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SCUTTLEBUTT 1914 - August 31, 2005
Scuttlebutt is a digest of major yacht racing news, commentary, opinions,
features and dock talk . . . with a North American focus.
ALINGHI-ATION
Malmö, 30th August, 2005 - The Defender of the America's Cup, Alinghi,
remains unbeaten on the 2005 match racing season, with helmsman Jochen
Schuemann leading the Swiss over Emirates Team New Zealand to sweep to an
11-0 record. Alinghi may be well ahead of the challengers, but there's
plenty of competition in the challenger fleet. BMW Oracle Racing had to
beat Luna Rossa today to ensure second place and that's just what they did.
Chris Dickson's team was very convincing in putting its issues off the
water behind them - the only blemish on their record is a loss to Alinghi.
The +39 Challenge and Shosholoza are the other big winners on the week.
For the Italians, an equal fifth on points (sixth after the tie break) is a
great result. This team has come along way from its first efforts in
Valencia in 2004, and is climbing the learning curve faster than anyone
else at the moment. Similarly, Shosholoza was rewarded for its efforts with
two wins - the first ever for South Africa. Still struggling at times,
Shosholoza is nonetheless moving in the right direction.
Tuesday's loss to the Swiss capped a tough week for the Kiwis. The Emirates
squad salvages third on the points table, winning the tie-break by virtue
of a victory over Luna Rossa. But losses to Alinghi and BMW Oracle Racing,
as well as a surprise fall to +39, showed the Emirates squad still has work
to do to get to the top of the ladder again. As for Luna Rossa, losses to
the three teams ahead of it were tempered by a perfect record against the
rest of the fleet. But the Italians have to start beating the top three
teams to take the next step.
Final Results
1. Alinghi 11-0
2. BMW Oracle Racing 10-1
3. Emirates Team New Zealand 8-3
4. Luna Rossa 8-3
5. Desafío Español 2007 6-5
6. +39 Challenge 6-5
7. Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team 5-6
8. Victory Challenge 4-7
9. K-Challenge 3-8
10. United Internet Team Germany 2-9
11. Team Shosholoza 2-9
12. China Team 1-10
Event website: http://www.americascup.com
Updated Scuttlebutt photo gallery:
http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/05/malmo
A PRAYER
(Scuttlebutt received below 'The Navy Hymn - Eternal Father, Strong to
Save' from our friends in South Africa, as an offering to those who are
suffering due to Hurricane Katrina)
Eternal Father, strong to save,
whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Christ, whose voice the waters heard
and hushed their raging at thy word,
who walked upon the foaming deep,
and calm amid the storm didst sleep;
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
Most Holy Spirit, who did'st brood
upon the chaos dark and rude,
and bid its angry tumult cease,
and give, for wild confusion, peace:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Trinity of love and power,
our brethren shield in danger's hour;
from rock and tempest, fire and foe,
protect them wheresoe'er they go;
thus evermore shall rise to thee
glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
(William Whitting -1647)
- Derek Bouwer, Commodore, Algoa Bay YC, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
GULF YACHTING ASSOCIATION
The Gulf Yachting Association was organized to promote the sport of yacht
racing on the Gulf Coast and nearby areas (http://www.gya.org). Founded in
1901 and reorganized in 1920, the GYA has grown from the original six clubs
to over thirty member organizations. The GYA sanctions various yacht
events, including interclub competition in Flying Scots, and serves to
coordinate the activities of its members.
GYA member clubs stretch from eastern Texas to the west coast of Florida,
but the bulk of the GYA is based along the path that Hurricane Kartrina
took as it came ashore. The reports of Southern YC in New Orleans, LA being
destroyed by flooding and fires (www.southernyachtclub.org), along with the
boats in their adjoining marina, may only be the tip of the iceberg.
Details have not been available regarding the status of other GYA clubs in
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, but news reports available for cities
in those areas would suggest that boats and facilities might have taken a
significant hit.
Please send any confirmed reports regarding GYA clubs to
info@sailingscuttlebutt.com
SOME OLD SAILS AREN'T SLOWER
Colt 45 won the GL70 (sled) class in both this year's Chicago Mackinac and
Bayview Mackinac races (where she was also top IRC boat). Her inventory is
100% UK-Halsey, but not 100% new. Hardly! Her UK-Ultra main is 2003, jib
top 2004, jibs 2000. Her last four Bayview-Mackinac finishes: 2, 1, 2, 1.
And no boat is faster when Colt 45's UK-H VMG spinnaker is flying. Next
time some smark-aleck says fast sails don't last, tell them that's a matter
of brands. Then give UK-Halsey a call. Check out the nearest UK-H loft at
http://www.ukhalsey.com
FAMOUS FIVE
Alinghi is peppered with sailing ability of all nationalities (19 to be
precise), but one nation stands out, at least at the back of the boat. It
is made up of, what has been dubbed as the 'famous five': Tactician and
Alinghi Vice President, Brad Butterworth; Mainsail trimmer, Warwick Fleury;
Strategist, Murray Jones; Genoa trimmer, Simon Daubney and Runner/Pit, Dean
Phipps, have sailed together since the mid 1980s. Among them, they have
Olympics, Whitbread round-the-worlds and World Championships.
The 'famous five' came together in 1995 during the successful Team New
Zealand challenge and have won every America's Cup since. Says Brad, "There
are a lot of differences made in a team and having these guys around is
fantastic because they make the boat faster and the job easier. It's not
rocket science to them. They've been doing it for a long time and have been
coming up with the goods for a long time. We've got a great relationship
and they are life long friends. It's just great to be in a team with them."
- Complete story,
http://www.alinghi.com/en/news/feature_story/2005/08/29/famous_five/index.html
BRASIL 1 HITS WHALE
While on their way from Brasil to Cascais, Portugal in preparation for the
Volvo Ocean Race, Brasil 1 has collided with a whale after being underway
since August 20th. Reports skipper Torben Grael, "The boat was doing about
10 knots an hour and I had just taken the helm when I felt a gentle nudge
lifting the bow, followed by a sudden collision. I looked to the side and
saw a whale. At the same time, near the Brasil 1 on the other side, I heard
a roar and the whale we had hit appeared, moving awkwardly. I think she
must have been asleep and awoken by our bow and then struck by the keel."
The only one to sustain an injury was the nurse of the crew, João
Signorini, who got knocked against the galley of the boat and suffered some
bruised ribs. He has already received medical attention. "He is on his
feet, moving around the boat. I think that means he is getting better,"
said Adrienne Cahalan. - http://www.brasil1.com
18' SKIFF INTERNATIONAL REGATTA
San Francisco - Taking chances is the essence of the class, but Howard
Hamlin and crew Mike Martin and Trevor Barnabas sailing Pegasus White added
dodging freighters and high-wire walking to take over first place in the
18' Skiff International Regatta Tuesday. First-day leader Pegasus Gold
proved vulnerable when it flipped while leading again at the first windward
mark of the day near the Golden Gate Bridge, and when skipper Jack Young
fell off the boat moments later it was evident events weren't going their
way. Those misfortunes set up Hamlin's Pegasus White team to win races 3
and 4 and assume a three-point lead over their teammates, followed by
defending champion John Winning's Yandoo from Australia and 16-year-old
Samuel (Shark) Kahn, sailing Pegasus Black.
With daytime temperatures in the mid-70s and a balmy light westerly wind of
10 knots more typical of Southern California or Mexico, the fleet was held
ashore until St. Francis Yacht Club race officer John Craig was confident
the breeze was finally building enough to start the first race in 12 knots
at 2:50 p.m. For the second race it blew 15. Racing continues through Friday.
Standings (4 of 10 races):
1. Pegasus White, Howard Hamlin/ Mike Martin/ Trent Barnabas, USA, 7 points.
2. Pegasus Gold, Jack Young/ Euan McNicol/ Casey Smith, USA, 10.
3. Yandoo, John Winning/ Andrew Hay/' Geoff Beaushop, AUT, 11.
4. Pegasus Black, Shark Kahn/ Cameron MacDonald/ Paul Allen, USA, 16.
5. Rag & Famish, Grant Rollerson/ David Cunningham/ Chris Cleary, AUT, 19.
Complete results: http://www.stfyc.org/
Photos posted on the Scuttlebutt website:
http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/05/18-SF
OFFSHORE EXPERIENCE
Forewarned is forearmed. And that certainly applies to understanding the
weather that's approaching you or your boat. Bill Biewenga, veteran ocean
racer and weather router is available to coach you, your crew, speak at
your club, or provide professional delivery of your yacht. Whether racing
or delivering your boat, Bill brings over 340,000 ocean miles and 18 years
of routing experience to each project. For information, email
billbiewenga@cox.net directly or visit
http://www.weather4sailors.com to find out more about his book, CD or seminars.
LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON
(Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name and may be
edited for clarity or space - 250 words max. This is neither 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. And please save your bashing,
whining and personal attacks for elsewhere.)
* From Rick Price: This is a sad day in the history of US Yacht Clubs.
Southern Yacht Club made a lot of friends in Southern California this year
with their participation in the Pacific Life Yacht Club Challenge in
Newport Beach and in return we all should be thinking of ways to help them
out in their time of need. My name is on the list willing to help
coordinate any and all efforts.
* From Susan Epstein: Unbelievably sad news for many sailors across the
U.S. and beyond! Buildings may burn but memories can last forever... and
for me memories from Southern are among the very best.
As the National Chair of the U.S. Women's Match Racing Championship
(USWMRC), I had the privilege of holding the first two USWMRC events at
Southern Yacht Club, in '02 and '03. Southern Y.C... its members, race
personnel, and staff... set a very high standard for what has become one of
the most successful of US SAILING championships.
There is no doubt in my mind but that those same wonderful people who are
the Southern Yacht Club will be back in business in no time at all... with
or without a building. Surely, with a helping hand from sailors and yacht
clubs across the U.S., SYC will soon be hosting scheduled regattas without
missing a beat!
* From John Harwood-Bee: May I, and fellow members of the of the United
Kingdom sailing fraternity, extend commisserations to SYC and the City of
New Orleans for the devastating losses suffered in the recent storm. We
wish them a speedy recovery and a return to normality as soon as possible.
* From Ted Livingston: Many thanks for the thoughts of Bruno Trouble' on
the AC. He's "been there and done that." I agree with the critics that the
enormous funds could be spent more judiciously, and the nation vs nation
competition was more attractive, but Bruno is right. In spite of the
carping, AC is a great event of great value to our sport. More thanks for
reprinting Blake Billman's call to concern and prayer for all those who are
suffering in the hurricane. And thanks for the "Extra" of this morning,
about SYC, which adds flesh and blood and tears to Billman's worthy
request. Sailing is for people, not just for winning.
* From Art Ahrens: I do not understand how Bruno Trouble' can state that
the cup is alive and well. There is no longer any national pride with the
Cup, it is just another sailing event with professional sailors going to
the team that provides them the best "package." I have stated earlier, that
it may be held in Europe this year, but the Cup was won by New Zealanders!
The last Cup that I would call a "world-renowned sailing event" was in
1987, where nations were mobilized to bring the best technology that they
had to bear to win the Cup. Note that I am not defending one type of boat
vs. another, but I am defending the application of technology and team
spirit that was present during that event. I still enjoy watching the VHS
tapes of that event!
* From Richard Clark: As for the "Obscenity" word being floated around,
please allow me to knee jerk in the other direction. When the big
underground mudslide created the disastrous Indonesian Tsunami and the
world sat in awe and governments sat on their large bums, I immediately
donated a very large contribution, very large in relationship to my net
worth when compared America's Cup budgets. I never leave home without THE
card and used it to send money to the Red Cross the same day I heard the
news. The point is that all this time later much of the money, food,
supplies etc, is still to reach and help the victims. My faith in the Red
Cross and other aid communities took a drubbing. I even heard of a party
put on by the Red Cross that was promptly cancelled when the word got out!
I am sure Larry and the other big boys donate their share, I know they do.
But please before casting stones, I would ask readers to check on their
cheques, where did their charitable donations end up. The Cup is the Cup,
has always been the Cup and will always be so. So be it.
* From Al Milbert: I have been informed that the folks at DirecTV Satelite
Company read every emailed suggestion or complaint. Would it be time for
all the Scuttlebutt readers to email them at: mailto:DIRECTV.com/feedback
regarding complete TV coverage of the Volvo Ocean Race and all preliminary
America's Cup races (at least the same coverage that Europe is getting), or
call them at 1-800-531-5000 and speak with a Customer Service Representative?
* From Derek Bouwer: Yip life on the foredeck "get the thin end of the
wedge" and being there has it's ups' and downs' apart from the motion of
the boat. There are times that the comms' between the sharp end and the
Executive at the blunt end tend to go for a ball. Hence the many bumps on
my head from a spinnaker pole that just gets uncleated and let go with out
a controlled drop?
My suggestion is that all foredeck hands join the FU!!! Foredeck Union At
times a clenched fist pointed in the direction of the blunt end, with the
middle finger raised, tends to do the trick. All foredeck hands have my
undying admiration. Ask any of the geniuses at the blunt end to go forward
in 25 knots and big sea and see how many takers there are. None!
* From Anonymous in Australia: Reading the observations about Bowmen in
Scuttlebutt 1913 reminded me of story regarding the late David Dyer,
arguably one of Australia's most celebrated and talented Bowmen, crewing
mostly for Syd Fisher aboard his "Ragamuffins". A few years ago he was
diagnosed with a brain tumor, which eventually grew beyond treatment.
Regrettably he tragically passed away a couple of years after the discovery
of the tumor.
During the course of his extremely expensive treatment, which included
surgery to remove part of the tumor, a highly successful and entertaining
fund-raising "Yachtsman's Lunch" was held at the Cruising Yacht Club in
Sydney, Australia, to help David and family offset his growing medical
bills. Fortunately he was still mobile enough to make the journey from his
home on the Gold Coast, and attended the lunch. During his rather humorous
thank-you speech, he made the comment..."I've been a bowman all my sailing
life, but now that a major portion of my brain has been removed, perhaps I
can finally move back to the cockpit!"
* From Andy Payne, Australia: Ooops for Brady - just goes from bad to worse
for him this year!
* From Fred Lewis: Howard Lippincott was not only a great sailor, but a
gentleman, always free with advice, (as most sailors can be, but most
useable in his case). The Lippincotts have always been strongly linked with
the Star class, among others. The kids, (ha, ha, my age, 50's), have
maintained this, and now, his grandkids. This is one way sailing promotes
itself, if only we can promote the kids in sailing. Howard, thanks for all
you've contributed to my, and many other's lives!
* From Arthur J Stevens: Because Michael Siau is going to be 19 next year
and can't represent the United States at the ISAF youth worlds event in
Great Britain, the French have invited our winning team of Siau and Ingham
to sail in their season ending regatta "Catagolfe" in the Gulf of Morbihan
October 8-9th.
Sirena-Voile is sponsoring our youth team in France and will provide a new
SL16 catamaran along with housing. The SL16 is proposed as the new ISAF
youth catamaran and expected to be approved by ISAF at their November
meeting in Singapore.
Teams that sail in US Sailing's youth multihull championship have
discovered there are several ways to be a winner in this event. Teams now
compete to win a trip to the ISAF youth Worlds and become US Sailing team
members. They can represent youth at the Alter Cup which makes a youth spot
available, and they have the added bonus of a trip to Europe if they happen
to be aging out in the year they win the U.S. youth nationals.
CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People
love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back." - Maya Angelou
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