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SCUTTLEBUTT 2427 - September 7, 2007Scuttlebutt is a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions,features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus. Scuttlebutt is distributed each weekday with the support of its sponsors. CLUBS, CLIQUES, AND CLASS -- Stuart Alexander Nearly all sport is centered around clubs - yes, there are public golf courses and tennis courts, yes, running can be very individual - and those clubs offer opportunities for common advancement or separation from the common; social exclusivity is still important to the masses. But most sports at least agree that the same game will be played to a global set of rules. Sailing is different. It encompasses both sport and recreation, mixes the two, and, because of weak leadership at the top of the bloody-minded beneath them, offers huge scope for anarchism and fragmentation. Clubs decide which types of yacht will be used, however obscure, and, in the UK at least, top talent has to move away from the club network if it is to thrive at national and international level. The game is also capable of producing clubs within clubs, with, over the years maxis playing their own game, 50-footers appearing in various guises, and hybrids of the kind which the Farr 40 represents, claiming world significance. They exist within the game, but also operate in a separate, parallel zone. Currently, the TP52s probably offer the best test of first division professionalism. It would be better if they abandoned any distinction between full professional and owner-driver teams and it would be wonderful if they could broaden their use from just their own circuit to being the boat of choice for a revival of the Admirals’ Cup. But that might mean putting their boats up for charter and privately-owned kit is not easily put at the call of another event organizer. Still, it would mean a big boost in exposure for the dreaded sponsors. A much bigger fleet exists of Farr 40s, but, if they were to be made available for other events than their own, they would have to resolve a class rule which demands owner drivers to allow professional crews to use them as well. The present mixture of pros and so-called amateurs in the Farr 40s has, if nothing else, worked. To interfere in such a way that the class became destabilized would not be a good idea, but there are some clever enough minds to tackle a discussion which could lead to an area of international competition which has withered being given new life and which would be welcomed back warmly. -- Read the rest: http://stuartalexander.wordpress.com/2007/09/02/clubs-cliques-and-class/ SIZE MATTERS It'll be an astounding 518 feet long -- the equivalent of nearly two football fields. And so big it'll take 37 sails (spread among five masts) to move. So big, in fact, that it'll have room for three pools -- count 'em -- along the top deck. That's right, three pools! In short, this isn't your father's sailing ship. The Bigger-is-Better mantra has hit the sailing segment of the cruise business, with Star Clippers today announcing plans to build by far the largest and most expensive sailing vessel ever. At 7,400 tons, the as-yet-unnamed barque will be 48% larger than the line's Royal Clipper, currently the world's biggest full-rigged sailing ship. It'll boast room for 296 passengers and 140 crewmembers. More gee-whiz measurements: The ship's rigs will soar 217 feet over the waterline; the ship's beam will be a dazzling 61 feet, resulting in an open sun deck of more than 8,000 square feet. The ship will be so big, in fact, that the line plans a two-level dining room that can hold all 296 passengers in one seating. There also will be a private dining room for smaller groups, a piano lounge, a two-level "tropical bar," a dive/sports bar, a forward observation lounge, library, spa and gym. Did we mention the retractable marina on the stern for access to watersports, snorkeling and diving? -- Gene Sloan, USA Today, http://blogs.usatoday.com/cruiselog/2007/09/star-clippers-t.html PHOTOS OF THE WEEK Some of the random photos from the sport received this week at Scuttlebutt include the good and the bad times of Bob Oatley's maxi Wild Oats at the Maxi Worlds, a reminder of the blistering lack of breeze from the Mackinac races this summer, the Rhodes 19 Junior Nationals on Boston Harbor, a sequence shot of a Laser pitchpoling in the Lake Michigan beach break, the Finn resurgence in SoCal, plus some of the extreme boats enjoyed by our friends in France and Switzerland. If you have images you would like to share, send them to the Scuttlebutt editor. Here are this week’s photos: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/07/0907 A WINNING COMBINATION! Ockam offers integrated instrument solutions with proven race-winning performance for all boat types. The powerful Tryad processor supplies a smarter, faster & lighter platform that includes built-in RS-232 communications, GPS, NMEA ports, polar information and internal data logging. Your information streams unimpeded throughout the system’s single cable network to provide the most stable, accurate real-time numbers available. Take advantage of the new Matryx II, a transflective graphical display that provides a simple, clear way to view multiple lines of information, strip-chart data and control the system. Contact an Ockam consultant to discuss flexible instrument solutions for everyday use. mailto:Sales@ockam.com A PERPETUAL CUP FOR COMPETITION BETWEEN LAWYERS (New York attorney Cory E. Friedman looks at the details and the background of the America’s Cup case that will be heard on Monday by the New York Supreme Court. Here’s Part One of his exclusive report.) George L. Schuyler, “the sole surviving owner of the Cup won by the Yacht ‘America’ at Cowes, England,” in 1851, and grantor of the 1887 Deed of Trust would probably be astonished to find lawyers contending for the Cup’s future before Justice Herman Cahn in the Commercial Division at 60 Centre St. in Manhattan, rather than before PRO Peter Reggio on an arm of the sea. Nevertheless, that is where the competition will be when the flag drops on September 10 -- unless the parties settle. The sea lawyers facing off in the box will be James V. Kearney of left-coast based mega-firm Latham & Watkins skippering plaintiff Team Oracle for Golden Gate Yacht Club and Owen Pell of uber-New York White & Case skippering defendant Alinghi for Societe Nautique de Geneve, each with a substantial afterguard and many associates grinding computers back in the office. As I previously reported, if you are going to litigate rather than sail, Justice Cahn’s courtroom is an excellent venue. GGYC filed its papers August 22 and SNG’s were filed on September 5. This is a sailing NY litigator’s commentary. While passionate advocacy impresses clients and sometimes convinces juries, when deciding motions, judges, who have usually heard it all, often are looking for help from the litigants. Connecting unfamiliar factual dots and covering the legal bases so that the judge’s decision writes itself is often the way to win a busy judge’s heart – assuming you are right to start with. GGYC wants expedited discovery and an October trial on the merits to chuck CNEV’s challenge and require SNG to defend against GGYC’s catamaran in a July 2008 match. It also wants an immediate mandatory preliminary injunction ordering SNG to provide the rules and location for that match. -- Read on: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/07/0906/ NO MORE MR. NICE GUY Zurich, Switzerland - Alinghi's owner has hit out at American syndicate BMW Oracle Racing for "wanting to hold the America's Cup hostage," a Swiss newspaper reported Thursday. Ernesto Bertarelli, head of two-time defending champions Alinghi, also called rival owner Larry Ellison a "loser" and declared himself sure of winning a lawsuit that BMW Oracle has launched against the Swiss team. "It is not possible that we will lose," Bertarelli said in an interview with the Zurich-based daily Neue Zuercher Zeitung. "We have the best lawyers." BMW Oracle was not immediately available for comment. -- Forbes, full story: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/09/06/ap4089336.html SOMEBODY HELP THIS GUY... Speaking about the court case against Larry(Ellison), Bertarelli says: "It is not possible that we will lose...we have the best lawyers." He then goes on to state that: "With his action, he has prevented the Cup participants from finding sponsors and hiring people. At the same time he is buying all the yachtsmen." This is the same Bertarelli that "bought all the yachtsmen" back in 2000. What exactly did Bertarelli expect when he issued this Protocol? And does he actually think that a street-smart guy like Larry Ellison with $17 billion in the bank is just going to back down and go quietly? It ain't gonna happen pal...what's even more galling is that just as Hamish Ross and Brad Butterworth open the door for negotiation, Ernesto slams it firmly shut and riles the Oracle syndicate. Someone close to him should really have a word but I fear that all the "yes" men just don't have the guts. -- Magnus Wheatley, complete commentary: http://www.rule69blog.com/archive/2007/september/805/ QUOTE / UNQUOTE * "We had to accept the Spanish challenge; there was no choice in the matter. It's not the first time a newly-incorporated club had been accepted. Precedent supports the Spanish challenge. They are a credible.” -- Alinghi general counsel Hamish Ross, http://tinyurl.com/2xhzav * “In the 156 year history of the America's Cup, no paper yacht club has ever been a Challenger of Record. To be the Challenger (of Record) for the America's Cup a Club must (a) give 10 months notice of its Challenge, being the days for racing; (b) it must be properly constituted by 'legislature, admiralty or other executive department' and (c) must have 'its annual regatta on an ocean water course on the sea, or arm of the sea' The Defender Société Nautique de Genève must show that the Challenge they accepted was from a club which complied with those three tests. Unless there is ambiguity in the Deed of Gift, the previous decision of the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court is clear that the words of the Deed of Gift will only be considered.” -- Richard Gladwell, Sail-World, http://tinyurl.com/yt2xdy * "I just wish BMW Oracle were in the race with us. Their new skipper Russell Coutts deserves to be there. The legal wrangle is simply a distraction," -- Brad Butterworth, http://tinyurl.com/2xhzav * “Our objective is to create a tight design box rule that will ensure the emphasis remains on sailing skill and exciting racing as we have recently seen during the 32nd America’s Cup, this together with large, visually impressive state-of-the- arts boats will help us achieve our vision for the next Cup. We are keen to return the America’s Cup to the romantic era of J-Class size yachts, albeit updated with the very latest technology. This will create a superb spectacle and event for sailing fans worldwide. -- Brad Butterworth * “We're even thinking of not even measuring the downwind sails -- just let them put up whatever they want.”-- Brad Butterworth, http://tinyurl.com/2frbtq POSTURING Team Origin, the British Challenger for the America’s Cup, have been throwing their weight behind Alinghi’s wheel with a statement on their website arguing for the Protocol. Of the three points they present in favor of the Protocol only one of them is actually in that document, the others were presented at a subsequent press conference and currently have no official standing - but leaving that hair splitting aside, the Brits clearly have a strategy in backing Alinghi, and I’m sure it will become apparent, sooner or later. -- Mark Chisnell, http://markchisnell.blogspot.com/2007/09/coming-at-you.html UK-HALSEY SAILS WIN IMS WORLDS Team Chinook, Johan Friedrichsen’s X-332 from Germany, dominated Class 2 to win the gold medal at the IMS Worlds, which was sailed in heavy air off Hanko, Norway. After a fifth at the 2006 Worlds, Chinook was rearmed with UK-Halsey’s Titanium sails sold by UK-Halsey Germany, built at UK-Halsey’s French loft. Her spinnakers were designed at UK-Halsey Chicago and built at UK-Halsey Hong Kong. That’s further proof that the UK-Halsey worldwide network is delivering greats sails, local service, and winning results – all the way around the world. Come talk to us about “re-arming” your racing program: 800-253-2002, http://www.ukhalsey.com BAFFLED As the search for the wealthy adventurer Steve Fossett entered its third day, rescue crews and aviation experts expressed bafflement Wednesday at his disappearance and the inability to find him. More than a dozen aircraft have been used to scour a mountainous area south of Reno since the search began in earnest at 6 p.m. Monday, but so far there has been no sign of Mr. Fossett or the blue and white Citabria Super Decathlon he was flying. What is more, officials say, they have not detected the emergency locator beacon that should have automatically gone off in the event of a crash, or that could have been enabled by Mr. Fossett himself if he was capable. -- New York Times, http://tinyurl.com/2mu2qs SAILING SHORTS * On Friday afternoon, August 31st, Derek Hatfield's Open 60 Spirit of Canada went sailing for the first time. It was a nerve wracking few moments as the Spirit of Canada team raised the sails and the Open 60 started sailing. All systems performed as Hatfield plans his first transatlantic race and qualifier for the Vendee Globe 2008. -- http://www.spiritofcanada.net/ * Finally, weeks after the team announced it on their website, America's Cup Management have confirmed the successful challenge of United Internet Team Germany for the 33rd America's Cup. They become the fifth official challenge to enter. -- http://tinyurl.com/2pcx9u * Competitors from 30 countries are at the Rochester Yacht Club for the IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championship, 2007, Single-Person, Two- Person and Three-Person Keelboat. Racing will be held at the from Friday, September 7 through Saturday, September 15. Competitors will be seeking qualification for the Paralympics, 2008 in Beijing. * Mako, skippered by Don and David Michaelis scored a six point victory over Steve Arkle’s Power Play in the nine-boat, Schock 35 National Championships hosted by the Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club in Marina del Rey, California. In third place, 11-points further back, was Bruce Bennett and Bob Marcus in Code Blue. The eight race Santa Monica Bay event that was sailed in 8-14 knots of wind. -- http://www.schock35.org/ * North Sails has partnered with Sailing Weather Services to provide free weather forecasts for the Sperry Top-Sider Larchmont NOOD Regatta from September 8-9. To sign up, visit North Sails' online weather: http://na.northsails.com/ew/ew_main.taf * This week’s Volvo Sailing Podcast features an interview with Paul Cayard who reflects upon his career to date, reveals his thoughts on the new-look Volvo Ocean Race, and discusses what he hopes to achieve with the establishment of the World Sailing League. As ever, live Thurs eve/Fri morning at: http://www.volvooceanrace.org/podcast * K-Swiss announced that it has signed world-class international dinghy sailor Anna Tunnicliffe (USA) as its ambassador for women’s sailing footwear and apparel. The California-based athletic brand, which created the “Classic” first all-leather tennis shoe, introduced its new line of deck shoes at the recent America’s Cup competition in Valencia, Spain, and will expand the line in Spring 2008 with more nautical performance and lifestyle offerings. Tunnicliffe is the top ranked ISAF Laser Radial sailor and recently won the Laser Radial Gold Medal in the Pre-Olympic competition in Qingdao, China. LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name, and may be edited for clarity or simplicity (letters shall be no longer than 250 words). You only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot, don't whine if others disagree, and save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. As an alternative, a more open environment for discussion is available on the Scuttlebutt Forum. -- Scuttlebutt Letters: editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com -- Scuttlebutt Forum: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/forum * From Brian Austin (edited to our 250-word limit): ACM states "In order to reduce costs, it has been decided to impose to sail only one boat at a time. Therefore, it was reasonable that the Defender could take part in the Challenger series, otherwise, the Defender would have no opportunity to race an opponent while the challengers raced in the Challenger Series." [It has always been a chess match, as to strengths and weaknesses - and the "unknown" factor of whether the Defender can match up to the Challengers, and vice versa. Defenders do not race against Challengers until the final Cup series begins. In addition to the Challengers not knowing what the Defender has, it also ensures the Defender does not know what the Challengers have! No secrets revealed until the final series, not unlike the beloved skirts. Absolutely not appropriate nor reasonable for the Defender to participate in the "Challenger series." Let the Defender's new boat sail against their "old" boat (the Protocol can be rewritten as such) while its designated Challenger is fairly determined!] ACM further states "Because Yacht Clubs tend to appoint the appropriate professionals to deal with all AC operational and administrative matters, ACM sometimes speaks on behalf of Alinghi's club, the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG)." [This appears to taint an "arm's length" relationship, which could cast a shadow on an unbiased and neutral governing body.] I was pleased with the so-called "32nd circus" and thoroughly enjoyed the close racing it provided; which leads to my thinking the 32nd Protocol ain't broke. * From Mike Esposito - During the long AC reign of NYYC, weren't there always Defender's series to decide who would represent the U.S. in the AC finals? Why is it assumed that there won't be another Swiss entry and why couldn't the Curmudgeon and I just form a yacht club in Switzerland, get someone to give us a few tens of millions of Euros to float it, and challenge Alinghi to be the Defender? OK, maybe not us, but what's to stop BMW/Oracle from forming the "Reflecting Pool Outside that Bank in Geneva Yacht Club" and entering as a Swiss team? That would be interesting. * From John Arndt (re One Rich White Guy Will Be Right): Many of the few remaining America's Cup boosters believe the America's Cup has great potential to promote sailing and they may be right. Nothing makes me want to escape for a sail more than reading, ad nauseum, about the 'Deed of Gift', New York courts, Butterworth, Bertarelli original intent, nationality, 'friendly competition', etc. If anything can drive people to seeking sanity at sea under sail it's reading about these self-absorbed billionaires jockeying for advantage in a sailboat race with money and lawyers. Yawn, wake me when the sailing starts and, until then, I hope myself and many others will get back to enjoying sailing the way it's meant to be. For a more public perception of sailing America's Cup style everyone should reread the classic from The Onion 'Rich Guy Wins Yacht Race': http://www.theonion.com/content/node/29191 * Gregory Scott (re Steve Fossett): One of my favorite characters seemed invincible to his own attempts at self destruction. He bounced through life to our collective amazement as in our eyes, any of these events would have surely meant the end to any of us. * From Geoffrey Phillips, Sydney: What sour nonsense David Redfern writes - from the All Blacks down, NZ rugby has a fine reputation for hard but fair play and willing participation in after-match occasions, whether as winner or loser. * From Ken Guyer: To allow David Redfern's slam calling all New Zealanders bad sports, no matter his nationality, a place in S-butt was in very poor taste. I have plenty of Kiwi friends who think Butterworth's actions of late are appalling, condemning a whole nation for the actions of a few is wrong on all sides. An apology is in order, especially from David. * From Lon Woodrum: (regarding the comparison in #2423 between the revised Pyewacket to Michael Faye's highly discredited America's Cup challenge from Mercury Bay in 1988) Does anyone remember the Moore 30? Talk about wings. CURMUDGEON’S CONUNDRUM Who was it that suggested that many hurricanes are named after women because when they arrive, they're wet and wild, but when they go they take your house and car? Special thanks to Ockam Instruments and UK Halsey Sailmakers. |
