Okay it didn’t sink, but it sure looks like hell! From the Global Ocean Race.
Posts in category Article
Transatlantic testbed for new designs
Thursday
Nov 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The ULTIM division for 32m multihulls have all completed the doublehanded 2023 Transat Jacques Vabre, with the other three classes – IMOCA, Ocean Fifty, and Class40 – continuing on the course from Le Havre in northern France to Martinique in the French Caribbean.
While the 50-foot trimarans will be next to finish this 16th edition, it is the 60-foot IMOCAs that has attracted interest as the two lead boats are both launched in 2023, and both from the same design team – Koch-Finot Conq. Co-designer Antoine Koch, who is also competing in the race, likes what he sees:
“Obviously I am pretty happy to see both boats at the front of the fleet. It’s great to see that they perform well in race conditions. Very often during training in Brittany during the summer, you have flat water and medium wind and you are going upwind and downwind only, so you don’t have a real picture of what’s going on.
“So to see that they perform well in race conditions, in strong winds upwind at the start and then downwind in the tradewinds, is good for the future of the boats. This is especially so given that the are essentially designed for stronger winds downwind, and we only have medium-force tradewinds, and they already seem to be pretty quick and have the ability to sail maybe a bit deeper than the other boats.”
Details: www.transatjacquesvabre.org/en
Trying to find the path through tragedy
Thursday
Nov 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Sandra Barnes lost her boat while doing the Baja Ha-Ha, a two-week cruisers rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, which takes place every fall. Here is her story:
It is with mixed emotions that I write this. I am the owner of BoatBumGal, a 1968 Nicholson 38, center cockpit ketch, that sank after striking rocks outside of Bahia Tortugas (Turtle Bay) Baja Sur, during the 2023 Baja Ha-Ha. Luckily, we were able to exit the vessel with no injuries to crew or myself. As we moved away from the boat, I had the misfortune of watching my vessel slip under water.
This was not just my boat, but my home as well. All of my possessions were on the boat. My boat was my world. I had worked on her for five years, fought for her during a divorce, and honed my sailing skills on her. She was my pride and joy. The circumstances surrounding the reason she strayed off course and hugged the coast is up for dispute; let’s just say I put my faith in someone who possessed credentials far superior to mine.
But we were fortunate. The people of Turtle Bay embraced us as family. I was provided with warm clothes and shoes. I exited my boat, grabbing only a bag (phone, some money and identification), and was fortunate that my daughter was able to arrange for our departures. It was a long, arduous trip back, but I am now back in the United States, as is my crew.
After the Ha-Ha, I had planned to sail to La Paz and continue to parts unknown. Now, I have no idea where my journey will take me. I’m 65 years of age and am now couch surfing. Still I have no regrets. I tried, failed overwhelmingly, but I tried.
I’m proud to say BoatBumGal passed the finish line of the first leg of the Ha-Ha. I want and need to return to the water…my happy place. Unable to secure hull insurance, I was insured for liability only. Before this adventure, I sold all of my non-boat related belongings, which in turn allowed me to obtain upgrades and services for my boat. All is under water. To paraphrase the Jimmy Buffett song Bubbles Up, I am now just trying to find my path.
A fundraiser is online to help her get back on her feet after losing everything. Please help if you can: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sailor-who-lost-her-boat-during-the-bajahaha
Copa del Rey MAPFRE to host the 2025 ORC Europeans
Wednesday
Nov 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The Offshore Racing Council (ORC) announced today that the Real Club Náutico de Palma, has been awarded the organization of the 2025 ORC European Championship…
Only the best
Wednesday
Nov 15
2023
Posted by deleteme
Nov 15
2023
Posted by deleteme
Enrico Chieffi, CEO of Italian sailing clothes brand SLAM, and Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, have a relationship that goes way back. Both of them have a long track record as world class sailors and managers. Through decades they have been both rivals and friends. Now they have a joint project: developing the best possible sailing clothes in a partnership that puts ENTZ in a better position to win their fifth America’s Cup title, and SLAM in a position where they can benefit from the feedback of the world’s best sailors.
Crikey!!! … the stories were true
Wednesday
Nov 15
2023
Posted by deleteme
Nov 15
2023
Posted by deleteme
Most developments in yachting are evolution, not revolution but once in a while a boat is launched that’s a complete game changer, difficult to categorise because it’s distinctly different from anything that’s come before. Thus it is with Baltic Yachts’ 111ft (34m) foil assisted superyacht Raven. This isn’t a raceboat but it is focused on taking performance to a new level. It’s not a blue water cruiser but it is designed to make high-speed, long-distance offshore passages, potentially crossing an ocean with the owner and guests on board. At the time of writing there’s nothing else quite like Raven afloat.
VIDEO: 1/32 Finals of the SSL Gold Cup
Wednesday
Nov 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Forty teams from five continents are competing in the 2023 SSL Gold Cup, being held in SSL47 One-Designs on November 10-13 in the Canary Islands. The multi-stage event has a knock-out format which advances the top teams to the next round, and ultimate the final. This video highlights the 16 national crews that competed in the first stage on November 10-13.
The greatest event that almost never was
Wednesday
Nov 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
It’s been a very hard week for personal reasons, but I am very glad I made it to Gran Canaria to cover the SSL Gold Cup…
rip it up
Wednesday
Nov 15
2023
Posted by deleteme
Nov 15
2023
Posted by deleteme
The new Beiker-designed, Betts-built Riptide 30 Baby Blue finished second overall in ORC in the Round the County Race in the Pacific Northwest. Looks good.
Transatlantic Race returns in 2025
Wednesday
Nov 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The New York Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club, in partnership with the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Storm Trysail Club, will host the Transatlantic Race 2025. The race will start on June 18 from Newport, RI and finish off Cowes, England.
The west-to-east Transatlantic Race was most recently run in 2011, 2015, and 2019. This slightly extended break has allowed the race to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the RORC as well as the next edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race and the return of the Admiral’s Cup.
“For the past few years, we have been fielding regular calls regarding the next iteration of this race,” says Commodore Paul M. Zabetakis, M.D., of the New York Yacht Club. “Crossing the Atlantic is a bucket-list achievement for many offshore sailors.
“The time and effort required to prepare for and compete in the race, the unpredictability of the North Atlantic Ocean, the tactical challenge presented by the Gulf Stream and the historic connection to the origins of offshore racing distinguish this competition from all other distance races.”
It was over drinks at the Union Club in New York City one night in October 1866 that the first Transatlantic Race came to be. Three proud yachtsmen—Pierre Lorillard, George Osgood, and James Gordon Bennett—each thought their yacht to be the fastest and decided the best way to settle the discussion would be a race from Sandy Hook, N.J., to the Needles, off the Western tip of the Isle of Wight…
Gimson and Burnet scoop second Euro title
Tuesday
Nov 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Anna Burnet and John Gimson’s bid for Paris 2024 gold enjoyed a timely boost as they were crowned Nacra 17 European champions for the second time in three years…
Sailors of the Year: Neuschäfer and Slingsby
Tuesday
Nov 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Sailing’s highest achievers were honoured at a glittering World Sailing Awards ceremony in Málaga. The 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year awards were presented to Tom Slingsby and Kirsten Neuschäfer. The AC40 won Boat of the Year…
Closure for first round at SSL Gold Cup
Monday
Nov 13
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 13
2023
Posted by XS Editor
For the lowest seeded teams in the 2023 SSL Gold Cup, 16 national crews competed in SSL47 One-Designs on November 10-13 in a knock-out format which advances the top teams to the next round in the Canary Islands.
Surviving the 1/32 Finals was Bermuda, Estonia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Portugal, Slovania, South Africa, and Tahiti. Also, Chile and Antigua & Barbuda were awarded ‘Lucky Loser’ places, keeping them in the game for the 1/16 Finals which has 16 teams competing on November 16-19.
Forty teams from five continents compete in groups of four until the final. Another 16 countries were previously knocked out of the competition in the qualifying series that took place between May and July 2022 at Lake Neuchatel (Grandson, Switzerland), and 24 of the 40 that reach the finals do so directly by their position in the overall ranking of the SSL.
Eight countries advance directly to the quarter-finals: Spain, United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, and Italy.
The competition program on November 10-December 3 foresees a total of 66 races. For details, click here.
To watch the racing, click here.
Source: SSL Gold Cup
Copa Kitley GKA Freestyle-Kite World Cup Overall
Monday
Nov 13
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 13
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The final epic day at the Copa Kitley GKA Freestyle World Cup Brazil dealt drama and upset in equal measure, with home favourite Bruna Kajiya taking the narrowest of wins as France’s Arthur Guillebert came out on top…
Banque Populaire XI win ULTIM race in 16th TJV
Monday
Nov 13
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 13
2023
Posted by XS Editor
French duo Armel Le Cléac’h and Sébastien Josse sailing Maxi Banque Populaire XI crossed the finish line of the 16th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre off Fort de France, Martinique…
Racing to complete American Magic HQ
Monday
Nov 13
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 13
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Pensacola is on the clock to build a new $15 million headquarters for New York Yacht Club American Magic in time for its return for the 37th America’s Cup.
The city has pledged to build the new Maritime Center of Excellence at the Port of Pensacola by November 2024, when the American Magic team is set to return from the America’s Cup competition in Barcelona, Spain.
Completing a $15 million project in a year is an ambitious goal for the city as projects of similar size and scope have taken years to come together, but Pensacola Mayor Reeves said he believes they will be able to get it done. – Full report
Cup Spy Nov 13: Kiwis make rare stumble
Monday
Nov 13
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 13
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Emirates Team New Zealand had a rare breakdown early in the testing session today, Monday. There appeared to be a problem with the new port wingfoil. The LEQ12 was hauled from the water…
Heading Deep South
Saturday
Nov 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Five days into Leg 2 of the McIntyre Ocean Globe and the fleet is experiencing classic Southern Ocean sailing, whales, albatross and settling in for the next month of adventure…
An Inspiring Day 2 at the SSL Gold Cup
Saturday
Nov 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
On day two of the SSL Gold Cup 1/32 Finals, Gran Canaria delivered another beautiful setting for world-class racing. Today it was all about teamwork, smooth sailing and eyes out of the boat looking for the best wind. Tactical yacht racing at its best…
Cup Spy Nov 10: Three very different days
Saturday
Nov 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
It was an early day of summer on the Hauraki Gulf, but a squally one in Jeddah. The Brits had a good session with their training boat T6 – until the electronic gremlins struck…
Transat Jacques Vabre ULTIM win in the bank?
Saturday
Nov 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Fort-de-France, the colourful capital of the French island of Martinique, is making ready for the first finisher of the 16th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre….
The 37th America’s Cup can wait
Friday
Nov 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
If moving the America’s Cup from the Defender’s home of New Zealand to Spain didn’t sit well with ardent fans of the team and event, the decision to host a Preliminary Regatta in Saudi Arabia has found a different level of dissent.
The purpose of pre-events was to heighten the marketability of the America’s Cup, and provide sponsors more exposure, but they are a costly endeavor that is in conflict with the Defender’s environmental messaging. There is nothing about transporting people and boats 2500 miles that saves the planet.
And when the event is hosted by one of the world’s worst abusers of human rights, a heinous war is occurring 500 miles to the north, and teams must participate despite threats of terrorism, it all seems a billion miles away from the America’ Cup principle as a “friendly competition between foreign countries.”
But he who holds the gold makes the rules. As the Kiwis got a bucket of money from the Kingdom to guarantee all teams would attend, and with penalties for non-participation which could affect the ability to win the America’s Cup, all five Challengers have paid their entry fee and shipped their AC40 boats.
As for safety, Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton is proceeding as planned. “What’s happening in Israel and Gaza is terrible, there’s no doubt about it, but we have daily security briefings from a reputable world security company. At the moment, everything is all go.”
Contractually, he may not have any options, and the Swiss Alinghi team is already training at the venue. Since the U.S. federal government had advised against travel, the US Challenger has been silent on their plans. With the event dates of November 30-December 2, there is still time to see if they get on the plane to Jeddah.
This will be the only time the teams will be competing outside of Spain, and Dalton is eager to make a splash. “This is the first international sailing regatta on the Red Sea. Not only that, but it’s the pinnacle of the sport, the America’s Cup. We’re trailblazing in a region that’s the future of the sport, and I take immense pride in being a part of that…
D-366, the countdown is on – Vendée Globe 2024
Friday
Nov 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
On 10 November 2024, the Vendée Globe skippers will set off on the 10th edition of the non-stop, non-assisted, single-handed round-the-world race…
Serious damage to Ultim steering system
Friday
Nov 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
This morning, shortly before 10:00 UTC, whilst the crew was making headway on port tack at over 30 knots, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild’s suddenly lost speed, slowing to under 8 knots. This sudden stalling was the result of an impact…
good times
Friday
Nov 10
2023
Posted by deleteme
Nov 10
2023
Posted by deleteme
This is a good time to be a sailor. I could have left it at that but here’s why I kept on writing. Right now the Transat Jacques Vabre is underway, albeit with a shortened course. A severe low-pressure system that came up the Bay of Biscay screwed with the heads of the race organizers. They let the Ultim’s and the Class 40’s go figuring that the Ultim’s (those massive multihulls) could outrun the storm (and they did), but they pulled the 50’s and the Class 40’s into Lorient to seek shelter which was a smart move.
They are back out to sea now heading for Martinique, and finally, the 40, yes 40 IMOCA 60’s have left the dock in Le Havre but in moments after the start gun went off they were getting pummeled. It has been a bit of a minefield out there as a handful of Class 40’s are seeking shelter to repair boats and five IMOCA 60’s have already pulled in with damage. Isn’t sailing fun, but I digress…
Santa Barbara Considers Closing Part of its Anchorage
Wednesday
Nov 08
2023
Posted by deleteme
Nov 08
2023
Posted by deleteme
A few weeks ago, Latitude 38 received a letter expressing concern about Santa Barbara’s plan to reduce or completely close part of the city’s free anchorages along its beachfront over concern for underwater infrastructure. Reacting to the proposal at a city meeting in late October, Santa Barbara’s Harbor Commission said they’d like to find solutions other than closing what’s known as the seasonal anchorage near Stearns Wharf. (There is also a permitted mooring area farther east of Stearns, as well as a free year-round anchorage.)
“There’s no proposal to touch or close the year-round portion of anchorage,” said Mike Wiltshire, Santa Barbara’s harbormaster and waterfront director. Wiltshire confirmed that the city’s Harbor Commission would prefer a solution that preserves the seasonal anchorage in addition to the year-round anchorage. He believes a solution is possible that can preserve mooring and anchoring in the seasonal anchorage while still protecting utility infrastructure. He said the seasonal anchorage is closer to Stearns Wharf and the harbor which is where people typically take their tenders/skiffs.
Wiltshire said the waterfront department and public works need to put together a proposal that “protects the infrastructure and preserves moorings.
A press release from Santa Barbara’s Waterfront Department said the city was taking “proactive steps to safeguard its offshore resources and the environment,” and added that “incidents of damage to [underwater infrastructure] due to anchors dragging have heightened concerns, prompting the need for protection.”
Cup Spy Nov 7: Three teams continue development
Wednesday
Nov 08
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 08
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Three America’s Cup teams sailed in Cagliari, Barcelona and Jeddah. We are expecting to see American Magic’s AC75 Patriot sailing in Barcelona…
13th Catamarans Cup makes a strong return
Wednesday
Nov 08
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 08
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The Catamarans Cup international sailing race for cruising catamarans made a strong return this year to celebrate its 13th anniversary in style…
Australia SailGP Team celebrates success
Tuesday
Nov 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The Australia SailGP team was recognised at this year’s Australian Sailing Awards, winning Team of the Year 2023…
1000 miles to go
Tuesday
Nov 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
This Tuesday, as they crossed under the symbolic threshold of 1,000 miles remaining, the fleet of the 24th edition of La Boulangère Mini Transat contends with somewhat unstable trade winds…
IMOCA leaders ponder their choices
Tuesday
Nov 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
After a spectacular start at 0930hrs local time off Le Havre this morning the IMOCA fleet on the 16th Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre made the most of the outgoing tide to boost them on the their way out of the Channel…
America’s Cup: Kiwis back testing in Auckland
Tuesday
Nov 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Just two weeks after Emirates Team New Zealand wound up their last day sailing Barcelona, they are back out on the water testing on their AC40 on the familiar waters of the Hauraki Gulf again.
marketing 101
Monday
Nov 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
Nov 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
If I am trying to get traction selling my pretty wicked-up 28′ “gentlemen’s skiff” with racks, pretty sure this isn’t a picture that I would include in my marketing e-mail.
Oh, I sure hell as would not be promoting one sailmaker over all others. Just sayin’… – ed.
How 37th America’s Cup will be won
Monday
Nov 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
With the summer sailing session in Barcelona drawing to a close, reflecting back on the period when the actual America’s Cup will race – 12th October through potentially to the 24th October 2024 – will be a study in meteorology and a deep dive into the sailor’s mindsets in order to build an AC75 that is capable of winning across a broad range of conditions.
What has surprised many commentators, and indeed the sailors themselves, is the variety of conditions that Barcelona serves up on any given day at this time of the year.
The sea state has also been something that all the teams have been grappling with and as October ended, with some of the Atlantic weather systems pushing in, there were waves up to two metres from a variety of angles plus the famously shifty breeze that occasionally blows in from the north-east.
Indeed, to look at the weather data that was reported by the Alinghi Red Bull Racing and Emirates Team New Zealand recon teams during the 11 days that the boats sailed between 11th October and the 27th October, there was a peak average wind speed of 15 knots and an average range of 8-15 knots for the period…
Class40 and Ocean Fifty back in full race mode
Monday
Nov 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Some eight days after the initial start from Le Havre a week past Sunday, 46 duos aboard their Class40 and Ocean Fifty multihiulls returned to the Transat Jacques Vabre race course from Lorient this Monday morning heading for Martinique…
Record sized IMOCA fleet launch into a battle
Monday
Nov 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 06
2023
Posted by XS Editor
For all that they have had an extra eight days waiting for the exceptionally stormy weather to clear and for an acceptable exit out of the Channel to open up, once the TJV Normandie Le Havre’s record sized, 40 strong IMOCA fleet get under way…
The Clipper Race is returning to Cape Town
Sunday
Nov 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
After the action-packed stopover in Punta del Este, Uruguay, the fleet is now closing in on Cape Town, taking on the epic 3,555nm journey across the South Atlantic…
Transat Jacques Vabre: Nov 5 – Ascension bound
Sunday
Nov 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Maxi Banque Populaire XI (Armel Le Cléac’h & Sebastien Josse) is the first in the first in the Ultim class to round the required turning point of the islands of São Pedro and São Paulo. They are now headed for the next rounding mark Ascension Island…
18ft Skiff 2023-24 Spring Championship Race 5
Sunday
Nov 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 05
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The Smeg 18ft skiff team of Nathan McNamara, Jed Ctuikshank and Jack Taylor used its superior downwind speed over the concluding leg of the course to grab a last minute victory in Race 5 of the 2023-24 Spring Championship today…
Transat Jacques Vabre: Nov 4 – Not yet halfway
Saturday
Nov 04
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Nov 04
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Maxi Banque Populaire XI (Armel Le Cléac’h & Sebastien Josse) continues to lead the Ultim division, in the 2023 TransAt Jacques Vabre as the fleet y line up for the the next rounding mark – the islands of São Pedro and São Paulo…
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