Greetings yachties,

Laura Dekker

Mike Perham

Melges 17

Clipper Round The World

Scuttlebutt Poll – Teenagers solo around the world

Gary Jobson

ishare

Ben Rogerson

lstanbul Europa Race

Portugal Trophy

Tara Oceans” expedition

India International Regatta 2009

505 World Championship 2009

Enjoy, more later

State care ordered for teen sailor

Laura Dekker. Photo / AP

Your Views Should the 13 year-old Dutch girl be allowed to sail around the world?

UTRECHT – A Dutch court has ordered child protection authorities to be the temporary guardian of a New Zealand-born 13-year-old girl, delaying her hopes of becoming the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

The judges said Laura Dekker could continue living with her father, but would become the responsibility of the child care officials for two months while an independent child psychologist assesses her capacity to undertake the risky voyage.

The girl was not in court yesterday but her father, Dick Dekker, listened to the decision from the three judges. Neither he nor the family’s lawyer made any immediate comment.

more here

check the latest Herald chatter here

TotallyMoney.Com Should Win Big From Taking a Risk on Mike Perham.

We get all kinds of people contacting us about sponsorship of sailing. Some are amateurs looking for a bit of extra cash to buy new gear, some are pr0 sailors who want to make a jump into a different class or mount a campaign for one of the high-profile races or series. Each campaign has its own pros and cons and some have a higher chance of delivering exposure and return on investment for sponsors.

Mike Perham yesterday became the the youngest person to sail single-handed around the world. Record attempts are high risk sponsorship deals. On the one hand, if the attempt suceeds, then the press coverage and exposure results can be huge. On the other hand, if the attempt fails, then you need some other angle to keep people interested. There is also the chance that someone will come along and break the record several months later.

Totallymoney.com provided Mike with 75% of his funding for the campaign. In return they got title rights to the boat and the bulk of the hull. Hopefully the company will benefit from taking the risk in backing the project. In the written press, most sites have reported the name of the boat. For example:

YachtingWorld.Com

17 year-old Mike Perham became the youngest person to sail single-handed around the world this morning. His 50ft yacht Totallymoney.com crossed the finish line at 09:47:30 local time.

Thedailysail.com

17 year-old British sailor Mike Perham has become the youngest person to sail single-handed around the world. His 50ft yacht Totallymoney.com crossed the traditional Lizard/Ushant line marking the start and finish point of his 30,000 mile record-setting in bright sunshine at 09:47:30 secs (local) am this morning – two months inside the previous age record set by American teenager Zac Sutherland.

Sail-world.com

‘Mike Perham aboard his Open 50 yacht, Totallymoney.com‘

We hope that TotallyMoney.com and all Mikes other sponsors are rewarded with a lift in exposure and sales. It’s not guaranteed though. Some media, faced with declining advertising spending and editorial constraints don’t give the sponsors so much airtime. In this video, the shots are framed in such a way that the logos can not be seen in full. Whether or not it is deliberate is hard to say, but some media don’t like giving exposure to people who haven’t paid for it – that is paid for advertising space.

more here

Yachtyakka story here

Afternoon Delight At The Melges 17 Nationals, Dow Takes The Lead

After a 90 minute on-shore postponement, the Melges 17 fleet went back on the water for a third race this late afternoon. A little more breeze, a longer race course and big shift on the first run were the characteristics of this afternoons racing.

There was now enough wind for both skipper and crew to be on the high side and hiking out at times too. The 1.5 mile windward leg spread the fleet out pretty quick as the fleet split evenly left and right up the first beat of the race. Mary Anne Ward was leading at the top mark once again after sailing a fantastic leg. Mike Dow, Jim Hilgard and Lesa Gutenkunst were right there along with MC Midwinter Champion Rob Terry. (Rob is addicted to Melges Racing – he has an E, MC and Melges 17).

Down the first run the breeze shifted 60 degrees to the left forcing the PRO to rapidly adjust marks. The wind increased up to 11 mph so speeds were ramped up. The RC got the course set and the competitor adjusted their sail controls to handle increased velocity. At the top end of the beat Rob Terry and Mary Anne Ward exchanged tacks while Coye Harrett, Mike Dow and Lesa Gutenkunst fought their way to the front of the race.

more here

Finland has been confirmed as an entry in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, a debut for the Scandinavian country in the biennial event. The yacht, named Team Finland will compete against nine identical stripped down 68-foot racing yachts in the 35,000 mile race around the world.

Team Finland’s nine competitors are each sponsored by an international city, region or country, including Uniquely Singapore, Qingdao, Jamaica, and Hull & Humber, all of whom will be making return appearances having recognised that the Clipper Race provides a unique platform for delivering global market exposure. Joining the race for the first time will be California, whose participation has been endorsed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger following the Clipper fleet’s inaugural visit to the state in the last edition of the race. Cape Breton Island, Spirit of Australia and Cork are also making their debuts and are joined by Edinburgh Inspiring Capital whose recent announcement was endorsed by a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The 2009-10 race will start from the Humber on the east coast of England on 13 September 2009, returning on 17 July 2010.

Endorsed by the Finnish Tourist Board, the country’s entry will act as a floating billboard during the course of the ten month race, promoting the region as a tourist destination and reaching an audience of more than 200 million.

“We at the Finnish Tourist Board are extremely happy to have one yacht named after our country and company,” said Jaakko Lehtonen, Director General of the Finnish Tourist Board. “Boat racing enthusiasts all over the world will have the chance to view the race and find their way to the mouth watering attractions of Finland readily at hand via the web

more here

Scuttlebutt Poll:

Should there be an age limit to sail alone across an ocean?

August 25-27, 2009
Scuttlebutt has long followed the passages of solo and crewed teams as they seek to eclipse the elapsed time records of those that came before them. The pursuit of these claims has created a multitude of categories, and for nearly every ocean (or oceans), there is a time standard to beat. Tracking systems have brought the online viewer onboard, and the media coming off the boats have helped heighten the interest in these efforts.
As of late, the pursuit of being the youngest person to circle the globe has attracted multiple entries. On July 16, 17-year-old Zac Sunderland (USA) became the youngest person to complete a lap around the world. This week, 17 year-old British sailor Mike Perham will finish his circumnavigation two months quicker. Aussie Jessica Watson is getting ready to begin her attempt in mid-September, with hopes of returning by April 2010 before she turns 17. Zac’s 15 year old sister Abby wants in on the act too, and has initiated a PR campaign to seek the funding needed for a November departure.
But what has really got our attention now is the 13 year-old Dutch girl Laura Dekker who wants to begin her passage this September, but is now battling child protection authorities in her Netherlands homeland who are taking the case to court in a bid to stop the teenager from making the trip. Social workers and child protection authorities are fighting to have the teenager made a ward of court so her parents – who support her plans – will lose the right to make decisions on her behalf.

more here and results of the poll

more solo teenager stories here

Jobson to take reins of US Sailing

By BILL WAGNER, Staff Writer
Published 08/27/09

Gary Jobson has filled a myriad of roles during his long and illustrious career in sailing – morphing from competitor to author to lecturer to television commentator. However, not even Jobson could have envisioned his next act: serving as president of US Sailing, national governing body of the sport.

“If you had predicted this 20 years ago I would not have believed it,” Jobson said with a chuckle.

Jobson was nominated as US Sailing president during the organization’s annual spring meeting in Denver. He will be formally elected by the Board of Directors at US Sailing’s annual general meeting on Oct. 25 in Houston. While surprised to receive the nod from the Nominating and Governance Committee, he gladly accepted the position.

“US Sailing is a vital component of our sport. At this time of my life, I look forward to serving the sport that has been so good to me for so many years,” Jobson said.

Jobson has a long history of volunteerism with US Sailing, having served two terms on the Board of Directors and 12 years on the Olympic Committe. The 59-year-old Annapolis resident will succeed Jim Capron, a Baltimore resident and Annapolis Yacht Club member.

“Gary will make a great US Sailing president. He is one of the best known sailors throughout the United States. Over the years, he has become a spokesperson for sailing in the U.S.,” said Charlie Leighton, executive director of US Sailing. “He will be a tremendous asset to US Sailing by explaining what the national governing body does, and providing leadership for sailing throughout the United States.”

Capron, a respected International Judge, brought unique expertise in sailing rules and regulations. Jobson believes his background and skill set leans more to public relations and promotions.

“We need to raise the visibility of the sport in this country and I intend to be at the forefront of that effort,” he said. “I have a lot of thoughts and ideas about how to increase interest in sailing.”

more here

Just when you thought is was safe to go out, this arrives!

Back in Cowes, but what next for Ben?

After returning from a successful round Britain and Ireland non-stop trip in a Mini 6.5, young Cowes yachtsman Ben Rogerson has competed in Cowes Week, the Fastnet Race, and is now focusing on his Mini Transat campaign 2011.

Ben Rogerson from Cowes

Ben was very pleased to be invited to do the Fastnet Race on Artemis the Profit Hunter. Skippered by 33-year-old Simon Clay, the boat was crewed by a crack team of aspiring young professional sailors; Oscar Mead, 19, Sam Goodchild, 19, Olly Young, 21, Mikey Ferguson, 26, Andy Tourell, 31, and 25-year-old Ben Rogerson.

They did exceptionally well giving Hugo Boss a good run for their money! ”The team were a really good bunch of guys. Even whilst working hard and with lack of sleep, it was still a lot of fun and a great experience,” said Ben after the race.

So, what next for Ben?

Well, Ollie Bond, another Mini sailor, is due to start the Mini Transat 2009 race on 13 September, and Ben will be flying out to help Ollie prepare for the race and see the start, giving him valuable experience for the 2011 race.

Ben is now working hard on his own Mini Transat campaign 2011 with the help of well-known offshore sailor Brian Thompson, also from Cowes.

more here

more Mini 650 here

The Europa Race Istanbul, in the prestigious IMOCA class, is the next big race sail boating calendar. Son long parcours européen en fait dès sa première édition un événement sportif majeur. Its long-term European is in his first edition of a major sporting event. Dans la grande tradition des courses par étapes, lstanbul Europa Race réunira une flotte composée des meilleurs navigateurs du moment,sur un parcours de rêve, véritable invitation au voyage. In the great tradition of stage races, Istanbul Europa Race meet a fleet composed of the best navigators of the time on a journey of dreams, fascinating journey.
Un événement exceptionnel An exceptional event

Aventure humaine, aventure sportive et aventure culturelle, lstanbul Europa Race a de nombreux atouts à faire valoir. Human adventure, adventure sports and cultural adventure, Istanbul Europa Race has many strengths to make. Le public, amateur et passionné, devrait répondre présent en masse à ce spectacle, à cette nouvelle rencontre entre l’homme et les éléments naturels, au premier rang desquels l’eau, celle de la Méditerranée mais également de l’océan Atlantique et de la Manche. The public, amateur and enthusiast, should respond to this mass spectacle, this new encounter between human and natural elements, foremost among them water, the Mediterranean but also the Atlantic Ocean and Channel. L’excellence du plateau de navigateurs proposé, l’originalité des étapes et du parcours dessiné et la présence du public assurent une médiatisation massive et internationale, compte tenu de l’engouement que la voile suscite. The excellence of the proposed shelf browsers, originality and stage course designed and presence of the public provide a massive international media coverage, given the passion that raises the sail.

Istanbul Europa Race est un projet international unique, géré par la société Olay Nautic. Istanbul Europa Race is a unique international project, managed by the company Olay Nautic. Bien connue dans le monde  des marins, et appréciée pour ses qualités d’organisateur, Olay Nautic gère déjà la Cap Istanbul avec Classe Figaro Bénéteau. Well known in the world of sailors, and appreciated for its qualities as an organizer, Olay Nautic already manages the Cap Istanbul with Classe Figaro Bénéteau.

La Classe IMOCA The IMOCA

L’Istanbul Europa Race  se  disputera  dans  la classe  IMOCA,  l’association  des  monocoques  open de 60 pieds (classe Open 60′). The Istanbul Europa Race will play in the IMOCA class, the association of open monohulls from 60 feet (Class Open 60 ‘).

L’International  Monohull  Open Class  Association a été fondée  en 1991;  elle est  membre  de l’ISAF(International Sailing Federation)  dans  la classe des voiliers de  course au large et  regroupe les plusgrandes courses,  comme le Vendée Globe,  la Barcelona World Race, la Route du Rhum ou encore la Transat Jacques Vabre. The International Monohull Open Class Association was founded in 1991 and is a member of the ISAF (International Sailing Federation) in the class of sailboats racing and includes the largest coil races like the Vendee Globe, the Barcelona World Race Route du Rhum or the Transat Jacques Vabre.

Bateaux  en général sur-toilés,  légers et  le plus souvent en carbone,  pouvant  atteindre des vitesses de plus  de 30 nœuds,  les monocoques ont  le vent en poupe,  avec leur  structure  hi-tech,  qui  leur garantit  vitesse et endurance, même dans les conditions les plus extrêmes que la mer peut réserver. Boats in general on-canvas, light and mostly carbon, which can reach speeds over 30 knots, a unibody on a roll with their hi-tech structure, which ensures speed and endurance, even in most extreme conditions that the sea may hold.

more here

English language here

Portimao’s great show

Portugal Trophy, 20 08 2009 © Ian Roman/ Audi MedCup

No one TP52 team had one three back to back regattas on the MedCup Circuit until Emirates Team New Zealand wrote themselves into the record books in Portimao when they won the Portugal Trophy with a scrappy seventh place in what proved to be one final race in light winds on the last day on the Atlantic.

Portugal Trophy, 20 08 2009 Portugal Trophy, 18 08 2009 Portugal Trophy, 20 08 2009 Portugal Trophy, 21 08 2009

This time their points differential to second place was not quite as flattering, a mere 1.5 points between the Kiwi team and second place Artemis (SWE).

It was tight to the finish too in the GP42 Series where, after six races, Caser Endesa (ESP) landed their first regatta victory of the season when they won on countback from Roma (ITA).

Torbjorn Tornqvist’s crew lead into the last day by that same margin, 1.5 points, but with Paul Cayard missing from the Artemis afterguard, due to a sailing commitment elsewhere, the Swedish flagged team misfired on the start-line and could not come back in the difficult last race to secure their first regatta win since 2007.

On the water Portimao served a delicious diet of different breezes, sometimes the brisk later afternoon gradient NW’ly, sometimes a slightly flukey sea breeze, and sometimes a mix of the two. It was always interesting for both TP52 and GP42 Series competitors who also relished the spells of high speed sailing when the breeze topped 21 and 22 knots at times.

Very much a known quantity by the team the Circuit rolled into the Algarve for the third successive season, the on shore facilities and atmosphere is second to none. The Audi MedCup Village was popular with the sailors and guests and the busy Audi MedCup EXPO, set between the beach and the popular beach-side clubs, was well located.

Until the final day Artemis had finished no worse than fourth, and, for the second time in a row, won the Coastal Race. But when they faltered in Race 7, and could only make 10th, the omnipresent Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) were ready to capitalise. They left Portimao with a 52 points lead over Matador (ARG).

GP42 Series – The showdown awaits
For the GP42 Series crews there was the constant pressure in the small-fleet racing, knowing every metre counts in positioning and speed. Just one mistake – be it a missed shift, a bad start, or a dropped sail – can cost one or two places, which in turn can cost a series.

The team on Daniel Calero’s Islas Canarias Puerto Calero (ESP) felt that acutely in Portimao when a spinnaker went overboard which was then compounded by a poor start on Day Two pushed them off course from what would have certainly been another strong finish after their win in Cagliari.  But the strength of the new winner in Portimao – Javier Goizueta’s (ESP) Caser-Endesa – set the stage for a showdown for the overall GP42 Series crown in Carthagena.

The two contenders – Islas Canarias Puerto Calero and Filippo Faruffini’s Roma (ITA) – left Portimao tied on overall series points, with the Canarias team ahead winning on the tie-break.

“We think for the excitement of the Circuit, this is a really good scenario,” says Daniel Calero. “But it means the pressure will really be on in Cartagena!”

more here

Tara Oceans

Come and participate to Tara’s departure for the “Tara Oceans” expedition.
Next 4 and 5 September

After Tara Arctic, now the Tara Oceans expedition will leave on 5 September to explore the seas all over the globe. Lorient is organizing a major popular celebration for this occasion.

On Saturday 5 September, Tara will leave from the Lorient submarine Base for a three-year international oceanographic expedition named Tara Oceans.

Two days of celebrations
To celebrate the departure of Tara, Cap l’Orient and the Tara Funds organise festivities mainly concentrated on 4 and 5 September at the site of the Lorient submarine Base. Exhibitions, village events, discounted fares at the Eric Tabarly “Cité de la Voile”, live Thalassa broadcast, giant breakfast, etc., so many opportunities for everyone to share the event.

In the Programme:
Exhibitions
Polar night, the poetry of the Arctic
Exhibition of photographs in black and white by Vincent Hilaire. An artistic work dedicated to the Tara polar scientific expedition.
Free entry from 29 August to 6 September from 10:00 am to 18:00 pm.

Tara, a journey at the heart of the climate machine
Simulations, sensorial reconstitutions, etc. 200 m² of exhibition allow living once again the human and scientific adventure of the schooner during its polar expedition in the Arctic Ocean from September 2006 to January 2008.
Free entry from 29 August to 6 September from 10:00 am to 18:00 pm.

more here

India Launches The First India International Regatta

©Yachting Association of India

India International Regatta 2009
Chennai, India

The Yachting Association of India is pleased to invite you to participate in the first “India International Regatta” scheduled at Chennai from 1-8 November 2009.
Six days of racing in the Optimist and the 29er classes organised by the Yachting Association of India and hosted by Tamil Nadu Sailing Association around the Chennai harbour will bring together competitors from across the world.

Through the conduct of events, India International Regatta which is part funded by Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu aims to:

(a) promote interest in preservation and conservation of our environment and natural resources
(b) promote sailing as a healthy and enjoyable sport for pleasure and competition for everyone for life
(c) bring international and interstate sailors to Chennai
(d) support the development and growth of sailing classes, Yacht Clubs and sailors

For the sailors competing in the event, the event offers terrific sailing conditions off Chennai. For the non-sailors that might be coming to the event, India is a great vacation destination. Beautiful beaches, temples and many more attractions will make this journey a memorable one.

A musical concert by renowned group of local musicians to fit any taste in music, a classical dance show by world famous artists are just some of the social events that make up the Regatta programme. There is an organised trip for the competitors and officials to the ancient city of Mahabalipuram, south of Chennai.

2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the Yachting Association of India and the event is sponsored by Tata Teleservices, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, HH Services and Extreme Sailing Products, Singapore.

more here

Lead Change At 505 Worlds As Holt And Smit Take Charge

©Rich Roberts

SAP 505 World Championship 2009
San Francisco, California, USA

The scenario has shifted in the 2009 SAP 505 World Championship, hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club.
Mike Holt and crew Carl Smit – formerly of Great Britain now living in nearby Santa Cruz – seized control from Mike Martin and crew Jeff Nelson from Newport Beach, California, who suffered a 12th place in the first of two races in uncommonly light wind fluctuating between 8 and 11 knots Thursday.

Martin and Nelson, previously invincible through five races in breeze as strong as 25 knots, except for the first day when their mast broke, rebounded with a second place, but by then Holt and Smit had scored a third and a fourth and now lead with 12 points to 18 for Martin and Nelson.

more here

SAP 505 World Championship

Paul Cayard
Thursday, August 27, 2009

Two races were held today on the Berkeley Circle in moderate conditions. The first race was an 8-12 knot affair while the wind built to 20 at the end of the second race. The first race was delayed about an hour and a half as the wind was from the east this morning and we had to wait for that to die and the westerly to fill.

The track was tricky as there was more wind on the left and normally the right is favored on the Circle. We rounded the first mark about 12th and managed to get a 5th by working the left pretty hard, even over standing sometimes coming into the windward mark.

In the second race, there was a “general recall” in the start. Not sure if someone “Interfered with the Gate Launch or Pathfinder”. Anyway, we finally got underway and we had a decent race going around the top mark and even better at the bottom of the first run where we were amongst the top five. We chose to go out left which had been paying nicely all day but I think we sailed under too much of the fleet on that side. So we lost a bit up the second windward leg and then passed two boats down the reaches. Then we lost a bit up the third beat as the right was becoming a bit favored shift-wise. We passed one or two down the final run but then lost one up the last beat to finish 10th. We just never could get it all right and move up to the top 5.

That has us still in 7th place overall which isn’t bad. Of course we will keep trying to find our way into the top five over the next two days. Apart from the scores, I am enjoying this regatta immensely. To be out there, on the trapeze, with the waves trying to knock me off the side, the challenge of trying to out do the other crews in the tacks and gybes, it is all very rejuvenating. I love it.

There is a new leader in the series, Mike Holt and Carl Schmidt with 12 points. Mike Martin and Jeff Nelson (18 points) had a bad one in the first race, a 12th and at this point they are counting that while Holt/Schmidt have never been out of the top 4. Dalton Bergen and his crew of Fritz Lanzinger from Seattle won the day I believe with a 1, 5.

more here

more photos of the week here

This post is tagged Ben Rogerson, Clipper Round the World yacht race, Gary Jobson, India Internation Regatta. 505 Worlds, ishare, Istanbul Europa, melges, Portugal Trophy, scuttlebutt, Tara Ocean