymetrics or with whompers. For ARC cruisers? Worth looking at it. For me to become a kite-boarder? I decided that I have to start to leave out things and stick with the wind generated sports I am doing since years. Still, looking at a bunch of kite boarders is very much enjoyable, despite the feeling one is getting older. * From Dave Culp: John Rumsey asked, How much kite would it take to assist a 50,000 ton ship to a 5% fuel savings over a trip, say SF to Honolulu? Well -- A 50,000 ton freighter at a service speed of 16 kts (common tanker, bulker, etc.) will run about 16,000 hp, and burn 54 tons/day of fuel. (Based on published figures for the 55,000 DWT freighter "Harmony" launched in 1993). Saving 5% of fuel would need 5% of her horses replaced by wind, or about 800 hp; call it 600 kw. Steaming at 16 kts on a broad reach in the 20-22kt trades, the ship might see 16-18 kts AW, and a pull of about 16,000 lbs from the kite will develop the needed 800 hp. An OutLeader-type kite of about 1,700 sq meters will do this (4X as large as the kite we built for the racing yacht AAPT last year). Cost would be roughly $130,000, including control winches and lines. SF/Honolulu is about 2200 miles. At 16 kts the 5.5 day voyage will burn just under 300 tons of fuel. If diesel, at latest pricing of $720/ton (www.bunkerworld.com), she'll spend $216k in fuel for the one-way trip. More likely she'll burn cheaper bunkers, at about half that. We'll save between $5-10,000/voyage, not including increasing the life of the engine, lower emissions and longer maintenance intervals, and the kite will pay for itself in 6-12 round trips on fuel savings alone. Curmudgeon's Comment: Enough already -- this thread is now officially dead. CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION Sign outside a muffler shop: "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming." |
