Another Velocitek Sponsored Regatta

Tuesday - August 28 2007 - 1621 PST - Tiburon Yacht Club and Velocitek are please to host the Velocitek Sportboat Regatta at Tiburon Yacht Club Sept 8&9 for the Melges 24 and Melges 32 fleets.

For the Melges 32 fleet this is a great opportunity to tune-up the weekend before St Francis YC's Big Boat Series. For the 24s it's our only opportunity to blast around the Bay together in September, a great sailing month!

During the regatta, we'll be placing Velocitek tracking units on several boats and using the tracking information to replay the racing at the club house. Velocitek will be offering two S10 units as prizes for the first place finishers. Check out them out today at www.velocitekspeed.com.

Sailors Unite!

Tuesday - August 28 2007 - 1005 PST - On July 25th the groundwork was laid for Eurosport Events SA to acquire a 34% equity stake in SailingOne. Today it has been made official thereby, SailingOne, known for the organization of the Trophée Clairefontaine of Sailing Champions, the Course des Falaises and the SolOceans, is part of the first sport multimedia European group. Photo Andrea Francolini.

Racing Sailboats and Helping Kids

Tuesday - August 28 2007 - 0900 PST - XS reader Rob sent this over:

Any XS blowhards interested in attending a local regatta in Milwaukee, WI at the end of September? We don't want you guys to miss the largest regatta in Milwaukee Bay and the second largest local sailing event, second only to the Queen's Cup race. Louie's 9th Last Regatta is an annual fundraising event for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin where 100% of donated funds go to CHW (Louie's raised over $120,000 for CHW in 2006. Since 1999 Louie's has raised nearly $350,000). Last year we had over 1300 participants and 130 boats registered and it continues to grow....check it out www.louieslastregatta.com.

Sell It - Buy It - It's All Free!

Tuesday - August 28 2007 - 0850 PST - How about this Reynolds 33? Like greased lightening, this boat destroys around the buoys and is a proven winner in distance racing. There's a used one in the classifeds or you can check 'em out new by going to R33.com

Nominations Being Accepted for ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2007

Tuesday - August 28 2007 - 0834 PST - The deadline by which ISAF must receive nominations for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2007 – the most prestigious award of recognition in the sport of sailing - is rapidly approaching, but it's not too late to nominate the sailor YOU believe should win the award!

Anyone can nominate a sailor and all nominations must be submitted on the official nomination form which is available on the ISAF website via the following link www.sailing.org/worldsailor/2007WSOYnominationform.doc

The accomplishments of the sailors who are nominated every year are an inspiration but ultimately there can only be two winners - a female and a male World Sailor of the Year. Carlo Borlenghi.

Farr 40 World Championships Begin Tomorrow

Tuesday - August 28 2007 - 0823 PST - The Rolex Farr 40 World Championship kicks off tomorrow Wednesday, 29 August in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event, hosted by the Royal Danish Yacht Club, marks the first time the event has been held in Scandinavian waters. Meanwhile, autumn is making itself felt through large sections of the area and bringing with it a period of very unsettled and cold weather. Moderate and possibly strong breezes will be experienced across the racing area through early next week.

With 160 boats built to date throughout the world, the Farr 40 class has had a great turn-out with 36 boats from 12 countries set to race in the waters of the Oresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden. Jim Richardson, President of the Farr 40 Class Association, and owner/helmsman of Barking Mad, said, "It's fantastic to be here [in Denmark]. The Farr 40 organization has built a new fleet up here in the Nordic region for the Class. We've got Norwegians, Danes, Swedes and Finns and, although it is not exactly the same region, we've even got a boat from the Ukraine. So it's growing further north and I think it's been a great decision." Photo Carlo Borlenghi.

South Pacific Games Kick Off in Samoa

Tuesday - August 28 2007 - 0811 PST - In what will be one of the most spectacular venues for sailing in the history of the South Pacific Games, 66 competitors from 9 countries have indicated that they will be in town for the 2007 South Pacific Games.

Racing will take place in Hobie 16s, Lasers and Laser Radials and athletes from the Pacific Region are all eligible to enter. Sailors are competing from the following nations: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Wallis and Futuna. For more go to www.samoa2007.ws

Pindar Wins Formulas Spars UK 18ft Skiff National Championships

Tuesday - August 28 2007 - 0745 PST - Report by Andy Richards, pictures by Christophe Favreau

The final day of the Formulas Spars UK 18ft Skiff National Championships in Torbay drew to a close on Monday with champagne sailing conditions. After a couple of lighter shifty days, the gradient easterly wind brought with it a steady 12-14 knots with clear skies and sunshine, and a few Atlantic rollers to make the downwind legs a little more interesting. This years UK fleet has provided some of the closest racing for years, with number of teams capable of not only winning races but the whole series - and this has been reflected on the European circuit this year with Brit teams currently in the top three overall positions.

Andy Richards and his team of brother Dave and Andrew Fairley were the on-form team to beat this weekend in Pindar Radii. Having already notched up 4 wins and a 2nd place, they were clearly out to retain their UK Nationals title in style. And the boys were not going to let up in the 6th race - another great start saw them tack off early into the building breeze that was also shifting gradually to the right. The rest of the fleet followed, but not until Pindar Radii had already consolidated their lead by cutting back to cover the fleet after their early gain. Pindar Radii then shot off downwind not to be challenged for their unprecedented 5th bullet of the series and effectively sewing up the championship with a race to spare. So the real race was now heating up for the runners up slot. Fat Face had finally started to recover some of their early season form to round second at the top mark closely followed by Gill Wet & Wild and PICA. GE Commercial lying in 2nd in the series struggled up the first beat and then compounded their woes with an uncharacteristic capsize near the top mark, effectively putting them out of contention for this race. Their closest challenger Ed Browne and his team in Gill could not capitalise on this mistake to move up the rankings however, with PICA overhauling them on the downwind leg. With Fat Face holding onto 2nd at the gun, it was Jamie Mears in PICA who took the third place.

The last race was then the deciding duel between GE Commercial Finance and Gill for the runner up in the overall standings. Mason Woodworth, using all his skills as past North American Match Race Champion, managed to shepperd Gill away from the favoured end of the start line, knowing that keeping Gill down the fleet with GE within a couple of places would guarantee second overall for the GE team. This tactic nearly backfired when Gill managed to pick their way up the first beat and round second at the top mark. There was then a gap of three boats to GE which would have left them tied on points, however a great downwind saw GE pick up a place and just squeeze ahead of Gill in the overall result. During this duelling, Pindar Radii, saliing without any pressure, again showed a clean pair of heels to the fleet by winning the race completing their domination of this years event. Base 1 continued their good form from the previous day to finish third, however it was too little too late to overtake Fat Face in the overall standings who finished in 5th in that race.

And so Pindar Radii where crowned worthy National champions for the second year in a row. GE Commercial took the runners up spot just ahead of Gill Wet and Wild, while Fat Face will have been content to pick up a well earned 4th place in a competitive fleet after a shaky start to their series.

In addition to the National Championships, the class kicked off their speed challenge sponsored by B&G - although not a big breeze event by any means, this was won by Mason Woodworth who clocked up a respectable top average speed (SOG) of 16.0knots - this side event will now be a regular feature of all UK events and we will no doubt see the teams pushing the 30knot barrier with the right conditions.

Babe on Waves - Amy Carter

Monday - August 27 2007 - 1659 PST - Amy Carter has been competing nationally and internationally for a while now. She's won the Formula Youth Worlds a couple of times and last year ended up 5th on the PWA Slalom 42 Tour. She also competes in Speed Surfing at Weymouth Speed week. Amy makes our short list for sailing fast with style.

The Savvy of Mean Machine

Monday -August 27 2007 - 1630 PST - Southern Spars director Tom Dodson is at the bedrock of the Mean Machine speed department. His laconic, laid back style belies his experience which spans decades but it is his natural eye for what generates boatspeed from deck level and above which makes him a huge asset to the 2006 Breitling MedCup champions.

Besides that, his skill and experience on the race course forms an exceptionally strong unit along with Ray Davies. It was the tactical calls, and their precise execution, and not boat speed which won Valle Romano Mean Machine the Portugal Trophy in Portimao, finishing Saturday.

Second in Alicante, first in Portugal, Valle Romano Mean Machine have been working their socks off to try and come back from a 50 points penalty which they were landed with Portals after the coastal race. Photo by ThMartinez

The Return of Dame Ellen

Monday - August 27 2007 - 1047 PST - In an interview with BBC radio last week, Ellen MacArthur toned down what she said a few months back about sailing single-handed around the world. While reiterating that she did not wish to take part in the 2008 Vendée Globe, Dame Ellen made it clear that she does not exclude taking part in the 2012 race. Vincent Crutchet / DPPI.

Mako Wins Schock 35 Nationals

Monday - August 27 2007 - 1014 PST - The unofficial winner of the Schock 35 Nationals, held in the waters of Los Angeles are Don/Dave Michaelis sailing Mako. They were the favored boat going into the contest and finished with 22 points in 8 races. For more results go to www.smwyc.org. Photo Pat Reynolds.

Dart International Worlds Start Tomorrow

Monday - August 27 2007 - 0917 PST - The design is over 30 years old, but the enthusiasm for the design is still fresh. The Dart 18 World Championships start tomorrow in Torbole sul Garda with 133 boats from 10 countries to participate. Photo courtesy of www.dartworlds.com.

AC's Shark Infested Waters

Monday - August 27 2007 - 0900 PST - XS published the Golden Gate Yacht Club's position on why they felt they needed to press on with their court proceedings in a very detailed explanation followed by a Q and A piece. But, according to America's Cup Management, GGYC hasn't mentioned a pertinent article of information.

ACM contends that, while papers were filed with the courts in July demanding an accleration, Société Nautique de Genève were not served until mid August (oh the irony). ACM's Chief Operating Officer Michel Hodara indicated in a recent interview with BYM news that all GGYC has done in their recent court request is book a hearing date (sept. 10th) that will mandate an acceleration or not. ACM feels that GGYC has falsely projected a victory of some sort.

A 60 in the Making

Monday - August 27 2007 - 0818 PST - A cosmopolitan team of nearly 30 people from Italy, France, New Zealand, Poland and Argentina are currently building the new Groupe Bel IMOCA Open 60 in Tuscany. Designed by Van Peteghem - Lauriot Prévost and Guillaume Verdier, Kito de Pavant's new racer will be launched in early September in Rosignano, south of Livorno (Italy). The countdown has begun, and on November the 3rd, the skipper will take the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre with successful match racer Sébastien Col. Photo courtesy of Tchiz Team

Formula Spars UK 18ft Skiff National Championships - Day 2 Report

Monday - August 27 2007 - 0804 PST - Day 2 of the Formula Spars UK 18ft Skiff National Championships got off again to a bright and sunny start in Torbay. With the breeze up to10 to 11 knots, it promised to provide some close skiff racing action. The race officer again set a course in the Torbay Roads, with the windward mark up near the cliffs as the gradient breeze had brought a northerly element to it.

In the first race, it was again on form Pindar Radii who were first out of the blocks, closely followed by the chasing pack led by GE Commercial Finance. These two held their positions to the finish while a close race ensued for third place between Base1, Gilll Wet and Wild, and PICA. In the end it was the last downwind that sorted out the placings with Gill taking the gun followed by Base1 and PICA. The race officer then had a challenge on with the dying breeze with the gradient wind starting to loose its battle with the sea breeze, but with a quick adjustment to the length of the course and he had the fleet on its way again within minutes. Pindar Radii did not let up, and after picking the favoured end of the line tacked off into the right of the course to make the most of the breeze that was left. After a well judged first leg, they were leading already by a minute at the first mark and they shot off into the distance never to be challenged. Base1 were now starting to find their form (especially as they had now had been rejoined by their regular helm after some transport issues the previous day) and led a close race between GE and Gill. Eventually though GE pulled through with Base1 picking up the third place.

There was a long wait then for race 3 as the breeze disappeared completely. This resulted in the usual skiff antics, including a backward flip from the Grapefruit Graphics team, who managed the flip their lightweight skiff over its stern with some determined effort from their crew trapezing off the back of the boat! Eventually the breeze did fill in enough for the last race of the day to be sailed, with a light 5-6knot easterly sea breeze. At the start the wind shifted to the left resulting in a number of boats suddenly not able to lay the pin end of the line. This created havoc, with the biggest casualty being Pindar Radii having to do penalty turns having hit the pin end. GE pulled out a commanding lead at the top mark, with Hurley Palmer Flatt leading the pack behind them. Pindar Radii had a great first leg out on the left to round in third, with Fat Face hot on their heels. Pindar Radii managed to squeeze past HPF with the gybe into the downwind gate, however Fat Face managed to exactly the same move on Pindar to go into second place. With GE a good distance ahead, these three then battled up the second (and eventually last) beat with Pindar Radii managing to get the better of the two to take the second place after GE had posted a convincing win. Fat Face followed up with HPF just behind.

Two races are planned for the final day. Report by Andy Richards, pictures by Christophe Favreau.

Barking Mad Wins Rolex Farr 40 Pre Worlds

Sunday - August 26 2007 - 1455 PST - Barking Mad with skipper Jim Richardson didi it again - taking 1st place in the Rolex Farr 40 Pre Worlds in Copenhagen. Last year in Newport, USA they also took won the Pre Worlds, and then came 4th in the Rolex Farr 40 Worlds - This year they want to change last years outcome.

It was a really fun day at the races, some might think it was too much fun. A number of boats had to retire from racing due to collisions.

The commodore from Royal Danish Yacht Club, David Holm and his Team Monick/Tuborg did a fantastic Pre Worlds and ended 4th - which promises well for the worlds. For full results go to farr40.kdy.dk. Photo credit: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Basilica Vs. Loch Ness Monster

Sunday - August 26 2007 - 1442 - PST - Team Basilica took their chances of being devoured by the famous Loch Ness monster, which is purportded to lurk below the lightly wind covered lake of Loch Ness. All racers were on the look out for the giant beast as they participated in today's Loch Ness Monster Race.

Team Basilica overcame challenging conditions to take line honors finishing 40 minutes ahead of the its closest competitor, a well sailed Tornado catamaran.

The crew, included Scottish sailor Mike McIntyre and America's Cup sailor David Carr, James Grant, Nick Houch and James George. The team sailed the course in the ever changing wind conditions to cross the line first and finish 2nd place on corrected time.

The Extreme 40 was a spectacular sight as it stood out amongst her smaller daysailing cat rivals and dramatic Loch Ness background. Although the winds were up and down Team Basilica was able to peak at 28 knots flying a hull...rumor has it Team Basilica had to sail fast as Nesse has been known to enjoy the crunching of carbon fiber between her teeth. Photo courtesy of class.extreme40.com.

Ronstan Bridge to Bridge Race

Sunday - August 26 2007 - 1355 PST - After racing in the Ronstan Int Skiff regatta what else better to do than race a bunch of windsurfers and kitesailors from outside Golden Gate Bridge then finish at the Bay Bridge. That's what they did with almost 40 entries. The winner...a kitesailer named Chip Wasson in an elapsed timeof 16 min 30 sec with another kitesailor Anthony Chavez in second and the crew of the 18 foot skiff Pegasus less than one minute behind in third. "Definitely the best sailboat race of the year - a flat out sprint dead downwind" - Howie Hamlin. For more info go to www.stfyc.com. Photos by Abner Kingman at www.kingmanphotography.com.

Hamlin, Martin and Allen Win on the Bay

Sunday - August 26 2007 - 1315 PST - SAN FRANCISCO - Howie Hamlin, Mike Martin and Paul Allen of Team Pegasus clinched their overall win in the Ronstan 18' Skiff International Regatta on Saturday. But the competition was not going to let them come away without a tussle...literally. Second and third place boats Yandoo and Delonghi both made contact with Pegasus today.

First it was Pegasus, wildy chasing Yandoo down the course, claiming overlap at the leeward mark, and heading for the inside. The two boats locked wings and wrestled for a moment before Pegasus came out with windward advantage. Both boats claim they were in the right. Protest? said Paul Allen laughing, "I don't even think the rules allow for that."

Later it was Pegasus on starboard, headed for the windward mark and Delonghi on port, ducking, but trying to minimize the loss. They cut it a little too close and their bowsprit make contact, shattering on impact. Mike Martin said, "We were driving along, minding our own business, and we heard this bang. It knocked us right off the wing. We didn’t know what hit us." Extremely unlucky, said Grant Rollerson of Delonghi. "Not something to do with being too close?" joked Howard Hamlin, "Or is that the Australian version of luck?"

At the end of the day the local boats were laid up and the visiting boats were packed into a container on its way to Australia for the start of the season there. Summarizing his experience Steve Mclean, said, "I've never felt so scared, or so alive as when I'm sailing an 18 footer." For full results and more photos go to www.stfyc.com. Photos by Abner Kingman at www.kingmanphotography.com.