69

We read elsewhere (you know, that "newsletter" that doesn't actually create anything of it's own?) that more AC sail numbers are being issued. Number 70 goes to the pomies, and a few weeks ago number 68 was issued to Illbruck. The story goes that the Brits did not want #69. Of course, the French want it - dirty bastards. What do you expect from a land that is known for "fighting with their feet and fucking with their face"? And what the hell do want with a sail number anyway? If they do put together a challenge, they'll just get punished. Maybe that's good - they still need their ass kicked for the Maginot Line. Frigging frogs, it's fun to take shots at them.

12/20/2001

Cayard No Go

Some have speculated that Paul Cayard may step into one of the floundering Volvo programs as sort of a Savior to rescue the boat from it's slow downward spiral and as only a Cayard-type can, lead it to the Promised Land. Don't look for that to happen anytime soon.

First off, can you imagine what Cayard's asking price is for one leg, let alone the rest of the series would be? Here's a guy who values himself pretty highly to begin with, and now you want him to come in as a middle inning reliever? Shit, you're going to pay dearly for that. It's safe to say that most team's budgets are already accounted for, and unlikely to have the bank to pony up for Paul.

And lastly, how they hell is Paul going to fulfill his contractual obligations to King Larry if he's off somewhere in the middle of the ocean?

Really, Cayard is sitting phat and happy right now - making phenomenal money for doing nothing and just sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the next deal. There will be another deal - there always is - it just won't be in the Volvo.

12/17/2001

Abreast

This winter brings the first long-distance (don't tell that to the Volvo guys and gals, they'd scoff at the term long distance) "downwind" race to SoCal - The San Diego to Puerto Vallarta Race in February. At about 1,000 miles, this can be a good race. And it can also be fairly miserable. The first time I did the race it was a rainy, windy beat for three days. That's hardly proper yachting!

The organizers at SDYC rightly lifted the so-called "speed limits" at the upper end, thereby allowing the turbo sleds to really turbo for this race. Interestingly enough, this also allows for other maxi types to get in. Rumor has it that Hasso Plattner is bringing is latest RP, this one the 80' Morning Glory (ex-Shockwave). I don't think the turbos are too happy, and it will be interesting to see how they all stack up. Rumor also has it that Roy Disney is not racing Pyewackett, but rather chartering the newer sistership, Chance. We'll keep you abreast. Is that the same as being next to the breast?

12/15/2001

 

With Digital camera in hand, our WebbDawg finally got around to taking a few shots of an Oracle Racing stable mate berthed in Ventura, Calif. Here are a few shots for those who have never been up close to an AC boat. This particular AC boat is of course one of the Wyland painted, Andy Dovell and Ian Burns designed Aloha Racing, uh, boats. To say they were off the pace last go around would be kind. The intresting thing, while shooting...a couple of jigs were working on the rig. Stopping to chat, we found out that DC (Stars and Stripes) is chartering the boat from Oracle Racing. It will soon be shipped to SD where it will be used as a trial horse (educated Guess) for DC's new boat.     bow view Stern view     However, it does make one wonder if that means DC will just have one boat? And why would he bother with a known dog? Or maybe it isn't? It seems a suspect move, regardless. You heard it here first. December 11, 2001

 

 

Finally, The Truth!

Much is being made of the gals on Too, and their performance, lack thereof, and journo finger pointing. Why anybody is acting like any of this comes as either newsworthy or surprising or worthy of debate is beyond us. Did anybody really think that they would hang with the fellas? Is there any sport where, mano a chick-o, the girls don't get blown away?

There are some grumpy pontificators who are wasting their breath with "serious" analysis, and we say screw that, let's have some fun. So courtesy of VolvoLateArrivalContestModerator, and for those of you who have not seen it in the forum, here is his compilation of the Top Ten Reason's why the skirts were a bit late into Sydney. Thanks!

10. Kept Catfighting over who got to wear stap-on winch handle.

9. Lost GPS coordinates while surfing internet porn site, service provider kept timing out!

8.Too Busy asking " Do these foulies make my butt look too big"? to change the sails

7. Lost Cell phone: Couldn't call to ask directions

6.Didn't have right Chardonay to go with freeze dried Chicken Almondine

5.Spent all of leg 2 complaining about husbands and boyfriends

4."Stupid" race organizers scheduled leg during full moon.

3.None of crew would dress up like a man and take out the garbage.

2.Circled around outside Sydney Harbor waiting for bloating to subside.

1. Couldn't get boat to sail in the direction of that " Stupid apparent wind indicator thingy"

 

Schock 40 Class Rules


This is neither rumor nor lie. This here be fact. A few of you have asked to see the Schock 40 Class rules, and in fact at least one of you have questioned their existence at all. In order to foster acceptence and growth in the sport for such an obviously advanced boat, click below to read the Class rules.

December 2, 2001

The Farr-Carroll Connection

We've heard that the Carroll Marine built Farr 60 Rima has had a bit of a split - right down the middle. These boat's hulls are assembled that way - that is they are made in two halves and then attached together. Apparently Rima's hull opened up at the joiner. we don't know the full extent of the damage, but it certainly does not sound good. A freakish occurrence, or yet another crack in the Farr facade? And another instance of less than stellar quality from Carroll? if anybody knows the full story, let us know. editor@sailinganarchy.com

November 30, 2001

Nothing Is Ever Farr's Fault

BROKEN RUDDER
(Released from Farr YachtDesign)

Since the Farr Yacht Design team was initially informed on the morning of November 14th of the Volvo 60 TYCO's rudder problems in Leg 2 of the Volvo Ocean Race, we have been working tirelessly to assist their team. We remain confident in our VO 60 rudder design methods and have been consulting with the boat's builders to establish TYCO's rudder construction process. Our review of TYCO's situation has concluded that their rudder was built using a different construction process than those of the other VO 60s built to our design, and therefore, based on the information sent to us on the damage to the rudder stock, we consider it unlikely that other teams will experience the same problem.

Margaret Rodgers, Farr YachtDesign, Ltd, http://www.farrdesign.com/

Farr did the same type of investigation (of themselves) and issued the same type of press release when their Young America AC boats broke in half in Auckland. Guess what they concluded regarding the Tyco rudder: it wasn't their fault! Farr NEVER makes a mistake - its always the builder's fault - just ask them they'll tell ya . . .

November 28, 2001

 

 

Victims of Radiation

Here is an image that brings home - with brutal succinctness - the profound danger of the use and reliance upon dangerous nuclear materials. Those depicted are reportedly victims of the nuclear reactor failure in Chernobyl - one can see quite clearly the suffering and depravity that results from improper handling of nuclear fuels.

Isn't there anything we can do relieve the obvious pain in the faces of these innocent victims of atomic materials?

November 26, 2001

 

 

The Hobie 33 Returns!

You've no doubt heard that the 33 is about to be reborn. We think it could be a really good idea, depending upon what they do and how they go about it. This is the kind of thing that if done right and of course priced right, it could have some success. We are in touch with the folks behind it and as soon as we get more info and hopefully some drawings, we'll do a feature on this little project.

November 21, 2001

 

They Blow

We don't expect everyone to like us, and just like religious yahoos and other psychopaths, we expect that those who know they are wrong or have something to hide will outright hate us. We cool wit dat.

But what really pisses us off is when people or more specifically, companies, do not respond to inquiries. A case in point is Pyacht.com. We have sent at least four e-mails to them asking about advertising possibilities. No response. Only after yelling at them in one of the emails, did some assistant say she would notify the appropriate party. Nothing. Nada.

These pricks must be making so much money they can't be bothered. After all, e-commerce is such a thriving fucking sector these days, isn't it? It's one thing to respond by saying "no thanks" - hey that's fine. But no response after so many attempts is not just rude, it's flat bad business. So to the wanks at Pyacht.com we say thanks for fucking nothing, and we'll be looking to see your name appear soon in the dot com obituaries.
Can't wait.

November 19, 2001

 

New AC Funding Methods

So we're doing our usual grueling, intense research for all of our well-thought out, accurate and politically correct articles, and we're looking at various AC Websites. Our "crack" staff has an angle on a piece on Paul Cayard, so we go back to the old AmericaOne site, and boy are we surprised! Looks like the concept of raising money has taken a new, and dare we say, refreshing turn for the better!

Here ya go: http://www.ac2000.org/

November 16, 2001 7:05 PM

 

TNZ Mast Break: Barker Speaks

09.11.2001 By TERRY MADDAFORD
Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker dismissed yesterday's incident in which the mast and rig crashed over the side of NZL57 as a "hiccup we could do without," but admitted it has raised some far-reaching issues.

"It was not boat-threatening and, thankfully, no one was injured," said Barker who was preparing for a second training race of the day against fellow Team NZ skipper Bertrand Pace when the rig on Pace's boat broke above the second spreader. "We had been out in the gulf for about four hours and were near one of the weather buoys when a 25 knot squall came through. The real concern is that this is the second Millennium rig to break in the past month. There has to be questions now about the rig concept."

The rig on Peter Gilmour's One World suffered the same fate a few weeks ago. The rig on NZL57 was the one used by Team New Zealand in its successful cup defence. At the time the Millennium rig was regarded as being innovative - the first of its kind and was copied by the One World syndicate.

"We are not sure what caused it," Barker said. "It only needs one small failure in the rig for something like this to happen. There was no warning. I realised something was wrong when I looked over and saw the mast in the water. "The biggest problem was getting the sails back on board. That is always difficult as you don't want to do any more damage. "Incidents like this make you realise just how fragile these boats are. "Given good conditions, we hope to be back out tomorrow. We are lucky we have a spare mast."

Barker paid tribute to Prada, who had two boats on the water yesterday, and One World, who were quick to offer assistance. "We were okay but were grateful for the offer. No one likes to see serious damage like this. It is not what we are about. It is part of the game but you do not wish it on anybody.
November 8, 2001 9:06 PM

 

Panic or Burnout?

Probably both. Given that some teams are already now hammered and given that the first leg was by most accounts, pretty hellish, it is likely that the crew changes being affected by seven of the eight Volvo boats are likely fueled by panic or burnout, depending on the boat.
Certainly the Heiner decision was little more than outright panic. This is a solid, known entity in Heiner, and he was booted, much to the apparent dismay of his co-skipper and navigator, Mark Rudiger. This was a poor, ill-timed decision almost no matter how you look at it. It is little secret that some guys just didn't dig it - found the conditions crappy, maybe didn't like the people or program and opted out. It's also clear, based on what one reads between the lines, that some guys just weren't cutting it and were simply asked to leave, replaced by fresh meat. Sort of like the front battle lines in war: the grunts take a pounding until they're killed or catatonic, moved out to be replaced by some fresh faced boys (or girls). It is clear that conditions in this race are brutal; some handle it well and some don't. We were told that Kimo Worthington didn't hold up too well in the last go round with Cayard, and that is why he was not asked to be a part of the AmericaOne AC program. Oh well, you either have it or you don't, but what will be interesting is to see what other changes will come down as boats (and sponsors) fall farther and farther behind.

November 8, 2001 8:40 PM

A New Battle?

We have heard that a beauty of a pissing contest might be under way between a very well known design house and a builder/designer. And for once, it does not involve the frigging America's Cup! We'll report the story as soon as we get it.

November 6, 2001 8:38 PM

 

This Is What It Has Come To

So now we read that Assa Abloy has filed a protest against illbruck over the alleged misuse of the Internet. Back in the good ol' days (about 30 days ago), your typical protest usually involved some sort of incident on the water. Hey, didn't DC get protested for running his motor in this very event a few years ago? Sure there have always been 'technical' protests, but this one issued by Abloy enters into a whole new dimension. On the protest form, Assa Abloy states, that "Access to a site containing extensive meteorological information can only be obtained by adding the suffix '/rsm' to the illbruck Challenge nominated site atmosfera.lma.fi.upm.es ( try it atmosfera.lma.fi.upm.es/rsm/ it works ). The required suffix is not publicly known and it is not mentioned on the Website nor was it published in the Leg 1 Sailing Instructions, Annex C. Therefore, the site was not publicly available nor know to all other boats, so use of it infringes RRS 41 (as it falls outside the exemption of NOR (Notice Of Race) 7.4.3); and NOR 7.4.4."

Under new rules introduced for the Volvo Ocean Race each team is allowed to list 10 web sites they want to view during each leg. Navigators pick sites where they can download all the information they require for a leg, as met offices from different countries provide different forecasts and it is possible to obtain all manner of other meteorological information from currents to icebergs to different types of satellite weather images. Rumor has it that at least some of the boats listed www.sailinganarchy.com on their list of 10. Prior to the start of each leg these lists are compiled and published as part of the leg sailing instructions. The idea is that allowing teams to view the same web sites creates a level playing field.

The hearing was provisionally scheduled for Thursday November 1st at Race Headquarters, Cape Town, but if this is true, it does not look good for illbruck, does it? So now you get DSQ'd for Internet abuse? Hell, we've been abusing certain Internet sites for years! You can imagine the stream of bullshit protests this is going to open up. And do you think Dee Smith will be involved in any of them? Go to www.VolvoOceanRace.org for more info.

 

Quantum's Loss is North's Gain

Clearly it was a lose / win deal when Seadon Wijsen left Quantum Frisco to join the sales team at North Sail's Frisco loft. We don't know the inside story here (and I'm sure there is one), but the end result seems obvious. Seadon is one of those guys who combines being an excellent sailor with being a good guy who people tend to like. In an industry where most sales people are not actually very good at selling, much of why people buy sails is because of personal relationships they forge. Seadon, we believe, is one of the guys that people tend to like. Add that with his ability to deliver on the water, along with North's product and clout, and you should have a winning combination. The North versus Quantum battles are always interesting on some level. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.

October 25, 2001 8:06 PM

Does It Ever End?

Most of you know that SA is based in San Diego, and perhaps the weakest link of sailing here is the local PHRF board. A legacy of poor ratings, lax rule enforcement and self-serving board members has rendered them a joke. I'd prefer to pay them no mind, but it's hard to ignore such repeated gross idiocy. This board has apparently never seen a boat that it won't give time to for no particular reason. It's especially beneficial to be on the board - gift ratings seem to flow freely to this lofty position.

Here's the latest complete head scratcher, as administered by this group. Cantata is a fast, successful and well-known Andrews 53 here in SoCal. In it's current configuration with oversized poles and asymmetrical spinnakers, it won it's class in Transpac, and recently won a local coastal feeder race overall for the Newport to Ensenada race, beating a very state of the art downwind flyer, an Andrews 45 named Locomotion. Cantata has won virtually every regatta in San Diego over the years, including the Newport to Ensenada Race Overall in 2000, and has only been made faster with the addition of the penalty pole and assos. (Keep in mind that this boat also got away with murder when it put a 3-foot taller and better rig on a few years back, and paid virtually nothing for it, rating wise.)

So what did the local board do? Ding them -6? Maybe -3? No, they GAVE them +6! GAVE them time! For all three ratings, to boot. There would not be one shred of logic that would dictate giving this boat time, yet there it is. A fast, well-prepared and updated boat, that has had no trouble doing remarkably well on the racecourse, and it ends up GETTING 6 seconds per mile! Is it possible to have one's head any further up ones' ass?

I'm sure the paid BN's on this boat are whining about all the self-serving 'reasons' why they should get time, but those are so subjective and totally laughable to anyone on the outside whose lips are not firmly sucking on the teat of the owner.

But then again, this bullshit is from the board that has seen fit to give time to the winning Farr 40 and the winning Farr 44 in San Diego. And two ILC 46's (one poorly, one marginally sailed) while they were at it. What's next? DC's R/P 50 that has won almost every regatta it's sailed in? You'll notice that the board has done nothing about that. Naw, PHRF, you're on a roll, why do the right thing now?

Want time in PHRF San Diego? Its easy: just show up with a good boat that wins more than it's share, and whine like a woman. You'll get just the rating you want.

(BTW, This is a so-called first reading, so nothing is official yet. But the fact that this notion has even received any consideration whatsoever is indicative of the thinking this board regularly demonstrates.)

October 24, 2001 8:09 PM

The Real Story Behind
The OneWorld Challenge Lawsuit?

It appears that One World Challenge is using the "leak-it-to-the-press they'll-print-anything-juicy" routine to attempt to smear this former employee ("John Doe") even though there appears to be no reliable, much less corroborative evidence tying him to any release or transfer of OWC's secrets or technology as they claim in their lawsuit. In fact, there is talk that the alleged contact never actually occurred but was dreamed-up by Oracle to confuse OWC into holding-off design finalization and that may have worked since we understand their design program is in some degree of turmoil.

An OWC spokesman has gone to great length to defame the former employee through innuendo by ascribing him guilty of all sorts of falsehoods - that he is a drunk, his wife has divorced him, he smashed up a car in the OWC compound, he's been arrested, is in financial trouble, has lost his license to practice law, all of which carry not a grain of truth. The way the OWC gang sees things, is that even if the Oracle tale proves false as appears to be the case, they can still get their licks in and screw the former employee's reputation for a long time to come, all because he refused to make the concessions demanded by management in order to stay in business after Craig McCaw (again) decided to pull the plug last March. The employee's refusal to concede the management's demands was viewed in the worse way because, although it was readily apparent that OWC would now become a sham challenger in the tradition of Marc Pajot's efforts, the sailing crew and management would still be able to go through the motions of competing and retain their "places at the trough" for a while longer.

Obviously the former employee had committed a sin of incalculable magnitude by not joining with the rest of the OWC lemmings.

The individual in question is a well-known New Zealand lawyer and the Team New Zealand Rules Advisor for the 1995 and 2000 Cups and also an accomplished 420 sailing crewmate of Chris Dickson. He decided to jump ship and bring along a big portion of the Team NZ crew when Gary Wright began waving dollar bills in their faces and induced by promises of a fully-committed Craig McCaw who would allow an unlimited design and technology budget (sounds like the allegations of a stock fraud lawsuit).

However, and as everyone who joined now knows, and much to their chagrin, it wasn't long before McCaw decided to pull the plug and the Kiwis lost faith in the challenge when confronted with the reality that the syndicate's pocket's had as many holes in them as the promises of funding and financial support. The lawyer left the program after negotiating a severance package and non-competition agreement that appears to have been complied with religiously by both sides.

OWC management claims that they wanted to keep the matter under wraps but their spokesman has nonetheless gone to great behind-the-scenes lengths to bad-mouth the former employee. The whole business may have been treated as the false rumor that it undoubtedly was but for OWC proselytizing - and now with OWC set to "name names" in their lawsuit and the former employee now set to attempt to salvage the excellent reputation he once enjoyed in legal and yachting circles, that seems highly unlikely. Its a good thing that Journalists have had the good sense not to have taken the bait and named the names the spokesman has espoused, because, one hears, that a civil lawsuit is being prepared at present and will be filed in Auckland, perhaps as early as this week, charging OWC, its ownership, principals, and its agents, with defamation of character, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, interference with prospective economic advantage, abuse of process, breach of contract, fraud, abuse of process, malicious prosecution, and other various and sundry claims of wrong doing.

I bet it seems to McCaw in retrospect like an exceedingly foolish strategy (or over-reaction) to have picked a mud-slinging legal fight with a New Zealand lawyer with such substantial family, political and financial contacts, without rock-solid evidence to prove their case against him, and there appears to be little reliable evidence supporting Oracle's accusations to boot. Seems doubly-dumb given that OWC and their sponsor are on the financial skids and what it will cost them to hire competent Kiwi defense lawyers for the syndicate and each of the individuals who will now find themselves in the dock answering their former teammates charges of tortious wrongdoing. Since the defamatory chant has been taken up by many OWC sailing crewmembers, can you imagine the difficulty caused to someone like Peter Gilmour when he is subpoenaed to give testimony at the same time a race is scheduled?

At least one good thing might come from all of this turmoil - the New Zealand Herald will have more to print about the America's Cup than just on-the-water battles. Too bad that the former employee will find the McCaw/OWC coffers empty by the time he gets his judgment; oh well, a new IACC yacht look might quite lovely moored in front of his Devonport apartment!

October 23, 2001 6:20 PM

Give It Up

I see that the Fat Man got ushered out of the Colorcraft Gold Cup match racing series, 3-0 by Peter Bromby. Dude, give it up. You're showing the world why it is you brought Paul Cayard and now Ken Read to drive for you: You don't have what it takes to match race at the world class level. Sure he can still fleet race in some events (though he won the Etchells NA's, he got punished at the Worlds), and as we know, his PHRF abilities are, uh really impressive. Which is not to say admirable. But jesus, the match racing world has passed him by, and each beating like this makes it painfully clear. Unless he wants to end up looking like ol' Willie Mays badly misplaying a routine fly ball in left field at the end of his career, hang it up DC. And let your paid helmsman do it for you.

October 18, 2001 8:22 PM

 

Whaaa?

Those of you who read my various rantings know that a favorite bitch of mine is PHRF and in particular the board here in Dago. Good times. Well, proving that even the retarded can change their own underwear on occasion, it looks like there is a move to kick some of the dumber monkeys out of there and replace them with.........Well, here is where you that live just north of Tijuana come in. They are looking for candidates to sit on the board. I don't know the exact requirements, but I do know what they've already had too much of: Crappy sailors who are afraid of the truth, refuse to virtually ever do the right thing and are in love with certain rock stars. Want to help change this sad state of affairs? Get involved by emailing Brian Hull @ Bhull@san.rr.com

October 10, 2001 9:00 PM

 

 

 

Wrong. Again.

 

Yep, we were wrong. The only thing of note that they broke were records. Not only did PlayStation make it, they did it in absolute record - breaking fashion. Four days and 17 hours to cross the Atlantic from New York to the Lizard, England. Oh yeah, on the way, they set an all-time 24-hour sailing record of 687 miles. They sailed the course 44 hours faster than previous record holder Jet Services V, which averaged 18.62 knots. PlayStation averaged 25.42 knots for the entire course. Hey, good thing the owner driver rule wasn't in effect.

October 10, 2001 7:15 PM

 

 

Volvo = America's Cup?

The fact that John Kostecki is winning the Volvo is not exactly a news bulletin. It does lead one to wonder how this will factor into his AC effort. While he and his gang challenge the world's oceans, other AC efforts are not. Is Kostecki missing out on anything? Well, Kostecki's missing out on would-be money raising, although they don't need it and crew training (one does NOT become a better AC sailor by sailing around the world.) Still, there are things he would be doing to get ready for the AC if he wasn't racing around the world. Perhaps this is a critical flaw in the program.

However...

Illbruck

We've heard from numerous Whitbread guys that the event consumes their bodies and instead of becoming stronger just the opposite occurs physically and probably psyche-wise too. The last AC was somewhat similar - in the past, the event didn't take a physical toll - yes the occasional injury and weariness but all in all crew became stronger and more fit. However the crew report that Auckland's conditions took it out of them and made them progressively weaker, an angle and advantage to the defender often overlooked. That's the reason in large part why Prada has pushed for a hiatus between the challenger series and the actual Cup Match with TNZ - time to recuperate and regain the strength and stamina lost after racing for almost a hundred races in the CSS.

October 9, 2001 9:19 PM

 

Over the Falls

Cam Lewis' Team Adventure showing a slight hairline fracture in the bow area. The team was unconcerned and reportedly did not think that the "teeny tiny crack" would stop their progress. photo courtesy Team Adventure

So Steve Fossett and his behemoth "White Elephant" er, "PlayStation" are about to embark again on some sort of Trans-Atlantic crossing in search of breaking some sort of record, one no doubt set by a The Pinta. Or was the Nina?

I wonder how many really think this boat can do it without breaking. And how many even care? I know that this thing is a great attempt to venture into the very frontier of outer realm sailing, but jesus, it and it's kind (see photo) seem clearly unable to stay together. It would appear that multihulls of this size are just too god damn big. The loads are too great, the speeds are scary, and the boats would appear to be virtually unmanageable when it gets good and gnarly. I suppose it's good that guys like Fossett (more money than sense? After all, isn't he crashing giant balloons in seek of equally obscure records when he isn't doing this?) push the envelope. But by all appearances, that envelope don't wanna be pushed no mo'.

October 6, 2001 7:53 PM

 

Volvo Update

Kostecki is in front and stretching. And nobody is surprised. Go to www.volvooceanrace.org for all the dope.

October 3, 2001 8:30 PM

Vulva Update

The skirts are DFL and fading. And nobody is surprised. Go to www.volvooceanrace.org for all the dope.

October 3, 2001 8:22 PM

The Other Perspective.

We recieved an interesting story which we titled "That's the Spirit" (see below). We thought it might generate a response from "the accused", and sure enough, it did. Here then is the other view of that story.

Gentlemen,

This is in response to that wonderfully articulate gentleman who authored the witty and entertaining 'That's the Spirit'.

I feel compelled to clarify the disinformation that was spread. First off, the yacht is worth 500k Canadian, add another 100k as the yacht is undergoing modifications to make her more of a racer. As this was number 22 off the production line, C&C has been very interested and helpful in he maiden season in LORC waters. They have a vested interest in how well this boat performs as they like to make money and their employees like to feed their families. Tim Jackett the designer, whom I was lucky enough to sail with when we were in Youngstown was a gentleman and a quite knowledgeable sailor, gave us his tips and insights into how this vessel should be sailed to peak performance.

Sir, you are right, this boat was meant to be very competitive in the local scene as the owner is very active in the local sailing community. You also hit the nail on the head when you describe her as loaded to the gunwales. She has every bell and whistle I think available and I certainly hope that I could one day afford a vessel as nice as this one, but I think you have to attain a certain age and maturity to truly appreciate the finer things in life.

As I did not crew on the Peterson 37 I cannot speak to her accomplishments over the years but as I crew on the new one, I understand first hand that she had to bang corners to do well, and as every one of you can appreciate this is no way to sail. You may say that the boat was no good and blame the crew, but I would suggest if you knew any of the former crew and certainly any of the crew on board this season you could find fault with no one and would readily agree that they are a well rounded and experienced bunch. As far as being a tyrant, you are exaggerating more than a bit. Being a senior counsel, Plaintiff side, an alpha personality and former linebacker, you must forgive his intensity at time. Trust me, his clients are more than happy for such a vigorous advocate on their behalf. I will however, agree with you that ours is not a team for the faint of heart and thin skinned, but I must protest the use of the word 'tyrant'. The decks does get heated at times but no one has ever been personally verbally assaulted and as soon as the race is over we have a sandwich a drink and discuss what we did wrong, what we did right and what the others in the fleet did as well.

Now let's get down to the meat and potatoes of your little tirade, which is woefully lacking in substance. First, the action arose as a result of the official IMS measurer failing to submit the measurements of the boat until after more than three months of sitting on them. The measurements were taken in the very early days of June 2001 and were not submitted until very late September. As this gentleman is employed by the IMS Association and is the only measurer around most folks have no choice but to hire him to measure their boats if they want to sail in the IMS fleet. I would think most would agree that the larger boat owners prefer IMS for reasons I don't have the time to get into. Secondly, PHRF the IMS Association and the RCYC were not named Defendants in this action. There were two gentlemen named and they were directly responsible for taking and submitting data to US Sailing in Portsmouth, who I might add are quite embarassed that it took a Statement of Claim and over three months to submit data that was processed in three hours. As far as the dollar figures and the legal principles in the S/C you would have to understand the intricacies of litigation and preparation of pleadings to understand this. I assume from your brilliant insight into this matter you are in possession of a copy of the S/C and I might refer you to papagraphs 11-17, 22, 28, 31, 32, 33, and 38. You may also want to refer to the Statutory Powers Procedures Act as this is one of the few remedies to ensure that persons vested with these duties and responsibilities carry them out with due diligence and impartiality.

As a result of being served with the S/C, the gentleman in question was duly advised by his counsel he was forced to retain due to his own actions (or lack thereof) that indeed he is compelled by Legislation to carry out his duties with impartiality and due diligence and should submit the data forthwith that he was paid to submit more than three months before. I understand that this is not an isolated incident and I do believe that the IMS Association will dealing with this matter accordingly in the near future. Pray tell sir, if the IMS Association takes action and replaces this gentleman will you slander them as quickly as you slandered Mr. Fogh??... careful son, Hans is a very popular fella in Southern Ontario and if you ever had occasion to know him personally you would understand why. Anyway, I feel that I have said all I have to say and I certainly wish you the very best with your therapy. And remember, you can take a day off, you don't have to be a wanker every day.

Yours truly,

A very happy crew member of the vessel in question.

October 2, 2001

 

Frisco Update

For those that are interested, you cannot sail, motor, swim etc. within 2000 yards of the Oakland or San Francisco airports.

The coasties have been running the fisherman out of Oakland since Sept.11. The area of the Oakland airport is the best sturgeon fishing in this area - known for 100 pound plus sturgeon. Jeez, if they could run the crack problem out of Oaktown as easily........ So the yachties and the fish killers get a bit screwed, but of course we hear reports from all over the country that security at airports is as slack and ineffectual as ever. Good times.

October 1, 2001

 

That's the Spirit!

A major pain-in-the-ass bought a C&C 121 (1st one in Toronto) this season. Paid about $400K CDN ($250K US), loaded to the gunwales with go-fast gear - carbon sails, bottom job, etc. Never sails outside of the local scene, so clearly this boat was supposed to be a major player in Toronto's inter-club series (LORC).

This guy used to have a pristine Peterson 37, which, regardless of how much $$$ he spent, couldn't get out of it's own way unless Hans Fogh (or someone similar!) was bought (ooops, I mean brought!) aboard. The worst part is that the owner is a real tyrant, always yelling & screaming at his crew, his competitors, etc. It's pretty irritating to be next to him at a mark rounding - the noise is deafening!

Anyways, he bought the new boat, somehow wiggled what I thought was a sweetheart provisional PHRF rating (69), & started winning races. PHRF-LO hit him for another 9 seconds in July, bringing his rating down to 60 (still slower than I'd have assigned him!). Nothing out of the ordinary for a new unproven design. When you compare the new design's rating to it's C&C predecessors (the 37R's at 60 & venerable 41's at 63), I'd consider 60 downright gracious!

Well now, the season's wound down, the big shiny black boat finished just out of the flags (4th!), & the owner slapped a $500,000 lawsuit for "loss of enjoyment" on any or all of the following: PHRF-Lake Ontario, the PHRF-LO Toronto West District Chief Handicapper, the PHRF handicapper at his own club (Royal Canadian YC), & LORC's Race Manager.

What kind of a low-life would do this kind of thing? Yeah, 2 guesses what this guy does for a living...

I'm bending my head, ashamed to be a racer from the same community of sailors as this clown... (This from one of our anarchists. We've left out the names - for now anyway - but you can get more dope on this at www.lorc.org). Good times!

September 26, 2001

 

Killing Themselves?

By now most of you have read about the frantic pace of the start of the Volvo. No surprise really, as these boys (uh, and girls) have been chomping at the bit for awhile. We're not going to cover this thing (or cut and paste like Scuttlebutt does.) because every one else is and y'all pretty much know where to go to get the info. But we're wondering about the pace. Can these guys possibly keep it up? Thanks to Cayard, the stakes and intensity have been greatly raised in this event. Now the race around the world is treated like a giant dinghy regatta, And sometimes a match race as well. And with paid hitmen like Dee Smith wielding the whip like a psycho jockey, certainly something must give. What will it be? The boat? The gear? The concentration? The spirit? It remains to be seen. To me that will be the most interesting aspect of this event. Fatigue vs. concentration. Exhaustion vs. effort. Racing vs. surviving. Physical vs. mental. Should be a fascinating story.

September 24, 2001

 

$5 Million?

That is the number that we have heard North paid Conrad to essentially buy the patents at issue. To us that seems a bit low, given the amount of past and future 3DL sails that could have ultimately been ruled to violate Conrad's patents. But regardless of the number, it is probably viewed as too much by North and not enough by Conrad.

This clears the path for the world domination of 3DL (isn't that already the case?), and in our estimation, signals the ending to a sad and final chapter in the book of Sobstad. Does anybody believe that Sobstad, already on life support, will not have the plug pulled by Conrad?

September 20, 2001

 

The Deal

We talked to the folks at North and they ain't saying much about the settlement with Conrad. BTW, let's be clear about something; Conrad is Sobstad. So when you hear about Sobstad getting anything, it is actually Conrad getting it.

Here's what we know:

As soon as we get some dope on this, we'll get it to you.

September 20, 2001

 

Sobstad v. North Settlement

Sobstad Corporation and North Sails Group, LLC have settled the patent infringement litigation regarding Sobstad's structural sail patents, the '639, '953 and '205 patents in suit. North Sails Group, LLC will now own the '639, '953 and '205 patents and all of their counterparts, often referred to as the "Airframe Patents."

Sobstad Corporation will retain full ownership of Sobstad's '080 patent, often referred to as the "Genesis Patent" and all of its counterparts. The '080 patent was not a patent in suit.
posted 9/18/01

'Frisco Update

This from a reader:

As a local from SF, last night's rumor at the yacht club bar was that the BBS was canceled at the last minute because they found that the owners couldn't get there because of the airport thing.

Don't know if you heard, but on Friday some nut job (probably from Berkely) in an inflatable was sitting at the beginning of the SFO runway around 1300. They closed the airport and had all planes circling for about three hours till the cops and USCG could get down there and drag the dumb ass out of there. He apparently had decided to protest retaliation by the US.

These days, the safest place to be may be on the water. We are very concerned that after this thing gets started suicide bombers will start blowing themselves up at the local Safeway.
posted 9/15/01

 

Wimps?

Isn't the Farr 40 Class supposed to be THE new Offshore One Design? And isn't the World Championship supposed to represent the best regatta of the best boat sailed by the best sailors that money can buy?

Then why in the hell do you stop a regatta because the wind is blowing 27 knots? I mean, this isn't some PHRF regatta attended by weekend warriors. 27 knots? And you cancel the race? In the Farr 40 Worlds? Get your asses out there and do battle! Man and machine battling each other and the elements! It's the essence of the sport. 27 knots?? Maybe some of the rock stars of the world had contracts that said that being paid $1,500.00 per day did not include sailing in winds of which they were scared.

Ernesto Bertarelli, who owns the mega-dollar Alinghi (Swiss) Challenge for the next America's Cup with his America's Cup helmsman Russell Coutts at his side, is the current the overall leader. Alinghi, by the way, is a word that means nothing, It is a word that Bertarelli made up as he was searching for a name of his AC effort. Could the fact that his entire challenge is based on a word that means nothing be indicative of the entire America's Cup? Just asking.
posted 9/14/01

 

The Canucks Win (they gotta win something)

Team Defiant (Canada) took a 55-second victory over Team Saturn (USA) today to win the 2001 Canada's Cup International Match Race Series, with a final score of 7-5. The full story ('cause god knows, ya ain't gonna get it here) can be found at www.byc.com/canadascup
posted 9/13/01

 

Too Bad

photo courtsey of IC 45 class

Remember when the One Ton Cup used to really mean something? You'd get a bundle of cool real One Ton boats and have a great regatta that would truly signify who were the best boats and sailors.

photo courtsey of IC 45 class

The just-completed latest incarnation of the One Ton Cup is a far cry from the glory days. A whopping six IC (nee Corel) 45's showed up, and though there were plenty of talented people that resulted in some good sailing (although Gavin Brady won 7 of the 11 races), it is kind of a sad commentary on the state of big boat racing for anything that is not a Farr 40. There are 21 of these things floating around the world so you'd like to have what, 12 to 15 on the line for something as prestegious as the One Ton Cup? But we think that the timing for this boat has just missed, and the Farr 40 juggernaut looks for all the world to be unstoppable. There probably aren't enough real differences (primarly size) between the the two to support the growth of the IC 45 Class. It's too bad these things aren't 50 feet - then you could see some momentum to fill the gap of the departing IMS 50's. We hear they are pretty good boats, and it would be nice to see some growth here. We'll keep an eye on it.
posted 9/12/01

 

Canuck's Cup

Here's how the Yanks are doing against the Canucks after 3 days of racing and 7 races completed:

• USA - (Team Saturn/Heartbreaker - BYC) 2 points
• Canada - (Team Defiant - RCYC) 5 points

There is a good site to go to for updates, if anybody cares about a couple of Farr 40's match racing: www.byc.com/canadascup. Maybe we'll get Bill Bennett from Team USA ( they're the guys not wearing the funny hats - I believe they are called tooks? - eating back bacon and drinking beer out of green bottles ) to give us a report.
posted 9/10/01

 

Team NZ

One of you asked about the possibility that TNZ would only have enough money to build one boat. It is unlikely that this is true. We hear their fund raising is going well and the plan is to build two boats. Remember that most the cost of a second boat isn't so much the boat itself as it is the doubling of the crew, sails, etc. Besides, yard and crew labor is relatively cheap there, so given what we know, expect to see two Kiwi boats.
posted 9/3/01

 

Szabo Wins Star North Americans!

With a loud and clear signal that says "Here come the young guns", Quantum San Diego's George Szabo won the 2001 Star North American Championships. Held at Milford Yacht Club in Connecticut, Szabo put together a startling good series of races, never once finishing out of the top 5. This out of 61 boats! He bested Vince Brun by eight points. Kevin Hall finished third. Complete results can be found at www.mycstar.org/na.htm.

We'll have a complete interview with George up on the front page in the next couple of days!
posted 9/02/01

Frers vs Farr

There is a rumor (see, that's why we put it in the Rumors and Lies section. Pretty clever, eh?) that at this time, Frers Jr. is on board the Frers Nautor boat racing against the Farr Nautor design represented on board by Russell Bowler, from Spain to England in a final showdown to decide which boat Dalton will use for the VOR. Some people have pointed out that this may not be the biggest anti-climax of the pre-race buildup but most are eagerly awaiting in SouthHampton to see which boat arrives first. We think it's pretty impressive that li'l Frers was able to create a boat that is giving the Farr boat fits. Either that or the Farr program has peaked. Perhaps (god forbid) the rule is doing a good job of creating equal boats?
posted 8/31/01

 

Mr. Bennett

Our friend Bill Bennett (see Bill's Interview with us in the Archive section) keeps demonstrating that "Team" thing with some great results in the ultra-tough Farr 40 Class. Again sailing with owners Robert Hughes and Wally Tsuha, they won the Farr 40 Great Lakes Championship, which followed their win at the Chicago Yacht Club's annual three-day Verve Cup Regatta. Now called Team Saturn (nice to have some sponsorship dollars to offset the big cost of campaigning these things), they will represent Detroit's Bayview Yacht Club in the Canada's Cup International Match-Race Series September 8th on Lake St. Clair against a challenge from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club of Toronto. Back Bacon, anyone?

If you wish to view the final results, go here: www.chicagoyachtclub.org/VerveCup/2001RaceResults.htm
posted 8/22/01

 

Rules REdefined: Barging

Aproaching the Mark always watch for current set.

OOPS, 360 is in order

 

More cool boats!

One of the all-time cool boats (and perhaps my ex-partner's favorite), is the Farr 38, "Mr. Jumpa". Bob Congdon sent this in with the following:

Hi Guys,

Here is the photo. We were all a lot more hairy then! Sorry about the quality, it was laminated along with all the other press from that SORC. This picture was published in Sail Magazine originally.

Notables in the photo would be Graeme Woodruff on the helm (he drove the 2nd Kiwi 12 meter in Perth sparing against Dicko), Phill Stegal (an eventual OSTAR winner) right in front of him and Ethan Bixby (now with North in Florida) in white looking aft. I’m to leeward in this shot looking back with most of my head obscured.

She was 38 LOA and weighed a scale certified 8500 Lbs! Notice the spin pole under the boom. The most amazing stat about the boat though was its cost; my partner and I were into this with new sails at the SORC including the shipping from Auckland for $67K. That much money won’t even buy a suit of sails today.

As far as current coolest boats you gotta love the Transpac 52’s I’ve spent the last 18 months sailing on Pendragon and have been out on Victoria and J-Bird as well. These boats are too cool for school.

Regards,
Bob Congdon
posted 8/12/01

Vidiots

For those who find that the 15 hours per week that they are spending on the internet just isn't enough, your salvation is just a round the corner. Virtual Spectator and the Volvo Ocean Race are collaborating on a 3D Internet viewer that will be able to be downloaded from the Volvo Ocean Race website at www.volvooceanrace.org and the Virtual Spectator website at www.virtualspectator.com. You'll need to subscribe to it, but it will have regular position data, weather, editorial content, photos and audio that will allow you to follow this insanity as it happens, starting September 23.
posted 7/23/01

Props

Gotta give a shout out to the boyz at Seahorse Magazine. They were kind enough to give SailingAnarchy to give a little love in their latest - August - issue. If you aren't familiar with this pub, you need to be. They have been the top international magazine on sailboat racing for years. Subscriptions are expensive - and worth it. Check them out at www.seahorsemagazine.com. Tell 'em SailingAnarchy sent ya!
posted 7/16/01

 

 

 

He's Up, He's Down

In a big regatta, the ups and downs are often a fact of life in terms of finishing positions. So far, SoCal hero Mark Reynolds is taking that to new highs, or is that lows? After bulleting race one at the '2001 Star Worlds', and setting an ominous tone for the rest of the 109 boat fleet, he fell to 44th in the second race. Race three? Another bullet! Here's the understatement of the year: He's looking pretty good with a throw-out! Race four's results were not available yet, but if you want to play along here's the site: www.starworlds2001.nl (The link to enter the site is right below the star pictures)
posted 8/8/01

Hole in One

Your Editor actually made it on to the water for the PC Nationals in San Diego. These classic woodys are very cool - fun and fairly easy to sail. There is also a pretty high talent level with the likes of Alex Camet, Chuck Sinks and Greg Stewart, just to name a few, sprinkled amongst the fourteen boat fleet. I was sailing with Doug Holthaus, legal council for Team Prada in his immaculately refurbished "Celeste". Legend Jack Sutphen was doing his usual number on the fleet with bullets in the first two races when a bit of a disaster struck, quite literally. There was a huge pile-up at the boat end of race three - (we bailed out), but Jack got T-boned, resulting in a good-sized hole amidships, starboard side. He had to drop out, his day and regatta done. We were having our best race yet, fourth at the first leeward mark, when disaster struck us, this time in the form of stupidity. We rounded the leeward mark, forgot that the preventer was on and crack! The boom broke! Damn, an inglorious end to a fun day of sailing.
posted 7/30/01

Vidiots

Props

Gotta give a shout out to the boyz at Seahorse Magazine. They were kind enough to give SailingAnarchy to give a little love in their latest - August - issue. If you aren't familiar with this pub, you need to be. They have been the top international magazine on sailboat racing for years. Subscriptions are expensive - and worth it. Check them out at www.seahorsemagazine.com. Tell 'em SailingAnarchy sent ya!
posted 7/16/01

Comming Soon

Coming next week: Tired of reading the same "How To Win" stuff from the same "experts"? We've got an interview next week from a "no-name" who has been a part of winning the 2000 Etchells Worlds, the top 1D 35 in the country and now on of the up and coming Farr 40's. His name is Bill Bennett and he'll share what it takes to put together a winning effort.

Also, do you smell something funny with the oracle America's Cup Team? So do we, and we've got some inside dope that you'll find interesting.