Thursday 31 October 2013

Spindrift Racing, maxi trimaran Spindrift2 well ahead of reference time on Discovery Route record attempt

From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:

http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2013/10/francais-canaries-expresses/

There is no time for a warm-up lap for Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard’s maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 in the attempt to beat the Discovery Route record. From the start, the largest racing trimaran in the world has frequently averaged speeds over thirty knots, enjoying the good north wind that has established of the Moroccan coast.The track record for the first 17 hours of the race reflects the formidable efficiency of the boat and its 14-man (and woman) crew, as the long starboard tack taken last night by the giant multihull east of Madeira had this morning placed them almost 180 miles “virtually” ahead of Groupama 3, the distance record holder.

A first gybe, a heavy manoeuvre to change tack was performed shortly after 5:00 am, allowing Dona and Yann from this point to trace an almost direct course, always clear and at high speed toward Gran Canaria, compulsory course mark; the main island of the Canary Islands but be left to starboard, following the same historic route taken by Columbus in the late 15th century. Comparisons stop there – for what took the legendary Genoese navigator’s three caravels more than 6 days to reach Las Palmas, could take Spindrift 2 under 24 hours, if they reach the archipelago tonight. It seems a double gybe will be needed to slip in between Fuerteventura in the east and Gran Canaria to the right, with a bracing wind of over 20 knots from the north-northeast. The initial part of the transatlantic course could therefore continue at a fast pace.  We have the trade winds, and if the sea state allows for an orderly regular swell, the incredible potential of Spindrift 2 should continue showing the high numbers on the speedometer. The first identified weather obstacle comes in the form of areas of transition that will need to be carefully negotiated.

read more here

you can follow their progress on the tracker here

Airplay trimarans RAW30, video released of the boat sailing and folding


Spindrift Racing, maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 departs on Discovery Route record attempt Cadiz to San Salvador

From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:

http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2013/10/top-depart/

Spindrift 2 on the Discovery Route
- Favourable weather window
- Good trade winds and area of transition to negotiate

Spindrift 2 – the world’s largest racing trimaran – crossed the start line on the Discovery Route on Wednesday October 30th at 15 hours, 19 minutes, 34 seconds GMT (16 hours, 19 minutes, 34 seconds French time) on a bid to beat the record between Cadiz – San Salvador in the Bahamas, via the Canaries, set in 2007 by Franck Cammas and the maxi trimaran Groupama 3. Dona Bertarelli, Yann Guichard and the twelve crew members must cross the finish line in under Thursday November 07th, 02 hours, 17 minutes, and 27 seconds (03 hours, 17 minutes, 27 seconds French time) to beat the current record of 7 days, 10 hours, 58 minutes and 53 seconds (21.70 knots of average speed). Following four months of preparations, the Spindrift racing team enter a new phase in the project that was set out by both Dona and Yann. The Discovery Route is indeed a first for the trimaran in terms of races and a first transatlantic adventure for Dona Bertarelli. The Swiss sailor, surrounded by a high-flying team that combines both youth and experience, should benefit from the good weather window.

read more here

and the tracker for the attempt is here

http://spindrift2-decouverte.addviso.org/en

Prince de Bretagne Maxi 80 relaunched after various upgrades the installation of a new central rudder and repairs to the mast canting system

From the following article on the Prince de Bretagne website:

http://www.princedebretagne-mer.com/actualites/324-le-maxi-80-prince-de-bretagne-remis-a-leau

And the rough bing translate below:

After a little more than two months of construction during which Lionel Lemonchois team including repaired the mast tilt system and changed to the central hull, Maxi 80 Prince de Bretagne saffron found his element yesterday in Lorient, before be lying in the aftermath.

"All went perfectly well." Wednesday morning, we delivered sails in place, and by the end of the week, we reconnecterons everything that needs to be, and then we will install the three rudders. In addition, we have a big job of implementing a new simple video system of use which will allow Lionel to optimize his time when it will be at sea " said Arnaud Aubry, the right arm of the Norman skipper, recalling that, in this sense, a second antenna Fleet has recently been installed on the trimaran." Normally, we should attack the first outings at sea as early as next Tuesday. The first five or six navigations will be carried out with a reduced crew. Then, Lionel will lead solo. Rest that Prince de Bretagne is already in configuration 'solitaire' and that even when we are many on board, we décomposerons the manoeuvres as would a man only to ensure everything is working properly before going into 'record' mode 'added Arnaud.

Price de Bretagne Maxi 80 ready to be relaunched 

Wednesday 30 October 2013

35th America's Cup, John Bertrand believes that Bob and Sandy Oatley are the right people to handle the Australian challenge for the America's Cup

From the following Sydney Morning Herald article by Rupert Guinness

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/bob-oatley-has-an-ace-in-the-deck-with-bertrand-ready-to-pitch-in-20131026-2w8ia.html#ixzz2j9fM7NOB

Almost a month has passed since Australian winemaker Bob Oatley and his son Sandy announced their challenge for the America's Cup.

Their timing was fitting, five days after Sydneysider James Spithill steered American Larry Ellison's Oracle Team USA (with fellow Australians Tom Slingsby, Kyle Langford and Joe Newton in the crew) to victory in the 34th America's Cup in San Francisco - a win that fell on the same day that the crew of Alan Bond's Australia II assembled in Sydney to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their historic 1983 win over Dennis Conner's Liberty as first non-American winners.

For that week, sailing in Australia became a household topic. But now the honeymoon is over. And with Oatley's challenge submitted to the Golden Gate Yacht Club by the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, what lies ahead is a campaign that will be long, uncertain and expensive.

read more here

A strong Multi50 lineup poised to contest the 2013 Transat Jacques Vabre

From the following article on BYMnews

http://bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=124588
 
It’s probably the best Multi 50 line up yet lined up in Le Havre, primed and ready to take on the 11th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre. The level of boat design and preparation is higher than ever ready to be driven by some of the most experienced and successful sailors in the fleet, means that this will be one of the most competitive classes.

The partnerships are an interesting mix, some of more recently forged duos match a very experienced co-skipper who runs the programme and has optimised the boat, along with a successful co-skipper coming in from another ocean racing discipline, such as Kito de Pavant and double Solitaire du Figaro winner Yann Eliès. But this race, two handed, is a human challenge as well as a sporting endeavour, often testing the strength and efficiency of the partnership as much as it does the boat itself.

read more here

Multi50's Maitre Jacques and Actual

 

Airplay RAW 30 trimaran more details emerge on sailing this exciting new Tony Grainger design

An update from Scott re: the Airplay RAW 30 trimaran an article on test sailing of the new design can be found here (the viewer takes a little time to load).

https://www.lucidpress.com/documents/viewer/4899-2a00-525d3351-86ca-03f20a009f9e

The first of the RAW 30's will be racing in December's Kings Cup in Thailand. It will be interesting as it will be right out of the box and never raced before. But the early indications look good.... More soon.

RAW30 trimaran in action, Photo Karen Otton

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Transat Jacques Vabre 2013, SailingNews videos on the MOD70 and Multi50 divisions






PIC Insurance brokers 2013 NZ Coastal Classic, wrapup of the race by livesaildie

From the following article on the excellent livesaildie

http://livesaildie.com/coastal-classic-upwind-blast-was-great-adventure-say-sailors/

The PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic has concluded for 2013. With it came new energy and commitment from an enthusiastic major sponsor and a family of supporters, a growing fleet, and the fun, games and challenge that traditionally marks Labour Weekend and launches the season of summer sailing in New Zealand.

The PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic has concluded for 2013. With it came new energy and commitment from an enthusiastic major sponsor and a family of supporters, a growing fleet, and the fun, games and challenge that traditionally marks Labour Weekend and launches the season of summer sailing in New Zealand. 

read more here



Spindrift Racing, maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 set to cross the starting line on Wednesday or Thursday for Discovery route attempt

From the following update on the Spindrift Racing website by Virginie Bouchet:
 
 
The weather window that is coming into play means the Spindrift racing crew can plan for the imminent start of their Discovery Route record attempt. The navigation team has been analysing and refining the best possible time to set off since yesterday. The start, initially planned for tomorrow between 1200hrs and 1600hrs GMT, has been delayed by a few hours.
 
Dona Bertarelli, Yann Guichard and the whole Spindrift racing team have been focused on the weather forecasts since officially entering standby mode for the Discovery Route. They aim to make the most of the few days of the weather window which is opening in their favour. “As we do not have a big margin to beat this record with, each minute and hour we can gain counts; that is why the strategists’ ability lies in finding the most favourable time at which to leave during this opening,” Dona Bertarelli says. Spindrift 2 should cross the virtual start line of the Discovery Route in front of Cadiz on Wednesday or Thursday.

Monday 28 October 2013

Spindrift Racing, maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 prepares to depart with favourable weather window to challenge Discovery Route record

From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:

http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2013/10/francais-route-de-la-decouverte-spindrift-2-sur-le-depart/

Spindrift 2, the world’s largest racing trimaran, and its 14-strong crew, led by Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard, can at last foresee a weather window within the next 24 hours which could launch their attempt to beat the record set between Cadiz and San Salvador (Bahamas). Spindrift 2 has been on standby in Portimao, southern Portugal, since 7 October, waiting to attack the record set by the maxi trimaran Groupama in 2007. The large black and white trimaran is hoping to cross the start line in the bay of Cadiz on Tuesday 29 October around 12:00 GMT.

The three weeks enforced “standby” in Portimao was partly because of the significant collapse of the Azores high-pressure system and the continuous chain of active low-pressure systems hitting the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula.  The high pressure is finally gathering strength and generating sustained North-Easterly winds ideal for the first stage of the crossing towards the Canary Islands.  “This means the trade winds are picking up again,” explains Richard Silvani from Météo France, weather analysis and routing partner to Spindrift 2 on her first great transatlantic challenge. “The Azores high pressure system is moving into the ideal position for Spindrift 2,” he says.

read more here

Sunday 27 October 2013

Heaven Can Wait regatta 2013, unique Lake Macquarie event welcomes multihulls and supports the NSW Cancer Council

From the following article submitted to Sail-World by Mel Steiner

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Heaven-can-wait-charity-sailing-regatta---3-weeks-to-go/116117

Have you got your entry in yet , only 3 weeks to go before the start of the 2013 Heaven can wait charity sailing regatta

If you have not got your entry in, you need to do it now for the following reasons:

·We need to get the handicaps right and the earlier we know who is competing, the better the chances of us getting them right.

·Our promotional material highlights the opportunity to have different divisions for different classes where there are enough entries to support a separate division. In order for us to create separate divisions, we need to what the potential classes are early.

·You have the best chance of winning the ‘virtual fund raising race’ in support of the Hunter Region of the NSW Cancer Council.


By now you would be aware that this regatta is a fund raising regatta in support of the Hunter Region branch of the NSW Cancer Council. Research and assistance programs supporting breast and prostate cancer patients are well supported, and while research into the other forms of cancer - bowel, lung, brain, pancreatic and liver, have improved the survival rates, support for recovering patients – a lot of whom are men, are not at the same levels, and so our focus this year is supporting the domestic assistance programs for recovering patients with these sorts of cancers.

So, get on board now with your entry into one of the most unique charity sailing regattas in Australia and start fundraising for a great cause. 


read more here 

34th America's Cup news, Dirk de Ridder not penalised further by Dutch national sailing body over unapproved AC45 modifications

From the following article by Richard Gladwell submitted to Sail-World:

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Americas-Cup:-Dutch-take-no-further-action-against-de-Ridder/116080

Unofficial sources are reporting that the Dutch national sailing authority has decided not to take any further action against Dirk de Ridder (NED) following an adverse report by the International Jury during the 34th America's Cup.

The Appeals body (the Zeilraad) established by the de Ridder's national authority to hear such matters, is reported as stating in its conclusion: 'further considered that being excluded from further participation in any role in the 34 America’s Cup for a gross breach of a rule and of good sportsmanship, combined with the world wide publicity on TV/radio, Internet and newspapers, is by itself, a severe penalty.

'Having considered all evidence the Zeilraad finds that it is not appropriate to impose an additional penalty.

read more here

Saturday 26 October 2013

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club drops HF radio requirement for Satellite phone option for Pittwater to Coffs Race

From the following article on RPAYC website:

http://www.pittwatertocoffs.com.au/index.php/news/228-advancement-in-communications-for-the-2014-pittwater-to-coffs-race

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club hosts of the Club Marine Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race, have announced that boats will be allowed to compete in the 33rd running of the event carrying a satellite phone as an alternative to HF radio for communication purposes.

read more here

2013 Transat Jacques Vabre update, Race village opens on Saturday in Le Havre

From the following article on the Transat Jacques Vabre website:

http://www.transat-jacques-vabre.com/en/and-party-starts-le-havre

-The Transat Jacques Vabre race village opens tomorrow (Saturday) at 1000hrs (local, CET) in Le Havre with the official opening inauguration at 1100 (local, CET).

-This weekend the pairs of co-skippers will take to the waters of the Bassin de l'Eure in Beneteau 7.50's

-42 boats have mustered in Le Havre's famous Paul Vatine basin. Two Class 40's are still awaited. The 11th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre is in the starting blocks. Saturday 1000hrs the Transat Jacques Vabre race village opens its gates to the public, a significant moment as the count down period for the 20th anniversary race starts for real as the first of the hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on Le Havre's Paul Vatine Basin ready to view the assembled fleet and catch a glimpse of the skippers. This eleventh edition brings together four classes, the multihulls in the Multi50 class and MOD70's, and the monohulls in the IMOCA Open 60's and Class 40's. After the the official inauguration of the village at 1100hrs the duos will take part in the Prologue Virtual Regatta Inshore. This fun race series sets the tone for a fun filled week of activities before the huge send off when the race to Brazil starts next Sunday, 3rd November.

read more here

Team Australia claiming line honours at the end of the 2013 PIC Insurance Brokers NZ Coastal Classic



Friday 25 October 2013

new VPLP designed DIAM24 one design trimaran 12 boats ordered so far

The new DIAM24 trimaran is designed to offer competitive high performance one design racing in an easily transportable package.  It also will be a functional and fun daysailor.

http://www.vplp.fr/news/11/60/DIAM-24-One-Design.html

More information is available at the following website:

http://www.diam24onedesign.com/?lang=en



Video of the start of the 2013 PIC Insurance Brokers NZ Coastal Classic




Tracker for the 2013 PIC Insurance brokers NZ Coastal Classic

Tracker for the 2013 PIC Insurance Brokers NZ Coastal Classic

http://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/race/nzmyc

PIC Insurance brokers Coastal Classic 2013 poised to start, Team Australia and Team Vodafone Sailing the headline act

From the following article submitted to Sail-World by Lisa Ratcliff:

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Coastal-Classic---Team-Australia-ready-for-action/116023

In the preparation for the Coastal Classic, Team Australia’s head-to-head with Team VodafoneSailing on Waitemata Harbour, Auckland, yesterday was a mixed bag for the visitors. Result aside, skipper Sean Langman is confident the Australian boat and crew have the ticker to successfully challenge the local ORMA 60 this Friday.

In the showcase sprint race the Aussie trimaran led Team VodafoneSailing off the start line, expectations resting heavily on the afterguard including Mike Sanderson and celebrity guest crewmember, Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker in his first race since the 34th America’s Cup.

The sprint kicked off with a downwind start off Westhaven Marina at 1600hrs. Langman’s Team Australia gybed early and grabbed a several hundred metre advantage over Simon Hull’s near identical ORMA 60 by the time the frontrunner reached Orakei and North Head. 


read more here

And also an article by Zoe Hawkins on Sail-World:

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Coastal-Classic:-Kiwis-take-first-local-point-in-big-boat-duel/116021

Thursday 24 October 2013

Team Vodafone Sailing and Team Australia in race 1 of 2 of their ORMA match

Thanks to Roger Mills and http://crew.org.nz for the video:


Corsair Marine press release, Cruze 970 trimaran sea trials a success

From the following Corsair Marine press release dated 20th May 2013

http://www.corsairmarine.com/article/press-release/corsair-cruze-970-sea-trials-success

The results outline a clear success. Notably, during the sea trials, the Cruze 970 Hull #1 was test sailed in near storm conditions and proven to be an even more stable and manoeuvrable platform than its predecessor.

Corsair Cruze 970 Sea Trials, a Success
 
Slightly over a week ago, Corsair, a division of the SeaWind group, With  launched on the water its newest model, the Cruze 970. This model improves on the older and proven C31 trimaranplatform with added comfort features, quality of finish while maintaining great sailing performance.
 
Since, data and pictures from the sea trials have been compiled, analysed and prepared for public release. The results outline a clear success. Notably, during the sea trials, the Cruze 970 Hull #1 was test sailed in near storm conditions and proven to be an even more stable and manoeuvrable platform than its predecessor. With winds gusting to 25knts the Cruze 970 was well balanced thanks to the extra float volume providing significantly more stability. With the Cruzing mast of 12m it allowed us to carry full main for longer before considering a reef. . In low wind conditions, the Cruze 970 also displayed enhanced performance.
 
Most significant evolution of the Cruze 970 exterior, compared to its predecessor, are the redesigned bow, increased buoyancy of the floats, harmonized deck lines and a new cockpit arrangement providing comfort normally associated to its bigger brother, the C37.
 
The biggest improvements are found in the interior design. First to be noticed is the raised deck, providing full standing headroom in the entire saloon and the forward head compartment which, in combination with the slightly increased length, creates an approximate 15% additional space. Second comes the much brighter living area thanks to the new interior liners and skilfully designed wood trims giving a luxurious, warm and clean feeling. Additionally, the galley area is larger with more surface, drawers and storage. Finally, the forward and aft bunks are wider and longer, aft bunk 2.2m, giving passengers a more generous sleep.
 
The Corsair Cruze 970 is the 3rd new and improved model being released by the company in just above 2 years, demonstrating clear strength, vision and confidence in the future.

For more information, please visit http://www.CorsairMarine.com or email Info@CorsairMarine.com.
 
Corsair 970 sea trials, photo courtesy Corsair Marine
 

Transat Jacques Vabre 2013, multihull's converging on Le Havre for the start on 3rd of November

The Multi50's and MOD70's are converging on Le Havre for the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre here is a video of the Multi50 Arkema on approach.


Wednesday 23 October 2013

Ocean Race Around Australia, 38 weeks till start open to Category1 multihull yachts over 10 metres in length.


 Ocean Race Around Australia – 38 weeks to start
 There are just 38 weeks until the start of the longest and the toughest coastal yacht race on the planet – the inaugural ‘Ocean Race Around Australia – 2014.

“People are busy at the ‘Ocean Race Around Australia’ headquarters preparing for the inaugural event due to start in Fremantle in first week of August in 2014,” said event chairman, Bob Williams, from Perth today.

There are four ports from which boats, monohull and multihulls, can start and finish the event; Fremantle, Port Lincoln, Melbourne and Sydney. International entrants can choose either Fremantle or Sydney as their ‘home port’ in the race.

Other race stopover ports are Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays, Darwin in the Northern Territory, Dampier in the Pilbara of Western Australia and Esperance in the Goldfields of WA.

The race is for monohull and multihull boats, Category 1, with a minimum length overall of 10 metres. There is no upper limit. There is also division for double-handed monohull entries.

read more here

Team Vodafone Sailing win first round against Team Australia in the first battle of the ORMA's in NZ

From the following race report and photos submitted to Sail-World by Richard Gladwell:

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Coastal-Classic:-Dean-Barker-back-sailing-an-Australian-multihull/116003

In his first race since the 2013 America's Cup, Emirates Team NZ skipper raced aboard the ORMA60, Team Australia, skippered by Sean Langman.

Team Australia was sailing in an ORMA60 exhibition race around the Waitemata harbour against the New Zealand ORMA60, TeamVodafoneSailing. Team Australia is in New Zealand ahead of the 2013 PIC Coastal Classic, a 120nm sprint north to the Bay of Islands from Auckland, starting at 10.00am on Friday.

Barker was joined by winning Volvo Ocean Race skipper, Mike Sanderson - now with Doyle Sails, checking out some new front sails on Team Australia.

read more here

and a much more detailed article from LiveSailDie:

http://livesaildie.com/team-vodafone-sailing-v-team-australia-round-1-of-2/

Update from Team Vodafone Sailing on their upcoming race with Team Australia

From Team Vodafone Sailing's facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/TeamVodafoneSailing/163615230319915?directed_target_id=0

I have just spoken to the race officer and here is the course and info,
...
* We will use Te Kouma or Pembles Bay to start the race. The start will be between the boat and a Blue Inflatable start mark off the break water

* Start sequence will be a normal fleet racing start sequence with the Warning Signal at 1555.

* Course:

* All marks taken to starboard

Start - McKenzie, taken to Starboard - Northern Leading Starboard - Orakei Starboard - ODM Starboard - Chelsea Starboard -Torpedo Bay Starboard - Orakei Starboard - Finish between the Westhaven Tower and the ODM

Normal Racing rules apply not match racing rules. i.e. Col Regs prior to 5 minute gun

There will be an on the water umpire for instant decisions- Penalties will be one turn


America's Cup News, Sir Ben Ainslie seeks to raise funds for a UK based America's Cup challenge

From the following article on Americascup.com

http://www.americascup.com/en/news/5/athletes/18541/ainslie-if-there-was-ever-a-time-to-do-it-its-now

Ben Ainslie, the British Olympic hero who came on board ORACLE TEAM USA as tactician and helped guide the American defender to victory in the America’s Cup last month is on the stump trying to raise money for a British challenge.

He told the BBC’s Radio 5 that the ORACLE TEAM USA comeback story had generated massive interest in the Cup both in Britain and around the world. Since stepping off the boat, victorious, on September 25, he has been working to convert that interest into money for a British challenge.

“There’s a lot of support for sailing in this country. The excitement from this last event, the people who would be interested in backing a team like this, if there was ever a time to do it, it’s now,” he said. “There’s been a huge response and I’ve been really excited by non-sailors in the UK who have really taken to the sport.

read more here

PIC Insurance brokers NZ Coastal Classic, starts at 10am on 25th October strong multihull division and ORMA60's Team Australia and Team Vodafone to go head to head

From the following article by Zoe on crew.org.nz

http://www.crew.org.nz/coastal-classic-11/

Starting at 10am on Friday 25 October, The PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic is a 119 nautical mile sprint from Devonport Wharf in Auckland, to Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands, and is regarded as one of the world's great yacht races.

Ideal conditions for a record running race are a strong south-easterly. But according to NIWA statistics, there is just a 1.1% chance of a strong south-easterly occurring in October.  The race starts at 10am on Friday 25 October, and upwards of 170 boats are expected.

Followers can catch the start from North Head, Tamaki Drive, and on the race website, www.coastalclassic.co.nz
Times to beat

TeamVodafoneSailing set its second consecutive race record in 2012 when it crossed the line in Russell in 5hr41:44, sailing at an average speed of 20 knots across the course, and improviding the 2011 record by just over 3 minutes.

read more here

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Rocket Factory Trimarans, A preliminary update from Scott Cook on the RAW30's sailing performance

From the Rocket Factory Trimarans/Airplay RAW 30 website:

http://www.rocketfactorytrimarans.com/airplay-trimarans/airplay-raw30/raw-performance/

Scott McCook was in Xiamen from 10th to 13th of October to test sail and demonstrate the RAW30. Scott has written a detailed review with some great pics by Karen Otton which will be published in due course. The following is an extract of one of Scott's emails to me shortly after he sailed the boat.

Tony Grainger:  

Day 1 was in light breeze of around 6 knots but the Raw could pump up to 15 even in that!

Day 2 a much better with breeze over 20 knots + of breeze! Just to let things settle in, we tried out a double reef which worked really well and the Raw was powered up even like that.

Day 3, just a few hours ago, with breeze up to 20 knots and a single reef. Well the Raw really showed how powerful she really is! Was a brilliant day with Raw pegging 21.5 knots! Its weird how you now come down to 15 knots and think you are not moving.

read more here


America's Cup news, New Zealand government steps in with five million dollars of interim funding to allow Emirates Team New Zealand to maintain key staff

From the following article submitted to Sail-World by Richard Gladwell:

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Americas-Cup:-NZ-Govt-backs-Team-NZ-with-limited-funding/115929

The NZ Government has announced that it will provide Emirates Team New Zealand with $5million of interim funding to allow the team to retain key members ahead of the 35th America's Cup.

The funding comes before the team has made a decision whether or not to Challenge for the trophy it failed to win by an 8-9 margin last month in San Francisco.

The amount provided is half that provided in 2010 - but that was covered by an agreement signed between the Team and the previous Labour government.

read more here


Seacart 26 one design, Another succesful year for the Seacart circuit

The Seacart 26 trimaran circuit features five Grand Prix events on the East and West coast of Sweden they have had another successful season of racing  and you can read about it on their site:

http://seacart26.com/

and a video of the Seacart 26 in action:


Monday 21 October 2013

Spindrift Racing release video discussing the roles of shore crew and standby preparations for the Discovery Route record attempt


America's Cup update, Emirates Team New Zealand surprised by strength of support after unsuccessful 34th America's Cup challenge

From the following nzherald.co.nz article by Paul Lewis:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11143157

In a strange way, Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison and archrival and Oracle Team USA chief executive Sir Russell Coutts have played key roles in the reviving fortunes of Emirates Team New Zealand.

The syndicate's skipper, Dean Barker, says he, boss Grant Dalton and most other ETNZ people thought they were "done" as a team after OTUSA pulled off that spectacular, gutting comeback to defend the America's Cup.

Ironically, says Barker, the "amazing" support in New Zealand for a beaten team at least partly came about because of Ellison's and Coutts' much maligned vision of 'a summer of sailing' in the compelling AC72 catamarans. The well-publicised capsizes, the death of Andrew Simpson, the much-criticised danger and on-the-edge nature of the boats (with Dalton doing some of the most vociferous criticising) saw only three challengers turn up and, of them, only ETNZ were able to foot it with Oracle.

read more here

Sunday 20 October 2013

Team Australia set new record time of 2 days 19 hours 2 minutes and 45 seconds (unnoficial) on Sydney to Auckland route

From the following article submitted to Sail-World by Lisa Ratcliff:

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Team-Australia:-Big-Birds-record-flight-to-Auckland/115894

When they passed between Auckland’s North Head and the leading lights at Rangitoto Channel at 9:12:43NZT this morning, the six-man crew on the giant multihull from Sydney nicknamed ‘Big Bird’ set a new world speed passage record from Sydney to Auckland.

Once verified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council, it will be Team Australia’s second speed record in eight months having slayed the previous fastest time for the passage from Sydney to Hobart back in February.

Skipper Sean Langman bravely predicts their elapsed time of 2 days 19 hours 2 minutes 45 seconds and 18.8 knot average speed for the Trans-Tasman ocean crossing will stand for decades.

'We had perfect conditions, essentially we beam reached on port to the tip of NZ, gybed, parked for a couple of hours then beam reached on starboard to the finish, a scenario that is basically unheard of.

read more here 

and a series of photos from the finish by Peter Idoine:

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Images-from-Team-Australias-finish-at-end-of-new-record-mark/115892

and a video from nine news of their departure in Sydney:

Saturday 19 October 2013

Team Australia update, After a fast passage now approaching the finish

Latest update from Team Australia's Facebook page (10 minutes ago):

https://www.facebook.com/team.australia.tri?hc_location=stream

Team Australia has made outstanding progress overnight and will be well inside the three day mark for the Trans-Tasman crossing.

At 17 knots of boat speed they are due to finish within the hour off North Head.

They are heading to Silo Marina to berth, if there's public access go & congratulate the guys for an outstanding world speed record (to be officially verified).


newsflash:

they have finished the record course now

Team Australia has finished their Trans-Tasman speed record attempt.

They took roughly 67 hrs 10 mins to sail from Sydney to Auckland and averaged 18.7 knots over the 1,260nm course.

Team Australia Crew, photo courtesy Georgia Schofield/ Subzero
 

34th America's Cup, Cup experience blog compiles links to videos of all 19 races

Thanks to John Cadwallader for this link.  Cup experience have compiled a post with links to the videos and notes on all of the 19 races in the 34th America's Cup.

http://www.cupexperience.com/blog/2013/10/videos-of-all-19-americas-cup-races

Friday 18 October 2013

Team Australia update, lighter conditions and flat seas on approach to Auckland

From the Team Australia facebook page by Lisa Ratcliff

https://www.facebook.com/team.australia.tri?hc_location=stream

Just heard from Sean (8.15am Sydney time), they are skirting around the outside of a big wind hole in a 10 knot breeze just north of east & doing 15 knots of boat speed heading towards the tip of the North Island.

They hit something first afternoon out, possibly a shark, & have some foil damage that was causing the tri to nosedive at high speed, when they get on the other gybe they should be able to see the damage & whether it extends to the rudder.

Best quote from the skipper: "It's 22dg and beautiful flat seas...it's bikini weather... if we had them we'd be putting them on."...





 

34th America's Cup, interview with designer Pete Melvin of Morelli and Melvin by pressure drop on the Emirates Team New Zealand AC72 catamaran design and development and the future


Team Australia power past half way mark but light winds ahead for Sydney to Auckland record attempt

From the following article submitted to Sail-World by Lisa Ratcliff

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Sprint-to-Auckland---Team-Australias-half-way-gone/115840

Conditions have abated to steady for the weary Team Australia crew now past the half-way point of their Sydney to Auckland record bid.

At 7:00pm tonight yacht tracker is showing them travelling east at 18.7kts. With a front coming from behind, respected meteorologist Roger ‘Clouds’ Badham says they can expect 20 knot average winds all night.  At 4.30pm (Sydney time) Team Australia had chewed through 620 nautical miles and made it through the roughest patch of the 1,260nm voyage in terms of swollen seas and high winds, which turbo-boosted the 60-footer to a top speed of 38kts, or 70km/h, without a hand brake.

For the crew, being on deck at extreme speed on this imposing 5.6 ton multihull is akin to being under a high-pressured fire hose. Down below is less fire hose more steady leak with water infiltrating the living space through the hatches and making it tough to find somewhere dry to grab a kip.  There could be another rough patch up ahead requiring a different type of concentration. Light winds are forecast to plague the final stages of the attempt, as the crew make their way around New Zealand’s North Island and down the east coast to the finish between the southern edge of Auckland’s North Head and the front light beacon of the Rangitoto Channel leading lights.

read more here

Thursday 17 October 2013

Team Australia, Sydney to Auckland passage record attempt update

From the following article on The Australian

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/big-bird-takes-off-to-try-to-set-a-new-sydney-to-auckland-sailing-record/story-e6frg7mf-1226741169683

A PASSING whale was an early obstacle to be avoided as Sean Langman began his bid to set a sailing speed record between Sydney and Auckland.

The Sydney-to-Hobart veteran's giant trimaran Team Australia, nicknamed “Big Bird”, flew out of Sydney Harbour with spray flying and one hull out of the water just after midday, intent on getting through the whale migration path before sunset to minimise the chances of a collision at 20 knots.

Langman hopes to reach Auckland in three days. The fastest reported crossing is five days.

read more here


 
 
 

Video of Mini40 radio controlled multihulls racing in Perth, Australia


Teaser trailer showing Thomas Coville training on Sodebo prior to the round the world attempt


Wednesday 16 October 2013

Sean Langman of Team Australia hopes to encourage acceptance of a multihull division in the Sydney to Hobart race

From the following article on abc.net.au
 
 
Australian sailor Sean Langman wants the Sydney to Hobart yacht race to allow multihull yachts to compete.

The skipper of the trimaran Team Australia is bidding to set a new trans-Tasman sailing record and wants the attempt to headline a campaign to allow catamarans and trimarans into Australia's most famous sailing race.

"We're out there doing some miles just to really showcase that these boats, if handled correctly, are in fact a viable and exciting opportunity," he said.

read more and view the video here

Team Australia final preparations to leave on Sydney Auckland record attempt

Nearly ready to undock now the tracker is active at the following address:

http://teamaus.net.au/track-us-now/

Team Australia move forward departure time for record attempt on Sydney to Auckland route

From the following article submitted to livesaildie by Lisa Ratcliff:

http://livesaildie.com/team-australia-first-night-survival/
 
“Looks like survival on the first night,” said Team Australia skipper Sean Langman on the eve of their Sydney to Auckland record run.

Tomorrow’s departure time is creeping forward for the giant ORMA 60 trimaran so the six man crew can stack the weight aft and get a head start on the seaway due to build to 3-5m with the fresh north-west winds.  An early afternoon exit from Sydney Heads is now being discussed.

“If they keep good pace Team Australia will hopefully be ahead of the biggest waves and should only have 2-3m waves to contend with,” said Roger ‘Clouds’ Badham who is routing the attempt. “Slower and they will have more waves, faster and there will be less.”

read more here

The media release is also available in .pdf format from here:

http://teamaus.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MEDIA-RELEASE_TT-weather.pdf

Tuesday 15 October 2013

First gathering of Weta trimarans at the 2013 Jervis Bay Regatta, NSW a big success

Weta's first gathering in NSW at the Jervis Bay Regatta
 
The following report is from Miranda Powrie of Weta Marine Australia www.weta.com.au
 
October 7th 2013
 
Chris Kitchen from Weta marine in New Zealand was at first skeptical when Issac, his 12 year old super helm declared "we will go around the top mark, blast downwind, then when we turn round the bottom mark we will have dolphins on the bow", but sure enough there were four dolphins cruising off the bow of his Weta!
 
Six boats from VIC, ACT and NSW attended the first New South Wales Weta regatta held at Jervis Bay Yacht Club. Wives, kids or helpful Weta dealers joined in for some races, so the focus was on up-skilling the fleet and having a bit of fun. Saturday was a warm and shifty offshore wind of about 10-18 knots with flat water, perfect Weta weather. Chris took out Glenn Marney’s kids Issac and younger brother Jack, who were stoked to win a race with Issac steering and Chris playing tactician. Chris was stoked that a kid who was a bit worried about even going out on the boat in the morning ended up steering with the gennaker blasting over the finish line in race 3.
 
Sunday was perfect Weta newbies weather, offshore (flat water) again with 1-4 knots building to 12-15 knots. Everyone got comfortable in the light winds and enjoyed a blast once the wind came in. Chris took out a local kid Sean from the club, who couldn't go out in his own boat. The highlight was Sean helming on a tight reach with the gennaker out while blasting past Spirals and Tasers!
 
Racing was very close between the 3 doubled handed crews, Leigh and Brian both took their wives with them and they both got right into the racing. Geoff a Weta newbie took out the Victorian dealer Colin who gave him some good tips to get him started and then on Sunday Geoff took his son out.
 
The racing was followed up on Saturday with something no Aussie regatta is complete without; a dinner at the local RSL (Returned Services League). It rounded out a great weekend, we will be sure to do it again soon, keep an eye out for the next one.
 
A big thank you to Jervis Bay Sailing Club and Glenn Marney from Weta NSW for putting on a top regatta!
 

Virbac Paprec team officially withdraw from the 2013 Transat Jacques Vabre

It's not really surprising given the short amount of time prior to the Transat Jacques Vabre but the Virbac Paprec team have withdrawn from the event after their recent capsize.

VIRBAC-PAPREC 70 will not participate in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2013 Jean-Pierre Dick, Roland Jourdain and their team have decided not to participate in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2013. After its capsize on 10 October off the coast of Belle-Ile, VIRBAC - PAPREC 70 will not be ready to cross the Atlantic in good condition.


Monday 14 October 2013

Team Australia on standby for WSSRC Sydney to Auckland passage record attempt

Team Australia have launched a new website which includes a tracker for their upcoming Trans Tasman record attempt Sydney to Auckland.  It appears that they will depart on Wednesday if conditions are favourable:

http://teamaus.net.au/

Team Australia (the ex Banque Populaire IV) powering along




Tony Grainger designed Raw 30 airplay trimaran sailing photos released

Some photos have been posted on rocket factory trimarans of the new RAW 30 trimaran sailing.  These new trimarans are being produced by Hakes Hudson Yacht and Marine.

http://www.rocketfactorytrimarans.com/

Airplay RAW30, photo Karen Otten

Airplay RAW 30, photo Karen Otten

Airplay RAW30 trimaran, photo Karen Otten
 

Update from Yvan Bourgnon and Vincent Beauvarlet on next leg of their challenge La Corogne to Santa Cruz

It looks like they have faced some tough conditions on this leg of the journey

From the teams facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/yvan.bourgnon?hc_location=stream

The rough bing translate below:

Sunday, October 13, 19 h 24: "day at the close with gusts has 45 knots and a swell of 5 meters..." Extreme conditions that almost cost us a capsize with the wind that s is taken under the trampoline and rotated the boat until in its vertical position. Our vhf is HS but the intact boat: incredible given the hellish conditions that we have just faced... South wind died down tonight but we are still at the close in heavy seas that will prevent us from sleep... Despite exhaustion, morale is good and we welcome the strength of our small boat Sma..."

Sunday 13 October 2013

Yvan Bourgnon and Vincent Beauvarlet depart on second leg La Corongne to Canary Islands on their beachcat circumnavigation attempt

Yvan Bourgnon and Vincent Beauvarlet are off on the second leg of their journey from La Corogne to Santa Cruz in the Canary Islands the tracker is here:

http://defisma.com/suivi-en-temps-reel-du-defi-sma/



Martin Fischer and Will Howden video walkthrough of the Groupama C Class catamaran at the recent International C Class Catamaran Championship



http://sailinganarchy.com/2013/10/12/video-weekend/

Sailing Anarchy interview with Jimmy Spithill of Team Oracle USA on AC34 and the future



A comprehensive interview carried out by Sailing Anarchy's "Mr Clean" with Team Oracle USA's helmsman Jimmy Spithill.

http://sailinganarchy.com/2013/10/12/video-weekend/

Saturday 12 October 2013

Virbac Paprec MOD70 trimaran recovered and righted, JP Dick's condition improves after back injury

update from the jpdick.com website (in French):

http://www.jpdick.com/fr/actualites/des-nouvelles-rassurantes-de-jp.html                                          

The rough bing translate is below:

Following the capsize of VIRBAC-PAPREC 70 yesterday afternoon off the coast of Belle-Ile, Jean-Pierre Dick injured his back. A settlement of vertebrae was diagnosed. At 2 p.m., the news is reassuring. JP should get out of the hospital this afternoon. He will wear a belt for a period to be determined.

    This morning, Roland Jourdain was at Lorient to take news from JP and the boat. "I have the hangover. It's hard to cash out. But, there is good news and it is essential today: JP is doing better, the crew are going well and the boat is docked, the place. » The technical team is at sea to try to recover the mast broke in three pieces and the mainsail. The boat will be assessed these days in order to establish the list of jobs.

Virbac Paprec MOD70 righted at the dock in Lorient, photo courtesy jpdick.com


Friday 11 October 2013

Team Australia to attempt to break Trans Tasman passage record

From the following article submitted to Sail-World by Lisa Ratcliff
 http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Team-Australia-to-attempt-Trans-Tasman-speed-record/115631

After having spent the winter in the operating theatre at the hands of a skilled team of Noakes’ surgeons, Sean Langman’s Orma 60 trimaran has been re-launched ahead of a busy summer.

The crew of Team Australia has just one week to test its new lifting prop, new rig and trimmer shape before six men, most of the same crew from the trimaran’s express run to Hobart back in February, will attempt to set an official Trans-Tasman speed record from Sydney to Auckland.

Renowned yachting forecaster Roger ‘Clouds’ Badham is suggesting there will be two suitable weather windows next week, one on Tuesday 15th October in south west winds and the second on Thursday 17th in a north westerly flow.

Based on the long range outlook Langman is expecting ‘Big Bird’ - the boat’s nickname due to its arched beams and outrigger hulls and the fact it resembles a large bird in full flight - to average 17-19 knots, which would have them arriving into Auckland in three days. 


read more here

Maxi trimaran Sodebo and Thomas Coville, aerial video filming

Looking forward to the final video it appears they managed to get some great shots.


MOD70 update, Jean Pierre Dick and Roland Jourdain capsize near Belle Isle while training for the Transat Jacques Vabre, crew safe SNSM and tech team organising recovery and righting

From the following article (in French) on jpdick.com

http://www.jpdick.com/fr/actualites/virbac-paprec-70-a-chavire-au-large-de-belle-ile.html

The rough bing translate is below:

VIRBAC-PAPREC 70 a capsized to the wide from Belle Isle the 10.10.2013 This Thursday, 10 October, at 1 p.m., Jean-Pierre Dick and Roland Jourdain on VIRBAC-PAPREC 70 sailed off the coast of Belle île in training in 15-20 knots of wind for the Transat Jacques Vabre. The boat suddenly capsized. The crew is safe and sound. The Cross, the SNSM and technical team went to recover the crew and the vessel. 

Virbac Paprec MOD70, photo courtesy Virbac Paprec team




Banque Populaire VII maxi trimaran, returns to Lorient after success in the Transmed record for programme of technical modifications and development

Armel Le Cleac'h new holder of the Transmed record Marseilles to Carthage on the maxi trimaran Banque Populaire VII has returned to Lorient the team will now undertake a programme of technical modifications and enhancements to attempt to extract maximum performance.

From the following article (in French) on the Banque Populaire maxi trimaran website:

 http://www.voile.banquepopulaire.fr/Armel-Le-Cleac-h/Le-retour-du-champion-9782.html#suite

The rough bing translate is below:

Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 12 h 30
 
The Maxi-Trimaran-Solo-Banque-Populaire-VII/, skippered by Armel Le Cléac ' h, is back at its base in Lorient. He arrived this morning at 2:00 in the Morbihan region after 2000 miles of navigation from la Ciotat. New record holder for the crossing of the Mediterranean in solitaire, Armel Le Cléac ' h, and the Team Banque Populaire, will now tackle a project of optimization of his sailboat. Pierre-Emmanuel Levy prints, technical director...

"I wasn't on board but I allowed the crew on arrival that night. The team was happy with this navigation. It must be said that we are particularly pleased with the performance achieved by Armel. For a trial run, it's really good. It actually has now taken possession of his boat. Then the whole team, it is a satisfaction for Banque Populaire has behaved perfectly in all conditions of navigation. The crew took advantage of this delivery to continue our work in depth including on autopilots. Despite an often light wind, he pushed the boat in strong wind just after the start of la Ciotat and the passage of Cape Finisterre. This boat offers a significant margin. It is a good omen to beat many other records solo early 2014".
The Maxi Trimaran Solo Bank Populaire VII will be out of the water this weekend next to a construction which is expected to last until early December.

The crew when the ferry la Ciotat - Lorient: Armel Le Cléac ' h, Yvan Joucla, Yannick Guernec, Kevin Escoffier, Pierre-Yves Moreau, Florent Vilboux

Thursday 10 October 2013

Francis Joyon receives the new Ultimate Trophy, an honor reserved for the fastest solo sailor on the four major ocean records

From the following press release (in French) on the IDEC website:

http://www.trimaran-idec.com/actualite_article.asp?ID=245

the rough bing translate is below:

FRANCIS JOYON RECEIVES THE ULTIMATE TROPHY
Thursday, October 10, 2013
This Wednesday, October 9, 2013, Francis Joyon has received the ULTIMATE TROPHY, new sports award that honors the fastest sailor on the four major ocean records solo: around the world, North Atlantic, Route de la Découverte and the 24 hour record. The skipper of the maxi-trimaran IDEC is the first to receive this new distinction, true Grand Slam of oceanic sailing single-handed! Award received from the hands of Jean Todt, President of the FIA and Gérard Saillant, President of CMI.
FRANCIS JOYON REÇOIT L'ULTIMATE TROPHY©
The repetition of the exploits of Francis Joyon deserves a trophy. The lap record of the world single-handed in 2008, record of 24 hours in 2012, Route de la Découverte and Record of the North Atlantic in 2013: so many great records held by Francis Joyon and which earned him to receive this Wednesday, October 9 the ULTIMATE TROPHY. "I am pleased that this award provides performance that are the result of a long work with the cedi, the ICM, my router Jean-Yves Bernot group, but also of Christophe Houdet, who helped me for escorts," said the skipper of the maxi-trimaran IDEC.

57 days around the world
Lonely sailor the fastest around the world since 2004, he take his property the following year by the British sailor Ellen MacArthur that loops the journey in 71 days and 14 hours - a day of better than Francis. Francis who starts in 2008 and hit a great shot: 57 days 13 hours 34 minutes and 6 seconds! "Around the world is the most difficult record by its duration and traversed areas," he said.
"I had come down very southern areas of iceberg, facing extreme weather conditions. The rise between Cape Horn and Britain also was complicated, with quite a small damage. And despite this demanding course, you had to go quickly, long. This is my most beautiful record, one that leaves me more memories'.

666 miles in 24 hours
The summer 2012, Joyon is tackling a second great record: one of the greatest distance covered in 24 hours, solo. Result: 666.2 miles. "I saw a depression forming in the middle of the Atlantic. I left Brittany join her then I placed on its front. It worked! "The record of 24 hours is as extreme in the sense where you take the very high speed over necessarily muscular conditions.

8 days on the road to Christophe Colomb
In February 2013, Francis Joyon part in the assault of one of his records he feels threatened: the road of discovery, between Cadiz (Spain) and San El Salvador (Bahamas). He explains: "Thomas Coville had a big lead on my time and was poised to improve it. So, I went to take my turn. Meanwhile, Thomas has abandoned and I therefore fought against my own time. Successfully (8 days 16 hours 7 minutes and 5 seconds). In the Route de la Découverte, it takes several fronts, but it also faces calm areas. "Unstable conditions, therefore, and must be able to manage these different weather systems.

Atlantic in 5 days
Last record dated: the North Atlantic, in 5 days, 2 hours, 56 minutes and 10 seconds to rally the lighthouse of Ambrose off the coast from New York to the Lizard, to West Cornwall point English. Performance even more remarkable that it has occurred in a particular context. Francis Joyon: 'I had capsized off the coast of New York on the previous attempt. I felt apprehension but I wanted at any price erase this bad memory. There again, it must be constantly very fast, at bottom on settings for the ship file all the time at over 25 knots. It almost does not sleep for five days and it is terraced.

Keep the trophy
Francis Joyon has so far four major records in his pocket. But it is well placed to know that they are by definition made to be broken. As competition sharpens: hardness of Thomas Coville sailors, Armel Le Cléac ' h, François Gabart, or Lionel Lemonchois covet records, and at the same time this Ultimate Trophy. But Francis Joyon is in moves not, quite to the contrary: "I note that my performances have created an emulation that pushes sailors and sponsors to invest. They give themselves the means to beat them with boats bigger, lighter, wider - so faster. But I won't let me do: If one of my records is defeated, I will do everything to get it back! ».

Patrice Lafargue, President of the IDEC group: "I am very proud of this trophy which rewards a great sailor and its history of more than 10 years with the IDEC group. I join all the employees to congratulate these outstanding achievements.

Gérard Saillant, ICM President: "the Ultimate Trophy, is the recognition of achievements repeated a man out of the ordinary and through him to all of a cohesive team. Francis has long shown that the victory was the result of the talent, work and courage, but was not incompatible with legendary faithfulness, generosity, and the discretion that it he knows. Thanks Francis us to dream! »

Reminder of the great four records:
-Record of World Tour: 57 days 13 hours 34 minutes and 6 seconds, February 2008
-Record of the 24 hours: 666,2 miles, July 2012
-Record of the Route de la Découverte (Cádiz - without El Salvador): 8 days 16 hours 7 minutes and 5 seconds, February 2013
-North Atlantic record: 5 days, 2 hours, 56 minutes and 10 seconds, June 2013

Maxi Trimaran Spindrift 2 on standby for record attempt on the Discovery Route Cadiz to San Salvador

From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:

http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2013/10/route-of-discovery-spindrift-2-on-standby-in-portimao/

The maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 has arrived in Portimao, southern Portugal, where Dona Bertarelli, Yann Guichard and their crew of 12 will begin a standby, waiting for an “auspicious” weather window to attempt to beat the Route of Discovery record between Cadiz and San Salvador in the Bahamas. With autumn advancing, the ideal trade wind conditions in the southern Azores are becoming rarer. Richard Silvani, the Météo France meteorologist and advisor for the greatest records, will increase the frequency of his exchanges with Guichard and Erwan Israel and analyse the forecasts to find the most positive parameters which will trigger the attempt. “We are ready for every window which can be found in the next few days,” Guichard says.

read more here

Maxi Spindrift 2, photo courtesy John Cadwallader





Wednesday 9 October 2013

Gunboat G4, performance racer/cruiser

An entry on the new Gunboat G4 courtesy of the excellent catsailingnews.com

http://www.catsailingnews.com/2013/10/new-gunboat-g4-next-generation-racer.html

If we already liked the SIG45 , what we can say about this one? The concept defines it 100%: "To make a big small boat and not a small big boat"

Peter Johnstone from Gunboat contacted me two weeks ago to place an ad banner, later past week he announced that they were launching a new project that I would surely approve. Told him that nothing was 'wrong' with his Nigel Irens 60 ... Lets put it this way, If I would have stay at the office I would be owning all my small racing cats plus one of those.
Yesterday the news were out and I was surprised that the DNA gang was involved , although they've told me they were working on a secret a 40' project.

read more here

more details on the new design at the Gunboat site: http://www.gunboat.com/series/gunboat-g4

The new Gunboat G4, a performance racer/cruiser

GC32 catamarans, showcased at the Extreme Sailing Series in Nice

From the following press release on thegreatcup.com

http://www.thegreatcup.com/newsitem.aspx?newsId=55c99a89-9a52-43bf-8d02-d6a298a02528&month=10&year=2013

A new chapter opened for the GC32s last week when they joined the Extreme Sailing Series for the penultimate Act of the Land Rover-backed 2013 stadium sailing catamaran circuit in Nice, France.
While the main attraction remains the Extreme 40 catamaran racing, the Series events are slowly evolving into mini sailing festivals, with multiple attractions, rather than just one. Thus on Nice’s Baie des Anges each day between 1000 and 1300, racing between the two GC32s - Laurent Lenne’s SPAX Solution and Flavio Marazzi’s Marwin - has been a warm-up act for the Extreme 40s.
Amsterdam-based Frenchman Laurent Lenne, the GC32’s creator, explains what being in Nice means: “The association with the Extreme 40s is an important endorsement: to be accepted as a good enough class to join them and be part of the spectacle. It showed what the possibilities are, being alongside the Extreme 40s, because we both race catamarans and have a similar vision. It is just different formats.”
While the boats are different, the GC32 courses are longer than the ultra-short ones the Extreme 40s sail, but they still have a turning mark immediately off the VIP tent on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais.
For both Lenne and Extreme Sailing Series organisers OC Sport, Nice has been a ‘toe in the water’ exercise, which may lead to the GC32s joining more ESS events in Europe next year.

read more here

SPAX Solutions powered up while racing in nice, photo courtesy The Great Cup

 

Banque Populaire VII, virtual 3D tour of the maxi trimaran

Banque Populaire VII has posted up a virtual tour of the maxi trimaran Banque Populaire VII.

The 3D viewer is here:

http://www.voile.banquepopulaire.fr/Maxi-Trimaran-Solo-Banque-Populaire-VII/visite3D.html

Tuesday 8 October 2013

Charlotte Harbor Regatta Feb 6th - 9th 2014, Notice of Race posted and registration open

A notification from John Lange on the upcoming Charlotte Harbor Regatta which welcomes a wide range of off the beach multihulls:

http://www.charlotteharborregatta.com/index.html

NOR POSTED, REGISTRATION OPEN
FOR 5th ANNUAL CHARLOTTE HARBOR REGATTA, FEB. 6-9, 2014

CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FLA. – The Notice of Race for the 5th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta set for Feb. 6-9, 2014 has been posted. After a record-breaking 2013 event that featured more than 100 boats, the 2014 CHR has been expanded to include the Olympic-class Nacra 17 catamaran. Other new classes invited included the WindRider catamaran and the Viper 640 and Melges 20 classes. Returning classes will include the 2.4mR, Laser, Sunfish, Precision 15, Flying Scot, F18, F16, Hobie 16, Hobie Wave, WindRider 17 and Weta trimaran.

The 2014 Charlotte Harbor Regatta will also mark the Inaugural Will White Cup. Named in honor of Sunfish racing legend and “The Sunfish Bible” author Will White, the cup will be awarded to the winner of the Sunfish class.

Featuring nightly regatta dinner parties, 14 one-design classes and competitors from around the country racing on three race circles, the Charlotte Harbor Regatta has quickly grown into one of the most talked-about regattas in the nation. Free beach, ramp and lift launching facilities, free or low-cost storage, affordable hotels and low registration fees make the Charlotte Harbor Regatta, “the fun, affordable regatta.” Find out why SAIL magazine designated Charlotte Harbor as “one of the top 10 greatest places to sail in the United States.”

Since its inception in 2010, the National Association of Sports Commissions recognized the regatta as its “Best Local Event” and the Charlotte County Visitor and Convention Bureau honored regatta organizers with its 2010 “Event Development Award.” The CHR board staged the International Association for Disabled Sailing’s 2012 IFDS World Championships and the 2013 regatta featured the 64-boat strong Laser Masters Midwinters East. Charlotte Harbor has also played host to the 2012 2.4mR North Americans and the U.S. 2.4mR Class Association Nationals, both of which will return in December 2013.

The 5th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta will once again feature a wildly popular Pusser’s Rum Beach Party at Port Charlotte Beach Park. Limited on-site tent camping is available.

For photo slideshows and videos of past Charlotte Harbor Regattas, go www.charlotteharborregatta.com. For participant, media and sponsor inquiries about the 2014 Charlotte Harbor Regatta, e-mail Brian Gleason at gleason@charlotteharborregatta.com or call 941-206-1133.


The Notice of Race is here:

https://www.regattatech.com/public/CHR/CharlotteHarbor14/CHR_NOR_2014_Ver04.pdf

The registration page is here:

https://www.regattatech.com/registration/action/showEntryForm?clubCode=CHR&eventCode=CharlotteHarbor14