In short, a brilliant weekends racing with some very tight and enjoyable competition throughout the fleet. Day 1 (Fri) saw the AP up early on while Peter Saxton, the PRO, waited for the wind to fill in…
Monthly archives for August, 2021
Hurricane Henri Pays a Visit to Newport
Thursday
Aug 26
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 26
2021
Posted by deleteme
Henri made landfall along the coast just west of Newport, Rhode Island, during the morning of Sunday, Aug. 22, creating a maelstrom in the crowded anchorage off Fort Adams. (Paul Todd/Outside Images/)
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been a solid three decades since the south coast of New England and Rhode Island—including my hometown of Newport—has been slammed with a direct hit by a major hurricane, so you could say we were overdue. Despite the innocuous name, 1991′s Hurricane Bob was a formidable event, making landfall in Newport as a Category III beast with upward wind speeds of nearly 140 miles per hour. It took me a solid couple of days to clean up my mom’s backyard of the downed branches and debris, and we were the lucky ones in our neighborhood…
Jimmy Spithill on the SailGP Rollercoaster
Thursday
Aug 26
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 26
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Sailing legend Jimmy Spithill explains on his RedBull blog how his United States SailGP Team overcame treacherous conditions to salvage fourth place at Denmark Sail Grand Prix in Aarhus…
Hold Fast: An Olympic Sailing Podcast
Thursday
Aug 26
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 26
2021
Posted by XS Editor
For a couple weeks every four years, sailors in the Olympic Games light up our hearts with stories of triumph and determination. Yet, the larger part of their stories happen in the years of training and preparation in between each Olympics.
The Hold Fast Podcast hosted by Nathan Housberg showcases United States sailors with Olympic experience or aspirations as they share the parts of their journey that don’t typically make it to press.
Here’s a two part session with Caroline Atwood:
Part 1
For the first time ever on Hold Fast we are joined by a new co-host, Dr Tim Herzog, a sports psychologist and clinical psychiatrist to improve our focus on athlete mental health and psychological performance…
wall of voodoo
Thursday
Aug 26
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 26
2021
Posted by deleteme
The Norwegian startup Wind Catching Systems has a novel concept for deploying floating offshore wind power at scale. Floating wind offers the promise of access to the steadier, more powerful winds in waters further offshore, but it is currently more expensive to install and maintain than conventional bottom-fixed turbine technology.
In partnership with Norwegian contractor Aibel AS and the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), Wind Catching Systems plans to commercialize an entirely new approach to floating offshore wind. Their patented design is a towering multi-turbine platform fitted with small turbines of about one megawatt each. If built out, this gigantic platform would generate the same energy as a conventional wind farm five times as large (by acreage). Each unit would be able to produce enough power to run 80,000 homes.
Stu Bithell adds Merlin National title to Olympic Gold
Thursday
Aug 26
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 26
2021
Posted by deleteme
Stuart Bithell and Tom Pygall were the winners of the Aspire 2021 Merlin Nationals, held at the Eats Lothian YC…
64th Shearwater National Championships
Thursday
Aug 26
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 26
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Firstly I would like to say a huge congratulations to our National Champions Nigel and Sarah Stuart on Crowns! I’m sure they would agree this years nationals was definitely not an easy win with the top two boats only one point apart…
Boating banned in New Zealand
Wednesday
Aug 25
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 25
2021
Posted by XS Editor
A year ago it was so often asked, “Is it 2021 yet?” First we learned the meaning of pandemic, and then we lived it. Brutal is an understatement, but once toilet paper returned to the store shelves, followed by vaccines, it was possible to be optimistic.
But there’s been no unified playbook for this virus, and for New Zealand, which so bravely allowed the America’s Cup to be held earlier this year, they now face the highest number of COVID-19 cases in a single day since last year.
For a sport like sailing, which provides so much relief from the pandemic, the Kiwi nation is now in lockdown. With their spring season to begin September 1, Yachting New Zealand chief executive David Abercrombie delivers the bad news:
This is not a message I am enjoying writing right now, as we contemplate life again at Alert Level 4. It is a massive shame on so many levels but we need to do the right thing and follow the rules because we’ve seen how devastating the Delta variant has been for so many countries.
The Yachting New Zealand offices are now closed and staff are all working from home. All yachting and boating clubs should also be closed and activity on the water is prohibited.
Hopefully this is only a short-term measure. I know this is not easy but we’ve succeeded before and can do it again. Look after yourselves and each other and we’ll hopefully see you on the water soon…
Volvo 70: World’s coolest yachts
Wednesday
Aug 25
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 25
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Yachting World has been asking top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times, and Kiwi professional Stu Bannatyne nominated the Volvo 70 Ericsson 4. Here’s the report:
“Ericsson 4 holds a special place in my history of boats sailed. I was fortunate to be part of a very talented team that resulted in the fastest Volvo 70 of its era and it gave us many happy moments; along with some very stressful ones too!” The Juan Kouyoumdjian-designed Volvo 70, Ericsson 4 won the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race, skippered by Torben Grael. During the very first leg of that race the crew showed her potential by setting a 24-hour monohull record, covering 596.6 miles, something Bannatyne recalls as giving “a great sense of satisfaction, both personally and for the team.” He adds: “The Volvo 70 was the best of all the Volvo Ocean Race classes and the same boats are still very active, and winning races globally…
know your tides
Wednesday
Aug 25
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 25
2021
Posted by deleteme
Wow this had disaster written all over it! Of course there is a thread.
This Hydrogen-Powered Chase Boat Is Coming to Make the America’s Cup a Little Greener
Tuesday
Aug 24
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 24
2021
Posted by deleteme
After winning the 36th America’s Cup in March, Emirates Team New Zealand has started building a secret weapon to help conquer the next event.
The victorious Kiwis have revealed a new hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat designed to support the AC75 racing yachts in the 37th America’s Cup. The goal is that more teams will jump on board and use support boats featuring this innovative, eco-friendly propulsion throughout the campaign.
The prototype, which is under construction at the team’s facility in Auckland’s North Shore, will be built with help from AFCryo. The Christchurch company is a strong proponent of green hydrogen and currently manufactures hydrogen production systems and composite cryostat in New Zealand. The vessel will be equipped with fuel cells, two electric motors, a battery and the all-important hydrogen tanks. As such, it can carry out support duties, such as schlepping spare sails or equipment, without releasing harmful emissions.
For the rest of the story go to the Rob Report
right or wrong?
Tuesday
Aug 24
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 24
2021
Posted by deleteme
Please don’t think I am trying to take Mozzy’s thunder at all but he doesn’t often come on here to voice his opinion, which in this case I completely agree with.
The SailGP version of the RRS changes 18.1 but doesn’t change the definition of Mark Room.
GBR allowed more than sufficient room for JPN to a) sail to the mark (she was on the other side the course approaching the mark and b) when JPN actually reaches the point where they would tack to round the mark – all the Mark Room they are entitled to – GBR is sailing a course at 90 degrees to JPN and is not even yet in the zone…
52 Super Series fleet is ready to rumble
Tuesday
Aug 24
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 24
2021
Posted by XS Editor
After two days of practise races on the Bay of Palma, the Puerto Portals 52 Super Series Sailing Week & 20th Anniversary Invitational fleet is primed for action and ready to start racing for points and prizes Tuesday…
Youth Foiling Gold Cup Act 2 qualifying day 7
Tuesday
Aug 24
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 24
2021
Posted by XS Editor
This evening, three teams are heading home as the rest of the fleet gear up for two intense days of sailing in the finals. Before the axe fell, it was quite the last day on Lake Garda with 180-degree wind shifts and puffy…
Heated rivalries to help SailGP
Tuesday
Aug 24
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 24
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Rivalries fuel interest in sport and are founded in confrontation. Somebody says something and before you know it you have fans taking sides. For a burgeoning sports league like SailGP, this is good news.
Spanish team helm Phil Robertson and his aggressive starting tactics has him in the cross-hairs of US team helm Jimmy Spithill who was nearly steamrolled in the UK event. More recently in Denmark, British helm Ben Ainslie accused Japan helm Nathan Outteridge of slimy tactics.
For SailGP to harness broad interest, heated rivalries can help and British fans are massively loyal.
The latest incident occurred when Ainslie and his crew were judged to not have given Outteridge’s Japanese team enough room at the weather mark, and were subsequently given a penalty by the umpire. While it looked like there was plenty of room, the umpires were reacting to Outteridge’s claim that there wasn’t…
To watch the incident, click here.
the win
Monday
Aug 23
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 23
2021
Posted by deleteme
Grand Soleil is proud to announce that Grand Soleil 44 is the new ORC World Champion in class B. Huge congrats to Catalin Trandafir’s Grand Soleil 44 P ESSENTIA44 for this great result. The Gold medalists in Class B has been training intensely this year in both the Mediterranean and the Baltic to achieve this result. Their dominance of this class resulted in the largest lead in the event – 6 points…
Know-how: Boom Safety
Monday
Aug 23
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 23
2021
Posted by deleteme
Sailing is a remarkably safe activity, despite the potentially dangerous environment in which it takes place. This is undoubtedly due to the safety-conscious attitude of most skippers and their crews. Nonetheless, even the best sailors can still get in trouble when and where they least expect it.
When I was a young Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster instructor, one of the standing orders for all the sea school’s staff was to either have a preventer rigged or the mainsail furled, or be sure and sit next to whoever was at the helm when sailing downwind. My employer clearly recognized the danger of an accidental jibe, both to his reputation and livelihood.
It’s an approach that has served me well over the years and one none of us should ever forget. A blow from the boom or mainsheet in an accidental jibe is one the most common causes of serious injury while sailing. A crash jibe in heavy weather is also an almost certain recipe for damaging the boat or rig.
The classic solution is a line led forward from the boom to stop it crashing across from one side of the boat other: hence the name “jibe preventer.” This should be as much part of the standard package of a boat’s running rigging as the mainsheet. Sadly, this is rarely the case.
A preventer should run from the aft end of the boom, outside the shrouds, forward to the bow and then back again to the cockpit where it can be easily adjusted. It’s often tempting to attach the preventer to the midpoint of the boom. However, doing so runs the risk a broken boom or gooseneck.
Even worse is taking a preventer from the middle of the boom to the toerail, as the line acts downward, markedly increasing loads compared to one that’s led to the bow. Granted, many have successfully used this arrangement for thousands of miles. However, the risk of significant damage is so great I would never do so.
A preventer should also never be made fast on the foredeck. In order to be free to luff up or jibe to avoid collisions, it must be possible to adjust the line from the cockpit. It’s also important to be able to safely ease a preventer when it’s under load. If it can’t be taken to a convenient winch, a mooring cleat of the kind that allows a rope to be eased with a single turn will suffice…
Photos by Rupert Holmes
June 2021
anarchy island
Monday
Aug 23
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 23
2021
Posted by deleteme
We are claiming it as our own…!
The Japan Coast Guard has detected the formation of a new island about 30 nautical miles to the south of Iwo Jima. An underwater volcano, Fukutoku-Okanoba, is in the midst of a large eruption, and its caldera is now poking slightly above the surface of the sea.
Japan’s coast guard detected the new land formation on August 15, two days after the eruption began. When the volcano exploded and sent steam and ash soaring up more than 50,000 feet into the air – a plume that was easily visible from space – a surveillance plane was dispatched to investigate…
C&C 25 – opinions?
Monday
Aug 23
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 23
2021
Posted by deleteme
C&C 25 – opinions?I am looking at a 1973 C&C 25 as my second boat (moving up from a 20” trailersailer). I haven”t seen or heard anything about these – anyone have any input? Thanks. . .
right thurr
Sunday
Aug 22
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 22
2021
Posted by deleteme
You know the feeling – the boat’s dialed, the steering is excellent and you just feel the energy. Nothing like it. Ever.
This is the Cape 31 Orion, from Royal Natal Yacht Club winning The Lipton Cup Challenge . I’d say they’re feeling pretty good Right Thurr.
NYYC One-Design Regatta cancelled
Sunday
Aug 22
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 22
2021
Posted by XS Editor
The threat of Tropical Storm Henri making landfall in the Northeast cancelled the fourth edition of the New York Yacht Club One-Design Regatta which was to be held August 21-22 in Newport, RI. – Details
Planet Sail Episode 7
Sunday
Aug 22
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 22
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Where and when will the next America’s Cup be and who will be competing for it? Matt Sheahan considers the inside chat on when, where, who and how the 37th America’s Cup might take shape and provides some background and insight on when we’ll know…
2021 Star North American Championship
Sunday
Aug 22
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 22
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Erik Lidecis with Greg Smith beat 29 teams to win the 2021 Star North American Championship on August 18-21 in Newport Beach, CA. With the fleet including seven Star world champions, five at the helm and two as crew, the lead was held by Eric Doyle/ Payson Infelise through the first three days but it was the consistency of Lidecis/ Smith that won them the title on the final day. – Details
Australia wins Denmark SailGP
Sunday
Aug 22
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 22
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aarhus, Denmark (August 21, 2021) – Light winds plagued Aarhus Bay on the final day of racing at the ROCKWOOL Denmark Sail Grand Prix, with Tom Slingsby’s Australia SailGP Team advancing along with Japan and Great Britain in the final podium race, with the Aussies dominating the trio for the win.
On a day when teams sailed with only three crew, the two prior fleet races for the eight teams were both won by Nathan Outteridge’s Japan team, boosting them up from their overnight position of sixth place to the final three, with Jimmy Spithill’s USA team slipping to fourth after two fifth place finishes.
“A second win in a row is very satisfying,” said Slingsby. “It was pretty stressful out there. It was very light winds and still very obvious that Nathan [Outteridge] has an advantage in these conditions. Fortunately, the last race went our way. We got a good start, there was a lot of argy-bargy behind us and we managed to sail away.”
The victory maintain the Aussies position at the top of the Season 2 championship leaderboard…
British team finish third in Denmark
Saturday
Aug 21
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 21
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Ben Ainslie’s Great Britain SailGP Team finished the ROCKWOOL Denmark Sail Grand Prix in third place in marginal foiling conditions on the final day resulting in ‘tortoise and hare’ conditions, with those able to find any breeze being rewarded handsomely…
Passing the baton to the next generation
Friday
Aug 20
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 20
2021
Posted by XS Editor
While the structure of youth and school competition helps to direct the herd, it is equally important to expose the next generation to a type of sailing that exists beyond the age-based organization.
Prior to the widespread growth of teenage scholastic sailing, kids would transition from their prams to the types of boats that were prevalent in their area. But nowadays, it can take a bit of pulling to introduce the options.
When it comes to boats that are affordable and easy to store and launch, the Sunfish Class rates high on the list. Here is an appeal from Class Youth Coordinator, Vicki Palmer:
good news, bad news
Friday
Aug 20
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 20
2021
Posted by deleteme
The good news is that we’re out in front, the bad news is, well, take a quick peek behind!
12-Year-Old Attempts Bristol Channel Crossing
Friday
Aug 20
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 20
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Can you remember when you were 12-years old? Did you have the courage to take part in a big adventure, voyage, or expedition? Did you ever think of raising money for others? If most of us are truly honest, we would probably say no…
Columbia 39 Keel bolt replacement
Friday
Aug 20
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 20
2021
Posted by deleteme
Hey everyone,So I’m doing some homework, and I’m looking at a Columbia 39 that needs a keel bolt replacement job in the near future (but otherwise seems to be in great shape). Could anyone give me some advice as to whether or not this is a many thousand dollar job or multi-hundred type of repair? I don’t have the skill to do it myself, so I’d have to have a pro do it for me which of course would up the cost, but for something like this, I’m sure it’s worth it.
Or is replacing the keel…
US SailGP Team heroics keep finals berth in play
Friday
Aug 20
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 20
2021
Posted by XS Editor
The United States SailGP Team sits in prime position to challenge for its third consecutive podium final berth despite the last minute injury to Wing Trimmer Paul Campbell-James at the ROCKWOOL Denmark Sail Grand Prix…
on the rocks
Friday
Aug 20
2021
Posted by deleteme
Aug 20
2021
Posted by deleteme
SailGP: Australia leads after action-packed Day 1
Friday
Aug 20
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 20
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Australia SailGP sailed by Olympic Gold medalist and America’s Cup winner, Tom Slingsby tops the leaderboard after an eventful first day of racing in SailGp Denmark presented by Rockwool…
Irish slap NZ$342million price tag on Cup hosting
Friday
Aug 20
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 20
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Irish media are reporting that an America’s Cup hosting would cost more than €200 million (NZD342million) if the Emerald Isle is successful in its bid to host the 37th America’s Cup Regattas…
More problems for U.S. SailGP Team
Thursday
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aarhus, Denmark (August 19, 2021) – The United States SailGP Team can’t catch a break during SailGP Season 2. After three events in which their success was derailed by incidents, an accident during practice now requires a crew change for the Denmark SailGP on August 20-21.
During the official practice racing today, veteran Wing Trimmer Paul Campbell-James broke his leg, ruling him out for the event. The injury was the result of a maneuver that threw both him and Driver Jimmy Spithill out of the cockpit.
The U.S. SailGP Team has secured to its roster Jason Saunders, who previously raced as interim wing trimmer for the New Zealand SailGP Team earlier this season, in a temporary capacity for the Danish event. Saunders is currently en route to Aarhus from Marseille, France and will arrive prior to racing tomorrow…
An American dream
Thursday
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
by Capt. Michael L. Martel, Points East
But it’s not fiction, not at all. German-born Jens Lange exchanged his three-piece suit for a woodworking shop apron, his fountain pen for a varnish brush and he has never looked back.
Jens Lange founded his dream enterprise, Baltic Boat Works, LLC, in a small, cold, Bristol, R.I., work shed in 2010, after walking away from a high-paying job in the automobile industry. This all unfolded just as he was finishing the two-year building and restoration program at IYRS, the International Yacht Restoration School, in Newport, R.I.
“I grew up in Germany, near the Baltic coast,” he says. “After high school, I went to college and earned my MBA and got hooked on the automotive industry. I spent almost 20 years in the corporate world, and the automotive industry brought me to the U.S., to southeastern Michigan, in ’98. And then, in 2008, I felt it was time to make a change and follow my passion, which I realized was boats rather than money.”
GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt day 2
Thursday
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
It was another insane day of intense action on the water as stormy Sylt continued to deliver the goods. The competition started bright and early, with the women’s heats straight on the water and back into the North Sea…
Flashback from World Match Racing Tour
Thursday
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
In this flashback from the World Match Racing Tour, watch as Russell Coutts, Paul Cayard, Ed Baird, Morgan Larson, and others go head-to-head in the 1989 Brut Cup in San Francisco, CA…
Airlie Beach Race Week overall
Thursday
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
The Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Airlie Beach Race Week finished on a high note, with 10-17 knot winds for the final race on a triangle course on Pioneer Bay deciding the day’s victors and the overall winners in the various divisions…
Youth Foiling Gold Cup Act 2 qualifying day 3
Thursday
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Lake Garda finally fulfilled its promise as one of the best sailing venues in the world and the Persico 69F fleet ran off seven races in perfect conditions…
Great Britain SailGP Team breaks F50 speed record
Thursday
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Aug 19
2021
Posted by XS Editor
Great Britain SailGP Team CEO and driver Sir Ben Ainslie returned to the wheel of the British F50 today as the team began training ahead of the ROCKWOOL Denmark Sail Grand Prix in Aarhus (August 20-21).
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