Near midnight UTC overnight on Tuesday, Team Holcim-PRB made yet another gybe to the south, looking to stay close to the ice exclusion zone…
Difference between golf and sailing
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
In the absence of a professional league for sailing, the recreational sport finds a mix of pure amateurs with paid professionals on the same course. Bucky Buchanan, who competes in the Star Class alongside some of the notable sailors in the sport, sees this attribute as a positive.
“When golfers ask me why I like racing sailboats, I ask them if they in their wildest dreams could ever see themselves competing against Scottie Scheffler or Roy McElroy. Not a chance, they say, but in sailing you can compete against the best in the sport. It’s easy…just sign up for the regatta. No rankings required.”
During my sailmaking days for Shore and Sobstad Sails, I was a poor professional but I had a lot of hours in boats, and that was enough to overcome 1-star accommodations and happy hour meals to do well in regattas. I also liked to have fun, which made me an asset at night too.
But Hall of Famer Dave Ullman would observe how the idea of amateur sailors competing against the top pros becomes less intriguing after getting repeatedly beaten.
For me, the golf comparison fails because regardless of the score, you remain in the same foursome. To translate that to sailing, Tiger Woods is showered and into his second cocktail before you hit the dock. When the top pros bolt off the start line, leaving you gasping for clean air on the upwind leg, the joy of sailing can be hard to find.
Elapsed winners for Newport Cabo Race
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The 2023 Newport Beach to Cabo San Lucas had staggered starts on March 10 and 11 for the 800nm course from Newport Beach, CA to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. Here’s an update from their blog:
From the RC RC Headquarters – March 14 @ 12:38PM – RIO 100 finished at 0931hrs this morning to be the first to finish monohull. Congratulations to Manouch and the crew.
————-
From the RC NHYC Cabo Race – March 13 @ 11:03PM – Dinghy racing tactics used by NHYC Sailor Charlie Ogletree over 800 NM proves keep your boat between the competition and the finish line. Beating their fellow MOD 70 by 2 hours, Charlie credits his extensive Lehman 12 training and racing as to why they won tonight. Charlie said ” keep your boat in their way of the finish line. Words to live by! Congratulations go to NHYC Member Charlie Ogletree and the crew of Argo, “Well Done”. First to finish and winner of ORR-MH
————-
From the RC RC Headquarters – March 13 @ 09:33PM – TODAY, just seconds before 5:50 PM PDT, ARGO in 2D 14h 55M FINISHED FIRST in the ORR-MH Class. The Orion/ Argo match race lasted for 800NM and winning came down to selecting an outside or inside line to the finish in the last 20 NM. Once again Cabo Falso plays a role in how boat’s tactics complete their finish just ahead of their competition. Orion is just behind but played a huge role in attempting to upset Argo in this year’s first to finish attempt. Great to have the MOD70 multihulls in attendance and it goes to show how difficult this race course can be.
Race details – Entry list – Tracker
Monohull elapsed record set by Pyewacket 70 of 01:21:22:53.
Multihull and outright record set by H.L. Enloe’s ORMA 60 Mighty Merloe of 01:16:14:14.
The Ocean Race – Keeping the heat on along the the ice limit
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 14
2023
Posted by deleteme
With Cape Horn still nearly two weeks away the IMOCA teams are now consolidating their positions and working through job lists to keep the boats in racing condition….
death’s doorstep
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 14
2023
Posted by deleteme
Smuggling
Over the weekend, two migrant smuggling vessels capsized off San Diego’s coast, killing multiple occupants in one of the region’s worst maritime migration accidents in years.
Late Saturday, San Diego’s 911 center received a call for assistance from a woman aboard a migrant smuggling boat. She described a distress situation off Black’s Beach, a popular surfing destination just north of La Jolla, involving two pangas. Her own boat was safe at the time of the call, but the other boat had capsized with 15 people aboard.
At about 2330 hours, San Diego Fire-Rescue’s responders found two boats capsized within about 150 yards of each other, and they recovered eight bodies from the beach. No survivors were found nearby, and heavy fog hampered SAR efforts overnight. The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search with a small boat, a cutter and a SAR helicopter on Sunday morning, but suspended its participation that afternoon. More here.
February update for 37th America’s Cup
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
For the America’s Cup teams, the northern hemisphere winter has been cold and unpredictable whilst New Zealand has faced a poor summer of rain and storms. Here’s an update on the latest activity in this America’s Cup cycle…
Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)
The beginning of February saw the announcement that the French are back in the America’s Cup with Orient Express Team led by Stéphan Kandler and Bruno Dubois. The team will be buying a design package off Emirates Team New Zealand and on the water, the hard-driving Quentin Delapierre will skipper, Thierry Douillard will coach whilst Franck Cammas will advise as Head of Performance and Design/Sailor Co-ordinator. Benjamin Muyl has been appointed as Principal Designer with Antoine Carraz supporting as Technical Director. Orient Express Team will be operational in Barcelona in Summer 2023 with an AC40 in build at McConaghy’s.
NYYC American Magic (USA)
The de-commissioning of Patriot, the team’s warhorse AC75 from AC36, was done in some style. On the penultimate day of sailing, the much-modified rocket-ship was hitting 50 knots on the bear-aways and was given a final run-out on February 5 covering over 100 nautical miles and welcomed back to base with red, white, and blue smoke flares.
Out with the old and in with the new though, as the team took delivery of their AC40 America ahead of launching and maiden sail at the beginning of March. A team very much on the up, their winter in Pensacola Bay has been highly profitable with an assured confidence coursing through the team, now with one eye on the logistics of a move to Barcelona this summer.
INEOS Britannia (GBR)
A tricky start to the month for the British with the capsize and turtling of their prototype LEQ12 T6 on February 8 that caused extensive damage. The ‘INEOS bounce’ though was quick, with the almost immediate launch on the February 15 of the team’s AC40 Athena that had been in the shed since October whilst the concentration had been on T6.
With foiling talent to burn and deep resources all over, INEOS Britannia’s sailors barely missed a beat in getting Athena up to speed and rocketing around the Bay of Palma. The silver-lining for T6 was that it was due an extensive upgrade just before the capsize so any upset to the program was mitigated.
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL)
It’s been a month of two-boat testing on AC40s for the Kiwis, as they continue on their path towards AC37. The established helms of Nathan Outteridge and Pete Burling began to be pushed hard in the team’s LEQ12 over short-course racing by newcomers Liv Mackay and Leo Takahashi in the One-Design AC40 overseen by Josh Junior.
A new mainsail head arrangement on the LEQ12 plus some modifications to the port anhedral foil were on display for the shared recon team, whilst the announcement that Te Rehutai – the team’s Cup-winning boat from AC36 – will very soon to be back out on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA)
The Italians continue to impress, training out of Cagliari in Sardinia aboard their LEQ12, the sailing team look the most assured on the water and confident in their development program that has seen several foil upgrades through February. Marco Gradoni and Ruggero Tita have both enjoyed significant helming time, rotating in for Francesco Bruni and Jimmy Spithill with ease.
Over short courses, the Italians have looked imperious with dynamite technique and boat-handling. In February the team ran a training camp for the next generation of Italian Youth & Women, sailing Persico 69Fs and will take delivery of their first AC40 in March 2023. The Challenger to watch for sure.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
February 15th saw a landmark moment for the America’s Cup with the launch and maiden sail of Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s AC40 becoming the first team to sail the new class in Barcelona. Meanwhile, BoatZero went back into the shed for considerable deck modifications to reduce crew numbers from eleven to eight and introduce aero cyclors into the mix that appeared at the beginning of March.
Additionally, a notable a step-change for the sailing team as they took charge of the AC40 and had it flying almost immediately. Just six days later, on February 21, the Swiss joined the capsize club as the sailors pushed harder and harder to find the limits of the AC40 having got loose on a gybe. Being based at the venue, the highly focused and settled Swiss are looking better and better with each passing month…
All nine teams for SailGP New Zealand
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
All nine SailGP teams are set to compete in the penultimate event of Season 3 on March 18-19 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Following a severe weather incident in Australia a month ago which caused significant damage to the fleet’s wing sails and the Canadian F50, an intense repair program has the boats ready and able to use the 18m or 24m wing configuration. However, the 29m wing configuration remains unavailable while further repairs take place.
As one of the three teams in Season 2 that competed in the $1 million final race, the United States SailGP Team has not done as well this season and will be approaching the New Zealand event with a new line-up:
Four-peat at the 2023 Bacardi Cup
Sunday
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The 96th Bacardi Cup (March 6-11) finished much like in 2020, 2021, and 2022 as Mateusz Kusznierewicz/ Bruno Prada won again in the 73-boat Star fleet. In the Bacardi Invitational Regatta (March 9-11), 88 teams competed in fleets for the Melges 24, J/70, VX One, and Melges 15…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 14
Sunday
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Two weeks after the start of leg 3 in Cape Town, skipper Kevin Escoffier and his crew mates on Team Holcim-PRB have collected maximum points, leading the IMOCA fleet through the leg 3 scoring gate at 17:45:38 UTC Sunday 12 March…
Winning Group JJ Giltinan Championship overall
Sunday
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The defending champion Andoo team, John Winning Jr, Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton, retained the crown of world champion with an outstanding victory in the Winning Group JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship which concluded on Sydney Harbour…
Winning Group JJ Giltinan Championship Day 6
Saturday
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Defending champion Andoo team of John Winning Jr, Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton took the lead from the start and led the entire Race 8 of the Winning Group JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour…
Cup Spy Mar 10: Luna Rossa hits 50kts?
Saturday
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Asked in the post session interview, as to whether he could “give us a hint any regarding the maximum boatspeed”, Team Director, Max Sirena replied “I think today we reached clearly a big number.” Our guess is the Big 50 (kts)…
From Eider Duck to Andoo Comanche
Saturday
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
In the first two months of this year over 1300 new IRC 2023 certificates have been issued to boats from 24 different countries, with a further 600 boats in 11 countries continuing to race in the southern hemisphere season under IRC 2022…
2023 Historical 18 Footer Australian Championship
Saturday
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The 2023 Historic 18 Footer Australian Championship for the Galloping Ghost Trophy was conducted by the Sydney Flying Squadron (SFS) in conjunction with the Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association (AHSSA), on Sydney Harbour…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 13
Friday
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
There has been more of the same in The Ocean Race on Friday – but in a good way. All four teams are clicking down the miles, racing to the east in fast reaching conditions…
VIDEO: Luxury yacht sinks in Maui
Friday
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Debris now litters Honolua Bay in the area where the luxury yacht now sits at the bottom of the ocean. Nakoa, a 94-foot 2004 Sunseeker, ran aground on February 20 and two weeks later sank in 800 feet of water before it could be towed to Honolulu, 90 miles away.
Located near the northern tip of Maui, the mooring it was on failed, and then the yacth drifted onto a reef near a marine sanctuary. Contractors provided pollution mitigation, putting absorbent materials inside the vessel to capture any loose products, and placed a containment boom around the vessel.
They also pumped diesel from the vessel fuel tanks into 55 gallon drums which were airlifted by helicopter and transported to land for disposal. Fourteen batteries were also airlifted for disposal…
First hull of the new wallywind110 sold
Friday
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Wally is proud to announce the sale of the first hull of the new wallywind110 sailing yacht to a passionate loyal client, member of the Wally family for a long time…
Successful repairs for The Ocean Race team in Cape Town
Friday
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
(March 10, 2023; Day 13) – While The Ocean Race has four IMOCAs now sprinting across the Indian Ocean toward Cape Horn, the repair of GUYOT environnement – Team Europe has gone faster than expected.
Since arriving back to Cape Town on March 4 to repair a delaminated area on the port side of the hull, non-destructive testing revealed no additional damage, so the work at the improvised construction site in Cape Town progressed quickly for the yacht.
The departure for Itajaí is planned on March 16 which will have the team there in time for the start of the fourth leg of The Ocean Race on April 23.
“The repair has progressed really well,” reported skipper Benjamin Dutreux. “The team did a very good, fast, and strong job. The lamination work was completed this morning. Now a few more bumps will be filled and the laminated area will be in good shape, then the painters can start work.”
On March 12, the team will then start craning the yacht back into the water, setting the mast and refitting the yacht…
Cup Spy Mar 8: Comparing the AC40 statistics
Thursday
Mar 09
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 09
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Alinghi Red Bull Racing and American Magic both sailed their AC40’s – achieving very different statistics for achieving dry tacks and gybes…
18 Footers JJ Giltinan – Defending champions stretch lead
Thursday
Mar 09
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 09
2023
Posted by deleteme
The Andoo team of John Winning Jr, Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton won Race 7 to take a five point lead at the Winning Group JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour…
come fly with her
Thursday
Mar 09
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 09
2023
Posted by deleteme
So here it is, I don’t have the funds to do the Mini Transat. I’m still looking for a main co-sponsor, interested? contact me: caroline.boule1@gmail.com
If you want to have your name written on the boat, you can donate (any small sum helps) here. If you want to sail on the boat: enter the drawing:
– follow my Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
– Share this in your story.
– Tag 3 friends in the comments.
– Donate something!
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 12
Thursday
Mar 09
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 09
2023
Posted by XS Editor
It’s been a fantastic 48 hours on the race track for the trio of boats chasing down the current Leg 3 leader, Team Holcim-PRB…
The Ocean Race – 11th Hour Racing Team discover cracks in both rudders
Wednesday
Mar 08
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 08
2023
Posted by deleteme
All four teams are sailing deep into the Roaring 40s. The leader, Team Holcim-PRB, has made a dive to become the boat furthest to the south…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 10
Tuesday
Mar 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
It’s an interesting day in The Ocean Race with quick moving weather making for a day of transitions in the southern latitudes. The big winner over the past 24 hours is second placed Biotherm, who have gained over 30 miles on Team Holcim-PRB.
18 Footers JJ Giltinan – Noakesailing and Smeg move into lead on Day 3
Tuesday
Mar 07
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 07
2023
Posted by deleteme
After four races Noakesailing (2, 1) of Sean Langman, Ed Powys and Rhys Mara are tied for the lead with Smeg (1, 6) of Michael Coxon, James Dorron and Tom Anderson…
Sailing the Replica Ship Santa María Down the Florida Coast
Monday
Mar 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
It’s probably the first world history lesson that U.S. kids get in elementary school: In 1492 America was “discovered” by Christopher Columbus in the Niña, Pinta, and the flagship Santa María. He was lost and would never set foot in America, but to his dying day believed that the indigenous people of the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Central America were residents of India. He spent several months exploring the New World on that first voyage, but the Santa María was never to see Spain again, as it ran onto a reef near Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, and sank on Christmas morning.
But a version of the Santa María is sailing again. In 2018, the Fundación Nao Victoria in Huelva, Spain, launched a 200-ton, full-scale replica of the Santa María, which has spent the last few years touring North and Central America and the Caribbean, acting as a floating museum and goodwill ambassador. During 12 months of construction, the shipwrights, carpenters, ropemakers, and mechanics were faithful to the design and dimensions of the original wherever possible—a painstakingly difficult task, as the Santa María was never found and its plans lost to history.
When I first see her resting at the pier in Jacksonville, Florida, the sight is equal parts breathtaking and unsettling. Nothing outwardly betrays the ship’s 21st-century construction, right down to the whip staff at the ship’s helm and the bridge where Columbus wrote his log. There it rests in front of the Hyatt Hotel—a time traveler from the Age of Discovery.
2023 Worlds entries top the 100 mark
Monday
Mar 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Entries for the 2023 OK World Championships, which are being hosted by Lyme Regis SC from 22 to 30 June, have topped the 100 mark today, with 103 competitors now signed up to take part…
What was intriguing at the RYA Dinghy Show 2023?
Monday
Mar 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Determined not to let moving house (the day before) put him off, YachtsandYachting.com’s website developer, Magnus Smith, attended his favourite boat show during the last weekend in February…
100,000
Monday
Mar 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
In less than 30 days, we’ve had around 100,000 downloads for the new Sailing Anarchy podcasts. Seems like a decent start, and well, I think I’ll keep doing them! Thanks to y’all. – ed.
what’s old is new again
Monday
Mar 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix 18-19 March will be the platform for launching reZHIKle, a program created by Zhik to recycle all makes of old wetsuits.
Working with UPPAREL, leaders in textile recovery and garment recycling, SailGP’s long-awaited New Zealand debut will act as the pilot for the new reZHIKle scheme, where people can drop off any brand of used wetsuits or skiff suits to be recycled or repurposed and used again.
Anyone who plans to attend ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix is encouraged to dig through your kit bags and bring your old wetsuits for recycling. Visit either of the Zhik booths located in the Race Village at Naval Point, or at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Live Site, powered by Enable, situated opposite Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in the city center. ..
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 9
Monday
Mar 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Waking up Monday with a 470+ nautical mile lead, one week into leg 3, would appear to be an enviable position for Kevin Escoffier and his Team Holcim PRB…
it won’t???
Monday
Mar 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
The Environment
Japanese authorities are preparing to release treated radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, nearly 12 years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. This will relieve pressure on more than 1,000 storage tanks, creating much-needed space for other vital remediation works. But the plan has attracted controversy.
At first glance, releasing radioactive water into the ocean does sound like a terrible idea. Greenpeace feared the radioactivity released might change human DNA, China and South Korea expressed disquiet, while Pacific Island nations were concerned about further nuclear contamination of the Blue Pacific. One academic publication claimed the total global social welfare cost could exceed US$200 billion. Read on.
J/24 North American Championship announcement
Sunday
Mar 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Some of the world’s best J/24 sailors will descend on Sandusky, Ohio for the J/24 North American Championship hosted by Sandusky Sailing Club…
Eight Bells: Gonzalo Diaz
Sunday
Mar 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Gonzalo Diaz
Gonzalo Eduardo Diaz (92) of Miami, Florida passed away at home, surrounded by family on Thursday, March 3rd, 2023.
Gonzalo, known to his grandchildren as “Abo”, and as “The Old Man” by sailors and friends around the world, was born to Saul and Rosario Diaz on April 1st, 1930, in Havana, Cuba. He was a devoted husband and father and a humble, selfless man of few words with a strong faith in God.
Gonzalo fled Communist Cuba in 1964 for a better life for his family. After settling in Miami, together with his brother Saul, Gonzalo started Med-Lab, a diagnostic imaging solutions company. He was deeply devoted to his loving wife Carmen and his entire family.
Gonzalo also loved sailing. Despite his impressive individual accomplishments in the sport, he will unequivocally be remembered for catalyzing his own obsession into that of many young sailors and for single-handedly keeping the Snipe fleet alive.
Gonzalo was preceded in death by his parents Saul and Rosario, and brother Saul. He is survived by his wife Carmen; three children Gonzo, Augie and Ani; eight grandchildren Daniela, Veronica, Lucas, Gonzalo, Adrian, Annelli, Arturo, and Augie; and eight great grandchildren Lucy, Henry, Alexa, Monica, Gonzalo, Gabriel, George, and Hawkins.
Services will be held Monday, March 6th from 6-11pm at Caballero Rivero Westchester – 8200 Bird Road (Viewing) and Tuesday, March 7th at 1:30pm at St Augustine Catholic Church – 1400 Miller Road (Mass), followed by interment at 3pm at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South – 11655 SW 117 Ave. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Miami Learning Experience would be appreciated.
Carmen and Gonzalo Diaz.
Sitting down with Alex Thomson
Sunday
Mar 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Shirley Robertson
This edition of Shirley Robertson’s Sailing Podcast captures one of offshore sailing’s most active campaigners, a sailor who’s career spans two decades at the highest level of the sport and includes a record equaling five Vendee Globe starts.
Alex Thomson, widely known for his Vendee campaigns sailing a series of iconic Hugo Boss IMOCA, has done much to raise awareness of offshore sailing and with his team, has been responsible for some of the most innovative developments the monohull IMOCA Class has ever seen.
While much of Thomson’s discussion in this two part podcast centers around his various Vendee Globe campaigns, there’s also much to cover about Thomson’s remarkable career path, time spent sailing with Sir Robin Knox Johnston, and the result of his time spent with British business tycoon Sir Keith Mills:
“We met at Shoreham airport, we flew to Brest, and he bought me a boat for 1.1 million Euros….That level of belief, in me, at that time, was difficult to comprehend really.”
Thomson is candid about his first campaign, as he is throughout the chat with Robertson, and reveals much about how, along with Sir Keith Mills, they brought Hugo Boss into what would go on to become one of the longest sponsorship partnerships in the sport.
Thomson has also had an eventful career that’s involved a series of very high profile sinkings and race retirements, not least when keel damage to the original Hugo Boss famously left him floundering deep in the South Atlantic. But the drama doesn’t end with keel damage.
Having discussed the cause of a very public falling out with fellow British offshore sailor Mike Golding, “…the next day in the Sunday Times, Mike called me a jumped up little prick!”, Thomson discusses how, with his keel dangling uselessly from the hull, the only chance of rescue was of course, with Mike Golding, who pulled off a daring rescue with catastrophic circumstances:
Alex Thomson
“I was on the boat for about three hours…the wind hit, the boat leaned over, and his mast just collapsed, Mike is standing in the cockpit with his mouth open, and I’m now feeling guilty…I said to Mike, ‘I am so sorry…’”
Thomson’s memories of the daring rescue, Golding’s unfaltering seamanship and the awkward incidents that followed is a first hand account of offshore folklore not to be missed. It’s a fascinating tale told by one of only two people that were actually there.
There is of course much chat between the pair of Thomson’s sailing adventures, but also of his series of daring stunts that have netted him over 10 million views on YouTube alone. The evolution of the idea, the execution of the stunts themselves and Thomson’s desire to bring new audiences to his offshore campaigns are all talked through in this revealing chat…
The Ocean Race – 11th Hour Racing Team smash Alex Thompson Hugo Boss record
Sunday
Mar 05
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 05
2023
Posted by deleteme
The Ocean Race – 11th Hour Racing Team posted a 544.63 nautical mile run over the 24 hours ending in a period ending just after midnight Saturday night…
SailGP Technologies achieves fast turnround on F50
Sunday
Mar 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The NZ SailGP Team will be back in black later this month, with the team’s F50 ‘Amokura’ set to make the startline on Whakaraupo, Lyttelton Harbour (18-19 March). The update follows days of inspection, testing, refit and repair at SailGP Technologies
Chasing the Jules Verne Trophy
Saturday
Mar 04
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 04
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Although Gitana Team is extending its stand-by for a few more days, the Spindrift Racing team announced this week that, after four months of fruitless waiting, it is giving up on tackling the Jules Verne Trophy for this season in this report from Tip & Shaft.
Never has the crewed round the world record which has been set by Francis Joyon since 2017 been held for so long. The actual magnitude of the feat of Idec Sport and now also the difficulty in finding a properly favorable weather pattern partially explain why the Jules Verne Trophy remains so elusive.
On March 1, the end of stand-by was announced by the Spindrift Racing team, which gave up setting out on Sails of Change, led by Yann Guichard, to attack the world record. Maxi Edmond de Rothschild (Charles Caudrelier) continues to hold on on standby for some more days, but time is running out because the Jules Verne can no longer be attempted once the austral summer is over, the conditions in the South Seas then become just too tough and dangerous. “
“We are extending stand by for the meantime to give ourselves every possible chance, even if the North Atlantic is still not good”, confirms Cyril Dardashti, general manager of Gitana Team.
And so one thing is clear, again this winter – 2022-2023 – has not been favorable for a start to a Jules Verne Trophy. The Sails of Change crew believed it possible twice, meeting in Brest on both occasions, but possible weather windows on January 14 and 26 finally closed. “We really hesitated to leave, we watched the weather forecast until the final minutes, our boots were already on our feet and actually decision not to leave is more difficult to make than that to leave,” says Yann Guichard.
These two windows were also considered by Charles Caudrelier and his five crew members who, on February 12, saw another one and the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild did set off, before turning around a few hours later due to damage to part of their generator…
Winning Group JJ Giltinan Championship Preview
Saturday
Mar 04
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 04
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The Invitation Race for the Winning Group 73rd JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship will be sailed on Sydney Harbour (Friday, March 3) as a last hit out for the nine-race championship, which begins on the same course March 4…
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