SCUTTLEBUTT No. 828 - June 4, 2001

Scuttlebutt is a digest of yacht racing news of major significance; commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American emphasis. Corrections, contributions, press releases, constructive criticism and contrasting viewpoints are always welcome, but save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere.

TERRY HARPER
June 1, 2001 (Portsmouth, RI)--US Sailing's Executive Director, Terry Harper, announced today that he will leave his position at the expiration of his contract at the end of October, 2001, and possibly before. During his tenure, the organization's membership has grown from about 26,000 to almost 45,000, and US Sailing has doubled its revenues.

He has overseen the business implementation of many new programs, in race administration, training, offshore services, and others. The training programs alone now train thousands of people every year, from introductory sailing and cruising to certification of coaches.

US Sailing's Junior Olympic program, which provides exciting sailing opportunities for thousands of youth each year, was initially his brainchild. The program will involve more than 5,000 youth this year in 20 events nationwide, and is planned to expand to as many as 50 events within the next 5 years.

"US Sailing has been my life for the past seven years," said Harper. "Those years have been very satisfying and rewarding. I have met wonderful people throughout the country, worked with a talented and devoted staff, and I hope that I have done good things for the sport that I love. But it is time for me to move on, to spend a little more time with my young children, and to experience my next adventure."

"Terry has served as our Executive Director longer than anyone in our history," said President David D. Rosekrans. "

US Sailing will form a search committee to find a replacement. Persons interested in applying should direct inquiries to: Search Committee US SAILING P.O. Box 1260 15 Maritime Drive Portsmouth, RI 02871 - Penny Piva Rego, www.ussailing.org

TEAM PHILLIPS
(The madforsailing website continues to do a good job of reporting on the discovery of pieces of the maxi catamaran Team Philips that are just now starting to turn up. Here are two brief excerpts from a story James Boyd filed on June 1.)

Following the discovery of one of the Team Philips' bow sections yesterday, another substantially larger piece of this catamaran jigsaw puzzle, it has transpired, was discovered more than 800 miles away in southern Iceland last weekend.

It has been five and a half months since Team Philips began to break up and was abandoned, but the most extraordinary fact about the two pieces of wreckage that have turned up is how far apart they are. This indicates that Team Philips possibly broke up terminally reasonably soon after the crew abandoned her and was not charging around the sea like some hot rod Marie Celeste for very long.

It also proves that there are some very strange currents at work in that area of the Atlantic. Team Philips was abandoned to the west of Ireland and considering the general north-easterly set, the wreckage should have ended up either washing ashore on the Hebrides, Norway or going up into the Bering Sea. - James Boyd, madforsailing website.

Full story: www.madforsailing.com

THERE'S A RUN ON OUR NYLONS!
For 15 years, Contender Sailcloth has been the world leader in innovation and development of racing and cruising nylon fabrics. Our 100% Silicone coated 0.75 oz. Dynalite range has been expanded to 0.4 and 0.5 oz. for the growing asymmetric contingent. We have developed the most complete performance coated range on the market with 5 styles ranging from 0.4 to 1.3 oz. Research of the spinnaker market shows Contender is the only cloth supplier with a full line of cruising nylon. Ease of handling, high performance, durability. Run with our nylons. www.contendersailcloth.com

THE BIG GAMBLE
Go east or west? Strategies for crossing the doldrums show unorthodox results. "Historical data suggests the boats to the west should have more wind," Chris Tibbs began, analysing current positions in Leg Six of the BT Global Challenge 2000/01. "However," paused Tibbs, a meteorologist and skipper in the 1996/97 event, "the easterly boats have kept the wind longer than expected already." Admitting he anticipated that breeze would wane between 5 and 10 degrees north latitude, he added, "The weather patterns have been so unusual this last few weeks, it's quite a lottery. The next 200 miles is anybody's guess."

Three weeks out of Cape Town, South Africa and the frontrunners - Logica, Isle of Man and Compaq - have gambled with an eastern course, contrary to traditional wisdom and yacht race history. "The classic scenario is to cross west of 25 degrees west," pointed out Race Headquarters manager John Keating.

Presently, though, it appears the boats to the west are the ones who have wagered, falling nearly 300 miles behind the leaders in recent polls. This morning the top three boats hovered just 50 miles off the coast of Sierra Leone, having consistently sailed to the east of the rest of the fleet. Compaq watched an early lead erode but stayed committed to their strategy - which has paid off, as they spar for second place with Isle of Man. - Betsy Crowfoot, www.btchallenge.com

LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON
leweck@earthlink.net
(Only signed letters will be selected for publication, and they may be edited for clarity or space - 250 words max. This is not a chat room or a bulletin board - you only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot and don't whine if others disagree.)

* From Antony Barran: The whole Oracle versus SAP America's Cup discussion has been very interesting to watch over the past few days. However, I think that it might benefit from a few basic definitions.

In advertising the issue being discussed is referred to as Reach versus Frequency. Reach refers to the number of people coming in contact with the advertising; while Frequency refers to the number of times they see it. Both have their own benefits, and in the world of media planning the goal is to develop a strategy that balances the two to meet a specific client's objectives.

To oversimplify it greatly, SAP is going for reach and Oracle is going for frequency. The real question, from a media planning perspective is at what cost are they doing it? Traditionally, media planning models were focused on a CPM (cost per thousand) measurement. Thus, the issue is who is going to receive a lower overall CPM of impressions, and whose brand will receive the most benefit (brand awareness issues aside).

The great thing about advertising and marketing and something the sailing world might want to consider, is that with obviously different marketing objectives/strategies both brands could both could win regardless of their on the water results. Even companies as similar as Oracle and SAP have very different strategies, goals and objectives. For neither brand is the America's Cup and end-game, but rather a piece of a much larger pie increasing EBIDA (Earnings before Interest, Deductions and Amortization).

* From Rick Hatch (In reply to Jamie Malm's letter regarding the statement about Sportsmanship near the front of the rule book): Competitors should be conscious that, based on my own experience dealing with the subject, the wording of this statement is given broad interpretation when judges are faced with protests involving application of Fundamental Rule 2 and in Rule 69 hearings.

Sportsmanship is a matter that should never be overlooked, not just sailing but in any worthy sport (I exclude WWF). Where's the lasting satisfaction in success without having earned the achievement as well as the respect of your fellow competitors and crew?

Regarding team racing, I strongly agree with Jamie's observations. It's the best racing format out there.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Quantum Sail Design Group announced the opening of a "super loft" for the design and manufacture of Quantum sails. Managing partners Norman Davant (Quantum Pacific) and Larry Leonard (Quantum Atlantic) are combining their manufacturing operations under one roof. The new loft will operate from expanded facilities in Annapolis, and provide production for both east and west coasts, as well as special projects throughout the world. Tony Arends, lead designer at Quantum Pacific and other key members of the west coast design team will be moving to Annapolis joining with Quantum Atlantic designers.

"With the tremendous growth we've experienced since bringing Quantum Pacific into the Group four years ago, and the realities of a difficult manufacturing climate in the San Francisco area, it makes sense to get design and manufacturing under one roof," explained Norman Davant, "This will give our staff in the field on both coasts the opportunity to concentrate strictly on providing support to our clients.

The new Quantum Manufacturing Center will augment existing regional production facilities in Houston, TX, Traverse City, MI, and Toronto, CN, and local facilities in Bristol, RI, San Diego, CA, and Delafield, WI. The Quantum Group currently has five additional manufacturing sites located in Europe, Africa, Japan and two each in South America and Australia.

Quantum Sail Design Group was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Annapolis, MD. Quantum sails are available through 47 lofts located throughout the U.S. Canada, Europe, Japan, South America and Australia.

QUOTE / UNQUOTE
"The elevator to success is out of order today. You're going to have to take the stairway, one step at a time." - Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

SWEDISH MATCH TOUR
Prada Challenge's Rod Davis and Jochen Schumann of Ernesto Bertarelli's Swiss Challenge are tied with their opponents at one win in each of their semifinals at the Swedish Match Tour's Match Race Lake Constance presented by Volvo.

After advancing through Round Robin and Quarterfinal action undefeated, Davis dropped his first match of the regatta to Markus Wiesser of Germany in his semifinal but quickly avenged the loss by dispatching his German opponent in the second match. Schumman likewise put himself behind by losing the first match to Phillippe Presti of France in the first-to-three-wins semifinals.

Earlier in the day all the semifinalists completed their quarterfinal round victories, which had begun on Saturday afternoon, by sweeping past their opponents two wins to zero losses. In the resulting sail-off action for places five through eight Karol Jablonski of Poland registered three wins to claim fifth place. After dropping his first match to Jablonski, Chris Dickson of Oracle Racing dispatched of Danes Jesper Radich and Jes Gram-Hansen in succession to finish in sixth. Gram-Hansen defeated his countryman to finish seventh.

The 18-20 knot winds brought intermittent rain throughout the day, heavy at times. The hearty Rhinelanders refused to let the conditions get in the way of watching these world-class match racers however, as the day's crowd steadily grew in excess of 12,000 spectators. - Shawn McBride, www.swedishmatchgp.com.

CURMUDGEON'S COMMENT: 12,000 spectators! Who said sailing was not a spectator sport?

JOIN THE NORTH SAILS TEAM IN SUNNY SAN DIEGO!
Several Sailmaking positions are available immediately at North Sails San Diego on Shelter Island. These jobs require background in the construction and production of cruising and racing sails as well as sewing experience. Good customer and people skills are preferred for Service Assistant position. Physical floor time will also be required. Benefits include Health and Dental insurance as well as a 401K-retirement plan. For all the details, E-mail (mary@office.northsails.com) or call Mary Lacour (619-224-2424 ext 300). Resumes can be faxed to 619-224-7018

DETROIT NOOD
Detroit (Mich.) June 3, 2001 - The heavy downpours and gray skies that rolled over Lake St. Clair during the Sailing World Detroit NOOD (National Offshore One-Design) Regatta did little to shatter the enthusiasm of some 1,200 sailors competing in this first major sailing regatta of the season. The Detroit NOOD--presented by Farmers Insurance Group, June 1-3, at host Bayview Yacht Club--drew a field of 234 boats from the United States and Canada. Racers competed in 23 classes, in breeze that ranged 11 to 20 knots throughout the series.

On the opening day of racing on Friday, June 1, Bill Wildner (Harrison Twp, Mich.) and his crew on J/35 Mr. Bill's Wild Ride was crowned the Lewmar Boat of the Day; this award is given by support sponsor Lewmar to the boat with the strongest (low-point) record on the opening day of the regatta. Wildner continued his winning streak throughout the weekend to capture the Level 35 class with a perfect string of six first-place finishes. - Peter d'Anjou, www.sailingworld.com

CLASS WINNERS: C&C 35 (8 boats): Brian Geraghty, SIOCHAIL; Cal 25 (22 boats): Andy & Tyson Connolly, BLEW BY YOU; Crescent (9 boats): Stephen Hume, MANON: Etchells (9 boats): Marvin Beckmann, THB; Express 27 (10 boats): Sarah Deeds LORAX: Grand Prix A (9 boats): John and Fritz Odenbach, Rampage (Concordia 47); Grand Prix B (8 boats): H. Burton Jones, BURDEN IV (Express 37); Hobie 33 (7 boats): Clif Vaughan & Tom Andrews, HOLY TOLEDO!; J 105 (18 boats): William Cox, Creative LTC, J 120 (9 boats): Robert Kirkman, HOT TICKET; J 24 (9 boats): Josh Kerst, INSTANT KARMA; Level 114 (7 boats): 1) Tom Kleinhardt, MI, FORTE (Catalina 38); Level 141 (7 boats): Nat Towle, FREEDOM (C&C 34); Level 35 (14 boats): Bill Wildner, Mr. Bill's Wild Ride (J/35), Melges 24 (9 boats): Bob Clark, FLASH; Mumm 30 (7 boats): David Irish, SURPRISE; NA 40 (8 boats): Bill Alcott / Peter Griffin, KEMOSABE; 2 7.9 (8 boats): Gary Shoemaker/Bill Jenkins, CRIME SCENE; Level 126 (9 boats): Andrew Unger, AHAU (Santana 35; Shark (7 boats): Tom Rindlisbacher, Tecumseh, DENTUSO; Tartan Ten (20 boats): Heidi Backus Riddle, Nuts; Ultimate 20 (11 boats): Adam Hollerbach, PLASTICS; Warhorse (9 boats): John Thomas, PENDRAGON (Contessa 43)

ICSA/RONSTAN NA TEAM RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
CAMBRIDGE, MASS. (June 3, 2001) - Day one of the 2001 Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association/Ronstan North American Team Racing Championship ended with three teams tied for first place. Georgetown University, Harvard University and Dartmouth College all have a six wins and one loss record.

The three-day event is being co-hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University on the Charles River in Cambridge, MA. Winds today were light and shifty while the competitors sailed Johnson Flying Juniors and Parker Larks. In the team racing discipline, two teams each sail three boats at one time. The team with the better combined score at the finish is declared the winner. One complete round robin will be sailed, and then the fleet will be split into a six-team championship division and a six-team consolation division to attempt two mini-rounds. Forty of 66 races in the complete round robin have been sailed. - Derek Webster,

STANDINGS: Georgetown 6-1; Harvard 6-1; Dartmouth 6-1; Charleston 4-2; UCSB 4-3 U Hawai'i 4-2; ODU 3-3; U Texas 2-4; U Washington 2-3; U Michigan 2-6; Ec;kerd 1-6; U Minnesota 0-8. www.collegesailing.org

BOAT/US SANTA MARIA CUP
ISAF Grade 1 Match Race, Final Results: 1st place - Cory Sertl ; 2nd place - Betsy Alison ; 3rd place - Dawn Riley ; 4th place - Paula Lewin ; 5th place - Marie Klok ; 6th place - Liz Baylis ; 7th place - Sandy Grosvenor ; 8th place - Anne Marie Shewfelt ; 9th place - Ann-Marie de Ridder ; 10th place - Giulia Conti ; 11th place - Jane Moon ; 12th place - Catherine Ranke. - www.santamariacup.org

CAL RACE WEEK
CALIFORNIA YC - 109 boats sailed in 7-10 knots of winds in the second annual Cal Race week. The 16-boat Farr 40 class was by far the most competitive with only three points separating the top five boats. 1. Pegasus Philippe Kahn, 30; 2. Crocodile Rock, Alexandra Geremia/ Scott Harris, 32, 3. Quintessence, Don Hughes, 32, 4. Revolution, Brack Duker 33, 5. Shadow, Peter Stoneberg, 33.

OTHER CLASS WINNERS: Schock 35: Whistler, Pete Johnston/ Claudia Wainer, J/105: No Compromise; Byrne/Merrell; Santana 30/ 30: Tom Payne, Star: Doug Smith; Martin 242: Old Yeller, Lee Lewis; J/24: Ryan Cox; Santana 20: Mini-Me, Bruce Golison; PHRF 1: Wasabi (ILC46) Dale Williams; PHRF 2: Schockazulu (Schock 40) Tom Schock; PHRF 3: Wildcat (Cheetah 30) John Staff, PHRF 4: Chimera (Baltic 38) Tom O'Conor/ M. Hoenemeyer. www.calyachtclub.com

US YOUTH MULTIHULL CHAMPIONSHIP
Spray Beach Yacht Club - Beach Haven, NJ, Final Results: 1) Anders Straume /Hunter Stunzi; 2) Thomas Tullo, /Daniel Leone, 3) Trevor Capps, /Thomas Sukolski. www.ussailing.org

NEWPORT GOLD REGATTA
Newport, RI - After hours of waiting, today's one-race finale to the Newport Gold Regatta - the 22-mile 'Round the Island Race - was abandoned due to pea-soup fog and no wind. So, the cumulative results from yesterday became final for the event, with the all but three class wins decided in yesterday's single gear-buster race. The Farr 40, 1D35, and Mumm 30 classes enjoyed a day of fantastic sailing in Friday, so their final results include four races scored. - Dobbs Davis

Class winners include: Farr 40: Jim Richardson; ID35: Owen Kratz; Mumm 30: Phil Garland; PHRF A: Idler (Nelson/Marek 49), George David; PHRF B: Wairere (Thompson 30), Chris Bouzaid; PHRF C: Odraccas (Frers 36), Chuck Saccardo; PHFR D: Little Star (Catalina 27), Joe Lamora; J/105: Polar Star, Jeff Johnstone. - www.newportgold.com

THE CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION
If you can smile when things go wrong, you must have someone in mind to blame.