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SCUTTLEBUTT 1404 - August 29, 2003Powered by SAIC (www.saic.com), an employee-owned company. Scuttlebutt is adigest of major yacht racing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus. Corrections, contributions, press releases, constructive criticism and contrasting viewpoints are always welcome, but save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. ATHENS 2003 REGATTA The completion of Thursday's lone race in each of six events on the Saronic Gulf has brought down the curtain for athletes participating in sailing's final rehearsal prior to the 2004 Olympic Games. The 2003 Athens Regatta, held August 14-28 at the Agios Kosmas Sailing Centre in Glyfadha, hosted 400 athletes from 43 countries. This dry-run, the second for the sport of sailing due to the varied conditions found on the field of play, is geared primarily to allow organizers an opportunity to refine all the systems and procedures to be utilized during the Olympic Regatta. As will be the case next year, each nation was permitted only one entry for each of the 11 events. The Olympic Sailing Committee (OSC) of US Sailing sent a full team of 18 athletes which claimed two medals - a silver in the both the Star and Yngling events. Great Britain left Athens with four medals, two gold and two silver, ensuring them the top spot on the nation's medal table. Australia and Brazil also did well picking up two Gold Medals each. Australian teams won the Tornado and 49er classes, while the Brazilians won the Star class and the Lasers. Final Results for all classes: Star (11 races/ 1 discard): 1. Torbin Grael/ Ferreira, BRA, 48; 2. Paul Cayard/ Phil Trinter, USA 49; 3. Pickel / Kolb, GER, 54; 4. Peter Bromby/ L.C. White, BER, 55; 6. Ross MacDonald/ K. Bjorn, CAN, 60 Yngling (11 races- 1 discard): 1. Shirley Robertson, GBR, 39; 2. Hannah Swett, USA, 44; 3 Wagner, GER, 44. 10: Paula Lewin, BER, 72; 13. Clarke, CAN, 111 470 Men (11 races - 1 discard): 1. Molund/ Andersson, SWE, 59; 2. Rogers/ Glanfield, GBR, 73; 3. Zandona/ Trani, ITA, 80; 5. Paul Foerster/ Kevin Burnam, USA, 87;27. Russel/ MacDonald, CAN, 239 470 Women (11 races - 1 discard): 1. Bekatorou/ Tsoulfa, GRE, 47; 2. Ward/ Ward, DEN, 64; 3. Sesto/ Reinoso, ARG, 69; 5. McDowell/ Kinsolving, USA, 94; 22. Provan/ Girke, CAN, 159 Europe (11 races - 1 discard): 1. Sundby, NOR, 51; 2. Desillie, BEL, 60; 3. Macky, NZL, 63; 7. Meg Gillard, USA, 90; 23. Marcil Bonneau, CAN, 190 49er (16 races - 2 discards): 1. Nicholson/ Boyd, AUS, 61; 2. Brotherton/ Asquith, GBR, 74; 3. Sibelo/ Sibelo, ITA, 85; 8. Wadlow/Spaulding, USA, 119. Laser (11 races - 1 discard): 1. Scheidt, BRA, 49; 2. Birgmark, SWE, 51;; 3. Arapov, CRO, 56; 15. Luttmer, CAN, 154; 26. Richardson, USA, 212. Tornado (11 races - 1 discard): 1. Bundock/ Forbes, AUS, 25; 2. Hagara/ Steinacher, AUT, 39; 3. Lange/ Espinola, ARG, 40; 8. Daniel/ Jacobsen, USA, 85; 13. Holden/ Coakley, CAN, 109 Finn (11 races- 1 discard): 1. Ben Ainslie, GBR, 30; 2. Kusznierewicz, POL, 51; 3. Trujillo, ESP, 52; 18. Cook, CAN, 147; 22. Peck, USA 188. Mistral Men (9 races - 1 discard): 1.Kaklamanakis, GRE, 22; 2. Fridman, ISR, 22; 3. Zhou, CHN, 47; 20. Bolduc, CAN, 151; 24. Barger, USA, 167. Mistral Women, (8 races - 1 discard): 1. Senini, ITA, 13; 2. Lee, HKG, 24; 3.Merret, FRA, 35; 13. Lanee Butler, 95; 19. Valee, CAN, 127. Complete results: http://www.athens2004.com/page/default.asp?id=16937&la=2 QUOTE / UNQUOTE * "I have followed all the Olympic Games since 1964, and I have noticed that both the (Athens) venue and the organization are much further ahead than in previous events. We are also very pleased with the volunteers. I am certain that the Olympic Sailing Centre will be one of the most vibrant elements of the Games legacy. I would like all Greeks who are in touch with ancient Greek gods to ask them to make the wind blow, as we like strong wind. Who cares about the rowers!" - ISAF President Paul Henderson * "Of all the Olympic test events I've attended, this was the one which was the most prepared, and most close to the actual Games in almost every respect. We learned a ton, and there are areas where we need work," observed Harley "but we're knocking at the door and it's very exciting." - US Team Leader Jonathan Harley CONCEPTION VS. SWIFTCORD - LAYLINE'S TEST RESULTS Maffioli's Swiftcord and Yale's Conception are two cool products we've been recommending over the past 18 months. Swiftcord, a Dyneema and Cordura blend, started out as control lines on Mumm 30s before making a jump to other applications. It makes a great jib sheet. Conception, a dyneema and poly-pro blend, absorbs almost no water and makes a killer spin sheet. They ve gone head-to-head on the Stomper. Look at their differences and similarities. Find out how they cleat, float, handle, and run. Read notes and tips from users on care and expectations. http://www.layline.com/llf/articles/rope/swiftcord_v_conception.htm ISAF MATCH RACING WORLDS Riva del Garda, Italy - Today the Race Committee was able to complete 7 flights out of the 14 of round two, again in great sailing conditions sunny with a southerly breeze of 20-plus knots, known locally as the "ora." The Committee also completed match one of flight 8, then the wind dropped and the competitors had to return to shore. Only 4 skippers out of the competing 12 will qualify for the semifinals that will begin once round two is over. Standings: James Spithill, Australia 13 wins, 4 losses Mathieu Richard, France 13 wins, 5 losses Ed Baird, USA 12 wins, 4 losses Jesper Radich, Denmark 12 wins, 5 losses Karol Jablonski, Poland 11 wins, 5 losses Russell Coutts, New Zealand 11 wins, 7 losses Bjorn Hansen, Sweden 8 wins, 9 losses Jes Gram-Hansen, Denmark 7 wins, 10 losses Paolo Cian, Italy 6 wins, 12 losses Staffan Lindberg, Finland 5 wins, 12 losses Mikael Lindqvist, Sweden 2 wins, 14 losses Ian Williams, UK 2 wins, 15 losses Event website: http://worldchampionship.g2k.it COACH BOATS During the Saronikos Gulf regatta in Athens, in early August, the Austrian To rnado coach was tossed out of his boat in high waves while heading to the course area. He did not have the kill switch cord attached to himself, so the boat kept running, directly at the Mistral fleet (approximately 80 boats). So with no one driving, and the boat a threat to the Mistrals, the Greek Coast Guard simply shot at the coach boat, putting what appears to be a 20 mm cannon round through the motor. Alfred was rescued and is fine, but the Austrians have a used motor they would like to sell. - http://www.uksail.com/news/body_03081409.htm Curmudgeon's Comment: Just because we published this does not mean that we want any more letters about coach boats - that thread is still officially dead. NEWS BRIEFS * The moulds formerly used by Carroll Marine to build the Farr-designed Mumm 30 and Farr 40 One Design boats have found a new home at USWatercraft, LLC. Construction contracts for two new Farr 40s have been signed, and there are several interested customers for the Mumm 30. Negotiations are also underway with other boat builders for placing the Farr 36, Farr 395 and CM 60 moulds. USWatercraft has produced the International J-22 and J-24 One Design Classes since 1999. * There was big wind in Wakayama, Japan for the fourth race of the I-14 Worlds - complete with gusts that led to numerous capsizes and some spectacular pitch poling. The leaders after four races with no discard are: 1. Rob Greenhalgh/ Dan Johnson, GBR, 6; 2. Archie Massey/ George Nurton, GBR, 19; 3. Zach Berkowitz/ Mike Martin, USA 23; 4. Andy Partington/ Ben Vernieres, GBR, 25; 5. James Fawcett/ Bruce Grant, GBR, 28; 6. Kris Bundy/ Jamie Hanseler, USA 35. http://www.i14.jp/wakayama/ * TPI Composites LLC (Warren, R.I.) and Waterline Systems Inc. (Portsmouth, R.I.) have partnered to form TPI Marine Services LLC, a marine service and storage center in the Melville Boat Basin (Portsmouth, R.I.). TPI Composites produces Pearson Yachts True North powerboats J/Boats, Mares Catamarans, and others. Since 1988 Waterline Systems Inc. has done racing sailboat preparation, keel fairing, repairs and painting. The new center will serve a wide-range of customers and will also commission and service boats built by both TPI and USWatercraft. Randy Borges, president of Waterline Systems Inc. and USWatercraft LLC will be the managing partner. BE PREPARED Mantoloking Yacht Club in New Jersey hosted 86 boats for the NJ State Optimist Championships on Tuesday and Wednesday. This two day event was filled with many different kinds of breezes covering the entire spectrum of possibilities. Tuesday's breeze started out extremely light and ended pretty much the same way. On Wednesday, as the gold fleet were heading to the dock the Silver fleet were just about to start their third and final race when all mayhem broke loose. A typical late afternoon summer storm plowed through the fleet. Some of the kids got back to the dock with their boats and some got back without their boats. The squall had extremely heavy rain with no visibility and about 50-60 knot breeze at the height of the storm. The storm lasted for a good ten minutes before anyone could think about going out in every possible vehicle at the dock to find the rest of the racers. With the help of the State Marine police and all the parents and committee running the regatta all the kids were brought back to land in one piece and surprisingly with no injury. Only a few scratches to a few boats and maybe a few emotional scars that with time will heal. Final results available at www.mantolokingyachtclub.org IN MEMORIAM The Mexican sailing community suffered a tremendous loss on Wednesday when the beloved and respected "Chato" Saenz passed away. There will be a memorial service at sea this Saturday during the monthly race at the Acapulco Yacht Club. IT'S THE MOST WINCH-DERFUL TIME... of the year. Harken's Winch Trade-in promotion. Bring us your tired, your poor, your undersized and get 15% back for your old winches when you purchase a new Harken. Take advantage of the deal through Annapolis Performance Sailing and we'll add an additional 10% on top of our everyday low Harken prices. Grind all the deals together and that comes to more than 38% savings. Worried you can't do a refit now? Stop, just get them before the end of October and you'll have 'til May to send in your old ones. Specifics at... http://www.apsltd.com/depts/dept3289.asp CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS Events listed at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/calendar LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON (editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com) (Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name and may be edited for clarity or space - 250 words max. This is not a chat room nor a bulletin board - you only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot and don't whine if others disagree.) * From Joern Richter (re Iain Percy's comment on poor umpires in Scuttlebutt 1399): It is sad that such high profile sailors like Mr. Percy use the media to put themselves into the light and the umpires in the bad light. It was me (and Giorgio Lauro, the Italian race officer of the Louis Vuitton cup) who gave him yellow flag. Just to put things straight: 1.) Ian was in second last position when he got flagged. The penalty definitely did not drop him from first to seventh. 2.) the crew was standing for 15 seconds, (not 5) which Iain later confirmed in a meeting with him. 3.) In the hearing after the race ashore we gave him the option to come back to us for further questions, which he never did. 4.) I have done two Star worlds now and several Kieler Woche regattas. So much about the Star knowledge. It makes me sad to be used as an excuse. We judges just follow the rules. I admit the new rule 42 interpretations are not always easy, but they are a big step into the right direction. All sailors now know much better where the boarders are. If Iain bends the rule to one extreme by standing that long on the foredeck and thereby heeling the boat it is he who takes the risk to get a flag. * From: "Roland Jonkhoff (Re: STAR 2004 / 2005): With the change of management for the 2004 Single Handed Trans Atlantic Race a further step is made in the creation of a professional circuit for the IMOCA and ORMA fleet. But let us not forget the real spirit of the STAR. In doing so we should focus the attention to the STAR 2005, planned for the 45, 40 and 35 foot classes. The oldest single handed ocean race has always been open to those that want to compete, whether on a shoestring budget or as a (semi) professional. The Corinthian spirit is what made this race to what it is, and that spirit should be kept alive as well. Therefore we have sent this message to find those competitors, Corinthians or (semi) professionals who want to race in the STAR 2005. For those seriously planning to compete in the 2005 Single Handed Trans Atlantic Race, either in the 35, 40 or 45 foot Class, Mono or Multi hull, please send your intentions to realstar2005@hotmail.com. Being able to show the Royal Western Yacht Club (the original organising club of the race) the enormous interest in this event might just be that little push they need to start with the organisation of the "traditional" STAR. * From Bruce Hollis: Much was made of the winged keel and Australia II 's crews combat type preparation, and the superb mix of talent, all innovative and effective, but analysis of that campaign consistently overlooks the great contribution that the genius Tom Schnackenberg made in a truly groundbreaking sail program. He arrived in Newport with super light, well proven radial sails that utilised heavy warp kevlar fabrics, designed with his early computer program. They were light years ahead of what the other syndicates had, for shape holding and weight. Without being intimate of the numbers, I also suspect that they knew their wardrobe a lot better as well. I also thought that at one stage they felt they needed a boost in the spinnaker program, as they were vulnerable to AII's sister ship Challenge 12 in downwind testing and racing (wing drag as John pointed out) so they brought in Hugh Trehearne, famous in OZ sailmaking circles for spinnakers, to do some design work to find if there was any left, which there famously was! Plenty of good judges will tell you that if AIIs crew had sailed Challenge 12, they would have won in her as well. Ben Lexcen had also designed a superb conventional boat, also overlooked too often. * From Jim Taylor: I was extremely happy to see Paul Henderson's comments the other day regarding communication between the Race Officers and the competitors. Having helped out with more than 40 world and national championships over the years, I've seen a lot of changes in this regard. Great PRO's like Ken Legler and Matt Jones are all over the radio and bullhorn immediately before a bulging line start, making sure that the sailors know that they have a bead on them and they better get down. There is no such thing as too much communication...the competitors are getting to the point where they not only appreciate the contact...but expect it. Another RO tactic I used to use was to point the shotgun smack down the line until immediately before the start when I'd lift it up and fire ... nothin' like lookin' down the barrel of a 12-gauge to keep them off the line. * From John McBrearty: Chris Ericksen has (along with Paul Henderson) hit the nail firmly on the head! While radio communication with the sailors robs the "olde mentality" of race committee members of their "surprise!" power, such communication is a prerequisite to having a large attendance at your regatta. Sailing instructions can be written in such a way that precludes redress for those communications. As for the "Individual Recall" flag being "reasonably reliable," that depends on where the competitor is on the line. Close to the RC boat, probably yes, at the pin end, probably no! The bottom line is that all communication methods available should be utilized and those that refuse to move forward should move aside and let more progressive RC volunteers take their places. * From Hal Smith: Everyone has a better time, and the race is fairer when PRO's communicate with the fleet. I am a Regional RO and Basic RO instructor working in the trenches of race management. I have evolved from my "Senior" RO days when stoic silence was standard. That promotes a "them vs. us" atmosphere. Now I communicate more often with the fleet advising of the course directions, start timings, and starting restrictions, and I always notify OCS's. At the end of the day, I am patted on the back by all who raced for executing good racing. Part of that comes from helping the competitors know what is happening. Ask any of the 21 hotshot Melges 24's who just finished their Atlantic Coast Championship in Charleston, SC, this past weekend how they like it. This is the future of race management. This is all about fun after all. * From Bruce Lines: I have misgivings about the Race Committee communicating to boats OCS. Those called first have an advantage over those called after them. This could lead to accusations of favoritism or bias. Call me old fashioned but the flag is the fairest way, the onus is on the skipper to decide whether or not to restart, and that is part of sailboat racing in my opinion. CURMUDGEON'S QUOTATIONS It's amazing that the amount of news that happens in the world everyday always just exactly fits the newspaper. - Jerry Seinfeld |
