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SCUTTLEBUTT 2507 – January 9, 2008Scuttlebutt is a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions, featuresand dock talk . . . with a North American focus. Scuttlebutt is published each weekday with the support of its sponsors. SPEED SAILING: LESS THAN A SECOND by Steve Bodner The latest speed record attempts on January 3rd at the speed canal in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France raised an issue that is more than just a little bit interesting, regarding the fact that the faster the speeds get, the smaller the actual intervals between the leading riders! Let's explain that in numbers: actually achieving 50 knots of speed would give you a time for covering the 500 metre distance of 19 seconds and 440 hundredths. The current record, held by Finian Maynard (48.70) equates to a run time of 19.955 seconds, and kitesurfer Alex Caizergues' speed (47.92) a run time of 20.283 seconds, leaving 3rd fastest all-time man Antoine Albeau (47.69) a run time of 20.380 seconds. To put that in perspective, it means that Albeau is just 1 second off 50 knot speed, but, closer still, there's only just a tenth of a second between Albeau and Caizergues! And with his 48.70 knots Finian Maynard is just half a second off 50 knot pace. Which all goes to say that, it all comes down to fractions and that the last few tenths to the record will also be the hardest to achieve! Meanwhile the Hydroptere team has been in the Marseille area since January 1st looking for suitable spots for their own speed record attempt. They finally decided on Port-St-Louis-du-Rhone (PSL), not much more than a stone's throw from Saintes, as the most appropriate spot for the famous foil boat to set up camp, a spot that Bjorn Dunkerbeck also used recently for his private/invite only record attempt. Still in the workshops in the process of being reconfigured for pure speed, the Hydroptere team could be ready for its attempt as early as March, with one single aim in mind, that of smashing the legendary 50 knot barrier! -- Scuttleblog, http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/blog/2008/01/less-than-second.html SAILING ORGANIZERS DOWNPLAY OLYMPIC WIND WOES Qingdao, East China -- The Chinese organizers on Monday played down concerns about light wind conditions in Qingdao, venue for the 2008 Olympic sailing events, saying the coastal city is absolutely capable of providing adequate racing conditions. Speaking to a pack of Chinese journalists, Qingdao Vice Mayor Zang Aimin said that judging from the last two years' test events and the meteorologic data for the past 30 years, Qingdao's wind conditions can meet the standards to hold Olympic sailing competitions. "Though the city's wind conditions are far from perfect, we are confident that the Olympic sailing events can proceed without a hitch," she said. Average August wind speeds are about 5 meters per second --over the minimum required for racing by international rules, but short of the ideal, 7 to 8 mps. Several of the scheduled races in the 2006 and 2007 Qingdao International Regatta, the test events for the Olympic sailing competitions, were postponed or canceled due to light winds. Zang said scheduling more lay-off days in between racing days would allow help to make up any backlog this summer. "We will schedule a 15-day period in order to play safe," she said. -- China Daily, read on, http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-01/08/content_6377758.htm * Curmudgeon’s Comment: A conversion of 5 meters per second is 9.7 knots, but there has been concern that Qingdao’s average wind speed records are affected by the extreme storms that occasionally pass through and influence the data. Also, in Issue 2415, Canadian Sailing Team Head Coach Ken Dool wrote an article where he introduced a new term called “Qingdao knots,” which is the wind strength forecasted by the weather gurus at the Pre-Olympic regattas in an effort to keep everyone’s spirits up. Said Dool, “by my math skills a Qingdao knot is about ½ a North American knot and definitely less than a ¼ of a true European sailor’s knot.” * Triple Olympic medallist Ben Ainslie of Britain has been selected to represent his country in the Finn class at the 2008 Olympic Games. The Royal Yachting Association had initially been hesitant to grant Ainslie the slot as he had been away from the class while countryman Ed Wright had been accumulated top results, but Ainslie’s wins at the two Olympic Test Regattas at Qingdao in 2006 and 2007, along with his impressive showing at the Sydney International Regatta last month, sealed his nomination to compete at a fourth Olympic Games. QUOTE / UNQUOTE “The America's Cup in many ways is like the U.S. economy, so big, established and powerful that no matter who finds a way to gain control, it survives. Right now, both are being put to the test.” -- Angus Phillips, Washington Post, http://tinyurl.com/2xdv9c KWRW TECH & TAP SERVICE TEAM Need to tune your winches or replace that handle you misplaced in the Gulf? Harken's full-service mobile workshop is equipped with a drill press, grinder, corkscrew, hand tools, and lots of spare parts. We'll even charge your VHF or European cell phone! If you don't find Scott, Charlotte, Nick, Neil, or Harv on the water or at our tech trailer on Caroline Street, try the local establishments where we've volunteered to fine-tune and cycle-test the taps. http://www.harken.com/scuttlebutt/KeyWest_RaceWeek07.php A COPYRIGHT OF THE CROWN The availability of tidal information is a crucial resource for racers and cruisers in North America, and for that matter, the world. It is printed daily in newspapers, easily found online, included on some wristwatches, and even downloaded to phones and other PDA devices. But what if you had to pay for this information? The UK is one of the only countries in the world where the harmonic variables used to calculate tide tables are deemed to be a copyright of the Crown. Currently, Her Majesty's Government is requiring payment by any who wish to use and publish this data. As an aid to the safety of all shipping around the coast of Great Britain, an effort is in the works for this data to be made available to any who require it, and who wish to publish the results either on paper or electronically. British citizens that support the availability of tidal information are encouraged to sign a petition before the January 11, 2008 deadline. Link: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Tidetable-data DOWN UNDER OLYMPIC ACTION Melbourne, Australia (January 8, 2008) – The pressure this week at the 49er World Championship is heightened by it being the final determinate for many countries choosing their Olympic representative, or if the county qualifies at all for the limited number of entries permitted for each Olympic event this summer at the Games in Qingdao, China. The top North American entrant Tim Wadlow/ Chris Rast (USA) was able to maintain their fifth place position on a day when many other suffered. Here is Wadlow’s report: “We thought Monday was a tough day, with challenging conditions, but today was even tougher. The wind was once again from the land, and this time we were on the inner racecourse, which meant our weather mark was extremely close to shore. The wind was absolutely crazy, and reminded me of my days at Boston University, sailing on the Charles River, in the lee of skyscrapers. Skiff sailing in these conditions is not easy, as we can't just bounce from one shift to the next like we used to do in FJ's. “We somehow managed to survive the day with scores of 1, 9 , 13, 13. While these scores were nothing special, the scores for the fleet were all over the place, and everyone had some tough races. The race committee decided to go one race ahead of schedule today and we sailed four races. This means we have only one Gold race Wednesday, and then the medal race. We are mathematically guaranteed of making the medal race, which is only the top ten teams overall. The medal race counts double, and the score cannot be dropped. Lots can change, and we hope to make the best of it.” -- http://www.wadlowrast.com Racing continues through Wednesday; complete results: http://www.yachting.org.au/site/yachting/event/14245/overall_2_4.html * For the RS:X Men’s and Women’s Worlds to be held January 10-20 in Takapuna, New Zealand, online viewers will have access to both scoring and minute by minute updates on progress. Start times, mark roundings, and finishes will be posted to the internet with a minimal time delay. Additionally, mobile phone text messages can provide information on individual sailors. Details at http://rsxclass.com/blog/2008/01/08/online-scoring-system-first/#more-34 PROPER FLAG FLYING The Scuttlebutt staff is based in California, where Opening Day is a ceremonial tribute to tradition, and an opportunity for local dry cleaners to get some blue blazer business. Regardless, there are matters of etiquette that we just don’t know, and since being ignorant is no excuse, we publicly accept the indignation that comes from the Scuttlebutt community when we cross the line. Here is a recent letter: “I know you guys are Californians, but I was still shocked, shocked I say, to see your usually excellent web site's ‘Holiday Greetings’ card posted showing an undersized national ensign flying from a port spreader.” Eager to learn something from our misstep, we tossed a lifeline to this reader, who replied with the information for Yacht Routine from the New York Yacht Club yearbook. -- Read on: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/blog/2008/01/flag-flying.html THE ROAD TO KEY WEST Tagged as the ultimate do-it-all design, the Camet Agility short is ideal for your Key West outing with an aerobic component. In addition to the shorts breathable and versatile function, the two-tone shell features side pockets placed high for easy access when sailing. CametflexT is 98% nylon and 2% CFlex double weave with three-way mechanical stretch. The yarns are specifically processed to resist deformation. The resulting fabric has great stretch and no propensity to hold moisture, with super durable water repellency. See it at http://www.camet.com/?Click=645 BARCELONA WORLD RACE Open 60 doublehanded round the world race (started Nov 11; 25,000-miles) (Day 59 – January 8, 2008) Paprec-Virbac 2 is closing in on Cape Horn, as the leading boat in the Barcelona World Race has just over 500 more miles to run before reaching this landmark at the tip of South America. “It’s the gateway to the Atlantic and the exit from the Southern Ocean. The thing about the Southern Ocean is that it’s constant and it feels like it is just never-ending,” says Damian Foxall, from on board Paprec-Virbac 2. “It’s relentless, it’s always blowing, or about to blow or it’s just been blowing and there’s always a big sea – and this in the summer! It’s an amazing place, but Cape Horn marks the door to leave and we’ll be happy to leave because it means we’re heading north for the final section of the race.” As Hugo Boss predicted yesterday, they were a full 10 knots slower than the leader for much of the last day, but conditions have recently improved to hopefully stop the bleeding. -- http://www.barcelonaworldrace.com Positions at 18:00 GMT (+gain/-loss from leader since previous day) 1-Paprec-Virbac 2, Jean-Pierre Dick/ Damian Foxall, 7,381 nm DTF (+364) 2-Hugo Boss, Alex Thomson/ Andrew Cape, 1,031 nm DTL (-130) 3-Temenos II, Dominique Wavre/ Michéle Paret, 2,897 (-47) 4-Mutua Madrilena, Javier Sanso Windmann/ Pachi Rivero, 2,897 (+60) 5-Educación sin Fronteras, Servane Escoffier/ Albert Bargues, 3,473 (-132) Retired - PRB, Vincent Riou / Sébastien Josse (broken mast) Retired -Delta Dore, Jérémie Beyou/ Sidney Gavignet (broken mast) Retired - Estrella Damm, Guillermo Altadill/ Jonathan McKee, (rudder damage) Retired - Veolia Environnement, Roland Jourdain/Jean-Luc Nélias (broken mast) * (Day 46 – January 8, 2008 - 16:52 UTC) Weather conditions have improved for Francis Joyon and his maxi-trimaran IDEC in their solo round the world record attempt, with speed and distance numbers for the latest 24 hours having increased by 58% over the previous day, and now 16.1 knots while covering 385.4 nm. Joyon has been working his way up the Brazilian coastline, and is nearly at the eastern most tip of the country (and continent), where he will break away and cross the Atlantic toward the finish at Brest, France. With 4,079 nm remaining, Joyon’s has slightly improved on his advance of 2,504 nm over the 2005 record set by Ellen MacArthur of 71d 14h 18m 33s (12.66 speed average). -- http://www.trimaran-idec.com TOOLS OF THE TRADE Running quality regattas takes the effort of many, and the preparation needed must be on the same level as top flight racing programs. Systems must be tested, and the team must be able to anticipate and react to changes. Depending on the host club and/or the accountability of its members, keeping track of needed equipment can be a task and a half. An annual inventory is likely needed, and perhaps the winter is the time to be doing it. The Desert Sea blog has posted a comprehensive list of equipment needed for hosting a sailboat regatta in inland or coastal waters for the race committee signal boat, mark set boats, and other support boats; personal equipment for the principal race officer, RC mark/support boat captains, and RC crew. Race equipment is organized into the categories of (1) boat requirements, (2) navigation, communications, and time keeping, (3) race course and signaling, (4) paperwork, and (5) personal. -- Read on: http://desertsea.blogspot.com/2007/12/race-equipment-checklist.html SAILING SHORTS * After nearly eight years working full-time as Yachting World's Website Editor, Sue Pelling has set up her own freelance business as a journalist specializing in yacht racing, marine, lifestyle, and travel. She can be contacted at mailto:sue@suepelling-journalist.com * Bill Goggins, commercial manager at Harken Yacht Equipment, has been elected Sail America’s new president. The organization is responsible for managing Strictly Sail Shows, marketing sailing to newcomers, and providing services to its marine industry membership. Goggins continues a history of association with Sail America, as both Peter and Olaf Harken were both involved since the foundation of Sail America, with Olaf being the organization’s first president. -- http://www.sailamerica.com/newsletter/e-news/december2007/article_01.html * American sabot sailors from California might enjoy these images of the Australian version of the sabot, which last week held their 44th National championship on Sydney Harbour. The hull looks similar, though the rig has stays, the sail has three full-length battens, and many of the boats are sailed two-up. Photos: http://tinyurl.com/28jrud * San Juan, Puerto Rico -- After struggling aboard his storm-damaged yacht, American sailor William P. Archer III watched his sailboat sink into the ocean — just as he was rescued by a passing tanker in rough seas off the Bahamas. Archer, who had been attempting a solo Atlantic crossing, ran into trouble just 10 days into his six-week journey from Cape Verde, when storms destroyed the boom and shredded two sails on his 39-foot yacht. He had hoped to reach the Caribbean island of Antigua within a month. -- International Herald Tribune, complete story: http://tinyurl.com/2eq32k CHARLESTON RACE WEEK APRIL 17-20, 2008 Online registration is open and discount applies until January 31st! Come enjoy great racing in the harbor and offshore in one of America's favorite cities. Amazing beach parties every evening featuring Gosling Dark n' Stormies and grand prizes on Sunday from event sponsor Raymarine. PHRF, one-design, and IRC friendly. Details at http://www.charlestonraceweek.com EIGHT BELLS Australian yachting legend and Olympic gold medallist Peter O'Donnell has passed away after a long battle with cancer. The 68-year-old, who was Australia's inaugural yachting Olympic champion at the 1964 Tokyo Games, became one of the country's most decorated sailors collecting several national and international titles throughout a long and illustrious career. O'Donnell's achievements included sailing aboard 'Gretel' in Australia's first challenge for the America's Cup in 1962 and being awarded the prestigious title of 'Australian Yachtsman of the Year' in 1980. -- Complete report: http://tinyurl.com/29uk7v LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name, and may be edited for clarity or simplicity (letters shall be no longer than 250 words). You only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot, don't whine if others disagree, and save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. As an alternative, a more open environment for discussion is available on the Scuttlebutt Forum. -- Scuttlebutt Letters: editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com -- Scuttlebutt Forum: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/forum * From Rich Jepsen, CEO OCSC Sailing, San Francisco Bay: (Re: article in Issue 2506 about Call of the Sea) Great to see Seaward and Call of the Sea get some well deserved props. The schooner is comfortable and seaworthy and Ken is a 'can-do' guy with a dream to inspire kids and adults alike. We have been some of the paying passengers that help support his youth programs. He, Alan Olson, and crew are first rate, great teachers, and lots of fun to be around. * From Sarah Fielding: Great story about US Paralympic team member John Ruf in Issue 2506. Not sure about others, but I get fixated on what it must take to compete with disabilities, forgetting that each of these sailors are battling either disease or the results of a catastrophic accident. Achieving success in Paralympic sailing is a tribute to their ability to overcome so much. * From Betsy Altman: Frank Ustach’s report in Issue 2505 on the USTRA Midwinter team racing event held at Martin County Sailing Center was an excellent blow-by-blow account of the regatta with a vast array of teams and talents. All racing depends on volunteers and few events engage more volunteers than team racing. The race committee did an excellent job in trying conditions and the umpires worked hard. A special thanks to Jackie LaFort, regatta chair, John Westbrook, PRO, Allison Robin, rotations, and umpires Rob Overton, Charlie Shumway, John Lee, Carol Robinson, Harry Keith, May Wong and my co-chump, Tom Rinda. CURMUDGEON’S OBSERVATION What makes equality such a difficult business is that we only want it with our superiors. Special thanks to Harken, Camet, and Charleston Race Week. A complete list of Scuttlebutt’s preferred suppliers is at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ssc/suppliers |
