The America’s Cup Defender Emirates Team New Zealand and The Challenger of Record INEOS Britannia have agreed the Protocol for the 37th America’s Cup…
six and a half years
Erwan Le Lann, Marion Courtois and the whole Maewan association have just completed a long journey of six and a half years around the planet. Last Saturday, November 13 at 11 a.m., the association’s sailboat made its big comeback at Aber Wrac’h with on board Erwan Le Lann, Marion Courtois, Jeanne Grégoire and the collective Lost in the Swell (Ronan Gladu , Ewen Le Goff, Aurélien Jacob and Benjamin Bertrel).
As a reminder, the sailboat, led by Erwan Le Lann, left the Breton port on February 5, 2015 with Jeanne Grégoire, Lionel Daudet, Aymeric Clouet and Guillaume Vallot as crew. More here.
Remembering Frank Butler
A couple of weeks ago we received a letter from Dave Butler, son of legendary boat builder, Frank Butler. Today, November 15, is the first anniversary of Frank Butler’s passing, and Dave wrote to share some memories of his dad, the founder of Catalina Yachts.
“Over the past year my mom, sisters, brothers and myself have read so many articles written in your publications and online. Our family has appreciated all the great stories and would like to say thank you to all those people and everyone that supported dad.”
Dave and his mother and siblings got together to write down some of their memories of the West Coast boat-building icon. As you can imagine, a man like Frank would have amassed many achievements and therefore leave many tales for his children to share. We don’t have room for all of them, so here are some highlights from what the family wrote.
Frank Butler grew up in Glendale, California. He was a hard working gunsmith and a machinist. In 1962 Frank decided to buy a 21’ Victory sail boat to spend more time with his family. After placing a deposit and ordering his new boat, he found out that the boat-builder was having financial difficulty and was not planning on building his boat. So, one day after work Frank stopped by the shop, where they were to build his boat, and explained to some of the employees who he was. He pointed to one of the boats and told them that would be his boat. They said no it was not his boat, but some doctor’s boat. Frank explained that his boat was in production and he was going to help them build it. Frank would not take no for an answer and so he jumped right in and started working on his new boat.
Every day after work, he stopped by and continued working on his new boat with the employees. The employees told the owner about this guy “Frank” and what was going on. The owner stopped by to talk to Frank. He explained his financial problems and shared that he would soon be closing his business. He asked Frank if he would like to buy his business. Frank went home and talked to his wife, Jean, about this offer.
Frank began building boats, and with changes in design and production his business began to flourish. He began to design and build new boats of many different sizes. The yachting industry took note, and in 2013 Frank was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame…
Musks Starlink Maritime by mid-2022!!!
good night
Great shot from Arkema in the TJV. While not doing very well, we like the photo! Photo Copyright : Quentin Vlamynck / Arkema Sport. Track here.
One innovation leads to another
The electric foiling surfboards that buzz harbors are the small winged insects of the boating world, disturbing anchorage fields as the rider shreds the serenity. While providing pure recreation, now there are foiling ebikes that could offer a new solution for the daily commute as described in this tech review:
“Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum.” Former prime minister Bob Hawke often lamented that he made lots of important and intelligent statements but his words on September 26, 1983 are his most famous.
Of course Australia had just broken the longest winning streak in sporting history when they beat the New York Yacht Club which had defended the America’s Cup for 132 years. They did it all with a lot of hard work and an added piece of technology called a winged keel…
Star South American Championship – Scheidt v Zarif in final day face-off
A tense battle for the Star South American Championship is set for the last day of racing on Monday, in Ilhabela, Brazil…
Fractional Rig vs. Mast Head Rig
Jim
Hot Rum Series at San Diego Yacht Club
The San Diego Yacht Club’s incredibly popular PHRF pursuit race event called the Hot Rum Series just started this past weekend. In general, J/Crews sailed well in most all classes they were sailing in…
Dhallenne wins Mini Transat production
(November 14, 2021; Day 17) – Today at 13:32 UTC, Hugo Dhallenne crossed the finish line in the second leg of the Mini Transat EuroChef, completing the 2,700 theoretical miles of the course between Santa Cruz de La Palma and Saint-François in first place in the production boat category.
The sailor from Saint Malo, who posted a second place in the first act, 1h52 behind leader Melwin Fink, has demonstrated utter brilliance as well as extraordinary commitment both physically and mentally.
Lamenting mixed results at the start, followed by a westerly option, he had a change of heart and started hurtling due south, crossing back through the whole of the fleet. From then on, the skipper of the Maxi 6.50 flying the flag of the Yacht Club de Saint-Lunaire managed to keep up a near impossible pace.
This furious rhythm enabled him to pull off an incredible comeback that ultimately led to a searing leg win and with it victory in the overall ranking (prior to the jury’s decision). Here is an interview after finishing:
After a mixed start to the race, you’ve managed to secure the win and go on to treat yourself to victory in the overall ranking (barring protests) in the production boat category in this 23rd Mini Transat EuroChef. How do you feel?
I gave it everything. I haven’t had much sleep for the past 48 hours and I’m very happy to make the finish. At the start, we headed westwards with a strong group, including a very large proportion of the leaders in the overall ranking after the first leg…
Star South American Championship day 2
The second day of the 2021 Star South American Championship was once again dominated by the country’s greatest Olympic medalist Robert Scheidt together with Ubiratan Matos…
Hand feeding a whale
Tom Saunders wins Laser/ILCA7 world title
Tom Saunders had planned to be back in New Zealand right now but he’s glad he delayed his return because this morning he was crowned Laser world champion…
Transat Jacques Vabre Day 8 morning update
We’re exactly one week into the 15th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre race. On the whole the racing is close with many of the leading boats bunched close together across the four classes…
18ft Skiff Sydney Spring Championship Race 6
The Tech2 team of Jack Macartney, Charlie Wyatt and Lewis Brake survived a wild day of high winds and a late race capsize before winning Race 6 (the final race) of the 2021 Spring Championship.
Transat Jacques Vabre – And the Brits?
After one week of the 15th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre three of the four boats with a British crew member are still racing…
DIY and doldrums for the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild
Charles Caudrelier and Franck Cammas have managed to increase their lead at the head of the race before they start tackling one of the dreaded passages in this Transat Jacques Vabre tomorrow; the doldrums!
Heaven Can Wait 2022 less than 3 months away
Whoopee – we are out of lockdown and Heaven Can Wait plans are well under way for 2022. Now you can firm up your plans and be a part of this fabulous Charity Fund Raising Regatta – 16th Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta to be run over February 5-6
good thinking
Well isn’t this just f’n dandy…
The government of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati is reportedly in discussions to open up one of the world’s largest marine reserves to commercial fishing.
The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), spanning more than 115,000 square nautical miles adjacent to U.S. waters, could be de-registered as a World Heritage Site and made accessible to commercial fishing if the government’s plan sails through.
According to an article by 1News, a New Zealand news outlet, the Kiribati Cabinet has already made the decision to open up the marine reserve and notified international partners two weeks ago. The cabinet says that the reason behind the radical move is to take advantage of over $200 million that could be generated per year from tuna fishing licenses in the marine reserve. Read on.
Transat Jacques Vabre – 3,300 miles of separation
ransat Jacques Vabre – 3,300 miles of separation. After six days of racing, the first signs of wear and tear are appearing on board the boats and fatigue is putting the sailors to the test…
Mini Transat EuroChef Leg 2 Day 15
Whilst Pierre Le Roy (1019 – TeamWork) has taken the outright win (prior to the jury’s decision) in Saint-François, the fight continues at every stage of the fleet in the 23rd Mini Transat EuroChef…
LinkedOut, Charal and APIVIA battle it out
With five days of racing completed in the 15th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre, the now 20-strong IMOCA fleet is making good progress to the south, led by the trio of LinkedOut, Charal and APIVIA.
2021 eSailing champions confirmed
eSailors had two major tournaments in 2021 come to a close as the eSailing Nations Cup final saw France take on Great Britain in the live virtual final while the eSailing World Championship featured the ten qualifiers in a winner take all on November 6, 2021. – Full report
Sodebo Ultim 3 reports collision
Sodebo Ultim 3 is being assessed following last night’s collision with an unidentified floating object. 11th Hour Racing Team – Alaka’i have officially abandoned the race after yesterday’s dismasting…
Skippers of Globe 5.80 Transat sail into Lanzarote
With late starter Jim Schofield from Ireland arriving safely in Marina Rubicon Lanzarote on the 10th of November, all entrants of this eventful inaugural qualifier are now gathered in Lanzarote (Spain)…
Transat Jacques Vabre – Dismasting and UFO strike
11th Hour Racing Team – Alaka’i have officially abandoned the Transat Jacques Vabre after Wednesday’s dismasting…
ILCA 7 Worlds at Barcelona overall
Large waves and strong winds meant it was not possible to leave the harbour on the final day of the Championships meaning the results from day 5 stand. Congratulations to the New World Champion New Zealand’s Thomas Saunders…
Home of the free because of the brave
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11 in the USA, is a holiday honoring men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces, held on the anniversary of the end of World War I. Steve Knoop shares this tribute to one of those men:
The next time you are out on the racecourse, reflect for a moment on those who made the blessings of Liberty possible. Veteran Mackinac Racer and my dad Frank Knoop was not only a distinguished yachtsman but a WWII distinguished veteran for our country.
On 12 April 1945, then LTJG Frank Knoop served as the Gunnery Officer on the USS PURDY. The ship was assigned radar picket duty to guard the invasion of Okinawa. The picket ships bore the brunt of an attack of 30 Japanese warplanes. Had these planes broken through the picket line, the safety of our fleet and marines ashore would be in jeopardy.
The PURDY fought valiantly in a 90-minute battle, destroying five enemy planes and helping disperse the rest of the formation. One plane got through and slammed into the side of the PURDY. The intense blast killed 15 men and wounded 27 others.
LTJG Knoop was blown off the ship’s bridge and into the ocean. Of those blown off, he was one of the few survivors. He spent an extended period in the water before his rescue and was picked up by the USS Intrepid. The PURDY won a Naval Unit Commendation for her “OUTSTANDING HEROISM.”
LTJG Frank Knoop returned to the United States and civilian life, and he sailed 44 Mackinac Races. My father’s legacy continues. This year I sailed my 43rd Mackinac Race. I hope I will be able to equal my Dad’s Mackinac accomplishments next year. I only pray I can equal his bravery and service to his country.
On Veterans Day, remember my father and those who proudly served their country. For a video tribute to the USS PURDY and Frank Knoop, click here.
Transat Jacques Vabre Day 4 morning update
The fastest classes at the head of the fleet have now escaped the high-pressure zone that becalmed them for days, however the Class 40 fleet continue their search for wind in the Bay of Biscay…
ILCA 7 Worlds at Barcelona day 5
On the penultimate day of the ILCA 7 World Championships, three races were completed in the gold fleet and two in the silver fleet. The first warning signal was at 9:00 and the sailors went out to race in a 7-12 knot north/northwesterly breeze…
Safety at Sea: Mental Preparations Contribute to Positive Outcomes
When <em>Totem</em>’s steering chain broke, I knew where to find the problem and fashioned a repair using a length of Dyneema. (Courtesy Jamie Gifford/)
Imagine: You’re on a passage. Stronger than usual Caribbean trades push up a raucous sea. It’s wet, very sporty sailing. Not alarming, but a white-knuckled grip on the dodger frame suggests that’s not too far off. Then, bang! Only simple observations register. The mast is up, sails are drawing, and there’s no jarring impact from hitting something. And there’s confusion. A sound loud enough to pierce this wind must be bad. What you do next is your path forward. How do you prepare for a good outcome?
This very scenario happened to us on Totem while tearing along a remote stretch of Colombia on the way to the San Blas Islands of Panama. The first seconds were tense and fuzzy—no apparent change, but what was about to? Then movement: The wheel was free-wheeling. Totem carved a whitewater path over a wave. We were still on course while the helm was adrift. Then came instant clarity. I understood the problem, risks and solution. I’d imagined it many times before…
Cruisin’ With Your Kitty
Ship’s cat Leeloo keeps watch as the dingy approaches <em>Pitufa</em>. (Birgit Hackle/)
The profession of ship’s cat is as old as seafaring itself, with a long history of cats on board not just as companions, but also to help protect crew and cargo from any unwanted pests. Our cat, Leeloo, moved aboard when she was 8 years old and cruised with us for 10 years. At first, we worried about how a cat would tackle long passages, and what to expect when dealing with foreign officials, but cruising with Leeloo turned out to be easier than expected. Although she spent her first few days down below deck, Leeloo’s curiosity eventually propelled her into the cockpit, and it was (mostly) smooth sailing from there. We’ve been asked a lot of questions about having a cat on board. Each cat is different; each crew has a different vision of cruising life. There’s no one answer that works for everyone, but here are some guidelines that worked for us.
Safety On Board…
IMA introduces new Caribbean maxi circuit
Following on from their multi-event Mediterranean Inshore and Offshore Challenges, the International Maxi Association (IMA) is to hold its first series in the Caribbean in 2022…
What to do during an orca encounter
In Yachting Monthly, Andy Pag explores why orcas have been damaging yachts off Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar, and how to protect your boat:
Being chased, bumped and gnarled at by a pod of orcas was “a mix of horror and love,” says Yara Tibirica who encountered the animals while sailing her 35ft live-aboard catamaran, Slughunter.
“It’s a rare privilege to see such mighty and majestic orcas in the wild but when they are threatening your home the sight is double-edged.”
Yara and her husband Jon Wright had decided to stay 1.5 miles offshore on their passage from Cadiz to Gibraltar in July this year, after reading the trickle of information on social media about encounters with this semi-resident pod in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Since the start of the year, orcas have been nudging boats to bring them to a halt, and gnawing at their rudders, leaving sailors shaken and stranded, in many cases relying on salvage tows to get them back to shore…
Slow going and hard work for the IMOCA crews
We knew this was going to be a slow Transat Jacques Vabre, but the 15th edition of this two-handed biennial classic has been a real test of light wind sailing for the 21 IMOCA crews struggling to get around Brittany and into the Bay of Biscay…
Full speed ahead in Mini Transat
(November 9, 2021; Day 12) – The trade wind is now sharing out its breeze pretty fairly across the whole of the race zone in the 23rd Mini Transat EuroChef, welcome news for the competitors furthest north who have not enjoyed the stronger conditions of their rivals further south.
Consequently, the differences in speed are fairly minimal all of a sudden, with those skippers further along the racetrack boasting a slight edge. The reason for this is that as they approach the West Indies, the wind is becoming increasingly vigorous.
The added punch is sure to inspire the sailors, whose goal right now is to be as quick as possible, whilst exploiting the many variations served up by this famous NE’ly breeze, along with the odd squall that’s beginning to spice things up a bit.
Yesterday was always going to be a big day for those favoring a route in the deep south. Still benefiting from more pressure than their adversaries further to the north, the latter have made the very best of the conditions to rack up precious miles. This has naturally led to a few gaps opening up or being created within the fleet.
This is evidenced in the prototype fleet, where the top six in the position report were grouped within 65 miles of one another two days ago. Today, there is nearly 200 miles between them. In practical terms, though Fabio Muzzolini (945 – Tartine sans Beurre) has shown a real burst of power, taking the speed title in the last 24 hours and repositioning himself in second place in his category in the process.
Yachting NZ: NZ leads Laser Worlds in Spain
New Zealand’s Tom Saunders leads going into the final day of the Laser world championships in Barcelona. George Gautrey (NZL) continued his climb up the leaderboard overnight, jumping up to 18th overall…
Mini Transat EuroChef Leg 2 Day 12
As announced yesterday, the trade wind is now sharing out its breeze pretty fairly across the whole of the race zone in the 23rd Mini Transat EuroChef…
mighty fine
RS400s at Harken RS End of Seasons Regatta at Rutland SC 6-7 Nov 21. Photo by Tim Olin.
Mini Transat EuroChef Leg 2 Day 11
As the leaders in the 23rd Mini Transat EuroChef fleet have just managed to limbo under the ‘1,000-miles to go’ mark in their race to Saint-Francois, the trade wind is finally making its presence felt out on the racetrack…
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