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SCUTTLEBUTT 1418 - September 19, 2003
Powered by SAIC (www.saic.com), an employee-owned company. Scuttlebutt is a
digest of major yacht racing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock
talk . . . with a North American focus. Corrections, contributions, press
releases, constructive criticism and contrasting viewpoints are always
welcome, but save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere.
ISAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The conclusion of the first of the world championships taking place under
the umbrella of the 2003 ISAF World Sailing Championships in Cadiz, Spain,
has earned the U.S.A. a berth to Greece for the 2004 Olympics. Sailing in
the 116-boat Europe fleet, Meg Gaillard (Pelham, N.Y./Jamestown, R.I.)
closed out a consistent performance with a 10th place finish in today's
race to take third overall following Siren Sunby (NOR) and Sari Multala
(FIN) who finished first and second, respectively.
In addition to ending the 11-race series with a place on the podium,
Gaillard's bronze-medal performance guaranteed that the U.S.A. would have a
Europe entry on the start line next summer in Athens. The top 11 finishing
previously unqualified nations at this championship will join nine nations
already guaranteed Olympic berths, with the final five countries to be
determined at the 2004 Europe World Championship. - Jan Harley, Media Pro
Newport
All remaining classes are scheduled to compete on Friday.
Results after Thursday (top three plus top NA entrants)
FINAL: Europe (11 races - 1 drop; 116 entrants): 1. NOR, Siren Sundby, 54
pts; 2. FIN, Sari Multala, 62; 3. USA, Meg Gaillard, 81; 21. MEX, Tania
Elias Calles, 168; 32. CAN, Magalie Bonneau-Marcil, 228.
Yngling (8 races - 1 drop; 41 entrants): 1. USA, Swett/ Touchette/ Purdy,
37 pts; 2. GER, Schuemann/ Buelle/ Lippert, 44; 3. GER, Wagner/ Hoell/
Lochbrunner 48;
8. BER, Lewin/ Lewin/ Lopez, 68; 27. CAN, Ross/ Crampton/ Leger, 163.
Mistral-Women (6 races - 1 drop): 1. ISR, Lee Korsitz, 15 pts; 2. AUS,
Jessica Crisp, 23; 3. FRA, Faustine Merret, 26; 20. USA, Lanee Butler
Beashel, 95; 46. CAN, Dominique Vallee, 202.
Mistral-Men (6 races - 1 drop): 1. POL, Przemek Miarczynski, 5 pts; 2. FRA,
Julien Bontemps, 15; 3. POR, Joao Rodrigues, 15; 44. USA, Peter Wells, 104;
47. CAN, Alain Bolduc, 108; 86. MEX, David Mie y Teran, 192.
Star (6 races - 1 drop; 83 entrants): 1. GBR, Percy/ Mitchell, 6 pts; 2.
FRA, Rohart/ Rambeau, 9;
3. SWE, Lööf / Ekström, 13; 6. BER, Bromby/ Siese, 25; 11. USA, Cayard /
Trinter, 32; 20. CAN, Macdonald/ Bjorn, 52; 57. BAH, Lowe/ Higgs, 122.
Finn (4 races; 82 entrants): 1. DEN, Jonas Hoegh-christensen, 15 pts; 2.
ESP, Rafael Trujillo, 23; 3. GBR, Ben Ainslie, 23; 18. CAN, Richard Clarke
87; 30. USA, Kevin Hall, 118.
Tornado (2 races; 72 entrants): 1. AUS, Bundock / Forbes, 3 pts; 2. FRA,
Guichard / Espagnon, 7; 3. GBR, McMillan/ Bulkeley, 8; 4. USA, Lovell/
Ogletree, 14; 26. CAN, Holden / Coakley, 56.
470-Men (2 races; 98 entrants): 1. ITA, Zandona / Trani, 2 pts; 2. KOR, Kim
/ Jung, 3; 3. AUS, Belcher / Belcher, 6; 5. USA, Foerster / Burnham, 6; 37.
CAN, Russell / Macdonald, 27.
470-Women (2 races; 55 entrants): 1. GRE, Bekatorou / Tsoulfa, 2 pts; 2.
NED, Westerhof / Matthijsse, 3; 3. FRA, Petitjean / Douroux, 5; 24. USA,
Maxwell / Morgan, 25; 27. CAN, Provan / Girke 29.
Laser (2 races; 174 entrants): 1. POR, Gustavo Lima, 2; 2. BRA, Robert
Scheidt, 5; 3. TUR, Ali Kemal Tukekci, 5; 7. USA, Mark Mendelblatt, 6; 10.
CAN, Bernard Luttmer, 9; 128. BER, Alexander Kirkland, 65; 147. MEX, Julian
Fernandez, 74.
49er (3 races; 89 entrants): 1. ITA, Sibello / Sibello, 6 pts; 2. BRA, Otto
Fonseca / Linck Duarte, 7; 3. GBR, Draper / Hiscocks, 7; 10. USA, Wadlow /
Spaulding, 16; 53. CAN, Mccorquodale / Lowden, 57; 66. MEX, Goeters /
Goeters, 72.
Full story: ISAF website, http://www.sailing.org
Complete results: Event website, http://www.cadizworlds2003.com
EVEREST HORIZONTAL UPDATE - Tim Kent
One year ago, I was emotionally spent as the gun fired for the start of
Around Alone. The previous six months had been like an insane roller
coaster ride - things going well, things appearing hopeless, things going
well again. That roller coaster ride would continue all the way around the
world.
Needless to say, with the capsize of Everest Horizontal on the return leg
of the Bermuda 1-2, the roller coaster is still in operation. After
abandoning the boat, recovering her was a wonderful high; we had her back
in Bermuda - minus her rig and with her electronics destroyed, but clean
and proud, ready for a refit.
Then we were dealt another blow - another trip on the roller coaster.
Hurricane Fabian swept over Bermuda, leaving a trail of destruction in its
wake - and Everest Horizontal was not spared. At the height of the storm,
her mooring lines parted and she was driven onto the rocks in St. Georges
Harbor.
We did not return to the Atlantic Ocean three times to search for and then
recover this valiant boat to let her languish on the rocks. I will be
heading to Bermuda next week to patch her up. Everest designer Jim Antrim
is joining me there to assess the work ahead; Everest is badly damaged but
- thankfully - not destroyed. I must get her back to the U.S. to prepare
her for a refit. For complete story and photos -
http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news
SYNCHRONIZE
If you're in need of small control blocks, it's time to synchronize.
Introducing Lewmar Synchro Control blocks. These thirteen new 40mm blocks
are great for anything from dinghy mainsheets to control lines on 50ft
racers. Cheeks constructed using Long Fibre Technology and sheaves molded
in MRT (Metal Replacement Technology) material, they're extremely
lightweight and very high strength. With these features and their great
price, the Synchro Controls will be sure to give the competition a run for
the money while not sending you running for yours. Annapolis Performance
Sailing encourages you to synchronize and check these out.
http://www.apsltd.com/depts/dept3375.asp
MOËT CUP
Thursday had dawned with the decision that Race Four of the Pro-Driver
series at the Moët Cup had been abandoned and would be re-sailed, with the
agreement of all the participants. Alinghi, who had been trailing 3-1,
after Wednesday's races, now entered play on Thursday down just 2-1 and
with an opportunity to even the score.
And that's just what they did. The Swiss Alinghi team put on a clutch
performance on Thursday in the Pro-Driver series, winning an exhilarating
race over the Oracle BMW Racing team. The contest was a thriller, with two
lead changes, and a penalty. It all made for exciting race viewing in
perfect conditions - bright sunshine, and a moderate 12-15 knot westerly on
San Francisco Bay. The local crowd took advantage, and there was a large
spectator fleet, in addition to the thousands watching from shore.
Alinghi's victory leaves both teams with two wins each.
The situation was even direr in the Owner-Driver series, where Alinghi
trailed 2-0. But Ernesto Bertarelli sailed a strong race to win and is now
only one victory away from evening the seriew.
Racing for the Moët Cup continues Friday. - Peter Rusch, Golden Gate YC
website, full race recap: http://ggyc001.securesites.net/moet
Editor's note: Thanks to Kris Olszewski for submitting the link to the
Exploratorium Roof Cam, which shows live video of the boats tacking up and
rounding the windward mark:
http://cams.exploratorium.edu/CAM2/
Event photos: http://tinyurl.com/nu4i
Reminder: The Outdoor Life Network (OLN) coverage of the Moet Cup continues
through the weekend with hosts Peter Isler, Gary Jobson and Dawn Riley.
9/19 - 2:00 am & 7:00 pm EST
9/20 - 2:00 am & 2:30 pm EST
9/21 - 2:30 pm EST
HURRICANE ISABELLE
Here is further evidence that hurricanes are to be avoided:
http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lfanelli/pics/isabelle.jpg
MINI TRANSAT
At 1830 Thursday evening Sam Manuard, the 32-year-old, was just 15 miles
away from crossing the finish line of the first leg of the Mini Transat.
Sailing his own-designed proto, Manuard has spent the day working hard
keeping his nearest rival Jonathan McKee off his transom. With a continuing
steady breeze and 8 knots of boat speed as he heads towards the finish line
in Lanzarote, Manuard looks set to win the first leg of the race, after a
nine-day battle with McKee. - Event website, http://www.transat650.org
NEWS BRIEFS
* Perfect conditions prevailed for the 64th running of the Richardson
Cup, the Great Lakes Match Racing Championship co-hosted by Port Huron YC
and Sarnia YC. Day one's round robin left Chris Van Tol (Lake Erie) and
Hank Stuart (Lake Ontario) tied in first, with Sarah Buckley (Lake
Michigan) third. However, day two saw Buckley's team garner five wins to
earn the overall series in a tie-breaker with Lake Erie. Sarah Buckley,
Derrick Reig, Justin Hood, Tom Kent and Brian Smith took the Richardson Cup
back to Lake Michigan for the first time since 1967. -
http://www.lmsrf.org/yrugl
* The Eastern Yacht Club, Marblehead, MA, hosted twenty-eight Sonars for
the Atlantic Coast Championships. While the remnants of Tropical Storm
Henri threatened to turn the weather foul, the breeze and ocean swell were
light to moderate for the event. Visiting sailors turned in strong
performances, but none could match that of local ace Bill Lynn, who took
top honors. Steve Shepstone, of Noroton, CT, put in a strong performance in
Sunday's finale to narrowly edge Stew Neff, of Marblehead, for the
runner-up spot. For complete results:
http://www.easternyc.net/2003_sonar_ac/results.htm
WORLD'S QUICKEST SAILING INSTRUMENTS. PRICES UP OCT. 1!
Click on this link to check out 2004 prices for Tacktick's Wireless
Micronet Systems going into effect October 1, 2003.
http://www.layline.com/llf/prod/mn/mn_pricing.htm
System shipments are arriving weekly. There is a backlog, so lock into 2003
prices, and get in line for your system now. You can always cancel if you
change your mind. Technical questions, please feel free to call. Micronet
is the fastest marine instrument system available - How? Write or call with
your questions: sailors@layline.com or 1-800-542-5463
CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS
Events listed at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/calendar
LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON (editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com)
(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 nor a
bulletin board - you only get one letter per subject, so give it your best
shot and don't whine if others disagree.)
* From Peter Grimm Jr: Rich duMoulin and Adam's comments are spot on.
Last year at KWRWK, the last day was cold for Florida at 45 degrees and
blowing 30+ knots in the morning but by race time it was 18-24 true. I say
Bravo to the RC for running the races as there was plenty of talk about not
going which I think comes from our litigious society (but that's another
thread we won't open)!
We came to the racecourse with enough time to throw the kite up and work
out the cobwebs from the night prior. I told the crew we in fact were going
to be the only one trying out the kite but when it came to game time we
were the only one who didn't crash downwind even after the spinnaker blew
up...business as usual. Surely our results would have suffered if we hadn't
practiced just like on a 12-knot day!
* From Ned Glenn: (re: Adam Loory: Race committees on Long Island Sound
are fostering poor seamanship) I understand if a Race Committee decides
that the conditions are too "heavy" to start a race, but why on Long Island
Sound (and presumably elsewhere) do we spend an entire day waiting under
postponement when there is no wind, but we never seem to wait under
postponement for blustery wind to even out.
Think about all the windy days that the RC has pulled the plug without a
postponement or even going on station, and then by the time you've returned
to port, put the boat away before noon, only to notice that the wind is
down or evened out. The result is a wasted day for all involved. For the
record after Greenwich pulled the plug, there was a Big Purple Kite flying
over an IMS40 class yacht and nine people with big grins on their faces
while cruising at a steady 13 knots.
* From Thomas S. Griffin, Jr: My sincere respects to Mssrs. Loory and
duMoulin for their opinions on proceeding with sailing in heavy air in the
Larchmont - Rye vicinity, to foster "better seamanship." Please allow me to
politely disagree.
I would submit that the majority of us who compete in Western Long Island
Sound rarely (if ever) experience the breezier conditions out of the Sound
that you folks are used to, and realizing that, local race committees will
err on the side of safety for all competitors - particularly in light of
short courses and crowded mark roundings, and liability in these
lawsuit-happy times. My crew and I have campaigned Mischief, a C&C 27, for
17 plus seasons in this area. In that time I don't believe we have
encountered the conditions you seek a dozen times. Because we are not able
to frequent the other venues as you do, frankly we are just not overjoyed
in sailing in that much breeze, nor do we have "a number four and a small
1.5 chute" in our inventory. I would bet that we are not alone in thinking
this way.
You might think that those who can't run with the big dogs should stay on
the porch, but we believe that the local RC's have taken the wiser course,
in ensuring safety and enjoyment for the majority of us who sail in this
locale. And isn't this what it is all about?
* From Tom Coleman: To answer John C. Wade's question, here are two
reasons to encourage media coverage of sailing: 1) Many of us who love the
sport and pastime would like to watch it, read about it and hear about it
when we are not actively involved in it. We may be too old, not old enough,
not qualified or just curious about any of the many facets of sailing
world, be it junior sailing, cruising, long distance racing, pro circuit,
cup, etc; 2) To interest others in learning more about all the great
aspects of sailing, ultimately getting them out on the water (and into
sailboats as opposed to jet skis!).
What lit the first spark that turned us on to sailing? Was it a magazine, a
movie, a book, an instructional program, a newspaper photo, a TV show, or
maybe a friend/relative? What a sad sailing world it would be if we tried
to keep it all to ourselves. Sure, pulling into a quiet deserted gunkhole
is awesome, but so is introducing a new family to cruising. Sure, finding a
parking space at "the club" or marina is great, but what if they gave a
regatta and nobody came? What if the local not-for-profit sailing center
had its lease taken away because city officials didn't see the broader
picture of what sailing can do for kids?
Come on John; let's not take away the chance to expose folks to the joys we
already know. Baseball mentality… not even close.
* From Enrico Alfredo Ferrari: The human spirit is amazing to me as
illustrated in Scuttlebutt! All these risk takers battling with the sea in
various boats and venues gives one hope of escaping a normal humdrum life.
It would seem to be all attitude. Rowing across the Atlantic, doing the
Mini singlehanded, racing around Antarctica, zooming in the Moet cup! All
of these in one publication of 'Butt.
* From Ted Livingston: Despite "minimal coverage" and "spectator
numbers", from Cadiz to San Francisco, from Mini Transat to the Canary
Islands, from Optimist Prams to the Olympic Games, sailors (and oarsmen
!!!) from more and different countries are excelling beyond anything we
could have imagined a generation ago. I see that as a huge and irrefutable
benefit to our sport. And Scuttlebutt summarizes them all!!!!!
* From Toby Reiley: I too was in Marblehead, MA for Hurricane Bob. I
owned a fleet of four Millimeters (mini-12-meter style boats) which were
secured in their cradles high and dry in the Eastern YC dry-sailing
facility, but with the rigs standing. A visiting 210 blew off its trailer,
with the 210 backstay crossing all four of the Millimeter's backstays.
Result: four bent rigs (and no note from the rogue 210 sailor... shame on
you). Lesson: take down your rigs in a big blow to prevent damage from both
falling objects and excessive windage.
* From David Redfern, Bristol, England: (regarding Steve Orosz and
reality TV) Didn't he hear about the Irish reality TV series doing just
what he described? The boat sank and some of the crew are suing. Cabin
Fever had been on air for less than a week when the tall ship taking
contestants around Ireland ran aground. Despite attempts to save the boat
it broke up and passengers were taken to nearby Tory Island. Now that's
Reality TV!
* From Barbara Jones: Re: Sailing Reality TV show... it's been done. See
review of the Tall Ship Chronicles:
http://www.lifenetwork.ca/print_this/articles/lifenetwork_article26.html
CURMUDGEON'S QUOTATION
"Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food
groups: Alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat." - Alex Levine
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