SCUTTLEBUTT #483 - January 17, 2000
FINAL REPORT - LVC SEMIFINALS
AmericaOne was clearly the class of the fleet in the Semi-Finals of the
Louis Vuitton Cup. While skipper Paul Cayard claims to be uncomfortable
wearing the crown of favourite, his performance over the ten races
certainly won't allow him to claim underdog status. Cayard has called the
Semi-Finals the "most dangerous time" of the regatta for a strong
challenge. And early, he looked like he might succumb when AmericaOne lost
its race to America True after a headfoil problem in Race Two. But after
that, in its new USA-61, AmericaOne was all but untouchable. Cayard reeled
off seven consecutive wins, and eight in ten races, to become the first
Challenger to lock up a berth in the Finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup.
AmericaOne displayed a level of ability, consistency and confidence that we
hadn't seen from the San Francisco syndicate yet. Their performance in the
Semi-Finals served notice that this is a syndicate to be reckoned with.
Similarly, Luna Rossa continued its strong performance. The Italians
recovered from a broken mast in Race Three in style, they were on the water
with a new rig within two hours of returning to the dock, and went on to
post seven wins from ten matches. But Prada was not invincible in the
Semi-Finals. But the Italians proved their mettle under pressure by
responding, and meeting challenges as they arose, and they too are worthy
as Finalists in the Louis Vuitton Cup. Anyone who witnessed the emotions,
the energy, and the intensity, of the battle between Luna Rossa and
AmericaOne in Race Eight can't wait to see more of the same in the Finals.
Team Dennis Conner came as close to the Finals as any syndicate could. With
but one boat, and a tight budget restricting the programme, Stars & Stripes
nearly forced a sail-off with the high flying Luna Rossa for a place in the
Finals. Team Dennis Conner also played a role in the intrigue of the
Semi-Finals - the syndicate was stripped of one point after the
International Jury determined it had sailed with an illegal rudder in Race
One. On the water, Dennis Conner's boat was very impressive. Ken Read and
his crew jumped out to wins in their first three races, and were the only
team to beat both AmericaOne and Luna Rossa in the Semi-Finals. But Team
Dennis Conner was vulnerable in light air and in those conditions, it
couldn't win when it needed to most. On the final day, Stars & Stripes was
on the wrong side of a wind shift and lost to America True to finish one
point behind Luna Rossa.
The Nippon Challenge finished fourth in the Semi-Finals of the Louis
Vuitton Cup and did not earn a win against one of the top three teams.
Asura never showed the form relative to the competition that Idaten did in
winning eight of ten races in Round Robin Three and the Japanese never
appeared to be a serious threat. It's the third consecutive fourth place
showing in the Louis Vuitton Cup for the Nippon Challenge, but syndicate
head Tatsumitsu Yamasaki has already pledged to be back.
The Semi-Finals were a disappointment for America True. The one boat
challenge looked very strong through the Round Robins, winning big races
against both AmericaOne and Team Dennis Conner along the way. But in the
Semi-Finals, America True was left behind after making boat modifications
that didn't prove progressive. Dawn Riley's syndicate only won two races.
The first when AmericaOne was damaged midway through a race and couldn't
sail with a jib on the final upwind leg. The second win came on the last
day, and the victory had big implications. By beating Stars & Stripes,
America True eliminated Team Dennis Conner from the Louis Vuitton Cup.
America True might be remembered as giant killers - its decision not to
sail a final match in Round Robin Three eliminated Young America from the
competition.
The French Le Defi team earned everybody's attention with blazing speed on
the downwind legs and in light air conditions. But the glory days for
Bertrand Pace were in Round Robin Three when he won seven of nine races to
qualify for the Semi-Finals. Once there, the French only earned two
victories, both against America True. This record doesn't reflect the
respect Le Defi earned. Many of the losses were close races, and none of
the skippers enjoyed looking over their shoulders to see the bright orange
boat charging up on the final run.
As the dust settles, two strong Challengers remain. The whole point of the
Louis Vuitton Cup is not just to select a Challenger for the America's Cup,
but to build a strong Challenger, battle-hardened and worthy of the task
ahead - to dethrone the Defender and take the America's Cup to a new venue.
Either AmericaOne or the Prada Challenge will emerge from the Finals. Only
time will tell if the Louis Vuitton Cup winner will be strong enough to
claim the ultimate prize. -- Peter Rusch, Louis Vuitton Cup website.
Full story: http://www.louisvuittoncup.com/
PARTY TIME
The Team Dennis Conner and Prada compounds mark the extreme ends of
Syndicate Row, and tonight they also marked diverse poles of emotion. At
the western end of the street, nearest the sunset, were the harsh emotions
of severance and loss as Stars & Stripes returned from the racecourse for
the last time, eliminated from the Louis Vuitton Cup. There were brave
faces but damp eyes, sad handshakes and reflective smiles.
At the far end of the Viaduct, Prada celebrated their qualification for the
Louis Vuitton Cup final with no pretence of restraint. Over the Italian
compound the sun still shone and there was a warm strength of emotion, a
sense of vindication and content.
Between the two -- or rather, just across the fence from Team Dennis Conner
-- there was America True. This base, too, was in a party mood. Stars &
Stripes, in its hour of disappointment, had to cope with neighbours ready
to celebrate. America True's win over Stars & Stripes today in the last
match of the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals saved it from last place on the
semifinal ladder and lifted Prada into the challenger final at Team Dennis
Conner's expense.
First back from the racecourse today were the supporters of America True.
As they were saluted along Syndicate Row, they returned with enthusiasm the
cheers which rang from many of the other bases -- most loudly from Prada.
Then came Stars & Stripes with Dennis Conner at one steering station. There
were cheers for this team also and the crew acknowledged them bravely.
Conner doffed his cap and smiled. And as they drew abreast America True,
they too gave the San Franciscans their applause and it was returned.
And as the navy blue yacht settled for the last time against its dock
beneath the Stars & Stripes compound, the base speakers blared "Everything
Little Thing She Does Is Magic" -- a song which seemed more appropriate
today as a paean to America True's Dawn Riley.
Last came America True itself, slowly up the Viaduct Basin, saluted royally
in all of its slow progress, impatiently awaited at its own base. There the
speakers played "I Get Knocked Down but I Get Up Again, You're Never Gonna
Keep Me Down" -- an anthem for all who strive, are shaken in their purpose,
but resolve to try again.
America True drew in beneath its travelift to a hail of water bombs which
the crew, many of whom had already surrendered T-shirts to the crowds along
the promenade, avoided as best they could.
And there were more cheers. Among the crowd at America True's compound were
crew members of Stars & Stripes, who clambered from their own compound to
the base next door and warmly joined in the applause.
The America True crew stepped from the boat and into a party. The champagne
had already been broached and the band had struck up. The party that had
been planned days ahead to mark the end of the True campaign -- win or lose
-- sparkled, because this was the best possible way for things to end.
Suddenly there was a rattle at the gate and a truck entered. On it a
mountainous stack of beer stood wrapped in a red ribbon, accompanied by a
delirious entourage from Prada. This was their gift to America True, their
acknowledgement of the part the San Franciscans had played in Prada's
qualification for the final.
The sun lowered over Auckland's western suburbs and cast long shadows down
syndicate row. The many supporters who had welcomed home Stars & Stripes
melted slowly away and there began a period of reflection, which Dennis
Conner himself gave focus when he said: "In spite of everything I can't
feel sorry for myself ... I'm sad, of course, but not sorry. "I have to
paraphrase one of the best lines of my friend Tom Whidden. He said it seems
too early for us to leave."
And the last rays of sunlight fell on America True as it marked a campaign
brought to an end on a high note; a day to be celebrated. And at Prada, as
darkness fell, the best of the celebration began and there was no more
looking forward than looking back. -- Steve McMorran, Quokka Sports
Full story: http://www.americascup.org/
PRAMS TO PROAS, MAXI'S TO MINI'S
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offshore, Ullman Sails have proven time and again they can accelerate you
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silver. So, if you want to ad some to your shelf, do yourself a favor and
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MTN CAPE TO RIO RACE
Zephyrus IV is hanging on to their lead over fellow countrymen, Sagamore.
According to the latest position report, Sagamore was 46 nautical miles
behind the leader as the yachts make their way to Ilha de Trindade.
Portugal-Brasil 500 made the best time once again by covering 257 nautical
miles, but it is still not good enough to make up for the 400 nm they are
behind the two leaders to lay claim to line honours.
Mark Rudiger, navigator on board Zephyrus IV said they are still moving
very fast and that they will have to complete an average of 8.5 knots in
order to set a new record. He insists that the record is still well within
their reach. "We covered the distance in the Transpac route (Los Angeles to
Hawaii) in seven days and a few hours. That is quicker than the record in
the Transpac, and an indication of how fast we are going at the moment,"
Rudiger said.
On average, Zephyrus IV sailed 13.4 knots until the weekend. They have
slowed down over the last few days and are now less than 500 nautical miles
from Ilha de Trindade. "We are currently sailing downwind in wind of
between 10 and 11 knots and still manage to average 10 knots," Rudiger
said. He added that Sagamore is now firmly in second position and they have
to wait and see which yacht will do better in the lighter conditions.
Zephyrus IV's lead has been between 60 and 100 nautical miles throughout
most of the race. Rudiger said the high-pressure system south of them was
looking stabile at the moment. They are experiencing more tropical
rainstorms and sailing in warmer water. "The trick is to see how you sail
through or around the rainstorms. The sails are changed often and there is
hard work ahead to try and hang on to the lead." -- Eben Human, Die Burger
Full story: http://www.capetorio.com
WINNING ELEMENTS
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LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON (leweck@earthlink.net)
Letters selected to be printed are routinely edited for clarity, space (250
words max) or to exclude personal attacks. But only one letter per subject,
so give it your best shot and don't whine if people disagree.
-- From Morgan Larson -- In response to Peter Wells remarks on Adam Beashel
and Teague Cizslowski, Australia's #1 49er team stripped from their Olympic
Bid. The Australian Yachting Federation has shamed themselves by not
selecting the winner of their trials. Chris Nicholson and Dan Phillips are
great sailors who have competed at the forefront of the 49er Olympic Class
for the last three years, but over the last year Adam and Teague have
invested everything (time, money and dedication) to winning the selection
series. They won two of the three events and proved they are on a path to
win Australia a medal, but just prior to the new year they found out the
for reason's unpublished the AYF has stripped them of their win and
selected another team.
I for one know what it is like to lose an Olympic spot but for me I lost
this spot on the water. Kevin Hall and myself had the best International
results of any other American Team but we lost our selection regatta and
the team that beat us earned the right to compete for Gold at the Games. I
sure hope for Adam and Teague, Australian sailing and Sport in general that
the Australian Yachting Federation takes a hard look into their decision
and make the right change.
-- From Keri Shining -- Ditto Raymond Wulff's comments about Peter
Montgomery. Like Jim McKay at the Olympics or Howard Cosell at a prize
fight, Montgomery not only describes the event to perfection, he exudes the
very spirit of the event. Montgomery could probably make a traffic jam
sound thrilling!
-- From Mark Michaelsen -- In a day when MOVIE budgets often exceed 50
million dollars (PRADA's reported budget) and take a full 7-10 months to
get completed to supply a run time of 115-140 minutes, I'd say we have a
bargain in the entertainment value of the CUP competitions. Don't try to
tell me the budgets are ridiculous. Investigate what the top Indy car
groups are spending for a two car campaign and I think you will find it
equals or may exceed the most expensive CUP syndicates budgets.
When there are more than 3 commas involved in a team budget figure there is
a lot at stake. This is NOT about "helping" a fellow statesman advance or
being "patriotic". Once you have locked in your spot in the finals (America
1) it's about analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of potential
competitors who may stand in your way from attaining the short term goal
(winning the LV CUP) and doing everything in your power to assist the
weakest team in advancing as this provides you a better chance of going on
the meet the KIWIS for the America's Cup.
Hats off to the CUP competitors and the coverage...for the first time in
years non sailors have commented to me on more than one occasion: "The CUP
racing is wild and fun to watch, can I go sailing with you guys sometime?"
Good on ya ESPN...
-- Frank Whitton -- My sincere congratulations to Team Dennis Connor and
all the people associated with it. They provided a wonderful and colorful
show with limited assets within a limited time frame. In my opinion, they
have demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt that the strongest ingredient
in an America's Cup winning campaign are the PEOPLE. They took on opponents
that spent much, much more time and money and damn near made it an all
California Louis Vuitton Cup final. As I avidly stay glued to my television
I also cannot help but feel a great sense of pride for my fellow California
sailors. Their impact is deeply ingrained in all aspects of this event as
well as having key players in just about all of the syndicates.
-- From Peter Huston -- Elvstrom probably said it best - if in the process
of winning, you lose the respect of your competitors, what have you really
won?
How on earth can anyone have one shred of respect for Prada? To accuse
Team Dennis Conner of cheating in the area of sail design, and to then not
allow them the opportunity to have a fair hearing is perhaps the low point
of personal behavior in the history of the sport. It would be similar to
asking the Prada fashion photographers if they have stopped supplying
heroin to their models so they can get the full, realistic effect of the
"heroin chic" look for their advertising.
But maybe there will be justice after all. By accusing TDC of cheating in
the area of sail design, in essence they have also accused North Sails of
the same thing.
Perhaps Tom Whidden will cut off Prada's source of power plant supply. No
more 3DL = No America's Cup win.
-- From Bruce H. Munro Commodore, St. Francis Yacht Club -- On the
controversy over whether AmericaOne took a dive in the race against Stars
and Stripes, let me give you a little inside perspective. There was
considerable thought and discussion over the decision the night before the
race. Only two options were considered - fail to show up or go out and
race to win. I personally favored the fail to show up choice because we
are in this thing to win and we gained nothing by participating in a race
that had no upside advantage to us yet put our assets at risk. The right
thing to do from a self interest standpoint was to stay home and let Team
DC sail by themselves
For the reasons stated by Paul in his message to the other teams, the
decision was made to go out and race and race hard to win. It is the high
road, it is the better decision for the sport and it is the better decision
for the event. I congratulate our team for going this route.
There was never any consideration of a scenario where the team would go out
and pretend to race with the outcome a foregone conclusion. Anyone who has
known Paul Cayard as long as I have knows that such a concept is completely
foreign to anything he has ever done in his competitive sailing career.
Paul only knows how to sail one way - to win. He is an intense competitor
and throwing a race would be inconceivable to him. It is for this and many
other reasons that we are proud to have him as the skipper of our America's
Cup team. The same goes, in spades, for John Kostecki.
-- From Paul Heyrman -- Having just spent 3 weeks in NZ the kiwis are
definitely rooting for Prada to be the challenger. The betting odds are
currently A1: 1.35 -1 Prada: 2.85 The NZ betting agency website is:
http://www.tab.co.nz/odds/tab_yachting.html
SUBARU 2000 TORNADO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Germany's Roland Gaebler and Rene Schwall have taken out the Subaru 2000
Tornado World Championships, putting them in a select band of sailors to
have collected three world titles.
Gaebler and Schwall won the only race sailed today to finish the
championships with 46 points, just one point ahead of Austrians Roman
Hagara and Hans Peter Steinacher. Jean Christophe and Philippe Mourniac
took the championship bronze medal, finishing on 55 points.
Others: 14. USA802, Team Hall Spars, Lars Guck / P J Schaffer (115 points)
16. USA808 John Lovell /Charlie Ogletree (119) 19. USA811, Mike Ingham
/Erik (141) 24. NZL84, Chris Dickson / Jeremy Stephenson (181) 25. USA804,
Robbie Daniel /Mark Johnson (202).
Event site: http://www.acay.com.au/~gonzo/subaru_2000_worlds.html
THE NZ ALL BLACKS OR ALL WHITES?
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ETCHELLS WORLDS
Today, 17 January 2000 Australian National Champion Jan Scholten from
Pittwatter fleet with Simon Grosser and Mike Hughes won the opener.
Australia's Cameron Miles with crew of James Mayo and Andrew Palfrey second
and Phil Dash, Adrian Dolan & Leigh Roulston third, all from the Sydney fleet.
The winds were 9 - 15 knots from the SSE - SE all day until two thirds down
the second run the breeze shifted 40 degrees to the east. With seas of 2 -
4 feet the race committee headed elected not to shift the finish line and
boats fetched the finish on port tack. The course was 12.4 NM and five
legs with 68 starters. Top fishers from their countries not yet mentioned
were: United States - Gary Weisman 4th, Great Britain - Robert Howison 7th,
New Zealand - Grant Turnbull 24th, Bermuda - Tim Patton 25th, and Hong Kong
- John Elsden 65th. Similar winds are expected for tomorrow's Race Two. --
Mike Hein, BUCEPHALUS Sailing Team
VOLVO OCEAN RACE
Veteran Australian ocean racing yachtsman Jim Close has taken new
directions in his bid to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race 2001-2002 by
establishing a new challenge syndicate called Sail Extreme. The move
follows his resignation from Team Oceanic in December last year.
"There has been no real dramatic change to my plans because the key people
who originally supported me at Oceanic, have come across to Sail Extreme",
Close said. "They include top international yachtsmen Andrew Cape, one of
the world's best navigators, Roger Badham, a world-renowned meteorologist
and Colin Beashel and David Giles, Olympic medallists in the Star Class,
who will be the coaching team. Final crew selection will be made in March
2001 and we will ship the yachts to Southampton in June for pre-race
testing and fine-tuning", he said.
A veteran of three Whitbread Round the World races and two America's Cup
campaigns, Close said Sail Extreme will commission world-renowned naval
architects, Bruce Farr and Associates, to design two V.O.60 yachts for the
syndicate. "Building will commence in May and be completed in December,
when we plan to enter both boats in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race", Close
said.
Close said Sail Extreme has plenty to offer investors, not only because of
the level of media coverage and overall marketing and corporate identity
opportunities associated with the race, but also because of the cash
streams that will be returned to the investors. "For our investors, the
exposure will be even bigger as we are commissioning the production of a
large-screen feature film that will document and analyse the Sail Extreme
adventure. The film will reflect the true excitement of ocean racing that
would be experienced by the crew", he said.
In addition to two yachts, Sail Extreme, will go into the race with a
high-speed support vessel that will be used as a trade show and hospitality
venue for investors, a viewing platform for the start of race legs, and as
a film production base. He said he also plans to introduce a sailing
education program for school children in each major city of the race. He
has designed a three-metre dinghy that is affordable to low to middle
income families.
"I've always wanted to put something back into sailing because it's done a
lot for me, and it was actually during the last Whitbread that I thought of
designing an affordable dinghy for kids to get into sailing". "We'll be
organising school regattas in each of the major cities and providing a
dinghy as a prize to the winning school. It will also be a good
opportunity for our investors to tie corporate events in with the
regattas". -- Lizzie Green
Event website: http://www.VolvoOceanRace.org
THE CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATIONS
Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good
fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.
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