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SCUTTLEBUTT 2711 - Monday, October 27, 2008Scuttlebutt 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 Samson, Team One Newport, and Seitech racks. WE’RE QUANTUM RACING, AND WE’RE HERE TO BEAT YOU The headline is a little harsh, but the topic here involves advertising on boats. The ISAF Advertising Code allows for races to be run under either Category A (no advertising) or Category C (advertising permitted with some restriction). The most prevalent examples have been in the Americas’ Cup or the around the world races, but boat sponsorship can trickle down as far as a one design class or an event permits. Lately, various race results include teams named Quantum Racing, with the boats being branded after the sailmaker they receive support from. Amid the TP 52 circuit in Europe, and the Melges 24 racing in the U.S., you will find successful teams named Quantum Racing. The question is whether there is any difference between a boat being branded after a sailmaker and a boat being branded after a non-marine entity. Will PUMA have demonstrated they have better shoes if Ken Read’s team wins the Volvo Ocean Race? Not likely, but PUMA certainly hopes to leverage the marketing opportunities of the race to better expose their brand. Now exchange PUMA with Quantum Racing, and shoes with sails. Much like the old line about chickens and pigs, and their respective relationships with ham-and-egg breakfasts; it's a parable on the differences between involvement and commitment. The chicken, of course, is involved, but the pig? He's committed. The history of all sailmakers supporting racing teams is long, most notably in one design classes. Sometimes it is the company’s boat, and sometimes it is not. Either way, the purpose, at least in part, is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the sails. Good results don’t always equate to selling sails, but bad results make for a rocky sales pitch. This week at the Melges 24 North Americans, if you didn’t know that Terry Hutchinson’s team was supported by Quantum Sails, the Quantum Racing boat name will dispatch any doubt. For those following the event online, the team’s sponsor will be quickly evident. So how do you feel about a sponsored sailmaking team’s boat also being fully branded? Vote here: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/polls/08/1027 * From the Notice of Race for Acura Key West 2009: “Those One Design classes that have chosen to race under Category A will sail under Category A for this regatta. Those One Design classes that have chosen to race under Category C and those boats sailing under the handicap rules (PHRF & IRC), will sail under Category C.” -- http://www.premiere-racing.com/keywest09/pages/KW09_entry_information.htm BENDING TOWARD CAPE TOWN (Oct. 26, 2008; Day 16) - The story for the fleet is all about how fast and how far south you can get, to catch a ride on the low pressure system that’s due to depart Brazil, headed for Cape Town, and will provide record runs for the fleet. To illustrate this determination, on Friday the fleet was headsail reaching on port at about a 200 degree heading with a true wind of 130 degrees. On Saturday, despite the wind backing to 80 degrees, despite the spinnakers being set, the fleet was still hugging the Brazilian coast on a 200 degree heading… and the bearing to Cape Town was 120 degrees then. If they wanted to, they could sheet in as they were now on layline to the finish, but the riches that lay further south were historically worthy of this detour. Finally on Sunday, the course of the fleet beagan bending toward Cape Town. They are still crabbing south, with the leaders on port aiming about 25 degrees low of the finish, but the wind is fully backed to 10 degrees, the kites are up, and the wet gear is poised for potent weather system that is expected by Tuesday to launch the fleet across the Atlantic. The length of Leg One is 6500nm, with teams expected to finish by the first week in November. Current standings (as of Oct. 27, 1:00am GMT): 1. Ericsson 4, Torben Grael, 2849 nm Distance to Finish 2. Puma, Ken Read, 6 nm Distance to Lead 3. Green Dragon, Ian Walker, 28 nm DTL 4. Telefonica Black, Fernando Echavarri, 35 nm DTL 5. Telefonica Blue, Bouwe Bekking, 41 nm DTL 6. Ericsson 3, Anders Lewander, 79 nm DTL 7. Delta Lloyd, Ger O'Rourke, 105 nm DTL 8. Team Russia, Andreas Hanakamp, 206 nm DTL Race website: http://www.volvooceanrace.org * For the past few days, the standings and the Distance to Lead information has not been too helpful as the fleet sailed nearly right angles to the finish. If someone wanted to have their day in the sun, they could have aimed at Cape Town after the Fernando de Noronha scoring gate and quickly climbed in the standings (and then fell as quickly after slamming into the South Atlantic High). The standings information should become more relevant now that the fleet is beginning to aim at the finish line. MORNING LIGHT HAD THE BEST… SAMSON Samson rigging lines WarpSpeed and Flavored Ice made their film debut in the Disney production Morning Light, which opened in select theaters on October 17. The journey of 15 young sailors from 18 to 23 years old is documented in the film as they race Roy Disney’s state-of-the-art 52' yacht Morning Light against professional sailors in the Transpac 2007. Chief rigger for the yacht, Scott Easom said, “I was given the responsibility of helping those kids safely to Hawaii. Since I couldn’t be on board with them, I sent them out there with the best: Samson.” For more information visit http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/morninglight and http://www.samsonrope.com QUOTES FROM THE BOATS * Ian Walker, Green Dragon skipper: “The router suggests we will do the final 3400 miles in 7 days which is nearly 500 miles per day. Considering we are in light winds all day today that can only mean some big days ahead. In 24 hours time it will be hard to do anything onboard. I have prepared my dry suit, boots and safety kit and caught up on a lot of sleep.” -- http://tinyurl.com/VOR102608A * Guy Salter, Ericsson 4 media crew: “There has been a lot of activity onboard today with everyone triple checking their areas ready for the mighty kicking we are about to receive. In the old Volvo 60s, 40 kts would be towards upper end of racing mode; in these boats 40kts is a lot more like survival mode. It will be bumpy, wet and bloody uncomfortable but hopefully fast.” -- http://tinyurl.com/VOR102608B QUESTIONS ABOUT PROPULSION Which of the following movements is illegal according to the rules: * Sticking a foot in the water to slow the boat next to a mark. * Pulling the main to accelerate down the leeward side of a wave. * Pushing down the centerboard in the mud in a shallow area just before the starting line to stay still in a current against the boat. * Repeatedly moving the tiller to turn the boat from head to wind to a close-hauled course. * Using the propeller (by turning on the engine) to get clear of another boat after a collision. * Pulling in the anchor and let the momentum carry the boat over the starting line. See Answers Below… FOR THE RECORD (Oct. 24, 2008) - Sir Richard Branson and the TeamOrigin crew aboard Virgin Money have been forced to abandon their transatlantic monohull speed record attempt. Just two days after setting sail from New York, USA, they experienced substantial damage to their mainsail and spinnaker caused by a large wave striking them from behind and washing one of the life rafts overboard. With the world record now out of their grasp, Virgin Money is diverting to St George, Bermuda, where it is expected to arrive at approximately 21:00 GMT this evening. Said Sir Richard Branson: “We have had an eventful trip with waves up to 40 feet, gale force winds between force 7 and 9. We got taken by one massive monster wave, which approached us from behind and took one of our life rafts. Fortunately all the crew were harnessed in, so everybody was safe. The storm blew out a spinnaker and it ripped the mainsail. We have tried to repair the mainsail, and managed to mend one bit, but the bottom of the sail was too badly ripped.” -- Complete report: http://forum.sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/gforum.cgi?post=6584#6584 TP 52 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Lanzarote, Canary Islands (Oct. 25, 2008) - After being crowned MedCup champions last month, the American boat Quantum Racing helmed by Terry Hutchinson won the world title with a race to spare. The Americans decided to convert themselves to spectators in the last race of the series, in order to avoid influencing the tough three-way battle for 2nd and 3rd overall, taking place between Mutua Madrileña, Platoon and Artemis as any of these three boats could finish the championship in any of the two podium places. Artemis led from the start until the leeward gate when Desafío overtook them after picking the right shift and staging a great recovery through the fleet. With Artemis 2nd and Platoon 6th at the bottom mark, the Swedish boat was guaranteed 3rd overall in the Championship. It proved too early to rule out Jochen Schuemann’s Platoon as they passed Cristabella and Bribón, and in the final leg it was Matador’s turn to surrender to the German attacks. Platoon crossed the finish line in the wake of Artemis and grabbed the bronze medal by the slimmest possible margin, 0.25 points. Final standings (top 5 of 14) 1. Quantum (USA), Terry Hutchinson, 2-6-1-4-6-2.50-2.50, 24.00 points 2. Mutua Madrileña (CHI), Vasco Vascotto, 3-1-6-1-1-8.75-10, 32.00 points 3. Artemis (SWE), Torbjorn Tornqvist, 1-2-2-11-13-1.25-10, 40.25 points 4. Desafío (ESP), Paul Cayard, 5-7-11-12-2-5-1.25, 43.25 points 5. Platoon (GER), Jochen Schuemann, 8-9-12-3-3-6.25-3.75, 45.00 points Complete report and standings: http://forum.sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/gforum.cgi?post=6587#6587 * Great photos from Amory Ross and Nico Martinez: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/08/1025 TEAM ONE NEWPORT IS REEFING... The economic storm is here and Team One Newport has some specials just for Scuttlebutt Readers. If you buy a Musto Soft Shell jacket (MUSB0060) then you get a free Ultimate Sailing Calendar. Also, if you spend $200 then you get FREE ground shipping within the US. You must either call 800-VIP-GEAR (800-847-4327) or place your order online and email mailto:Alden@team1newport.com with “Scuttlebutt special” in the subject line with your order number and you will get the free calendar and/or free shipping if you qualify. Be sure to check out the Specials button! Visit http://www.team1newport.com Offer ends November 9th. LETTERS EXCHANGED BETWEEN AMERICA’S CUP ADVERSARIES Following last week’s announcement by Alinghi of their intention to try and push forward with the 33rd America’s Cup, BMW Oracle Racing owner Larry Ellison issued a letter to Alinghi owner Ernesto Bertarelli, who then issued his response. * From Larry: It is unfortunate we did not meet as planned while I was in Trieste last week. I still hope we can meet again soon, and stand ready to do so at a mutually agreeable time and place. As you know from our discussions in Auckland during the 2003 Cup, I support modernizing the Cup to the extent possible under the current Deed of Gift. I think we made good progress with AC32, and we can do more. And, as you know from our meeting in San Francisco two weeks ago, I think some of your re-structuring ideas have merit. But those will take time to develop and implement, and in the meantime we need to focus on solutions to get the America’s Cup back on the water as soon as possible. We also should not attempt to change 157 years of history and tradition overnight, without carefully considering all the ramifications of such changes and consulting with the important stakeholders.” -- Read on: http://www.ggyc.com/20081017_Letter_to_EB.pdf * From Ernesto: “I am disappointed that we were not able to meet in Europe the first week of October, as it was agreed last time I came to visit you in San Francisco. I am not surprised thus, that after your meeting in Trieste you have decided to communicate by mail rather than face-to-face. I was hoping that we would avoid unnecessary interference to our discussions and work hand-in-hand toward a resolution to the current standstill. I feel it is very appropriate that in your letter, you mention the 157-year history of the America’s Cup and the Deed of Gift, as reference to the conduct of the current event. Alinghi, by winning the America’s Cup twice on the water in 2003 and then again in 2007, is its legitimate Defender and has earned the right to organize the event.” - Read on: http://tinyurl.com/SButt102808a SAILING SHORTS * Ithaca, NY - The 2008-2009 ICSA/Laser Performance Men’s and Women's Singlehanded Championship were hosted by Cornell University on October 24-26, with 18 of the finest entrants in each division competing in winter conditions. While Anne Haeger of Boston College went on to build a 50 point winning margin in the women’s fleet, the men’s division was not decided until the final run to the finish, when Cy Thompson of Roger Williams University rallied to finish right on the heels of Kyle Rogachenko of Old Dominion University for the tie and the win. -- Results and photos from Glennon Stratton: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/08/1026 * St. Petersburg, FL - The 2008 Rolex Osprey Cup hosted by St. Petersburg Yacht Club, an ISAF Grade 1 women’s match racing regatta, also hosted Claire Leroy (FRA), the world’s #1 ranked match racer and ISAF Rolex Sailor of the Year in 2007 amongst its ten entrants. However, the hospitality ended there as Leroy got eliminated in the semi-finals by American Deborah Capozzi. Giulia Conti (ITA) went on to beat Capozzi in the finals for the win. Racing was held in Sonar class keelboats from October 22-25 on Tampa Bay. -- Results: http://www.rolexwomensmatch.org/ROC/2008/Results2008.html * (Oct. 24, 2008) - The overall winner of the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2008 was determined at 20.49CET yesterday evening when, Ricomincio da tre (ITA), the last remaining boat on the course with a prospect of winning, failed to cross the finish line. Thierry Bouchard and the Beneteau 40.7 Spirit of Ad Hoc (FRA) were duly declared the victors, the first time since 2002 that a yacht under fifty-foot has won the race. Bouchard has previously competed in the double-handed Transat Jacques Vabre in 2007 and the single-handed Transat from Plymouth to Boston in 2008. Sixty-seven boats started, with 52 finishers. -- http://www.rolexmiddlesearace.com/index.cfm CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS (Sponsored by West Marine) Events listed at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/calendar EIGHT BELLS * Harry W. Walker of Vero Beach, Florida passed away peacefully at home on October 23rd. He was a lifetime sailor who was involved in all levels of the sport. He was best known for his service to the International Star Class. He served as Secretary for the organization for a number of years and continued to compete right up until this past Spring. The only thing that stopped him then was a broken wrist. He was awarded his Silver Star during competition in the South American World's with Dave Perry serving as his crew. He sailed many different boats in his lifetime, but the Star was his true love. Harry was an outstanding member of the class serving as mentor, teacher and friend to those coming up in the sport. He had the honor of working on several Olympic committees all dealing with sailing. This past Spring he was Race Chairman Emeritus for the Star Worlds held in Miami, Florida. His greatest legacy is the love of sailing he instilled in several generations including his grandchildren. There was no such thing as an age barrier for Harry. As long as you truly had a drive to learn, he was there for you. He helped untold numbers of people with Olympic campaigns, training, and introductions to the right people. Harry did so much more than what I have mentioned here that it is hard to fit it all in. He will be dearly missed by his wife Thea, children, grandchildren and friends. -- Patricia Walker * George H. Kiefer Jr. member #2 of Wisconsin's Lake Geneva Yacht Club, passed away October 23rd. George joined the club in 1938 and was commodore in 1978-79. Over the years George raced iceboats (Skeeters and DNs) and just about every type of sailboat you could imagine. He was a many-time M-20 scow national champion with faithful crew Terry Leahy. His adeptness on the race course earned him the nickname "The Fox." His boats were named Gee Kay, and often people thought his wife's name must be Kay. So finally they named the family motorboat Gee Betty Ann, after the real name of George's beloved wife. Betty Ann had to put up with George storing, and even building, boats inside their homes on Lake Geneva and in the Wildwood neighborhood of Chicago. George is survived by his wife; children Martha, Marianne, George and John; and four grand-daughters. He will be sorely missed by the Lake Geneva sailing and iceboating communities. -- Susie Pegel WHAT DO HYANNIS AND BERMUDA HAVE IN COMMON? They store their boats on Seitech racks. When they needed the best designed, most durable racks, they came to us. We make racks not only for large clubs but for home and small fleet use as well. See them all at http://www.seitech.com. We have a design to fit your needs. ANSWERS ABOUT PROPULSION * STICKING a foot in the water to slow the boat next to a mark. ILLEGAL It's the same as if you would stick a paddle into the water: Rule 42 does not only prohibits gaining speed in that way, but also loosing speed. * PULLING the main to accelerate down the leeward side of a wave. LEGAL This is specifically allowed in rule 42.3(c), but only once for each wave or gust of wind and not on a beat to windward. The latter looks a little redundant because, how can you surf down the leeward side of a way going upwind. But there are also other waves on the racecourse. A wake of a passing boat for instance. * PUSHING down the centerboard in the mud in a shallow area just before the starting line to stay still in a current against the boat. LEGAL This is the same as anchoring, which is allowed in RRS 45. You may also stand on the bottom and hold your boat. Still curious whether these are illegal: * Repeatedly moving the tiller to turn the boat from head to wind to a close-hauled course. * Using the propeller (by turning on the engine) to get clear of another boat after a collision. * Pulling in the anchor and let the momentum carry the boat over the starting line. Complete answers at the Racing Rules of Sailing blog: http://rrsstudy.blogspot.com/2008/10/seminar-preperations-7.html PHOTOS OF THE WEEK Some of the random photos from the sport received last week at Scuttlebutt include Hugo Boss repairing, Virgin Money spending, Johnstone celebrating, stormy crossing, J/29 launching, Disney waving, women racing, and King Neptune punishing. If you have images you would like to share, send them to the Scuttlebutt editor. Here are this week’s photos: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/08/1024 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 Herb McCormick: Thanks for running my story on Jeffrey Dingle and his M65 Mini-Transat boat in Scuttlebutt 2709. However, I made an egregious error in the story regarding the talented McKee brothers. It was Jonathan, not Charlie, who almost won the 2003 Mini-Transat before his dismasting with less than a thousand miles to go. Sometimes it's hard to keep those boys straight. Anyway, I apologize for the mistake and appreciate the opportunity to set the record straight. CURMUDGEON’S OBSERVATION “Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” -- John Wooden Special thanks to Samson, Team One Newport, and Seitech racks. A complete list of preferred suppliers is at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ssc/suppliers |
