SCUTTLEBUTT No. 762 - February 28, 2001
Scuttlebutt is a digest of yacht racing news,
commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American
emphasis. Corrections, contributions, press releases and contrasting
viewpoints are always welcome.
I'M BACK
The curmudgeon has (finally) returned from the Del Rey YC's 1125-mile race
to Puerto Vallarta on the Mexican mainland. I navigated Johan Lodenius'
shinny new (magnificently equipped and prepared) J/46, Linnray.
The first half of the race was miserably light. At roll call on the second
day - 19 hours after our start - we'd made only 59 painful miles down the
track. The next two days were a bit better, but certainly not great. In
fact, there was some ugly talk on our boat about food rationing.
By the time we got by Cedros Island, the wind picked up to more normal
conditions with a fair amount of the breeze in the 12-20 knot range while
running down the Baja Peninsula. And some of us also had some fun spinnaker
reaching across the Sea of Cortez -with the wind blowing 20-25 knots.
Happily, Linnray managed to avoid many of the light air (and no air) holes
that plagued others. We corrected out to first in Class C with Phil
Friedman's Farr 39ML Black Knight taking second. Other trophy winners
included, Class AA: 1) John MacLaurin's Davidson 52, Pendragon 4; 2)
Philippe Kahn's Andrews' 70 turbo sled, Pegasus; Class A: 1) Etranger,
Howard Gordon's water-ballasted Jutson/Sayer Open 50; 2) M-Project, Manouch
Moshayedi's Sprint 50; 3) Roger Sturgeon's Santa Cruz 52, Rosebud; Class B:
Kirk Wilson's Santa Cruz 50, Bay Wolf; and Class D: Wind Dancer, P.K.
Edwards' Catalina 42.
Complete results: http://www.dryc.org/
HALL OF FAME
Harry "Buddy" Melges of Fontana, MN, has been named to the America's Cup
Hall of Fame and will be honored at a ceremony Tuesday at the New York
Yacht Club. Melges competed in the America's Cup in 1986 as the helmsman of
the Heart of America, and again in 1992 as the helmsman of the winning
America entry, when the competition was held off the coast of San Diego.
Melges will travel to England later this year for the official hall of fame
induction ceremonies on the Isle of Wight, the site of the first America's
Cup competition in 1851.
Also being inducted into the ninth hall of fame class are two posthumous
members: the Earl of Wilcox, commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron
(British) in 1851; and Henry Morgan, commodore of the US yacht in the 1851
competition.
The 71-year-old Melges, who remains active in sailing and ice boating, is
also a two-time Olympic medallist. He won the bronze medal in the Flying
Dutchman competition in the 1964 Summer Games in Japan and the gold in
Soling in the 1972 Games in Germany. - SailNet website, http://www.sailnet.com/
SIMILARITY
There are few similarities between Naples Sabot mainsail and the #3 genoa
for a ULDB 70. But there will be one dramatic similarity if both of those
sails have an Ullman Sails tack patch - they will both be fast. The same
applies to a 470 jib, a J/120 A-sail, the main for a 5o5 or a Schock 35
kite. Right now is the very best time to find out how affordable improved
performance can be: http://www.ullmansails.com
AC CHALLENGERS
On the first day of March 2001 the first deadline for syndicates wishing to
challenge the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for the America's Cup
expires. To be a challenger a yacht club has to send a bank draft or letter
of credit to the New Zealanders for US$150k along with a certain number of
other administrative details. This money is non-returnable should the
challenge not materialise later on.
So far eight challenges have been received by the Royal New Zealand Yacht
Squadron - they are from The New York Yacht Club, on behalf of Team Dennis
Conner, Dusseldorf Yacht Club, on behalf of the Illbruck Challenge, Yacht
Club Punta Ala, on behalf of the Prada Challenge, UNCL, on behalf of the
French Defi, Royal Ocean Racing Club, on behalf of GBR Challenge and the
Societe Nautique de Geneve, on behalf of the Swiss Challenge. A second
Italian challenge and OneWorld have also challenged and been accepted, more
details of these last two syndicates' yacht clubs are still to come.
One of the most active syndicates that still has to formalise its
arrangements is Oracle Racing from the United States. This syndicate is
working on finalising contarctual arrangements with its yacht club and
should make an announcement this week.
Another syndicate that has made all the right noises initially but had gone
quite recently is the Swedish Challenge. If these last two fail to have
their challenges accepted by the 1st March deadline they have a further 12
months to pay the money and be accepted. The entry fee however will double
to US$300k. - Louis Vuitton website
Full story:
http://www.louisvuittoncup.com/lvcup.sps?section=home&subsection=home&page=default.sps
LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON (leweck@earthlink.net)
(Letters selected to be printed may be edited for clarity, space (250 words
max) or to exclude unfounded speculation or personal attacks. This is not a
bulletin board or a chat room - you only get one letter per subject, so
give it your best shot and don't whine if others disagree. We don't publish
anonymous letters, but will withhold your e-mail address on request.)
* From Malcolm McKeag <100527.3303@compuserve.com> (Edited to our
250-word limit) Peter Bentley's editorial on weight praises the Star's
'weight at any time rule' and derrogates offshore racing's 'weight-at--the
beginning' rule. The difficulty with the 'weight-at-any-time' rule in
offshore racing is that at typical offshore crew is ten in number, while
your Star takes two and your Yngling, presumably, three. It is much easier
for two people to keep under an aggregate weight limit over, say, ten days
than for ten. Given, in particular, that the weight of the individual is
such a smaller proportion of the weight of the boat (or boat-and-crew) in
offshore classes.
Peter speaks of the 'The risks of dehydration and other medical
complications ' being eliminated by the weigh at any time rule: I should
have thought precisely the reverse to be the case. With the threat of a
weight-check hanging over them throughout a regatta, surely there is more,
not less, likelihood of a crew avoiding proper nourishment and
re-hydration, so as not to risk putting on an illegal few grams, through
the regatta?
The Star class is undeniably one of the best-managed in the sport. The
offshore classes - or maybe I just mean the offshore handicap class -
probably one of the worst, given what has happened to what used to be
International Offshore Handicap racing in the past decade. Even so, I find
myself yet again writing to Scuttlebutt to say: 'It isn't broke - so why
are we trying to fix it?'
* From Marilyn Mower <SBIMMM@aol.com> (edited to our 250-word limit) Amen
to David McCreary's rant about how hard it is for the media to get GOOD
regatta information. However, journalism, like public relations, is a
profession. Just because people can read doesn't mean they can write. The
easy solution is for the yacht club or sailing association is to rent a
real sailing writer for the event to handle media relations. This insures
better coverage for sponsors and racers, happier media, and a more
successful event committee.
Make the pitch to the watersports writer for the local newspaper or any
freelance journalist you know about two months in advance to negotiate a
contract and let the journalist make sure he or she has no conflict of
interest problems with her regular employer. Offer a flat fee based on the
number of days the event will take, free access to every event, i.e., meals
and drink tickets, a good chase boat or two and possibly help with lodging
if the freelancer is from out of town. Discuss the media plan in advance.
This means determining the number of releases, a web component, and what
media outlets will be contacted. Discuss your photo requirements in
advance: do you need the journalist also to supply photos to the website
and other media.
If you don't know who to call, try logging on to Boating Writers
International, or call the editor of sailing magazines you read and ask
them for some names of freelancers whose work they use on a regular basis.
* From Jon Rogers, Coronado Yacht Club Jr. Program <CYCJRS@aol.com> Wow.
Cory Friedman really digs at Jr Regattas. I support his comments. As a Jr.
Program Director for 5 years, it continues to amaze me that Jr. Regattas
are way less organized that adult regattas. I think it should be the other
way around.
* From Ron Ward <RONWJR1@aol.com> It appears that Scuttlebutt for the
last two weeks has had its letters devoted to beating up on Race
Committees. There are certainly some horror stories which are true, but
there are also a thousand regattas which go off beautifully and get no
mention. It is noted that most of the criticism does not come from people
who have actually been contestants, and most speak in generalities not
specifics. Let's not condemn all race committees. Remember they are not all
inept, and certainly if they were uncaring they would not be out there.
* From: Chris Caswell <chriscaswell@compuserve.com> I had known Bob
Bavier for many years on the racing circuit before he hired me as an editor
at Yachting Magazine in the '70s, and he was the essence of the gentleman
yachtsman in every sense of the word. If you look up the word "Corinthian"
in the dictionary, Bob's picture should be there. He could be blunt and
opinionated at times, but he was absolutely honest and lived his life for
sailboat racing. I wish there were more like him to serve as role models
for today's junior sailors who sometimes seem to need more of his
attributes. Pete Barrett has already been memorialized here, but he and Bob
Bavier were two of a kind and the world is a lesser place for their passing.
* From: "Tim Ryan" <tryan@btmna.com> When I first started racing
sailboats in 1989, I wandered through the Strand Bookstore in New York
looking for used books on racing. I came across "The Keys to Racing
Success" by Bob Bavier. What a concept! The keys! It was a great read, and
I adopted most of his recommendations, including to prepare my boat as well
as possible before racing and to compete against the best. The best of the
best, according to Bob, was the frostbite program at Larchmont Yacht Club.
I joined that fleet in 1990 and have been competing with the best ever
since. Still getting our butt kicked but learning something every time.
Thanks, Bob. We never met but you were an inspiration to me.
* From: Bob Huckaby <Bobhuckaby@aol.com> I am pleased to see that US
Sailing adopted my point of view in declaring an alternative penalty for
the eligibility code infraction, as the previously suggested "no protest"
treatment was contrary to the fundamental right of competitors to protest
and hearing.
To minimize the frivolous filing and consumption of protest committee time,
I further suggest that race organizers prescribe a substantial filing fee
(e.g. $1,000) for any protest under the Eligibility Code, Regulation
21.2.1(h), with only $1 refunded if upheld - if somebody wants to play that
game, make them sponsor the event!
* From Glenn T. McCarthy <mccarthys@ussailing.net> (Re US Sailing dues
increase, and edited to our 250-word limit) - Tom Leweck noted the dues
restructuring in October 2000 and US SAILING President Rosekrans brought it
up in American Sailor magazine a few months ago.
Up until February 28, 2001, the dues for an Adult is $40 per year. On March
1, 2001, you may continue to pay at a rate of $40 per year, as long as you
pre-pay three years at one time ($80 more than you would pay at that time
anyway). If you opt for a 2 year prepay plan, it rises to a $45 per year
rate on average. If you opt for 1 year, the dues will be $50. It is common
for the membership department to send 4 or 5 "reminder" notices each year
to the majority of members. By prepaying, you can eliminate a lot of stuff
in your mailbox. Your dues can be applied to US SAILING, instead of wasting
a portion of it on reminder notices. It has been many years since US
SAILING has had an increase, the fateful decision can't be put off forever.
It was made clear that early-collected dues will be allocated to the future
years and can NOT be spent in the current year. I know I will be sailing
for three years coming (and until the big guy punches my "E" ticket), so I
plan to take advantage of locking in today's rate at $40.
The website is modified to include the year of renewal to assure that you
are being credited properly: http://www.ussailing.org/membership/sendme.asp
THE RACE
* Club Med, with good winds expected ahead, is close enough now that an
ETA is (cautiously) being offered of midday Saturday for the finish line in
Marseilles. Tuesday is day 58 of what looks certain to be the fastest
circumnavigation in history, and second-place Innovation Explorer is
closing the gap, but not quickly enough.
* Meanwhile back in the southernmost South Pacific, Team Adventure and
Warta Polpharma were hunkered down in winds of 50 to 60 knots, sailing
conservatively and reporting over-the-bottom speeds of 16 knots and 9
knots, respectively. (You know we're jaded when we call a 16-knot average
"sailing conservatively.") Warta Polpharma, 20 feet shorter than Team
Adventure, was under bare poles at least part of the time. Both should be
rounding Cape Horn at about the time the leaders reach Marseilles.
Tail-ender Team Legato, having cruised north for lighter winds, reported
speeds of less than 3 knots and was occasionally parked. - Sail magazine
website, http://www.sailmag.com/html/briefing.html#havana
STANDINGS: 1. Club Med 1549 (miles to finish), 2. Innovation Explorer,
+1003, 3. Team Adventure, +5899, 4. Warta-Polpharma, +6375, 5. Team Legato,
+8500. - http://www.therace.org
CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS
* March 2-4: 21st annual Sint Maarten Heineken Regatta,
www.heinekenregatta.com
* March 10: Fourth annual J Boats Midwinter Rendezvous, Warren, R.I.
gives J Boat owners the opportunity to tour the facility where their boat
was built and speak with the designers and craftsmen who construct them.
www.jboats.com
JOB OPENINGS FOR SAILORS
Schaefer Marine, a leading manufacturer of yacht hardware and furling
systems, is looking for two motivated marine personnel. One position is for
a technical inside salesperson to assist a busy customer sales department.
A second position is for a mechanical engineer for new product design. If
you have a passion for sailing and want to live near popular Buzzards Bay,
MA send your resume to Schaefer Marine, 158 Duchaine Blvd., New Bedford, MA
02745, or e-mail to sales@schaefermarine.com. Excellent benefits and paid
sailing time.
ACURA SORC
* An international fleet of 30 Farr 40s returns to Miami Beach March 1-4
for the 60th anniversary of the Acura Southern Ocean Racing Conference
(SORC) regatta. The Farr 40's are the biggest class at this year's event
that has already attracted 135 boats, with last-minute entries still
rolling in.
America's Cup icon Dennis Conner won't be racing in the Farr 40 fleet. He
has elected to sail in the equally intense Melges 24 sport boat class, with
26 entries already logged. Other popular one-design classes include the
Mumm 30's with 18 entries so far, and the One Design 35 Class with 15
entries. Three classes will race under handicap rules: IMS, PHRF and
multihulls. - Keith Taylor, http://www.acurasorc.com
* Would you like to follow the 2001 Acura SORC wherever you are? Using
the latest in wireless technology you can! Unwired Sailing is running a
trial of a new service during this year's SORC and you can participate.
Daily updates from the regatta as well as daily class results will be sent
to subscribers' wireless devices (pagers and digital cellphones). For more
information: www.unwiredsailing.com
TRANSPAC
The winter sale is ending. Friday, March 2, is the last day discounted
entry fees will be offered for the 41st Transpacific Yacht Race. After
that, fees for boats under 50 feet will jump from $600 to $750 and those
for boats over 50 feet will go from $800 to $1,000.
There currently are 13 entries: Triumph (Santa Cruz 52), Howard Diethrich,
Phoenix, Ariz. Grand Illusion (Santa Cruz 70), James McDowell, Haiku, H.I.
Lawndart (Fast 40), Bill Allan, Nanaimo, B.C. Baronesa V (Open 40), Shuichi
Ogasawara, Japan Ouch (J/120), Ted Mayes, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Doublehanded: Etranger (Jutson 50), Howard Gordon, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Watercolors (Sabre 402), Michael Abraham, Newport Beach, Calif.
Aloha Class: Joyride (Beneteau First 42s7), William Johns, Manhattan Beach,
Calif. Gecko (Tartan 41), Jim Fabrick, Laguna Beach, Calif. Tango (Beneteau
41), Howard Raphael, Palo Alto, Calif. Willow Wind (Cal 40), Wendy Siegal,
Sunset Beach, Calif. Axapac (Wylie 39), Barry Ruff, Vancouver, B.C. Bonaire
(Moody 65), Gil Jones and Associates, Newport Beach, Calif. - Rich Roberts,
www.transpacificyc.org
WOMEN'S SNIPE CHALLENGE
San Diego Yacht Club, February 24-25 - Nineteen all-women teams and eight
Jill/Jack teams competed in this year's Women's Snipe Challenge with seven
teams traveling from the East Coast to Southern California for the event.
The sailing conditions were good with 10 -12 knots throughout most of the
regatta, although the ride in on Sunday was a bit long with winds gusting
at around 22+ knots.
Carol Newman Cronin/Sherry Eldridge dominated the event with 6 bullets,
with only Barbie Tillson/Lynne Sinks managing to break their streak in Race
5. San Diegans Carolyn Brown/Monique Gaylor and Stacey Szabo/Tammy Fowles
rounded out the top three. Kelly O'Bryan/Jim Elms took home the first place
trophy in the Jack/Jill division. - Holly Wolford O'Hare,
www.obyc.com/snipe/index.html
INDUSTRY NEWS
Waterline Systems, Inc. and USWatercraft, LLC, have relocated from Bristol
to the Albin Manufacturing plant in Portsmouth, RI. This provides the
companies with increased production space from 17,000 to 33,000 square
feet. Waterline Systems, a 13-year-old marine repair company dedicated to
the optimization of racing sailboats, while USWatercraft is the licensed
North American builder of the J/24 and J/22.
WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT
At approximately 1300 hours, Sunday, February 24, at the Waukegan
(Illinois) Yacht Club, Dr. Edward L. Leslie towed his Optimist sailboat
over the ice, launched the boat into the harbor and completed 360
consecutive months of sailing on Lake Michigan waters - that's every month
for 30 years. The winds were blowing from the WSW at 25-40 knots. "Doc"
wisely stayed in the lee of the club, completed several tacks and jibes,
and proved that you may not have to be crazy to accomplish such a feat -
but it certainly helps if you are a psychiatrist. - Dan Darrow
THANK YOU
Let me personally thank David McCreary for stepping up on very short notice
and producing 'Butt while I was gone. It's a delight to be associated with
professionals like David.
THE CURMUDGEON'S QUOTATIONS
"There are only two reasons to sit in the back row of an airplane: Either
you have diarrhea, or you're anxious to meet people who do." -Henry Kissenger
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