5 West Ltd, represented by Alex Thomson, has reached an agreement to purchase the IMOCA 60 owned by Team Banque Populaire…
Communist alliance for 2024 Olympics
Thursday
Mar 23
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 23
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have made a sweeping affirmation of their alignment across a host of issues – and shared mistrust of the United States – in a lengthy statement following talks between the two leaders in Moscow this week.
Their meeting, which took place under the shadow of Russia’s onslaught in Ukraine, left no question about Beijing’s commitment to developing its rapport with Moscow, despite Putin’s growing isolation on the global stage as its devastating war continues into its second year.
Regarding the Paris 2024 Olympics, the communist leaders welcome the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) move to allow Russians to compete as neutrals. While many nations are petitioning to ban Russia’s participation, there are fears at the IOC that expelling the nation could lead to rival breakaway sporting events which could challenge the Olympics. – Full report
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 23
Tuesday
Mar 21
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 21
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The four IMOCAs charging towards Cape Horn are approaching Point Nemo on Tuesday. Defined as the most isolated, remote place on earth, Point Nemo is a spot in south Pacific Ocean, 2,688 kilometres from the nearest land…
America’s Cup: The return of a winner
Tuesday
Mar 21
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 21
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Emirates Team New Zealand built two AC75s to successfully defend their America’s Cup title in 2021, and now both boats have returned to action. While the Kiwi’s first boat was sold to challenger Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI), the boat that won the 36th edition has been out of sight for two years. But no longer…
Emirates Team New Zealand’s winning yacht, named Te Rehutai, emerged from the shed after a long hibernation on March 20, sporting new livery and and technical changes to adapt to the 37th America’s Cup AC75 class rules.
One of the more obvious changes for Te Rehutai is the installation of bikes as a power source as opposed to the former grinding pedestals from AC36. While banned for the 2021 Cup, the rules were revised for 2024 in part to help power the AC75s which will sail with three less crew in 2024…
MOD70: “We built them tough!”
Tuesday
Mar 21
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 21
2023
Posted by XS Editor
While the one design intentions of the MOD70 Class did not succeed, the trimaran has proven to be a reliable offshore competitor since its launch 13 years ago. Vincent Lauriot Prévost and Quentin Lucet of VPLP Design, the architect of these boats, provides an update:
The distillation of four generations of ORMA trimarans (from Pierre 1er to Groupama 2), the MOD 70s were designed to be competitive for at least ten years at the pinnacle of racing. While the one-design circuit that accompanied their 2010 launch was abandoned after two years, a victim of circumstance, these trimarans built by CDK Technologies have never stopped sailing…
2023 Newport Harbor to Cabo San Lucas race
Tuesday
Mar 21
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 21
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The 2023 Newport Harbor to Cabo San Lucas race results are in and Liz and Dave Moore’s Santa Cruz 52 Westerly representing New York Yacht Club and Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club is 1st in ORR class E and 2nd overall ORR corrected time monohull…
Cunningham wins Etchells North American Championship
Monday
Mar 20
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 20
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Jim Cunningham (USA) won the 2023 Coral Reef Cup, held March 17-19 in Miami, FL. The event, which attracted 46 teams, also counted as the Etchells North American Championship and the final chance for teams to race at the venue for the 2023 Etchells World Championship to be held April 16-21.
Following a four-event Winter Series held on Biscayne Bay which endured multiple abandonments due to weather, class meteorologist Chelsea Carlson of Sea-Tactics was pleased to see the venue return to form. “Finally really nice conditions in Miami,” she said. “Exactly what we are hoping for in April and good preparation for the teams. Friday we had a southeasterly at 11-14 knots, Saturday was a 6-11 knot southerly, and Sunday was northeast 10-15.”
At the end of Friday after 3 races, Steve Benjamin with his brand new Etchells, Stella Blue (USA 1427), was at the top of the podium with all top 10 finishes with George Francisco’s American Baby (USA 1454) just behind followed by the Winter Series Champion Jim Cunningham’s Lifted (USA 1504).
Saturday started with winds in the 8-12 knot range but then died to 5 knots, so the fifth race was postponed until the breeze filled back in. Once six races were completed, teams could throw out their worst race. Cunningham climbed to the top of the results on Saturday and continued to hold onto his momentum through Sunday becoming the new 2023 North American Champion.
Cunningham and crew Steve Hunt, Erik Shampain, and Serena Vilage are finally the brides not the bridesmaids after multiple recent second-place finishes – including the 2022 North Americans held at Shelter Harbor Yacht Club on Long Island…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 22
Monday
Mar 20
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 20
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The four IMOCAs pushing east through the southern latitudes of the Pacific Ocean are seeing better speeds today, following a weekend of light winds…
When going fast isn’t enough
Monday
Mar 20
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 20
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The evolution of high-performance racing always results in somebody figuring how to go faster than everyone else. Whether its monohulls, multihulls, or boards, the early days can be lopsided
But as time marches on, the chasing pack figures it out and the early leaders can’t just be faster to win. They need to have more tools in their toolbox.
The WingFoil is the latest example as competitors sort out how to ride a foiling board powered by a hand-held wing. Reigning World Champion Paula Novotna (CZE) has been dominating the women but is finding her advantage diminishing…
ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Highlights
Monday
Mar 20
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 20
2023
Posted by XS Editor
All the best moments from the inaugural New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Christchurch, featuring epic racing and a first time winner…
that’s no dog
Sunday
Mar 19
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 19
2023
Posted by deleteme
Canada wins SailGP Christchurch
Sunday
Mar 19
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 19
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Phil Robertson’s Canada made history by securing its first ever SailGP win at ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch on March 18-19 held at Lyttelton Harbour.
In one of the closest Final battles of the season, the Canadians went head to head with Peter Burling’s Kiwi team, with tight crosses and lead changes throughout. Season leader Australia finished third.
Training time was limited for all nine teams when practice was canceled before day one due forecasted high winds, and there was no time prior to racing both days due to dolphins on the race course.
The Final had a perfect start by all three boats but it was Canada that was first at Mark One with the all-important inside track.
Despite falling off the foils and even picking up a boundary penalty on the final downwind leg, the Canadians were consistently faster than the Kiwis and crossed the line to pick up 10 season points.
SailGP information – New Zealand details – Season 3 scoreboard – YouTube – How to watch
Final Results – New Zealand
1. Canada (Phil Robertson), 5-3-1-4-1
2. New Zealand (Peter Burling), 2-1-2-2-3-2
3. Australia (Tom Slingsby), 4-2-9-1-1-3
4. Great Britain (Ben Ainslie), 3-4-3-4-6
5. France (Quintin Delapierre), 1-6-5-3-7
6. United States (Jimmy Spithill), 8-5-4-9-2
7. Switzerland (Sebastien Schneiter), 6-7-6-8-5
8. Denmark (Nicolai Sehested), 7-8-8-6-8
9. Spain (Jordi Xammar/Diego Botin), 9-9-7-5-9
Note: Before the final three-boat race, NZL won the 5-race series followed by AUS and CAN.
Ralph Roberts passes at 86yrs
Sunday
Mar 19
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 19
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Ralph Roberts, double Olympic representative in the Finn and Flying Dutchman classes. He won the Prince of Wales Trophy in 1956 at Cowes Isale of Wight, before going on to win five NZ titles in the Finn and again in the FD class…
Season 3 rollercoaster ride continues
Sunday
Mar 19
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 19
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Rounding out an up-and-down event on a high note, Jimmy Spithill’s United States SailGP Team finished the final fleet race in second place, but ultimately leave the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch with sixth-place overall…
The Ocean Race restart – On your marks, get set . . .
Sunday
Mar 19
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 19
2023
Posted by deleteme
Incredibly, Sunday morning UTC the four IMOCAs are lined up alongside each other in a slow drag race to the east…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 21
Sunday
Mar 19
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 19
2023
Posted by XS Editor
On Saturday it seemed as if the race couldn’t get any closer. By Sunday morning UTC that was proved wrong. Today, all four teams are lined up on a 13 mile line…
Thomas Ruyant’s new TR Racing IMOCA launched
Sunday
Mar 19
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 19
2023
Posted by XS Editor
At the top of the IMOCA Class, teams, designers, skippers and commercial partners are fighting for supremacy, and every now and again something new appears and everyone has to take stock…
Flying 15 World Championship – Vials and Turner off to flying start
Saturday
Mar 18
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 18
2023
Posted by deleteme
Britain’s Graham Vials and Chris Turner won both opening day races to top the leaderboard at the 2023 Flying Fifteen World Championship in Freshwater, Australia…
Clipper 2023-24 Race skippers announced
Saturday
Mar 18
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 18
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The eleven skippers set to lead teams of amateur sailors from all walks of life around the globe has been revealed…
Boris Herrmann’s Vendée Globe adventure
Saturday
Mar 18
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 18
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Boris Herrmann is the first German to have competed in the Vendée Globe, the most famous and toughest race in the world. After a fantastic race, he finished in a barely dreamed-of fifth place with his race yacht…
Light winds continue for The Ocean Race
Saturday
Mar 18
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 18
2023
Posted by XS Editor
(March 18, 2023; Day 21) – The third leg of The Ocean Race now finds the four IMOCAs separated by just 20 nautical miles.
The teams still have two weeks of racing to go, but with the positions so close, this weekend is serving as a re-start of sorts. The lighter conditions which have compressed the fleet together have also given the crews time to complete much needed maintenance and repairs – on boats and people alike.
There is also some maneuvering as the fleet has gotten lifted on port, with both Team Malizia and 11th Hour Racing taking gybes south to re-position alongside the ice exclusion boarder.
The wind is forecast to return in two days and the ETA for Cape Horn is now March 26 or 27…
Race details – Route – Tracker – Teams – Content from the boats – YouTube
Golden Globe Race Day 193
Saturday
Mar 18
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 18
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Jeremy Bagshaw (ZAF) who’s had his fair share of issues, with barnacles forcing him to moor in South Africa and stop in Australia, has been a model of determination in continuing his round the world adventure…
SailGP: Kiwis give sailing masterclass on Day 1
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
New Zealand’s SailGP team, skippered by Peter Burling, gave a sailing masterclass, thrilling their fans, on Lyttleton harbour for the opening day of the SailGP Christchurch regatta…
Stage set for SailGP’s sellout New Zealand debut event
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 17
2023
Posted by deleteme
This weekend has the SailGP league’s first-ever New Zealand event taking place on March 18 and 19 at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch…
Today we are Irish
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Raise your glass to Saint Patrick for giving you a reason to drain your glass…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 19
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
As forecast, lighter than usual conditions just ahead of the fleet have provided an effective re-start of leg 3, just after the four IMOCAs reached the halfway point of the longest stage in the history of the race…
SailGP: Kiwis under threat by the Gang of Four
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Because of the effects of two weather events, SailGP Christchurch, Russell Coutts says the Kiwi team are “in the precarious position of fighting for points with France, Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team and Denmark…”
What’s Going On With All the ‘Lectronic Latitude’ Emails?
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 17
2023
Posted by deleteme
Are the leprechauns out and about playing Irish tricks on us all? Has anyone seen any bearded little men wearing green coats and hats skulking about in the office? Who woke up yesterday morning to find a ‘Welcome Aboard’ email from ‘Lectronic Latitude, even if you’ve been aboard for years? We did. And we see hands up throughout the West Coast, and beyond.
Maybe this was an early St. Paddy’s Day trick. Or maybe there are some other gremlins afoot. Either way, something set off our new “Welcome Aboard” email to everyone on our ‘Lectronic Latitude list. Despite the panic we (the Latitude crew) felt when we first realized what had happened, we ended up using the glitch to get some great insight.
© 2023 Latitude 38 Media LLC / Archives
First of all, most of you read the emails we send. Hooray! And thank you! Secondly, hundreds of sailors now have the Free Cruising Guide that we’re offering to first-time subscribers. Hooray, again!
And here’s something else. Now that we have your attention, this is a good opportunity to make sure that everyone has their best email address registered to keep receiving the three-times-weekly newsletter, and to let us know if you’re having any problems with the email delivery — maybe you signed up and haven’t been getting the emails; maybe you’re getting more than one to the same address; maybe you have too many email addresses signed up. Whatever it is, you have our attention and we want to make it right.
So, here’s the link to sign up to receive the ‘Lectronic Latitude emails, if you don’t already: Sign Me Up!
Alternatively, if you’re having a problem with the email, or, if you have a great suggestion for the email, please write to us directly at monica@latitude38.com.
The post What’s Going On With All the ‘Lectronic Latitude’ Emails? appeared first on Latitude38.
100 years of Stars on the Chesapeake
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Star sailor Tom Price offers this update from Gibson Island, MD:
Any centennial celebration is likely to be a one-time affair for most of us. This summer marks the 100th year of Star boats on the Chesapeake, specifically at Gibson Island. To commemorate the occasion, the Gibson Island Yacht Squadron will host the Annual J. Rulon Miller Series for Stars on June 23-25.
The Gibson Island club, which has twice hosted the Star World Championship (1930, 1951), will host the celebration as only that club can do, which is to organize the entire island with a bar-b-que party hosted by the long time Star Dunigan family on Friday evening followed by a Clubhouse outdoor party after racing on Saturday. Racing on Saturday and Sunday will also constitute the District 2 Championships.
Additionally, a distance race on Friday memorializes the Star distance events that were usually run far down the Bay and back, sometimes finishing the next day. This edition won’t be nearly that extreme as the course rounds several lighthouses and be back in time for the Dunnigan party on Friday evening.
For a little history, it was in 1923, after discarding their fleet of elderly Mower-designed Fishers Island 24 centerboard sloops, the newly formed “Water Committee” (preceding the Yacht Squadron) led by three Gibson Island members, purchased 12 of the hot new Star Class sloops from New England Boatworks. Twisting arms and buying drinks for their sailing buddies, all were sold by delivery and the new fleet had begun…
Dolphins at risk for SailGP New Zealand
Thursday
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
When the nine SailGP teams compete in the penultimate event of Season 3 on March 18-19, the smallest and rarest marine dolphins in the world may be there too. The risk to the Hector’s dolphins, known to frequent the natural amphitheater of Lyttelton Harbour, have raised concerns in Christchurch, New Zealand.
An unredacted version of the SailGP Marine Mammal Management Plan reveals there is a risk some will be killed, which prompted the development and deployment of two acoustic monitoring hydrophone buoys into the racing area to detect the presence of Hector’s dolphins in the harbor.
As the plan had initially been released with much of the content blacked out, there was an effort to conceal the effort to insure dolphin safety. More so, one expert believes it is possible for the dolphins, which have an inquisitive nature, to be attracted to the Acoustic Deterrent Device (ADD).
An excerpt which had been blacked out stated:
“Marine mammals already face risks year-round within Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour but the risk level will be heightened by SailGP’s training and racing activities. The SailGP Grand Prix will lead to increased boat traffic in the area on the practice, rehearsal and racing days, increasing the risk of vessel strike to marine mammals, particularly upokohue/hector’s dolphin.”
SailGP fast-tracked the introduction of this technology which is essentially an underwater acoustic surveillance system. Powered by artificial intelligence, the system uses passive and active acoustic monitoring to detect the underwater communication and clicking of dolphins…
Flying 15 – Vials and Turner final race win claims Australian Championship
Thursday
Mar 16
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 16
2023
Posted by deleteme
Britain’s Graham Vials and Chris Turner won the final race and the 2023 Flying 15 Australian Championship/Pre-Worlds…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 18
Thursday
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Team Holcim PRB retains its lead on Thursday, as the fleet compresses to within 100 miles. As per the forecast yesterday, the leader is slowing slightly and the trailing boats are nibbling into the lead…
Living the terror in the southern oceans
Thursday
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The shortest course through the southern oceans is to the south, but the risk is icebergs and freezing temperatures. While The Ocean Race 2023 has an ice exclusion zone to protect teams from routing toward danger, that was not always the case.
To get a feel for what it’s like to be onboard in the deep south, back when sailors were on deck during the 2001-02 Volvo Ocean Race, Gordon Maguire on News Corp shares this heart-felt and eloquent account of how raw life is on board:
The scenario: evening watch, last half-hour, it’s getting dark, last light, everything’s getting really dusky with about 400 yards visibility, and you’re looking at your watch which has 20 minutes to go. You’re thinking about I’m just over this. It’s blowing 35 knots, you’re doing 25 knots of boat speed, you’re hanging on the wheel, you haven’t lost it, you haven’t wiped out, everything’s under control…
Comanche’s 618-mile record is within IMOCA’s reach
Wednesday
Mar 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The scintillating performance of the four IMOCAs flying over the Southern Ocean in the third leg of The Ocean Race, has made a lot of people sit up and take notice, not least the reigning IMOCA GLOBE SERIES champion Charlie Dalin…
Whale Strike – Sunk – Pacific 2023
Wednesday
Mar 15
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 15
2023
Posted by deleteme
A sailboat hit a whale in the Pacific and quickly sank.
There is a long stories about the event, sounds like a big hull failure.Anyone know what kind of boat it was?
There is a long stories about the event, sounds like a big hull failure.Anyone know what kind of boat it was?
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 17
Wednesday
Mar 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
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.
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