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SCUTTLEBUTT 2305 – March 21, 2007
Scuttlebutt is a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions,
features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus. Scuttlebutt is
distributed each weekday, with support provided by UBS, main partner of
Alinghi, Defender of the 32nd America's Cup (http://www.ubs.com/sailing).
STAN HONEY: ON WINNING THE VOR
(The Cruising Club of America - cruisingclub.org - has graciously offered to
share with Scuttlebutt an outstanding article written for them by Stan
Honey, who was the navigator on the winning ABN Amro One team. It is a bit
long but well worth reading. Here is a brief excerpt from the section, “Life
On Board.”)
The Volvo Race allows everything on the boat except for sealed safety
equipment to be “stacked,” i.e. moved to the windward side after a tack or
gybe. That adds dramatically to the brutality of sailing a VOR 70. A routine
tack or a gybe becomes a 45-minute endurance event involving the entire crew
in preparing for and executing the maneuver, and then restacking the boat so
that the thousands of pounds of food, sails, tools, personal gear, and
spares are moved to the new windward side. The boats are unpainted
pitch-black carbon below making it hard to see without a flashlight even
when it is daylight on deck. The boats are nearly always wet on deck and
below, and because the boats don’t have a bilge or sump, there is almost
always a sheet of water sloshing around. The boats are required to carry a
heater but the heaters seldom survive the pervasive water and so in the
Southern Ocean or North Atlantic the boats are bone-chillingly cold. The
food is a dreary repetition of freeze-dried dinners, one every eight hours.
On ABN Amro One, we had enough food, but the combination of being cold much
of the time and not eating enough due to the unappetizing food causes most
crewmembers to lose about 20 or more pounds over the course of the race.
Thegalley has one insulated bowl with a lid that is set into the countertop,
and two gimbaled burners each with a kettle. “Cooking” involves dumping a
plastic bag of powder into the bowl and then dumping two kettles of boiling
water on top. A quick stir, wait 15 minutes, and the salty-brown slurry is
ready to eat.
-- Stan article goes A-Z on their winning program, describes what it takes
to sail the VOR 70, details his navigation equipment onboard, and discusses
the safety techniques used. Great read:
http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/07/vor
DALTON DROPS BULB
(March 20, 2007) For Velux 5 Oceans race competitor Graham Dalton, disaster
has struck again for during his ill-fated stay in Fortaleza, Brazil. Since
arriving at 0930 UTC on the 14th March to fix the cassette, which holds his
port rudder after hitting a UFO in the middle of the night, the kiwi skipper
has been struck by blow after blow of misfortune, not to mention a
debilitating sickness and an onboard robbery. Yesterday March 19th, was no
exception as Graham Dalton rang Race Director, David Adams to inform him
that during a boat test prior to re-joining the race he realised that the
keel bulb was missing. “I think my bulb has gone. It was blowing 8 knots and
the boat fell over and I tried to cant the keel and I couldn't see it. So I
dived down, the visibility was exceedingly poor but I could see that the
bulb has gone.” Dalton has returned to the marina in Fortaleza, Brazil to
re-assess the situation. He is currently looking at his options. --
http://www.velux5oceans.com
24 YEARS IN THE MAKING
(The Daily Sail subscription website met up with Technical Director Mike
Urwin of RORC's Rating Office to discusses the IRC rule. Here are a couple
excerpts.)
Few people have as much influence in what is going on in our sport more than
the hard working individuals down at the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rating
Office in Lymington. From their first floor office overlooking the river
Technical Director Mike Urwin and his team of seven administer the IRC and
IRM rules (along with the Nautor Swan and the Volvo Open 70 rules).
When it comes to overall policy, the IRC rule is run by the IRC Policy
Steering Group, comprising senior Flag Officers from RORC and UNCL, who
regularly meet to discuss its development. Today IRC is formally recognised
by ISAF as an international rule. All owners with an IRC certificate
automatically become members of the International IRC Owners Association and
through their national IRC associations have representation, according to
their national fleet size, on the IRC Congress. The IRC Congress meets once
a year to agree rule changes and these are then fired up to the IRC Policy
Steering Group to be confirmed.
“In practise the Steering Group doesn’t take technical decisions,” explains
Urwin. “It looks at what the Congress is saying and will only step in if the
Congress is making decisions which are not in the interest of the majority
of IRC owners. In practise the IRC Congress reports to the Steering Group,
provided the decisions taken are broadly sensible and in line with
established policy they will be confirmed. The Steering Group is the
ultimate backstop to prevent the Congress from being hijacked.” -- The Daily
Sail, full report: http://tinyurl.com/ytn9t9
AMERICA’S CUP PREPARATION
Ben Hall just returned from Valencia with this advice: “Do all of your
preseason boat preparation now. Once the LV racing begins you won’t have
time – you’ll be glued to the computer screen. The teams are super-prepared
and the racing will be excellent.” Hall Spars & Rigging can help you
prepare, too. Pull off the boat cover and check halyards, sheaves, sheets,
life line parts...everything. Call or email if you’re undecided whether to
repair or replace. Our experts will help you find the best solution. Don’t
forget that you can shop online, anytime. http://www.hallspars.com
BULLIMORE REVEALED
(Tony Bullimore wants to break the singlehanded around the world record, and
has been in New Zealand for two months waiting for the right weather window
to start this challenge. Amid speculation that Bullimore is a dangerous,
publicity seeking dreamer with a 23 year old boat, the March issue of the
BYM Magazine shares an interview they recently conducted with him.)
BYM: Some people have suggested that you haven’t had enough money to prepare
the boat; not enough to set out even. Is there anything in these stories?
Bullimore: The boat is in superb condition, it has had the best refit that
love, care and attention can produce. It is absolutely ready and I’m going
to be able to push it hard. Enough money? You know my history; I’ve never
had enough money, except back in the ‘80s when Apricot sponsored me. The
fact is that very few people have enough money, enough sponsorship. I’m not
talking about America’s Cup style money, with a hundred million thrown at
some campaigns; that’s just because people like Ellison and Bertarelli are
passionate about it; it’s big toys, for big boys. I’m talking about the sort
of money that’s needed to be pretty sure you’ll break ocean records and win
races, barring accidents or bad weather luck. The sort of money that means
that all you have to do is sail the brand new boat someone has bought for
you, because someone else prepares it, delivers it, does everything except
sail it. Very few sailors have sponsors that come up with that sort of
money, so the rest of us are always struggling to find enough and we have to
do a lot of work on our boats ourselves.
As to not having enough money to set off, what do I need? I’ve got
everything; I just have to put the provisions on board. My freeze-dried
stuff was bought from a New Zealand company, they didn’t sponsor me with
free food, but they did do a very good deal and are supplying me through a
Tasmanian retailer. It’s all there ready for me to pick up, but they have
better conditions to keep it in, so I won’t load it on the boat until I’m
ready to leave.
BYM: Are you going to leave? Just a few days ago, one magazine said the only
place you’d be sailing was home.
Bullimore: It’s sad when people say things like that, without even bothering
to talk to me. I have to leave before the end of March – that’s the very
latest – and you can be sure I’m going to. -- Complete interview:
http://www.bymnews.com/march/bullimore.html
GUEST COMMENTARY
This past weekend at the Orange Peel Thistle Regatta (IN Jacksonville, FL),
14 year old Thistle sailor, JD Reddaway was awarded the US Sailing National
Sportsmanship Award; otherwise known as the W. Van Alan Clark Jr. Trophy.
The Award was presented by Skip Dieball of US Sailing’s One Design Class
Council. JD hails from Suwanee, GA and was competing in the 2006 Orange Bowl
Junior Olympic Festival when he made the unselfish decision to abandon a
race and help a fellow sailor in need. JD Reddaway is now among fellow
sailors Buddy Melges, Olin J. Stephens, Dave Perry and Harry Carpenter.
Also at the Orange Peel regatta, new Thistle Sailor Mike Funsch withdrew
from the final race of the regatta after being informed by another
competitor that he had hit a mark with his mainsheet once ashore. Mike
promptly informed the regatta officials and the scores were revised to
reflect his decision. While this did not affect many of the overall results
(it drop Mike from 7th to 15th), it truly affected how many will view Mike.
He acted with class and dignity, and will have the respect of his peers for
many years to come.
These two examples are among many that are exhibited not only by the Thistle
Class but many other one-design classes around the world. Every sailor has
been known to get caught up in the heat of the moment at one point or
another, but hopefully we’re all displaying a sense of sportsmanship and
dignity on and off the race course. It’s not all about who wins and who
loses. It’s about what we’ve learned and how much we enjoy and appreciate
the sport of sailing.
We must remember that, as was also evident this weekend, sportsmanship is
also reflected not only in winning, but also in losing. No one wins every
regatta; we must acknowledge that our eyes are not only on the winners, but
also the competitor’s who finish 2nd, 3rd, 10th, 33rd, and so forth. Sailing
is a one of the most humbling sports on the planet, as there are so many
factors that are out of our control. One thing we can control is our
attitude and the appreciation we have for the sport and the respect we keep
of our fellow competitors. -- Karl D. Felger
* The 33rd Annual Orange Peel regatta in Jacksonville, FL saw 55 boats enjoy
spectacular weather, with Skip Dieball, fresh from his victory at the
Lightning Miami Midwinter Championship, also winning this event with crew
Ryanne Gallagher and Mike Stark. In second was Mike Ingham, who also found
himself as the bridesmaid two weeks ago at the J/24 World Championship. This
was the final event of the Thistle Class’ Southern Circuit, where scores
from this event are combined with the Thistle Midwinters East Championship.
Robby Brown edged out Scott Griffin for the Circuit Championship. -- Orange
Peel Results: http://www.thefloridayachtclub.org/orangePeelRegatta07.php
WILLIAMS ON TOP
Victory in Marseille last weekend is set to make Ian Williams the No 1
ranked match racer in the world, something that previous top level British
racers Eddie Owen, Andy Beadsworth and Chris Law never managed. Williams has
gone about his quest in a characteristically quiet, methodical and effective
manner. Typically, he called the win in France "a good, solid result". Like
Britain's best known racing sailor, Ben Ainslie, Williams is 29, but he
travelled a different route to reach the top in sailing.
Ainslie is grounded in Olympic dinghies but Williams came up through the
British Match Race national championships, fitting his sailing around his
career as a lawyer before deciding to see if he could give professional
match race sailing a go. Williams became No 1 on the World Match Racing Tour
last year and continued his upward trajectory. He expects to overtake
France's Sebastian Col for the No 1 slot in the May release of the
International Sailing Federation rankings. "You have to admire his tenacity
and how he's worked it out," observed Australian Peter Gilmour, still the
man to beat after four decades of match racing. "He just knuckled down to it
and used his legal mind to get results." -- by Tim Jeffery, Telegraph, full
story: http://tinyurl.com/ys3dmy
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TECHNICAL ALLIANCE
Dee Caffari and Mike Golding, two British entries in the 2008 Vendée Globe,
have announced they are forming a technical alliance to share key technical
data on the development of their new Open 60 yachts. The Vendée Globe has,
to date, been dominated by the French, who have won every single one of the
five editions. This alliance will boost British hopes in this single-handed,
non-stop round the world race.
Caffari, the new recruit to the Open 60 class, is aiming to become the first
woman to sail around the world in both directions in the Aviva Ocean Racing
campaign (Golding was the first man to accomplish the task). Caffari will
face a steep learning curve as she steps up to the challenging world of Open
60 racing. This technical alliance will facilitate her campaign to catch up
with the latest technology and boat building techniques.
Mike Golding is Britain’s most successful solo sailor and has extensive
experience in the Open 60 Class. Up until now his technical data has been a
very closely guarded secret, however his latest attempt to win the Vendée
Globe will see him sharing his knowledge with a fellow British campaign. A
structured two-boat testing period built into the alliance will be an
important element that will ensure that both boats are as fast as
possible. -- Full report: http://www.mikegolding.com/?pg=news
Curmudgeon’s Comment: For those unfamiliar with the Vendée Globe race, it is
an around the world, single-handed, non-stop, without assistance affair. On
November 9th 2008, the fleet of Open 60 monohulls will head towards the
three great capes, marking the southern tips of the African continent,
Australia and America. The Vendée Globe will start, for the 6th time, from
the harbour of Les Sables d’Olonne (FRA), where it was born, and return
there for the finish approximately three months later. --
http://www.vendeeglobe.org/uk
SAILING SHORTS
* SailFast, a provider of sailing apparel, has committed to donating 10% of
the profits from all their products to help support the fight against
Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers. Additional information within
their New Product Announcement posting:
http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=4488#4488
* A 29er training camp will be held May 10-13 in Montreal, Quebec for NA
sailors preparing for summer events. Details at
http://www.montrealhighperformancecamp.com
* When the boat shed’s door width is 6.2 meters wide, and the catamaran
needing to get into the shed is 6.6 meters wide, it takes an ingenuous mind
to overcome the challenge. Good photos show how:
http://livesaildie.com/2007/01/cat66m-wide-shed-door62m-wide
DREAM JOB?
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Work steps from the water in beautiful, sunny San Diego, CA. Bookkeeping
background preferred, experience with Great Plains a plus. Great
environment, 401(K), and medical benefits. For more information:
http://www.onedesign.com/jobs
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 Charles E. Iliff, Jr: If it were a poll, I'd vote with Tom Hayhoe
(from Issue 2304). Team racing is a much better spectator sport than any
other branch of sailing, even for those who know enough to enjoy watching
two behemoths go upwind at angle differentials of less than a degree and
speeds within a hundredth of a knot. Picture four boats per team - different
sail colors. The type of boat hardly matters at all. And ask any sailor who
does it. There isn't much more fun to be had.
* From Tom Smith: (regarding Dean Brenner’s comments in #2304 about starting
new US Olympic sailing intitiatives) My suggestion for Dean Brenner is to
take Tim Hogan out for lunch, and talk about the CISA program on the West
Coast, during this Easter break. I believe hands down, and Tim’s gray hair,
that it's a text book for producing a successful youth sailing program.
* From John Paul Wainio: On Saturday at the San Diego NOOD I watched the
29er skiffs sail and WOW! Talk about exciting! 15 year old Judge Ryan from
SDYC won it for the second year in a row. A kid who still sails sabots.
After spending an hour watching these "thrill rides" at 12 knots, I now
understand why our young kids may jump into 29ers. What Fun.
* From Sam Walker: To all the replies about there being a lack of west coast
sailors on the US Elite Youth Development Sailing Team. I personally know
the majority of the people on the team and they are all very deserving of
their nomination. The idea that western sailors do not get funding is hard
to believe as every year I see a huge CISA team with matching hats at Orange
Bowl.
* From Troy Mathews: Some good points were made by Bill Meninger (in Issue
2304). The best young sailors in the US likely are getting neutered for 7-8
years as they compete in High School and College sailing. The lessons
derived from this period teach them how to sail in short courses and in
borrowed boats that require no tuning. Not exactly Olympic lessons. As Bill
said, the Olympics might not be for everybody, but if it is someone’s goal,
they need to buy a boat early that is a logical step toward the Olympic
classes, learn everything there is to it, sail on ocean venues, take care of
it, and get in the best physical condition possible.
* From the Forum: Spring officially starts tonight. So what are you doing to
celebrate the return of sailing season? I am: burning socks tonight, have
plans to meet a friend out for ice cream this afternoon, (and) have plans to
sail this weekend. - Add your plans here:
http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=4513#4513
* From the Forum: How many members in USSA? I see that the US Sailing
Association (USSA) had an uptick in membership the last year. Does anyone
know the exact number of members and what there have been the last few
years? Add your comment here:
http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=4515#4515
CURMUDGEON’S COUNSEL
The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the hell happened to
your bra and panties.
Special thanks to Hall Spars & Rigging, Mount Gay Rum gear, and North Sails
One Design.
Scuttlebutt is also supported by UBS, main partner of Alinghi, the Defender
of the 32nd America's Cup.
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