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Monthly archives for June, 2024

It’s just plane fun

Friday
Jun 28
2024
Posted by XS Editor

by Dave Reed
At the water’s edge on a bayside beach in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, a vibrant orange Windmill sits in its dolly. Crisp white sails hang limp from the spars, but invisible puffs excite cassette-tape strands attached to the shrouds, foretelling what’s out yonder on Tampa Bay, a placid vastness stretching into the hazy blue horizon.

I step back and admire the angular little yacht and think, now that’s one sweet Windmill. The hull is polished and radiates in the morning sunshine. A closer look inside the boat reveals high-tech ropes meticulously spliced and led through micro blocks with a no-grams-spared level of perfection. Two-hundred pounds all-up, narrow, slab-sided and hard-chined, I’m told, this Windmill is an old-school reaching rocket.

This is one of eight Windmill dinghies rigged up and waiting for wind at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Pete. Loitering under nearby palms is a tightknit clan of devotees, led by local sailor Lon Ethington. As past Windmill class president, he volunteers to give me a Windmill 101. “It’s a planing dinghy,” he says, with a beam of smile framed by a tight white beard. “It’s just plane fun!” Get it? And yes, that is the class motto. – Full story

Read more on Scuttlebutt

Posted in Article



shock and aww

Friday
Jun 28
2024
Posted by deleteme

Shock, horror perhaps but I, Shanghai Sailor, have to compliment anarchist David on his latest couple of pieces. The keel first.

I remember notable keel failures all the way back to Cheeki Raffiki. Notable perhaps only because they resulted in fatalities and were very publicly reported.

Back in the “good old days” keels ran pretty much the whole length of the yacht. A modern view of this can be found by watching some of the earlier videos from Leo and the Tally Ho team which would suggest that a well found yacht would bounce off the hard stuff when the draft equaled a little bit more than the available water, and then just carry on.

Over the years however keel roots have become shorter and shorter especially on race boats to put the weight as low as possible the bulb is at the end of a long, thin foil. Sometimes this is made of carbon which, while known for its overall strength-to-weight ratio, is not fond of sudden shock loads.

Then of course there are the keel bolts and the laminate layup they are stuck through.

Some builders include a steel grid inside the boat to spread the keel loads and link them all the way to the rig, while other designers underestimate loads in this area. One notable case was the Clipper fleet which had to stop in the Philippines to deal with their wobbly keels even though the actual builders had added 12-14 layers of laminate beyond the specification they had been provided to the hull in the keel area…

Read more on Sailing Anarchy

Posted in Article



Cup Spy: June 13 – Swiss drop rig

Thursday
Jun 13
2024
Posted by XS Editor

Cup Spy: June 13 – Swiss drop rig

Read more on Sail-World

Posted in Article



The Race to Alaska is On

Wednesday
Jun 12
2024
Posted by deleteme
An entrant in the 2022 R2AK plunges through a wild sea state. Conditions in this race range from storms to dead calms with the added complexity of intense currents.
Photo by Jim Meyers/VertizonPhoto

Many professional races bill themselves as among the most difficult feats in sailing, but I would argue that the comparatively small and ragtag R2AK should also hold a space on the list. The race is a two-legged beast from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska, with a stop in Victoria, BC, along the way. The first leg (Port Townsend to Victoria) is a 40-mile proving ground (called, yes, The Proving Grounds), while the second 710-mile slog (Victoria to Ketchikan) is the real deal. The race itself bills it “like the Iditarod, on a boat, with a chance of drowning, being run down by a freighter, or eaten by a grizzly bear. There are squalls, killer whales, tidal currents that run upwards of 20 miles an hour, and some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.”

Unlike more traditional sailing events, this one lives by its own quirky set of rules—for one, that there are very few rules (and certainly no handicapping or complicated classes). Among them is that any vessel is eligible, provided that it does not have an engine. This means that the race is populated with unusual retrofit designs to let competitors row or paddle when they’re becalmed (or sometimes just row in general with no sails). There is enormous variety in the boats and people who attempt it.

This year, SAIL Technical Editor Adam Cove is making the trek solo in a Marshall 18 that’s been updated with oars and a custom tiller to accommodate the space taken up by the oars. Named Team Wily Wildcat, he finished The Proving Grounds (leg one) in fine style. He’s been sharing his race prep process on our Instagram page, and he’ll be updating us as he travels—when he has time!—so head on over to @sailmagazine on Instagram or catch our Facebook page for Adam’s updates.

View the original article to see embedded media.

(If you want to hear about previous races, SAIL contributor Norris Comer had a very different experience of the race in 2022 with a crew of three other people on a Corsair 760. Read his award-winning article about it here.

The winner gets $10,000 nailed to a tree in Alaska. The second-place boat gets a set of steak knives, and everyone else gets nothing but the satisfaction of knowing they made it—which is no small thing.

View the original article to see embedded media.

If you’re interested in following along this year’s race, the best way to do it is by signing up for the race organization’s newsletter, which provides pithy, sardonic, and frequently irreverent daily updates on the fleet. You can also check out the race tracker by clicking here.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Go Team Wily Wildcat! (And best of luck to all the racers.)

Read more on Sail Magazine

Posted in Article



Foiling Week 2024 Preview

Wednesday
Jun 12
2024
Posted by XS Editor

We Are Foiling is proud to carry on the tradition of dedicating every edition of the Foiling Week to a relevant Social Theme. 2024 will be inspired to YOUTH sailing and many projects and initiatives have been set (and will be) to support it all year long.

Read more on Sail-World

Posted in Article



port-starboard?

Monday
Jun 10
2024
Posted by deleteme

Helluva a story. So who has the right o’ way?

A seaplane lifted off directly into the side of a boat while setting off on a Saturday sightseeing flight from a harbor in Vancouver, Canada. The pilot and five passengers onboard De Haviland DHC-2 Beaver escaped the crash uninjured, CBC News reports.

Those on the boat weren’t as lucky, with two people being sent to the hospital with injuries.

More here.

Read more on Sailing Anarchy

Posted in Article



Barcelona anticipates big payday

Monday
Jun 10
2024
Posted by XS Editor

The value of hosting the America’s Cup is not easy math, as the advance forecast is typically full of optimism while the post-event calculation has led to debt and drama. Here’s an excerpt on the topic from the New Zealand Herald:


In less than three months, the America’s Cup regatta will descend on Barcelona with a big payday forecast for the region that Auckland will miss out on.

When racing commences, it will cap off a years-long period expected to have a positive economic impact of €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion US) for Barcelona, according to a report commissioned and undertaken by the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in May 2023.

By comparison, New Zealand’s economy was left $2.9 million NZ (1.8 million US) worse off from hosting the 36th America’s Cup in 2021, an official cost-benefit report revealed. – Full report


Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period was from December 1, 2021 until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the reveal, finally confirming Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)

For more schedule details, click here.
Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home

Read more on Scuttlebutt

Posted in Article



Cup Spy: June 7 – Four AC75s fight for searoom

Sunday
Jun 09
2024
Posted by XS Editor

Five teams sailed on Friday – four out of Barcelona in AC75s, enjoying a 15kt southerly seabreeze and reasonable seaway…

Read more on Sail-World

Posted in Article



300 Finns head to Tuscany beach for World Masters

Saturday
Jun 08
2024
Posted by XS Editor

Three hundred Finn Masters can’t be wrong when they all head to the same venue. The 2024 Finn World Masters begins next week at the Puntala Camp & Resort beside the Tyrrhenian Sea sea, 13 years after it was last held there.

Read more on Sail-World

Posted in Article



The dark horse of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup is off and running.

Friday
Jun 07
2024
Posted by deleteme

The dark horse of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup is off and running. Persistence and tenacity were the order of the day for Orient Express Racing Team…

Read more on Sail Web

Posted in Article



two skippers?

Friday
Jun 07
2024
Posted by deleteme

From our friends at Stephens/Waring Design…

Last year, 76-ft Zemphira racked up an impressive array of hardware, culminating in an impressive first-place overall SoT ranking for the CYCS 2023 season. We connected with the yacht’s two skippers, Kirsty Morrison and Andrew Parente, to understand the magic behind the winning boat.

How did you first discover your love for sailing?

Kirsty: My father was an avid sailor. I grew up in London and when I was 8 years old he built me an Optimist dinghy in the spare bedroom. They were originally designed so they could be built out of 2 pieces of plywood. He forgot about getting it down the staircase so he had to take the bedroom window out and lower it out of the opening. I used to race it on a reservoir near Heathrow Airport. Entirely unglamorous, but it got me started.

Andrew: Sailing a sunfish around Third Beach in Middletown RI.

What is your experience and career path to becoming a skipper? Read on.

Read more on Sailing Anarchy

Posted in Article



Franck Cammas on the New York Vendée

Thursday
Jun 06
2024
Posted by XS Editor

As Head of Performance of the Orient Express Racing Team – the French challenger for the America’s Cup – Franck Cammas has his work cut out.

Read more on Sail-World

Posted in Article



gotta be the fins

Thursday
Jun 06
2024
Posted by deleteme

The Italian team #204 Acrobatica sailed by Alberto Riva and Jean Marre completed their dominate two-week run, becoming the 2024 Atlantic Cup Champions. Their first place finish in the Coastal Series yesterday guaranteed them victory for the overall Atlantic Cup.  More here.

Read more on Sailing Anarchy

Posted in Article



New York Vendée – Britain has three skippers in the top ten

Wednesday
Jun 05
2024
Posted by deleteme

As James Harayda (Gentoo Sailing Team) clings to tenth, Britain has three skippers in the top ten. Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) is fifth and Pip Hare (Medallia) seventh…

Read more on Sail Web

Posted in Article



Official cocktail of the America’s Cup

Wednesday
Jun 05
2024
Posted by XS Editor

Following the lead by Scuttlebutt Sailing News in celebrating the House Drinks in the sport, the 37th America’s Cup now has its official cocktail too. Called the Copa America, it was created by a group of cocktail bars in Barcelona, a region which apparently ranks in the Top 10 cities with the best cocktail bars in the world.

The Copa América includes Bacardí Carta Blanca, salted honey cordial with thyme, Appletiser, Alquimia ratafia, smoked with rosemary, and is served with a gastronomic apple and tajín snack.

The drink was created in collaboration with six bars, representing the same number of teams participating in the main America’s Cup competition, and can be found at 30 venues.

Read more on Scuttlebutt

Posted in Article



Multiple threats to Paris 2024

Wednesday
Jun 05
2024
Posted by XS Editor

As sure as the sun rises in the east, the Olympic Games bring drama to the host city. Maybe its best the 2024 Sailing events are 500 miles to the south in Marseille, based on this report from insidethegames:


The 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a highly anticipated international event, face numerous threats due to their high-profile nature and global significance. Research conducted by Recorded Future’s Insikt Group has identified several key risks, including cybercriminal activities, hacktivist disruptions, and state-sponsored espionage and influence operations.

The event’s extensive security measures are designed to counter potential terrorist threats. However, it remains a potential target for violent extremists and opportunistic criminal groups.

The Paris Olympics, drawing athletes from over 200 nations, widespread media coverage, and millions of spectators, present a prime target for those seeking to cause harm, disrupt proceedings, enrich themselves through criminal activities, or embarrass the host nation. Based on a comprehensive assessment of past attacks, identified threats, and the geopolitical context, Insikt Group has pinpointed several high-priority threats to the Games. – Full report


Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Program:
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFX
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Venue: Marseille, France
Dates: July 28-August 9

Details:
• Paris website: https://www.paris2024.org/en/the-olympic-games-paris-2024/
• World Sailing microsite: https://paris2024.sailing.org/

Read more on Scuttlebutt

Posted in Article



Not all locals in love with America’s Cup

Wednesday
Jun 05
2024
Posted by XS Editor

Around 40 activists blocked entry to the America’s Cup official store on Wednesday (June 5) to complain about the sailing competition, but also what they consider large projects that “break up the territory.”

The block was promoted by several pro-environmental organizations, such as Futuro Vegetal, End Fossil, Arran, and Fridays for Future, in coordination with the ‘No a la Copa Amèrica’ platform. The event was scheduled ahead of an environmental demonstration in Barcelona on June 8.

Some activists blocked the store’s entry door for around two hours, while others were already inside. Those outside hold a poster reading ‘Let’s finish with capitalism, and save our planet!’ while chanting ‘America’s Cup is killing our neighborhoods.’ – Full report


Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period was from December 1, 2021 until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the reveal, finally confirming Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)

For more schedule details, click here.
Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home

Read more on Scuttlebutt

Posted in Article



Boris Herrmann gambles on the North for victory in New York Vendée solo race to France

Monday
Jun 03
2024
Posted by deleteme

Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé et Prévoyance) is back in the lead of the New York Vendée Les Sables d’Olonneat some 500 miles north west of the Azores….

Read more on Sail Web

Posted in Article



Massive orca in the middle of the Atlantic!

Sunday
Jun 02
2024
Posted by deleteme

Sailing a fabulous Rustler 42 across the Atlantic from Bermuda to the Azores:

Read more on SailNet

Posted in Article



Klaus Rønn Madsen wins Open Title and Tom Morris National UK Europe Class Championship

Sunday
Jun 02
2024
Posted by deleteme

Denmark’s Klaus Rønn Madsen was the winner of the UK Europe Class UK Open Championship and Tom Morris the UK National Championship…

Read more on Sail Web

Posted in Article



SailGP:Big win for Brits in Halifax

Sunday
Jun 02
2024
Posted by XS Editor

The Final Day of Rockwool SailGP Canada was one of the most dramatic in the event’s four year history, as the British team sailed effortlessly to win in the rain at Halifax…

Read more on Sail-World

Posted in Article



Cup Spy May 29: AC75s at the Barcelona Dodgems

Saturday
Jun 01
2024
Posted by XS Editor

Four teams teams sailed on Wednesday in the congested waters off Barcelona in ideal foiling conditions. All teams conducted similar sessions focussed around racing drills, with the chase boats being used to provide a competitive edge to the training.

Read more on Sail-World

Posted in Article



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