YH_NoticiasInternacioanles

RC44 season announced

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 -0800

First up, Dubai later this month

'Activate Your Laser Fleet' Off To A Flying Start

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:10:00 -0800

The first Activate Your Laser Fleet workshop took place at Staunton Harold Sailing Club, Derbyshire on Sunday 7 February. A full house of ten "Activators" attended, representing six sailing clubs from the region.

The Cup : 1st Day After

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:09:25 -0800

Greetings yachties, 1st race abandoned, below is a collection stories, opinions, video and interviews from Valencia. Enjoy “……….Gilmour was with Alinghi during the 32nd Cup Match as an advisor and coach. He saw how the team tensed up when it went down 2-1 to Team New Zealand in the 32nd Match, and also saw how it focused in [...]

Hanging a left

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0800

Groupama 3 prepares to skirt the South Atlantic high

OCS for defending champ

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Karl Purdie over early at the OK Worlds

2010 Radial Women's North American Championships

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:58:00 -0800

Despite The Waves, There Was Some Close Racing
Photo: (c) John Payne, February 2010

Ft. Lauderdale, FL By Anna Tunnicliffe -

This past weekend was the 2010 Radial Women's North American Championships in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I competed in the event in the hopes of qualifying for a spot at the 2010 Radial World Championships, and of defending my title from 2009. I sailed a great regatta, coming out on top, successfully securing my spot at the Worlds and defending my title as the North American Women's Laser Radial Champion.

It was a close regatta that came down to the last race between Marit Bouwmeester, from the Netherlands, and me, as to who would claim the title.

The regatta started on Friday with big wind and very big waves. The wind was in the high teens with gusts occasionally in the low twenties, but it was the 5-7 foot seas that made the sailing a lot of hard work. In the first three races, Marit came away with three wins and I had three seconds. It was one of the most fun days I have had in a Radial in a long time. I was a bit worried to begin with, about how I would manage physically, but my gym work paid off, and I felt as though I could hike all day, which got me super excited too.

The next day, Saturday, the wind was almost 180 degrees different in direction, but still very strong. The wind was blowing off the beach, so the waves were all gone, and we were left with very puffy, shifty winds that were stronger than the first day.

In the first race of the day, Marit sailed a strong race and won, with me again in second. In the second race of the day, Marit again took the lead early and I rounded the top mark in about 9th. Downwind, I connected some puffs and rounded the leeward mark in 4th. I recognized that the wind had shifted as we rounded the bottom mark and tacked away to sail on the favoured tack. I led the leaders to the next wind shift and ended up passing the three boats in front of me to round the top mark in first with Marit only boat lengths behind me.

I held her off on the downwind leg to take the race, with Marit taking second. The last race of the day proved quite difficult tactically. All day long, the wind had been shifting back and forth, and the race started in a left shift. We all started down at the pin end of the line, tacked over and were waiting for the right hand shift to come in, but it didn't. I was the third boat to the left so benefited from the fact that the shift didn't come. I rounded the top mark in second and passed into first downwind, and held on for the rest of the race. Marit didn't come out quite as well and had a hard time coming back through the race; she finished 12th.

Sunday, the last day of racing, was again quite tricky tactically. I didn't have a great first race and finished with a 6th to Marit's first. And so it came down to the last race. In the pre-start, we both fouled another boat in our maneuvers, but had a good close race around the course, both of us learning a lot tactically and about our own abilities from the experience. However, because we both fouled another boat at the start, we decided it would be most sportmanlike and appropriate to withdraw from the race.

It was immense fun to sail the Radial again, but I am taking a break for a while from the boat. My next sailing is match race training in Miami towards the end of the month.

I would like to thank our sponsors Carmeuse for their continued support of our campaign for the 2012 Olympics in London, England. I would also like to thank USSTAG.

Sail Hard,

Anna
Team Tunnicliffe

Dickson to compete at Port Nicholson Regatta

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0800

Jim Farmer's IRC 52 Georgia heads south

Slow rotation... Groupama 3

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:37:00 -0800

2010/02/08 - 16h19
Jules Verne Trophy
The position of the Saint Helena High isn't favouring progress towards the Cape of Good Hope: Groupama 3 has been forced to pick out a course to the SSW before slowly straightening out her trajectory to the South this Monday afternoon... As a result her lead over the reference time is diminishing.

Franck Cammas and his nine crew are still holding back a little in view of the grib files, which aren't making the entry into the Indian Ocean very clear! The high pressure in the Southern Atlantic is forming a barrier off Argentina and forcing the giant trimaran to trace a course way out to the West, along the Brazilian coast. Just 150 miles from shore, Groupama 3 made good headway over the weekend though, before the tradewinds switched round onto a more N'ly track during the course of last night.

"On deck it's really pleasant with glorious sunshine and a light breeze under large gennaker... Down below though, it's an oven! We found it difficult to sleep last night as it was stifling. We're finally diving southward now as the wind is gradually shifting round to the NE. The breeze is fluctuating but last night we were still able to sail faster than planned: we were regularly making headway at over thirty knots. As such we're a little bit ahead in relation to the weekend's routing. We lost a bit of ground this morning as things have calmed down: we're making headway at between twenty and twenty-five knots. The wind began to rotate last night between the clouds. We're soon going to have to gybe when the breeze backs rounds to the North..." explained Lionel Lemonchois during the radio link-up with Groupama's Race HQ in Paris at 1130 UTC.

Rendez-vous with a front
Offshore of Vitoria this Monday afternoon, Franck Cammas and his men will have to wait another day or two before they can straighten the helm! It's not yet clear whether they'll be able to hook onto a cold front forming over Porto Alegre as it shifts across towards Africa. However, if they make contact at the right time, the descent towards the Cape of Good Hope will be extremely fast. As a result there is a considerable amount of work in prospect, as much on deck as at the chart table, in order to extract themselves from this tricky section as quickly as possible.

"We're not going to be able to hang a left straightaway! We'll probably have to link together a series of gybes almost as far down as the Roaring Forties before we can set a course for the East... We're on track to make a sizeable detour to hook onto a front in the South however, if we miss it, we'll be two days behind on passing Cape Leeuwin! We're going to have to pull out all the stops. The situation is changing from one grib file to the next so it's still hard to know when we're going to round the first cape, Good Hope. There's going to be very little in it..."

In any case Groupama 3 should pass the symbolic 20,000 miles to go mark on this Jules Verne Trophy from noon on Tuesday. Indeed somewhat paradoxically, the giant trimaran is really lengthening her stride, but is losing ground on the reference time: by being forced to distance herself from the direct route, the 600 mile average across the water translates into a distance of just 305 miles VMG...

Groupama 3's log (departure on 31st January at 13h 55' 53'' UTC)
Day 1 (1st February 1400 UTC): 500 miles (deficit = 94 miles)
Day 2 (2nd February 1400 UTC): 560 miles (lead = 3.5 miles)
Day 3 (3rd February 1400 UTC): 535 miles (lead = 170 miles)
Day 4 (4th February 1400 UTC): 565 miles (lead = 245 miles)
Day 5 (5th February 1400 UTC): 656 miles (lead = 562 miles)
Day 6 (6th February 1400 UTC): 456 miles (lead = 620 miles)
Day 7 (7th February 1400 UTC): 430 miles (lead = 539 miles)
Day 8 (8th February 1400 UTC): 305 miles (lead = 456 miles)

Find all the latest news from the Groupama trimarans at: http://www.cammas-groupama.com/

No wind, no play

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:00:00 -0800

Alinghi meteoroligist Jack Katzfey discusses the weather

33rd America's Cup - Day 1: No wind, no race

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:10:00 -0800

The 33rd America's Cup didn't start with a bang. The light and unstable winds forced the race committee to cancel Monday's races, after the two yachts had spent more than 6 hours drifting around the coast of Valencia.

As Chris Bedford, BMW Oracle meteorologist, jokingly commented, the race committee did a great job in putting them in the middle of two different breezes, pretty much assuring that nothing would happen. The main pattern today off Valencia was of a southerly breeze well offshore that was ocasionally filtering in at the start area and a westerly breeze ahsore.

The westerly breeze had puffs of up to 14 knots and was stable for a fair amount of time at the weather mark. There was pressure trying to make it up the course but the convergence of the two breezes made it impossible to build a breeze strong enough up the 20-mile course to set a proper course. In addition, despite the immense size of the race area it would have probably been impossible to set a fair course. At 10am conditions were marginally close to allow a race but they never materialized. There was a nice southweserly breeze in the southern part of the race area but it never made it to the race committee boat.

Alinghi 5 and USA drifting around, waiting for the breeze. Valencia, 8 February 2010. Photo copyright Carlo Borlenghi / Alinghi

Since no racing was held on Monday, the 1st race of the 33rd America's Cup is now scheduled for Wednesday. Unfortunately, the forecast for that day isn't very encouraging either. A low pressure area is developing over central Spain, to the northwest of Valencia and will move off the coast on Monday night. Behind that area, a very strong westerly flow will come on Monday night and last through Tuesday and probably early Wednesday. Valencia will not be much affected but Bedford expects more waves as a big swell will be coming from the norheast. So, on Wednesday we will be in a waning westerly that might turn into a seabreeze in the afternoon, according to Bedford.

The nature of this America's Cup, a Deed-of-Gift race, makes it much more difficult to set a fair course. According to Bedford, it is a big task to have a consistent wind direction over 20 miles, not only in Valencia, but in many places throughout the world, especially when we are so close to the coast. There is fairly high terrain to the south-southwest of Valencia and a valley that create two different breezes. If we were to have a 5-mile race today, there could have been different areas to hold a fair race but with 20 miles it becomes fairly complicated.

At least, for once, there was one thing the two teams agreed upon. It was Harold Bennett's, Principal Race Officer, decision to call off racing at 1:45pm, almost 3 hours before the limit time, since it was apparent there wasn't going to be any improvement in conditions.

Jack Katzfey, Alinghi meteorologist, comments on Monday's frustrating conditions. Valencia, 8 February 2010. Video copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

AMERICAS CUP RACE 1 POSTPONED

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:40:00 -0800

americascup.com
After a long period waiting for enough of a settled breeze, the two giant multihulls Alinghi 5 (SUI) and USA awaiting the scheduled start of Race 1 of the 33rd America’s Cup were sent back to their respective bases at around 1345h this afternoon.
Principal Race officer Harold Bennett (NZL) and his team on the water had made continuous attempts to seek out a breeze which was of sufficient strength and settled enough in direction across the proposed 20 miles windward Leg 1 to allow a fair race to be started.

But, despite their best efforts, the variance at times was over 100 degrees between the gentle breeze at the committee boat some 25 miles offshore, and the planned position of the turning buoy where there was a breeze of around 10-11 knots sometimes.

Race 1 will now be scheduled for Wednesday 10th with the time gun due at 1000hrs.

Winners Decided at Singapore Airlines Sail Auckland

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:30:00 -0800

The ISAF Grade 1 Singapore Airlines Sail Auckland concluded yesterday at Kohimarama Yacht Club with another day of fantastic sailing in the City of Sails.

Groupama 3 Hunting a Low 530 miles ahead of record

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:30:00 -0800

Just 120 miles off the Brazilian coast, Groupama 3 is continuing to drop down to the SSW to hunt down a low off Rio de Janeiro. Meantime their 530 mile lead over Orange 2 is being maintained...

LIve feed on http://www.americascup.com

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:10:00 -0800

Goto http://www.americascup.com for the live feed it's the only feed that is working!

33rd America's Cup - Day 1 - Race 1: Live blogging

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:52:00 -0800

1:45pm The race committee has just announced there will not be any racing today. As a result, the 1st race of the 33rd America's Cup is now scheduled for Wednesday because Tuesday is a rest day, not a reserve day.

1:00pm It seems the breeze is picking up but it's still unstable. As per the official 33rd America's Cup twitter there's 3 knots at the committee boat from 335º and 9 knots from 245º at the weather mark.

12:15pm Conditions are unfortunately still very unstable. There is 4 knots of wind at the start line and it started raining.

11:35am Still nothing, there is absolutely no breeze at the committee boat.

11:05am Racing is still postponed but we hear the situation in the vicinity of the weather mark is quite promising (check our graph). There's is 6-7 knots of southwesterly breeze.

10:30am Still no breeze whatsoever at the committee boat. The two giant multihulls are simply drifting.

9:50am No breeze at the start line. The race committee had no option but raise the postponment flag.

33rd America's Cup - Day 1 - Race 1: Approximate race course

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:51:00 -0800

Greetings from rainy Valencia. For illustration purposes we have produced a graph that shows a possible race course for Race 1, based on the latest weather information we have at 9am Valencia time and the assumption the course axis is 225º. It seems though that the breeze will shift to the right, forcing the race committee boat to go further offshore. Still, there's just 3 knots of wind at the committee boat.

Approximate race course based on the information at 9am. Copyright Valencia Sailing / ZeroGradiNord

BMW Oracle and Alinghi sail crews

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:11:00 -0800

BMW Oracle

1. Bowman: Brad Webb (NZL)
2. Pitman: Simone de Mari (ITA)
3. Jib Trimmer: Ross Halcrow (NZL)
4. Wing Sail Trimmer: Dirk de Ridder (NED)
5. Wing Sail Caddy: Joey Newton (AUS)
6. Tactician: John Kostecki (USA)
7. Skipper/Helmsman: James Spithill (AUS)
8. Navigator: Matteo Plazzi (ITA)
9. Aft Pit: Thierry Fouchier (FRA)
10. Mast: Matthew Mason (NZL)

Alinghi

1. Bowman: Piet van Nieuwenhuijzen (NED)
2. Midbow: Curtis Blewett (CAN)
3. Pitman: Rodney Ardern (NZL)
4. Trimmer upwind: Simon Daubney (NZL)
5. Trimmer downwind: Nils Frei (SUI)
6. Mainsail trimmer: Warwick Fleury (NZL)
7. Traveller: Pierre-Yves Jorand (SUI)
8. Helmsman: Ernesto Bertarelli (SUI)
9. Tactician: Brad Butterworth (NZL)
10. Runner: Murray Jones (NZL)
11. Navigator: Juan Vila (ESP)
12. Floater: Jan Dekker (RSA/FRA)
13. Floater: Loïck Peyron (FRA)
14. Pre-start: Peter Evans (NZL)

Still on track

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:00:00 -0800

Groupama 3 having to hug Brazilian coast, but outlook is looking good

33rd America's Cup - Day 1 - Dockout: Yeah, baby yeah, the Cup at last is about to start

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:24:00 -0800

Greetings from dark Valencia. It's 7am and the two giant multihulls are already on their way to the race course. Given the distance between the bases of the two teams I had to choose where to watch the dockout. On the opening day, I opted for the Defender. It a was quite a low-key event at the Alinghi base and before I knew it, Alinghi 5 was docking out.

The forecast still calls for light westerly winds but as we have seen in the last few days, even with 5 knots of breeze these monsters fly. We'll obviously update as soon as we get more info.

Alinghi Forecast:
WSW wind 5-12 knots
Cloudy
Possible rain
12°c Max

Alinghi 5 ready to dockout at 6:30am. Valencia, 8 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

AC33TV: Watch the Cup Live on Sailkarma

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:20:00 -0800

Click here to download player! Once you download you might have to refresh this page.

BMW ORACLE LIVE

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:20:00 -0800

The live streaming event on the website is scheduled for (Monday) at 06:30 CET

Photos: Alinghi 5 - the final sea trial

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0800

Our images off Valencia

Alinghi fashion show

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:45:00 -0800

Carlo Borlenghi / Alinghi

Emilie Boiron models a bikini of the KB Collection.

The Alinghi Collection 2010 was presented tonight to an enthusiastic audience at a fashion show in the Port America’s Cup.

The collection was presented by 21 models, featuring former Swiss top model Emilie Boiron. There were also 14 children of team members modelling kids clothing.

“The show was an outstanding success. Alinghi represents more than sailing, and today’s display expressed the passion and excellence that has come to mark Alinghi,” said team communications director Paco Latorre. “There was a large crowd, and you could see the interest in our collection on their faces.”

The clothes included variations of the gear from official clothing supplier Odlo and worn by Alinghi team members in their quest to win the 33rd America’s Cup. There was also the KB Collection for women and kids, including bikinis and beach wear, much of it designed by Kirsty Bertarelli and using the Alinghi logo and colours.

The show opened with two Alinghi-branded Bikebord electric tricycles being displayed and closed with an Arlen Ness motorcycle in Alinghi colours. Other items displayed were from team partners Hublot watches, Oakley sunglasses and Wenger knives and shoes.

The event was attended by 500 people, including guests of the team, families, friends, sponsors and it was open to the public of Valencia. - http://www.flickr.com/photos/alinghiteam/4338554816/

Latest wind forecast - Sunday 8:17pm UTC

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:14:00 -0800

Here's the latest wind forecast and map for Monday 10am, scheduled start of the 1st race of the 33rd America's Cup, courtesy of MeteoSim. Unfortunately, it depicts a much more pessimistic image than the previous one, 12 hours before. The forecast calls for very light westerly winds in an extended area around Valencia and the race committee might have to travel a great distance east to find a stronger breeze (4-6 knots).

As Paul Cayard reports, the breeze will then shift to the south and increase a bit....maybe up to 10 knots. There is a chance the race committee will postpone ashore, waiting for better conditions. Harold Bennett, Principal Race Officer of the 33rd America's Cup, will give an update at 7am Monday morning, Valencia Time.

Latest (8:17pm UTC) wind forecast and map for Monday 10am scheduled start of the 1st race of the 33rd America's Cup

BMW ORACLE Racing ready for the Match

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:11:00 -0800

Gilles Martin-Raget

Valencia (February 7, 2010) - On the eve of the first race of the 33rd America's Cup Match, BMW ORACLE Racing is ready to go.

"We had a very good sail," said team CEO Russell Coutts (NZL). "We're excited to get out on the race course tomorrow."

The sailing team had a three and a half hour session on the water today to ensure the boat and all of its equipment is 'race ready'.

"No matter how experienced you are, these final moments before the first race of the America's Cup Match are always special," Coutts said.

"Of course there are some nerves, but I feel very positive about our team and our boat. I know that we've done everything we can to be ready, and that's all I can ask. Now, we are ready to race."

Larry Ellison, the founder of the team and a member of the afterguard, was sailing on the trimaran today. He says he can't wait to get racing.

"I can't think about anything but these next three races," he said.
"We're 100 percent focused. The only thing we're thinking about now is winning two of the next three races.

The weather forecast is for lighter winds in the morning on Monday, building as the day goes on. Rain showers are forecast. Racing is scheduled to start at 10:06 CET (04:06 EST, 01:06 PST).

The final crew list for USA will be confirmed and released on Monday morning.

You can follow all of the action on Monday on www.bmworacleracing.com with our "Race Day" coverage, which features live original programming, as well as the Host Broadcast feed of the racing.

In addition to the main team website, friends of the team can follow our blog at http://bmworacleracingblog.blogspot.com/, our YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/bmworacleracingteam, or on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/bmworacle2010.

Update #4 from Valencia

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:09:00 -0800

By Paul Cayard
Sunday, February 07, 2010

With very light winds on the Mediterranean Sea and less than 24 hours to the start of Race 1 of the 33rd Ameirca's cup, both Alinghi V and BMW Oracle were keen to get out on the water and make final preparations.

I was invited to the BMW Oracle base at 0730 to observe the wing raising operation. Operation is the key word here. It took about 2 hours from the time the wing started to move out from its shed until it was vertical on the "platform" (French for the boat). The conditions were good for the "operation"; very light wind and no sea in the harbor. Basically the wing is attached to the platform, while virtually horizontal, with the help of a crane. The wing, still horizontal, is then supported by block and tackle attached to a relatively short pole, vertically mounted on the platform and then the crane is disconnected. Next, the platform with the wing attached, is moved out to a mooring. Once on the mooring the wing is raised by using the onboard motor to drive the winches, while slowly raising the wing. See the enclosed photos.

The sunrise was spectacular this morning with red clouds, providing incredible lighting for the wing operation. The whole scene was surreal for me. The time of day, the lighting, the wing and the fact that in 24 hours time, these two beasts would be facing off against eachother.

I had a chance to talk to Skipper James Spithill while the boat was being rigged. James had some very interesting insight to the wing and the foils and how they are used on the boat. It made me think back to 1986 and our radical 12 meter USA and all that we sailors learned from that project. This Cup will no doubt be a huge addition to the technical competence of all involved on both sides. Then Larry Ellison walked into the compound, all suited up with plenty of clothes on as he was heading out for a sail. He was very friendly to me as we spent at least 15 minutes chatting about this Cup, the future of the Cup and the RC 44's which he loves too. I hadn't talked to him for that long since we spent a week racing the Trans-Pac together in 1995. He seemed really excited about the technology of this Cup and their chances of winning.

At 1200 as Alinghi V glided out of the America's Cup Harbor under tow, there was a large crowd on hand, possibly 5000 people. Just as in 2007, a large Italian contingency is here. I could not help but wonder, once again, how big the America's Cup would be if it ever held in Italy.

The Defender made a few more adjustments to the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions today. There are some great people here on the race committee, jury, umpires and measurement committees. The best in their sector! These people get too little credit for what they do, mostly off camera. My guess is that there will be some post race measurement checks initiated by the measurer and there may event be a measurement protest tomorrow. If there are measurement protests, they will be known before the boats enter the starting box, at the 5 minute gun.

The forecast for tomorrow is very light westerly winds in the morning, shifting to the south and increasing a bit....maybe up to 10 knots. There is a chance the race committee will postpone ashore, waiting for better conditions.

Enjoy the Super Bowl!

The Cup: The DoG Race

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:37:17 -0800

Racing Postponed Abandoned for the day, next race 10th February 2010* * subject to some conditions All enquiries hereSailing Anarchy forums are going nut bags, fantastic to follow more than 500 sailors chat about the event. Have a read hereThe America’s Cup challenger, BMW Oracle BOR 90, left, and defender, Alinghi 5, wait for the start of the 33rd [...]

Meanwhile in Valencia...last training session before D-day

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:19:00 -0800

With less than 24 hours left until the hour of truth, Alinghi and BMW Oracle spent a few hours on Sunday, training in very light conditions. Here's a selection of nice shots from Juerg Kaufmann and Daniel Forster.

Alinghi carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

Alinghi carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

Alinghi carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

Alinghi carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

Alinghi carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

Alinghi carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

BMW Oracle carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

BMW Oracle carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

BMW Oracle carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

BMW Oracle carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

BMW Oracle carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

BMW Oracle carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

BMW Oracle carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

BMW Oracle carries out last training session before the 33rd America's Cup match. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann & Daniel Forster / Go4Image

Ready for Action: Racing abandoned for the day - Race 1 re-scheduled for Wednesday 10 February

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:00:00 -0800

The match for the 33rd America's Cup was scheduled to get under way today (Monday) but due to very unstable light winds efforts to start the first race were abandoned for the day.

12th entry for Global Ocean Race

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:00:00 -0800

Another New Zealand boat joins the doublehanded round the world race

Latest wind forecast - Sunday 8:38am UTC

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 07:20:00 -0800

Here's the latest wind forecast for Monday 10am, scheduled start of the 1st race of the 33rd America's Cup, courtesy of MeteoSim. There is a clear pattern around Valencia, with the south-southeast winds ranging from 8 to 14 knots.

Even though Alinghi 5 and USA sail at closer angles to wind than initially believed, the size of the race diamond makes it necessary for the race committee to set up a race course with the starting line situtated approximately 20-25 miles from the coast. Given also the geography of the coast it might even be further away. Not only that, the top mark will also have to be located at least a dozen miles south of the port. So, it could be a difficult day for spectators.

BMW Oracle Racing enter on starboard

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:58:00 -0800

Gilles Martin-Raget

The coin-toss to decide which side of the start box the challenger and defender will enter the start area for Race 1 of the 33rd America’s Cup was the central moment of the exciting opening festival in Valencia’s Port America’s Cup Sunday afternoon.

Tens of thousands of visitors swarmed the signature Veles e Ventes building and the surrounding area of the America’s Cup Park to enjoy the festivities on an otherwise tranquil Sunday afternoon of mild temperatures.

Race director Harold Bennett (NZL) set the coin spinning in the air, watched by Pierre-Yves Firmench (SUI), commodore of the Société Nautique de Genève, the yacht club of the Defender of the 33rd America’s Cup and Marcus Young (USA), commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club of San Francisco.

The American team will therefore take what is commonly held to be the initial advantage, entering with right of way, on starboard tack.

On the water there was scarcely enough wind to create ripples, but in the distance the lack of breeze was scarcely a worry for one of the giant multihulls, which with its towering rig still paced the horizon, making best use of the final hours of practice and tuning before racing is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning around 1000hrs

The opening festival was brought to a noisy crescendo with a barrage of mascleta, firecrackers which increased in size peaking with a deafening giant, reported to contain 700 kilos of gunpowder. - http://www.americascup.com/

The return of Barnabas

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:00:00 -0800

18ft skiff veteran called in for next week's JJ

33rd America's Cup - Just one day to go

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:50:00 -0800

Greetings from Valencia less than 24 hours before the start of the 1st race of the 33rd America's Cup. It personally seems incredible that after 950 days of litigations, court hearings, affidavits and dozens of letters between the commodores of the two yacht clubs, a day would come that we would see the world's most extreme multihulls racing on the waters of Valencia.

Both BMW Oracle's USA and Alinghi 5 are currently training, probably making the last checks and test in view of tomorrow's race. According to the latest information (2pm Valencia time) USA is sailing some 15-20 miles south of Valencia while Alinghi 5 is almost at the opposite side of the immense race area, 15 miles to the north east of the 33rd America's Cup venue.

Wind conditions have been very light throughout the day, not more than 5-6 knots. It also seems that tomorrow's conditions as well will be quite similar, favoring Alinghi according to conventional wisdom. The forecast calls for a southwestern breeze, between 6 and 10 knots. Still, this is extremely vague, given the immense dimensions of the race course. I'll try to have something more precise later on.

The draw for the entry side was favorable to BMW Oracle. The Americans will enter from the starboard side and Alinghi from port.

There was a sight that caught my attention and took the picture. A couple of workers were rebranding the former +39 Challenge base to Green Comm Challenge. According to the rumor mill, the italian team lead by Francesco de Leo might become the Challenger of Record if Alinghi wins these races, so it makes sense to have the base rebranded quickly, in case it's over on Wednesday.

The +39 Challenge base being rebranded to Green Comm Challenge. Valencia, 7 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

7 takes the lead

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0800

After the latest round of 18ft skiff racing in the build up to next week's JJ Giltinan Trophy

Rhodes leads OK Worlds

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0800

With four races sailed in NZ

Update #3 from Valencia

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:52:00 -0800

Paul Cayard
Saturday, February 06, 2010

Kind of a quiet day here in Valencia today. No sailing by either team as the wind was still gusty from the west and prudence was the call just 48 hours before race 1.

In TV world we started at 0900 finishing filming a couple of "standups" for our first show, which will air tonight at 2145 CET on Eurosport. I also did a few interviews with Italian newspapers. We finished shooting around 1400 and the boys went to work editing. That is when I get cut loose.

So I decided to go for a long run up Malvarosa Beach which is right in front of my hotel. Then I came back a worked out in the gym. That put me officially over the jet lag and I am feeling good. Now for the reward....we are going to eat at an Argentinean Asador (meat restaurant) tonight.

The forecast for tomorrow is for sailable winds and I imagine both teams will get out on the water. Alinghi put their boat back in the water tonight. We are going to try to film the BMW Oracle "wing up" operation. We are then going to shoot a few pieces on the basics of sail boat racing....the wind direction vs. the axis of the course and why one boat can gain from a wind shift....etc. This and some other material will be edited into show number two for tomorrow evening.

It looks like "game on" for Monday. The wind is forecast to be in the 5-8 knot range starting out from the west and then backing into the south. If the wind speed stays light, it is supposedly favorable to Alinghi. However, I would say no one really knows what is going to happen when these two beasts line up. I am excited to see.

I know it is Super Bowl Sunday tomorrow. I will be watching from here. It starts at 23:45 for me so between the Super Bowl and a 1000 start on Monday for the first race of the America's Cup, I wont get much sleep in Sunday night.

Cayard Sailing Website

AC33 - the outcome?

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0800

We look at the form going into tomorrow's mega-multihull dust up

33rd America's Cup 2010: Owners Press Conference

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:36:00 -0800

"I came here to shake his hand and he is not here" Ernesto Bertarelli

Today’s owners press conference in Valencia’s Port America’s Cup heard Alinghi founder Ernesto Bertarelli highlight that safety and reliability need to be key issues to be borne in mind during what promises to be an enthralling 33rd America’s Cup, scheduled to start on Monday.

The two times America’s Cup winning team owner, who will helm the giant catamaran Alinghi 5 along with Frenchman Loick Peyron, re-stated the need for a measure of prudence after the start gun goes for Race 1 of the best of three series.

The winter conditions need to be taken account of. As well as getting the balance right, trying to ensure the maximum reliability of Alinghi 5, Bertarelli also warned that spectators on the water need to remember that this is winter and the conditions off Valencia can change quickly.

Bertarelli said that pre-regatta nerves are an essential part of his psychological drive to be successful, and that many of the feelings of excitement are the same as July 2007 when Alinghi triumphed.

The level of media interest, he underlined, is comparable to the 32nd America’s Cup Match, with some 600 media accredited already.

Over 100 media attended the press conference in the Port America’s signature Veles e Vents building.

Ernesto Bertarelli (SUI) owner and helmsman Alinghi:
“The weather is quite different from when we left in July 2007, but I think the excitement is the same. I think there is about 600 accreditations which is just as much as last time and so there is a certain interest in this historic race.”

“ We are all at the Alinghi team looking forward to the regatta putting forward our best.”

On the need for nerves: “Every time you go to battle you have to feel nervous. Anytime I have gone casual to anything I was not my best,. I think adrenaline and a bit of excitement is good, for anything you do and especially for a competition like this.”

On BMW ORACLE Racing:
“BMW ORACLE Racing is a formidable team. They have brought an impressive yacht with impressive technology. It is going to be very interesting to see two very different yachts trying to achieve the same thing.”

On the need for reliability and safety: “ In order to win you have to finish. Both teams over the last few weeks have been able to gauge our reliability. We have had problems. It is a bit like the beginning of the season in the Formula 1 grand prix. All is very good when the teams are here testing in Valencia. You go round the track once or twice and you put a good time. But on the Sunday of the first race you have to go around the track 72 times. It is a bit the same thing. We have completed the course a few times. It is a long course, 40 miles, we have done it in between two and half to three hours which is a lot of ground to cover. If the wind comes from the shore, which is what it is looking like, then the start is going to be almost half way between here and Ibiza. I think everyone should be careful, especially spectators who are on the water. Remember we are not in the summer, but in the winter.”

On why he is helming Alinghi: “Some other reasons are those that brought me to sailing, multihull sailing, speed and perfecting these boats on the lakes. My contribution this time has been very different. Possibly I have had more involvement with this campaign than ever before. My steering I think is a good thing.”

“ It happens that I can steer a multihull, and I have brought on board since we have clear indication that we were going to sail multihulls those which we have competed against on the lake, those who I felt were the strongest competitors Alain Gautier and Loïck Peyron.”

On this America’s Cup: “ I think this America’s Cup will be remembered for whatever reason. I hope for the good reasons and it is going to be a formidable America’s Cup because of the boats and the technology and possibly because it is a DoG match and once in a while you have one. The other thing is that we should be careful in not discouraging other people who want to participate.”

To see the full press conference, click here

Official opening ceremony tomorrow
Sunday 7th February sees the official opening ceremony of the 33rd America’s Cup, starting at 1300hrs in the heart of Port America’s Cup, by the Veles et Vents building.

The opening ceremony will include the draw for which side the competing yachts have to enter the start area for Race 1, with the time gun scheduled for 1000hrs Monday.

A huge crescendo is promised with a mascletá, a local celebration of firecrackers with the largest reckoned to be 750kilos of gunpowder.

And from 1400hrs the America’s Cup will have the UN GRAIN for Hairt – the cooking of a giant paella with the proceeds all going to relieve suffering in Haiti.

Yachting News 7th February 2010

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:09:12 -0800

Greetings yachties, 1 more sleep to the raft raceJoin my yachtclub for the inside word on upcoming tastings. Mike Perham – Bounty Boat update Paul Cayard 33rd Americas Cup – Owners Press Conference, no Larry Five times Giltinan Championship winner Trevor Barnabas – last minute call up for F&P America’s Cup View – Sir Russell Coutts Waiheke Boating Club Picnic [...]

Who's Who... James Spithill

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:11:00 -0800

by Peter Rusch
Already on his fourth America's Cup campaign at the ripe old age of 30, skipper and helmsman of the USA, James Spithill (AUS), was all but forced into boating as a kid - that's what happens when you live on a small island.

"The only way to get to school or to the mainland was by boat so I was forced into boating at a very young age, before I went to school. It was just a way of life," he explains.

In truth, it doesn't seem like there was any 'forcing' going on. Spithill and his siblings took to the sport with ease and his enthusiasm for sailing was only boosted when Australia became the first team to successfully beat the Americans, taking the Cup from the New York Yacht Club in 1983.

"The Beashels used to live across the way from us and Colin won the America's Cup with Australia II in 1983 (Colin Beashal was mainsail trimmer). I was only five when they did it, but my dad says that after it happened I said, 'I'm going to do that one day'.

"As time went on, I really had a fascination with the Cup and had the dream of hopefully being part of a successful team. That's what I've been trying for ever since I've been involved."

That first taste of the Cup came as the skipper of the Young Australia campaign at the Louis Vuitton Cup in Auckland in 1999. The team was using an old boat, and on very restrictive budget, but Spithill and his crew turned heads for their confident performances and aggression on the start line. When Young Australia was eliminated, he was asked to join AmericaOne to help tune up Paul Cayard on his pre-start moves. A new talent had arrived. Read more...

33rd America's Cup - Two days to go

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:47:00 -0800

Greetings from windy Valencia. Sorry for the delays in reporting and the messed up website but I've working on changes in the layout in order to make room for the live stream of the races starting Monday.

With the absence of any sailing today, we, unfortunately, have to talk about politics. There have been three press conferences in the last 24 hours but I have to admit, we dind't get a lot wiser. All the important questions were left unanswered or diplomatically evaded.

First it was Alinghi's top brass to meet the press, Ernesto Bertarelli, team owner, Brad Butterworth, skipper and tactician, and Grant Simmer, design coordinator. Right after the Alinghi conference was over, the more than 100 journalists rushed to the BMW Oracle base to listen to Larry Ellison, team owner, Russell Coutts, CEO, and James Spithill, helmsman and skipper.

I will not talk about the personal attacks or the bragging statements about who's a better sailor, but instead concentrate on the issues.

Sailing Crew
Ernesto Bertarelli stated he would share the helm of Alinghi 5 with Loïck Peyron. For Bertarelli, Peyron is like a Swiss knife, his vast multihull experience could be used in all positions. As for the size of the crew, the yacht can sail competitively with as little as 10 sailors but they could be with up to 16 sailors aboard Alinghi 5 on Monday. Still, the final decision will be taken on the morning of each race.

As for BMW Oracle, neither Ellison's nor Coutts' presence is certain. As Ellison himself stated, his weight is close to the limit so, at least on Monday, it's highly improbable he would be onboard USA. Still, the final word is on James Spithill.

Legal situation
Bertarelli was much more straightforward on that issue. According to the Swiss billionaire, the result of the regatta on the water should also be the final outcome of the 33rd America's Cup. Whoever lost on the water in Valencia shouldn't continue the match in the New York courtrooms.

On the other hand, both Coutts and Ellison, evaded answering whether they would proceed with their litigation should they lose in Valencia. Their answer was that they are 100% concentrated and aren't considering anything else than the next week's races.

34th America's Cup
Just one thing is for sure in the next edition of the America's Cup. If BMW Oracle wins in Valencia, the 34th America's Cup will be held in "fast" monohulls on shorter courses, similar to the RC44's, as Ellison stated. That of course doesn't come as a surprise. It won't be a surprise either if we see smaller catamarans racing in the next Cup, should Alinghi finally prevail.

Regarding the format, the venue or the next Challenger of Record, neither Ellison nor Bertarelli wanted to reveal anything. We will have to wait until the races are over, or maybe longer as Bertarelli was quick to state he wouldn't rush and that Alinghi would take the time necessary to think about the next step.

Vientam Match Cup - New Event of the World Match Racing Tour

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:05:00 -0800

[Source: World Match Racing Tour] The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) has today awarded Rainbow International Co. Ltd the rights to organise the Vietnam Match Cup.

The Vietnam Match Cup will take place in the picturesque east coast city of Nha Trang, Vietnam this September. The event will be the eighth stage of the Tour this year, and is the first time that Vietnam has featured on the WMRT schedule.

The appointment gives Rainbow International the rights to host and promote the event that will be held at one of the world’s most beautiful bays, Nha Trang, Nha Trang City, in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.

“It is a great honour for Rainbow International to host such a large scale programme in Vietnam. For the first time, Vietnamese people will have the chance to witness the competition amongst the worlds best sailors right off the shores of their homeland. It is going to be one of this countries biggest sporting events in 2010. More importantly, this is a fantastic opportunity for the world to discover Vietnam’s natural beauty, which I hope will bring about great benefits to our national tourism industry,” said Mr. Do Tuan Anh, General Director of Rainbow International.

This year, the Tour starts in April in France, and will reach Nha Trang City by late September. Mr. Le Xuan Than, Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa Province’s People Committee said, “This is an honour for Vietnam to join the Tour. The province will do its very best to make sure everything runs smoothly. I believe this is going to be one of the biggest sports and tourism events in Vietnam for 2010.”

With expected media and television highlights coverage of over one billion households in over 100 countries around the world, the Tour will revolutionise Vietnam’s tourism industry and propel the country into the limelight across the globe.

Several thousand people are expected at the event to witness the world-class competition. This will provide Vietnam with the opportunity to reaffirm to the world its great tourism potential as well as boost the country’s growing sports and tourism industry.

Peter Gilmour, President of the Word Match Racing Tour, said that a being a coastal country, Vietnam features many beautiful beaches, especially in Khanh Hoa Province. Nha Trang Bay is one of the world’s most beautiful bays, and thus it is most apt as one of this year’s Tour destinations.
“It is our aim to expand the WMRT especially in Asia and Vietnam is our third destination after Pulau Duyong in Malaysia, and Hwasung City in the Gyeonggi Province of South Korea,” Gilmour added. “The Asian events have really taken the Tour to a new level of achievement and I expect to see continued growth across the Middle East and Asia for the Tour”.

Exciting events ahead

Olympic Gold Medallist and third in the 2009 Tour, Ben Ainslie (GBR) of Team Origin said, “It is really exciting that the Tour will be going to Vietnam. It is an amazing part of the world. It is wonderful for sailing and it is the most opportune time for the WMRT to expand its global reach this year. The Asian events we have done on the Tour have been some of the biggest ever, with very professional event management and some exciting new venues.”

2007 and 2008 WMRT Champion, Ian Williams (GBR) of Team Pindar, shares the same sentiments. “This is great news. I have never been to Vietnam before so I truly look forward to visiting one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and experience sailing along its lovely coastline,” Williams said.

The Vietnam Match Cup will feature a 12 team format with a single Round Robin followed by knockout quarter-final, semi-final and final.

Second fastest to the Equator

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0800

Groupama 3 surges into the southern hemisphere

Tour heads for Vietnam

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0800

New venue announced for World Match Racing Tour

Light opening day

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

OK Dinghy Worlds gets underway in New Zealand

The Cup – Just 2 More Sleeps

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:06:51 -0800

Greetings yachties, Two more sleeps until the spectacular sight of 2 outrageous multi hulls – cant wait.latest images here Enjoy 33rd Americas Cup DoGzilla V Cheesezilla Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 The Heat Is On Part 7 The Final Count Down Part 8 Just 2 More SleepsJoin Yachtyakka Yacht Club and build your own sailing blog with photos, video, [...]

Victory for Loki

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:00:00 -0800

Stephen Ainsworth's R-P design wins Flinders Islet race

BMW ORACLE Racing Wind Mapping...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:27:00 -0800

Team BMW Oracle Racing takes 'wind mapping' technology to the America's Cup
By Loz Blain

Imagine you're a competitive sailboat racer, about to go into the richest and most storied of all sailing races with a squillion-dollar boat and a razor-sharp crew. Now imagine somebody hands you a device that can quite literally map out the wind activity up to a kilometer out in front of you, showing wind speed, direction and turbulence - and giving you the almost superatural ability to adjust your sails and take maximal advantage of a wind pattern before you even reach it. It's almost an unfair advantage, isn't it? Well, this is the situation that BMW Oracle Racing's Russell Coutts finds himself in as the team gears up to take on defending champions Alinghi in the 2010 America's Cup. The device is called a Racer's Edge laser wind sensor, and it's built around a technology base that's being used to optimize wind power generators. We caught up with Phil Rogers, CEO of Catch the Wind, Inc, to find out more.

Laser wind sensor - how it works

Catch the Wind's core technology is a laser system that can read wind speed and direction from up to a kilometer from the point at which it's measured. Put simply, here's how it works: a pure colored laser is fired into the atmosphere, where it starts to bounce off all sorts of particulate matter floating around in the air. These particles are moving in a particular direction and with a certain velocity that is an excellent approximation of the wind speed at that point - and when they bounce the laser waves back at the device, the doppler effect causes a slight wavelength shift in the returned light. This doppler shift is enough to calculate wind speed and direction at any given point.

The technology isn't new - in fact, Catch the Wind CEO Phil Rogers points out that "it was one of the first practical uses of lasers back in the sixties. But what we've done is to implement that technique in an all-fiber optic implementation which has resulted in a very lightweight, compact, rugged and affordable system that can survive a harsh environment."

Catch the Wind for green power

The technology's primary commercial use is for wind farms - Catch the Wind sells a unit called the Vindicator with a 300-meter range. With incoming wind direction and strength data, the turbines can be tuned for best effect for each gust. The direction the turbine is facing, as well of the pitch of the blades, can be altered to get the best results - high energy yield without excessive flex or vibration in the blades.

But laser wind speed measurement is also handy in a number of other areas - firefighting, for example, where advance knowledge of a change in the wind could save firefighters' lives. Air traffic controllers, with advance knowledge of what wind conditions are moving in, can time takeoffs and landings better.

And you can imagine what an effect this kind of advance knowledge would have for a competitive sailor - knowing what the wind's doing out in front of the boat would give you the ability to tune your sails in advance to get the most out of the wind conditions - and even help you select a better course to take. Read more...

Update #2 from Valencia

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:22:00 -0800

By Paul Cayard
Friday, February 05, 2010

Today was my first full day here in Valencia. No sailing by either team as the wind was forecast to be strong. There was a about 20 knots today and it is supposed to be more tonight. Things are supposed to be better tomorrow and this might get the competitors out for some last minute testing in the afternoon.

I spent a few hours with my Eurosport TV crew at the BMW Oracle base this morning. We got a tour of the wing which was down and inside a large... no make that very large.... tent. I have enclosed some photos. Try to look for people in the pictures so you can get a feel for the size of this thing. It is the largest wing ever built, period, bar none. It is about twice the span of a 747 wing. It is 223 feet long! It weighs about 3.5 tons and it's truly and engineering marvel. There are 200,000 man hours in the wing. It is a two element wing in 9 vertical sections. The control system is wires inside the wing all coming down to the "platform" (the boat) where hydraulics do the pushing and pulling. Dirk de Ridder runs the controls. Dirk sailed around the world with me on Pirates of the Caribbean and he gave me a tour up on the deck of the boat. It is also amazing and I can tell you it is very racy. One detail I noticed was the trampoline net between the hulls that most multihulls have for the crew walk on to get from side to side and to stow sails on. The BMW Oracle boys have cut the netting down to a very small longitudinal strip right along the main hull, only where it is truly essential, in an effort to cut weight and windage. This means that when they tack or gybe they run from one pontoon toward the main hull they have to be clipped onto the boat so that if they fall, they will stay attached to the boat rather than go overboard. I hope the tethers are short because if you fall off when the boat is doing 40 knots you would rather just be cut loss than dragged through the water.

I caught up with the two lead builders for BMW Oracle, Tim Smyth, who was the builder of the boat I won the Whitbread with, EF Language, and Mark Turner who was with Oracle when I worked with the team in 2000. This has been a construction contest; they have built the Trimaran, they have rebuilt the Trimaran, they have built three masts then the wing then they added 8 meters to the wing. Not to mention building things like the foils. Each dagger board is more complicated than building a house. There are bulkheads, skins, and hundreds of layers of carbon fiber that have to be vacuumed bagged between each layer, heated to just the right temperature to cure, etc. Just putting the wing in the boat is a militaristic operation involving 40 people. The scale of this boat makes everything hard and requires coordination and communication.

Each team, Alinghi and then BMW Oracle, held press conferences in their bases tonight. I attended the BMW conference where Russell Coutts, Larry Ellison and Skipper James Spithill answered questions for about an hour. There is still a lot of acrimony between these two teams and plenty of issues of disagreement. The media asked a lot of questions about the "constructed in country" lawsuit still pending in New York Courts. But the bottom line is that we will see the two most high tech sail boats ever built, come together on the starting line on Monday morning, weathering permitting, and that is exciting to me. The starting line will become very small for both skippers when the closing speed is over 50 knots. I don't think we have ever seen a match where the outcome is less predictable. Also we haven't seen a match where the weather will be so determinant. This will be a spectacle.

What am I doing over here? I am the technical commentator for Eurosport for the 33rd America's Cup. Eurosport is broadcast in 54 countries in Europe and Asia. Unfortunately I don't think it is broadcast in the USA. Tomorrow, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, (all non race days) we will produce an 8 minute piece. Starting Monday and on all race days, Damien and I will comment the races live for about 2 hours. Tonight I interviewed Russell Coutts for tomorrow's piece. Kind of strange for me to interview Russ who is a friend and contemporary. I don't know if I did a good job because having been in his shoes all I could think of is what a pain in the ass I must have been.

Cayard Sailing Website

Ernesto Bertarelli: May the best team win on the water

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:21:00 -0800

[Source: Alinghi] The 33rd America's Cup has been a long time coming, but after two years of litigation from the American challenger the Match between two of the world's most extreme multihulls is just days away.

Ernesto Bertarelli, team president, speaking at the press conference on Friday evening praised his team: “The nice thing is that for the last 10 years I've been sailing with the same people and that has been very important to the whole experience. Three campaigns with almost the same group make each day more interesting and more rewarding. The fact that the heart of the team has been the same since the very, very beginning makes this America's Cup campaign rewarding and I wouldn't be here today without all the members of the Alinghi team. I'll be helming but I'll be sharing the helm with Loïck Peyron. Neither of us would be able to do our job without the other guys onboard and the team ashore.”

Alinghi has designed and built Alinghi 5, a 90ft catamaran on load waterline that spans 110ft overall, with a mast that towers more than 17-storeys above the sailors and settles on a foundation the size of a tennis ball. The boat has taken approximately 100,000-man-hours to build and is deeply rooted in the multihull heritage that Switzerland is so well-known for.

“Designing and building Alinghi 5 has been a huge ask in such a short timeframe, and the guys on the design and shore team have done an extraordinary job in giving us this boat. Our opponent is formidable, BMW Oracle has a very good sailor in James Spithill and their boat is a credit to their design team. I speak for all of us on the sailing team when I say we are looking forward to racing and getting the sport back on the water where it belongs,” said team skipper and four-time America's Cup winner, Brad Butterworth.

Racing is scheduled to start on Monday, with a first race warning signal at 10:00 – weather permitting – and the team will be watching, as Grant Simmer, design team coordinator describes: “From the design team's point of view, we are looking forward to Monday. It has been almost two years since we started work on Alinghi 5 and it will be fantastic to finally see her on the starting line. Thanks go to each and every team member.”

Around the Doldrums

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:14:00 -0800

Jules Verne Trophy
Franck Cammas and his nine crew have had an excellent day prior to a weekend where a rather quick passage across the Doldrums is forecast, with a switch of hemisphere as early as Saturday morning! With an average of more than 22 knots along the direct course since leaving Ushant, Groupama 3 already has more than a day's lead over the reference time...

There is a certain sense of serenity aboard the giant trimaran: with each radio session hosted by one of the ten men on Groupama 3, it's another point of view which testifies to the excellent atmosphere that reigns over this third attempt... This time, it's Jacques Caraës, bowman and cameraman, who shares his delight at being at sea, flying along at an average of nearly thirty knots in the tradewinds, to the South of the Cape Verde archipelago.

"We still have good pressure and the breeze has veered round to the East a little: this Friday lunchtime we're under full mainsail and solent jib, but we're still making very good headway at an average of thirty knots. We're now picking our way due South and things are calmer with the genoa: we're just using the pilot to helm but the trimmers are on the sheets as there's a big gust from time to time. The seas are very ordered and the skies are a little overcast..." indicated Jacques Caraës at the lunchtime radio session with Groupama's Race HQ in Paris.

On target...
"We did well to take this window, even though the Southern Atlantic doesn't look to be very organised to date. It's a sport where nature guides the days, despite the high-tech equipment and the men: the weather parameter is essential and the boat is absolutely magical... You really couldn't tire of it! For this attempt, the crew has already sailed a lot of miles together on this trimaran: there's a superb cohesion and an extraordinary atmosphere. This attempt is likely to be the one and if nature is opening its doors to us it's because we now know Groupama 3 like the back of our hand..."

Jacques Caraës couldn't recall the number of times he's traversed the Doldrums (at least a dozen times!) and recognised that he'd never had the same weather conditions twice! "It's always different... I've experienced some violent, peaceful, long and short trips, but with Groupama 3, we've passed through very quickly each time. During the delivery from Cape Town in Lorient this winter, we didn't even get a glimpse of it! This time it's shaping up to be very good again because we're positioned quite far West..."

... for the Doldrums
The point of entry is already well defined: they're tackling the Doldrums at 4° North, between 29° and 30° West, and it should only stretch across 80 miles. This would enable a fairly short and rather moderate reduction in pace before hitting the SE'ly tradewinds to cross the equator. In fact, it is looking increasingly likely that the crew will switch hemispheres as early as Saturday morning! If this is the case it will have taken them less than six days, which would be the second best time on this round the world course...

It remains that the weather situation isn't yet very stable off the Brazilian coast however. Dropping due South is one thing, but hanging a left to get to the Cape of Good Hope as quickly as possible is another! For the time being the high pressure is barring the shortest route so Groupama 3 may well have to take a big detour if the situation doesn't evolve quickly.

Find all the latest news from the Groupama trimarans at: http://www.cammas-groupama.com/

Caribbean sailing...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:11:00 -0800

It's not too late to join the "serious fun" the motto of the Heineken Regatta! SafePassageSailing's pros Doogie Couvreux and Sally Barkow will be on board to serve as skippers and personal mentors throughout the regatta. Doogie will lead a team on a Farr 65 and Sally on a Farr 40.7. Both Skippers have extensive international racing resumes and are capable of leading the teams across the finish line with honors. For registration visit www.safepassgesailing.com or call us at 415/381-4773

Victory for home team

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:00:00 -0800

As Oman Sail's Masirah secures the first Extreme Sailing Series Asia

SailX relaunch

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 -0800

New look and features for multi-player online sailing game

Leopard to take on the Atlantic again

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:00:00 -0800

Mike Slade's supermaxi to make another attempt on the New York-Lizard record

Groupama 3 250 Miles Up On Round The World Record Pace

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:50:00 -0800

The sailing conditions were on Thursday afternoon as Groupama 3 began to drop down the western side of the Cape Verde archipelago.

Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong regatta to be sailed on Victoria Harbour

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:45:00 -0800

Hong Kong Harbour with its unique skyline and 'always busy' waterways is one of the most iconic maritime settings in the world. The 14-day long Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta, scheduled for 9th to 23rd January 2011, will take place on this perfect natural arena.

When Louis Vuitton and the World Sailing Teams Association (WSTA) conceived the Louis Vuitton Trophy regattas they were designed to take the best sailing teams in the world sailing some of the largest and most impressive racing yachts to some of the most spectacular parts of the world and compete at the highest level in the discipline of match racing. One of the other objectives was to bring the action as close to spectators as possible, not just through media and TV but also physically close to where people are.

Organised in conjunction with the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC), a sailing and rowing club with over 160 years of history and one of the world’s most active sailing institutions today, the Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong regatta will mark the culmination of a huge amount of work done by the club’s members and staff. The best sailing teams in the world representing 8 to 10 nations will be competing in this event. This sailing activity will see 7 days of pre-regatta training and 14 days of competition before the winner is known.

RHKYC Commodore Warwick Downes commented: “The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club will have the very great honour of hosting Asia’s first Louis Vuitton Trophy. This event, one of the pinnacles on the yachting calendar, will demonstrate that Hong Kong is an ideal venue for major international sailing events. The Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong will not only benefit the sailing community here but will also deliver a positive economic impact to Hong Kong. With these boats and our spectacular harbour beamed around the world daily for the two weeks of racing, I can’t think of a better way to showcase Brand Hong Kong internationally.”

The Louis Vuitton Trophy race course will be set on the stretch of water just to the South of the now disused legendary Kai Tak Airport and the Race Village, itself a major attraction, is planned for Pier 10 alongside the terminal of the iconic Star Ferry.

The prevailing winds in Victoria Harbour are from the East at between 12 to 15 knots in January and given the geography of the harbour it will be possible for sailing fans and curious passers by to witness the spectacle from numerous vantage points along the harbour, as the yachts approach both shores on their way around the course, without needing to get afloat.

For those unable to be on the Hong Kong waterfront in person the Louis Vuitton Trophy hybrid TV and Virtual video feed will allow race fans around the world to witness the sporting action in this amazing natural amphitheatre.

Karl Kwok, the President of the Hong Kong Sailing Federation and one of Asia’s better-known international sailors had this to say: “Besides the economic benefits this event will bring to Hong Kong the experiences and actions of the high caliber sailors competing here will more than inspire our local sailing community and fans helping to position the city on the world sailing map. And on behalf of that community I would like to sincerely thank the HKSAR Government for their endorsement and assistance in bringing this event to fruition and I wish the regatta great success.”

About Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC)
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) is one of the oldest sports clubs in Hong Kong and is proud of its rich, colourful history, which stretches back over 160 years of social and competitive sailing and rowing. RHKYC provides sailing courses for members and non-members at various levels to nurture the development of sailing.

ISAF Cites Global Logistics Network As The Reason For Choosing PSP As An Official Supplier

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:09:00 -0800

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) says PSP was "perfect" for its training and development after it chose the British-based company to become an Official Supplier.

Cruisin'

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 -0800

Groupama 3 now 500 miles in advance of Orange 2's pace

Gybe Talkin' - Volvo Sailing Podcast - 5 February

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:50:00 -0800

This week we're in Valencia as the build up to the 33rd America's Cup continues, and we talk to Mr. Alinghi - Ernesto Bertarelli. We also hear from French multihull master Alain Gautier and 5 time round-the-world racer Bouwe Bekking tells us about his new book.

BMW ORACLE Racing has you covered... RACE DAY

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:06:00 -0800

BMW ORACLE Racing has you covered – follow all of the action online with “Race Day”.

Valencia (February 4, 2010) – BMW ORACLE Racing will produce unprecedented online coverage of its challenge for the 33rd America’s Cup, beginning with a team press conference on Friday February 5.

The team’s “Race Day” coverage, on http://www.bmworacleracing.com/, will feature hours of live, original programming each race day, including the official live feed of the racing from the Host Broadcaster.

The first live streaming event on the website is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) at 19:30 CET (13:30 EST, 10:30 PST) when team founder Larry Ellison (USA), CEO Russell Coutts (NZL) and skipper James Spithill (AUS), meet the media at the BMW ORACLE Racing team base in Valencia, Spain.

“Race Day” programming kicks off on Monday, February 8, the first scheduled race day of the Match.

“Race Day” consists of several blocks of live programming, bringing an unprecedented, live, behind-the-scenes look at the team to sailing fans worldwide: The Dock-Out Show – watch the team prepare for battle as they leave for the race course.

The Morning Show – an insider’s look at the history of the America’s Cup, the 33rd edition of the oldest trophy in sports, and BMW ORACLE Racing, live from the Oracle Cinema at the Team Base.

The Pre-Race Show – news and analysis ahead of the racing.

The 33rd America’s Cup Match – we will then carry the official live feed from the Host Broadcaster, bringing you all of the action from the race course. Racing is scheduled to start with a 10:00 warning signal ahead of the 10:06 start gun.

The Post-Race Show – analysis of what happened on the race course, featuring expert commentary.

The Dock-In Show – cheer on the American challenger as the team returns to shore following the race. Be sure to check http://www.bmworacleracing.com/ for air times.

“We’re excited to be able to share our America’s Cup experience with our supporters, and we’re glad so many people will be able to be a part of what is sure to be an incredible Match,” said Russell Coutts, CEO of the team.

“The America’s Cup has always been about the latest in technology, both on and off the water. Today it is easier than ever for us to bring the story of our team directly to our fans, and with “Race Day” that is exactly what we are doing.”

BMW ORACLE Racing and its 90-foot trimaran, USA, featuring a towering 68-meter (223 feet) wing sail, will meet the Swiss defender, Alinghi 5, a catamaran, in a first-to-win-two-race Match.

In addition to the main team website, friends of the team can follow our blog at http://bmworacleracingblog.blogspot.com/, our YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/bmworacleracingteam, or on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/bmworacle2010.

We will also have team coverage right here on sailkarma.com

Update #1 from Valencia

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:02:00 -0800

By Paul Cayard
Thursday, February 04, 2010

I have just arrived in Valencia where I will be part of the television coverage team from EuroSport for the upcoming America's Cup.

It seems that the 33rd America's Cup is actually going to take place. After years of legal wrangling, the two giant multihulls are scheduled to face off at 10:00 Monday morning on the waters to the east of Valencia. As the course for race one is a 20 nautical mile beat to windward and return, a westerly breeze will put the starting line some 20+ miles offshore. May be close to come from Ibiza to watch.

Strong westerly winds are not uncommon in Valencia in the winter. The Sailing instructions state that a maximum wind speed of 15 knots measured at 60 meters shall not be exceeded at start time. Not sure who is measuring at 60 meters other than the two competitors. Could it be that this is the one issue they will collaborate on? Surely not.

I am here a few days early to try to get a better technical understanding of this match up so I can report to you and on EuroSport from a more educated position. I have been rereading all the legal haggling from the last two years on the airplane. It is amazing what these two teams have been through. The biggest cloud hanging over the race with be the contention by BMW Oracle that Alinghi's sails are not built in Switzerland and therefore don't comply with the "constructed in county" clause of the Deed of Gift. The sails are North 3 DL and they are laminated in Minden Nevada. Some amount of work is done on them in Switzerland after the lamination process. The court has now set a hearing date for this case of February 25, 2010. Only a USA victory on the racecourse would eliminate that issue.

Some sites to visit:
www.americascup.com
www.alinghi.com
www.ggyc.com
www.valenciasailing.com
www.sailkarma.com

Also check out the U-Tube videos of the BMW Oracle Triamaran sailing on January 28, 2010. I am sure there are some Alinghi videos as well. Pretty impressive!

Ask Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts your questions

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:38:00 -0800

Update 11:30am Valencia Time: Just in case there was any doubt, I want to make clear that the inclusion of BMW Oracle's embedded online channel doesn't imply any preference, affiliation, liking or inclination towards the Challenger. If Alinghi had a similar channel, the screen would have been split in two.

Update 11am Valencia Time: As you can obviously see at the top of this website, Valencia Sailing will be streaming LIVE today's press conference. Fortunately, there is no need for me to try streaming with a small webcam, the Challenger of the 33rd America's Cup will do it, high-tech style.

In fact, BMW Oracle will be producing unprecedented online coverage. Read here the team's press release on the 21st-century coverage they will be providing. It's funny though when I remember in 2006 asking the teams for video footage of their training sessions in Valencia in order to post it on Valencia Sailing's YouTube channel. A couple of them sent me draft contracts (!!!) with some absurd conditions that could have made it easier to buy a kilo of plutonium in Baghdad's black market than broadcast 5 minutes of ACC yachts sailing.

Don't forget!! The press conference starts at 7:30pm, Valencia Time.

With the 1st race of the 33rd America's Cup a couple of days away, both teams are holding on Friday their big press conference. Alinghi hasn't made public who will attend but on the other hand, BMW Oracle's lineup couldn't get any better. Larry Ellison, founder and owner of the team, Russell Coutts and James Spithill will meet the press and without any doubt this will be the most interesting and anticipated conference the challenger has held in Valencia during the last 2-3 years. If I'm not mistaken, the last time Ellison and Coutts met the press in the BMW Oracle base was on July 24th, 2007 when the American software tycoon announced Coutts had signed as the team's new CEO and skipper.

As I have always done in the last few months, you are welcome to comment here and ask any question you might have for BMW Oracle's top brass. As for myself, I have two questions I will try to ask Larry Ellison, if of course I get the chance. First, if he will appeal in case he loses the court case concerning Alinghi's sails and secondly whether he will host the 34th America's Cup in Valencia, if of course BMW Oracle wins the 33rd edition of the event. There is no point in posting insulting comments, I will reject them. Now that my technical problems with live reporting have been solved, I will try to stream Larry Ellison's press conference, if I'm allowed.

As far as sailing is concerned, it is almost guaranteed there won't be any on Friday. The forecast calls for very strong winds, 25-30 knots, forcing both teams to take their yachts off the water and the race committee to call off the scheduled practice race. If conditions are favorable on Saturday, we might get to see the final official training session before racing starts on Monday.

Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong regatta to be sailed on Victoria Harbour

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:00:00 -0800

[Source: Louis Vuitton Trophy - WSTA] Hong Kong Harbour with its unique skyline and 'always busy' waterways is one of the most iconic maritime settings in the world. The 14-day long Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta, scheduled for 9th to 23rd January 2011, will take place on this perfect natural arena.

When Louis Vuitton and the World Sailing Teams Association (WSTA) conceived the Louis Vuitton Trophy regattas they were designed to take the best sailing teams in the world sailing some of the largest and most impressive racing yachts to some of the most spectacular parts of the world and compete at the highest level in the discipline of match racing. One of the other objectives was to bring the action as close to spectators as possible, not just through media and TV but also physically close to where people are.

Organised in conjunction with the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC), a sailing and rowing club with over 160 years of history and one of the world’s most active sailing institutions today, the Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong regatta will mark the culmination of a huge amount of work done by the club’s members and staff. The best sailing teams in the world representing 8 to 10 nations will be competing in this event. This sailing activity will see 7 days of pre-regatta training and 14 days of competition before the winner is known.

RHKYC Commodore Warwick Downes commented: “The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club will have the very great honour of hosting Asia’s first Louis Vuitton Trophy. This event, one of the pinnacles on the yachting calendar, will demonstrate that Hong Kong is an ideal venue for major international sailing events. The Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong will not only benefit the sailing community here but will also deliver a positive economic impact to Hong Kong. With these boats and our spectacular harbour beamed around the world daily for the two weeks of racing, I can’t think of a better way to showcase Brand Hong Kong internationally.”

The Louis Vuitton Trophy race course will be set on the stretch of water just to the South of the now disused legendary Kai Tak Airport and the Race Village, itself a major attraction, is planned for Pier 10 alongside the terminal of the iconic Star Ferry.

The prevailing winds in Victoria Harbour are from the East at between 12 to 15 knots in January and given the geography of the harbour it will be possible for sailing fans and curious passers by to witness the spectacle from numerous vantage points along the harbour, as the yachts approach both shores on their way around the course, without needing to get afloat.

For those unable to be on the Hong Kong waterfront in person the Louis Vuitton Trophy hybrid TV and Virtual video feed will allow race fans around the world to witness the sporting action in this amazing natural amphitheatre.

Karl Kwok, the President of the Hong Kong Sailing Federation and one of Asia’s better-known international sailors had this to say: “Besides the economic benefits this event will bring to Hong Kong the experiences and actions of the high caliber sailors competing here will more than inspire our local sailing community and fans helping to position the city on the world sailing map. And on behalf of that community I would like to sincerely thank the HKSAR Government for their endorsement and assistance in bringing this event to fruition and I wish the regatta great success.”

Statement from Tom Ehman, Golden Gate Yacht Club spokesman

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:30:00 -0800

[Source: BMW Oracle] The New York Supreme Court has now set a date of February 25 to hear the “constructed in country” case over the American made sails to be used by Alinghi 5.

Team Alinghi is the Société Nautique de Geneve’s defender for the 33rd America’s Cup against GGYC’s team BMW ORACLE Racing for the Match starting in Valencia on Monday.

“We would have preferred that the question mark over Alinghi’s sails had not become a question mark hanging over the result of the 33rd Match,” commented GGYC spokesman Tom Ehman.

The Deed of Gift, the ruling document of the America’s Cup, requires the competing yachts to be powered by sails and constructed in the country they represent.

“Since we have been unable to get them to sign the agreement negotiated in Singapore, the best way to resolve this issue is for our yacht USA to beat Alinghi 5 on the water,” added Ehman.

“Race 1 is imminent. With normal sailing breezes, we like our chances in the coming Match.”

BMW Oracle's USA trains 5 days before the 1st race of the 33rd America's Cup. Valencia, 3 Februray 2010. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

Close Racing On Day One Of Singapore Airlines Sail Auckland

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:42:00 -0800

The ISAF Grade 1 Singapore Airlines Sail Auckland got underway at Kohimarama Yacht Club on Thursday with a series of hard-fought races promising much for the rest of the week.

First Decisions Published By America's Cup Jury

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:24:00 -0800

Following the hearings of Cases AC33/01 and AC33/02 by the International Jury on 1 and 2 February, the decisions have now been published.

Tiller Claims Warren Jones International Regatta

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:16:00 -0800

In a series that kept everyone guessing, sailors and spectators alike, William Tiller from Auckland's Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, won the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta from club and former crew mate Phil Robertson.

The 33rd America's Cup gets under way

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:57:00 -0800

Greetings form the world's sailing capital. The first race of the 33rd America's Cup is just four days away and the press center is already fully functional. Unfortunately, today's weather conditions have nothing in common with yesterday. Another front has come over Valencia, brining colder temperatures, rain since the morning, unstable breeze and choppier seas.

Harold Bennett and the race committee had scheduled more training races for the two teams, this time giving them the opportunity to simulate the triangular race. Being in the press center, right next to Alinghi's base, we saw Alinghi 5 docking out at 1:30pm.

Wind and sea conditions are particularly unstable. There is more than 1.5 meters of swell while the intensity of the northern breeze varies from 4 knots at 3 miles from the Malvarosa beach up to 16 knots 12 miles offshore.

Alinghi 5 docks out and the press center is fully functional. Valencia, 4 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Video copyright 33rd America's Cup

Mascalzone Latino Audi Team unveils its plans

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:35:00 -0800

[Source: Mascalzone Latino Audi Team] Two of the best known names in the yachting world have chosen to join forces, creating the Mascalzone Latino Audi Team.

"I am very proud of the fact that Audi, a prestigious car company with such great tradition in sponsoring the sailing world, has chosen to link its name to Mascalzone Latino", commented Vincenzo Onorato. "I would like to thank the President of the Volkswagen Group, Dr. Tartaglione, the Director of Audi Italy, Dr. Frisch and the Director of Audi Marketing, Dr Migliorini for the trust they have put in us. We share the values of excellence and of fair competition as an incentive to constant improvement, as individuals, as a team and from a technology development point of view."

Vincenzo Onorato's team will be racing in several classes and on different race courses, focusing mainly on the Louis Vuitton Trophy, on the one-design Farr 40 and on the Melges 32 class.

The World Sailing Teams Association (WSTA) and Louis Vuitton have announced the next venues of the Louis Vuitton Trophy for 2010 and early 2011. The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series took place in Auckland in February of last year and the Louis Vuitton Trophy was held in Nice in November 2009. The format calls for two weeks of match racing (one on one duel) with America's Cup Class yachts provided by the organization.

Participating teams, top professionals in the sailing world who for the most part have matured experience in previous America's Cup campaigns, rotate on board during individual "flights". A "flight" is jargon for a single race, in which teams display their seamanship skills and tactical intelligence. Emirates Team New Zealand will host the next leg of the Trophy, taking place from the 9th to the 21st of March in Auckland.

Italy will then host the European leg at La Maddalena in Sardinia. Mascalzone Latino Audi Team will be doing the honors from the 22nd of May to the 6th of June. Third on the calendar, the Middle Eastern stop-over in Dubai from the 13th to the 28th of November followed by China in 2011. Racing will take place in Hong Kong from the 9th to the 24th of January.

"La Maddalena will be at the center of media interest right at the beginning of the summer season and attention will be directed to the new infrastructure created for the G8 summit, later transferred to L'Aquila for the well-known reasons", underlined Vincenzo Onorato. He then continued: "This success was possible thanks to the decisions taken by the Government and by Dr Guido Bertolaso, who has asked me to coordinate the event. As the "hosting team", Audi Mascalzone Latino Team wants to offer all competitors the best hospitality. My heart full thanks also goes to those who welcomed us, the Region of Sardinia, that is sponsoring our team in all stages of the Louis Vuitton Trophy, and that here is represented at the highest institutional level by the President of the Region Ugo Cappellacci. Sardinia is a region with an enormous untapped potential, both in terms of nautical tourism and of all it offers as a whole. The interior landscape is extraordinary, but still unknown to most. The Louis Vuitton Trophy is a global event and Sardinia will have the opportunity of being added by travelers to their "Italian Grand Tour".

All-Kiwi final at the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:34:00 -0800

[Source: Warren Jones International Youth Regatta] Former crew mates Phil Robertson and William Tiller will line up against each other in the all Kiwi final of the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta, on the Swan River’s Freshwater Bay this afternoon.

William Tiller and his crew scored a 3 – 0 victory in their semi-final against Peter Nicholas of Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club.

The other semi-final went to four races, with Phil Robertson taking the first heat, then David Gilmour levelled the score, before the Kiwi skipper wrapped it up by winning the next two heats.

When Phil Robertson won the event last year William Tiller was on his crew, so there will be good rivalry between these two when they confront each other this afternoon.

Phil Robertson moves to Warren Jones International Youth Regatta semis

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:31:00 -0800

[Source: Waka Racing] Perth, Western Australia, is the place for windsurfing and kite surfing not match racing. Another windy, windy day here that had us match racing in 30+ kts once again. ‘The Doctor’ is psychotic at the moment and we are hoping it will take a chill pill tomorrow for the semi finals.

We have qualified 1st equal, but losing on count back to Will Tiller our fellow RNZYS member after the round robin stage. We had strong winds again turning the highly technical Match Racing into survival racing. We had 6 races on Wednesday, only losing one this morning in very shifty conditions. Winning most of our starts we seemed to be able to control the rest of our races comfortably. Teams conclusion of the day was the the Lamb sandwiches (lambo sambo's) were outstanding.

Thursday brings the semifinals where we hope to be able to progress to the finals to have a crack at defending our title.

Thanks for the support,

WAKA Racing

Phil Robertson
Garth Ellingham
James Williamson
Mike Edmonds
Matt Kelway
Taylor Holland

Yachting News 4th February 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:48:37 -0800

Greetings yachties, 4 sleeps to the raft raceJoin my yachtclub for the inside word on upcoming tastings. Where is Jessica Watson now? Tasman Trespasser 11 – Almost Disaster, Jury rules on AC33, Solo Challenge, Jules Verne Trophy – Groupama3, is sending it, DesTop News, Illusions go match racing, Singapore Airlines Sail Auckland 2010, Indian Navy Solo Sailor, Extreme Sailing, more laterFlash backAn Almost Disaster Day [...]

LIVE from the Race Committee boat

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:25:00 -0800

5:50pm Alinghi 5 crosses the finish line of the first official training race of the 33rd America's Cup in Valencia. With 7 knots of windspeed at the committee boat the Swiss boat is flying at 21 knots. It took them exactly 2:30 hours for a complete Deed-of-Gift upwind/return race. Harold Bennett, Principal Race Officer, the race committee and the race operations team had a very successful test despite the quite difficult conditions.

Alinghi 5 crosses the finish line. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi 5 is flying towards the finish line. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Job well done for Harold Bennett, the race committee and the race operations team. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

5:40pm Alinghi 5 is flying towards the Race Committee boat with the gennaker. It won't take long before we have the first "official" finish of the 33rd America's Cup in Valencia.

5:15pm Alinghi 5 has rounded the top mark and is now vaguely visible, coming downwind towards the finish line. It might take another 30 minutes before they cross the finish line.

4:45pm Alinghi 5 is now 2 miles from the weather mark. They are currently training on a full 20-mile-leg upwind/return race. Start was at 3:20pm and conditions are very shifty and unstable throughout the race course. We have around 4.5 knots at the committee boat.

3:20pm Second start for Alinghi with only 4 knots of breeze.

Second start for Alinghi 5. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Second start for Alinghi 5. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

-------------------------------------------------------------

2:55pm The starting gun has been fired and Alinghi 5 crosses the start line with just 3.5 knots of breeze. There is, of course, one only boat in this prestart procedure but still it's an impressive sight.

Alinghi 5 crosses the start line. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi 5 during the prestart procedure. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi 5 during the prestart procedure. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi 5 during the prestart procedure. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

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2:25pm It's still VERY light, just 1.5 knots at the committee boat. Still, Alinghi will now practice prestarts. Even with such low breeze, these yachts sail... Ernesto Bertarelli is at the helm.

Alinghi ready to start practicing a few prestarts. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

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1:20pm Alinghi 5 came to the Committee boat on tow and hoisted their mainsail and headsail. There is hardly any wind and throughout what could be the race area, there is between 0 and 2 knots of breeze.

Alinghi 5 start hoisting sails. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

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12:30pm We are just drifting with 1.5 knots of wind. BMW Oracle's USA was sailing at a distance and got up to approximately 500 meters from the committee boat. Apparently they were shooting some promotional video or photos with a helicopter flying a few dozens meters above the yacht.

BMW Oracle's USA training. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

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11:00am Greetings from sunny Valencia. For once, my live attempts seem to work. This is also a test for the actual 33rd America's Cup match that starts on Monday. Valencia Sailing will be reporting on today's training but I don't know the frequency of updates.

We are currently south of Valencia, approximately 7-8 miles from the port, with nice sunshine, flat seas and 6 knots of breeze.

The Race Operations fleet is getting in place for Wednesday's training. Valencia, 3 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Jules Verne Trophy

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:28:10 -0800

Greetings yachties, Two of the worlds fastest yachts, Groupama3 and Le Maxi Banque Populaire V are preparing to race nonstop around the world through the Southern Ocean and back to Ushant in less than 50 days and a few hours to claim the trophy. Groupama3 has just set off after the record and Banque Populaire are [...]

Wild Days Rum

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:35:49 -0800

Greetings yachties, Welcome to Wild Days Rum landing page. At this stage the rum is knot for sale, however you can express an interest in attending a tasting at an establishment near you and you can also register your desire to host your very own tasting. Simply flick me a message through Yachtyakka Yacht Club and [...]

Yachting News 2nd February 2010

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:02:52 -0800

Greetings yachties, Another fine Murder Rock Rum tasting on my island Next weekend I will be having another tasting down the bottom end of Waiheke with the solo race fleet, lock up your nearest and dearest, knotme will be on the loose and tasting the spoils of Wild Days Rum, could get a bit [...]

The Cup: Final Count Down

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:54:41 -0800

Greetings yachties, With just a few days before the 33rd Americas Cup DoG race starts the war of “he said she said” is reaching new levels of dummy spitting. I will try to include as many links as I can to the most popular sailing websites that are covering the match here. If you know of [...]

Yachting News 31st January 2010

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:17:35 -0800

Greetings yachties,Join Yachtyakka Yacht Club and build your own sailing blog with photos, video, events and handy hints. Oman Sailing Heol 7.4 – Düsseldorf 2010 World Match Racing Tour – US$250,000 Hublot PalmaVela Anna Tunniclffe Herreshoff Marine Museum January Visit Chocolate Sponsorship Rolex Miami OCR Friday 2.4 Metres Bavaria38 Motor boat – Düsseldorf Indian Solo Sailor – Dilip Donde Rolex Miami Olympic Classes Regatta Friday Laser [...]

We Need YOUR Boat @ ABYC, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Regular (as in sailing!) old Wednesday Salts will remember the Pinnacle Micro Wednesday Evening sailing events with great fondness as they always provide many willing bodies wanting to bob on the briny, loads of giggles and some spectacular partying. The computer networks around Port Elizabeth have been known to slow down and run on fumes on the following Thursday as a result of the assorted geeks and geekettes celebrating Hump Day with a vengance. The annual Pinnacle Micro Wednesday Sailing event hits ABYC once again on 17 February. Pinnacle clients wishing to sail will arrive at the club at 17h00. The chickens will arrive from 18h00 What a pity Cooking is not back in the water. We remember taking some 'Pinnacle Poppies' out in a stiff breeze which knocked us over onto our side dragging our guests along for a bit of 'half submerged swimming'. Only one came back for more, the rest scuttled off to get changed into dry clothes never to be seen again - What FUN! Eats and drinks are being provided for invited guests and sailors along with live music and a mystery prize. In the past Pinnacle have brought in excess of 100 guests to what has become a much anticipated event. So, this is a clarion call to all boat owners to make themselves and their boats available on 17 February. Direct Link

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Miami International Boat Show @ Sail Biz

Dopo il Boot di Dusseldorf, il 2010 saluta un altro importante appuntamento per gli amanti del mare, il Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail 2010, in programma dallâ11 al 15 febbraio con la nuova location del Sea Isle Marina accanto al Miamarina at Bayside. Direct Link

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Velas Sudamerica 2010 en marcha, la regata de los Tall Ships @ Juanpa Cadario

La Fragata Libertad de ArgentinaFuente info YCAVELAS SUDAMERICA 2010 â REGATA BICENTENARIOLuego de varios aÃ±os de coordinaciones finalmente la regata Velas SudamÃ©rica 2010 es un hecho. El Presidente del ComitÃ© Organizador, Vicealmirante VGM (RS) Juio Vara tuvo a su cargo la responsabilidad de llevar adelante por parte de Argentina a este proyecto.RÃo de Janeiro, punto de partida para el inicio de esta prueba trascendental y Ãºnica en nuestro continente. Finalmente llegÃ³ la hora de poner a 9 imponentes Fragatas en la lÃnea de partida hacia el Puerto de Mar del Plata.La Marina de Brasil como anfitriona en la Ciudad Carioca, dispuso que todos los barcos estuviesen juntos en un mismo muelle en Plaza Maua en donde se montÃ³ toda la infraestructura necesaria para recibir no solo a los barcos sino tambiÃ©n a una cantidad importantÃsima de pÃºblico que segÃºn los calculos oficiales fueron mÃ¡s de 65.000 las que visitaron el lugar a pesar de las altas temperaturas que superaron los 50 grados.Todos los Buques abrieron sus planchadas para que los visitantes pudieran visitar las cubiertas de estos imponentes barcos. La actividad social y recreativa fue muy intensa. Entre las Recepciones Oficiales la mÃ¡s importante fue en el Palacio de la Ciudad en donde se dio la bienvenida a los Capitanes y sus tripulaciones en donde estuvieron presentes autoridades de la Ciudad y de las Armadas de Brasil, Argentina y Chile. TambiÃ©n hubo recepciones a bordo de los buques.Este evento es organizado conjuntamente por las Armadas de Argentina y Chile y con la colaboraciÃ³n de todas las Instituciones Navales de los puertos en donde recalarÃ¡n los barcos en los prÃ³ximos 6 meses. TambiÃ©n participan de la organizaciÃ³n de la regata la FederaciÃ³n Argentina de Yachting y el Yacht Club Argentino.La reuniÃ³n de Capitanes se llevÃ³ a cabo en Primer Districto Naval donde se impartieron todas las instrucciones a los Comandantes y se explicaron los procedimientos para la partida, la escolta del Buque Patagonia, la llegada y la estructura de apoyo y actividades que los esperarÃ¡n en Mar del Plata.Finalmente el Domingo 7 a las 17 horas (Local) como estaba previsto en el programa oficial de actividades, se largÃ³ la regata Velas SudamÃ©rica 2010 con la participaciÃ³n de 9 fragatas.Con viento del sector ENE de 15 nudos tal como estaba programado los barcos ya se dirigen hacia Mar del Plata con viento y corriente a favor.El orden en que los barcos cruzaron la lÃnea de partida fue Juan Sebastian El Cano, Gloria, Guayas, Esmeralda, Cuauhtemoc, Libertad, CapitÃ¡n Miranda, SimÃ³n Bolivar y Cisne Branco. Este orden cronolÃ³gico es solo a fines de computar el horario de partida de cada barco segÃºn las Reglas de esta Regata, pero en realidad solo 7 minutos separaron al primero del Ãºltimo en cruzar la lÃnea, lo que realmente marco un espectÃ¡culo emocionante frente a las playas de RÃo.Los buques Juan Sebastian El Cano y Gloria partieron anticipadamente y tal como estaba previsto en las Instrucciones de Regata no habÃa sistema de rehabilitaciÃ³n por lo que los dos ... Direct Link

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Rosca en "La Feliz", un dÃa para guapos @ Juanpa Cadario

Foto copyright Matias CapizzanoFuente info SIYGacetilla de Prensa NÂº 5Y llegÃ³ el viento a la 45 Semana Internacional del Yachting.El tercer dÃa de regatas de la 45 Semana Internacional del Yachting auspiciada por Banco Galicia y San CristÃ³bal Seguros, trajo el viento que muchos timoneles estaban esperando. La jornada amaneciÃ³ con vientos del sector Sudoeste y rachas que superaban los 25 nudos. Con el correr de la tarde la intensidad eÃ³lica fue disminuyendo, lo cual permitiÃ³ que todas las clases excepto 29er pudieran correr regatas en la jornada.Los timoneles mÃ¡s exhaustos al finalizar la tarde fueron los de la clase optimist que corrieron 3 regatas, 2 de ellas en condiciones muy duras.La clase optimist principiantes solo corriÃ³ una regata en el interior del puerto, pero la misma generÃ³ modificaciones sustanciales en la clasificaciÃ³n general.Los Lasers, Europa y 420 tambiÃ©n cumplieron su programa completo en las aguas exteriores del puerto. Y en horas de la tarde fue el turno de los Snipe, Pampero y BIC 293 que tambiÃ©n pudieron disputaron 2 regatas con un viento mucho mÃ¡s moderado.Al llegar a tierra los timoneles fueron recibidos con churros Manolo y chocolatada Sancor, Powerade y Red Bull.Las posiciones provisorias al cabo de esta tercera jornada son:Optimist timoneles (134 competidores): 1Âº Lange Klauss - CNSI 7 pts, 2Âº Brian Higgins CVB â 8 pts, 3Âº Francisco Ducasse - Chile 12 pts.Optimist principiantes (108 competidores): 1Âº AgustÃn Pezzuti â CVR 15 pts.; 2Âº Graff Juan Segundoâ CNSP 20 puntos; 3Âº Nahuel Ponce CNGSM 23 pts.29er (18 competidores):1Âº BelÃ©n Tavella- Franco Greggi âCNSI/YCA 5 pts, 2Âº Victoria Travascio-GastÃ³n Cheb Terrab 19 pts.; 3Â° Mercedes Travascio-Mario Segers CNSI 19 pts.420 (15 competidores): 1Âº Pablo VÃ¶lker â AgustÃn Cunnil 5 pts.; CNSY/YCA - 2Â° Mariana Lombardo- Joaquin Fehrman â CVB 11 pts; 3Âº Gonzalo Bisi -TomÃ¡s Volker 15 pts.â CNSI 13 pts,Cadet (12 competidores): 1Âº Nandin Gonzalo y Viegas RodrÃguez YCA 7 pts, 2Âº Lucas y Magdalena Cabral YCA 8 pts, 3Âº Tomas Malvicino â Javier Gigaina âCNSA 12 pts.Laser Standard (10 competidores): 1Âº Ivan Csacoww 14 YCO pts, 2Âº Yago Lange â CNSI, 14 pts; 3Âº Francisco Renna â CVB 14 ptsLaser Radial (17 competidores): 1Âº Juan Biava âYCR 11 pts, 2Âº Lucia Falasca â YCA 14 pts, 3Âº Agustin Vidal 400 YCC 15 pts.Laser 4,7 (6 competidores) 1Âº Maria Benegas âYCO 8 pts, 2Âº Elizabeth Kohl â YCO pts, 3Âº Trinidad Silva â CNMP/YCA 11 pts.Snipe (8 competidores),1Âº pts, SebastiÃ¡n Barbero - Pako Sosa â CNMP 8 pts. 2 Juan Blas Barbero, Alejandro Capizzano 8 puntos 3Âº LuÃs Rojas Patricia Biondi âYCCN 12 pts.BIC 293 (8 competidores)1Âº Santiago Lazzari â TRIB 5 pts, 2Âº Valentina Serigos â CNSI12 pts, 3Âº Agustin Zanardi â TRIB 12 pts.Pampero (12 competidores)1Âº JoaquÃn G. Zarate Mariano Gulielmetti AUN 10 pts, 2Âº Ricardo Huergo â Maria Moscoso - AUN 11 pts, 3Âº Lucas Escobar y Marcos Escobar - AUN 16 pts.Europa: 1Âº Ronnie Jenkins CNMP 4 puntos â 2Âº Constanza Vazquez CNMP 8 PTS. 3Âº Martin Moralejo CNMP 11 ptsLa competencia ... Direct Link

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No race today @ Cowes Online

Due to lack of wind off Valencia, there will be no America's Cup racing on Monday, 8 February, and the next race is now scheduled for Wednesday.

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Chance for businesses to get in on Island Games @ Cowes Online

In 2011 the Isle of Wight will be hosting the NatWest Island Games, the largest international multi-sport event ever to be held on the Island, with events being organised across 14 different sports, including sailing and windsurfing.

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Oman Sail Masirah crowned winners in Muscat @ Cowes Online

The Extreme Sailing Series Asia was billed locally as 'Oman Sail versus the world' and they came out on top in style.

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El Nino and the Southern Oscillation @ Cowes Online

Cowes Online columnist Chris Tibbs, professional meteorologist and sailor, tells us all about 'El Nino' and the changes in weather patterns it causes around the world, including here the UK.

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Italy's passion play @ Volvo Ocean Race

The Italia 70 entry for 2011-12 will herald the return of an Italian team to the world's premier ocean race - the first since the 1993 Whitbread. Carla Anselmi reports on the men behind the mission. Direct Link

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AC33 | Americaâs Cup Umpiring (1) @ Look To Windward

Besides the Jury, Measurers and Race Committee thereâs a fourth group of ISAF officials active at the AC 33. Iâm talking about the Umpires! We all are in the dark about how these impressive sail machines will perform against each other, but imagine how difficult it must be, having to umpire them. When these boats were first revealed to the public and it became clear how powerful and fast they would be, I predicted that there would not be any umpiring. They were just too fast to keep up with and too big to maneuver in the prestart. Boy, was I wrongâ¦.. Iâve contacted Chief Umpire Bill Edgerton and asked him and his team to tell us something about how that is going. I prepared some questions and send them by Email. We agreed he would answer them after having umpired the first match. Although that has not happened yet, he found the time to send me some answers. So hereâs the first instalment. Iâve put Billâs reply in light blue font. The AC 33 Umpire Team: Bill Edgerton (GBR), John Standley (AUS), Roger Wood (NZL), Gerard Bosse (FRA) The NoR and SI change the RRS (including app C) in many ways. Did the umpire team have any influence on those changes? Were there any changes directly (or indirectly) done, because how the Umpires have to "operate" to umpire these matches?There have been 4 SI or NOR changes originating from us since we started having an input on the event, one of which deleted RRS 13.2, all done with mutual consent from the teams. None of them were done because of how we will operate, all of them relate to the type and configurations of the racing boats and course. Did you and your team get a chance to sail on the yachts? You've been following the boats for a couple of days before and you've now umpired the first match. What can you tell us about the umpiring these AC33 boats - specifically what are the differences between these and "regular" match races. We have not been on board the yachts when they were sailing yet, but have learnt a lot from watching them, one runs out of adjectives to describe how amazing and fast they are. How do you communicate with the boats? Are you using a flag-system as in regular match racing or/and any other system (radio's, light-system for overlap, zone etc,) If so, can you tell us how that works? Do you have camera's on board of the rib? Do you have to broadcast to the media and explain your decisions? There have been some procedures issued which relate to the method we will operate regarding radio communications of hails and Y or B flags and so forth, in addition to the requirements of the RRS, and other things. We are not offering any information to the boats on radio or lights beyond a radio signal of the umpires response to a Y flag and a ... Direct Link

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Bertarelli: "Bello vedere le due barche insieme per la prima volta" @ Italia Vela

La prima giornata del programma di regate della 33 America's Cup è finita con le caselle in bianco per BMW ORACLE Racing e Alinghi [...] Direct Link

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V Coppa Costa del Sole: Orione soccorre uomo in mare @ Italia Vela

Particolarmente impegnativa la regata per la V Coppa Costa del Sole A.S.D. che si è tenuta domenica 7 febbraio 2010 sul tratto [...] Direct Link

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Primo Cup: vince l'italiano Value Team @ Italia Vela

Value Team inizia la stagione esattamente da dove era partita un anno fa vincendo per la seconda volta in due partecipazioni [...] Direct Link

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Groupama 3 progress report @ ISTiOSELIDA

??? ?? ?????????????? ??? ???? ??? ?? AC, ??????????? ?? ??? ???????, ?? ????? ??? ????????? ??? Groupama 3 ???? ?????????? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ???????? ???? ??? ?????? ?? multi-hull (???? ????? Jules Verne Trophy ???? AC ???????? ??? ?? ?????????? ????? ????? ???????? ??????? ?;). ?????? ??? ????, ? Cammas ??? ?? ??????? ??? ????? ????? ????????? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ?????????? ??????? 450?? ??????? ??? ?? ?????. ????????? ???? ?? ????????? ??? ????? ???????, ???? ?? ???????? ?????? ???? ???????????? ??? ???? ???? ????????? ?? ?????? ????. Groupama 3's log (departure on 31st January at 13h 55' 53'' UTC) Day 1 (1st February 1400 UTC): 500 miles (deficit = 94 miles) Day 2 (2nd February 1400 UTC): 560 miles (lead = 3.5 miles) Day 3 (3rd February 1400 UTC): 535 miles (lead = 170 miles) Day 4 (4th February 1400 UTC): 565 miles (lead = 245 miles) Day 5 (5th February 1400 UTC): 656 miles (lead = 562 miles) Day 6 (6th February 1400 UTC): 456 miles (lead = 620 miles) Day 7 (7th February 1400 UTC): 430 miles (lead = 539 miles) Day 8 (8th February 1400 UTC): 305 miles (lead = 456 miles) Best passage time to the equator from Ushant Groupama 3: 5d 15h 23' (November 2009) Jules Verne Trophy reference time to the equator Orange 2: 7d 02h 56' (January 2005) The crew and organisation aboard Groupama 3 â¢ Watch No.1: Franck Cammas / LoÃ¯c Le Mignon / Jacques CaraÃ«s â¢ Watch No.2: StÃ¨ve Ravussin / Thomas Coville / Bruno Jeanjean â¢ Watch No.3: Fred Le Peutrec / Lionel Lemonchois / Ronan Le Goff â¢ Off watch navigator: Stan Honey goes up on deck for manoeuvres â¢ One watch system on deck, one watch on stand-by ready to help manoeuvre, one watch totally resting The record to beat Currently held by Bruno Peyron on Orange 2 since 2005 with a time of 50 days 16 hours 20 minutes at an average of 17.89 knots. Find all the latest news from the Groupama trimarans at: www.cammas-groupama.com more on http://www.istioselida.com Direct Link

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The Return Of The Green Dragon? @ ISTiOSELIDA

Irish Volvo 70 yacht the Green Dragon may sail again following this week's announcement that a west coast bid to secure a return visit of the Volvo Ocean Race has Government backing to the tune of 4 million. The Government support for the 2011/12 race stopover came on Tuesday but is contingent on Ireland having a race entry. The funding is half what was secured from Government for the 2009 stop-over and is also subject to the balance being raised from the private sector. New rules that allow additional keel weight may make the Irish boat more competitive for 2011 but for any weight added to the keel 50 per cent must be added to he hull too, so it is not a complete remedy for the Irish design. The Minister for Sport, Martin Cullen, gave the Irish bid his backing but it came only after a Cabinet decision on the matter had been deferred for a week. It is understood that intensive lobbying included support from local Minister Eamon O Cuiv and that swung the deal for Galway. In welcoming the announcement the Galway consortium, "Let's do it Global", led by John Killeen, acknowledged the funding... Direct Link

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Jules Verne Trophy: Highs and lows @ Groupama 3

Though the tradewinds are now blowing in from the East, Groupama 3 is still not able to set a course due South. The reasons for this are that the high pressure isn't far to port and the current aim is to hook onto the low pressure system forming off Rio de Janeiro... Direct Link

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Jules Verne Trophy: Tropical fragrances... @ Groupama 3

Just 120 miles off the Brazilian coast, Groupama 3 is continuing to drop down to the SSW to hunt down a low off Rio de Janeiro. Meantime their 530 mile lead over Orange 2 is being maintained... Direct Link

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Jules Verne Trophy: Slow rotation... @ Groupama 3

The position of the Saint Helena High isn't favouring progress towards the Cape of Good Hope: Groupama 3 has been forced to pick out a course to the SSW before slowly straightening out her trajectory to the South this Monday afternoon... As a result her lead over the reference time is diminishing... Direct Link

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Jules Verne Trophy: South-Easterly inflexion ... @ Groupama 3

Since altering course on Monday evening, Groupama 3 has finally been able to distance herself from the Brazilian coast and switch onto a more productive course towards the SE. Even though the giant trimaran cannot yet thread her way directly towards the Cape of Good Hope, the haemorrhage of miles lost in relation to the reference time has been stemmed... Direct Link

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Trofeo Jules Verne, lenta rotazione @ Zerogradinord.it

Dice l'adagio che la fortuna aiuta gli audaci e a giudicare quanto accaduto nel corso della prima settimana di navigazione di Groupma 3 pare proprio che sia cosÃ¬... Direct Link

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