Scuttlebutt Today
  
  Archived Newsletters »
  Features »
  Photos »

SCUTTLEBUTT 2991 - Monday, December 14, 2009

Scuttlebutt is published each weekday with the support of its sponsors,
providing a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions, features and
dock talk . . . with a North American focus.

Scuttlebutt on Twitter: http://twitter.com/scuttbutt
Scuttlebutt on Facebook: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/facebook

Today's sponsors are Kaenon Polarized, Doyle Sails, and OceanRacing.com.

STAYING AFLOAT THROUGH TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES
Tom Schock stands atop the mold of the new Harbor 30 in his 30,000 square foot
boat building facility in Corona, Calif. "We'll be ready to introduce this
design next spring when I think the market will be willing to look at new
boats again," he says. And Schock's opinion on such things is worth hearing.

It hasn't been easy, but W.D. Schock Corporation has managed to stay afloat
through tough economic times, primarily because they take their business
personally, believe in a business model that has no debt, and stays small and
nimble enough to shift gears quickly. That model has also lead the company to
produce thousands of boats, including some of the most celebrated sailboat
designs of all time.

Self-described as a series boatbuilder, rather than a production builder,
Schock, 65, has produced more than 13,000 boats in 70 different models from 8
to 55 feet over the past 50 years, much of it thanks to President, CEO, shop
foreman, and head salesman, Tom Schock, the second generation of boat building
Schocks.

The Schock 40 was also recognized as the "Most Innovative" boat and the "Best
Sport Boat" by Sailing World Magazine and to this day it is the only boat to
receive all three awards."Tom Schock has a real passion for sailing and
boatbuilding," says Dave Geoffroy, executive director of the Southern
California Marine Association, a Harbor 20 owner and a 30-year Schock
colleague. "He walks like he talks and his ability to identify trends and to
run lean in down times has made him a survivor. This industry would be better
off if we had more guys like him." -- Mad Mariner, read on:
http://www.madmariner.com/vessels/story/TOM_SCHOCK_112309_VX

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
American Olympian Andrew Campbell shares some of the keys to the kingdom that
helped his Melges 32 team succeed at a recent class event:

* Communication must be Clear and Concise: If the tactician is making a call,
grabbing everybody's attention for a split second to explain what's going to
happen in the upcoming maneuver drastically improves the chances of success.
If the trimmer is talking to the helmsman downwind, short and clear words
about a) what kind of pressure he is feeling and b) what mode he thinks the
helmsman should be sailing make it a heck of a lot easier for everybody to do
their jobs.

* Consistent Speed is a Killer: In order for the tactician to be able to make
good decisions, he has to be able to depend on the boat to continued around
the racecourse at a consistent speed. Changes in speeds demand on-the-spot
changes in tactics. When the tactician can concentrate solely on tactics and
let the mainsheet trimmer concentrate solely on mainsheet, then the boat is
better off around the racecourse.

* Cooler Heads Prevail: Continuing on the theme above, placing everybody in
positions where they can excel is the key to any sailing program, or any
business for that matter. When people are in positions where they are already
performing at their highest level as opposed to positions where they are
improving their skills, the team around them will be better because of it.
When players are in the wrong positions, stress is amongst players in the
correct positions because the weaker player is thus holding back the entire
team. Let the training happen somewhere else besides at the regatta. Having
the correct players in the positions where they'll do their best will enable
cooler heads to prevail in heated racing situations.

Full report:
http://campbellsailing.com/index.php/2009/12/11/melges-32-gold-cup-wrap-up/

KANVAS & KLAY: 2010 PRE-RELEASE
Brand new for 2010 and in very limited release just in time for the holidays,
Kanvas and Klay are pure Kaenon Polarized, at entry level pricing! Featuring
our patented SR-91 polarized lenses, they're lightweight and durable, with
buried Variflex nose pads and an exceptional fit. Introducing innovative
custom-engineered internal cam-driven hinges, Kanvas and Klay are pure Kaenon
Polarized at unprecedented value. Officially launching in January, they're
available now, until they run out, exclusively at Point Loma Outfitters, Team
One, APS, Fast Lane and http://www.kaenon.com. The best in the world wear
Kaenon Polarized. Evolve Optically.

ULTIMATE HOLIDAY PRESENT
Now that the holiday season is upon us, a really great story has emerged and
is appropriate for this time of year. It's all about wishes that just may come
true. Imagine for a moment, what it would be like to sail with the best of the
best.

All sailors have had that fantasy at one time or another - and if anyone
denies it, don't believe them. So what would you readers hope for? Would you
go for something modest or ask for the ultimate? Well, there is one sailor who
went for the gold, so to speak. George Huntington, a Manhasset resident and
member of Manhasset Bay YC, has always wanted to race against the best,
something he does quite well, as we will soon find out. George and his wife,
Debbie, have been attending the Pro-Am Regatta at the Bitter End YC for
several years. This year, though, topped all the others.

The Bitter End Pro-Am Regatta website explains their event: Picture yourself
teamed with Serena Williams or Roger Federer in the doubles final at the U.S.
Open. Few, if any, sporting events in the world offer the fan an opportunity
to participate at such lofty levels. The Bitter End Pro Am Regatta is
different from any sporting event or regatta on earth. A world-class sailing
event with 22 years of history, the Pro Am has matched up countless amateurs
and first time sailors with America's Cup skippers, Olympic Medalists, Around
the World Race Winners, and World Champions. This year the pros included Paul
Cayard, Ken Read, Zach Railey, and Anna Tunnicliffe.

For the serious sailors in the group, it's like a "Fantasy Camp." For the
non-sailors, it's a chance to learn a new sport right at the top. In the
evenings, "am" crew join "pro" skippers for cocktail parties, fine dinners,
Pub gatherings, organized Q&A sessions, and other social functions. The week
is finished off with a rousing awards banquet, highlighted by prizes for the
top teams, and great gifts for the rest of the group.

Getting back to George Huntington, who was definitely in the "Fantasy Camp"
group of serious sailors. For one of his races, George was pitted against
professional Paul Cayard, a seven-time sailing world champion, a five-time
America's Cup veteran and two-time Olympian. And guess what? George beat him!
Could a fantasy get any better than this? Summing up his vacation, George
said, "You know, the best thing about the whole event was meeting new friends.
I had the opportunity to chat with Anna Tunnicliffe and all the other masters.
That was the best part!" -- Andrea Watson, complete story:
http://www.antonnews.com/manhassetpress/sports/4668-on-the-bay.html

ISAF ELIGIBILITY SUSPENSION
The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA), which is the only
organization sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) to
govern kiteboard racing, is amid a power struggle with a newly formed
organization - International Kiteboard Federation (IKF) and Kiteboard Pro
World Tour (KPWT) - that seeks to steer the kiteboarding sport as well.

To protect their turf, the IKA is seeking to utilize the only leverage they
have, which is to impose ISAF Regulation 19 (Eligibility Code) on any
competitor taking part in an IKF / KPWT event or in events of their affiliated
partners. This means that all such competitors lose their ability to
participate in official IKA/ISAF sanctioned events.

The conditions of the eligibility rules are stated in ISAF Regulation 19.4:

After proper inquiry by either the national authority of the competitor or the
ISAF Executive Committee, a competitor's ISAF eligibility shall be promptly
suspended with immediate effect, permanently or for a specified period of
time:
(a) for any suspension of eligibility in accordance with RRS 69.2; or
(b) for breaking RRS 5; or
(c) for competing, within the two years preceding the inquiry, in an event
that the competitor knew or should have known was a prohibited event.

19.4.1 A prohibited event is an event:
(a) permitting or requiring advertising beyond that permitted by the ISAF
Advertising
Code;
(b) with prizes or other benefits referred to in Regulation 18.16.2 that is a
national event not approved by the national authority of the venue or an
international event not approved by ISAF;
(c) that is described as a world championship or uses the word "world", either
in the title of the event or otherwise, and that is not approved by ISAF;
(d) that does not conform to the requirements of RRS 88.1, and is not
otherwise approved by ISAF; or
(e) that has not paid the ISAF Event Fees.

ISAF Regulations: http://tinyurl.com/ISAF-12-13-09
IKA: http://www.internationalkiteboarding.org

QUOTE / UNQUOTE
Five-time America's Cup competitor Paul Cayard, on unionizing prospective
challenging teams to determine how the next Cup Match should be structured:
"We may have missed a great opportunity in the past two years. Rather than
just sitting around and waiting in frustration, we, the Challengers, should
have taken the initiative to put forward a Protocol to resolve a lot of the
problems plaguing the current match. We have a unique opportunity right now;
neither Alinghi and BMW Oracle knows who will be holding the cards for the
34th America's Cup. So this is a time where each may be more willing to agree
to a "fair and independent" event management structure. Either could find
themselves on the Challenger side for 34th America's Cup and that party would
certainly want a modern and objective event organization." --
http://www.cayardsailing.com/cs_Reports.cfm?evtID=79&csRpt=873

THINK YOU ARE HAVING A TOUGH WINTER?
Doyle Sailmakers congratulates Eric Forsyth for having just completed the
daunting Northwest Passage on his Westerly 42, Fiona. This is truly a
remarkable feat and makes Fiona one of the first pleasure craft to have
completed the 7,000 mile journey connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The Northwest Passage only became navigable without the aid of an icebreaker
in 2007. Eric, at 77, is now on his way back and plans on completing his
circumnavigation of North America in May of 2010. To read more about Eric's
accomplishments, visit http://www.doylesails.com/news

SAILING SHORTS
* Canadians Paul Henderson and Bill Abbott will be among the sailors carrying
the Olympic torch in the coming weeks in anticipation of the 2010 Winter
Olympic Games to be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on February
12-28. -- Full story: http://www.sailing.ca/features/olympic_torch_relay/

* The BMW Oracle 90-foot trimaran platform was successfully loaded aboard
their cargo ship last Friday, but inclement weather in San Diego during the
weekend played havoc with the transfer of the wing rig to the ship. With heavy
rain showers and occasional gusts of wind, one of the wing's four bridle
straps attaching it to the crane failed. The team was able to stabilize the
wing and successfully lower and secure the wing down to the base. The team
will resume loading on Monday, weather permitting. -- Photos and full story:
http://tinyurl.com/BOR-12-13-09

* The 105-foot trimaran Groupama 3 cast off from the port of Cape Town, South
Africa last Saturday morning, bound for Brest, France some 6,000 miles (11,000
kms) away, where she will begin her second period of stand-by for the Jules
Verne Trophy. The team needed three weeks for the maxi trimaran to be
operational once again after suffering damage in the Southern Atlantic, at a
point where the crew were ahead of the reference time for the Jules Verne
Trophy set by Orange in 2005. -- Full story: http://tinyurl.com/ydsqqrp

* Miami, FL (December 13, 2009) - At the first stop of the three event Audi
Melges 20 Miami Winter Series, fellow Lauderdale Yacht Club members Jeff
Ecklund and Tom Lihan shared the helming duties on STAR, and with the able
assistance of reigning Moth World Champion Bora Gulari on tactics and Melges
32 World Champion team member George 'Bear' Peet, won the inaugural event over
the thirteen boat fleet. The next events will be in Miami in February and
March. -- http://www.melges20.com/news-archive.php

* At the second event of the inaugural Extreme Sailing Series Asia, six teams
are in Singapore this weekend competing in the Extreme 40 racing. The fleet in
Singapore had everything thrown at them today as they contended with an
intense 15 minute rainstorm, wind that peaked at 12 knots and then they were
left crawling around the racecourse as the wind dropped to just 1.2 knots.
With one day of competition remaining, here is a video of a near wipeout from
one of the teams: http://tinyurl.com/yaxuoju

* Goetz Custom Technologies has laid off its workforce for the second time in
a year. The Rhode Island sailboat builder is facing a lawsuit by a Scottish
client for an 82ft racing sailboat under construction, with claims that Goetz
did not build the boat according to plans and has not paid numerous suppliers.
-- IBI Magazine, full story:
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20091111164321ibinews.html

* CORRECTION: In Scuttlebutt 2990, the list of North Americans competing at
the ISAF Sailing World Cup Sail Melbourne event omitted 470 mens team Adam
Roberts/ Nick Martin (USA), an oversight due to them being listed as an
Australian team. That's one way to blend in with the locals! -- Sail Melbourne
website: http://www.sailmelbourne.com.au/

*HOLIDAY REMINDER: There was an extra mailing last Friday to support all the
Scuttlebutt advertisers during the holiday season (and beyond). If you had
trouble with the links in the mailing, the list of companies is always posted
online here: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ssc/suppliers

GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS, EASY & FAST!
Optimum Time sailing watches are purpose designed with easy-to-use features
including large displays, pre-programmed 5,4,1,0 ISAF start sequences and 1
year warrantees. Ocean Racing's waterproof Offshore Duffel and Backpack (with
removable neoprene laptop sleeve) utilize heavy-duty waterproof material and
zippers plus seams that are sewn, taped and RF welded.
http://www.OceanRacing.com

LETTERS AND FORUM
Please email your comments to the Scuttlebutt editor (aka, 'The Curmudgeon').
Published letters must include writer's name and be no longer than 250 words
(letter might be edited for clarity or simplicity). One letter per subject,
and save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. As an alternative, a
more open environment for discussion is available on the Scuttlebutt Forum.

-- To submit a Letter: editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com
-- To post on the Forum: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/forum

* From David Cook, Victoria, BC, Canada:
Nick was an amazing sailor and an even more amazing person. I first heard of
Nick after he won the Open 2.4 mR Worlds beating out over 100 sailors
including some very talented AB (able-bodies) like Peter Norlin (designer of
the Norlin 2.4 mR as well as at least one Americas Cup boat too).

When Nick made the decision to move from the 2.4 mR to the SKUD18, he was
definitely the talk of the class. As being part of one of the top teams in the
class at that time, my legs were shaking in my boots (a figure of speech, my
legs actually don't move other than wiggling my toes). Nick and I had a close
personal bond. We were two of the few international disabled sailors who
had/have a progressive neurological disease. I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy,
similar but different to ALS where the nerves that control my muscles are
fading away and have been so for most or probably all of my life (I'm 51 now).
Enough about me.

For a joke and to compare my limited arm strength to Nick's, we had an
arm-wrestling match during the last event held in St. Petersburg, Fl. during
Nick's Road to Gold in Beijing. Nick kicked my butt but I knew his
deterioration would be much faster than mine. I wished Nick the best in
Beijing and followed his and Maureen's progress with great interest. Nick
having his life challenges, Maureen, hers (that another exciting story on its
own). Not to take absolutely anything away from Nick's legacy, there are a
whole bunch more exciting and touching stories like Nick's in disabled
sailing. -- Scuttleblog, read on: http://tinyurl.com/yacqr9t

* From John Bowe:
BMW Oracle can use the computer to set the wing mast and forget about it.
Alinghi can use the motor to move the ballast and forget about it. I can set
the TiVo to America's Cup and forget about it. Let us get over this in
February and get back to real sailing.

* From Roger Vaughan:
The more Mike Sands argues his case about the America's Cup going
"professional" (in Scuttlebutt 2990), meaning with motors and GPS-integrated
computers doing all the trimming, the more I like it.

Above all, the America's Cup has always been an international design contest.
I once wrote something to the effect that when the two finalists line up for
the Cup match, they represent the ultimate in design, materials, and
technology that can be produced by the country they represent. I always
imagined that when technology was advanced sufficiently, the two rich guys
paying the syndicate bills would "sail" the boats by remote control from
blimps hovering above the race course. Maybe there would be three or four
humans on the boat to change sails, keep the deck organized, coil the lines,
and bring the boat to the dock after racing. They would be taking orders on
headsets from the boss in the blimp, who would be doing all the steering and
trimming by radio control.

It's exciting that we're almost there. Drones flown by "pilots" at control
stations can now deliver fire power in combat zones. The larger commercial
aircraft regularly take off, fly the route, and land, all by computer program.
So the full-size, radio controlled America's Cup yacht can't be far off.

Sailors shouldn't be dismayed by this. The America's Cup has always been a bit
of a circus. Enjoy it for what it is. You want good sail boat racing, check
out the Olympics or any one design national or world championship. If you can
be amused by the really Big Spenders pushing the edges of the techno envelope
-- think of it as a seagoing version of Microsoft vs. Intel -- with plenty of
legal battles along the way (can you imagine the wrangles over air space
regarding the blimps?), then keep an eye on the America's Cup.

SCUTTLEBUTT SAILING CALENDAR
Events listed at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/calendar

CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION
"I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great
pleasure." - Clarence Darrow

Special thanks to Kaenon Polarized, Doyle Sails, and OceanRacing.com.

Preferred supplier list: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ssc/suppliers