Thursday, April 21, 2011

ERICSON 381

Boat: ERICSON 381

Builder: Ericson Yachts

Designer: Bruce King

More: ERICSON 381 Specifications

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Television coverage of GERBER Laser Vortex Nationals

Event Date: Future - 19th/20th July
Author: Laser Vortex Class

GERBER, the makers of legendary multitools and second year Sponsors of the Laser Vortex Class are really pushing the boat out at this year's GERBER Vortex Nationals hosted by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club on 19/20 July.

Not only will there be free training for all entrants on Friday 18th July but GERBER has teamed up with ProactiveTV (who produce for Skys' Watersports World) to televise the event. The use of head cams and a helicopter during the weekend will provide viewers with spectacular action shots and all competitors will get a video copy of the television show for posterity. There will be a GERBER hosted evening social and a 'star' sailor from another class will be trying to show the Vortex regulars how it should be done! The fleet will be split into Gold / Overall, Silver and Bronze fleets so there will be something to race for right through the fleet.

Spectators will also be able to see the eagerly anticipated prototype assymetric version of the Vortex being put through its paces.

If anyone would like to sail in the championships, a couple of demo boats may still be available. Contact Keith Escritt (01943 466998) to book your chance to sail in what promises to be one of the best events of the year.

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ERICSON 38

Boat: ERICSON 38

Builder: Ericson Yachts

Designer: Bruce King

More: ERICSON 38 Specifications

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Marblehead Open at Cotswold Sailing Club


Author: Roger Stollery

The fourth MYA district ranking event for this high performance ISAF class was organised by the radio racing section of the Cotswold Sailing Club at their water in the Cotswold Water Park on 29 June 2003. The event attracted skippers from 10 clubs from as far away as Cleveland. The brisk 5-10 mph southerly winds allowed some planing in the offwind gusts, which made for exciting sailing. PRO, David Munro initially set a traditional triangle and sausage course of about 1000 metres long and gave everyone 18 superb races, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. As the wind went further on shore a zig zag was introduced to keep the windward legs a true beat. The speed and evenness of the performances gave some close encounters at the starting line, buoy roundings and the finishing line! Over enthusiasm at the start resulted in several general recalls.

The racing was dominated by John Arundell from Yateley sailing the narrow beam, deep keeled, high stability ‘Starkers Squared’. He won 7 races in confident style, whilst Peter Wiles from Poole sailing his own ‘Composite’ design won 3, John Cleave from Ryde sailing a ‘Skalpel’ and Trevor Bamforth from the host club sailing a borrowed ‘Starkers’ won 2 each. Single wins were achieved by Chris Harris from Bournville and George Beacroft from Chelmsford both sailing ‘Starkers Squared’, Paul Tickner from Guildford sailing a ‘Crazy Tube Too’ and Graham Bartholomew from Chelmsford sailing a ‘Rok’.



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ERICSON 36 CR

Boat: ERICSON 36 CR

More: ERICSON 36 CR Specifications

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Buzz & ISO Multi Gala at Downs Sailing Club


Author: FrankPhoto © FrankSteve Restall & Sarah Styles win the Buzz Open at Downs Sailing ClubPhoto © FrankIan & Katie Keam-George win the ISO Open at Downs Sailing Club

On the weekend of 28th/29th June, Downs SC held a Multi Gala for the Buzz and Iso classes. Saturday dawned with a Force 3 from the South East and a fairly flat sea, with only light cloud, sun-glasses and cream were the order of the day. The race officer set a trapezoidal course with separate
windward-leeward legs at each end to keep the two fleets apart.

The Buzz class started first and Simon Cory and Annie Smith from Downs were
quickly into the lead, close behind were Steve Restall, crewed by Sarah
Styles and Chris Dutton, crewed by Martin Wyman. These three remained close
together throughout the race and finished in that order. The second race
followed a similar pattern, with the same crews finishing in the top three
positions. In the Iso fleet, Ian and Katie Keam-George dominated proceedings
on the first day, winning all three races, followed by clubmate Jony Wells
from Essex YC. The third race was a long-distance one which took the two
fleets past Deal pier in the direction of Ramsgate. In the Buzz fleet
competition was fierce with a close encounter between Cory and Dutton at the
windward mark leading to the latter having to take a penalty. John Cass and
Julia Brazil were going well and kept pace with Cory and Smith through the
race. At the finish, Steve Restall took first place followed by Cory then
Cass.

On Sunday, the wind had increased to a Force 4/5 from a more Easterly
direction. However the cloud had cleared and from the beach there was a
clear view of France. The course was P-shaped, the longest leg being an
exciting three-sail reach parallel to the beach against the tide with the
crews at full stretch on the trapeze as they surfed across the waves. Steve
Restall and Sarah Styles dominated proceedings in the Buzz fleet taking
three first places, however they were closely pressed by Simon Cory and
Chris Dutton, the latter showing good upwind speed. John Cass and Julia
Brazil also found the conditions to their liking, taking two third
positions. Jeremy Blackman and Rick Clemence found that their weight was an
advantage in the stronger breeze and were chafing at the heels of the
leading boats throughout the day. In the Iso fleet the battle remained
between Ian Keam-George and Jony Wells, with the former winning out in two
of the three races.

The organisation was superb throughout the weekend, which augurs well for
the National Championships for Buzz, Iso, Boss, Spice and Blaze classes
which will be held at the same venue next year. The Buzz fleet were rewarded
with Ј25 vouchers for Wet and Windy Watersports which will come in very
handy for the minor breakages that occurred.


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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

ERICSON 35-3 SM

Boat: ERICSON 35-3 SM

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Swedish east coast sunshine for Volvo Baltic Race fleet


Author: Lizzie Green

The seven-strong fleet of VO60s racing in the Volvo Baltic Race, has spent several days of glorious sunshine in Sandhamn, an island on the outer edge of the archipelago on Sweden’s east coast, and also in Stockholm, after a parade of sail, approximately 50 nm from Sandhamn. Last minute preparations are now being made for the next stage of the Volvo Baltic Race for the SEB trophy, the 340 nautical mile, Accenture Round Gotland Race, starting tomorrow, Sunday, June 29.

The class start will be at 1400 local time for the VO60s, with the ORC Club Open and the multihulls starting 15 minutes later. This event will be the next offshore event in the Volvo Baltic Race series with full points to count towards the overall score.

Matthew Humphries (UK) and Challenge of Netsurvey start in pole position, with a margin of 1.5 points ahead of Erle Williams (NZ) and TeamRS. “We’re in a situation where we really want to work on consolidation,” says Humphries adding, “having said that, we really want to win the race as well.”

He isn’t taking any chances and during the last few days, Humphries’ crew has Challenge of Netsurvey totally prepared. “We’ve checked our runners and have taken a spare runner with us, so we’ve compromised a little bit of extra weight on the boat but while we have a small advantage, we want to make sure we can retain that, by not having any gear failure,” he explains.

Erle Williams has brought Tony Mutter (NZ) on to trim the mainsail on TeamRS. Mutter sailed on this boat in the Volvo Ocean Race and knows it inside out. “If we hadn’t broken the runner” says Williams, “we would be sitting in front right now. We just have to continue to improve. These guys [Challenge of Netsurvey] are good but we will give them a good run for their money. We started off a bit rusty, all of us, and it is coming together really well.” Williams has completed four Accenture Round Gotland Races. He’s expecting light air at the start, with the possibility of the fleet coming to a standstill at some stage. “It’s good for us,” he says, “we don’t mind a bit of tricky stuff.”

Sony Ericsson (13.5 points) with Thomas Blixt (SWE) has a one point lead over their nearest rivals, Elanders Ten Celsius (12.5 points). Blixt has completed the Accenture Round Gotland Race 15 times, and won it seven times. “I think I have some experience that the other teams don’t have, and I will use this to my advantage” he says.

Elanders Ten Celsius has Hans Wallen (SWE) back onboard, fresh from the Tornado class at Kieler Woche, and Wouter Verbraak (NED) and Mikke Lundh (SWE) are the co-skippers. “We are the most experienced guys on the boat,” Wouter explains. Mikke and Wouter sailed on djuice in the Volvo 2001-2002. “We have been really working hard on getting the crew used to the work and set up of a VO60. We are at the stage where we can use their dinghy sailing background now that they are aware of the systems, so we are really expecting to do well.”

Atea (6 points), retired from the Kiel to Sandhamn race after damaging her boom and blowing out several sails. The crew has been working hard to get the boat back into racing shape, and say they are fit to fight!

Pontona Youth (4 points) and Nilorn (8 points), the two youth teams, will start this next offshore race with the experience of the Kiel-Sandhamn race happily behind them. Glenn Bourke’s job as mentor to the Nilorn crew is over and he returns to the UK. “We learnt a lot,” says skipper Fredrik Frejme (SWE). “To have these two guys [Andy Hindley and Glenn Bourke] onboard, with their experience was amazing. We didn’t have to try anything new except learn what to do in these circumstances.” It’s time now to put it all into practise.

Both these teams are made up from the best young dinghy sailors in Sweden and Denmark. The forecast is for light airs, which equals tactical sailing, something which these young crews excel at.

The Accenture Round Gotland Race is a well- known offshore event, with a history of over fifty years and many previous Whitbread and Volvo teams have competed successfully in the past. In 1996, the all-female team sailing EF Education won the Round Gotland Open Race, causing a sensation throughout the sailing world. Ocean sailing is one of the few sports where men and woman can compete on equal terms, and EF Education’s victory clearly demonstrated that women sailors are at least as good as their male counterparts.

In 1998, the ‘Open’ class was won by EF Language (the winner of the Whitbread in 1997-98) with Swedish Match as the runner up. EF Education was fourth. In 1999, the former Rothmans (Whitbread 1989-90) was the winner of the Open class.

The weather forecast for the start is: cloudy with 15 knots NNE. On the eastern side of Gotland, the wind will be very, very light, shifting to the NNW, decreasing on Tuesday and Wednesday to very little wind at all.

Challenge of Netsurvey 20.0 points
TeamRS 18.5 points
Sony Ericsson 13.5 points
Elanders Ten Celsius 12.5 points
Nilorn 8 points
Atea 6.0 points
Pontona Youth 4.0 points

Full crew lists, race viewer (offshore races) and results are available at www.volvobalticrace.org

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ANSA 47

Boat: ANSA 47

More: ANSA 47 Specifications

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Dart 18 TT at Mumbles Yacht Club

Results generated and submitted using Sailwave sailing scoring software

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ERICSON 35-2 SM

Boat: ERICSON 35-2 SM

Builder:

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Battered and bruised Volvo Baltic Race fleet


Author: Lizzie Green

Bright sunshine for the first time in several days greeted the fleet racing in the Volvo Baltic Race as they crossed the finish line in Sandhamn today, after a gruelling race from Kiel, Germany.

Hoarse from shouting to each other above the strong winds, Matthew Humphries and Erle Williams could hardly speak when they reached the dock. After a constant fight, Humphries team, racing Challenge of Netsurvey, beat TeamRS by 27 minutes 50 seconds, to take first place. TeamRS broke a runner in the final stages and finished under headsail only.

Speaking immediately after crossing the finish line, Humphries said, “We’ve had thunderstorms and massive squalls. We were becalmed for just a few minutes last night, so we’ve had a bit of everything. Generally it was very windy and very hard to hear each other. There was a lot of screaming to get sails down when the big squalls were coming. It was a very, very exciting race and we’re really pleased with the result.”

Erle Williams and TeamRS had a few hairy moments, ““At one point Challenge dropped their chute and we carried on, trying to get round the corner of Denmark, when all the wind was on it. If we had just got round the corner, it would have been awesome and we would have made a big gain, but it was too dangerous to attempt it. We were very close to the lay-line but we were on a lee shore with 40 knots of wind and we were almost out of control and probably wouldn’t have made it, so we made the decision to get rid of it [drop the spinnaker]. It was pretty exciting,” said a relieved Williams.

Just over an hour later Sony Ericsson finished third, the last of the of the three latest generation VO60s. “The worst and the best was the wind,” said skipper Thomas Blixt. “I think I saw 52 knots of wind speed. There were a lot of waves out there. It was a little bit scary, but at the same time, it was fun with this boat. Ballast in, and sails up and we were doing 32 knots. At the same time though, you have guys on the foredeck taking down or putting up sails and you are always afraid that you will lose them. That’s the best and that’s the worst about this kind of racing.”

Elanders Ten Celsius, with Volvo veterans Michael Lund and Wouter Verbraak in charge, finished approx 30 minutes later. Lund explains; “We did what we set out to do and that was to play safe and not break anything. We pushed hard but we didn’t do any gybes the first night because we didn’t feel that the whole crew was really up to it. So we did a few ‘cow’ turns and played the penalty in lost distance but we think we took it back when we actually sailed a little bit and we are happy being close to Sony Ericsson.”

Nilorn, finishing eight and a half hours later, led the two youth teams who have been on a steep learning curve. Skipper Fredrik Frejme said, cheerfully; “It was very windy in the beginning and I was very glad to have Glenn (Bourke) and Andy (Hindley) onboard, especially with this crew who had never been out before in these conditions. It is because of them we are here right now.

Bourke’s answer to that was, “We did just about every manoeuvre you could do in a race and we had just about every condition that you could ever want. We had 40 knots behind us on a screaming run and they handled that really well. We had 28 knots going to windward, slamming through waves with the boat fully loaded, which felt pretty dangerous, and we had beautiful running and beating conditions either side of that. They did things like peel the spinnaker which none of them had ever done before; they went up the mast and uncrossed all the halyards they’d crossed in the night when they didn’t realise how to lay halyards out so that that doesn’t happen.”

Pontona Youth finished approximately 30 minutes later. Skipper, Thomas Dahl says the crew is raring to go. “My arms are completely numb from steering in the waves from Kiel to the southern part of Sweden where the conditions were really rough. Some of the guys got hit by ropes or winch handles, but nothing serious. I think we all have a few blue marks here and there, but we’re still keen to sail. Now we’re ready to take anything.”

The only boat yet to finish is Atea, who is thought to be under power and still has just over 200 miles to the finish.

Gear damage was evenly spread throughout the fleet. Challenge of Netsurvey blew out her reaching headsail at Kiel Lighthouse, but the crew will try and repair it as they do not have a replacement. Sony Ericsson also destroyed a headsail but with no chance of repair and TeamRS broke a runner on the final approaches to the finish line.

Nilorn broke her spinnaker pole and shredded her spinnaker, and Pontona Youth lost several battens, blew out their jib no 2 – a very new one and a very nice one unfortunately - and destroyed a spinnaker which completely exploded.

Elanders Ten Celsius got away unscathed. “The most important thing for us is that we see it as a long term race and we didn’t want to break anything and we wanted to save the boat. And when we look at the other boats and see what they have broken, I think we have done really, really well,” said co-skipper, Wouter Verbraak.

Results after three races:

1.Challenge of Netsurvey: 38h37m10sec TOTAL POINTS 20
2.TeamRS: 39h05m00sec TOTAL POINTS 18.5
3.Sony Ericsson: 39h46m00sec TOTAL POINTS 13.5
4.Elanders Ten Celsius: 40h21m32sec TOTAL POINTS 12.5
5.Nilorn 46h31m47sec: TOTAL POINTS 8
6.Atea: TOTAL POINTS 6
7.Pontona Youth: 47h01m45sec TOTAL POINTS 4

The next race will be the Accenture Gotland Runt starting in Sandhamn on Sunday, June 29th.
There will be a parade of sail to Stockholm on Friday, June 27th, returning to Sandhamn on Saturday June 28th.

Full crew lists, race viewer (offshore races) and results are available at www.volvobalticrace.org

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ERICSON 35-1

Boat: ERICSON 35-1

More: ERICSON 35-1 Specifications

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2003 Harken UK Soling National Championships

Event Date: 22nd June 2003
Author: Soling UKPhoto © Mike PrestonThe teams and prizewinners at the Soling 2003 Nationals

On 22nd June 03 at 12:20 hours the echo of a signal across the Glen of Loch Linnhe saw Mike Preston, Bryan Bottomley and Ron Preston in GBR 143 crowned the 2003 Harken UK Soling National Champions. The raising of the N flag for the abandonment of the final days racing due to lack of wind, left the 15 strong fleet to count their overnight results as the overall standings.

With close racing throughout, it was the tidal line spotters and the shore huggers that challenged for the pole positions. In winds ranging from 5 to 17 knots of breeze from the Southwest, Mike Preston in GBR 143 and Gary Richardson with former champions Stuart Lee and Roger Winward in GBR 155 scored the early victories. As the challenge was laid down between GBR 143 and GBR 155, the fourth race saw local hero Hamish Loudon capitalise with a win in race 4 to be one of the three with an overnight optimism for the top prize.

With the final days racing abandoned, the overnight results from the previous four races provided the overall standings. The event was notable for the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship in which it was sailed, with key sponsors Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery and Houston Brewery providing all competitors with a we something to take home for their efforts. The main prizes were awarded as follows:

Overall Results:


Thanks went to members of Loch Lochaber Yacht Club for hosting a successful and enjoyable event and the sponsors Harken UK, Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery and Houston Brewery.

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ERICSON 34T TM

Boat: ERICSON 34T TM

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Giraglia Rolex Cup in St Tropez, France - Day 2


Author: Giraglia Rolex Cup Media Centre

Bressani takes Idea into the lead overall

Not quite the same but as close as two days can be to each other, the only real difference a different set of winners, the Italian Maxi Idea taking overall honours.

The second day of the Giraglia Rolex Cup started just before noon in St Tropez today, with the fleet sailing the same 17-mile course as yesterday. From a committee boat start in front of St Maxime, the fleet sailed upwind to the weather mark to the South East of the Gulf of St Tropez, before fetching across the mouth of the Gulf to a turn mark in front of Les Issambres, before the final stretch to the finish in front of the port. Depending on the size of the boat each leg yielded different points of sail for different boats on account of the constantly changing wind conditions.

At the start the stronger winds on the left of the course left much of the fleet with the dilemma of whether to go against the norm in the Gulf of St Tropez, something which usually dictates that the right of the course is the side to take. Most of the fleet opted for the right initially but it was six miles into the race approaching the top mark that a big left shift came through. Neville Crichton’s Alfa Romeo was the only boat to exploit the opportunity amongst the Class Zero Maxis significantly increasing an already big lead on the water in the process. The New Zealand boat continued to stretch out ahead, finally finishing nine minutes ahead of the Slovenian boat Magic Jena. This latter boat was one of six boats, including yesterday’s winner Enigma, that were premature starters and were disqualified.

But it was the Italian yacht Piereluigi Lora Piana’s Idea that made the most
of the conditions, powering out from a perfect start into a commanding
position that allowed this talented crew to control its closest rivals and
win on corrected time in Class Zero and overall. This comes on top of a
second place yesterday. Class One saw X-Sport, Stefano Spangaro’s Grand
Soleil 56R, win for the second day in a row.

After the big boats had finished the wind dropped away completely leaving
the bulk of the fleet drifting to the finish line with light spinnakers,
through gaping holes of wind, before the breeze finally filled in from the
opposite direction at 12 knots.

Class Two saw the impressive IMX 40 One Design fleet lose out to a Grand
Soleil 40R, Italo Borrini’s Despeinada. Class Three saw the C&C 37 Malf
Amato beat a whole quiver of Beneteau First 36.7, whereas in Class Four the
same three boats finished on the podium as yesterday, but in a different
order, honours today going to Camillo Capaozzi’s Ala Bianca.

Full results can be found at http://www.yci.it/regate/regate2003/giraglia/index_en.htm

More Information:

  • YachtsandYachting.com La Giraglia Page

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ERICSON 34-2 SD

Boat: ERICSON 34-2 SD

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Bols super maxi breaks record in Denmark’s Sjaelland Rundt


Author: Marigold Thackray

Despite roughest conditions in years Bols super maxi smashes course record by 7 hours.

The Bols super maxi monohull has won Denmark's largest sailing competition, the Sjaelland Rundt, in a record-breaking time of 22 hours 10 minutes and 6 seconds. The previous record time was 29 hours 8 seconds.

The victory was won in the face of some of the harshest conditions in years. Of some 270 boats that started the race only 22 made it across the finishing line.

The Bols super maxi is the world's most modern monohull. Launched only one week ago, the 93 foot boat is the cornerstone of a global brand campaign by the world' oldest distiller Bols.

Starting on Friday evening at 6pm CET, the Bols super maxi spent the first half of the race battling winds in the 30-knot range. Conditions then deteriorated markedly forcing a change from full main sail to the use of smaller sails.

Facing 2 - 3 metre short steep seas the boat sped through winds as they reached gusting speeds of up to 40 knots. A world-class international crew of 24 worked relentlessly against violent waves in unpleasant conditions to maintain a charge of 12 knots for the first ten hours of the race.

At the half way stage as the boat turned the southern tip of Sjaelland to head north, the Bols supermaxi's speed picked up with an aft wind. From 14 knots, then 16, the Bols then hit its stride to average 18 - 20 knots to set its spinnaker for the final run to the finishing line.

After 22 hours the Bols super maxi crossed the finish line at a speed of 25 knots, flying past the town of Helsingor and setting a new record many believe will be hard to break.

Stefan Laux, global Bols brand group director said: "This was a very, very tough race and I have nothing but admiration for the crew of the Bols. The conditions were testing to say the least. Simply finishing this race was an achievement but to smash the course record by 7 hours is just staggering.

"This is the best start imaginable for the Bols in its bid to become the fastest boat in the world and break three world records: the 24 hour monohull record, the transatlantic record and the round the world monohull record.

"Now our eyes move north to Sweden where in six days time the Bols will take part in the Gotlund Rundt competition. After this fantastic result in Denmark, our spirits remain justifiably high."

More Information:

  • www.bols.com

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

ERICSON 33

Boat: ERICSON 33

Builder: Ericson Yachts

Designer: Ron Holland

More: ERICSON 33 Specifications

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Laser Open at Hollowell Sailing Club


Author: Martin Urmson

22 June 2003

Michael Sims of Carsington Sailing Club enjoyed mixed fortunes at Hollowell Sailing Club' Laser Open on June 22nd. He left with the winner's prize, as well as a gaping hole in his hull.
Race 1 saw a large group of boats squashed together at the starboard end of the line, with few making clean starts. First was Simon Cray followed by home youth Steven Hall, Sims and David Summerville.

In the Radial fleet, home junior sailor Tim Hartley made the early pace in the lighter winds followed by Alison Young and Fiona Hall.

Thunder was threatening by the start of race 2, and the winds chased by the raincloud kicked in during pre-start manoeuvres. Excellent racing conditions followed. Steven Hall made the best start and was clear ahead by the first mark. The wind was at its peak when Sims, back in the pack, was hit hard amidships by Max Wearing on port tack. He limped back to the clubhouse followed by the crestfallen perpetrator. Cray finished second with Martin Hudson third at the end after the drifter, which followed the lightning and thunder.

In the Radials, Hartley found the early going in the strong winds hard work, and Young took the race from Fiona Hall with Hartley third.

Sims was ready for the last race with another hull, graciously supplied by Wearing. Sims was well clear at the first mark, with Hall, Cray and Hudson chasing. Sims eventually won from Hall and Hudson.

Fiona Hall took first Radial but Young's second place earned her the overall win.
Sims requested redress for his enforced retirement from race 2, and after a quick hearing was given average points.

Overall Results:


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ERICSON 32-3

Boat: ERICSON 32-3

More: ERICSON 32-3 Specifications

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DaimlerChrysler North Atlantic Challenge - Monsun crew safe


Author: Dana Paxton

The six crew members of the 46-foot German yacht Monsun were all rescued safely from their liferaft by a ship today after they abandoned their yacht in heavy seas south of Newfoundland, Canada. The effort was coordinated by the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center, in Norfolk, Va. A Canadian Coast Guard C-130 Search and Rescue aircraft assisted.

The Monsun, owned by Peter Flьgge, is a cruising ketch taking part in the DaimlerChrysler North Atlantic Challenge in which a fleet of 58 yachts is presently sailing from Newport, Rhode Island to Cuxhaven and Hamburg, Germany. Other yachts in the race went to the aid of Monsun and assisted
with communications.

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ERICSON 32-2 TM

Boat: ERICSON 32-2 TM

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Close Start to the Magellan Three Peaks Yacht Race


Author: Rebecca AirdPhoto © Magellan Three Peaks Yacht Race MediaSpirit of Barmouth and Hellefix start the Magellan Three Peaks Yacht Race

The Magellan Three Peaks Yacht Race started from Barmouth on Saturday 21st June at 3pm with the Spirit of Barmouth, skippered by last year's winner Geoff West, just edging ahead of Hellefix, in what promises to be a closely fought challenge.

Spirit of Barmouth, from the South Coast and Hellefix, an international entry from the Netherlands are both strong contenders to win this year's race. Another favourite is Ryde Harriers YC who are hot on the tail of the leaders.

There are 15 yachts taking part in the 2003 Race which involves sailing 389 nautical miles, cycling 30 miles and walking or running another 59 miles which include climbing the highest points in Wales, England and Scotland. The race is likely to take at least five days depending on weather conditions.

The difficulties of the course will be eased by the Magellan® SporTrak® Color handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) which each team will be given so that they can pinpoint their position accurately whether at sea or on land. The handheld device also helps to track weather changes, which will prove invaluable for sailors and climbers.

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ERICSON 32

Boat: ERICSON 32

Builder: Ericson Yachts

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ICCT extends entry deadline for the Little America’s Cup


Author: Barby MacGowan

The Trustees for the International Catamaran Challenge Trophy (ICCT) announced that preparations for the 2003 ICCT are accelerating and the entry deadline for potential defenders and challengers has been extended. The event, known as "the Little America’s Cup" and to be sailed for the first time ever in one-design F-18HT catamarans, is set for September 28th-October 3 at the Sail Newport Sailing Center in Newport, R.I. There are ten top-level accepted entries to date.

"The original entry deadline of June 1 was a result of boat building/shipping logistics," said John Dawson, Chairman for the ICCT Trustees. "The caliber of the current entries and the high level of interest world-wide has convinced the F-18HT Class to extended the entry window and enable teams that are in the process of forming their challenges to compete."

"We have been contacted by many more teams that are in the process of finalizing their challenges," said WF Oliver, North American F-18HT Class President. "Since the event was only announced in March, many teams did not have the Little America’s Cup on their original sailing/sponsor schedule. Although Sea Cliff has surpassed their minimum number of entries needed for a successful event, we believe that our extending the entry window will allow these additional top teams to join us in Newport."

The Trustees have further announced an agreement with the F-18HT Class that allows for the remaining open slots to be assigned. Housing for the sailors will be provided.

Watch the official web site for a full listing of entered teams, their sponsors, clubs and links.

CHIEF JUDGE AND UMPIRE SELECTED

The Trustees for the ICCT have announced that Henry Menin, US Virgin Islands, has been named Chief Judge and Umpire for the ICCT. Menin has a long track record of working in international match racing events and was an advisor to Oracle in the most recent America’s Cup. ICCT PRO Peter Reggio said, "It is a pleasure to be working with as experienced a Judge as Henry to bring on-the-water umpiring to the Little America’s Cup for the first time."

The International Catamaran Challenge Trophy was created in 1961 to promote friendly international match racing catamaran competition. There will be up to 10 defenders (U.S.) and 10 challengers (non-U.S.). For entry information and complete ICCT details go to www.icct2003.org or www.littleamericascup2003.org.

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ERICSON 31 INDEPENDENCE

Boat: ERICSON 31 INDEPENDENCE

Builder: Ericson Yachts

Designer: Bruce King

More: ERICSON 31 INDEPENDENCE Specifications

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Clipper 2002 Race 12 Update - Free miles for some...


Author: Clipper Ventures

The conveyor belt is on! Bristol and Jersey have put on their afterburners and have both done over 150 miles in the last 12 hours. With a strong NE blowing and a 4-knot current they will be enjoying themselves somewhat more than the rest of the Clipper 2002 fleet.

London Clipper's curve round to the North has worked and they have played a blinder on New York as they collected their 'free miles' before the Yankee doodles. Roger Steven-Jennings and his crew aboard Cape Town Clipper are also benefiting by their more direct course to the current and have moved up to fifth place.

Liverpool, Glasgow and Hong Kong all took the direct route and have lost out as a result. Hong Kong Clipper, always one to try the extremes, was going north but appears to have had a change of strategy and abandoned that theory. This is a pity and they may be regretting this as they have now lost the opportunity to 'do a London' on the boats in front.

As each boat hits the current, the gaps immediately open up which accounts for a remarkable set of figures on the leaderboard table. Hong Kong's 24 hour run of 133 represents much lost drinking time in Cape Town when compared with Jersey's 258 miles.

We were always expecting the boats to become spread out on this race. Not only does the current have the effect of stringing them out, but there are lots of major tactical decisions to make in the varied and sometimes unpredictable conditions. The interesting thing is that both Jersey's Simon
Rowell and Bristol's Richard Butler will admit to where they got it wrong - yet their success is down to making more good calls than the others.

As they fight out the last 450 miles in almost a match racing scenario, Simon will still have nightmares of his northern attack on Madagascar which put them in a seemingly hopeless seventh place. Richard Butler, who now accepts that everyone affectionately calls him Binks, will not be happy in his middling course after Madagascar which allowed the Jersey crew to stage their miraculous 112 mile recovery.

The others in the fleet meanwhile will have to reflect that whatever improvement these two leaders could have made to their game plan that they are being shown the way home this time.

Cape Town is preparing to welcome the yachts, with friends and families already starting to arrive. Visit notes will be published at www.clipper-ventures.com shortly. The weather window at present looks reasonable for the next few days, but the weather fronts come though very fast and we are going to see many more excitements on the run in to this quite amazing race.

Clipper 2002 - Race 12 Positions: (03:00, 19 June 2003)


More Information:

  • YachtsandYachting.com Clipper Round the World Race Section

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ERICSON 30-1

Boat: ERICSON 30-1

Builder: Ericson Yachts

Designer: Bruce King

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Enterprise Open at Corus Colors Sailing Club


Author: Jeff Dyer

15th June 2003

A select gathering of 9 boats contested the CORUS Enterprise Open at Port Talbot, South Wales on Sunday 15th June. This was event five of the Speed sails sponsored Severnside series for the Dragon Trophy.

The usual West Country visitors appeared to have selected their crew combinations out of a hat, as lightweight Phil Kirk was paired with Stuart Dando (Frampton upon Severn S.C.), giving them an all up weight of around 15 stone, whilst the somewhat larger pairing of Geoff Coxe and A Tomlison (FOSSC) probably had double that weight.

In the first race, Ann Whitfield and Hugh Sims-Williams (PenarthYC) took advantage of some shifty warm winds to reach the windward mark first, however Jeff Dyer and Simon Cook (PYC), and the lightweight Phil Kirk and Stuart Dando moved ahead before Ann pulled back to second on the final long reach to the finish.

The second race saw the first race's leaders asleep at the start, with Roy Barker and Minnie Lucey (PYC) taking advantage to pull out a good lead. Dyer and Cook pulled back from a poor fourth to take the lead. Phil and Stuart moved past Ann and Huw to take second
place, Roy and Minnie finishing in fourth.

Dyer and Cook having won the meeting, the third race was between Ann and Phil for second place. In the light and shifty conditions that ensued, Phil's rapidly improving crew Stuart made the most of his weight advantage to ensure that they crossed the line first, Ann and Huw closely following, with Roy and Minnie in third and the ever present Ian Wakeling and Jenny Dando (Bristol Corinthian Y.C.) in fourth.

Overall Results:


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Monday, April 18, 2011

ANNAPOLIS 44

Boat: ANNAPOLIS 44

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Frampton On Severn Sailing Club Youth Regatta in July


Author: Philip Kirk

12th July 2003

Frampton-On-Severn Sailing Club invite all junior and youth sailors to take part in our Youth Regatta held on Saturday 12th of July 2003. The event will take place on the club’s lake making it suitable for sailors racing in their first open meeting as well as those with more experience. The first race will be started at 11:00am after a 10:30am briefing. All classes with PY’s greater than 990 are welcome.

We are near to Junction 13 of the M5 south of Gloucester in the village of Frampton-On-Severn.

For more details you can find a poster on our web site www.fossc.org.uk. You can also contact Philip Kirk on 01454 314354

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ERICSON 29 TM

Boat: ERICSON 29 TM

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Trident Yorkshire Youth at Beaver Sailing Club


Author: Adrienne Benson

41 young sailors arrived at Beaver SC on Saturday14th June in glorious hot sunshine and no wind. After a postponement, sufficient wind appeared to start racing and the penultimate event in the Trident Yorkshire Youth Travellers Series was under way.

Anxious to shed their last two high scores, Dan and Sean Vernon made the best of their lack of weight and pulled out an incredible lead from the rest of the fleet. Chris Duffin and Nick Mitchell led the Lasers harried by James Lewis. Alex Good and substitute crew Natasha Lister, couldn’t quite coordinate themselves, coming in fourth on handicap and dropping to eighth in the second race. They finally sorted themselves to take a convincing lead in the final race.

Mitchell led Race 2 all the way around leaving Duffin try to hold off Matt Winter in his Radial and local lad Richard Hanby (RS200). This was Duffin’s discard race as he pulled himself up to 2nd in Race 3. The Vernons scored their worst result of the day (third) to take the overall event. Mitchell and Duffin had to be separated on tie-break for second and third overall.

The true picture for the Travellers’ series is now emerging. One event to go and it looks like Good and Smith are unassailable for the second successive year with 14 points separating them from Duffin. Lister and Shave’s third position looks vulnerable as Winter, Lewis and the Vernons are all in striking distance. Surprises are in store for qualifiers all down the fleet. Who will win the prestigious Leapfrog trophy???

Overall Results:


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ERICSON 28-2

Boat: ERICSON 28-2

Builder: Ericson Yachts

Designer: Bruce King

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Hampton Sailing Club Annual Regatta


Author: Derek May

14th and 15th June

Saturday saw a beautiful sunny day with a brisk south-easterly wind greet the 41 boats taking part in the Hampton Sailing Club regatta.

The Sunday was to be another sunny day but this time with light and variable winds, except for a very brief “blast” as a mini twister crossed the river and caused a number of spectacular capsizes.

The GP14 fleet saw some close racing, with the final result undecided until the end of the last race with Jimmy James holding onto second position in the race to guarantee his overall first in the class.

The Laser class was decided by the fourth race after Tim Harridge won for the third time, leaving only the second and third spots to be decided in the final race.

In the Enterprise fleet despite not having sailed on the Saturday three straight wins on the Sunday by Matthew Harley took the top spot.

Hywel Perkins, recording three straight wins dominated the Merlin class on the Sunday.

The handicap class saw a visitor from Aquarius sailing a Signet take the honours with wins in the first three races.

Overall Results:

Merlin
1st 3574 Hywel Perkins and Morgan Perkins
2nd 3456 Martin Evans and A.J.
3rd 3465 Keith Edwards and Nicky Goulter
4th Stuart Jenkins and Georgina Page

GP14
1st 13065 Jimmy James and Di Swait
2nd 11292 Malcolm O’Connor and Dave Dodman
3rd 12791 Philip Wood and Steve Goulter

Enterprise
1st 22812 Matthew Harley and Ben Harley
2nd 20924 John Hollands and Alison Hollands
3rd 22559 Phil Chambers and Euan

Laser
1st 51463 Tim Harridge
2nd 174506 Clive Kitson
3rd 6380 Gareth Perkins

Handicap
1st Signet 368 Richard Cannon and Liz Archer
2nd Comet 52 Richard Barton
3rd Graduate 2141 Brian Clements

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ERICSON 28-2

Boat: ERICSON 28-2

Builder: Ericson Yachts

Designer: Bruce King

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Topmark Coaching Conferences


Author: Alan Olive - RYA Coaching Development Manager

For all RYA qualified racing coaches - taking you higher.

A day for developing your coaching skills and techniques.

Workshops include:

  • Getting your head around the rules
  • Sail and rig tuning made easy
  • Getting the best from race training exercises afloat
  • Dogs off chains- exercises and routines for race training when you can't get on the water
  • The Camera never lies- improving your video technique

    Venues:

    April 20th

    • Royal Corinthian Yacht Club- Burnham on Crouch
    • Southampton Water Activity Centre
    • West Lancashire Sailing Club
    April 28th
    • Queen Mary Sailing Club
    October 19th/20th
    • Annual Topmark Conference- Wyboston Lakes (nr Grafham)
    Contact suzie.creak@rya.org.uk for applications forms.

    See also: ERICSON 28+ SD for sale

  • ERICSON 28+

    Boat: ERICSON 28+

    Builder: Ericson Yachts

    Designer: Bruce King

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    75th Star Class Bacardi Cup in Miami - Day 2 Team GBR Report


    Author: Royal Yachting Association

    More than 90 teams comprised of many the world's top sailors lined up on day one to compete for the prestigious Trofeo Bacardi 2002. Among them, defending Bacardi Cup Champion, Peter Bromby of Bermuda, with his crew Martin Seise; 2000 Olympic Gold Medallists and World Champions, Mark
    Reynolds and Magnus Liljedahl; and Americas Cup veterans Paul Cayard and Phil Trinter. Not forgetting our own British 'Stars', Olympic Finn Gold Medallist, Iain Percy sailing with Steve Mitchell, and 49er Silver Medallist, Ian Barker, sailing with newcomer, Ed Peel.

    Early morning showers abated just in time for the noon start of the 75th Annual Bacardi Cup Star-Class Regatta. Sailing began in perfect conditions for the Star fleet, 8-10 knots and sunshine, although it took a while for the fleet to get off the start line. After four general recalls, the fleet got underway on the fifth attempt on a black flag start (meaning that any boat over would be instantly disqualified). Foss Miller and Greg Newhall of Vashon, Washington, came from behind to win the first race of the world-class six-day sailing competition on Miami's Biscayne Bay.

    A good start to the regatta for RYA team GBR sailor, Ian Barker, who finished in 8th place in the highly competitive 90 boat fleet. After a bad first beat, Barker managed to pull up from 60th place at the first mark to finish in the top 10.

    "We didn't do a lot wrong after the first beat and pulled up through the fleet. The biggest gains were on the last run where myself and Cayard in particular, pulled through in extra pressure and several contenders were caught on the wrong side of the run and lost plenty, notably, last years
    Bacardi Cup winners, Peter Bromby, and Olympic Champion, Mark Reynolds". Commented Barker.

    Teammate Iain Percy, had an unfortunate day after being one of the many caught on the wrong side of a shift that saw him drop out of the top ten into 31st position.

    Day two brought very different conditions for the fleet. A challenging cold front coming across Biscayne Bay gave Bacardi Cup veterans skipper Mark Reynolds and his crew Magnus Liljedahl a chance to show off their sailing abilities on the second day of racing. Reynolds and Liljedhal, took Monday's race in winds of 20 knots and gusts of 22 knots.

    Team GBR sailors, Iain Percy and Steve Mitchell made a dramatic improvement on their 31st place from the first day, to finish in second place behind the Olympic Gold Medallists. "The course is a lot longer than the Finn course that I am used to, so we are very happy to have finished in second place, especially after our result yesterday". Commented Percy.

    Ian Barker showed that he is learning the skill of Star sailing, posting his second result inside the top ten, finishing in seventh place. "The offshore breeze today was really shifty. We made a small error up the first beat, but from then on we sailed well". Commented Barker.

    The Bacardi Cup concludes on Friday March 8, with competitors sailing one race a day.

    Top Ten Results after Day 2: (2 races)


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    ERICSON 27

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    2nd Dart Pro-Am training at Grafham Water Sailing Club


    Author: Bob Carter

    The second race of the Grafham Pro-Am training programme got underway in the afternoon of Sunday 3 March. 8 Dart 15s lined up with one Dart 16 on a mild afternoon with a force 2-3 Westerly breeze. The canny Grafham Cat sailors had done their duty at the Alexandra Palace Dinghy Show on the Dart 15 stand on Saturday so that they could go sailing on Sunday. The amateurs (Ams) were paired up with the Pros (or hot shots), who were to help them round the first lap and the course was a large trapezoidal course with a port biased start line.

    In pole position on the start was the Dart 16 of Tom & Stu Tinner being coaxed into a good start by their Pro, Chris Black. Keith Ball was in hot pursuit under the watchful eye of Bob Carter and the other boats were a little further back. The race officers (Assymetric experts John & Ginney Evans plus Dave Chadwick) were noticeably bemused by the pairing up of competitors and the shouting and coaching which was going on in the middle of the, usually serious, Grafham Club Racing.

    Keith Ball stole the initiative with an early tack and was first to the windward mark, closely followed by the Tinners on the Dart 16. The unencumbered Steve Petts (he had no Pro nor Am) was next after the first two pairs. The reach was fairly uneventful but there then followed a long-long straight downwind run. Keith Ball was away in the lead, but the different angles sailed by the Dart 16 was a real challenge for coach Chris Black and the bellows could be heard across the water when the broad reaching angles were less than perfect. This gave Frank Sandells guided by hot shot, George Carter, the opportunity to make big gains by running straight down wind. Martin Holmes also made up distance with Philip Howden nagging him on to go faster at every opportunity.

    At the end of the first lap it was Keith Ball closely followed by Bob Carter who had a healthy lead. Steve Petts was third but Frank Sandells had caught right up with George Carter egging him on to go faster all the while. Next was Martin Holmes and Phillip Howden and finally the Tinners and Chris Black.

    With lap 1 duly completed the Pros were released from their charges and the race was on to the finish. This gave the Ams further opportunity to learn as the experts sailed by and the Pros had to make sure the exercise had not harmed their result which still count in the series.

    In the main justice was done as George Carter got back to first place, just ahead of Bob Carter. Steve Petts probably gained most as he was 3rd above his ranking followed by Philip Howden and Chris Black. Then came the Ams in the following order: Tinners, Keith Ball, Martin Holmes and Frank Sandells.

    Once again everyone felt they had learned from the exercise and that it was fun. Mixing the fleet up like that for a lap and then having to recover the situation avoids the precession, which often occurs and even the Pros are enjoying it.

    The fleet now look forward to the last event of Dart 15 Winter Traveller Series, which is at Grafham on Sunday 10 March and the next pro Am training race on 7 April.

    Event Photos: (© Bob Carter, click thumbnail for full picture)



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    ERICSON 26

    Boat: ERICSON 26

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    Geronimo now off Brazil in Jules Verne attempt


    Author: Rйgis Rassouli, Riva Com

    Early yesterday afternoon, the Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Schneider Electric trimaran was already heading for the north-west point of Brazil, thanks to the light trade winds now blowing from the east-south-east. At some 550 nautical miles from the South American continent, Geronimo was skimming
    majestically over the waves of the South Atlantic at over 15 knots. Despite the light weather conditions "that should continue for a little longer" according to the Trophйe Jules-Verne record holder, Geronimo seems decidedly at ease at this excellent pace and has clocked up another 344 miles on her log counter in the last 24 hours. On learning that Bruno Peyron will set off again on his record attempt, Olivier's comment was: "This new attempt by Orange will have no effect on our round the world strategy and the only meaningful comparison between our respective courses will be the time we are both trying to beat - the 71 days, 14 hours, 22 minutes and 8 seconds set in 1997"

    Message received by the control centre on the evening of 27 February:

    We're finally out of the glue, but with a bit of a hangover from days of being becalmed. We had a bit too much of it and we're all on our knees. Neither the time nor the heart to celebrate crossing the line or - as far as half the crew are concerned - to create those everlasting memories that the
    navies of the world concoct with their extravagant recipes. Gloomy, tired and almost humiliated by such impotence. Four crappy days stuck like glue - I haven't seen anything like it for twenty years.
    Not happy, not in a good mood.

    Fed up with the quiet, too: nothing to do, we№ve done it all. Fed up with not being able to control my anger long enough to appreciate the sublime sight of Geronimo making the most of each breath and sparkling in the moonlight.

    With my eyes glued to the clock, I was so busy watching that I didn№t see this extraordinary wind dancer skimming over the black sea. Washed by the returning wind, I now remember it and I realise that I was touched by a glorious moment that I didn't dare to grasp.

    More Information:

    • www.grandsrecords.com

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    ERICSON 25+ SD

    Boat: ERICSON 25+ SD

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    Speed Sails at the Sailboat & Windsurf Show this weekend


    Author: Richard Estaugh, Speed Sails

    Speed Sails will be at this weekends Sailboat & Windsurf Show at Ally Pally in force. With the largest retail stand in the show they will be offering a vast range of clothing and fittings with many never to be repeated special offers. With the cold weather continuing into the start of the season we have a massive range of drysuits on offer from all the leading manufacturers. Check out our prices before you buy.

    The full range of other sailing equipment will also be available from suppliers such as Crewsaver, Gill, Musto, Gul and Magic Marine.

    After it’s success last year we will again have a large fittings area allowing you to stock up on any bits you might need to super charge your boat for the start of the season. Whether it is a shackle a compass or some new sheets Speed Sails is the place to find them.

    If your shopping is already finished then have a look at the range of Speed Sails Racing dinghies that are on show, or the many suits of our sails that will be around the show. We will have our own GP14 Enterprise, Albacore, Hornet and miracle on display. There will also be the chance to get advise on tuning the many different boats and discuss that possible purchase of a new set of sails or boatcover.

    With some excellent discounts for the weekend and with free delivery there’s some big savings to be had.

    All in all it’s a weekend not to be missed and we look forward to seeing you there.

    More Information:

    • www.speedsails.co.uk

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    ERICSON 25 CB

    Boat: ERICSON 25 CB

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    Tracy Edwards launches the Maiden II project


    Author: Mark Bullingham

    Sailing legend Tracy Edwards is to take on the world again. The pioneer of all female sailing projects has acquired the record breaking 110 foot maxi-catamaran Club Med, renamed it Maiden II, re-formed her crew of expert women sailors, and is about to embark on a challenging three year programme which includes participation in both the Jules Verne Trophy and The Race.

    The team's attempt to create a new circumnavigation record and win the Jules Verne will take place in 2003. The following year her team - a specially formed mixed crew - will compete in the newly announced second running of The Race.

    This makes Maiden II the first project to declare its intention to enter the next non-stop, no limits race around the world which proved so successful when it was first run. The inaugural event was won by the boat she now owns, just over a year ago.

    When Edwards sets out on the Jules Verne attempt, it will be unfinished business for her and most of her female crew following their dismasting in 1998 on Royal & Sun Alliance. At the time the team was ahead of schedule in their bid to break the round the world record. That crushing disappointment will be set aside by a successful navigation this time.

    Edwards, who first came to fame in the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Race leading the Maiden project, explained the reason why the team are trying again to become the first ever all-female crew to sail around the world non stop and to break the round the world record. "It was after we
    had lost the mast on Royal & Sun Alliance that I heard one of the crew members say "you know the next time we do this..." I was then reminded of the tremendous courage, fortitude and determination of my incredible and unbeatable crew. This is unfinished business for myself and all but one of the Maiden II team. We knew then that we had to go again.

    "We have bought the best boat for the challenge and we have a tremendously talented and experienced crew. We're confident that we could beat the current record by at least 10 days."

    Maiden II has secured initial funding to allow the project to purchase 'Club Med' but the project has now started a sponsorship search to secure the funding for the three year project. Negotiations are underway with a number of terrestrial television broadcasters, with an announcement expected within the next fortnight that will assist the sponsorship search.

    Project Manager Howard Gibbons outlined the reason for choosing Club Med. "Club Med is the best boat available for a round the world record. She has a proven track record, having won The Race and twice broken the 24 hour run speed record. We've conducted an extensive survey and she's in good shape."

    Edwards, the Sailing Director of Maiden II, has assembled the most experienced international all-female crew ever. The following have already signed up to the project: Emma Richards (UK), Helena Darvelid (SWE), Adrienne Cahalan (AUS), Sam Davies (UK), Miranda Merron (UK), Frederique Brule (FRA), Miki von Koskull (FIN), Emma Westmacott (UK), Sharon Ferris (NZ), Hannah Harwood (UK) and Anne Monmousseau (FRA).

    Five more women sailors will be recruited to complete the Jules Verne crew during the course of the next few months' sailing programme.

    The French multi-hull sailor Bruno Peyron, first holder of the Jules Verne Trophy, and founder of the Race, endorses the Maiden II project: "I am delighted that Tracy and her crew will sail again for the Jules Verne Trophy. She has a good boat and I am sure they will do very well.

    "Now that we know they plan to be in The Race in 2004, I also hope that we will be rivals sailing against one another," said the skipper of Orange, sister maxi-cat to Maiden II, currently on standby to start a Jules Verne circumnavigation next month, and who is also planning a campaign for The Race."

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    Sunday, April 17, 2011

    ERICSON 23-2 CB

    Boat: ERICSON 23-2 CB

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    Ampletronic is communication supplier to GBR Challange


    Author: Mark Bullingham

    AMPETRONIC ANNOUNCED AS EXCLUSIVE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM SUPPLIER TO GBR CHALLENGE

    Peter Harrison's GBR Challenge is pleased to announce Ampetronic Ltd as the exclusive supplier of crew communication systems to the team for it's America's Cup bid in 2002 - 2003.

    Ampetronic will provide GBR Challenge with an advanced crew communication system, based on Induction Loop Technology, which offers cablefree communication with high intelligibility speech during highly demanding circumstances such as America's Cup Class racing. Ampetronic are working
    exclusively with GBR Challenge to develop a system which will not be made available by Ampetronic to any other America's Cup syndicate.

    Induction loop systems were originally designed for hearing aid users to assist in improving their hearing in the presence of ambient noise. A member of the NZ team, winners of the of the America's Cup in 2000, wore a hearing aid and this led to developments resulting in hearing aids being worn by the rest of the crew, improving communications on board.

    Ampetronic are now working exclusively with GBR Challenge tactician Jules Salter & Mark Sheffield to take Induction Loop Technology to the extreme in order to develop a high quality on board communication system. A maximum of three crew members will wear a microphone with the majority of the crew listening in. About two thirds of the crew need to wear an ear piece which will enable them to carry out their jobs without having to constantly look out for hand signals, ensuring immediate communication and potentially saving vital seconds.

    Commenting on Ampetronic's involvement, Jules Salter said, "The importance of good communication on board the boat is becoming more and more apparent during our daily training on the Hauraki Gulf. Together with Ampetronic we are developing a system which will ensure that communication between the
    crew is stepped up by several levels which can only improve the way the team works as a whole."

    Ampetronic Ltd is a family business started in early 1987, which entered the market for Audio Induction Loop systems in late 1988. Within a year Ampetronic became the dominant manufacturer and technology leader in this industry with an extensive export market throughout many countries. In 2000, Ampetronic provided extensive systems for the Sydney Olympics facilities and the equipment is used in many other prestigious places where assistive listening is needed.

    Leon Pieters, Managing Director of Ameptronic commented, "We are delighted to join GBR Challenge as sponsors for their America's Cup campaign. We are working on extending the technology envelope to supply the crew with a leading-edge capability communication system which satisfies all the
    regulatory requirements and the developments so far are very exciting."

    More Information:

    • Yachts & Yachting Online GBR Challenge Page
    • YachtsandYachting.com America's Cup Page

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    ERICSON 23-1

    Boat: ERICSON 23-1

    Builder: Ericson Yachts

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    Cathy Foster to co-ordinate Sailability Disabled Nationals


    Author: Royal Yachting Association

    Queen Mary (West London)25-26 May 2002

    Former Olympic sailor and internationally respected coach Cathy Foster has teamed up with RYA Sailability to provide important event support to competitors at their National Championships. She will be available to provide advice on entry and classification issues before the regatta and
    provide coaching and performance analysis during the event. Cathy will be working closely with Chris Simon, the Event Director.

    The organisers are particularly keen that everyone taking part enjoys a
    positive experience of competitive sailing in order to generate more
    interest in racing at local and regional level. The event is a good
    opportunity for any disabled sailors looking to develop their talents with a
    view to progressing on to the Paralympic squad.

    The Notice of Race (including entry forms) will be issued in February and
    will automatically be sent to all those who have registered an interest and
    to Groups, Clubs and Class Associations. Copies will also be available from
    RYA Sailability at Eastleigh; 02380 627431, and through RYA Sailability
    Regional Organisers. Any queries on entry and classification requirements
    should be made to Cathy Foster who can be contacted on; 01590 682007, Mobile
    07771 784441 or E-mail; CathyFoster@compuserve.com

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    EQUIPE

    Boat: EQUIPE

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    2002 Winter Warm Up at Datchet Water Sailing Club - Week 3


    Author: Huw Pearce

    Sunday 17th Feb saw competitors arriving to a fog bound reservoir with a Force 2-3 blowing from the West! As time got closer to scheduled race time the fog lifted and lifted until by race time the whole reservoir could be seen but the wind had dropped slightly. Also the wind direction was moving
    about more than the Race Officer would have liked so he radioed ashore and
    asked that the competitors be advised that there was going to be a short
    delay in starting racing. The Race Officer quickly decided that this was to
    be a day to pick a course and get the competitors sailing; so after another
    radio message ashore, competitors were advised to launch and racing started
    only 20 minutes late.

    After two weeks of strong winds it was going to be a day for perhaps
    different competitors to show their sailing skill in the much lighter
    fluctuating wind.

    The wind continued to drop and the direction fluctuated so that competitors
    had plenty to think about. The Race Team decided to 'shorten course' for all
    competitors after 2 laps and they also hoisted 'AP over H' to let them know
    to go ashore and await further instructions.

    Shortly after the last competitor finished after 1hr & 54minutes the Race
    Team made the announcement that there would be no more racing today.
    Competitors were advised that the Race Team might consider running three
    races next week to recover today's lost race.

    Asymmetric View (by Charles Walters, B14-732)

    Light wind asymmetric sailing is a different sport to the breezy conditions of the first 2 weekends of the w/warm up. New faces at the front of the fleet were testimony both to the absence of other race winners and to the fact that there were indeed some new quality racers in the fleet. Just over
    20 boats started, and in the light winds those that crossed the line with momentum broke free of the rest. A slow lift to starboard favoured those on the right of the course (although it was pretty easy to track, so most competitors were right side there, or there abouts by halfway up the beat towards Windsor castle). At the mark, another lift on starboard tack made sure that the B14 of Luke McCuan, (I think that's who it was - he was too far in front to see properly!) and a Boss who doesn't appear on the results were firmly glued to the back of the leading 49er bunch. L4000's followed, Bosses, and the B14 of Charlie W and Nick Haylett struggling to make up ground after a really shocking start (does DFL mean anything to you?).

    The wind remained reasonably steady on the run, again rewarding those who were able to track/hunt the gusts the best. The second beat was a rerun of the first, so most people went right, although the right hand side didn't actually gain until, the last 200 yards into the windward mark.

    The final run was a tense affair, as fortunes ebbed and flowed with each individual gust. The race was won by - not a 49er...!! The leading B14 had closed up on the 49ers down the final run to take the win, although the 49ers finished 2,3,4. Charlie and Nick had perfected their Houdini act to get through to claim 5th - although that did require huge slices of fortune down the final run. As usual the 4000's followed closely behind Charlie and Nick in the B14, although Paul Robinson was not the winner on this occasion - Andy Palmer-Felgate took the honours in that fleet, with 6th
    overall. Then the wind switched off, and to the frustration of the slower boats, the last run seemed to take forever.

    The PRO's good call to bin the second race was greeted enthusiastically by all - hopefully we will see an interesting finale next week, with the possibility of 3 races that would bring in the 2nd discard.

    Overall Manuala and Marc must still be favourites if we get far enough to gain the second discard, as they have usually finished in the top 3.

    However Charlie and Nick seem to be toughing it out reasonably, with a series of 3rd's, 4ths and 5ths (and a 4 point lead). The 4000's are still pretty wide open, although Andy Palmer-Felgate has moved to within striking distance (3 points) of Paul Robinson. Could be pretty close in the scramble for both sets of chocolates - especially if we get in all three races next Sunday.

    More Information:

    • Datchet Water Sailing Club

    See also: EOLIA 25 for sale

    ANNAPOLIS 30

    Boat: ANNAPOLIS 30

    Builder:

    Designer: Philip Rhodes

    More: ANNAPOLIS 30 Specifications

    News:

    SEB has arrived in Chile - the new mast is underway


    Author: Anette Bargel

    The Swedish boat SEB has today retired from the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race due to losing her rig last week. The boat and crew have now arrived in Punta Arenas in Chile. Here SEB will be loaded onboard a cargo ship for further transport to Rio de Janeiro, the starting location of leg five of the race.

    "The important things right now is stepping the new rig, repairing the damages on the boat, and most of all; looking after the crew and mentally recharging ourselves for the remaining five legs of the race" skipper Gurra Krantz reports from Punta Arenas.

    Early this morning the crew started SEB's engine to motor the last bit up to Punta Arenas through the Magellan Strait. Tomorrow the cargo ship that will transport SEB up to Rio de Janeiro arrives. The spare mast, which Team SEB has had stored in Gothenburg, will be air freighted to Rio.

    "It has been a challenge organizing all the onshore logistics since the mast broke and we are working around the clock to solve the logistics of all the transports" Pelle Norberg, Managing Director for the syndicate company within Team SEB comments.

    SEB's crew will on Sunday fly from Punta Arenas to Rio de Janeiro and the cargo ship with SEB onboard is estimated to arrive there on February 24th.

    The fifth leg of Volvo Ocean Race is bound for Miami and starts Saturday the 9th of March.

    More Information:

    • YachtsandYachting.com Volvo Ocean Race Information Page
    • www.VolvoOceanRace.org

    See also: EO 36 for sale

    EO 32

    Boat: EO 32

    Builder: Young Sun (TAIWAN)

    Designer: Edward S. Brewer

    More: EO 32 Specifications

    News:

    2002 Acura SORC to host the Farr 40 U.S. Nationals


    Author: Shawn McBride

    With three former World Champions among the more than 20 Farr 40s already registered at the 2002 Acura SORC, the event has been designated as host of the 2002 North Sails Farr 40 U.S. National Championship by the Farr 40 Class Executive Committee. The Acura SORC will be raced off Miami Beach, March 6-10, 2002, and once again features racing on ocean courses with all shore-side activities headquartered at the Miami Beach Marina.

    "We're excited that the Acura SORC has been designated as the site of the Farr 40 U.S. National Championship," said Scott MacLeod, senior vice president of event manager Octagon. "This distinction reinforces the image of the Acura SORC as the premier winter ocean racing classic."

    Among the boats already confirmed to compete in the Farr 40 competition at the Acura SORC are defending U.S. National Champion and perpetual trophy winner Heartbreaker, owned by Bob Hughes and Wally Tsuha of Michigan; 1999 World Champion and defending Acura SORC Farr 40 champion Samba Pa Ti, owned by John Kilroy of California; 1998 World Champion and 2001 Acura SORC runner-up Barking Mad, owned by Jim Richardson of Boston, Massachusetts; and 2000 World Champion and 2001 runner-up Southern Star, owned by Australian John Calvert-Jones.

    Title sponsorship of the Farr 40 National Championship has already been secured from North Sails. North Sails will sponsor a party for the Farr 40 owners and crew on Saturday, March 9, at 55 The Restaurant in the Savoy Hotel, during the Acura SORC.

    With additional entries expected from 1D35, J/105, Mumm 30, and Melges 24 classes, the Acura SORC will provide a one-design class start to five or more boats of the same class. There will also be racing for handicap classes including IMS and PHRF.

    First-come, first-serve docking is available at the Miami Beach Marina by call (305) 673-6000. To register online and for more information about the 2002 Acura SORC visit www.acurasorc.com

    See also: ENTERPRISE for sale

    ENSIGN

    Boat: ENSIGN

    Designer: Carl Alberg

    More: ENSIGN Specifications

    News:

    Limited places remaining in top new sailing event


    Author: Giles White

    Entries have been pouring in from around the country for the Yachts & Yachting One Design Championship. Places are now limited on some of the qualifying weekends and those contemplating entry are advised to secure their team's place immediately. The first prize is worth over Ј18,000...
    well worth the Ј95 per person/Ј665 per team entry fee!

    There will be on-the-water coaching on the qualifying weekends by professional race coaches "Sailgurus" who boast top sailors Hugh Styles and Chris Draper amongst their team. More news on this exciting event will be released soon - check this site regularly to ensure you are one of the first to know.

    See pages 5 & 82 of the latest issue of Yachts & Yachting magazine (on sale from Friday 15 Feb) or click the link below for more details.

    Alternatively, contact Sea Ventures on 01590 647321 to request an entry form.

    More Information:

    • One Design Championship Overview & Dates
    • Entry Form (PDF Format - Please PRINT & POST TO SEA VENTURES)
    • Notice of Race
    • Sailgurus Website
    • Lymington Town Sailing Club

    See also: ENSENADA 20 for sale

    Saturday, April 16, 2011

    ENDURANCE 44

    Boat: ENDURANCE 44

    Builder:

    Designer: Peter A. Ibolt

    More: ENDURANCE 44 Specifications

    News:

    Scott Bader Laser Series at Royal Western Yacht Club Week 3


    Author: Colin Cotton

    Course South Mallard - West Mallard - Dead Mans Bay

    Race 1: Wind SW 12 Knots, Sea Choppy, Dull & overcast but dry

    Lasers (20 starters)

    The fleet got away on time with Nick Malein making an immaculate start from the line followed by Richard King and Daniel Flanagan. Ralph Weller start was too early and he had to return and restart meaning he could only finish 16th. At the end of the beat to S Mallard first time Paul Ellis had taken the lead with Richard Davis taking second Andrew Burgess third. At the end of round one the positions remained the same. On the second beat to S Mallard Ellis held on to the lead as a result of expert covering Neil Trathen had taken second and King third. The broad reach to DMB caused
    several alarming rolls and a few Swims.


    Laser Radials (2 starters)


    PosHelmClub
    1stGraham FrickersM S C

    Race 2: (course as race 1, wind SW 20-24 knots)

    First away in race 2 was Daniel Flanagan closely pursued by David Jephcott of the host club. At South mallard the fleet had sorted itself out and Ellis had retaken the lead followed by Jephcott On the reach to W Mallard positions remained the same by Dead mans bay Ellis led with King taking
    second. On the final beat for the day to S Mallard Ellis repeated his covering of lap 1 King remaining in contention. On the final broad reach Ellis held on to finish ahead of Nick Malein who used all his downwind skill is to pass King taking Daniel Flanagan with him and relegating King to 4th.


    PosHelmClub
    1stPaul EllisSalcombe S C
    2ndNick MaleinW Q S C
    3rdDaniel FlanaganR Y A
    4thRichard KingPaignton S C

    Overall positions after 6 races:


    PosHelmPts
    1stPaul Ellis6
    2ndAndrew Burgess33
    3rdNeil Trathen42
    4thRoger Irvine43

    See also: ENDURANCE 38 for sale

    ENDURANCE 35

    Boat: ENDURANCE 35

    More: ENDURANCE 35 Specifications

    News:

    Volvo Ocean Race Leg 4 - Fast and wet at Cape Horn


    Author: Volvo Ocean Race Media

    With the leading boats now less than a 100 miles away from Cape Horn, the forecast conditions appear that it will give a fast, but very wet rounding. Winds are currently in from the west at around 20 – 25 knots and are expected to back into the north and increase to 40 knots, giving the V.O. 60s one of their wettest points of sailing. As the fleet then approaches the Falkland Islands, a further 350 miles, the next major tactical decision will be whether to take the inside route or the offshore route. This will depend on the wind speeds and direction, as the boats get closer to the Falklands.

    illbruck with around 65 nautical miles to go to Cape Horn has gained another 13 miles on Amer Sports One, in second place, in the last six hours. Tyco, however, has gained on News Corp and with less than one mile separating them, this will make the gains and losses over the next six hours crucial for third place.

    Amer Sports Too now has around 660 nautical miles before she reaches Cape Horn.

    Position Report: Leg 4, Day 15, 0413 GMT


    More Information:

    • YachtsandYachting.com Volvo Ocean Race Information Page
    • www.VolvoOceanRace.org

    See also: ENDURANCE 35 for sale

    ENDEAVOURCAT 30

    Boat: ENDEAVOURCAT 30

    More: ENDEAVOURCAT 30 Specifications

    News:

    Volvo Ocean Race Leg 4 - SEB loses mast in Southern Ocean


    Author: Volvo Ocean Race Media

    Southern Ocean Claims First Victim

    Between 0630 GMT and 0640 GMT this morning, SEB lost her mast after it broke just above the boom. The crew had to cut the rig free and abandon it, but they managed to keep the boom which was broken and a spinnaker boom, also broken. The crew is safe and the boat is not damaged; a jury rig has been built and it will be improved at later stage.

    It all happened in a 28-knot breeze while doing 17 knots of boat speed,
    approximately 1250 miles from Cape Horn at approximately 58.12S 106.47W.

    In a first message from the boat, skipper Gurra Krantz wrote: "We will
    await day light to be able to check that nothing is caught on the prop and
    then start the engine."

    Speaking from Sweden, Pelle Norberg, Managing Director for the syndicate
    company within Team SEB said: "This is of course a very sad situation for
    us, but the most important thing in a situation like this one is that the
    crew and boat are safe."

    The crew now plan to continue sailing under jury-rig to the closest
    available port in South America to conduct repairs.

    SEB, racing on the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race is presently in the
    Southern Ocean, en route for Cape Horn on the southern tip of South
    America, is currently in sixth position overall in the race.

    The other yachts continue racing. Amer Sports Too is the only yacht west
    of SEB and could be diverted in case assistance is needed.

    More Information:

    • YachtsandYachting.com Volvo Ocean Race Information Page
    • www.VolvoOceanRace.org

    See also: ANNAPOLIS 26 for sale

    A CLASS CATAMARAN

    Boat: A CLASS CATAMARAN

    More: A CLASS CATAMARAN Specifications

    News:

    John Merricks Tiger Trophy at Rutland Sailing Club Report


    Author: Dick Sanders

    FULL SERIES COMPLETED IN TEETH OF GALE – 29ers ON TOP

    The 9th Rutland Challenge for the John Merricks Tiger Trophy was held at Rutland Sailing Club in a week-end when all other major regattas were cancelled because of gale force winds. The Rutland ‘micro-climate’ still delivered 35 mph gusts earlier on Saturday but despite an hours postponement, the full three races were completed in an average 20 to 25 mph south westerly ‘breeze’. The excellent safety cover and the nature of this inland ‘sea’ enabled Dave Wilkins, the Race Officer and Club Commodore and his team to post full results from a majority of the 130 boat fleet.

    Average lap times, corrected for handicap, are used on the first day to get an overall ranking and one discard is allowed. Using average lap times meant that all boats were finished within about 10-15 minutes, or 8-12 boats per minute (one every 5 seconds) All boats raced a standard trapezoid course with the windward mark set in front of the clubhouse. The fleet was divided into fast and slow starts. Day two consists of a traditional pursuit race which is not discardable and there is a cash prize of Ј1000 for the boat that wins all four races. The only other ‘Challenge’ of the week-end is the TIGER DINNER, a full black-tie bash where the sponsors beer is sold at Ј1 per pint.
    Race 1, sailed in the windiest conditions of the weekend saw six 420’s in the top ten with a win for Ben Field and Nick Hutton (Royal Thames) from Alex Cherry and Paul Campbell-James, both in 420’s.Two 470,s a 505 and the 29er of Alec Hopson and Nick Murphy made up the others. Gusts frequently caused carnage at or around mark 3, (gybe mark). On a couple of occasions, they went down like a pack of cards. Rescue was stretched but coped with around 10 ribs and mother ships in action continuously making sure that nobody was in the water too long.

    As the wind abated, the relative performance of the 420/470 was overtaken by the ‘new kids on the block’. Race 2 had five 29ers in the top ten including Hopson and Murphy as well as three Vortex and the 505 of Mike Hart and Matt Toone (Shotley). The 29er of Steven Wilson and John Garth from West Kirby won after having had two OCS’s in the previous races. The leading 420 of Nick Asher and Elliot Willis was tenth.

    As the wind strength continued to drop, the pattern in race 2 repeated itself in race 3 with a win for Keith Escritt in a Vortex, one of three in the top ten finishers along with Phil Whitehead (Grimwith) and brother Ian . Clive Goodwin and Douglas Powell from Brightlingsea lead the three top ten 470’s with Jonathan Frazer and J Clegg from Hayling Island SC taking up the 29er charge with Hopson and Murphy being OCS’d. Hart and Toone’s 505 maintained a top ten finish and were joined in 10th place by Richard Stenhouse from Rutland SC in a Musto Skiff.

    As the fleet prepared for the Tiger Dinner challenge, the overall positions at the end of day one saw the Vortex of Keith Eskritt leading on 3 points with the two 29ers of Hopson and Frazer in second and third and the 470 of Goodwin in 4th place.

    Jim Saltonstall MBE, the original ‘Ferret Master’ of the UK Youth Squad was Guest of Honour at the TIGER DINNER. He was presented with a painting, depicting a nautically dressed ferret by former Youth Squad members before he recounted some memories of John Merricks and his capacity for ‘fun’ as well as fast sailing. He finished by reporting on the work of the trust and its desire to be contacted by young sailors who can make a case for financial support in pursuing their sport. An auction of Jim’s personal ID flag from the Olympics, signed by all the sailing squad was auctioned and Ј500 was raised from this alone. Ian Walker, Sailing Manager of GBR Challenge and John’s former sailing partner, sent a welcoming video message from the Squad practicing in Auckland, the TIGER beer provided by the sponsors, Everards, flowed all evening and the music was provided by ‘FUNKMASTER WULI’.

    Day two, Sunday had wind conditions similar to the previous day. A two hour pursuit race (where boats set off according to their handicap number with the slowest going first, the winner being the boat that covers the greatest distance in the set time) had a long course set, using the south arm and main pond of Rutland Water. This gave something for everybody, long beats, fast and furious reaches and tactical downwind legs .with much of it fully visible from the new clubhouse for the benefit of the many supporters. The fleet was lead away by the GP 14 of Mike Senior and Jonathon Sinclaire (Bolton) but they were soon caught by the Enterprises acclimatising for their World Championships in Goa and then by the 420 fleet. The front of the 29er fleet was lead by Hopson and Murphy and they overhauled the 420 back markers just after the first hour while the B14 of Dave Hall and Ali Sutter, the Vortex’s of the Eskritt brothers the 470 fleet lead by Guy Tipton and Tom Trueman (Oxford SC) and the 505 of Mike Hart worked their way through the 29ers. With one and a half minutes to go to the 1pm finish, Hopson and Murphy (29er) finally caught the 420 of Asher and Willis to win the handicap Pursuit and the overall trophy. Frazer and Cleggs (29er) 5th place ensured the overall runner up and Jenny Taylor and Sarah Allen (29er Leigh & Lowton) finishing 6th gave them the ‘Lady Tiger’ Trophy. Although six 420’s finished the pursuit in the top ten, it was not sufficient to fend of the Vortex of Keith Escritt who finished 3rd overall with a block of three 420’s lead by Asher and Willis in 4th to 6th Ian Escritt (Vortex) in 7th and three 470’s lead by Clive Goodwin and Douglas Powell who won the John Merricks Memorial Trophy as the leading 470.
    Prizes were presented by Johns mother Joan and appreciating applause was given to the race team and particularly to the rescue team who’s hard work had enabled the event to have a successful conclusion.

    More Information:

    • John Merricks Sailing Trust
    • Rutland Sailing Club

    See also: ENDEAVOUR 54 for sale

    ENDEAVOUR 51 WK

    Boat: ENDEAVOUR 51 WK

    Builder:

    Designer:

    More: ENDEAVOUR 51 WK Specifications

    News:

    2002 Miami Olympic Classes Regatta - Day 3


    Author: Barby MacGowan

    Racing Cancelled for Day Three at Rolex Miami OCR

    Wind Gods Stop Smiling but Youth Going Strong

    Racing was cancelled today at the Rolex Miami OCR due to lack of breeze, but not before several of the nine Olympic and two Paralympic classes competing here had left the docks and journeyed out to their courses on Biscayne Bay. For other classes, the morning started with postponements ashore, where shelter from sporadic showers and lightning was appreciated.

    "All reports indicate that we should have a freshening breeze this evening that will last for tomorrow," said US SAILING's Olympic Sailing Committee Chairman Fred Hagedorn (Chicago, Ill.). "With two great days of moderate breezes and sunny skies under our belts, we're looking forward to a strong finish for tomorrow's final races."

    Over 400 elite-level athletes competing on 282 boats and representing 26 countries were anything but disappointed about the cancellations. The regatta already has provided at least six races for each class and is proving to be a shot in the arm for developing young talent for future Olympiads, especially for the U.S.

    "The 470 scene is dramatically different from prior years when the field was almost exclusively dominated by veteran teams and complemented by a small number of post-collegiate newcomers," said US Sailing Team coach Skip Whyte. "In the 20-boat fleet at the Rolex Miami OCR, there are five junior teams -- an incredible 25%. Another four teams include current collegiate sailors."

    San Diego sailors Mikee Anderson and Graham Biehl, last year's Junior Olympic 420 champs and sixth-place finishers in the 2001 International 420 Worlds, top the list. Genny Tulloch (Houston, Texas), the 2000 U.S. qualifier for both the single and doublehanded Youth Worlds is here with
    fellow Texan Lindsey Duda (Dallas).

    "They are last-minute additions in an old charter boat, but they are having a blast and learning a ton," said Whyte.

    Also here on a learning journey is 19-year-old Anna Tunnicliffe (Perrysburg, Ohio), who is sailing her first-ever Europe regatta to test the Olympic waters. She currently stands 10th in a 25-boat fleet.

    "I normally sail a Laser Radial," said Tunnicliffe. "I love the Europe because it's more responsive and there are more controls to deal with, so it's more challenging. I plan to do the 2004 Olympic Trials but with an eye toward the 2008 Olympics."

    More Information:

    • Miami Olympic Classes Regatta Website

    See also: ENDEAVOUR 51 for sale

    ENDEAVOUR 43

    Boat: ENDEAVOUR 43

    More: ENDEAVOUR 43 Specifications

    News:

    Volvo Ocean Race Leg 4 - East of the Antipodes Islands


    Author: Volvo Ocean Race Media

    The Volvo Ocean Race fleet is now some 80 nautical miles to the east of the Antipodes Islands at 49 degrees south, still all heading in a southerly direction. At last the weather reports are predicting fresh to strong wind, nearing gale force at times and backing into the southwest. The V.O.60s have been eagerly awaiting this for a few days now, in anticipation of their fast sleigh ride towards Cape Horn.

    The boats are maintaining an east west spread of around 30 miles with Amer Sports Too furthest to the west, along with djuice, and News Corp furthest to the east.

    Keryn Henderson wrote earlier from Amer Sports Too, "There is a real 'calm before the storm' feeling.. The Southern Ocean is about to come and bite us hard".

    Position Report: Leg 4, Day 5, 0410 GMT


    Update from Alby Pratt, News Corp - Racked Out in the Palace

    We are now 5 days into the leg and aboard Team News Corp life is good and conditions are excellent. Compared to the last two starts out of Cape Town and Sydney where we have been hard on the wind in a lot of breeze, this restart has been a dream run. The light running conditions that we have been sailing in since we rounded East Cape, have allowed us to settle into life onboard and get into the watch routine of sailing, eating and sleeping very quickly.

    Life down below has picked up where we left off and everyone is back into their little routines. Justin continues to leave his clothing strewn around the boat from bow to stern; Shreda [Damien Duke] has little bits of power bars or minute packs of nuts stashed into every nook and Barney
    [Walker] has taken up his normal prized bunk in the very stern. This bunk, because of its position at the very back, is the darkest and quietest, which allows for the best sleeping. At the start of every leg someone will say that they are having that bunk this leg, but when the time comes it is "The Barn" who is racked out in the palace.

    The navigation team of Nick [White] and Steve [Hayles] are saying that by midnight tonight we should be in about 30kts of wind, so I better make the most of the easy conditions whilst they are here, as it looks like the conditions are only going to deteriorate from here.

    Update from Paul Cayard, Amer Sports One - Slaving over the Nav Station

    The sailing has been fairly easy and straightforward over the last three days. We performed on manoeuvre in that period, a gybe. Actually that is not correct. You may have heard that we caught our first shark for the trip.. a little 3 footer got whacked by the keel and then landed on our
    propeller strut. We had to stop and let Stefano [Rizzi] our swimmer get him off. Sharky came aboard for a few hours then we gave him a proper burial and put him back in the sea.

    The smooth water and downwind sailing has made for good sleeping conditions for the crew. Inside the boat the house is in good order. Pepe [Ribez], our Spanish bowman, mediaman and safety officer, did a little fibreglass work yesterday just to trick something out. Impressive what these guys can do in the middle of the ocean. Things are neat and not wet inside. How unusual! That will all change soon.

    The wind direction and the forecast have made it favorable for us, and the rest of the fleet, to head straight south. I am sure no round the world fleet has done more miles and not crossed the dateline than this race. Heck, we are going straight over the pole. Forget the icebergs, we'll
    need the huskies. Should have read Shackleton's book instead of Clouds' [Roger Badham] (our meteorologist) book.

    A front is coming in the next 12 hours. We will soon get some southwesterlies and start making some miles toward the Corn (Cayard for Cape Horn). The good news down here is that the miles are cheap. Degrees of longitude have fewer miles in them the further south you go.

    It will be cold in 30 hours. We are expecting 30 knots [wind] from 200 [degrees on the compass]. That is straight off the ice. With 200 wind direction, we will be sailing 90-110 [degrees] true wind angle, so the fire hose will be turned on again...we will see how much I missed that. The Oakley face mask will be on; the survival suit will be the apparel of choice for warmth and safety, the lobster gloves, the industrial strength balaclava, and a few pairs of socks. The harness will be the top layer just to make sure we don't get squirted off the deck, like cigarette butts getting hosed off the sidewalk in front of a Paris cafe at 0500.

    It is starting to feel like the Southern Ocean. Grey and foggy. The birds are starting to appear. Saw our first albi [albatross] today. I have woken up a couple of times to the sound of the water rushing by my head, 3 inches away outside the hull, thinking we were doing 30 [knots boat speed] only to find out that we are doing 11 knots. Can't imagine how we slept doing 25 last time. Guess I will get used to it again. This is all fun for me - the adventure of it all.. bringing back great memories. Plus we have a great race to exercise our minds with.

    I have been grinding away with my routing tools, working with Roger Nilson, our navigator and generally trying not to let Dalton find that I am not just riding around down here playing video games. Honestly, I have been real busy working on the routing, the sail chart and the polars
    [angles for optimum boat speed] for this relatively new team (not as many hours knowing the boat as illbruck obviously). The amount of information now available is unbelievable. Several grib files and 200 weather maps, satellite pictures, and other sources of information, every day. This
    compared to 1 grib file and 10 maps per day last time. You can definitely keep two people busy 24 hours a day analysing this stuff. Luckily Roger, who is 50+, only sleeps 4 hours a day but I, at a youthful 42 still need my 4 hours per day or I get grumpy. So we just have to make do with 42 man hours per day on this stuff.

    Got to get back to looking at the front.

    Update from Stu Bannatyne, illbruck - Jamie Takes a Cold Dip

    January 30 has rolled around again as we crossed over the International Dateline and we have a new lease of life from our biggest bloke, Jamie Gale. He has proven to be a sensation this leg so far and from what we have seen thus far, we are looking forward to what amazing feats he will dazzle us with next.

    He has been moving with the speed and agility of a man half his size, but thankfully his renowned strength has not suffered in the least. He is still the only guy around who can pull code zeros to the masthead solo and then be back on the pumps [grinders for the winches] for a solo grind in the blink of an eye. Always a gentleman he will be the first to offer a round of coffees or to bail the bilge. It was his misfortune to draw galley duty for today (and yesterday due to the aforementioned hiccup in time) not a word of complaint as the dishes were done and the galley left
    spotless for two consecutive days.

    Another fine example of Jamie's newfound dedication and commitment occurred this morning. On discovery of some weed fouling our strut drive Jamie declared emphatically "This is bull****, we are sailing around with weed on, I'm going in. Where are the flippers?" While Ray scrambled for
    the flippers and mask someone casually mentioned the fact that we were approaching the latitude of Stewart Island and the water might be a bit chilly. "No problem," replied Jamie, "As a nipper back in Auckland, I used to dive for scallops in water a lot brassier than this, in winter". Not even a nearby basking seal would put him off as he leapt in, removed the offending weed and was back on board before anyone could even offer him a hand. As he went below to dry off, his parting comment to Crusty was, "Maybe you could go a little slower than 4 knots before sending me in next time?"

    Thank you Jamie.

    Update from Kevin Shoebridge, Tyco - Barometer is dropping

    A disappointing last six hours as we have taken a five mile loss on the fleet. We suspect we had a light period [of wind] for two hours that must have been quite local. We also have had to drop a spinnaker and do another back down. A large 8 foot long piece of kelp around the keel was the culprit.

    The barometer is dropping and we are starting to get increases in breeze making for some nice sailing. long may it continue. The temperature has finally dropped and the sky has turned grey as we are now at 50 south. It's like there is a line you cross and these become the standard
    conditions.

    Plenty of good eating and sleeping conditions at present; we are making the most of it before things become a little more exciting and tense. The fleet is unbelievably close at present and it will be interesting to see the strategies [of the boats] unfold over the next few days.

    Undoubtedly the most enjoyable start to a leg to date - good miles and actually going downwind beats going upwind reefed and with number 4 [jib]. Battling with weed today. We have had three instances we have had to deal with, not easy when doing over 12 knots!

    Update from Knut Frostad, djuice - Waiting for the storm to come...

    It's pretty exiting onboard right now. The last ten hours the wind has slowly been building, knot by knot, as we are fast approaching a big mother of cold fronts flying in from the west. The front is doing about 35 knots right now. We are doing 18-20 knots going south, and very soon we will meet... a 90-degree shift to the left with more wind. Right now we have 30 knots [wind], the big spinnaker and we are quietly surfing down small waves in the darkness. Southern Ocean is certainly like no other place on earth. It's colder, darker, greyer, more fog and very, very wet. It's so wet in the air that your hair is wet after fifteen minutes, and it's not raining right now.

    Inside the boat is stacked to the roof in the stern. Every single food bag is carefully positioned to weather of the rudder, day 26 all the way in the back. Day 6 is closest to the stern watertight hatch and so is crew gear, spare parts, tools, storm sail, light air sail and medical kits. The only thing left up forward is the safety gear, harnesses, survival suits and the oilskins of the guys who are off watch. The standby watch has already started to sleep in their oilskins, as they need to be on deck quickly when things are happening.

    All in all it's an exiting night so far. We just wait and prepare ourselves...

    We have positioned ourselves to the south and west of the fleet, although very close to the others, to take some advantage of the front approaching from the west. However, we don't believe in any big gains, at least short term, as it's not quite such a good course than the guys have to the east. We did have a few knots more wind earlier. Tonight it's more about being prepared and making nice safe manoeuvres, when the mother of fronts is catching us, in a few hours...

    More Information:

    • YachtsandYachting.com Volvo Ocean Race Information Page
    • www.VolvoOceanRace.org

    See also: ENDEAVOUR 42 for sale