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SCUTTLEBUTT 2788 - Wednesday, February 25, 2009Scuttlebutt 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. Today's sponsors are North Sails and MyBoatsGear.com. THIRTY MORE DAYS OF FREEZE DRIED FOOD by Torben Grael, Ericsson 4 skipper (Feb. 24, 2009; Day 11) - Ten days at sea and the clock keeps ticking, as do the miles - (touch wood). First we got rid of the cold, then we lost a digit (9.999 instead of 10 thousand something miles to go), and then the southern hemisphere. Now we are looking forward to cross the date line and jump into the western hemisphere. Some have got it even better but Doldrums went ok for us, at least I have no complaints. Jules (Jules Salter – navigator) wasn’t so happy with the lack of meteo information (due to an absence of satellites), but did a great job using the good old weather fax with the SSB. Although our sailing conditions have been rather steady, things further south seem quite volatile and so does our routing through there. There is a big variety of routes going all over the place. Things have settled a little with the fleet appearing to be unanimous on the decision to go to the east of Fiji, but there are still big uncertainties further from there. The fact that we still have to eat freeze dried food for another 30 days is a worry, but it should probably help the diet I will have to do, to fit in a Star together with Marcelo again. We must be almost 20 kilos over right now. It has been nice to virtually visit all this islands we are going through. It would be fantastic to visit at least some of them in the future. It is amazing how people live in so many little tiny ones in the middle of nowhere. Just need a more suitable boat with heaps more time. -- Event website: http://www.volvooceanrace.org Crewed around the world race in VO 70’s, with ten distance legs and seven In-Port races. Leg Five from Qingdao, China to Rio de Janiero, Brazil is 12,300 nm, with the finish estimated on March 20th. Current positions (as of Feb. 25, 1:00 am GMT): 1. Ericsson 4 (SWE), Torben Grael/BRA, 8,917 nm Distance to Finish 2. PUMA (USA), Ken Read/USA, 24 nm Distance to Leader 3. Ericsson 3 (SWE), Magnus Olsson/SWE, 28 nm DTL 4. Green Dragon (IRL/CHN), Ian Walker/GBR, 73 nm DTL 5. Telefónica Blue (ESP), Bouwe Bekking/NED, 97 nm DTL Telefonica Black (ESP), Fernando Echavarri/ESP, Did Not Start Delta Lloyd (IRL), Roberto Bermudez/ESP, DNS Team Russia (RUS), Andreas Hanakamp/AUT, DNS Overall scores: http://www.volvooceanrace.org/rdc/#tab4 Race tracking: http://volvooceanrace.geovoile.com SHORT STORY ABOUT LONG RACE Taylor Michie, 13, has enjoyed writing ever since he first learned how to shape letters. So, after the Volvo Ocean Race came to Baltimore in 2006, the Annapolis youth decided to write a story as his way of being part of the event. What began as a short story project in fifth grade has become a 108-page book. The eighth-grader at St. Mary's Elementary School in Annapolis has just released his self-published book, "Racing Winds." "I've just always liked to write," Taylor said. "From when I could first write, I enjoyed it." Racing Winds, published in early January, tells the fictional story of Dave Rhodes and his crew, who race a Puma-sponsored boat around the world in the Volvo Ocean Race - a nine-month sailing competition that circles the globe. Along the way they discover that their strongest competitor is under investigation by the FBI for trying to sabotage the race, and the crew must find a way to both save the race and win it themselves. -- The Capital, read on: http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2009/02_24-35/CAN TIME FOR A CHANGE The Melges 24 class will host its world championship this fall in Annapolis, MD, which was the site of the North Americans in 2008. The idea was to use the NA’s as a tune-up event, and then bring in the Worlds a year later with all the bugs worked out. Same host, same time of year. When the NA’s were held last year, one of the problems was the weather. It was cold. A really funny moment during the NA’s was when an Italian video reporter asked competitor Dave Ullman why the NA’s were being held there when it was so cold. Dave, who is from sunny Southern California, and had nothing to do with the hosting of the event, gave the reporter a curious look, took no credit for the decision, but was wondering the same thing. Apparently the class agreed that an adjustment was needed, as was stated in this press release: “With guidance from the International and United States Melges 24 Class Associations, and consistent feedback from the participants in the 2008 North American Championship, it was a unanimous decision to change the schedule.” While the NA’ s were held Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008, the new Worlds schedule is Oct 23-31, 2009, a week earlier than originally scheduled. Is this what U.S. President Barrack Obama meant when he said it was time for a change? -- Scuttleblog, http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/blog/2009/02/time-for-change.html NORTH SAILS EVENTS & NORTH U. COURSES If you're looking for weekend activities while your boat is stored for the season, why not check out fun & informative events going on at North Sails? North is hosting an open house in Milford, CT (http://na.northsails.com/openhouse or call 203-877-7621 for details) on Saturday, March 7, 2009, and there are more than 30 North U. seminars coming up in the US & Canada. Stay tuned to the North Web site for additional events & courses! -- http://www.northu.com * A reminder that North Sails is offering a free hat to customers who finished in the top three in any regatta in North America during 2008! Offer available in North America only and expires April 1, 2009. Details: http://na.northsails.com/NewsEvents/VictoryList2008/tabid/8871/Default.aspx DO YOU WANT TO BUY GOETZ CUSTOM SAILBOATS? Bristol, RI - The builder of Volvo Ocean Race entrant PUMA, Eric Goetz Custom Sailboats, Inc. was petitioned into Receivership, effective Jan. 6, 2009, after having laid off workers on Dec 31st. A story published in Scuttlebutt 2787 noted how the company’s troubles began in December, but this is not fully truthful, as Scuttlebutt has known of their cash flow problems since spring of 2008. Now, with Citizens Bank holding a $1.9 million note on the company, Eric Goetz is leading a new entity to buy his company back, and the State of Rhode Island currently holds Eric’s offer of $400,000 as the leading bid. An auction will be held on March 6, 2009 to purchase all assets free and clear of any liens. Details for anyone interested in becoming a potential bidder are available here: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/09/0224 => Curmudgeon’s Comments: General Manager Guy J. Gauvin of Goetz Custom Boats provides Scuttleblog with his spin on what undid the company: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/blog/2009/02/boat-builder-for-sale.html NEXT FINISHER DUE THURSDAY (Feb. 24, 2009; Day 107) - Eager to finish his Vendee Globe race and secure eighth place as the next finisher, Steve White (Toe in the Water) had a close encounter with a cargo ship Monday night which he admits was a little too close for comfort as he sailed in busy shipping traffic off Cape Finisterre. The British skipper emerged unscathed and is making fair speed across the Bay of Biscay now, trying to hike north in the contrary, easterly winds as he makes for the finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne where he is now expected Thursday. His VMG remains consistent at around 6-8 knots, although he said today that with 30 knot winds off Finisterre, the seas were as big and awkward as he could remember; only the second time he could recall not being able to stand up on the foredeck of his Open 60, and having to work on his hands and knees. Event website: http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en Complete standings: http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/ranking.html Race tracking: http://tracking.vendeeglobe.org/en US SAILING AND ROLEX WATCH U.S.A. SIGN FOUR-YEAR SPONSORSHIP US Sailing and Rolex Watch U.S.A. have announced a four-year sponsorship through the year 2012. “We view US Sailing’s role as absolutely critical in this country’s development of the sport,” said Allen Brill, president and CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A. The agreement between the two parties highlights Rolex’s continued support of US Sailing events and programs. A long-time official sponsor of the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics, Rolex has increased its collaboration by becoming a new Gold level partner of the team. Rolex Watch U.S.A. also maintains title sponsorship of US Sailing’s biennial Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship, the annual US Sailing Rolex Miami OCR and Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards while continuing to sponsor US Sailing’s 11 U.S. Adult Championships and racing clinics associated with them. -- Full announcement: http://www.ussailing.org/pressreleases/2009/rolex_announcement.asp => Curmudgeon’s Comment: Heh, Rolex, how about some love ($$$) for publications like Scuttlebutt that are supporting the sport in the U.S. too? ALINGHI TO JOIN WORLD TOUR Alinghi, Defender of the 33rd America’s Cup, will lead an all-star cast of teams during this season’s World Match Racing Tour. Skipper Ed Baird, three-time Match Racing World Champion, ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year and defending 32nd America’s Cup helmsman, will lead Alinghi at most stops on the World Tour. An interesting change to this year’s World Tour has been the introduction of the ‘Tour Card’ which guarantees certain teams entry into all of the World Tour events based on their previous year’s performance. The six teams that qualified for World Tour cards this year include: 1. Ian Williams (GBR) Bahrain Team Pindar 2. Sébastien Col (FRA) French Team/K-Challenge 3. Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Team/Team French Spirit 4. Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Shosholoza 5. Adam Minoprio (NZL) Emirates Team New Zealand/Black Match Racing 6. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team The ten tour events typically have twelve entrants, and there is one remaining wildcard that has yet to be allocated. In addition to those above; other teams that plan to compete on this year’s World Tour include Magnus Holmberg of Victory Challenge, three-time Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie and his TeamOrigin as well as Peter Gilmour. -- Complete story: http://www.worldmatchracingtour.com/da/94697 THROWABLE FLOTATION DEVICES In an emergency situation, when a person falls overboard, there are two important acts to take. First you must locate the victim and have a lookout keep the person in sight. Secondly you should attempt to get them some flotation. For this week’s newsletter, we have taken a look at throwable flotation devices (http://myboatsgear.com/mbg/product.asp?prodID=1697) that you can use to help the victim survive, while you attempt to reverse back to pick them up. RSS feeds are available at http://www.Myboatsgear.com SAILING SHORTS * A grass roots campaign has been initiated on behalf of the Marine Sailboat Dealers and Sailing Community of Illinois in speaking out against proposed bill (HB0451). The campaign seeks to educate Illinois lawmakers on the effect of the proposed bill and its impact to retail businesses. The proposed bill seeks to impose a five percent luxury tax on a broad range of consumer products including automobiles over $60,000, watercraft exceeding a cost of $200,000, aircraft in excess of $500,000 and jewelry or fur clothing in excess of $20,000. -- Read on: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/09/0224a * A new offshore, the inaugural RORC Caribbean 600, saw the 25 boat fleet start Monday, taking on a course that begins and ends off Fort Charlotte outside English Harbour, Antigua, while navigating around many of the nearby islands. By Tuesday, Mike Slade's 100ft Maxi, ICAP Leopard, leads the monohulls by over 70 miles on the water, with the one retirement being Class Zero entrant Edward Krubasik's First 47.7, Gilly B who pulled into St. Eustacia after having a broken gooseneck. The first boats are expected to arrive back in Antigua before dawn on Wednesday. -- Event website: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/ * The IFDS Open Mid Winters were held in St Petersburg, FL on Feb 19-22, with fourteen entrants competing in the 2.4Mr, SKUD 18, and Sonar classes. The winners were Ralph Brooks (USA), Alexandra Richham/ Niki Birrell (GBR), and Paul Callahan/ Brian Hayes/ Roger Cleworth respectively. -- Results: http://linkbee.com/GD36 * The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has published the Notice of Race for the 2009 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship, the leading annual event for the new Olympic discipline set to debut at the 2012 London Games. The Lysekil Yacht Club Gullmar will host the 11th edition of the ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championship from 27 July-1 August in the town of Lysekil on the west coast of Sweden, approximately 100km north of Gotherburg. -- Details: http://www.sailing.org/27433.php?PHPSESSID=65e496e13bbb76da8ef6e0dc789444cc LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON Reader commentary is encouraged, with letters to be submitted to the Scuttlebutt editor, aka, ‘The Curmudgeon’. Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name, and be no longer than 250 words (letter might be edited for clarity or simplicity). You only get 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 Reynald Neron: I think the sport of sailing should thank people like Farrah Hall or the various America’s Cup teams for increasing the number of people involved in the sport. Indeed, more and more lawyers are enjoying our sport. * From Clark Carruthers: In reference to US Sailing and the said legal matters, etc., can't we just go sailing and have some fun. I could care less. I am certainly not am "Olympic sailor". I just want to enjoy every minute I spend on the water I do not want to spend countless hours debating the pros and cons of the Stevens Act and ISAF.....I just want to sail. I run a fleet of Offshore Supply Vessels and Tweendeck/Heavylift Vessels in my day job. I waste way too much time dealing with Admiralty Attorneys and such other types. I do not want to have them involved with my time on the race course and sailing......please can we just not agree that we sail for the fun and enjoyment of being on the water. Maybe this is one of the principal reasons that racing is being killed. * From Lee Smith, Long Beach, CA: Enough litigation already. Something is wrong when Scuttlebutt, the de facto "rag" for thousands of racing sailors, is dedicating 95% of its coverage to 1% of its population. This might make sense when we are talking about the top 1% playing the same game as the rest of us, just better, ala golf or tennis. I question that match racing in hundred million dollar boats, or a 365 days a year commitment to dinghies and sailboards that no one else sails is the same game. I, for one, don't identify with these guys, and have been skipping the legal section of Scuttlebutt for some time now. Am I alone? * From Chris Ericksen: I have a novel solution to the issue of the conflict of the Racing Rules of Sailing and the Ted Stevens Act: how about creating some organization that can be the national governing body of the sport of sailing in accordance with the act and leave the rest of us who sail for fun alone? I mean, create a body that cares about the Ted Stevens Act and doping and what the USOC thinks. Let them spin off, like General Motors spun off Delphi, and let the marketplace see who survives. Let them create their own rules that comply with the Ted Stevens Act and let the rest of us get on with the Racing Rules of Sailing. And maybe this will end once and for all the Olympic tail wagging the rest of the racing community's dog. * From Walt Spevak: Would you please, please, please put news about sailing, real sailing, (regattas, design news, inspiring stories, etc.) first and all the legal news at the bottom of your daily emails? I’m tired of opening a Scuttlebutt and having to scroll down to find the sailing news. How about running a poll of your readers asking “Would you like lawsuit and other litigious matters first or last in daily ‘butts…or not at all?” * From Adrian Morgan: (re, quote from story in ‘butt 2787) "It looks like the one thing sailors like a lot more than sailing is litigating." Two law suits, both American, hardly back this statement up. I know of no cases in the UK of sailors resorting to the law, unless it involves personal injury. We still sail by the laws of... cricket. This is a game. Get over it. Umpire knows best. Long may it remain and, as Shakespeare had one of Cade's men say in Henry VI ".The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." * From Dave Wilhite: I like the list of people behind Farrah Hall, not because I care one way or the other but for what the Rios/Hall incident represents. I fully support the decision of Peter Ueberroth, and his USOC panel members, Nina Kempel, US Ski and Snowboard Association; Scott Fortune, USA Volleyball; Bob Mitchell, USA Shooting; Jeanne Picariello, Chair, USOC Multisport Organizations Council; and Ron Van Pool, USA Swimming in their finding. I agree all of us are entitled to a fair system of hearings. And I'm less than pleased that US Sailing has spent six figures on a case that, in essence, appears to defend a legal system inconsistent with American law. Some claim Hall dragged the sport of sailing into the courtroom but the fact is Rios' victory was not found on the water. Legal issues aside, if Dale Earnhardt Jr. cuts a tire and wrecks while leading the waning laps of the Daytona 500; he can't claim victory. I'm sorry Nancy Rios cut her sail but if sailing is to ever be considered a sport we may have to allow those star-crossed moments that sometimes shape a competition. That said I'm bound to fall victim to some unspoken calamity in the next month but I sure hope not! US Sailing needs to put egos aside, clean up its act, fix the rules, adhere to the standards of American law and US Olympic protocols but more importantly, get back out on the water and go sailing. => Curmudgeon’s Comment: A few points need to be clarified. The racing rules provide for redress, the Protest Committee provided Rios with an award for an incident they found to be no fault of her own, and thus adjusted the scores. The United States Olympic Committee also found that the procedures that were followed to determine this redress award were consistent with the rules as provided by ISAF and US SAILING. However, on a separate issue, USOC believes the procedures need to be improved on in the future, and now US SAILING has until Sept. 1, 2009 to fulfill this directive. CURMUDGEON’S OBSERVATION Heaven is where the Police are British, the Chefs are Italian, the Mechanics are German, the Lovers are French, and it's all organized by the Swiss. Hell is where the Police are German, the Chefs are British, the Mechanics are French, the Lovers are Swiss, and it's all organized by the Italians. Special thanks to North Sails and MyBoatsGear.com. A complete list of preferred suppliers is at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ssc/suppliers |
