November 2004
Drop In, Drop Out
We're certainly getting some mileage out of the No Fun Croatian capsize story, and this shot is from onboard the boat that ripped over, Gino Motori, just before they rounded Jabuka lost their keel and capsized. Bad Times. 11/30/04 |
Sport Cruiser?
Why the hell not? It is the new Farrier F-32 Trimaran, being touted as a potential "home build." I guess their are some of you who would do such a thing, no? 11/30/04 |
Heading South
The second leg of the 2004/5 Global Challenge started out of Buenos Aires on Sunday 28th. The fleets heads out of the River Plate, turns right and then right again at Cape Horn - next stop New Zealand. Leading the race on points so far is 28 year old Stuart Jackson from Ayre, Scotland on BARCLAYS ADVENTURER, but he will have his work cut out for him if he is to remain ahead of some of the substantially more experienced competition. As the race started on Sunday, it was blowing a sustained 48 knots at 56 degrees South. This is the big one! Photo credit onEdition Photography 11/29/04 |
Fun For Some
We reported on a capsize and rescue in No Fun found below. here is another view of that race. I noticed the news about the capsized boat in the Croatian race. The next boat that rounded the rock after all the 40 footers was merely 21 ft long... The photo shows it sailing in the same race in 25 kts of wind with full sails and big kite (that is about 110m2 on the boat that weights about 850 kg). Speed is around 18 kts. After the rock we turned upwind and the length of the water line came to play, so the mini finished in 10th place. But nevermind, we made a great show, sailing past some of those 45 ft bathtubs. It´s one of our two sisterships (minitransat prototype), built in Slovenia by the plans from Sam Manuard. Building of two boats started on march 2nd, 2004 and the boats touched water at the end of july. We are trying to qualify for the 2005 transat and did some good results in France, finishing third (out of 40 starters) on the first race. After that we did the solo qualify, but classemini allowed us to do the delivery from France to Slovenia as a qualify, roughly 1400 miles that we sailed in 15 days. Regards, 11/29/04 |
Niche Marketing?
Now this is funny.a Read the story our forum.
11/29/04 |
Elvis has left the building: The new Super Maxi Nicorette getting ready to get wet. 11/29/04 |
| New Toy Melges 32 The
Melges 32 is a supersized Melges 24 in virtually everyway. Large
cockpit, carbon rig, non-overlapping jibs, outboard engine that
goes through a thru-hull slot (like the old Henderson 30's) so,
no outboard keeping the boat light and simple. Retractable keel
so that you can ramp launch / ease of trailing. The boat is going
to be hot. The first boat will be at Key West Race Week in January
15-22nd. Then at the Strictly Sail Show in Chicago February 3-6.
Pictures will be posted on melges.com soon. |
No Fun 
The boat you see in the photos is Gino Motori, 12 meter open boat from Croatia. Last weekend he sailed on a 100 miles offshore race from Vodice around rock Jabuka in the middle of the Adriatic and back. Start was supposed to be 22.00 but it was delayed due to strong North Easterly winds to 6.00 Saturday morning. Gino rounded rock Jabuka first, followed by AA (IMX 45) and Duh Ultre (open 40). Few hundred meters after Jabuka, going upwind in 20 knots his keel fell off. Crew ( 9 of them) was saved by AA (skipper Darko Prizmic) and all of them are ok. The weather here is not so warm nowadays and luckily this accident happened during daytime (thx to delayed start) because in the night it would be very hard to find them.
Race Jabuka 2004 was won by skipper Darko Prizmic on the boat Adia Azija (imx 45) after he managed to rescue 9 people from the sea. He had 12 crew and 9 rescued people on boat and it's something The story and second photo are courtesy Sime Stipanicev, one of the editors of Croatian sailing website www.morsko-prase.hr and skipper of the sailboat Dida Ivo that managed to win 3 rd place among 26 boats in this race. Top picture is courtesy of Branko Palic. 11/24/04 |
Today capsized boat was towed to Tribunj after 26 hours of towing
with broken mast and sails.
Representin'
Here's my boyz chillin' at the at the King's Day Regatta in style, Sex Pistols and 50 Cent jammin', flags flyin', SA crew gear in full effect. We'll have the story next week. Word. 11/24/04 |
Sail On Offshore legend Willi Illbruck passed away last Sunday at the age of 77 in his hometown of Pattscheid, Germany. Together with Hans-Otto Schümann, Willi dominated and formed German Offshore Sailing in the Eighties and Nineties. Illbruck's Pinta teams won the Admiral's Cup twice (1983, 1993), two One Ton Cup victories and a Sardinia Cup win in 1984 only mark a few of his sailing career's highlights. Willi was a very successful entrepreneur and a passionate, dedicated and stormy type of yachtsman who will always stand for fair sportsmanship and a true fighting spirit. - Tatjana Pokorny. 11/24/04 |
"Uh, Starboard?"
A scene
from the Hot
Rum Series in San Diego. We swear it is not Photoshoped! Photo
by Da
Woody. |
Charger
This is the Rodger Martin designed Diode 36, perhaps the quintessential Sport Boat. Rodger has put together the designer's comments and engineering comments for you. Enjoy. 11/23/04 |
Better Able
This is a new 16' designed specifically for disabled sailors. Great idea and The Dawg is looking into it and we'll have more info soon. 11/23/04 |
| Under Way The latest TP 52 news as we hear it: Boat / Owner / Country / Designer
11/23/04 |
Joy On From Jocelyn Blériot - Course Au Large:
He started in Cadix 11 days, 3 jours, 18 minutes and 20 seconds before. That was to establish the first solo benchmark time on the course, since otherwise only crews had attempted it. Club Med did 10 days and 14 hours (Bruno Peyron and Grant Dalton skippered the beast in 2000), and the outright record is still Fossett's, with 9 days 13 hours 31 mins 18 secs Francis
sailed 4800 miles, though the direct route is only 3950, at 17,5
knots of average speed, alone on his 27 metres trimaran. He had
half a beer with the local WSSRC representative, and went straight
to his bunk. He'll tell us what's next pretty soon… |
Glad to See You The
New T-Boats
T1150, built by Jim Betts, launching in Frisco, and sporting some
serious sprit! Wow. We'll have more on this great looking 38'
soon. |
| Sailing
With Ullman I had the chance to sail with Dave Ullman Sunday onboard the TP 52 Margaretiville in the Hot Rum Series here in Dago. I've competed against Dave for many years, but never sailed with him. For those who sail against or with him, you know how good he is. But for those that haven't, here's just a quick report. He was the tactician on the 52, and he was mellow, good natured, smart, and always on top of the game. No ego, no pretense - just a great talent who is fun to have onboard. If you get the opportunely to sail with him, do it. -Ed. 11/22/04 |
Help A Brother Out Team Challenged America put together a crew of disabled sailors to race in the last Transpac to Hawaii, and they are going to do it again. They need your help, and if you can, get involved! 11/16/04 |
No Fun
The boat you see in the photos is Gino Motori, 12 meter open boat from Croatia. Last weekend he sailed on a 100 miles offshore race from Vodice around rock Jabuka in the middle of the Adriatic and back. Start was supposed to be 22.00 but it was delayed due to strong North Easterly winds to 6.00 Saturday morning. Gino rounded rock Jabuka first, followed by AA (IMX 45) and Duh Ultre (open 40). Few hundred meters after Jabuka, going upwind in 20 knots his keel fell off. Crew ( 9 of them) was saved by AA (skipper Darko Prizmic) and all of them are ok. The weather here is not so warm nowadays and luckily this accident happened during daytime (thx to delayed start) because in the night it would be very hard to find them.
The
story and second photo are courtesy Sime Stipanicev, one of the
editors of Croatian sailing website www.morsko-prase.hr
and skipper of the sailboat Dida Ivo that managed to win 3 rd
place among 26 boats in this race. Top picture is courtesy of
Branko Palic. |
| Get
Onboard With a Winning Team!
Team CHALLENGED AMERICA invites you to show your support and increase your public exposure by having your club, company or organization's logo displayed on the hull of our 40 foot accessible racing yacht, as we send a Team of sailors with disabilities to compete in the legendary 2005 Transpacific Yacht Race. The 2005 Transpac Yacht Race celebrates 100 years of of bold and brave men and women challenging the sea as they race from Los Angeles, California to Honolulu, Hawaii... a 2,235 Nautical mile adventure. In the last Transpac a Team of CHALLENGED AMERICA sailor's, not only competed amongst the world's best sailors, but did so overcoming disabilities including total blindness, diabetes, cancer, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, paraplegia, quadriplegia and amputation. Their story was broadcasted to the world through stories done by networks and news agencies such as ESPN2, Fox, & NBC, as well as printed in The Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union Tribune, Latitude 38, Honolulu Star Bulletin & Honolulu Advertiser, The Log Newspaper, Santana Magazine, Sea Magazine, Ranch & Coast Magazine, Sports N Spokes Magazine, & Disabled American Veteran's Magazine to name just a few. This remarkable group is once again sending another Team of sailors with disabilities to face the challenge and they have sent you the opportunity to complete the attached form and secure your place in history. For more information on the CHALLENGED AMERICA program visit us at: www.ChallengedAmerica.org For more information on the 2005 Transpac Yacht Race visit: www.transpacificyc.org For ordering your 2005 Transpac Hull Sticker questions or concerns contact: Greg
Scott 11/16/04 |
| GunSmoke Australian sailor Christopher Packer is siting in a Bali jail on suspicion of possessing illegal firearms, and facing the prospect of a possible 20-year jail term facing the former Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race winner. He is facing charges of illegal possession of firearms while police are also considering possible drug charges after finding a tiny quantity of "leaf matter" in the boat's cabin. Here's the full story. 11/22/04 |
Anarchy In The Vendee Well, our Anarchy burgee. Photo courtesy of Greg Nelson, representing in France. 11/19/04 |
What
Is It?
11/18/04 |
| Sorry Yesterday we posted a letter from a West Marine employee who thought it was a good idea to send complaint letters to our advertisers. Apparently his bosses didn't think it was such a good idea. Scot,
Sincerely, Of
course there are a few of you who also think it is clever to whine
to the advertisers about something you don't like here, and at
least a couple have done so. It's exactly like a whiny little
kid yelling "Mommy, mommy, Scot said a bad word. I'm telling."
11/18/04 |
Cat Scratch Fever Speaking of controversy, there appears to be a nice little one brewing with the Worrell 1000. It seems an attorney is representing eleven teams and has entered judgments against Michael Worrell, both individually and in his capacity as CEO/President/Indian Chief of Worrell 1000, Inc. and Coastal Races, Inc. The judgment for eleven separate plaintiff teams total $65,076.00 or $5,916.00 per team. There is a lot of info found here. Hoo haw! 11/18/04 |
| Vendee Closing In The Vendee Globe fleet is getting tighter as they line up heading towards the southern Atlantic. The weather as usual is going to play a big role in the next few days. Bonduelle, sailed by Jean Le Cam remains in front, with a mere 20,600 miles to go! 11/18/04 |
Sniping
This comes from Talamone (also called "snipebay") a little Italian jewel in southern Tuscany (Maremma), taken during last regatta of Italian National Circuit -Duke's Genoa Cup.Not much wind for the Snipes, but a cool shot anyway. Enjoy. 11/17/04 |
|
Yesterday we posted a rendering of the United States, titled Even Better and found lower on this page. It has generated an unbelievable amount of debate, much of it in the form of e-mails directed at me. It is amazing how some of you get your panties in a twist over a simple little drawing. One of the most offended would appear to be someone named Denis Inman, a West Marine Employee who has seen fit to send this letter to our advertisers. I wonder if his bosses at West Marine signed off on this rather chump move? Regardless, it strikes me as pitiful that this is what some feel they must resort to. On the other hand, the amount of support from readers and advertisers on this topic has been much appreciated. Interestingly, most all the bitching comes from the states, while our overseas readers almost unanimously give us a thumbs up. SA does things differently, and some seem to get it, and amazingly, three years since our inception, some don't. Oh well. Feel the love from Mr. Inman below. The parenthesis are ours. As we say, Good Times. Sirs, Sincerely, Denis
Inman 11/17/04 |
French Import
This
is the brand new S-40
designed by Joubert/Nivelt and built in France. Hull #1 will be
launched at the beginning 2005 and they have 2 orders so far.
An introductory price of 89,000 Euros should get a few more! |
| Even Better
|
French Fried
Subject to ratification by the WSSRC, the overall sailing speed record has been beaten last weekend by sailboarder Finian Maynard after a 46.82 knots run in the sailing speed channel of Les Saintes Maries de la mer (France). Wild. This great shot courtesy Gilles Martin-Raget. Click here for more. 11/15/04 |
Beauty, Eh?
11/15/04 |
Pimp Daddy Got Tickets? Nobody likes to pay a premium for anything, but often in the world of sports events, unless you are well connected, a good seat will cost you a bit more. So what? Have fun and splurge once in a while. If you need good seats for any number of events, check out our newest advertiser, Show Me Tickets. In terms of advertisers, we normally don't stray too much away from the sport, but we reckon this service can be useful to a number of you, and if so, do so! 11/15/04 |
Nice Lounge!
Now that is a porch! As we said on the front page, this is the Simeone designed Mylius 37. Built in Italy and with a flair that only they seem to posses. Now, if you just happen to have a ton of dough, and a couple of hotties, this thing might be just for you! 11/12/04 |
It's Alive!
Despite our earlier reports to the contrary, the new 115' Maiden Hong Kong has indeed been splashed, at least temporarily. Apparently most of the bits are together and it does look like progress has truly been made. We are actually glad to see this because nobody wants a project of this magnitude to not be a success, and we wish owner Frank Pong and his team the best of luck. We know there have major delays and complications and the potential for a disaster is very real here, but we also reckon if this thing is right, look out! 11/12/04 |
The Look
Cool, right? There is a new breed of these great looking, quick and very stylish performance cruiser/racers these days. This one, a Mylius 37' designed by Alberto Simeone, has a slightly different feature that you just have to love. Check it out! 11/12/04 |
| More TP 52's We hear it is confirmed that in Italy there are in construction 2 TP 52's ordered from Cantieri del Pardo (Grand Soleil builder) and in construction at Latini Compositi shipyard. We think the designer is Vrolijk but not confirmed. It doesn't look there is any stopping this class now. 11/12/04 |
OG Not nearly enoughseems to be given back in this sport. Of all the money in the game, there doesn't seem to be much of it spent altruistically within. There is though something that we came across. The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Maine, has announced that Eric Goetz of Goetz Custom Sailboats, and Will Keene, CEO of Edson International, will co-chair efforts to raise money for the Olin J Stephens II Chair in Yacht Design. Established in 1994, the Stephens Chair was created in an attempt to expand the school's design program and to provide a new faculty position. Seems a good cause, and here is the rest of the story. 11/12/04 |
The Buzz..... ...Of electric propulsion! Yep, this new Wylie has an electric engine. Oh yeah and a lifting keel, and of course an unstayed rig, all on a Wylie 43 "put together" by Schooner Creek Boat Works. Read the story here, it's a pretty interesting one. By the way, we'd sure like to see the Wildcat 43 get going - that looks like a fascinating project. 11/11/04 |
The Magical Mr. Kite Here's the latest news from KiteShip, an advertiser here on SA. This is pretty cool, and a great opportunity for them. For the first time in a major ocean race, spinnaker-replacement kites will be flown on a maxi racing yacht, Sean Langman's 66-foot AAPT (ex Grundig), in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starting on December 26, 2004. AAPT has taken line honors in almost every offshore race in Australia, and is known as a serious giant-killer, regularly mixing it up with much bigger 90 footers. But to capture his first Sydney Hobart line honors trophy this year, Langman knows he has do something completely new - go fly a kite. The OutLeader kite flies in the stronger stable wind well above the level of the boat's masthead, providing enormous pulling power. The kite looks like half of a giant parachute, but measures as a spinnaker. Unlike a normal spinnaker, it is sheeted only from the deck, so it doesn't contribute to heeling the boat or burying the bow. This means that the risks of uncontrolled spinnaker wipe-outs are almost eliminated. Never one to shrink from adding leading-edge developments to the already blisteringly fast 66-foot 'skiff-on-steroids' AAPT, owner and skipper Sean Langman is excited to be breaking into new territory again. "I am definite on having a go," Langman says. "The whole crew is looking forward to the kite." AAPT's 420 square meter OutLeader kite is being designed and built by KiteShip Corporation of Martinez, California, who have been developing sailing kites for more than 25 years. KiteShip's President Dave Culp explains: "We know of no other controllable traction kite which simultaneously has only 3 lines, no bridles, no inflatable chambers and no battens or spars, which is why we have patented it." Over 40 yachts from 30 to 75 feet are now using OutLeader kites, but AAPT is the first big boat to race offshore with one. 11/11/04 |
Vendee Life Onboard In case any of us doubted just how much there is to do and how many things can go wrong, check out Bruce Schwab's report from Wednesday. 11/11/04 |
| Uptight This isn't quite sailing, but it is about rich whiners and their powerboats. Tiger Woods looks like a guy who never seems like he's having fun. Apparently Woods, his $57 million 155' motoryacht, and his privacy are the reason why Woods is slapping a $50 million law suit on the builder of the boat. Not because there is something wrong with the boat, or that he got ripped off. No, Privacy, the name of Woods' big bertha, was displayed in photographs together with Woods' name at the Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show. Woods' suit contends that Christensen breached a clause in the contract designed to protect the golfer's privacy. Jesus, dude, the whole world knows that you always get what you want, and that you are so "burdened" by "the rigors" of celebrity, but do you have to remove any doubt that you are a total wiener and sue for something like that? What a chump. 11/11/04 |
Chillin' Make
that make chilly.The weather has turned a bit cold lately, but
we have help. We just got a new batch of Lee Premium Jersey Sailing
Anarchy 100% cotton embroidered long sleeve mock turtle neck shirts.
They have the SA logo on the front, and the 11/10/04 |
on the sleeve. Nice looking and actually, dare we say, kind of
classy? For a limited time, we're giving you guys a soul deal
- $30 bucks, including shipping.
Cookin'
This is a shot of the first of Mick Cookson's canting keel Farr 50-footer to roll out of his shop. It looks great (love the metallic color) and it is nice to see a market for fast, custom cruise/race boats has materialized. Cookson's claims 5 of the 50's are sold and he expects to sell 20-50 boats, a pretty tall order. Info courtesy of Tim Vogel. 11/10/04 |
| Guest Commentary All About The Benjamins Looks like the ISAF Executive is at it again. They have put in a submission at their annual conference (#065-04 attached) trying to collect fees from a series organizer where prize money is given during and at the end of the series. The individual events already pay ISAF fees of up to E10k each for these fees and now ISAF wants a new rule to collect more money from the overall series organizer. Unfortunately, these cost will just be passed on to the sailors they claim to represent as a tax. These fees may even be fair but to institute them without asking, consulting or even understanding the economics of the series seems a bit out of touch. I don't understand why ISAF can't work directly with these organizers to come to a solution that works for both parties? Where ISAF provides a "service" to which they are compensated appropriately? Creating rules without first understanding the affects is a sure fire way to kill the sport. Remember the Olympic throwout? 11/10/04 |
We mean Sailing Anarchy of course! Actually nothing would make us happier than to see Bruce Schwab's Ocean Planet do well in the Vendee Globe, and even though the odds are hugely staked against him, we are mighty proud to be part, albeit a small one, of his effort. 11/9/04 |
Leading The Way We mean Sailing Anarchy of course! Actually nothing would make us happier than to see Bruce Schwab's Ocean Planet do well in the Vendee Globe, and even though the odds are hugely staked against him, we are mighty proud to be part, albeit a small one, of his effort. 11/9/04 |
Elephas Maximus Frank Pong’s 115' is still at Langkawi from what we've heard. It is still being finished off with the plumbing for the water ballast being done now, and will undergo extensive sail testing off Langkawi, assuming it ever gets launched. It might do the Phuket King’s Cup race in December (not as an official entry but just to muck around) but will likely skip it, and they might do the inaugural Phuket to Singapore race in Jan 2005. The 115' is slated to enter the Mar 2005 Transatlantic Race. From what we’ve heard, owner Frank Pong wants to make sure the boat is perfect before they attempt to do a race. This thing is either brilliant or a White Elephant. We're leaning toward the pachyderm. 11/9/04 |
Happy Boy That's your Ed, flashing the peace sign, standing next to Pete Heck onboard TP 52' Margaritaville before the start of the Hot Rum Series. Hey, who knew I was such a fucking delight? Photo courtesy Dennis St. Onge. His Hot Rum gallery can be found here. 11/9/04 |
| Testify No, not any more comment (for now) about Jesusland, but rather some folks who have had good luck selling their boats in our Classified section. A mere 35 bucks can get you results like these, which we just received today: Hey Ed, Good news. My J/24 "Thriller" has sold! You can remove the ad and free up some of your precious space for other good stuff. Both my boat and John Coffey's boat "Tern" sold off your site within a couple of weeks of their respective listings. Good work! Regards, George **************************************************************** Scot, The Henderson sold. It went to a guy in California. Thanks for the cheap, direct, and well-targeted advertising opportunity!
Heath 11/9/04 |
See Ya... ...Wouldn't want to be ya! There goes the 2004 Vendee Globe fleet on a most incredible race around the world. We'll of course give updates and hopefully some good onboard stuff with Bruce Schwab. . Designer Merfyn Owen filed this report. Enjoy.
Mike Golding (Ecover) and Nick Moloney (Skandia) have finally started in the round the world racing odyssey that is the Vendee Globe. Early this morning the two boats left the dock in Les Sables D’Olonne to huge cheers and goodwill that echoed around the gathered spectators numbering in excess of 300,000 ashore. The farewell continued offshore from the spectator fleet officially numbering more than 300. Such is the following that sailing receives in France that the first 45 minutes of the light airs start was shown live on French terrestial TV, despite the fact that for the first time a non French sailor (Golding) is the bookies and the crowd’s favourite to win. Veteran sailor Mike Golding taking his Owen Clarke designed and Southern Ocean Marine built Open 60 off the dock was as composed as I’ve ever seen him. Nick Moloney was also ready to go and was similarly well prepared and looking composed onboard Skandia, the yacht designed by Owen Clarke Design and Rob Humphreys for Ellen MacArthur’s entry in the last race.Also sailing a boat with links to Owen Clarke was Conrad Humphreys, onboard Hellomotto. This is Mike Golding’s former steed, Team Group 4 which was project managed during her design and construction by Merfyn Owen. It was a clean start in light airs, with Nick making a good start, over the line in eighth position. At 13.00 hrs local time, Mike held himself back, crossing in sixteenth place a long way from the leader PRB, but had moved up to third place by 16.00 hrs as the fleet headed offshore and out of sight of land in the light 8-10 knots of northerly wind. The light airs are set to change with building wind and sea conditions that will provide some lively conditions off Cape Finisterre during the second day/evening. There is a dominant high pressure in the Atlantic giving a N-NE wind and the remains of a cold front is moving over the Bay of Biscay while a large low pressure is forming off the Canary Islands. This will provide upwind conditions where the fleet would normally be looking at sailing downwind in the North East Trades. This all points to a highly tactical first seven days of the race with little rest for the sailors while they battle for some form of tactical advantage and get a feel for the opposition. Merfyn
Owen 11/8/04 |
Ed Goes Sailing. And Likes It. Most of you know I have a sort of self-imposed exile from racing. I have done a lot of it over the years and simply burned out. Add a couple of back stabbing chumps who tried to undercut me on the last boat I was in chrage of, an ID 48, and that was enough for me. Frankly its been more fun staying involved with sailing through SA, than actually doing it - a bizarre but true statement. I sailed earlier in the year on the Andrews 77' Alchemy which was a blast, and then yesterday the fellas on the TP 52' Margaritaville were kind enough to ask me to go, so I did. Hey, it rained and I even went (although I did give some consideration to turning around and going home to watch football). The owner, Jay Steinbeck is about the nicest guy you could meet, and the sailing was expertly managed by Pete Heck. The boat is very fast, the guys were great, we did well, and I had a very good time. Hell, they even invited me back. I believe I'll be there. 11/8/04 |
Re-Mapping
11/8/04 |
We
generally don't get too political here, but due to the Presidential
"mandate" put forth by our "faith based" leaders,
the US has officially been rearranged and renamed. In addtion
to many planned domestic policy changes, some of you will not
be surprised to hear that yacht racing has been officially banned
in Jesusland by the Bush Regime. It was deemed "Too Liberal",
and has been replaced by mandatory Jet Ski ownership. Arab killing,
however, at least for the next four years, will remain an option.
Enjoy your stay here - I'm sure it'll be heavenly.
| Morphing.....
Franck Cammas, who just won the 2004 ORMA championship aboard his brand new VPLP Groupama 2 trimaran (launched this summer) recently announced he'd move on to bigger stuff in 2006. Groupama 3 is on the way: a 32 metres giant trimaran, VPLP designed as well (just like Joyon's IDEC and Kersauson's Geronimo). Franck will tackle the Jules Verne Trophy with this beast (construction of the boat starts in Jan 2005), but still he'll race the 2006 Route du Rhum aboard his 60 footer - which certainly is the fastest tri on the circuit these days. As far as Groupama 3 is concerned, here are the basic figures : LOA 32 m (106'), beam 22,5 m (75'), mast height 40 m (133'). Pretty likely to kick some butt, I'd say. Thanks to Jocelyn Bleriot and Course Au Large. 11/05/04 |
Tough
Beunos Aires.
40 miles further back down the fleet, Andy Forbes and the crew of 'BG Spirit'had a night of drama when, under spinnaker in 35 knots of breeze, their steering was compromised by what they think was a fishing net. Speaking by phone to the Challenge Business technical department, an exhausted Forbes spoke of multiple knock downs and the desperation to preserve their 5th place from the next boat, only 17 miles astern. With the first 6 boats due in within 7 hours of each other after 6000 miles, this has got to be one of the closest finishes to any major ocean race. Check out the website for the upcoming tussle for 8th place. 11/05/04 |
Martinis Will Not Spill! Sure, it's a cruiser, but what a cruiser! It is the new Bob Perry designed Stevens 53. This is hull #1, due to be at the Miami Boat Show early next year. We did a feature on Bill Stevens a while back and we're happy to see his new boat come to fruition. If ya gotta cruise......... 11/04/04 |
| Wanted: Hired Guns We hear of a big west coast sled that wanted to do the upcoming race to Cabo.There was only one slight problem: All of the paid professionals that they need to sail the boat were already hired out elsewhere! So, the boat will not be going and is that not yet another pitiful statement about the world of big boat sailing? 11/04/04 |
IMS Uber Alles Apparently at lest Germany and The Baltic Sea will keep IMS as their primary Grand Prix handicap system. Likely faced with an existing "healthy" IMS fleet, and almost no new IRC builds, this is probably the only decsion they could make. 11/04/04 |
Bring It!
We know, we know - another TP 52. When you have a hot, hell, the only hot big boat class, this is what you get. This one is from Tony Castro. 11/03/04 |
Pimp Daddy Rocket, Man The 22' Mull designed Pocket Rocket was one of those rare boats that was truly ahead of it's time. Plumb bow, fast shape, modern rig. Those who sailed on and against them know how quick they were. Now here's where the story really gets good - The boat has been updated, modernized and reintroduced as the Rocket 22. Design work by Don Martin, a new and actually capitalized builder, Rocket Boats, and a new direction in the sport boat market has just been reborn! The Rocket 22 is focused on a wider market and offers exceptional high end performance, but without having to give up on stability, maneuverability and other handling characteristics. Take a look at what a nice job they've done with the Rocket. They are also offering a special introductory deal, so check that out as well. And welcome Rocket Boats to SA! 11/03/04 |
Yo, Money Ready to get out the checkbook to be wet, cold and miserable? We have very limited availability on 3 legs of Global Challenge 2004/5 and due to the fact that we need to fill these spaces at very short notice - we are now in a position to do a deal on the price. Prices will be quoted on a case by case basis, dependant on previous sailing experience etc. The legs with limited availability are as follows: If you fancy rounding Cape Horn, as well as spending Christmas and New Year at sea, how about leg 2? Buenos Aires to Wellington (28th November 2004 - approx 6th January 2005) How about departing from Sydney Harbour and arriving in Cape Town? Then leg 4 is for you...Sydney to Cape Town (27th February 2005 - approx 6th April 2005) Or how about Leg 5 where you will be crossing the Atlantic from Cape Town to Boston? Cape Town to Boston (1st May 2005 - approx 6th June 2005) If you are interested in any of the above please call us as soon as possible, berths will be offered on a first come, first served basis. NB This offer is only open to people not already signed up to take part in Global Challenge 2004/5. The 'Special Offers' on berth fees are as follows: Leg
2 - £6,800 (instead of £8,500!) Leg
4 - £6,650 (instead of £8,250) Leg
5 - £6,500 (instead of £7,950) All berth fees include: race training, Musto HPX Foul Weather gear, all food whilst racing and accomodation onboard the yacht whilst in port (subject to maintenance). Berth fees do NOT include Race Insurance or flights to/from the stopovers. 11/08/04 |
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In the article, Bush Good for Boating?, your Faithful Editor dared to add a bit of editorial commentary. Of course you know that when I say almost anything, somebody is almost always going to bitch, and when I say something of some "controversy", the real whiners come out. The particular one, whose letter can be found below, found it appropriate to send e-mails to all our advertisers, complaining about the fact that I dared to say something that he didn't like. So apparently he wants us to go out of business because he doesn't like what I said. Now that ain't very Christain, is it? Editor; I happen to be relieved that President Bush was re-elected. I also happen to believe in God and Jesus Christ. I happen to believe that life begins at conception as does JOHN KERRY- if one can think logically, it's hard to deny that abortion does terminate a human life. I think that 3% of the population does not have the prerogative of re-defining and destroying a social institution which has been the foundation of every society for millennia. Especially when if you poll the gay community, about half don't want gay marriage. That stem cell research should be paid for by the government, especially the nearly bankrupt California state government, instead of privately funded seems to rank far below stupid in the hierarchy of recent political ideas. If you think that embryonic stem cells hold immediate or even medium term relief for Alzheimer's, MS, or spinal cord injuries, you must be relying on Al Franken or some other well-educated, well-informed source. In toto, I find your comments uninformed, insulting, and inappropriate to a sailing website. I don't insult others for their beliefs. And I will not tolerate your site insulting mine. Call me 'intolerant,' but no one has to listen to insult voluntarily. I have a Sailing Anarchy icon on my home page. It's gone today. I will provide copies of this e-mail to your advertisers. I trust that the numbers of visitors to your site affect your business. Respectfully, Dan Hirsch PS. At least Scuttlebutt is smart enough to keep the insulting language out of their copy. DH Here's my brief reply: good. guys like you can't leave fast enough as far as i'm concerned. scuttlebutt is a perfect place for you to go. i think they love jeebus there too. amf, scot 11/05/04 |
Tough We're going to be featuring some exclusive material on the Global Challenge, some new Mpegs & Jpegs from the southern ocean legs of the last race. The theme we will feature is the toughness of this event. In the meantime, the fleet is nearing Beunos Aires at the end of the 1st leg for the 2004 race. A tense battle up the river plate is anticipated, with less than 6 hours separating the leading 6 boats after over 6000 miles. Check out the website , go to race viewer for regular updates. 11/04/04 |
Six Is the number of confirmed teams for the upcoming VOR, with ten the hoped for ultimate number of players. For an event of this stature and magnitude, six boats on the start line won't cut it. Anything less would seem to be a major disappointment. 11/03/04 |
It's Coming.... The
Vendee Globe, that is. November 7 is blast off day...... 11/1/04 |
| Trick or Treat TheTrickhere is that almost no matter where you look, handicap racing is in bad shape. Sure some areas have decent fleets, but overall numbers are down, participation is down, and the various rules are not working. IMS has proven to be a walking corpse, PHRF, a class that can never be right due to the personal bias involved, is a disaster, AmericaCap has gone the way of the Dodo bird, and IRC would seem to be slow to get moving, and may well be DOA. The Treat of course is that the new breed of boats emerging from the rubble are superb in almost every way. The new canting keel revolution is nothing short of amazing. Some terrific OD-type boats, a whole new breed of sport boats, and some great new looking offshore capable boats like the Donovan 37 featured here at Sailing Anarchy lead the way. But where is the momentum, where is the direction, and where is the unity? Sure there are a lot of nice new boats, but not much focus. There needs to be a unified front in just a few disciples to give this sport the push that it needs. We need to see more boats, (fewer brands?), better organization of those boats, and more fun. This sport is lacking in these critical areas and needs major improvement before it turns into a pumpkin. 11/1/04 |
| Zoom Zoom We're most pleased to welcome Sportzboats USA back to the family here at SA. Sportzboats are based out of Newport, Rhode Island here in the states and are dealers for a nice mixture of affordable sportboats, including the Phuket Sports 8, The Backman 21 and the Cork 1720. Winter might be a great time to get your next boat under way, so you right coast'ers give Sportzboats a call. Check out their banner ad, upper right this page. 11/1/04 |
| Cuban Slide A while back we told you that the good ol' Justice Department was going to prosecute some yachties who they indicted in June on charges of acting as unauthorized ''travel service providers'' by organizing a race for about 15 boats with ports of call in Varadero and Havana's Marina Hemingway. Well it looks like a judge (with some actual sense for once), dismissed the charges last Friday. Never content to just admit when they were wrong, despite the verdict, a spokesman for the US attorney's office said prosecutors will be ``exploring our options under the law.'' Read the full story here. 11/1/04 |