Greetings yachties,
Sailors of the year – TORBEN GRAEL AND ANNA TUNNICLIFFE
America’s Cup – Valencia in February 2010
International 14 Worlds Heading To Sydney,
Clipper 09-10 fleet has spent the night in the toughest conditions yet,
The climatic wall – Jules Verne Trophee,
Hugo Boss Sailing Sponsorship Commitment Extended,
Cowes online – Alinghi and BMW Oracle to debate America’s Cup,
Mumbai police acquire amphibious craft,
Transat Jacques Vabre,
Louis Vuitton Trophy – Day 4 match summaries and more
Enjoy,
GRAEL AND TUNNICLIFFE – 2009 ISAF ROLEX WORLD SAILORS OF THE YEAR
November 10, 2009
ISAF and Rolex are proud to announce that the male and female winners of the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2009 are:
Torben Grael (BRA) and Anna Tunnicliffe (USA)
Torben Grael received his award tonight, and in his winning speech said, “It’s an honour to be here. It’s not the first time I’ve attended this award ceremony, but it’s truly a different feeling to stand here,” he said, from behind the podium. “I am very thankful, and to be here I represent not only myself but all the people who helped me run my campaigns: the sailors, my family, my parents, my wife, the company Ericsson. it’s been a fantastic year and it was a fantastic [Volvo Ocean] Race. This year has made me aware of some feelings I am not used to,” said an emotional Grael as he accepted his ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award.
“I’d like to thank Rolex for their continued support- it’s great what they do for our sport,” said Anna Tunnicliffe, upon being named the female ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year. “I’ve had great fun competing in a variety of classes, I love doing it, and I’d like to thank my sponsors, my teams, my parents for being my managers, and my husband for always allowing me to sail.”
Alinghi ready for 33rd America’s Cup in Valencia in February 2010
In a letter written today to New York Supreme Court Justice Kornreich following the unsuccessful discussions with the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC), the America’s Cup Defender, Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), has confirmed that it will conduct a Deed of Gift Match with GGYC in February 2010 in Valencia, which is the date and venue repeatedly requested by GGYC and previously ordered by the Court. SNG has also expressed its intention to publish the 33rd America’s Cup Notice of Race with immediate effect.
When SNG’s first choice of venue, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, was declared invalid by the New York Supreme Court, the Swiss Defender proposed two alternative Southern Hemisphere venues: Proserpine/Airlie Beach and Townsville in Australia, where the weather conditions are suitable in February.
GGYC’s reaction has been to try to delay the Cup and to continue to try and gain competitive advantage while SNG attended the meetings in good faith with the objective of finding a settlement.
While SNG confirms Valencia as the venue for the 33rd America’s Cup in February 2010, the offer to GGYC of an Australian venue for the same date remains on the table until 13 November 2009 provided GGYC agrees to withdraw all legal actions.
Alinghi skipper, Brad Butterworth, who participated in the discussions in New York, expressed his disappointment at the outcome: “We went into the talks in good faith, ready to make concessions in order to guarantee the return of the Cup to the water for a February duel between two state of the art multihulls, but sadly once again BMW Oracle were in power grab mode. This time their priority was to delay the race because they are not ready. Originally they pushed for February when it was to their advantage; now they have to live with their choice of date. I think I speak for the community when I say we want the Cup sorted out as soon as possible on the water.”
International 14 Worlds Heading To Sydney
The International 14 on Sydney Harbour
Photo©Neil Patchett
CST Composites International 14 World Championship 2009
Sydney, Australia
About 200 sailors from both hemispheres are starting to sharpen their focus on the upcoming CST Composites International 14 World Championship to be sailed on Sydney Harbour this December-January.
The CST Composites International 14 World Championship is expected to attract about 100 boats with entries from Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan and Australia.
The regatta will feature three former World Champions who will all be gunning to be the first to win two world titles. Those skippers are defending champ Archie Massey of Britain, though currently living an expatriate lifestyle in Sydney, Rob Greenhaugh of Britain who won in 2003 and Lindsay Irwin of Australia who won in 2005.
The origins of the International 14 class can be traced back to the late 1800s but the class really took shape in the early part of the 20th century. In England the class gained momentum with wealthy owners of steam yachts who would race each other in smaller sailboats.
Together with other regional dinghies the class soon developed into the leading dinghy racing class up to WWII. Meanwhile in Australia, the 14 footer was your typical skiff, attracting hard- sailing, hard-playing types who loved carrying loads of sail area around the course.
The Clipper 09-10 fleet has spent the night in the toughest conditions they’ve faced so far in this edition of the race. The yachts are under huge pressure, the weather generating hundreds of tons of load on the mast and rigging and battering sails and crew alike. In an extreme sport such as ocean racing weather such as this takes its toll on equipment and crews must be on their toes to react quickly to whatever situation arises.
California’s bad luck gremlins struck again last night as, in 40 knot winds and heavy seas the spindle holding their steering wheel sheared and the wheel came off. The crew have reverted to the secondary steering mechanisms on board and everyone is safe and well – albeit a bit cold and wet, according to skipper Pete Rollason.
He says, “It was a devastating night. After we had fought hard to overtake Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, to have our steering break was cruel. I do not think it is repairable out here but will be trying now that we have daylight, so we are making our way under secondary steering towards Cape Town. I think the worst of the depression should be passed already although we still have a very rough sea and winds gusting 30-35 knots. As always everyone is doing great and just wondering when luck will turn our way.”
All the boats carry spares for their steering systems, however they don’t have the piece they need on board to make the repair in this particular case. The team is making progress at reduced speed towards Pete’s home city of Cape Town and the Race Office is monitoring the situation.
The night hasn’t been kind to Spirit of Australia either. Brisbane-based skipper, Brendan Hall reports, “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we sustained some damage to our sail wardrobe last night.
The Wing
more later 
The climatic wall
Before sunrise this Tuesday morning, Groupama 3 entered into the `zone of turbulence: the first squalls, thunder and lightning, rain and variable wind. At 7°30 North, the setting was taking on a whole new dimension, however Franck Cammas and his crew finally ended up with the advantage of penetrating this “world of darkness’ in the early hours. The minute the sun rises, at around 0800 UT, navigator Stan Honey will be able to understand the seascape more clearly as the storm activity is often less intense in the daytime. With nearly 300 miles to cover before converging with the SE’ly tradewinds at around 3° North, and hence a steady breeze and clear skies, the crew will have to be on their guard with their hands to the sheets… Reef taking, changes of headsail and modifications to the trajectory are on today’s schedule, which is likely to be highly charged in every sense!
The fifth day at sea is essential in confirming Groupama 3′s lead over the reference time: 665 miles… The passage time to the equator will depend on a swift exit from this zone and if Franck Cammas and his men are able to combine quick responses and an element of luck, they may well have clocked up a two day lead as they switch hemispheres. If this is the case they will establish a new reference time over this stretch of the course and less than six days to get to the equator is now a distinct possibility! Over the past few hours the crew has been able to recuperate in preparation for spending the day on deck manoeuvring and trimming the sails… and even taking a cold shower!
Hugo Boss Sailing Sponsorship Commitment Extended.
1. A brand that understands the value of sponsorship in the first place.
2. An understanding of which type of sailing platform will deliver return on investment and objectives.
Over the last year, economics have sorted out the companies who include sponsorship as part of a well thought out, integrated marketing strategy and those who were doing it because someone told them it was a good idea and they enjoyed the hospitality. While sponsorship was seen by some as a way of justifying executive perks and subsequently withdrawn when it ‘didn’t look good’, other brands who really understand their audiences and objectives have stuck with their relationships and a few have even extended them.
In recent years, Hugo Boss has been one of the most recognisable and innovative sponsors in sailing. Alex Thomson’s distinctive black open 60 showed how 300 square metres of sail area could become a massive racing / floating billboard with its groundbreaking boat branding.
In 2009, Hugo Boss and Alex Thomson have continued to innovate and get the most value out of their platform. The boat has been strategically positioned at major sporting events including the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, attracting extra television exposure and several photo stunts have been picked up by media around the world.
Alex Thomson is the only UK Open 60 sailor that started the Transat Jacques Vabre yesterday with a fully funded campagin to take him through the next Vendee Globe. Dee Caffari’s relationship with Aviva has come to an end, Sam Davies is skippering Artemis for this race only and is looking for a reported €9 Million for a four year campaign. Ecover will not continue their backing of Mike Golding and even BT’s relationship with OC Group is ending. While there is natural churn of sponsors after each Vendee Globe cycle, questions have been asked about the value of the IMOCA 60 class.
Alinghi and BMW Oracle to debate America’s Cup
America’s Cup Defender Alinghi and Challenger of Record BMW Oracle Racing will participate in the forthcoming World Yacht Racing Forum and join a panel of AC challengers and personalities to debate the future of the America’s Cup after AC33.
The World Yacht Racing Forum, taking place from 9-10 December in Monaco, will see a unique debate between America’s Cup Defender Alinghi, Challenger of Record BMW Oracle Racing and potential challengers and personalities hoping to compete in the 34th America’s Cup.
The America’s Cup session on day two of the Forum will include a presentation by Russell Coutts, CEO and skipper of BMW Oracle Racing. Team Alinghi skipper Brad Butterworth will then explain his team’s point of view to the audience.
Both Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth will then join Paul Cayard, Stéphane Kandler (All4One), Sotiris Buseas (Greek Challenge), Marcus Hutchinson (Team Origin), Nicolò Bastianini (Green Comm), and Magnus Holmberg (Victory Challenge) for a panel discussion entitled ‘The America’s Cup – What is the future for the challengers after AC 33?’ The panel will be the final session of the 2009 Forum.
Mumbai police acquire amphibious craft
By IBI Magazine
Police in Mumbai, India have acquired four Sealegs amphibious craft as part of upping coastal defences in the wake of terrorist attacks on the city in November last year.
Sealegs’ patented amphibious technology was identified by the Mumbai Police as being ideally suited to the varied tasks of the patrol. Post delivery, New Wave Distributors (India) Pvt Ltd, the exclusive dealer for Sealegs in India, has carried out training for the Mumbai Police personnel.
Headquartered in New Zealand, Sealegs produces amphibious craft consisting of motorised retractable wheels fitted to specially designed boats.
Coordinated shootings and bombings in Mumbai on November 26, 2008 killed at least 173 people and left over 300 wounded.
(9 November 2009)
Valencia Sailing
Actual, capsized, waiting for rescue. Cherbourg 9 November 2009. Photo copyright Marcel Mochet /AFP
Making ready for a big week
After a brisk start there was a short respite today as the Transat Jacques Vabre fleet negotiated a high pressure ridge, a chance to prepare for the first big breezes.
The first full day of racing in this ninth edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre, sees the fleet into the Atlantic with a pause for reflection, a chance to regroup before the first big weather systems descend on the fleet and, in time, the first telling strategic moves need to be made.
While Michel Desjoyeaux and Jérémie Beyou have lost little time in falling in line with their billing as pre-race favourites, leading out of the inky black of the first night at sea, quickly into a rhythm which can be established more readily thanks to the miles that both have sailed on the Farr design, which won this race in 2007, and more recently triumphed in the Istanbul Europa Race with Beyou on board.
Foncia was leading the pack out of a ridge of high pressure early this afternoon, in close company with Groupe Bel – which has remained resolutely south since the start yesterday – Akena Vérandas, which on board has Arnaud Boissières partnered by past Vendée Globe winner Vincent Riou, and record breaking British double-circumnavigator Dee Caffari with Brian Thompson well placed on Aviva.
Ahead for them is the first nasty weather system of a sequence of depressions which are forecast to bring them 40-45 knots and big seas on Wednesday.
Close matches highlight day at Louis Vuitton Trophy Nice Côte d’Azur
Seven of the eight matches have an average delta of 31 seconds
Seasonal conditions returned today to the Bay of Angels off Nice and allowed race organisers for the Louis Vuitton Trophy Nice Côte d’Azur to reel off four flights of races, eight matches overall.
The flurry of races has helped give shape to the event scoreboard. Emirates Team New Zealand won its lone match of the day and remains the top dog with 4 points on a 4-0 record.
One point behind the Kiwis in second place is TeamOrigin of Great Britain. Skipper Ben Ainslie led the Union Jack to two victories today and now has 3 points on a 3-0 record.
Round Robin 1 : Day 4 match summaries
The end of Day 4 sees two close matches, a fitting conclusion to the first full day of racing
Flight 3
M1: TeamOrigin d. TFS – Pages Jaunes – Delta: 33 seconds
TeamOrigin and TFS – Pages Jaunes took split tacks onto the racecourse: TeamOrigin on starboard and TFS – Pages Jaunes on port. TeamOrigin won the first cross on port tack about halfway up the 1.3-nautical mile leg and then applied covering tactics on TFS – Pages Jaunes to the mark. TeamOrigin led at every mark rounding to move to 2-0 on the scoreboard while TFS – Pages Jaunes fell to 0-3.
M2: ALL4ONE d. Artemis – Delta: 28 seconds
This pair produced a proper match race, with covering tactics from the leading boat and attacking tactics from the trailing boat. In the end, the French/German team ALL4ONE scored its first win of the regatta in two matches in come-from-behind fashion. Artemis led the match around the first windward mark and through the leeward gate, where it chose to make a starboard rounding. That proved to be its undoing. ALL4ONE made a port rounding and took the lead as the mark was further upwind. ALL4ONE protected its starboard-tack advantage up the second beat, even dialing down Artemis at a crossing about three-quarters of the way up the leg.
Azzurra joins unbeaten at Louis Vuitton Trophy Nice Côte d’Azur
Emirates Team New Zealand also stays perfect after thrilling win over Synergy
Italy’s Azzurra of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda won today its first match of the Louis Vuitton Trophy Nice Côte d’Azur while Emirates Team New Zealand survived a hair-raising finish to keep its record perfect.
Azzurra scored the victory it was denied on Saturday when it defeated BMW ORACLE Racing of the U.S. Two days ago the Italian crew, led by skipper Francesco Bruni, was 200 metres from the finish line when the 20-minute leg time limit expired.
Today, the Italians scored an emphatic win of 2 minutes and 56 seconds to the pleasure of YCCS Commodore Riccardo Bonadero, who rode with his team as 18th man, and displeasure of BMW Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who was among his team’s afterguard.
“The team did a very good job all over the course,” said Bruni, the skipper from Sicily. “We didn’t feel robbed Saturday; we understand rules are rules. We wished the race committee had shortened the course, but we’re all learning. We are very happy about this point, it was very important for us.”
This post is tagged Alinghi AC33, anna tunnicliffe, bmworacle racing, Cowes online, hugo boss, International 14, Jessica Watson, Jules Verne Trophee, Louis Vuitton Trophy, Sealegs, torben grael, Transat Jacques Vabre
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