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SCUTTLEBUTT 1912 - August 29, 2005Scuttlebutt is a digest of major yacht racing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus.SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST With only three races remaining for each team during Act 6, the team rankings during this single round match race series were sorting themselves out in predictable fashion. While Alinghi remains undefeated and alone on top of the leader board, the other three front running teams (Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa, and BMW Oracle Racing) are even on the board with one loss apiece. The tension of the event is by design, as the final races between the big four are held late in the event. The biggest surprise of the past weekend belonged to Italy's +39 Challenge, who won for the third time in their last four matches, stunning Emirates Team New Zealand. Dean Barker and Emirates Team New Zealand made a rare unforced error by breaking the start line a second too early, in what should have been a straightforward match against +39 Challenge. Iain Percy capitalized on the Kiwis' mistake and sailed a very cool race in the light and shifting breezes. For a moment up the second beat, it looked as though +39's tactician Ian Walker might have let New Zealand off the hook by allowing them to get further right. But the Italian team kept their nerve to trounce the stunned Kiwis by over a minute - surely the biggest upset to date at the Malmö-Skåne Louis Vuitton Acts. Three teams comprise a second tier in the rankings, with +39 Challenge, Victory Challenge, and Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia all tied up in fifth place. With the match-ups remaining in the event, +39 would appear to have the advantage as all three of their races are against teams with lesser records. If Victory and Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia are to keep pace with +39, they will need to play the role of spoiler. Victory has matches against Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rosa, while Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia has matches against BMW Oracle Racing and Alinghi. Between Victory and Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia, the deciding race could be their last, which has the two teams pitted against one another. - Curmudgeon/Scuttlebutt, along with information from the 32nd America's Cup Press Office, http://www.americascup.com Leaderboard 1. Alinghi 8-0 2. Emirates Team New Zealand 7-1 2. BMW Oracle Racing 7-1 2. Luna Rossa 7-1 5. +39 Challenge 4-4 5. Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team 4-4 5. Victory Challenge 4-4 8. Desafío Español 2007 3-5 9. K-Challenge 2-6 10. Team Shosholoza 1-7 10. United Internet Team Germany 1-7 12. China Team 0-8 Thanks to photographers Carlo Borlengni, Chris Cameron, and Gilles Martin-Raget, the Scuttlebutt website has great images from this event. Enjoy: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/05/malmo NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE Team Germany is still in shock after watching one of their crew members nearly die on the second day (Friday) of the America's Cup pre-regatta in Malmo. Following their race against Team China, crew member Christian Buck was at the top of the mast to drop the mainsail when he lost control in the strong swell and was thrown against a jumper on the rig which could have killed him on impact. Swinging round and round the mast, Buck hung limply from the 35-metre structure but came around and was escorted down by a fellow crew member. Buck remains in hospital, where he is in a stable condition. The rules state the mainsail must be able to be retrieved from the deck without the need for someone to be up the mast in case of bad weather. But it is understood the Germans had a problem with their mainsail, which required someone up the mast. The Germans were unable to compete in racing yesterday due to a problem with their rig. - Julie Ash, New Zealand Herald, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=4&ObjectID=10342902 Curmudgeon's Comment: The photo of Christian hanging from the top of the rig is not for the weak of heart, but it highlights how dangerous this game can be: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/05/buck.jpg DESIGN SOLUTIONS No one will be watching the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006 more closely than the team at Farr Yacht Design. Co-founders Bruce Farr and Russ Bowler along with the 15 other employees at the Eastport firm have a huge stake in the revamped event. FYD not only helped craft the new Volvo 70 rule, but also designed four of the seven boats entered in the around the world race. "We have invested considerable time, energy and resources into the Volvo 70 rule and are anxious to see the results of our efforts," said Bowler, president of Farr Yacht Design. FYD has always achieved positive results in the Whitbread/Volvo, drawing the last five winners of the grueling event -- Steinlager 2, UBS Switzerland, New Zealand Endeavor (1993-94), EF Language (1997-98) and illbruck Challenge (2001-2002). Farr, Bowler and company hope to keep their stellar record intact with one of four syndicates -- Spain's Telefonica Movistar, Brasil 1, Sweden's Ericsson Racing or the United States entry sponsored by Walt Disney Company. FYD got a head start on designing its version of the 70-foot monohull by helping Volvo Ocean Race officials formulate the new rule. Bowler likes the final product, which replaces the Volvo 60 for this event. "Finding the correct design solutions was very challenging. The new points system is quite complex and it was important to strike the proper balance between inshore and offshore," Bowler said. FYD engineers are eager to check out the Volvo 70s created by rival designers Don Jones and Juan Kouyoumdjian for Australia's Premier Challenge and Netherlands' ABN Amro. -- The Capital, Complete story: http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2005/08_25-27/SAL WHAT MAKES OCKAM DATA BETTER? Almost 30 years of research utilizing a scientific approach to solve the issue of instrument accuracy. Ockam allows for the calibration of sensor inputs to ensure more reliable and accurate data into the system. The proven Pentium-powered Tryad CPU processes the information at up to 8 times per second. The graphical Matryx display provides a simple way to refine your numbers and control the system. OCKAM instruments' superior processing and Matryx display technology for that distinct competitive advantage. Not just for Americas Cup and Grand Prix racing yachts, we have solutions for everyone. To find out more, contact mailto:lat@ockam.com SHACKLES AND SHECKLES (Scuttlebutt received this press release from Vincenzo Onorato of the Italian America's Cup team Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia, which provides insight into the competing interests of the Italian teams) "'You don't have enough money to buy a shackle?' A journalist from Channel La 7 asked this question after we (Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia) broke the main in the first match of the first day. It was broadcast to all of Italy, to the heart of our team, and to all of our fans. "It wasn't even the shackle that broke, but the webbing of the sail. Furthermore, we have a more than dignified budget. I tried hard to go deep into the disappointment that my guys feel in this situation, and it has not been easy. "To summarize I would say that we have to accept -in favor of all our fans- that the transmissions to Italy are broadcasted with a sound track which is the Luna Rossa song. Channel La 7 is property of Telecom Italia, the sponsor of Luna Rossa. All this could make the coverage comprehensible but not acceptable. What is not is the sarcasm towards Teams that do not have the same budget as other wealthier Syndicates. "Is money the only way to find the value of a man, a team, or even a sporting venture? This is not an argument, but a question of high relevance. While we wait for someone's answer on this, let us take the opportunity to ask your forgiveness as we abandon further interviews on Channel La 7." - Vincenzo Onorato, Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia HURRICANE KATRINA The huge storm, packing 160 mph winds, is expected to hit the northern Gulf Coast and make landfall as a Category 4 or 5 hurricane Monday morning. A statement from the National Weather Service in Slidell, near New Orleans, Louisiana, warned that much of the affected area "will be uninhabitable for weeks, perhaps longer." About 70 percent of New Orleans is below sea level, and is protected from the Mississippi River by a series of levees. Forecasters predicted the storm surge could reach 28 feet; the highest levees around New Orleans are 18 feet high. As New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin stated, "We are facing a storm that most of us have feared. I do not want to create panic, but I do want the citizens to understand that this is very serious and it's of the highest nature." National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield said: "There's certainly a chance it can weaken a bit before it gets to the coast, but unfortunately this is so large and so powerful that it's a little bit like the difference between being run over by an 18-wheeler or a freight train. Neither prospect is good." - CNN website, http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/08/28/hurricane.katrina/index.html FOR THE RECORD Two months is a long countdown, but any time from Thursday to the end of October, Ellen MacArthur could blast off from New York to try to break the solo transatlantic record. Her round-the-world solo record-setting 75-foot trimaran B&Q is now on standby in Manhattan's North Cove marina ready for the right combination of weather systems in which to tackle the 2,900-mile crossing. The record sought by MacArthur is held by Francis Joyon, the man whose solo circumnavigation she bettered earlier this year. Joyon set the west-east transatlantic record in the same 92ft trimaran IDEC, bettering Laurent Bourgnon's 11- year-old record by 22 hours. To better Joyon's six-day four-hour record, MacArthur will have to hustle B&Q across the Atlantic at an average greater than 20 knots. - Tim Jeffery, The Telegraph, http://tinyurl.com/brjxy SUPER DRY BY DUBARRY It's been said: "Ireland has one of the world's heaviest rainfalls. If you see an Irishman with a tan, it's rust." (Samuel Beckett) If you're facing heavy weather, or just damp, drizzly, wet conditions, keep your feet warm and dry with high performance, Gore-Tex® lined, waterproof and breathable Dubarry boots. Choose from proven styles Seaquest, Ultima, Shamrock, or the latest new mid-calf, high performance, low profile boot, the Annapolis. All waterproof, all breathable, all super dry. Visit http://www.dubarryna.com for details! NEWS BRIEFS * Australians Nathan Wilmot and Malcolm Page dominated the 2005 International 470 World Championships so thoroughly, they were able to enjoy the final race of the weeklong regatta from the comfort of one of the committee boats. In the Women's division, Marcelian de Koning and Lobke Berkhout of the Netherlands held on to take the gold medal. Top North American sailors were Stu Mac Nay/ Graham Biehl (2nd in Mens Silver division) and Carissa Harris/ Isabelle Kinsolving (17th in Womens division). http://tinyurl.com/eyky6 Updated photo gallery: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/05/470worlds/ * Wolfgang Hunger and Holger Jess (GER) have won the 170-boat CSC 505 Worlds in Warnemünde, Germany, edging the USA's Mike Martin and Jesse Falsone by six points after nine races (with two discards). Germany's Dietrich Scheder-Bieschin/ Reiner Görge took third place -- 12 points further back. Andy Beeckmann/ Jeff Nelson (USA) finished in fifth place with the USA's Mark Ivey/ Shane Illidge and Howard Hamlin/ Cam Lewis finishing eighth and ninth respectively. - http://www.worlds505.de/Results-Worlds,1,26.htm * To say the six-day Laser II World Championships run by CORK/Sail Kingston had a wide range of conditions would be a huge understatement. It was all-out survival on day 1, a four general-recall, abandonment/ floater on day 3, and healthy medium conditions on days 4 & 5. 56 boats competed from seven countries -- England, Ireland, Italy, German, Mexico, the US and Canada. Canadians Ian and Trevor McEwans won the championship with a five point edge over Alex Taylor/ Byran Mobbs (GBR), with Canadians Jason Kobrick/ Andrew McEwen just one point further back in third. -- http://www.cork.org/results2005/L2W.HTM * The Grand Soleil 42 Movistar with her Spanish-Italian crew and owner Lorenzo Bressani from Trieste and helmsman Pedro Campos have won the IMS 600 World Championship at Rolex Baltic Week in Neustadt, Germany. -- www.rolex-baltic-week.com * The new 30 meter super maxi Alfa Romeo is cutting it up in the prestigious Hamilton Island Hahn Premium Race Week, hitting 29.6 knots downwind under a Code 3 spinnaker and averaging 11.7 knots to windward in the 26-30 knots of wind. The Scuttlebutt website now has posted a pretty cool photo of AR going upwind: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/05/0828ar.jpg * Team ABN Amro christened on Saturday the ABN Amro One, the second boat designed and built by Team ABN Amro to take part in the Volvo Ocean Race. ABN Amro One will be led by record-breaking skipper Mike Sanderson and an internationally acclaimed crew, while the first boat launched, ABN Amro Two, will be led by four professional sailors and eight 'high potential' sailors who won their place through an international competition (skippered by French sailing star Sebastien Josse). Team ABN Amro is unique in this race, as it is the only team to enter two boats. http://team.abnamro.com IN MEMORIAM Howard Lippincott, owner and founder of Lippincott Boat Works, passed away August 26 (1919-2005). His corporation made one-design racing sailboats and cruising sailboats from the mid 1940's to 1985 for sailing enthusiasts all over the world, and his sailing accomplishments include four time winner of the Comet Class Internationals, Star Class North American Championship, winner of Bacardi Cup Championship in 1963, and a top competitor in the Star Worlds for a number of years. He was the first boat builder to successfully change from fabrication of wooden built Star boats to fiberglass. The last Lippincott Lightnings to come out of the boat works are nearing 35 years old and are still competitive in the circuit. The Lippincott 30 and 36 that were designed by son, Skip (Howard, Jr.) went into production around 1978 and were known for their comfort in although not designed with racing in mind, were also competitive. Service will be on Thursday, Sept. 1, 6:00 p.m. at the Calvary Presbyterian Church, 4th and Lippincott Aves., Riverton, NJ. The family will be receiving friends and family at the church between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverton Steamboat Landing Foundation for the preservation and ongoing renovation of the pier and clubhouse, (P.O. Box 75, Riverton, NJ 08077). Additional information contact Beth Lippincott, mailto:bethlippincott@comcast.net TEST SAIL A BONGO TODAY Own the sport boat that is built like a custom race boat. Vinyl Ester resin, Core cell core, vacuum bagged, Harken Carbo hardware, North sails, Forte carbon rig, carbon blades, custom trailer, and all in an affordable package. Enjoy one person fast Sport boat performance. http://www.sailabongo.com 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, whining and personal attacks for elsewhere.) * Blake Billman, Scheduling Coordinator for the Southeast Intercollegiate District: Please have our friends and colleagues at Tulane, the University of New Orleans, and the University of Southern Alabama as well as our alumni and SEISA Graduate Secretary Brady Mears in your thoughts and prayers as Hurricane Katrina approaches New Orleans and the gulf coast. This is the largest storm to hit New Orleans in recorded history with 170+ knot gusts and an estimated 28-foot storm surge (10 feet above the levees that protect the city). Let us all hope that they all find safety and that the damage forecasts do not come to pass. * From Barry Dunning: Well said Herb McCormick. This money/media driven event is well past its 'sell by date'. The Americas Cup has been taken over by TV, radio, media, sponsorship, franchises, and every type of commercial interest. The guys involved no longer talk about the boats and the racing but about how much they earn and how it will help their professional sailing career. The national teams no longer exist and so most sailors have no interest in the Americas Cup circus. Is it time to ditch the whole event and get back to nation on nation sailing in one design boats? I am off to the Etchells Worlds for some proper yachting. * From Alfred Poor: Herb McCormick laments the sad state of affairs in the America's Cup competition (Butt 1911). I say he's coming late to the party. Even the birth of the Cup was not based on good sportsmanship or fair competition. As I understand its history, "America" was built by a US syndicate for the sole purpose of fleecing the owners of British racing yachts. The Americans overplayed their hand in the first race, and came home with just the Guniea Cup, which was renamed the America's Cup and put into international competition. For the decades that followed, the American defenders skewed the rules of competition in their own favor, and - surprise! - never lost. From my admittedly jaundiced view of the Cup history, it's always been about rich folk playing nasty to win. All we're witnessing now is the effects of inflation: of budgets, of technology, and of egos (if that's possible). There certainly are honorable and positive contributions made to sailing through the pursuit of the Cup, but I hardly would hold it up as an exemplar of good sportsmanship or fair play. As for the "Empty Cup" headline, that also should hold no surprise for readers. If you've ever seen the America's Cup, you know that it won't hold water. Literally. * From Mark Jardine, UK: After Rich Roberts piece, Herb McCormick is at it now. I agree the amount of money involved in the America's Cup is obscene, but please understand there is a whole world outside the United States of America! Let's be thankful that the money being spent is going towards our sport and not Formula One or football (that's our version of Indy Car and soccer to Americans). Dennis Conner has had his time in the America's Cup and what a fantastic time he had. Rich people can spend their money how they want, and if sponsors decide it is a good way to gain brand awareness and promote their services we inside the sport should be the last to complain. Swiss cheese is great - just please accept that so is their America's Cup team. These stories may point to a demise of sailing in the USA but in many places in the world the sport is thriving. Why not do something about the demise instead of complaining how well the rest of the world is getting on? * From Peter Hinrichsen, Yngling Class Chief measurer: The statement in your 'Staffing Up' story in Scuttlebutt 1909 that Devoti's built Shirley Robertson's winning Yngling is not correct. Devoti is not a licenced Yngling builder and the boat was built by Abbott boats of Sarnia Canada, who built 12 of the 16 Ynglings in Athens, and has a long history of building very competitive Solings. Shirley's Yngling did go to Devoti's for final fitting out, but it would have been illegal for the hull or keel to be modified. * From Clifford Bradford: Most of your replies to the AC weight issue were correct that using a balance type system to compare two masses rather than a "spring type" scale that measures weight are correct but I think it's pretty hard to find a triple beam balance like we used in high school Chemistry to weigh a 72,000 lb boat. For measuring large loads load cells are typically used and yes they are a "spring type" scale. * From Eric A Sorensen: Doug Mills comment about the weight and growing number of Winnebagos (a derogatory term if there ever was one for a sailboat) is correct. I have sucked into the world of ultimate cruiser type as well since my wife really enjoys her amenities and I enjoy her. What to do....?? I suggest that a new class, rating, whatever be created by PHRF that accommodates these behemoths with cruising gennakers. Instead of racing in a NFS class which makes these boats even slower, how about creating an intermediate class for cruisers having fun? We have 5 boats out of 12 in our "A" class in Anacortes that are cruiser first, racers second and the other 8 boats are pretty well on full race fun boats. My Catalina 42 with a 140 roller and a gennaker is slow next to speedsters but we have fun taking on a Morgan 46, Stevens 47, Aelerion 38, and a Catalina 36 since we are all the same type. Yes, there are carbon sails on some of these and I would like them too. However, no trophies come our way but that is not why we are out there. Just say no to a spinnaker pole and yes to running water. CURMUDGEON'S CONUNDRUM In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat? |
