Friday, 1. March 2013
All participants of the Vendée Globe mentioned in their daily reports the first Albatrosses escorting them on their way across the Soutern Oceans. The English sailing icon Ellen MacArthur GBR has been speaking up for the protection of the endangered water birds since the end of her racing career. In addition to the threat of the up to 150 km long nets of commerical fishing, it is above all the floating plastic garbage hurting the Albatrosses. In 80 % of the stomacs of dead birds is plastic litter. A movie concerning this problem will be published this autumn. Here the trailer.
Thursday, 21. February 2013
The trimaran 'Paradox' of Peter Aschenbrenner USA with Cam Lewis USA as helmsman finished the fast and windy round-the-Caribbean race in 40 hrs and 22 min, just 11 minutes more as the previous record. The 100-foot max 'ICAP Leopard' as first monohull was also above the old record time. The reports.
Wednesday, 20. February 2013
The favourable trade-wind condtions stayed on yesterday and the leading boats are now advancing at record speed with the estimated time of arrival today by noon. The trimaran 'Paradox' with Cam Lewis USA will probably establish the new best time for multi-hulls, while the 100 foot maxi 'ICAP Leopard' is only very slightly behind the monohull record of 'Rambler'.The report and the race-tracker.
Tuesday, 19. February 2013 (Image © Richard Langdon)
Yesterday, the start was given off St. Johns to the RORC Caribbean 600, a 600 miles' round-the-Caribbean-islands race. Among the participants are some big racers such as the 100 foot maxi 'ICAP Leopard', the 72 foot 'Bella mente' or the US trimaran 'Paradox'. Fresh trade winds between 25 and 30 kn caused already some damages, but also ensure a fast race. After 100 miles, the two leading yachts 'Paradox' and 'ICAP Leopard' sailed a 18 kn average speed, considerably below the existing record of 'Rambler'. The report and the video of the start.
Thursday, 7. February 2013
From Dubai across the Mediterranean to the Caribbeans, new attractive Yacht Charter offers are presented in the latest FERT February 2013 Newsletter. Recreation and joy without limits !
Wednesday, 19. December 2012
The end of the Atlantic Rally 2012 is near and up to now, already 202 of the 218 yachts remaining in the race have crossed the finish line at St. Lucia. Three of the four Swiss teams have reached the Caribbeans so far. The fleet-viewer with the ranking list and the lastest report from St. Lucia.
Thursday, 13. December 2012
The teams arrrived in masses yesterday and over additional 30 boats moored in St-Lucia during Wednesday, among them the best Swiss Thomas Meseck SUI with his 'Satika' on the 51st place. Over half of the 216 boats originally starting are still underway, and the reception committee of the St-Lucia harbour will stay very busy during the coming days. The fleet-viewer and the lastest report with many adventure stories of the just arrived.
Wednesday, 12. December 2012
Up to now, 50 of the 234 teams have reached the port of destination of the Atlantic Rally in the Caribbeans, and the first parties are rolling ... The report. Meanwhile, the Austrian Class 40 'Vaquita' of Christoph Petter AUT with skipper Andreas Hanakamp AUT - first in real time - has also been declared winner in calculated time. The race-viewer.
Monday, 10. December 2012
20 teams have reached St-Lucia, finish of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, in the mean time. The Austrian 'Vaquita', winner of the race with an advantage of over 20 hours still leads in calculated time as well. 'Carrick' , rank 80, is at present the best US boat. The race-viewer and the event-website.
Saturday, 8. December 2012
It has been obvious for quite some time, that the Class 40 'Vaquita' of Christoph Petter AUT with Andreas Hanakamp AUT will be the winner of the Atlantic Rally 2012 in real time. Whether the victory in calculated time will come in addition remains open, as 'Vaquita' is the only boat already in St-Lucia. The Austrians were the only ones choosing a route high in the North, and the reward was that they reached top speeds of up to 25 kn. The second-ranked twice as large Swan 80 'Berenice byTWT' is over 20 hours behind. The race-viewer and the report.
Friday, 7. December 2012 (Image © Andreas Hanakamp)
85 miles are left for the Austrian Class 40 'Vaquita' of Christoph Petter AUT to the finish line in St-Lucia. Going North, they left the fleet with all largers yachts clearly behind, and the advantage at this moment - 170 miles - will most likely be sufficient to keep the lead, even considering the dying winds near the islands. The race-viewer with rankings.
Thursday, 6. December 2012
The outlook remains positive for the Austrian Class 40 'Vaquita' with Christoph Petter AUT and the two Olympians Andreas Hanakamp AUT and Nico Delle-Karth AUT: with 350 miles to go to the finish, they are the only ones to still benefit from the trade-winds on their most northern course, pushing them 10 kn faster as their opponents ! The advantage on the Swan 80 'Berenice by TWT' of Marco Rodolfi ITA is over 200 miles ! The race-viewer and the daily report.
Wednesday, 5. December 2012
The leading boats are already approaching the Caribbeans, and 'Vaquita' of Christoph Petter AUT has only 602 miles left to the finish line in St-Lucia. The outcome of the race remains open as the steady trade-winds have now been replaced by an unconstant light breeze. The race-viewer.
Tuesday, 4. December 2012
230 teams are still underway direction Caribbeans after 5 (Cruisers) to 7 (Racer) days spent in perfect trade-wind conditions around 15-20 kn and the crews got used to the daily routine of an Atlantic crossing as speedy as possible. The leading Class 40 'Vaquita' of Christoph Petter AUT with the Austrian Olympians Andreas Hanakamp AUT and Nico Delle-Karth AUT has now sailed 2/3 of the distance, extending their lead in the fresher breeze of the the most Northern course to 120 miles. The advantage on the second-ranked Swan 80 'Berenice by TWT' of Marco Rodolfi ITA is now 120 miles. A few teams have left the race directon Azores with damages. The Farr 585CC 'Spock' of Thomas Schumacher GER was hit the most loosing the mast two days ago. The fleet-viewer (with ranking list) and the daily report.
Sunday, 2. December 2012
Christoph Petter AUT with his Class 40 'Vaquita' still keeps the lead in the Atlantic Rally thanks to his Northern course, even controlling the twice as large competitors. 'Satika' with Thomas Meseck SUI, the best Swiss team, is now on rank 81 of the 243 participants. The fleet-viewer and the event-website.
Saturday, 1. December 2012
Sailing up in North, the Austrian 'Vaquita' of Christoph Petter AUT enjoys a well-established 20 kn breeze making her the leader in absolute and calculated handicap time. Joining Petter on this Class 40 are the former Olympians Andreas Hanakamp AUT and Nico Delle-Karth AUT - the report. The opponents sailing deeper South have to content themselves with a 10 kn wind. Thomas Meseck SUI, the best Swiss, follows with his 'Satika' on rank 78. The race-viewer and the report of the day. The leaders have now about one forth of the distance across the Atlantic behind them. .
Friday, 30. November 2012
Good conditions prevail with 20 kn breeze and even 30 kn for the boats in the North, and the 243 yachts progress at good speeds. The leading Swan 80 'Berenice by TWT' of Marco Rodolfi ITA is constantly sailing at speeds above 20 kn. Very well positioned is also the Austrian Class 40 'Vaquita' of Christoph Petter AUT, enjoying the best conditions up in the North. The official report, the race-viewer with the rankings and the reports of the different teams.
Wednesday, 28. November 2012
The fresh breeze around 20 kn still prevailed at the start of the 192 boats' Cruising fleet heading across the Atlantic to the Caribbeans, for the first time directly out of the Las Palmas harbour. Leader in the Racers underway since Sunday is now the Austrian Class 40 'Vaquita'. The Cruiser fleet is still closely together. The race-viewer and the report about the start.
Tuesday, 27. November 2012
The breeze - around 20 kn - was much less than forecasted during the past 24 hours on the Atlantic, and the Racers starting the race on time advanced without problems. The Swan 80 'Berenice by TWT' of Marco Rodolfi ITA extended her lead on top of the fleet, but in the many handicap calculations, the smaller yachts are still are leading. Today at 11 a.m., the start of the Cruisers - over 200 boats - will be given. The race-viewer and the report.
Monday, 26. November 2012
While the cruisers, the major part of the 243 boats' fleet , delayed the start on Tuesday because of the storm alert, the racers (and some cruisers) started their rally across the Atlantic to the Caribbeans yesterday as originally planned. 34 boats are underway. Here the report on the start. The race can be followed over the fleet-viewer. This morning, the Swan 80 'Berenice by TWT' of Marco Rodolfi ITA was leading.
Sunday, 25. November 2012
For the first time in the history of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers in 1989, the Race Committee has decided to postpone the start of the Cruising yachts and propose the coming Tuesday as new date. The fresh breeze heading for the Canaries, announced for the coming night on Monday, will fill in with peaks of over 40 kn. The Racer will start as planned today at noon, as will part of the Cruiser fleet believing in their skills to master the hard conditions. The report. 243 teams from 27 nations participate. The race can be followed on the fleet-viewer.
Friday, 23. November 2012
Again this year, over 200 yachts have joined in the Las Palmas Harbour on the Canaries to prepare for the traditional racing/cruising crossover to the Caribbeans, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. 243 participants from 27 nations are on the entry list. The event-website.
Tuesday, 9. October 2012
The Austrian National Offshore Championship 2012 began in Biograd at the Croatian Adria Coast yesterday with a fresh 25 kn Bora breeze.Three races were sailed in challenging conditions. In the Bavaria 42 Club category, Robert Blecha AUT and the 49er Olympian Nico Delle-Karth AUT are on top. In the Club Championship, the UYC Attersee with Günter Lux AUT is on the first place. The report and the results.
The Austrian National Offshore Championship is organised by the Pitter Yacht Charter, the leading charter organisation at the very accommodating Croatian Coast.
The Austrian National Offshore Championship is organised by the Pitter Yacht Charter, the leading charter organisation at the very accommodating Croatian Coast.
Wednesday, 3. October 2012
Yesterday, all classes were for the first time in action at St-Tropez FRA. While the 'Moderns' encountered a fresh breeze of up to 20 kn in their long-distance race westbound, the 'Classics' and the Wallys sailed their short races in the Bay of St-Tropez in a moderate wind. The daily report and all ranking lists.
Wednesday, 29. August 2012 (Image © Pitter Yacht Charter)
Spend some time in the coming autumn months on the accommodating Adriatic Sea and prolongate the summer. Pitter-Yachting offers some bargain charters such as from October 6-10 a
Bavaria 47 Cruiser (constructed in 2009)
Biograd, Marina Kornati
Preis: € 1.400,00
Do not hesitate to visit the Pitter website for other attractive offers for your pleasure.
Bavaria 47 Cruiser (constructed in 2009)
Biograd, Marina Kornati
Preis: € 1.400,00
Do not hesitate to visit the Pitter website for other attractive offers for your pleasure.
Sunday, 1. July 2012 (Image © Paul Wyeth)
Almost 2000 yachts sailed yesterday the legendary Round the Island Race around the Isle of Wight. The line honors went after 3 hours and 10 minutes to the 50-foot trimaran 'Actual' of Yves Le Blevec FRA, missing the record of Francis Joyon FRA on his 'IDEC' by only 1 min 28 sec. The first monohull was - as expected - 'ICAP Leopard', but the TP52 'Manroland Sheetfield' of Tony Langley GBR followed only 43 min behind taking the victory in IRC calculated time. The report, all results and the videos.
Saturday, 30. June 2012 (Image © Thierry Martinez)
In a few hours, the start to the legendary Round the Isle of Wight will be given, again with a huge 2000 mono- and multihulls' fleet on the starting line. Favorite and chasing her own record is the 100-foot-Super-Maxi 'ICAP Leopard'. The race can be followed with GPS tracking on the event-website.
Monday, 18. June 2012 (Image © photo-boat.com)
George David's 90ft maxi Rambler has smashed the 635 mile Newport Bermuda race record, clipping a massive 14 hours off the previous best time set 10 years ago by Roy Disney's Pyewacket. The new record now stands at 39hr, 39 minutes, 18 seconds (subject to ratification) - an average speed of 16knots. Read the full report. Five more boats have crossed the finishing line so far, on 2nd and 3rd are 'Shockwave' and 'Bela Mente' - see all news.
Friday, 15. June 2012 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
We informed on the line honors of 'Esimit Euroa 2' with Igro Simic SLO and Jochen Schümann GER steering yesterday. In the meantime, the rest of the fleet has crossed the finish line in San Remo. Noël Franck SUI with his TP52 'Near Miss' finished 4 hours after 'Esimit Europa 2' and is the winner in calculated time. The results, the report and the video.
Thursday, 14. June 2012 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
180 teams from 18 nations started yesterday in St.Tropez to the 242 miles Giraglia Race in a fresh Mistral around 30 kn, freshening up to over 45 kn North of Corsica when rounding the Giraglia Rock. The line honours in San Remo went already at 4 a.m. this morning after 14 hours and 56 minutes to the 90 foot Maxi 'Esimit Europa 2' of Igor Simic SLO/Jichen Schümann GER, improving his own record by more than 3 hours. The rest of the fleet was still sailing at copy deadline this morning. The video of the start and the report. More results will be available during the day on the event-website.
Wednesday, 13. June 2012 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
The strong Mistral 24-26 kn kept on for the last Inshore races at St-Tropez FRA, and again, the previous day's winner were on top of the rankings of the only 24 miles' race of the day. 'Jethou' (image of Peter Ogden GBR was first in the IRC-0-rankings, Noël Franck SUI on his TP52 'Near Miss' finished on top of the IRC-A-rankings ahead of Bruno Bonomo ITA and Henrik Brandeis GER and Marco Gerbaudo ITA was the winner in the IRC-B. In the ORC-A-classification, the GP42 'Paul & Shark Competition' of Vittorio Urbinati ITA was on top, while Pavel Kuznetsov RUS with his X-35 'Symfony' took the ORC-B win. All ranking lists.
Heute erfolgt nun der Start zum 242-Meilen langen Giraglia-Race, benannt nach der Felsen-Insel im Norden Korsikas, die es zu umrunden gilt bevor es zurück nach San Remo geht. Der frische Mistral wird auch heute für ein schnelles Rennen sorgen. Der Bericht.
Heute erfolgt nun der Start zum 242-Meilen langen Giraglia-Race, benannt nach der Felsen-Insel im Norden Korsikas, die es zu umrunden gilt bevor es zurück nach San Remo geht. Der frische Mistral wird auch heute für ein schnelles Rennen sorgen. Der Bericht.
Tuesday, 12. June 2012 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
Challenging conditions for the over 100 team on day two of the Giraglia-Cup as well, as the Mistral continued to blow with wind speeds around 30 kn. The larger boats sailed a 30 miles' coastal race, while the smaller ones remained on a 25 miles course. Winners of the day were 'Jethou' (IRC-0), 'Near Miss' of Noël Franck SUI (IRC-A) and 'Ondine' ITA (IRC-B). First in the ORC-classifications were 'Paul & Shark' ITA (ORC A) and 'Symfony' RUS (ORC-B). According to the weather forecasts, the Mistral will stay on also for the last inshore day today and the Giraglia-Race to San Remo starting on Wednesday. The report and all results.
Saturday, 5. May 2012 (Image © Paul Wyeth)
The Antigua Sailing Week 2012 ended yesterday with a final coastal race, an event with dream sailing conditions for the over 100 teams, mostly in a breeze exceeding 20 kn and summery temperatures. Again were among the participants not only boats from the America's but also a number of teams from Europe. All results, the final report and the videos.
Wednesday, 2. May 2012 (Image © Photoaction.com)
After two days of big breeze, day three of Antigua Sailing Week saw similar conditions for the competitors. However the Ocean mark laid for today's big boats was a new addition. It took over 300 feet of line to lay the mark four miles off the leeward coast of Antigua. The sizeable yachts in CSA 1 were an awesome sight today, smashing through the start line to windward through the Caribbean surf and after coming off the wind at the Ocean mark, the yachts speared off downwind, bow up, accelerating off big waves to surf at speeds of 20 knots plus. Read the full report, see all results and watch the video of the day.
Tuesday, 1. May 2012 (Image © Paul Wyeth)
The second day of Antigua Sailing Week will be remembered for sparkling racing conditions which piped up at the end of the day to deliver some high octane racing in the sublime waters on the leeward side of Antigua. So far Antigua Sailing Week has produced dream-like conditions. Heavy upwind work with warm sea spray breaking over the deck rewarded with a wild ride downwind through the deep blue Caribbean surf. Read the full report and see all results.
Monday, 30. April 2012 (Image © Photoaction.com)
There was some electrifying action on the first day of Antigua Sailing Week. Big breeze and lumpy seas were the order of the day for the first race with more exciting action and drama to get the regatta off to a blistering start. Peter Harrison's Farr 115, Sojana corrected out to win CSA 1A today but there was a dramatic rescue in CSA 1B. Stefan Lehnert was understandably concerned when his son, Phillip went over board from Tripp 56, Passion 4C during a broach when approaching the Half Moon mark. Read the full report, watch the video of the day and see all results.
Sunday, 29. April 2012
Sunday, 29. April 2012
There was drama right from the start of the 2012 Yachting World Round Antigua Race: Squally conditions intensified the trade winds to churn up the swell into a foaming powerful sea state with rogue waves reaching over three metres. The feisty conditions caused at least two retirements due to gear failure. Read the full report.
Sunday, 22. April 2012
Quality for a fair price is the motto of Yachtcharter Pitter constantly striving for improvements and novelties, and one of them is a smartphone 'Pitter Ap', allowing to be informed real-time about the latest charter- and regatta news and offers. The charter section contains all information to plan for the most enjoyiable sailing holidays, from charter boat details, location of boat, availability, prerequisits, long- and short-time weather forecasts, etc. The regatta section is conceived as regatta calendar with all details how to enrol as or join a Pitter racing team. The report (german) (PDF).
Thursday, 5. April 2012
After the races on the British Virgin Island, the Carribean Bigboat series continues on the French Carribean island St. Barth. 150 yachts, split in various categories, and a number of well-known sailors such as Gavin Brady NZL, Cam Lewis USA, Ross Macdonald CAN or Bouwe Bekking NED participate. Two races were sailed so far in moderate winds during the past two regatta days. The report and all rankings.
Monday, 2. April 2012 (Image © Todd van Sickle)
A southeasterly breeze of about 12-15 knots emanating from Dead Chest Island, provided shifty conditions for a tense last day of racing at the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival. Yesterday all classes raced in the Sir Francis Drake Channel outside Nanny Cay and there was a lot of traffic to contend with. Read the final report and see all results.
Sunday, 1. April 2012 (Image © Todd van Sickle)
Day Two of the BVI Spring Regatta gave competitors the amazing opportunity of experiencing the western extent of the British Virgin Islands. Virtually all racing and cruising classes were sent through The Cut, a narrow gap between Tortola and St. John, whatsmore there were a multitude of downwind starts, resulting in some fantastic action from the get go. Read the full report and see all results.
Saturday, 31. March 2012
Racing in the BVI Spring Regatta started on schedule, 15 knots of solid breeze intensified during the morning, peaking at 18 knots to provide some fantastic racing conditions for the opening day of the BVI Spring Regatta. Many classes enjoyed the fantastic vista of the southeasterly face of Salt Island today. Read the full report and see all results.
Friday, 30. March 2012
Big breeze and ocean swell set hearts racing for the competitors in the Nanny Cay Cup. The 22-mile race from Virgin Gorda to Nanny Cay Marina in Tortola was an absolute stunner. The 34-boat fleet enjoyed a blasting reach through the foaming waters of The Sir Francis Drake Channel in gorgeous Caribbean sunshine. However, Peter Aschenbrenner's 63ft Trimaran, Paradox was given a separate course outside the channel. The giant multihull was searing through the ocean swell, often close to airborne and consistently hitting speeds in excess of 20 knots. Paradox completed their 25-mile course in just one hour and 40 minutes. In the Racing Class, Michael Shlens Farr 400, Blade, cut through the surf with precision to beat sistership, Doug Baker's Magnitude, by over four minutes. Blade took the corrected time win in the Racing Class with Blade in second place. Third was Bill Alcott's STP 65, Equation which was the first monohull home by a significant margin. Blade had world-class tactician, Dee Smith on board. Read the full report.
Thursday, 29. March 2012
Racing finally got underway for the BVI Sailing Festival with a 30 mile race around the beautiful island of Virgin Gorda. A 15-knot easterly breeze with flat water provided awesome sailing conditions for the fleet. First away was Peter Aschenbrenner's 63ft Trimaran, Paradox with round the world legend Cam Lewis on board calling tactics. The ballistic multihull was first to finish by some distance, completing the course in an elapsed time of three hours, nine minutes and six seconds, just 13 minutes shy of the course record set by Swan 82, Virago. Read the full report, see the complete results and watch the video.
Wednesday, 28. March 2012
There was no racing yesterday, the first day of the BVI Sailing Festival. Principal Race Officer, Dave Brennan postponed the start of the race to Bitter End and indicated to the 48 competing yachts in the starting area to motor up towards Virgin Gorda, to see if the situation would improve. In the vicinity of Ginger Island, there were some signs of a stable wind developing, but it was short lived and racing for the day was called off shortly after 1100. Read the full report and see who's coming on the entry lists.
Monday, 26. March 2012 (Image © Ingrid Abery)
It came down to the wire on the last day for winners in three of six classes at the International Rolex Regatta, which began Friday and hosted 68 boats and over 500 sailors representing the U.S., Great Britain, Puerto Rico, Canada, The Netherlands, Russia, Italy, Sweden, Monaco and multiple Caribbean islands. The event, in its 39th year and hosted by St. Thomas Yacht Club in the USVI, is the oldest regatta in Rolex's portfolio of global sailing events, and is considered the "Crown Jewel” of Caribbean regattas. Peter Cunningham's (George Town, CAY) 52-foot PowerPlay took overall victory in IRC, where nine boats were competing. Read the full report and see all results.
Sunday, 25. March 2012 (Image © Ingrid Abery)
A second day of racing for 68 boats at the International Rolex Regatta showcased the coastal beauty of St. Thomas and St. John islands with IRC and CSA distance courses that meandered through the smaller islands and cays that lie between them. Winds of 12-18 knots cooperated to give those classes (four in all) two races, while the one-design IC 24s and Beach Cats pounded out six buoy races on the more sheltered yet still tactically demanding playing field of Great Bay, just around the corner from the event's host, St. Thomas Yacht Club. Read the full report and see all results.
Saturday, 24. March 2012
The three-day International Rolex Regatta kicked off today with "town races” that took sailors from the east end of St. Thomas, where host St. Thomas Yacht Club is located, to Charlotte Amalie, the island's capital city. Once there, the fleet of 68 boats, split into six classes, turned around and headed back, but only after sharing some colorful action with tourists on the downtown waterfront and on two cruise ships in port as well as fans perched at different vantage points along the route. 'Both of the races today were very different from each other,' said Tony Rey (Newport, R.I.), tactician aboard Peter Cunningham's (George Town, CAY) PowerPlay, which finished 1-3 today to tie on scoring with Willem Wester's (Breskens, Zeeland, NED) Antilope, which posted a 3-1. 'We owe 11 ½ minutes to Antilope in an hour of racing, so it's not easy to beat them, but we love planing, and 8-10 minutes into the first leg of the first race, a storm cloud came and we were off and running. That's how we got ahead - it was 16-18 knots for a while, and Peter did a fantastic job of driving.' Read the full report and see all results.
Friday, 23. March 2012
Overcast skies and light showers cooled things down yesterday at St. Thomas Yacht Club in the USVI where hundreds of sailors on 68 teams are preparing for the 39th International Rolex Regatta starting today. The conditions, however, came with plenty of wind for practicing and did nothing to dampen the excitement building for the next three days of racing. Read the complete preview.
Monday, 5. March 2012
Yesterday, the big annual St. Maarten Regatta ended after three races and not to forget the daily parties. Over 200 yachten from nations participated, split in 16 classes/categories. The final report and the ranking lists.
Sunday, 4. March 2012
The first of a series of Caribbean races began on Friday with the St. Maarten Regatta sailed in fresh tradewinds above 20 kn. Over 200 yachts participate, among them various Bareboat categories sailing on One-Design-charter-yachts. A number of teams come from the USA, France and Germany. Up to now, two races have been sailed. All results and the report of the day.
Thursday, 23. February 2012
Pitter Yacht Charter not only offers attractive recreational sailing trips along the charming and manifold Adriatic Coast out of one of their six bases in Croatia, but organises also a number of Cruising Regatta with its yachts. There are still a few places available at the Kornati-Cup April 28 to May 2, the BMW-Business-Cup May 19 to 23, the Austrian Offshore Championship October 6 to 12 or the Offshore-Challenge October 19 to 26. These events offer the unique opportunity to combine relaxing sailing holidays with the suspense of yacht racing. Secure your place booking right now !
Thursday, 23. February 2012 (Image © Tim Wright)
The 214-foot super-maxi 'Hetairos' (photo) with skipper Vincent Fontenay FRA finished the 600-miles round the Caribbeans as first, followed by the US 90-foot maxi 'Rambler'. Only one hours after crossed the 72-foot 'Ran' of Niklas Zennström SWE, co-founder of Skype, the finish line, winning the race in calculated time. The report and the provisional rankings. Only 5 of the 45 yachts racing have finished so far. The ranking lists
Wednesday, 22. February 2012 (Image © Tim Wright)
This morning, the first boats of the 600 miles' Caribbean Rounding will cross the finish line off Antigua. The winner will most probably be the 218-foot-super-maxi 'Hetairos', the largest all-carbon built yacht ever, followed by the 90-foot maxi 'Rambler'. The fleet-viewer and the event-website.
Tuesday, 21. February 2012
Yesterday, the start was given on Antigua to the 600 miles race around the Caribbean islands. A thunderstorm with squalls right after the start created some excitement, but in the mean time, the conditions are back to 'normal' Caribbean trade winds around 20 kn. It is no surprise that the maxi-racer 'Rambler' has taken the lead. The race-viewer and the reports.
Sunday, 19. February 2012
Bob Lane on his Andrews 63 'Medecin Man' took line honours at the Islands Race, the first serie of the Ullmann Sails Offshore Series 2012. The J/120 'Pole Dancer' with Tom & Terry Manok took the victory in corrected time. See the complete results and watch the video interview with winner Bob Lane.
Saturday, 18. February 2012 (Image © Lloyd Images)
Sailing Arabia, a tour around the Arabian Gulf in 9 legs, similar to the Tour de France à la Voile, has been running since Monday. Some French teams participate in this regatta sailed on Farr 30s - called Mumm 30 when used in France -, and it were the French boats dominating the race with 'Courrier Dunkerque' of Daniel Souben FRA twice on top. Very well performing is the Oman all-women team with Dee Caffari GBR as skipper, who is on the 4th position of the 10 teams. The event-website.
Wednesday, 15. February 2012
Pitter Yacht Charter not only offers attractive recreational sailing trips along the charming and manifold Adriatic Coast out of one of their six bases in Croatia, but organises also a number of Cruising Regatta with its yachts. There are still a few places available at the Kornati-Cup April 28 to May 2, the BMW-Business-Cup May 19 to 23, the Austrian Offshore Championship October 6 to 12 or the Offshore-Challenge October 19 to 26. These events offer the unique opportunity to combine relaxing sailing holidays with the suspense of yacht racing. Secure your place booking right now !
Tuesday, 14. February 2012
The Transquadra participants drop in at Martinique hourly one by one. The backmarkers will probably arrive in 2 - 3 days only. The race-viewer and the event-website.
Monday, 13. February 2012
Hervé Chanu FRA/Christophe Péclard SUI crossed the finish line yesterday morning as winners among the 70 two-person teams at the Transatlantic Race for amateurs over age 40. Their advantage on the second-ranked Pintos ESP/Lamière FRA was almost 3 hours. Philippe Vicariot FRA was the winner of the Solo skippers 1 hours 15 minutes ahead of Jean-François Hamon FRA. The event-website and the race-viewer. The majority of competitors is still underway.
Sunday, 12. February 2012
Hervé Chanu FRA/Christoph Péclard SUI are expected at Le Marin on Martinique this morning around 8 hrs as winners of the Transquadra, after having defended their lead of approximaltely 30 miles yesterday. 60 miles behind are the first Solo skippers with Philippe Vicariot FRA and Jean-François Hamon FRA separated by 5 miles only and fighting for victory till the end. The race-viewer and the report of the day.
Saturday, 11. February 2012
With 240 miles to go to the finish, Hervé Chanu/Christophe Péclard SUI on their Archambault 35 still hold the first position in the 70 yachts' two-person fleet with a constant 24 miles' advantage. The estimated arrival time at Guadeloupe is tomorrow in the morning. A tight duel goes on in the Solo-skippers category between Philippe Vicarot FRA and Jean-François Hamon FRA separated by 2.8 miles only. The event-website and the race-viewer.
Friday, 10. February 2012
The Transquadra comes to its final phase, as the first yachts will arrive at Martinique in the night from Saturday to Sunday. The leaders in the two-person category Hervé Chanu/Christophe Péclard SUI had 457 mile to go this morning. It has to be seen whether the 21 miles' advantage will be enough until the finish line. In the Solo-skippers, it it Philippe Vicariot FRA who regained the first position, but he is only 2 miles in front. The race-viewer and the report of the day.
Thursday, 9. February 2012
The positions on top of the two fleets remained unchanged yesterday in a stable trade wind, but the distance between the boats was reduced. Hérvé Chanu/Christophe Péclard SUI stay in the lead of the 70 two-person teams, but with a reduced advance of 36 miles now with 734 miles to go to the finish. The Solo skipper Jean-François Hamon FRA on his Sun Fast 3200 is only 6 miles in front of Alexandre Peraud FRA. The race-viewer and the event-website.
Thursday, 9. February 2012
Mik Rutherford from Annapolis MD has now been underway for 239 days with the objective to round the Americas as first sailor solo nonstop. Thanks to the climate warming and the melting polar ice during the past sommer, he was able to do the Northwest-Passage non-stop without being frozen. Meanwhile, he has also rounded the Cape Horn and has now 5000 miles along the Brazilian coast left to his home port Annapolis. His 27 foot yacht is actually no longer in a good shape, his hunting gun (a protection against ice bears in case of being frozen in the ice) is rusty and after being almost 8 months alone at sea his log book entries have become very meditative. A report in the Washington Post.
Wednesday, 8. February 2012
With the trade winds filling in, the almost 100 yachts make now again good speed in a 20 kn breeze from the rear. As foreseeable yesterday, Jean-François Hamon FRA sailing in the extreme South has taken the lead in the Solo-skippers. The Swiss duo Hervé Chanu/Christophe Péclard SUI extended their lead on 44 miles. The race-viewer and the event website.
Wednesday, 8. February 2012
26 rower, among them one woman, have been underway in their 8 meter long special rowing boats participating in the traditional 'Bouvet-Guyane'-Race from Dakar SEN to the Carribeans. The stormy weather prevailing during the first week has already reduced the fleet, due to sea sickness, damages and demoralization. 6 participants abandoned the race. Meanwhile, one forth of the distance are behind. The first boats will arrive in roughly 40 days, while the backmarker will take 20 days more. The video of the start, the race-tracker, the event-website and more videos.
Tuesday, 7. February 2012
The Transquadra fleet is trailing in the middle of the Atlantic search the normally prevailing trade winds, but instead they encounter lull zones interrupted by light thunder storms. Except some 'extremists' North and South, the 26 Solo-skippers and the 70 two-person teams stay closely together. Only the leading Hervé Chanu FRA/Christoph Péclard SUI extended their advantage on 40 miles and will probably be the first to reach the trade winds. In the Solo-skippers, Alexandre Peraud FRA stays 30 miles ahead, but sailing on the most northern course, he is slower than Jean-François Hamon FRA in the extreme South, who, as man of the day yesterday, will probably soon take the lead. The race-viewer and the report of the day.
Monday, 6. February 2012
After 9 days underway in the middle of the Atlantic, the Transquadra fleets of 26 Solo-sailors and 71 two person teams have lost speed in the now prevailing lighter winds. Hervé Chanu FRA/Christophe Péclard SUI on their Archambaud 35 further extended their lead now on 33 miles. Alexandre Peraud FRA, leader in the solo-sailer category, has also extended the advance on over 30 miles. The race-viewer and the report of the day.
Sunday, 5. February 2012
26 Solo-skippers and 71 two person teams on their series yachts have been underway direction Martinique for one week now. The leading French-Swiss duo Hervé Chanu FRA/Christophe Péclard SUI extended its advantage yesterday on over 30 miles. The new leader in the Solo-skippers is Alexandre Perault FRA, who circumvented the whole fleet on an extreme northerly course. The race-viewer and the event-website.
Saturday, 4. February 2012 (Image © Francois Van Malleghem)
Yesterday, sailing in a rear wind around 20 kn, Hervé Cahnu FRA/Christophe Péclard SUI with their 'ThinkAnalytic' took the lead in the 71 boats' two-person fleet, but their advance on Pintos/Lemière ESP/FRA is only 0.7 miles. Leader change also with the 26 solo skippers, where Alexandre Peraud FRA has already a 17 miles' lead. The race-viewer. Back in the fleet, the Italian 'Cymba' team had to be rescued by some other competitors when their yacht began to sink after a collision with an unknown floating object. The report and the event-website.
Friday, 3. February 2012
After 6 days underway direction Martinique, the fleet is about to be stretched more and more. Leader in the 28 boats' solo skipper fleet remains Philippe Vicariot FRA, but the first place in the two-person teams goes now to Jesus Pino/Grégoire Le Maire ESP/FRA. Team of the day were Hervé Cahnu FRA/Christophe Péclard SUI advancing on rank 4 only 10 miles behind the leaders. The Race-Viewer und die event-website.
Wednesday, 1. February 2012
In early January, we reported on the 400 miles journey of Yvan Bourgnon SUI and Sébastien Roubinet FRA around Cape Horn. On their tiny 6 meter Nacra 20 catamaran, they sailed passing glaciers and rocks in a breeze of up to 50 kn that even forced them to seek the shelter of an island for a moment. The 5-minute video transmits an impression on this incredible tour. The next project of the Swiss offshore sailor is a nonstop solo round-the-globe premiere on a trimaran 'in the wrong direction' from East to West.
Wednesday, 1. February 2012
After 4 days racing, high pressure cell with little to no wind has spread the 71 two-person teams and the 28 solo sailors over a large area. Some try to circumvent the lulls going South, other stick to the direct route hoping for a breeze filling in soon again. Jean-Louis Goblet/Catherine Adam FRA in the doubles and Philippe Vicariot FRA with the solo sailors are the interims liaders. The Swiss teams occupy the ranks 15 (Chanu/Péclard FRA/SUI), 45 (Buntschu/Racenet SUI) and 59 (Guillet/Riond SUI). The race-viewer and the report of the day.
Tuesday, 31. January 2012
The 70 two-person teams and the 29 solo-sailors participating in the Transatlantic Race for Corinthian sailor over age 40 advance in good sailing condition direction West. Leader with the solo sailors is Philippe Vicariot FRA, in the doubles, the team Jean-Louis Goblet/Catherine Adam FRA is on top.
The positions,the reports and the video of the start.
The positions,the reports and the video of the start.
Saturday, 21. January 2012 (Image © JOY)
Only minor changes in the two races of the last day at the KWRW 2012. The former Moth World Champion Bora Gulari USA is the outstanding winner in the Melges 24 with 7 wins in 10 races. Alan Field USA , two bullets, is on rank two, while Franco Rossini SUI (this time with Matteo Ivaldini ITA as tactician) remains on the third place. John Kilroy USA, 'Samba Pa Ti', with tactician Lorenzo Bressani ITA defended the first place in the Melges 32. Clear winners also Darren Hillard USA in the J/80 and Deneen Demourkas USA in the Farr 30. Only 'Barking Mad' of James Richardson USA with Hamish Pepper NZL calling tactics jumped on rank 1 in the Farr 40 thanks to two race wins, two points ahead of Alberto Rossi ITA and Wolfgang Schäfer GER. All rankings,the report and the video of the day.
Friday, 20. January 2012 (Image © Photoboat.com)
The Key West Race Week continued yesterday with three more races sailed in a moderate 10 kn breeze. Before today's final two races, the outcome seems to be decided in some of the classes: Bora Gulari USA leads the Melges 24 fleet by 10 points on Alan Field USA and on equal Points Franco Rossini SUI. 18 points is the advance of Darden Hillard USA in the J/80. Tension could rise in the Melges 32 where John Kilroy's USA ('Samba Pa Ti') margin on Benjamin Schwartz USA on 'Pisces' is just four points. All rankings, the daily report and the videos.
Thursday, 19. January 2012
Yvan Bourgnon SUI/Sébastien Roubinet FRA have sailed roughly two third of their trip around the most southern point of Cape Horn. This morning, they interrupted their journey for a rest in one of the nature parks of the Cape, without indicating the reason. Was it fatigue, thr fresh breeze, damage, or just the pure interest ? This morning already, they plan to be back at Ushuaia. The race-viewer.
Wednesday, 18. January 2012
The Swiss Yvan Bourgnon and the French arctic explorer Sébastien Roubinet start today at Ushuaia ARG to a 500 miles' rounding of Cape Horn passing the Cook-Street, around the Cape and back via Beagle-channel to Ushuaia. The estimated sailing time is 72 hours provided the sailing condition allow it for the 20 foot catamaran (Nacra20). In addition to wind and waves, the cold with temperatures around the freezing point will be the major challenge. The report (f) and the race-viewer.
Already before the start to this new venture, Yvan Bourgnon SUI announced his next extreme project: a solo non-stop round-the-world record attempt in the opposite direction against the wind East to West on the 70-foot trimaran 'Geronimo'. The report (f).
Already before the start to this new venture, Yvan Bourgnon SUI announced his next extreme project: a solo non-stop round-the-world record attempt in the opposite direction against the wind East to West on the 70-foot trimaran 'Geronimo'. The report (f).
Tuesday, 10. January 2012
Maritime NZ are reporting this morning that the 130metre stern section of the MV 'Rena' is reported to be slipping off the Astrolabe Reef. They have previously stated that if this happens they expect the section to sink, following up the section breaking off over the weekend. The two sections that were shown as visibly cracked, split in two, and were reported to be 30 meters apart. That break up released cargo, containers and oil - a situation that will be repeated if the stern section sinks. Of concern to the sailing community is the fact that the Volvo Ocean Race fleet will pass down the east coast of the North Island in two months time. Many of the containers are not accounted for from the 'Rena', and have either sunk or are still in varying degrees of submersion. The article with a video clip in Sail World.
Saturday, 31. December 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
Today, the last four yachts having stayed in the race will cross the finish line in Hobart. Two days ago, 'Investec Loyal' defeated the eternal winner 'Wild Oats XI' for the first time after 6 years by three minutes. Stan Honey USA, navigator and tactician on Antony Bell's 100-foot-maxi, splendidly outsailed the opponents in the approach on Hobart to win the line honours (9th overall in calculted time). The winners in the different IRC-categories are known. Overall IRC winner is the 60-foot 'Loki'. Here the report and the video.
Thursday, 29. December 2011 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
After two days and 6 hours, the line honours of the Hobart Race went to the 100 foot maxi 'Investec Loyal' of Anthony Bell AUS yesterday. Only three minutes behind followed 'Wild Oats XI' on rank two with the first defeat after 6 years. Only 10 of the 77 yachts still in the race have reached the finish line in Hobart so far. The ranking list, the report, the video and the event-website.
Wednesday, 28. December 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
A close race is going on in the finish to the Tasmanian capital Hobart this morning. Surprisingly, it is the 100-foot-maxi 'Investec Loyal' of Anthony Bell AUS (with a.o. the Finn Olympian Anthony Nossiter AUS) who is in the lead, 1,2 miles ahead of the big favorite 'Wild Oats XI'. This morning (UCT) at press time, the leading duo was 40 miles before the finish line. The race-viewer and the event-website.
Tuesday, 27. December 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
The top positions are clear after 24 hours' racing with 'Wild Oats XI' leading as expected. Her main opponent 'Wild Thing' was forced to leave the race with a torn main sail. 'Lihana' is first in calculated time for the moment. The interims positions after 27 hours, the fleet-viewer, the daily report and the video of the start.
Monday, 26. December 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
The 88 team participating in the 2012 Hobart Race started three hours ago in a 15-20 kn breeze to their traditional competition to Hobart/Tasmania. The fleet has already passed the Sydney Harbour Heads and is sailing down the Australian East Coast southwards. As expected, the five-times Hobart winner 'Wild Oats XI' has already taken he lead with 'Wild Thing' and 'Loki' following few miles behind. The report and the race-tracker.
Sunday, 25. December 2011
The start to the 67th Hobart Race will be given in Sydney early tomorrow (UCT) morning. 88 teams participate. The mostly cited favorite is again the multiple winner 'Wild Oats XI' with the America's Cup-Boss Iain Murray AUS. The weather forecast predicts a tricky race with unconstant conditions. No record this year though, and the mid-size yachts will probably be favoured in calculated time. The preview.
Tuesday, 6. December 2011
A majority of the 222 teams of the Atlantic Rallys 2011 is still on the Atlantic underway, while the winners are already in St-Lucia. The English 'Scarlet Oyster' finally relegated the Austrian 'Vaquita' with the skipper Andreas Hanakamp AUT, Racing Division winners in sailed time, on rank 2 in the handicap ranking. The report.
Saturday, 3. December 2011
The Class-40 'Vaquita' with Andreas Hanakamp AUT and his Swiss crew arrived at St-Lucia as first boat of the Racing Division in a new record time for 40-foot-yachts of 12 days and 10 hours. The immediate opponents were at least 36 hours behind. Only tomorrow will be known, whether the advance is large enough to take also the victory in calculated time. At present, the English 'Scarlet Oyster' is still mentioned a leader. The approach to the Carribean island was fulminant with speeds of over 20 kn for the Austro-Swiss team. The race-viewer, the official report and the weblog of Andreas Hanakamp AUT.
Friday, 2. December 2011
Early his morning, the French 'Rayon Vert' of Alain Delhumeau FRA, a Lerouge Pulsar 50, crossed the finish line at St-Lucia as winner of the Open Category. This evening, the first boats of the Racing Division, 124 miles away this morning, with the English 'Scarlet Oyster', still followed in calculated time by 'Vaquita' of Andreas Hanakamp AUT with his Swiss crew, will arrive. The race-viewer with all ranking lists and the report.
Thursday, 1. December 2011
The first racers will arrive at St-Lucia, destination of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, on Saturday already. Leader in the Racing Division is still the English 'Scarlet Oyster', followed by the Austrian 'Vaquita', skipper Andreas Hanakamp AUT. In the Cruising Division, the Dutch 'Splendid' is on the first place. The race-viewer with all positions and the report of the day.
Wednesday, 30. November 2011
The leading yachts are about to approach the port of destination after 11 days underway. The first boat in absolute time, 'Med Spirit', had 478 miles to go to St-Lucia yesterday. In calculated time, English 'Scarlet Oyster' remains on top of the Racing Division. 'Vaquita' with Andreas Hanakamp AUT and his Swiss crew is now on the 2nd place. The race-viewer with all positions and the reports.
Tuesday, 29. November 2011 (Image © Vaquita)
The English 'Scarlet Oyster' is still leading in the Racing Division with roughly 1000 miles to go to the Carribean island St. Lucia. Consult the public log books of each individual team to learn more, and check the race-viewer for the eventual positions.
Monday, 28. November 2011
The leading yachts have sailed more than half-way of the distance by now. In the Racing Division, it is still the English 'Scarlet Oyster' leading the fleet. The race-viewer.
Sunday, 27. November 2011
Sun and mostly good sailing conditions have accompanied the 200 yachts' fleet across the Atlantic to the Carribeans for a week now. From time to time, some thunderstorms disturb the cozy atmoshere aboard. As every year, fishing successes belong to the highlights of the participants, as the gallery reveals. The race-viewer with all ranking lists and the report of the day.
Saturday, 26. November 2011
After five day underway, the difficult weather conditions of the innertropical convergence zone begin to influence the strategies and tactics of the leading boats. The English 'Scarlet Oyster', an Oyster 46 is on the first place at present. The fleet-viewer with all ranking lists and the reports.
Friday, 25. November 2011 (Image © Vaquita)
The leading yachts of the Atlantic Rallys have already completed one third of their journey to the Carribean, benefitting from a well-established trade wind. The Austrian Class 40 'Vaquita' with Andreas Hanakamp AUT as skipper and a Swiss crew is now on the forth place in calculated time. A report. Check also the race-viewer with all rankings and the event-website with reports.
Thursday, 24. November 2011
The 'Vaquita' of Andreas Hanakamp AUT and his Swiss crew stays on top of the two Racing Divisions on day 3, but the advantage has been reduced to 80 miles. The Class 40 succeeded to keep high speed averages with tops of over 22 kn ! Check North American teams' positions on the race viewer (teams, leaderboard) and the reports.
Wednesday, 23. November 2011
Thanks to the superior strategy of Andreas Hanakamp AUT and his Swiss 'Nessi Racing Team', the Class 40 'Vaquita' took the overall lead yesterday in both Racing Divisions, but on the long run, skipper Hanakamp AUT believes that the direct opponents partly twice as large will have the upper hand. However, 'Vaquita' leads with a 120 advance, and her speed is with 12 kn still 2 kn faster than the competitors'. The race-viewer and the reports.
Tuesday, 22. November 2011
The 212 teams from 28 nations have been underway for two days now, heading for the Carribeans. Special attention goes to the Class 40 'Vaquita' with the Austrian olympian Andreas Hanakamp AUT as skipper and a Swiss crew on board, started with high ambitions and the fastest in the fleet at present, on the way up already on the 3rd position of the Racing Division A. The English Bénéteau First 47.2 'EHO1' is on the first place. The fleet-viewer.
Monday, 21. November 2011
Sun and moderate winds prevailed yesterday when finally 217 yachts with 1'188 sailors crossed the starting line off Las Palmas, Gran Canaraia ESP, for the Atlantic crossing to St-Lucia in the Carribeans. The yachts will be underway during two to four weeks. The record is 11 days and 5 hours. Andreas Hanakamp AUT on the 'Vaquita' with a Swiss crew is on the 12th place of the racers at present. The X-40 'Optim'X' of Frank Lang FRA is leading. The report about the start and the race-viewer.
Sunday, 20. November 2011
222 teams will start today by noon UCT in Las Palmas / Gran Canaria to their Atlantic crossing. The weather forecast announces moderate northerly winds bringing the fleet rapidly to the trade winds. The event-website.
Tuesday, 15. November 2011
Next Sunday, the traditional Atlantic Rally for Cruisers will be started in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, an event bringing this year again 222 - mostly European, but also participants from the USA, Canada, Virgin Islands, etc - yachts in a friendly competition across the ocean to the attractive Carribean winter holiday venues. The first meteo information announces moderate trade winds. The event was officially launched on Sunday with a parade across the city with marching bands. The report. The entry list contains teams from 28 nations. Photos from the Las Palmas harbour.
Sunday, 13. November 2011
80 teams in six categories enjoyed the accommodating sailing condition at the Côte d'Azur with sun and a moderate Easterly wind at the Madraco-Cup in St. Tropez. After two races on Friday, another two races were sailed yesterday in a 8 kn breeze. The ranking lists are not yet updated this morning. After day one and two races, the leaders were 'Java Bleue' of Jacky Maitre FRA in the IRC-A-category. The report of the day.
Friday, 28. October 2011 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
All teams, except some latecomers still underway after repair stops, have now completed the 606 miles race, and the final results are known: the Maltese J/122 'Artie' of Lee Stariano MLT is the winner in calculated time with a large margin. The 100-foot-maxi 'Esimit Europa 2' with Jochen Schümann GER, who took the line honours, is only on rank 14. The final rankings and the event-website.
Thursday, 27. October 2011
In the mean-time, 39 of the 78 yachts racing have reached the finish at La Valetta and the smaller yachts have now taken the top ranks in calculated time. At present, the Maltese J/122 'Artie' of Lee Satariano MLT is on the first place, but changes are still possible. The race-viewer and the latest reports.
Wednesday, 26. October 2011
Yesterday evening, the Swedish 'Ran' of Nikaus Zennerström SWE crossed the finish line at La Valetta Malta as second. Despite of a 16 hours' delay, it is 'Ran' who has taken the interims' lead in the rankings on calculated timet. But up to now, only 77 yachts finished the race. The race-viewer and the reports.
Tuesday, 25. October 2011 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
Last midnight GMT, the Slovenian 100-foot-maxi 'Esimit Europa 2' with Jochen Schümann GER crossed the finish line at La Valetta as first, after 61 hours and 24 minutes for the 630 miles course, i.e. considerably more than the record. During this morning, 'Ran' roughly 90 miles behind will follow. The race-tracker and the reports.
Monday, 24. October 2011 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
After rounding the Stromboli Island, the fleet is now in a fresher breeze back to Malta. The 100-foot-maxi 'Esimit Europa 2' with Jochen Schümann GER passed the way point Panetelleria Island South-West of Sicily, heading for Lampedusa Island on the way back to La Valetta. In calculated time, the Italian Dufour 34 'Duffy' was first when rounding Stromboli. The rankings, the race-viewer, the video of the day and the report.
Sunday, 23. October 2011 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
79 teams started yesterday morning in La Valetta to the Middlesea Race 2011 in the direction of Sicily. The 100-foot-maxi 'Esimit Europa 2' has already a big lead over 'Ran', is the only one to have passed the Messina strait up to now and is on her way to the most Northern way point off Stromboli. The report on the start, the video and the race-viewer.
Friday, 21. October 2011 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
Tomorrow Saturday, the start to the 2011 Middlesea Race will be given on Malta at the port of la Valetta with 80 yachts sailing 636 miles from Malta round Sicily passing Pantelleria and Lampedusa on the way back to Malta. The event-website.
Friday, 14. October 2011
The crew of the 100-Foot-Maxi 'Rambler' was in utmost danger when the keel broke off during the Fastnet Race in August. A 38-minutes documentary film summarises the catastrophy.
Tuesday, 11. October 2011 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
The 'Barcolana 2011' was again a huge event with 1762 yachts on the starting line last Saturday. In moderate conditions, the overall winner was the Super-Maxi 'Esimit Europa 2' owned by Igor Simcic CRO with Jochen Schümann GER as helmsman. The results of the 12 classes and an impressive photo gallery.
Sunday, 2. October 2011 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
Lulls over St-Tropez also on the last day of the 'Voiles', and most of the races had to be abandoned. Only the IRC-C and D finished a short race. See also the partly outstanding results of some US participants: 'Jessy' of Peter Dubens USA is the winner in the traditional Tofinou class. 'Shockwave' of George Sakellaris USA finished 2nd in the highly competitive IRC-A division. 'Better than' of S. Blom is 13th in the IRC-B division. 'Sif' of William Macinnes is 5th in the Epoque Aurique B. 'Seven Seas of Porto' of Marius Kemp is 5th in the Marconi A. All final ranking lists and the report of the day.
Friday, 30. September 2011 (Image © Gilles Martin-Raget)
Some special events were on the program yesterday, the lay day of the 'Voiles', but the wind was practically absent again, and only close to the shore, a very light thermal breeze was blowing. Interesting to watch was a 10 miles race of the 100 years plus yachts, with the 112 year-old 'Bona Fide' as winner. In addition, some Classics sailed duels by challenge on a 6.5 miles' course. Find out more in the report of the day, informing also on the history of this regatta that has existed for 30 years now.
Thursday, 29. September 2011 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
Again almost no wind off St-Tropez FRA, and only along the coast-line, a very light breeze filled in. The over 100 Classics sailed a coastal race that had to be shortended at the end. The Wally's too were racing in a 5 kn wind along the famous Pamplonne Beach with 'Magic Carpet' GBR (Jochen Schümann GER) as winner. Today is the lay day with some special trophies on the program. All results and the report of the day.
Wednesday, 28. September 2011 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
The 300 yachts left the harbour yesterday, but the summery weather did not let the breeze fill in sufficiently. Only the 100 plus Classics sailed a 15 miles race close to the shore. Carlo Borlenghi covered the activity in his gallery. The rankings of the 11 historical categories. In the Moderns, only the IRC A- and the IRC-B-divisions sailed a race on Monday. The report of the day.
Tuesday, 27. September 2011 (Image © Gilles Martin-Raget)
The 'Modernes', split in four categories, as well as the Wallys began yesterday the 'Voiles de St.Tropez' with one race. Winner in the IRC A-classification was in calculated time 'Highland Flying' of Irvine Laidlaw MON. In the IRC-B-classification, Guy Curnillon FRA on a Fly42 is first. The event-website.
Sunday, 25. September 2011 (Image © Gilles Morelle)
No wind on the last day of the Régates Royales in Cannes FRA. The 76 Classic Yachts in total, some of them over 100 years old, sailed finally four races. The final report and the results in six categories.
Sunday, 25. September 2011 (Image © E.F.Walker)
On Saturday, two short races were completed on Chesapeake Bay at day two of the 2011 U.S. Offshore Championship, hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy Squadron in Annapolis, Md. After five races total for the Championship, skipper Steve Travis (Mercer Island, Wash.) of the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle and defending champion Bruce Kuryla (Milford, Conn.) of the New York Yacht Club are tied for the lead, with Travis leading on the tie-breaker. Read the full report and see the complete results.
Saturday, 24. September 2011 (Image © Gilles Morelle)
The Dragons finished the Régates Royales early yesterday, as the wind did not allow to add more races. The overall win goes therefore to Giuseppe Duca ITA ahead of Poul Hoi-Jensen DEN and Anatoly Loginov RUS. Grendel/Simmons/Winter USA finish on the 20th place. Here the final results.
The Classics sailed a short Coastal-Race in a max. 8 kn breeze with again 'Bona Fide' as winner. 'Manitou' of Alex Tilleray USA remains on rank 3 in the fleet of the big 'Epoque Marconi'. See the results of all Classics' categories. Racing continues today. The daily report.
The Classics sailed a short Coastal-Race in a max. 8 kn breeze with again 'Bona Fide' as winner. 'Manitou' of Alex Tilleray USA remains on rank 3 in the fleet of the big 'Epoque Marconi'. See the results of all Classics' categories. Racing continues today. The daily report.
Thursday, 22. September 2011
The Classics sailed yesterday their 20 miles' coastal race in sunshine and moderate winds, the Dragons completed two more short races in the Bay of Cannes. The ranking lists have not yet been updated this morning. However, the news on the Dragons reveal that Anatoly Loginov RUS and his team took the lead, followed by Paul Hoi-Jensen DEN and Martin Byrne IRL down on rank 3. The report of the day and the gallery.
Wednesday, 21. September 2011
The Régates Royales in the Bay of Cannes FRA began yesterday with a moderate 12-15 kn breeze. The Dragons completed three heats, and Martin Byrne IRL is the leader with two bullets ahead of HRH Prince Henrik of Denmark 2nd and Anatoly Loginov RUS 3rd. 58 teams from 15 nations participate. Grendel/Simmons/Winter USA are on rank 15. The results of the Dragons.
The Classics, sailing in five categories, finished one race each. 'Manitou' of Alex Tilleray USA is 3rd in the 'Epoque Marconi' fleet. Interesting, that even in the Big Boats - the English 'Cambria' is on rank 1 - the ranking lists contain a complete crew list of up to 30 persons ! The results and the gallery.
The Classics, sailing in five categories, finished one race each. 'Manitou' of Alex Tilleray USA is 3rd in the 'Epoque Marconi' fleet. Interesting, that even in the Big Boats - the English 'Cambria' is on rank 1 - the ranking lists contain a complete crew list of up to 30 persons ! The results and the gallery.
Saturday, 10. September 2011 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
Light and shifty winds did not allow to complete valid races yesterday on Sardinia. The only heat started late in the afternoon had to be abandoned. Today is the last day of the competition. The report. See also a photo sequence demonstrating that steering a 30-meter yacht is not that easy.
Friday, 9. September 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
If two and three way ties for first are indicative of heated competition, four classes set the stage in today's opener at the Rolex Big Boat Series for some fiery showdowns over the next three days of competition. A total of 81 boats took to San Francisco Bay for the 47th annual event, with seven classes--four for IRC and three for one-design (J/105s, J/120s, Express 37s)--completing two races each and an eighth for one-designs (Farr 30s) completing three. Scooter Simmons and Edward Conrads are sharing the lead in the J/105, whiele Scott Easom USA is leading the Farr 30 worlds. Read the full report and see the complete results.
Friday, 9. September 2011 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
The Maxi-Cup on Sardinia continued yesterday with a 36-miles coastal race sailed in a challenging 25 kn breeze. In the Wallys, the German 'Y3K' with Thomas Jungblut GER calling tactics was again on top and is the clear leader. 'Aegir 2' GBR was first in the Racing/Cruising Maxi division, while 'Esimit Europa 2' SLO dominates the Maxi Racing-Division and 'Hetairos' (CAY) is in front in the Supermaxis. The Mini Maxis, sailing their Worlds off Porto Cervo, completed three short races yesterday. Zennström is the distinct overall leader with this 72-footer 'Ran' ahead of 'Jethou' (GBR) and Alegre (GBR). The report, the video of the day and the results.
Thursday, 8. September 2011 (Image © Ingrid Abery)
A sharp start was the order of the day in Porto Cervo at the 2011 Maxi Yacht Cup. After yesterday's Mistral-inspired abandonment, this morning's racing commenced at a prompt 10:30. With wind speeds predicted to rise dramatically across the day, Principal Race Officer Peter Craig warned:'It is an early start, or no start.' A short and exciting coastal course of approx. 23.5-nautical miles was organised for all four classes: Mini Maxis, first starters, followed by the Maxis, Wallys and Supermaxis. Today's winners included two of last year's overall victors: Niklas Zennström's Rán 2 (GBR) in the Mini Maxi World Championship and Claus-Peter Offen's Y3K (GER) in the Wally division. Other celebrating crews were: Highland Fling (MON) in the Racing Maxis; DSK Pioneer Investments (ITA) in the Racing/Cruising Maxi division and Nilaya (GBR) as the top Supermaxi. The fastest yacht on the water was the 100-ft Maxi Esimit Europa 2 (SLO), finishing the course in a rapid 1:45.36. Read the full report, see the video of the day and the complete results.
Thursday, 8. September 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
Some intriguing class battles promise to highlight this year's Rolex Big Boat Series, which starts today and slates four full days of racing action on the San Francisco waterfront that is now home to the America's Cup. Adding spice to what's cooking for 81 entered teams is a class stocked with TP52s; one conceived especially for "fast forties”; another harboring no less than 21 fiercely competitive one-design teams and yet another devoted to determining a new world champion. A total of eight classes—four for IRC and four for one-design--will be sailing, the Farr 30's are sailing their World Championship. Read the full preview.
Wednesday, 7. September 2011 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
The strong Mistral of over 30 kn prevented racing at the Maxi Yacht Cup off Sardinia. The entry list contains 47 yachts from 12 nations, among them the 90-foot supermaxi 'Esimit Europa', a special Mini-Maxi class, or the Wally's. The report and the video of the day. Today, the breeze will be even stronger .... !
Saturday, 3. September 2011
90 foot is the minimum length for the yachts to compete in the Perini Navi Cup who started yesterday in Italy. The only race of the day was won by 'Maltese Falcon', with 350 foot the biggest boat in the 13-boat-fleet. See the results and watch the video of the day.
Friday, 26. August 2011
Wide, powerful, and slow-moving, Hurricane 'Irene' is expected to crash ashore in North Carolina on Saturday with winds of 115 mph, and millions of people along the Eastern Seaboard are bracing for what could be a historic storm. If 'Irene' stays on course straight up the East Coast, it would be the first hurricane to hit New York City !The storm's tropical-force winds extend almost twice as far as normal and are about the same size as Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005. The report and additional information by the National Hurricane Center. First regattas at the East Coast have already been cancelled, such as the Newport Bucket Regatta.
Friday, 19. August 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
After the arrival of smaller boats, the overall rankings in calculated time are now known and it is 'Ran' of Niklas Zennerström SWE who is the overall winner in the IRC-rankings. The report and the event-website with more videos.
Wednesday, 17. August 2011 (Image © Rick Tomlinson)
After the new multihull record of 'Banque Populaire V' (see the video), also the Fastnet-Race monohull record has been beaten, surprisingly not bei the 100-foot-canting keeler 'ICAP Leopard', but by the Volvo 70 'Abu Dhabi' with Ian Walker GBR, improving the record by 1 hour and 39 minutes. Thanks to their excellent surfing capabilities under spinnaker, all three Volvo 70s overtook the 30 feet longer 'ICAP Leopard' on the way back, and arrived home almost together. In the meantime, a video about the capsizing of 'Rambler' was published. The Rambler-Navigator Peter Isler explains in his report the incident and the three-hours' waiting for the rescue. In the IMOCA Open 60, 'PRB' with Vincent Riou FRA was the winner followed by Jean-Pierre Dick FRA on 'Virbac-Paprec' and Bernard Stamm SUI on 'Cheminée Poujoulat' only 6 minutes behind. Stamm reports to have reached top speeds around 25 kn in the 20-30 kn breeze on the way back. In the IRC-1-rankings, 'Ran' finished first. All other classes are still underway. The event-website.
Wednesday, 17. August 2011
A total of 55 boats from Canada and the US competed last weekend for the IRC North American Championship titels in five IRC divisions. John Odenbach USA won the IRC-Super 0 on his Farr 47, Chris & Kiki Werner USA were best team in the IRC 0 Division while the other titles went to Canada: In the IRC 1 its the X-35 of Adam Farkas CAN on top, best IRC-2-boat was Dave Ogden CAN on a J/35 and the IRC-3 Division was dominated by Winston Beckett CAN. See the complete results and the event web site.
Tuesday, 16. August 2011
This year's Fastnet Race is full of action and thrill. The big multihulls have already reached the finish with 'Banque Populaire V' as first in the new record time of 1 day and 8 hours. Roughly one hour behind follows the 70 foot trimaran 'Gitana 11' with Sébastien Josse. The two new one-design MOD 70 trimarans of Roland Jourdain FRA ('Veolia') and Stève Ravussin SUI ('Race for Water') follow some other 5 minutes later with 'Veolia' leading the ranking list in calculated time. All other yachts are still at sea. The next ones to cross the finish line are the Super-Maxis but without the co-favorite 'Rambler' who lost the keel bulb just after the Fastnet-Rock and capsized. Here the report. The British Coast Guard safed the 21-person crew. The GBR 100-foot-Maxi 'ICAP Leopard' will arrive in Plymouth this morning. At 5 a.m., she was 67 miles off the destination according to the race-viewer. The fastest IMOCA Open 60 'PRB' with Vincent Riou FRA is 80 miles away. 'Cheminées Poujoulat' of Bernard Stamm SUI and 'Safran' of Marc Guillemot FRA are only 0.7 miles apart. In the Volvo 70s, 'Team Abu Dhabi' with Ian Walker GBR and 'Groupama 70' with Franck Cammas FRA are battling for victory. All interims rankings can be consulted on the race-viewer page, the latest reports have been posted on the [url=fastnet.rorc.org/event-website[/url].
Monday, 15. August 2011 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
The record-size 318 teams' fleet started yesterday by noon off Cowes in the direction Fastnet Rock in a 20 kn breeze. Here the video. This morning, the big multihulls are in the middle of the Irish Sea. 'Gitana XI' with Sébastien Josse FRA is for the moment ahead of the 40 feet longer maxi-trimaran 'BanquePopulaire V' with Loïck Peyron FRA. The two will round the Fastnet rock this morning. The six IMOCA Open 60 are separated by 28 miles only. 'PRB' with Vincent Riou FRA is the leader. The three Volvo 70 are only 9 miles apart. Mike Sanderson NZL with his Chinese 'Team Sanya' has taken the lead. In the big maxi-racers, the 100-foot-maxi ICAP Leopard is clearly on top. The race-viewer with all rankings, the report about the start and the event-website with more reports.
Sunday, 14. August 2011 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
1925, this classic European offshore race has been organised for the first time. This year's entry list is prominent as never before. The favorite for the line honours is the 140-foot-trimaran 'Banque Populaire V' with Loïck Peyron FRA, with the two new Multi One Design-Catamarans MOD70 of Roland Jourdain FRA ('Veolia) and Stève Ravussin SUI ('Race for Water') as major opponents. In the monohulls, the 100-foot-canting keelers 'Rambler' and 'ICAP Leopard', as well as the Volvo 70s 'Groupama' with Franck Cammas FRA, 'Sanya' with Mike Sanderson NZL and 'Abu Dhabi' with Ian Walker GBR - all tuning up for the Volvo Ocean Race - have to be considered, and, not to be neglected surrounded by the many maxis, the new Open 60 designs 'Cheminées Pojoulat' of Bernard Stamm SUI, 'PRB' of Vincent Riou FRA and 'Virbac-Paprec' of Jean-Pierre Dick FRA. The favorable weather condition will most probably guarantee for a fast race. The monohull record is 1 day and 20 hours. The entry lists and a preview. The start today will be scaled, starting at 14 hrs GMT this afternoon. The race can be followed live over GPS-Tracking. Want to participate? Hurry to enrol for the Virtual Fastnet Race.
Friday, 12. August 2011 (Image © Gilles Morelle)
The 25 kn plus breeze sustained also yesterday, and several participants preferred to remain in port as the forecast even announced winds exceeding 35 kn in the afternoon. The report and the result lists of all 39 classes.
Wednesday, 10. August 2011
Lighter winds prevailed for the first time during this year's Cowes Week and the 39 classes in total continued with their races. All ranking lists and the report of the day.
Monday, 8. August 2011
The big breeze with over 30 kn was there at Cowes yesterday, day two, as announced by the weathermen, for the 39 different classes racing, from all size of One-Designs to the IRC handicap classes. All ranking lists, the report of the day and the video of the day.
Sunday, 7. August 2011
Two races could be sailed on the Bay of Palma waters on the last day of the Copa del Rey. The overall winners after 12 races are 'Bribon' with José Cusi ESP in the IRC-A-rankings, 'Earlybird' of Hendrik Brandis GER in the IRC-B-rankings, Jason Carroll USA in the Melges 32, José-Maria Van der Ploeg ESP in the J/80 and Andrea Ferrari ITA in the X-35. All results and the final report.
Sunday, 7. August 2011 (Image © Rick Tomlinson)
In addition to the X-40-catamarans (see news above), 37 other classes participate in the 2011 Cowes Week, a traditional event having been organised annually since 1826 and therefore one of the eldest sporting events ever, and with over 2000 participants the largest regatta in the world. All results and the report of the day.
Saturday, 6. August 2011
The outcome of the Copa del Rey final rankings will be known at the end of the last day today only, and especially close is the situation in the J/80, where the World Champion Ignacio Camino ESP is tied with José-Maria Van der Ploeg ESP on top of the rankings, and Javier Aguado ESP follows only one point behind on the 3rd rank. In the duel of the TP52, José Cusi ESP with his 'Bribon' is now 6 points ahead of Markus Wieser GER on his 'Container' in the IRC-A-rankings. Only one point is the lead of Hendrik Brandis GER with his Swan 45 'Early Bird' on Hans-Jürgen Riegel's Marten 49 'Speedy' in the IRC-B-rankings. A triple US lead is with the Melges 32 by Jason Carroll USA, 4 points ahead of John Kilroy USA and 8 points ahead of Steve Hunt USA. With a 7 points advantage, Andrea Ferrari ITA will most probably bring the victory in the X-35 home. All other results and the official report.
Friday, 5. August 2011
After the two races sailed in a classic Palma thermal breeze yesterday, the discard of the worst result becomes effectiv, reducing the points' gaps between the leading boats, but without changes in the sequence. TP52 'Bribon' with José Cusi ESP is still leading in the IRC-A-rankings ahead of 'Container' with Markus Wieser GER. Hendrik Brandeis GER and his Swan 45 ' Earlybird' are first in the IRC-B-rankings and Mirko Bargolini ITA is in front of the X-35. The Melges 32 are still dominated by Jason Caroll USA with Cameron Appleton NZL as tactician. The winner of the day however was John Kilroy USA with his 'Samba Pa Ti'. The only change on top happened in the J/80, where the Finn-Olympic Champion 1992 José-Maria van der Ploeg ESP replaced the J/80-World Champion Ignacio Camino ESP. All results and the official report.
Thursday, 4. August 2011
Only 10 kn wind and flat water for the 30 miles double points coastal race of the handicap classes with the leaders protecting their positions. The TP52 'Bribon' of José Cusi ESP leads in the IRC-A-rankings clearly ahead of the German 'Container' of Udo Schütz GER with Markus Wieser GER, in the IRC-B-rankings, three German boats are on top with the Swan 45 'Early Bird' of Hendrik Brandis GER far ahead. In the One-Design-classes, Mirko Bargolini ITA is first with the X-35, Jason Carroll USA extended his lead in the Melges 32. In the J/80, José-Maria Van der Ploeg ESP is now only 3 points behind the World Champion Ignacio Camino ESP after his 1 and 2 finishes yesterday. All results, the official report of the day and the Communiqué of the Melges-32-class.
Wednesday, 3. August 2011
In a not too strong seabreeze, the Copa del Rey continued on the Bay of Palma yesterday, resp. began for the Melges-32. In the IRC-A-rankings, Gonzalo Araujo ESP passed with his 'Bribon' the German 'Container' with Markus Wieser GER. HRH Prince Felipe of Spain follows on rank 3 clearly ahead of his sister HRH Princess Cristina de Borbon. With two more race wins, Henrik Brandeis GER remains on top of the IRC-B-rankings. In the Melges 32, Jason Caroll USA with Cameron Appleton NZL calling the shots was taking the lead. The World Champion Ignacio Camino ESP is first with the J/80 after four races. All results and the report of the day.
Tuesday, 2. August 2011
The Copa del Rey on the Bay of Palma began yesterday with two races. In the J/80, the World Champion Ignacio Camino ESP die was the winner ahead of the Olympic medalists Antonio Gorostegui ESP and José-Maria Van der Ploeg ESP. The German TP-52 'Container' with Markus Wieser GER is on top of the IRC-A-rankings. Another German lead in the IRC-B by Hendrik Brandeis GER on his Swan 42 'Earlybird'. All results and the report of the day.
Sunday, 31. July 2011
Good conditions allowed a fast edition of the 35th Around Long Island Race. 61 boats competed in 12 divisions, line honours went to the Tripp 41 Catamaran 'High Noon' of Dennis Collins. See the complete results and all news on Facebook.
Wednesday, 20. July 2011
Yesterday the last finishers arrived in Mississauga CAN after their 300 mile circumnavigation of Lake Ontario. First boat back home was 'Star Chaser' (picture). See the results of all 19 divisions. More news on the event's Facebook site.
Tuesday, 19. July 2011 (Image © John L. Russell)
The traditional Chicago to Mackinac Race leads over 290 miles end-to-end of Lake Michigan. Last Saturday, the start to the 103rd edition has been given. While the faster yachts crossed the finish line already yesterday morning, the second half of the fleet was hit by a heavy thunderstorm with winds of over 50 kn. One of the yacht capsized and while six persons of the crew were saved by another competitor, the skipper and a crew couldn't ease their lifelines and drawned. Over 330 yachts participated, among the the well know top architect Helmut Jahn USA or the former Starboat World Champion Joe Londrigan USA. The report of the Chicago YC and a report of the Sacramento Bee.
Monday, 18. July 2011
Last Saturday, more than 200 boats started to the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge. Twenty-one years ago the Lake Ontario Single Handed Racing Society formed the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge as the ultimate long distance race for double handed sailors. Three Hundred Nautical Miles, non-stop from one end of Lake Ontario to the other and returning back to the start. This morning the fleet was approaching the finishing line with just 50 miles left for the race leaders 'Star Chaser' and 'Shock Therapy'. More on the event web site, the fleet can be followed by tracker.
Monday, 18. July 2011
A fascinating battle in the Chicago Yacht club's 103rd Race to Mackinac, with 361 boats racing north. Last night, the leading Cruising Division boats, who started 24 hours ahead of the leading racing fleet, were set to make history, reaching Mackinac Island ahead of the Turbo fleet. The cruising fleet after making solid progress for the first 24 hours, slowed down in the wee hours, however now winds are building in the northern end of Lake Michigan. At 4 am, the breeze around Point Betsey had swung to the southwest at a light 5-10 knots, but winds are going to build over the next few hours, up to 10-15 knots by 7am, and as much as to 15-20 knots by 10am, increasing rapidly to 25-30 by 1pm, and then easing slightly as the fleet approaches the Mackinac bridge. Read the full report. Due to a severe systems failure at the tracking supplier, IonEarth, tracking will not be available for the remainder of the 103rd Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac - the report.
Saturday, 9. July 2011 (Image © Sandra Mudronja)
On the occasion of his first race, the brand-new 70-foot-one-design-trimaran MOD70 'Race for Water', steered by Stève Ravussin SUI, took the line honors of the traditional Scandinavian 'Round-Gothland' race. A few hours later, the ORMA-60-Trimaran 'Samsung Challenge' finished as second. The report and the event-website.
Wednesday, 6. July 2011
Today is the start to the Scandinavian classic 'Round Gothland' with over 300 boats on the line. A special interest goes to the MOD-70-trimaran 'Race for Water' of Stève Ravussin SUI in the first race of this new one-design offshore multihull. See also a video clip. The official preview.
Monday, 4. July 2011 (Image © Jean-Marie Liot)
The 14 teams are presently sailing the longest and strategically most difficult 200 miles leg of the Tour-de-France 2011 on the English Channel full of currents from Dieppe to St-Quay-Porterieux in North Brittany. This morning at 4 a.m. CET, 'BAE Systems' with Cédric Pouligny FRA and his team from Oman was leading, but the fleet is still close together, according to the race-viewer. The expected time of arrival is tomorrow Tuesday morning. The report.
Saturday, 2. July 2011 (Image © Jean-Marie Liot)
The crossover leg from Calais to Dieppe ended yesterday evening with a surprise, as the Amateur-Teams of 'Batistyl Ville de Pornic' crossed the finish line as first. 4 miles before the arrival, 'TPM COYCH' looked like the clear winner, but she was caught in a fishing net near the shore and had even to let pass 'Bretagne Crédit Mutel'. Just at the last mark, the newcomers from the German 'Iskareen' lost the 4th position to the America's-Cup-veteran Bertrand Pacé on the 'Sud de France'. The gaps remain minor in the preliminary overall rankings. 'Bretagne -CM' leads ahead of 'Courrier Dunkerque' and 'Sud de France'. 'TPM COYC Hyères' moved up on rank 4, 'Iskareen' GER progressed on rank 12. The report and the videos.
Saturday, 2. July 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
'Carina', skippered by Rives Potts Jr. (Essex, Conn.), has put on a stellar performance over the last six days since starting the Transatlantic Race 2011 on June 26. This morning, 'Carina' had pulled out a lead of 33 miles over 'British Soldier' crewed by the British Army Sailing Association. Read the full report and follow the fleet on the Tracker.
Friday, 1. July 2011 (Image © Jean-Marie Liot)
Moderate winds around 10 kn but - as always in the British Channel - a strong current yesterday for two challenging short races. Team of the day was 'Sud de France/Langedoc-Roussiillon' with the ranks 1 and 3, no wonder with big names such as Bertrand Pacé FRA steering and Sébastien Col FRA calling tactics. Back on top of the overall rankings is 'Courrier Dunkerque' with Daniel Souben FRA, followed by 'Bretagne CME' with Nicolas Troussel FRA and 'Ile de France' with Jimmy Pahun FRA. Today at 9 hrs is the start to the next crossover leg from Calais to Dieppe. The report and the videos.
Thursday, 30. June 2011 (Image © Richard Langdon)
Yesterday morning 14 yachts took the second start of the Transatlantic Race 2011. With a huge number of spectator boats gathered to see the fleet off, the breeze started to build just as the first warning signal sounded from the Castle Hill Light at 13:50 Eastern Daylight Time. A freshening southwesterly caught several competitors off-guard, resulting in three boats -- Scho-ka-kola, Concise 2 and Jazz -- being called over the line at the start. Scho-ka-kola returned almost immediately, however, Concise 2 and Jazz continued to race and it was nearly half an hour before these two yachts returned to cross the line correctly. Read the report.
Wednesday, 29. June 2011 (Image © Amory Ross)
Having cheered on the first six yachts when they departed on the Transatlantic Race 2011 two days ago, the 14-strong group of yachts that will take the second of the three staggered starts across the North Atlantic today. After two nights at sea, Robert Foreman's Hinkley 42 'Jacqueline IV' leads on the water and after time correction. However, having completed over 50,000 miles of ocean sailing, the highly experienced owner, who hails from Bayshore, N.Y., knows that this is a marathon not a sprint. See the full report and check the race tracker.
Tuesday, 28. June 2011 (Image © Jean-Marie Liot)
The crossover regatta from Dunkerque to the Belgian Blankenberge lasted only 4 hrs and 30 min. Despite the light winds, the winner 'Ile de France' with Jimmy Pahun FRA realised an average speed of almost 10 kn with the new M34. 'Crédit Mutuel Bretagne' and 'Courrier Dunkerque' followed on the rank 2 and 3. Today, a short race will be sailed in Belgium before the fleet leaves again for the second leg to Calais. The report. In the overall rankings after three races, 'Courrier Dunkerque' (Daniel Souben) leads ahead of 'TPM COYC Hyères' (Fabien Henry). The videos.
Monday, 27. June 2011 (Image © Amory Ross)
The sunshine burnt off the morning fog almost on cue as the first start of the Transatlantic Race 2011 got underway with six of the smallest yachts in the fleet beginning their journey across the Atlantic. A gentle breeze wafted in from the southeast to give the competitors some champagne sailing conditions, at least for the moment -- all of the yachts competing in the TR2011 know there are bound to be difficult times ahead. Read the full report and watch the Race Tracker.
Sunday, 26. June 2011 (Image © Thierry Martinez)
The record-size fleet of over 1900 boats encountered yesterday difficult sailing conditions with a 20-30 kn breeze and a heavy sea with waves of up to 6 meters at the 80th edition of the race around the Isle of Wight. After 3 hours 49 minutes, Lionel Lemonchois FRA with his 50-foot-trimaran 'Prince de Bretagne' crossed the finish line as first. The victory in calculated time however went to the 470 Olympian Nick Rogers GBR with a Contessa 26, mastered the English top stars such as Ian Percy GBR with the TP52 'Team Origin' (rank 3) or Ben Ainslie GBR on the 40-foot-Bermudian Sloop 'Keronimo' (rank 48). The results, the reports and the videos.
Sunday, 26. June 2011 (Image © Dean Miculinic)
A strong Bora was blowing again on the last day of the ORC-World Championship off the Croatian Coast. In the ORC A category, Alberto Rossi ITA with his Farr 40 'Enfant Terrible' is the winner ahead of Richard Vojta BRA (Grand Soleil 42) and Enrico Zennaro ITA (Grand Soleil 42). an Italian win also in the category ORC B with Guiseppe Giuffre ITA on his M37 in front of Gianfranco Ciocce ITA (Comet 385) and Inna Vaclavova CZE (M37). All other details on the event-website.
Saturday, 25. June 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
Light air was the soup of the day again today, but none of the more than 1,000 sailors here seemed to mind—they just wanted one final chance to make some power plays and enjoy their last moments on tiny Block Island at one of the country's most beloved and classic of sailing competitions. Read the statements of the winners in the official report and see all results.
Saturday, 25. June 2011 (Image © Dean Miculinic)
As expected the finally upcoming 'Bora' breeze has changed the rankings after yesterday's three races. In the ORC A-classifications, the Farr 40 'Enfant Terrible' of Alberto Rossi ITA has taken the lead. In the ORC B-classifications, the M37 'Low Noise' of Guiseppe Giuffre ITA was on top. The official short report.
Friday, 24. June 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
After yesterday's 'no blow' for zero races, today's 12-15 knots of breeze brought big smiles to the faces of more than 1,000 sailors competing in the Storm Trysail Club's (STC) biennial Block Island Race Week XXIV. Forecasted heavy rain did not hit until late afternoon, and that was well after the fleet of 134 boats was safely back at the docks after enjoying an 18.2 nautical mile Around-the-Island Race. Read the full report and see the complete rankings.
Friday, 24. June 2011 (Image © Max Ranchi)
A critical wind situation prevails at the ORC Worlds on the Croatian Coast and only the ORC B category succeeded to complete one shortened race. Francesco Montanari ITA on his Grand Soleil 40R 'Vahine 5' is now the leader. The rankings. Today, the 'Bora' should fill in and last until the end of the Championship, with a major influence on the rankings. All other details on the event-website.
Friday, 24. June 2011 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
Only yesterday eventing around 22.30 hrs, the 90-foot Maxi 'Esimit Europa 2' of Igor Simic SLO arrived in Genova winning the line honors. Very light conditions made the race extremely slow, as 'Esimit' had over 33 hours for the 200 miles course. According to the race-tracker, 'Alegre' GBR must have crossed the finish line this morning as well. Until noon, the major part of the fleet will probably be in Genova. The report.
Thursday, 23. June 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
The Race Committee sent the event's fleet of 134 boats off to sail in 14 classes on Block Island Sound, but when the wind failed to deliver, it returned the competitors to wait ashore for further instructions and at 1:00 decided it best to cancel racing altogether for the day. Read the report and the comlplete results.
Thursday, 23. June 2011 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
191 yachts started yesterday at St-Tropez in light winds to the 57th Giraglia Race to Genova. This morning, 'Esimit Europa 2' was the clear leader, but the average speed of only 3,4 knots proves that the conditions are very slow. The Slovenian team has still over 100 miles to go to Genova. The race-viewer, the report of the start and the gallery.
Thursday, 23. June 2011
The first long-distance race sailed in very light winds with lull patches and some wind streams ended yesterday with an advantage for the smaller boats, as an upcoming breeze in the morning made them gain speed while the larger boats having trailed slowly all night were already moored in port. In calculated time therefore, the Farr 40 of Pieralberto Setti ITA is leading in the url=www.scor.hr/regate/2011e/orcwc-classa.htm]ORC A-classification[/url], while in the ORC-B-classification after one race only Claudio Sernagiotto ITA is on top. The short report.
Wednesday, 22. June 2011 (Image © Daniel Forster)
The Storm Trysail Club's (STC) biennial Block Island Race Week is underway for its 24th time since it was first held in 1965. The event is hosting 134 boats sailing in IRC (four classes), PHRF (five classes) and One-Design (Farr, NYYC Swan 42, J/44, J/109 and J/122) and is serving as the 2011 IRC East Coast Championship, the J/122 National Championship (with the contenders sailing in IRC 3), and the J/109 East Coast Championship. In J/109 class, the largest here with 15 boats, it was Bill Sweetser (Annapolis, Md.) who got the most bang for his buck today by winning both races with his crew aboard Rush. Combined with yesterday's second, the performance gave him four points to the 12 posted by Skip Young's (Guilford, Conn.) Dragonfly, in second. Read the full report and see the complete results.
Tuesday, 21. June 2011 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
Tuesday, 21. June 2011
Light winds dying away during the only race sailed allowed for only one Class A finish with Marina Kastela CRO, 'Action Team APD' ITA and Roberto Monti ITA on top. 55 teams racing. The results and the short report.
Monday, 20. June 2011
Two important IRC/ORC-events take place during the coming week. At St-Tropez, the first races of the Giraglia-Cup had to be cancelled yesterday because of the strong Mistral. Here the report.
At the Croatian coast of Rijeka, the ORC-World Championship begins today with 118 yachts from 16 nations, among them a number of TP52s and Farr 40s.
We shall report as usual daily on both events.
At the Croatian coast of Rijeka, the ORC-World Championship begins today with 118 yachts from 16 nations, among them a number of TP52s and Farr 40s.
We shall report as usual daily on both events.
Saturday, 18. June 2011 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
On Thursday, the Giraglia Cup 2011 began with a first leg from San Remo ITA to St-Tropez FRA, and as from today, a number of short races off St-Tropez are on the program until Tuesday. Next Wednesday, the classic Giraglia-Race to Genova ITA will be started. The attendance is important again, as can be seen in the entry lists and the preview.
Monday, 6. June 2011
As predicted yesterday, George David's 100 foot canting keeler 'Rambler' crossed the finish line in Newport as first. Two hours later, it was 'ICAP Leopard' arriving second while the Farr 80 'Beau Geste' of Hong Kong resident Karl Kwok in third won the IRC 1 Divison by corrected time. Just four of the 70 boat fleet have reached Newport so far, more results can be expected during the day. See all results and the Race Viewer.
Sunday, 5. June 2011
East of New York the 100-foot canting keeler 'Rambler' is approaching the finish line with a nice lead of more than 30 miles on 'ICAP Leopard'. The 73 miles remaining for George David and his team in still favourable conditions (20 kn from the North) should be sufficiant to remain on top. See the Race Viewer and the Event-Website.
Sunday, 5. June 2011
After the round-the-island race around Porquerolles sailed in light winds, three short races were sailed in the Bay of Hyères yesterday in a 10-15 kn breeze. Noël Franck SUI with his TP52 took the lead in the IRC-1-rankings. In the 12 m IJ, Philippe Dürr SUI, helmsman of the 'South Australia', dominates the series with wins in all 7 races, but to be considered that his 12er is the most modern design. Almost 100 boats participate in the 'Semaine'. All results and the daily report.
Saturday, 4. June 2011
This early morning, the fleet is still heading down the Chesapeak Bay with the Maxis in command: 100 foot kanting keeler 'ICAP Leopard' took a 7 mile lead over the Farr 80 'Beau Geste', 'Rambler' is another 5 miles behind. The race can be followed on the Race-Tracker. The first boats should reach Newport early Sunday morning.
Friday, 3. June 2011
This afternoon in Annapolis 70 boats will take the start of the 64th Annapolis-to-Newport Race. Among them the supermaxis 'ICAP Leopard' of Clark Murphy GBR, 'Rambler' with George David USA, the Farr 80 'Beau Geste' with Karl Kwok BVI and a couple of TP52's. The race can be followed by a Race Tracker. The 64th edition of the most historic race on the east coast leads over 475 miles to Newport, the record established in 2001 by the Farr 60 'Carrera' with 42 hours 58 minutes could be smashed by the Maxis this time. The event website.
Friday, 3. June 2011 (Image © Patrice Aim)
In light winds around 10 kn, the IRC 'Porquerolles Week' began yesterday in the Bay of Hyères with three races for each category. In addition, three 12 m IJ started as a separate class with 'South Australia' steered by Philippe Dürr SUI as leader after day one. In the IRC-1, the TP52 are dominating with 'Paprec-Recyclage' of Stephane Neve FRA on top, Noël Franck SUI from Geneva SUI, leader after two races, descended on rank 3 overall among the 23 participants after a mediocre third race. All results and the report of the day.
Tuesday, 31. May 2011
The Awards Ceremony for the 2011 Charleston Bermuda Race, sailed with a record participation, took place on the terrace of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on Sunday evening. The first place in the PHRF Racing Class and IRC Racing Class went to 'Tucana', the Shipman 63, skippered by Pat Maflin, chartered by Hank Hofford and Susan Ford and sailed by a crew of family and friends, ahead of 'Spirit of Juno'. Noel Sterrett and Matt Henderson on a J/130 were presented with the first place award in the PHRF Doublehanded Division. PHRF Cruising Class trophies were still up for grabs as Bernie Schapiro and the 'Pied-a-Mer' crew and his closest rival Rob Turkewitz and crew on board his Cherubini 44 'First Light' were still at sea sailing towards the finish line. The results and more.
Monday, 23. May 2011
As of the 6:00 p.m. position update today, nearly every boat in the 11-vessel fleet was making progress directly toward Bermuda as winds across the region had freshened sufficiently to support moderate boat speeds. At the front of the fleet, the four OnDeck boats registered in the Racing Division had closed ranks, with Hank Hofford and Susan Ford's family team on board the Shipman 63 'Tucana' continuing to hold the front position only five miles ahead of comedian Stephen Colbert and his 'Team Audi' on board the Farr 65 'Spirit of Juno'. See full report and the Race Tracker.
Sunday, 22. May 2011
Bright blue, Lowcountry skies and freshening southeast winds greeted the competitors out on Charleston Harbor as the 11 boats competing in this biennial contest amassed for the start. Some 50-odd spectator boats were on hand to cheer on the fleet, with a few of them carrying signs for the racers. As the boats moved offshore late yesterday afternoon, they were sailing under an expansive high-pressure system that doesn't bode well for stronger winds. The lead boat, 'Tucana', was moving at only 6.9 knots as of 6:30 p.m Saturday. Racers are expected to reach the Gulf Stream by midday on Sunday. See full report and the Race Tracker.
Wednesday, 27. April 2011
Surprise class, J-24, racing and cruising boats sailed the Bequia Easter Regatta on St. Vincent and Grenadines in the Carribeans over the past Easter weekend. For more details see the official website and the results overview.
Tuesday, 26. April 2011
After the first big breeze day with the storm on Friday, the SNIM ended peacefully with sun and moderate conditions yesterday when some short races were sailed. In the IRC A-class, the Italian Farr 46 'Belladonna' was the winner as the favorite Franck Noël SUI, TP52, adding two race wins on the last day, could not compensate the abandoned race from day one and finished on thr 4th place only. All results and the final report.
Sunday, 24. April 2011 (Image © Paul Wyeth, pwpictures.com)
Four races by class/categories were sailed at the RORC Easter Challenge 2011 in the IRC classes 1 to 4 plus the J-80s. Please find the detailed results on the RORC website.
Sunday, 24. April 2011 (Image © Velux-5-Ocean-Race)
In yacht racing it is never over until man and boat are safely across the line – and that was certainly the case for Chris Stanmore-Major today as he was struck by a violent thunder storm just 15 miles from the finish line of ocean sprint four. After making frustratingly slow progress over the final days the finish line was finally in sight – but just as the sun was going down over Charleston, USA, the 33-year-old British ocean racer found himself battling a 45-knot squall and was forced to turn his Eco 60 yacht Spartan round and head back to sea. Finally, he finished the 4th leg in 25 days, 9 hours and 45 minutes, around 36 hours behind second-placed Derek Hatfield. Read more ...
Wednesday, 20. April 2011
Yesterday, American solo sailor Brad Van Liew has won the fourth sprint of the Velux 5 Oceans round the world yacht race after sailing more than 5,900 nautical miles from Punta del Este in URU to Charleston, North Carolina USA after being 23 days, 4 hours and 58 minutes at sea. The report.
Sunday, 17. April 2011 (Image © Rich Roberts)
Sailing his dark blue Stars & Stripes, a Farr 60, the only boat Conner trailed at the finish was Afterburner, Bill Gibbs's 53-foot catamaran, which is the way it usually is between monohulls and multihulls of similar size. And the margin was a modest 79 1/2 minutes, while the realistic competition was led by Per Peterson's larger Dencho 70, Alchemy, 52 minutes back after an agonizing 125.5 nautical miles. See full report (PDF).
Wednesday, 6. April 2011
The first day of racing at the 2nd edition of Les Voiles de St. Barth dawned with 25 knots of tropical tradewind breeze and showers sweeping over the picturesque French island located midway down the Caribbean chain. The regatta's fleet of maxis, racing and cruising yachts, multi-hulls and classics – 48 confirmed on race day – set off on a race course around the nearby archipelago, and met with plenty of wind and bumpy seas, especially on the islands' exposed eastern side. See the report and all results.
Monday, 28. March 2011 (Image © Leighton OConnor)
Topping off three days of sun-drenched racing in the International Rolex Regatta, over 700 sailors on 77 teams mixed it up today on Pillsbury Sound, completing distance courses that explored the cays and islands off St. Thomas, where the event has been hosted for 38 years by St. Thomas Yacht Club. Big guns, such as Boewe Bekking, Gavin Brady, Ed Baird, Steve Benjamin, Richard Clarke and Chris Larson were in abundance aboard the keelboats that competed, but it by no means took the calling cards of professional sailors to guarantee victory—or a good time—in the eight classes, which included two for IRC, four for CSA, and one each for IC 24s and Beach Cats. See the report and all results.
Sunday, 27. March 2011 (Image © Ingrid Abery)
As cliché as it sounds, the International Rolex Regatta today delivered a second round of sailing in paradise for over 700 sailors on 77 teams. And while for some that conjures up images of cloudless skies, azure blue water and brisk trade winds (the exact conditions that prevailed), for more serious racers it meant well planned race courses and exceptional execution by the race committee for some thrilling racing. See full report, all results and the video highlights.
Saturday, 26. March 2011 (Image © Ingrid Abery)
The first of yesterday's two 'town races' went from the eastern end of St. Thomas, where the regatta's host St. Thomas Yacht Club is located, to Charlotte Amalie Harbour, giving spectators an eyeful as they watched from scenic overlooks and other vantage points along the island's hilly coastline. Three TP52s took podium positions after cumulative scores were tabulated in the six-boat IRC 1 class. Jim Swartz's (Park City, Utah) Vesper/Team Moneypenny holds a three point lead. Racing continues tomorrow (Saturday) with as many as eight windward/leeward races for the IC 24s, while all other classes will sail a combination of island and/or distance races on the south side of St. John. Sunday features as many as six races for IC 24s and two races for all others on Pillsbury Sound. Racing starts at 10 a.m. each morning. See the report and all results.
Tuesday, 22. March 2011
Difficult conditions for the 29-boat fleet with considerable swell and 30 kn headwinds on their 800-miles Newport to Cabo Race 2011, and nine of them were already forced to retire for different reasons. 'Locomotion', closely followed by 'Blue Blazes' of the ORR div 2 are scheduled to arrive first later today Tuesday PDT to join the Afternoon Fiesta at the Baja Cantina Marina. The standings and more ....
Saturday, 19. March 2011
A comprehensive exposition on the history of round-the-world sailing opened at the 'Cité de la Voile' in Lorient FRA end of February. Since the Earth was recognised as a sphere 500 years ago, sailors departed for this adventure journey, from Magellan and James Cook to Franck Cammas or Francis Joyon. The report.
Saturday, 19. March 2011
30 boats started yesterday in Newport Harbor for the 800 miles race to Cabo San Lucas MEX. During the night the fleet passed San Diego holding down to Baja. The Race-Tracker shows a close fight between 'Relentless' and 'Horizon'. See the event web site.
Wednesday, 16. March 2011
Monday, 7. March 2011
A fifty-boat-fleet particpated last saturday at the second round of the Berger/Stein-Series in Marina Del Rey. In PHRF A the J/133 'Tenacity' of Rob & Gill Maguire USA won, the SOV33 'Trust Me' from Cameron Duncon was Nr.1 in the PHRF B-rankings. See full results.
Sunday, 6. March 2011
The participants in the Heineken-St.Marteen-Regatta enjoy a high summer weather and and intensive Party-Program. After three races, the 50-foot-canting-keeler 'Jazz' of Mike Broughton AUS is in the lead of the Class 1 and Stefan Lehnert GER with his 'Passion 4C ' is on top of the Class 4. All other details on the event-website.
Sunday, 6. March 2011
The TP52's were dominating the 129-mile race around Catalina and San Clemente Islands. While 'Pendragon 7', the Davidson 70 of John MacLaurin USA took line honours after 15 h 30 min, it was the TP52 'Valkyrie' from Andy Rasdal USA winning the PHRF-Ranking. See also the Divisional Standings and the gallery.
Thursday, 24. February 2011 (Image © photoaction.com)
The RORC Caribbean 600-Race, a 600-miles-race around a number of Caribbean island, ended yesterday with a new record of 1 day, 16 hours and 20 minute established by the 100-foot-maxi 'Rambler' of George David USA. 28 yachts participated. The results - there are still some boats underway - and the report.
Wednesday, 23. February 2011
George David's maxi yacht, Rambler 100 (formerly Speedboat and Virgin Atlantic) is heading towards the finish line in Antigua with less than 28 n miles to run and looks set to break the current monohull race record set by rival, Mike Slade's ICAP Leopard in the RORC Caribbean 600 Race. This speed machine is expected to cross the finish line before daylight (Wednesday) and is well on course to beat the monohull course record of 44hr 5m 14sec, set by Mike Slade's Maxi, ICAP Leopard in 2009. Read more.
Saturday, 5. February 2011
Severest devastations along the N-E coast of the Australian State of Queensland after the passing of the cyclone 'Yasi' of a power never experienced before. Some images.
Wednesday, 2. February 2011
After the heavy floodings during the past month, the Australian State of Queensland is menaced again by the next natural catastrophy. The severe tropical cyclone 'Yasi' was upgraded to category five off north Queensland this morning as the weather bureau warned it was likely to be 'more life-threatening' than any storm seen in Australia in living memory. It approaches the coast of NE Australia at a speed of 115 kn and the desaster will strike around noon CET today. A report in Sail World.
Wednesday, 26. January 2011
British yachtsman Chris Stanmore-Major today sailed across the finish line of the second sprint of the VELUX 5 OCEANS yesterday ending an epic 39-day voyage from Cape Town, South Africa, to Wellington in New Zealand. With the sun still rising, the 33-year-old solo sailor from Cowes, Isle of Wight, crossed the finish line at 7.25am and sailed into Wellington Harbour on his Eco 60 Spartan. More on the official website.
Saturday, 22. January 2011
Today, the 'Boot' in Düsseldorf - the "World's largest watersports exhibition" - opens its doors. With the theme "360° Wassersport erleben" (experience 360° of watersport), 1571 exhibitors from 61 nations present everything necessary for the nautical sport on, off and below the water at the 42nd edition of the 'Boot' from January 22 till 30. The Sailing-Center in hall 17 will again be the meeting point of famous personalities such as Jochen Schümann GER, multiple Olympic champion or the round-the-world sailor Jessica Watson AUS age 17. Via satellite, Boris Herrmann GER at present sailing at the Barcelona World Race, will be online. The official website.
Monday, 17. January 2011
Today is race day 1 of the Key West Race Week 2011 in Florida. As newcomers in addition to the US-popular One-Design-Classes such as Melges and J-Boats, the RC44s participate for the first time with Russell Coutts and all the professionals active in the RC 44 circuit. 135 yachts on the entrylist A preview.
Wednesday, 29. December 2010 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
Yesterday, the 100-foot-supermaxi 'Wild Oats XI' crossed the finish line first after 2 days 7 hours 37 minutes 20 seconds with a four hours advantage repeating her previous 4 victories. Two other supermaxis - 'Investec Loyal' and 'Lahana' - complete the podium. After the very rough crossing of the Bass Strait, the breeze finally calmed and the race ended in moderate conditions. In the mean-time, 14 of 68 yacht remaining in the race arrived in Hobart. By calculated time, the 50-foot 'Jazz' is actually leading but for the final rankings, some smaller boats must still be considered. The report, the gallery, the video of the day and the event-website with all standings and reports.
Tuesday, 28. December 2010 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
While the leading 100-foot-maxi 'Wild Oats XI' is looking forward to her fifth victory in a row, with only 75 miles to go to Hobart (EAT around noon CET), the stormy conditions caused some damages within the rest of the fleet. Up to now, 17 of the 86 starting yachts abandoned the race for different reasons. The gallery gives an impression on the rough conditions in the redoutable Bass-Strait. The second super-maxi 'Investec Loyal' on rank 2 follows 30 miles behind. All standings, the video clip partly with helicopter takes above the Bass-Strait as well as the event-website with all reports.
Sunday, 12. December 2010 (Image © Tracey Johnstone)
Not the announced light breeze, but a heavy strom from the sea awaited the participants in the morning of the final day of the King's Cup. 13 yachts moored off the beach were drifted ashore. The races of the day had to be cancelled, and the recovery actions are still going on. The report.
The Prize-Giving-Party was nevertheless held. Here the final results and the report, dealing with the remarkable increase of Asian participants in the King's Cup. Among others, the Chines 470 Olympian Song Xia Qun participated.
The Prize-Giving-Party was nevertheless held. Here the final results and the report, dealing with the remarkable increase of Asian participants in the King's Cup. Among others, the Chines 470 Olympian Song Xia Qun participated.
Sunday, 12. December 2010
In the meantime, 76 of the 228 teams did reach St-Lucia, and since a few days, the traditional arrival party under the Carribean sun has been running. The overall standings of all classes and the daily reports.
Friday, 10. December 2010
In the meantime, 26 of the 236 yachts participating at the Atlantic Rally have reached the destination St. Lucia, most of them from the Racing Divisions and multihulls, as e.g. the former Whitbread-yacht 'Steinlager' (see photo). Today, the first teams of the Cruising Division, actually about 50 miles before the finish line, will bring their Atlantic passage to a successful end. The standings and the daily reports.
Friday, 10. December 2010 (Image © Guy Novell)
Today is the last day of the Kings Cup in Phuket, but the starts have been delayed as the weather forecast foresees a late arrival of the seabreeze. In seven of the ten classes racing, the winner is not yet known. In the IRC 1-class, Matt Allen AUS and his 'Itchi-Ban' are about to win for the third time in a row. All results, the report and the video gallery.
Friday, 10. December 2010
While the media in most parts of the World concentrate on news about teenagers, especially 13-16 years old girls, rounding the globe, there is silence about the attempt by Jennifer Socrates GBR, age 67, who started a few weeks ago in Western Canada for a solo circumnavigation. During this week, she crossed the equator and is now on her way to the Cape Horn. This lady started sailing at the age of 51 and initiated already two attempts for this adventure. On the first try, she run ashore after 60 miles when the auto-pilot failed. An article in Sail-World.
Wednesday, 8. December 2010
Last Sunday already, the Italian Swan 'Berenice' arrived at St-Lucia as clear winner of the Atlantc Rally. Yesterday evening, the 'Venomous' arrived on rank 2 of the Invitation Racing Division. All other teams have at least 500 miles to go, spending the day with fishing as today's communiqué reveals. The Swiss 'Venice' of Markus Buser on the 56th place of the Cruising Division.
Tuesday, 7. December 2010 (Image © Guy Novell)
The Thailand Kings Cup began yesterday in difficult light wind conditions. In addition to teams from the Australian and New-Zealandian neighbours, more and more European boat owners decide to spend the winter in warmer waters, enjoying themselves in participating in local regattas. Three races were sailed in each of the classes. In the Racing Division, Ray Roberts AUS leads in front of Neil Pryde HKG. The only Swiss Beat Bosshard is racing in the IRC-Division, who is actually at the end of the ranking list. Today's races have already been started in a fresher breeze. Consult the event-website during the day for all further details. The results might not be of top interest, but the sunny videos bring at least the illusion of warm temperatures to the cold northern hemisphere winter.
Wednesday, 1. December 2010
The Swan 86 'Berenice' is on a lonely race leading the Racing Division with a clear advantage. She has now only 900 miles to go to St. Lucia while the main fleet of the 236 yachts underway is still in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in very moderate wind conditions. The new leader of the Cruising Division is the Belgian 'Derbisolar', a Sun Odysse 54. The race-viewer and the reports.
Sunday, 28. November 2010
Lulls over and over during the last days of the Atlantic Rally, but the leaders progressed quite well nevertheless. The top group in the Racing Division has almost reached half of the distance between Las Palmas ESP and St. Lucia. The Italian 'Berenice', a Swan 80, is the clear leader. In the Cruising Division, the English 'Can do too' is still on top. The race-viewer, the standings and the report.
Friday, 26. November 2010
Happy Thanksgiving to all our American yachts - 'Bambochip', 'Glass Slipper', 'Herceg-Novi', 'Moonshadow', 'Neki', 'Time Warp', 'Westwind' and 'Wind Horse' - and to all 31 US crews sailing in the ARC fleet!
After six days on the water, the 170 boats Atlantic Rally fleet is widely spread on their way West. While the boats on the Northern paths enjoy a 25 kn breeze actually, and there might be more to come with a depression approaching, the yachts in the South sail in very accommodating summery conditions with little wind. At present, the English 54-foot 'Can do too' is leading. The race-viewer, the standings and the daily report.
After six days on the water, the 170 boats Atlantic Rally fleet is widely spread on their way West. While the boats on the Northern paths enjoy a 25 kn breeze actually, and there might be more to come with a depression approaching, the yachts in the South sail in very accommodating summery conditions with little wind. At present, the English 54-foot 'Can do too' is leading. The race-viewer, the standings and the daily report.
Friday, 26. November 2010
Three teenagers missing at sea for 50 days have miraculously been rescued by a New Zealand fishing boat. There are reports they survived by eating coconuts at the start of the ordeal and a solitary raw seagull which they managed to catch after it landed on their small aluminium boat. They had been drinking rainwater, but that ran out two days before they were rescued.
The very badly sunburned boys had been given up for dead after an extensive search involving an RNZAF Orion failed to find them. The report.
The very badly sunburned boys had been given up for dead after an extensive search involving an RNZAF Orion failed to find them. The report.
Monday, 22. November 2010
Last Saturday, 233 yachts started in Las Palmas to the Atlantic Rally 2010 crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbeans. As in previous year, participants from all over Europe enjoy this friendly race opporunity to sail their yachts to the warm waters for the winter. We shall accompany them during their passage to the West. The report of the start.
Tuesday, 9. November 2010
Friday, 5. November 2010
The Offshore Racing Council ORC and the Royal Ocean Racing Club RORC have initiated negociations with the objective to coordinate and integrate the different handicap formulas such as ORC, IMS and IRC. The actual situation splits big boat handicap sailing in too many small fleet events. The communiqué.
Friday, 29. October 2010 (Image © Tim Wilkes)
Seven British based sailors were successfully airlifted off the 33m racing catamaran 'Spirit of Antigua' (ex 'ENZA') Wednesday night after capsizing in the Bay of Biscay, 135 miles south west of Brest. The catamaran, which set a round the world record back in 1994 is owned by Tony Bullimore, who was not on board this time, as a delivery crew was taking the cat from Lisbon to Bristol where the boat was supposed to be fitted for a record attempt around Antarctica. Conditions at the time were reported to be relatively light with 11 knots of wind, slight seas and good visibility. In an interview the delivery skipper Ben Jones said they were hit by a sudden gust of wind. "The catamaran accelerated from 15 to 30 knots and we were not able to slow her down.” An automated distress signal was first picked up by Falmouth Coastguard GBR who alerted the French rescue authorities. A French Air Sea rescue helicopter reached the scene at midnight and successfully winched all seven crewmembers to safety from the upturned hull. The report.
Tuesday, 26. October 2010 (Image © Daniel Forster/Rolex )
At 18h 32m 32s CEST on Monday the Rolex Middle Sea Race committee signaled the finish and line honors victory for 'Esimit Europa 2' SLO in Marsamxett Harbour. The Slovenian maxi's elapsed time was 2 days, 6 hours, 52 minutes, 32 seconds, seven hours outside of the course record set by George David's 'Rambler' USA of 47 hours, 55 minutes, and 3 seconds. 'Esimit' led from the race start in Grand Harbour and managed to keep putting distance on her main rival, 'ICAP Leopard' who finished second, 3 1/2 hours behind 'Esimit' on elapsed time. At press time, the Mini Maxi 'Alegre' GBR was closing in on the finish in third. In the running for the corrected time win was the TP 52 'Lucky' USA (Bryon Ehrhart), which was a couple of hours away from the finish. The report and the race tracker
Thursday, 30. September 2010 (Image © Graeme Kendall/SailWorld)
A New Zealander has established a new solo record for transiting the Northwest Passage singlehandedly. Graeme Kendall, who last made the attempt in 2005 and was forced to turn back, finally achieved his dream by setting a new mark of 12 days on his yacht 'Astral Express.' Kendall is currently sailing through the Bering Sea and on southward non-stop back to Auckland NZL where he's expected in mid-late October. He's on the second stage of a circumnavigation that includes 32 of the world's seaways and oceans. The first leg covered over 18,000 nautical miles in more than four months of non stop unassisted sailing. The report.
Tuesday, 28. September 2010 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi/Rolex)
Fine fall weather and a brisk Mistral marked the opening day Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the "grande finale of the yachting season" as more than 300 classic and modern sailing vessels compete for racing and for style points. Yesterday was reserved for the modern designs like the Mini Maxi 'Rán' that recently won the class Worlds in Porto Cervo ITA or the immense 'Esense' in the Wally class. Starting today however, the focus will be on the 50 classics of more than 50 feet of overall length, including the cutter-rigged Fife design 'Hallowe'en' or the Herreshoff-designed NY 40 class 'Rowdy,' that won the Rolex Trophy in 2008 and 2009. Two coastal races are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday is set aside for the match race challenge before two more coastal races on Friday and Saturday. The results the report and Carlo Borlenghi's gallery.
Friday, 17. September 2010 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi/Rolex)
In perfect 17-18 knot west-northwesterly winds the 92 Swans were sent onto coastal courses of varying lengths yesterday for the traditional Islands Long Race at the Rolex Swan Cup off Porto Cervo ITA. While Class A, B and C have three races in the Swan 45 and Swan 42 One Designs have six tallies so far. 'Early Bird' GER leads the Swan 45 Worlds while 'Kora 4' ITA is ahead in the Swan 42. Other class leaders are 'DSK Pioneer Investment' ITA (Maxi, A), 'Silveren Swaen' NED (Grand Prix, B) and Monsoon Jaguar GBR (Classics, C). The report with the results and Carlo Borlenghi's gallery.
Thursday, 16. September 2010 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
After a breezy opening of the Swan Cup on Tuesday, racing continued in more moderate conditions yesterday. The Swan 42 and the Swan 45 continued with short inshore races, while the other classes, split into two categories, took off for a 21-miles coastal race. The standings in the Swans 45 world championship remain close with Hendrik Brandeis GER and Nico Poons NED tied on top after the second day. The report with the rankings.
Wednesday, 15. September 2010 (Image © Carlo Borlenghi)
Yesterday 92 Swans got in their first full day of racing at the Swan Cup Regatta in Porto Cervo/Costa Smeralda ITA in 18 knots of breeze. Within this event the Swan 45 class holds their World Championship and after two races, Andrea Masi ITA and Hendrik Brandis GER are tied for the lead. The report and all results.
Tuesday, 17. August 2010 (Image © Ventura County Sherriff)
The Ventura Star reported that Zac Sunderland, once the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world, was arrested in his hometown of Thousand Oaks following a run-in with police that he said was based on a misunderstanding. Sunderland, 18, was arrested about 1 a.m. Thursday in the 2200 block of Calle Riscoso on suspicion of resisting arrest, unlawful entry of a house and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, all misdemeanors, Ventura County Sheriff's Department officials said in a statement today. Sunderland was booked into the Sheriff's East County Jail and released about seven hours later. The cops allege Sunderland was drinking alcohol in the backyard of a vacant residence with other teens and that when a deputy arrived and told him to stop, he "lowered his shoulder, charged at a deputy and had to be physically subdued as he was apparently trying to escape from the yard,” according to the statement. A news video.
Sunday, 8. August 2010
No changes on top of the ranking lists on the final day of the Copa del Rey on the Bay of Palma waters yesterday. In the IRC-A-rankings after 12 races, Niklas Zennerström SWE with his 'ran' is holding the lead. 'Bella Mente' USA finished on rank 4. The TP52 'Matador' of Alberto Roemmers ARG renewed her last year's victory in the IRC-B-rankings. 'Lucky' USA is on the 8th place. The Swan 45 'Rats on Fire' of Raffael Carbonell ESP is the winner in the RI-1 category. All other ranking lists, the daily report and the video clips.
Friday, 6. August 2010
The sea breeze off Palma was late, but strong enough for two more races. In IRC A (the Mini-Maxis) Andy Soriano's 'Alegre' had an off day allowing 'Ran' and Niklas Zennerström GBR and 'Container' Udo Schütz GER to reduce the points gap. Hap Fauth USA and 'Bella Menthe' are stuck in fourth overall. In IRC B it's down to a duel between leader Alberto Roemmers ARG on 'Matador' and Jose Cusi ESP on 'Bribon,' 3 points behind. Bryon Ehrhart USA with 'Lucky' continues to lose ground and is in eighth place, last among the TP 52s. All results, the report and the videos.
Friday, 6. August 2010
Laura Dekker, 14, the Dutch teenage girl has set off in a bid to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world after winning a victory in her battle with child welfare authorities. She began her journey, which is expected to take two years, a couple of days ago after setting sail in her 38-foot yacht 'Guppy.' "I can be sailing now, and that's great," she said. "I am not really afraid. I am very happy." Over 100 well wishers gathered in the southern Dutch harbor of Den Osse to wave goodbye to Dekker and her father Dick who's accompanying her to Portugal before she begins her solo voyage to the Canary Islands and on, across the Atlantic later this year. Asked what she would miss most on her trip, Miss Dekker replied: "My dog, Spot." A report.
Thursday, 5. August 2010 (Image © Nico Martinez)
the leaders padded their accounts in yesterday's long-distance race at the Copa del Rey in Palma. In IRC A Andy Soriano GBR on 'Alegre' took another bullet and now leads Niklas Zennstroem's GBR on 'Ran' and Udo Schuetz GER on 'Container'. Hap Fauth USA on 'Bella Menthe' took fourth yesterday and slipped to fourth overall. In IRC B the TP 52s are among themselves. Alberto Roemmers ARG on 'Matador' is unbeatable right now and leads Jose Cusi ESP on 'Bribon' Bryon Ehrhart USA on 'Lucky' took fifth yesterday an is seventh overall. The report.
Wednesday, 4. August 2010 (Image © Pedro Martinez)
The ideal conditions of the opening day of the 29 Copa del Rey Audi Mapfre didn't accompany today's races, and the shifty breeze only allowed one race per class in the Alpha and Bravo areas. In the RI1 division, 'Rats on fire' was the unexpected winner and now is in the lead. While 'Movistar' with Pedro Campos ESP comfortably won to increase her advantage in RI2 IRC and X-41 couldn't start their race till late in the afternoon, which resulted in victories for Andy Soriano GBR on 'Alegre' in IRC A (Mini Maxis) and Albert Roemmers ARG on 'Matador' in IRC B. Hap Fauth USA on 'Bella Menthe' took second and improved to third overall in IRC A while Bryon Ehrhart USA and 'Lucky' slipped to eighth in IRC B after a 10-th yesterday.
Tuesday, 3. August 2010
In addition to the X40-catamarans which we cover daily, there's a considerable number of other international, national and development classes sailing in the traditional Cowes Week, which dates back to 1851. New this year are the Chinese Longtze racers, which are catching on in parts of Europe. More than 50 class results are posted on the Web site. The report of the day.
Tuesday, 3. August 2010
A typical Palma sea breeze of 10-12 knots from the south started the 29th Copa del Rey Regatta that also has two US boats in attendance. After two races in IRC A, Hap Fauth's 'Bella Mente' is fourth (eader 'Allegre'/ Andy Soriano GBR) while in IRC B the TP 52 'Lucky' (William Finlay/Bryon Ehrhart) is seventh (leader 'Matador' Alberto Roemmers ARG). All results and the report.
Wednesday, 28. July 2010 (Image © AP File photo)
Dutch judges on Tuesday gave the green light for a teenage girl's bid to become the youngest person to sail around the world solo, thwarting a bid to have her kept in child care. The court rejected the request for the extension of supervision of child care authorities over 14-year-old Laura Dekker. Child care authorities asked the court last week to extend Dekker's supervision by 12 months to August 2011 in a bid to stop her departure, citing fears for her social and emotional wellbeing. Dekker, who has the backing of her parents, needs to complete the two-year trip before she turns 17 on September 20, 2012, to set the new record. The girl's lawyer Peter de Lange said he had contacted her by phone and she was "extremely happy". Dekker, who was not present for the judgment, hopes to set sail within the next two weeks, according to her blog. The full report.
Friday, 23. July 2010 (Image © yachtpals.com)
Without fanfare, Italian extreme sailor Alessandro di Benedetto completed his incredible single-handed round-the-world jaunt on his modified Mini 6.50 'Findomestic Banca' yesterday in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France. The geologist traveled 28.360 miles in 270 days, endured storms and fought through a dismasting in late March off Cape Horn (we reported), but carried on under jury rig. In 2002 he sailed from Las Palmas ESP to Guadeloupe and became the first to cross the Atlantic solo, non-stop on a beach cat and in 2006 he did the same from Yokohama JPN to San Fran USA. Di Benedetto's blog did not even carry a note that he has finished. Talk about modesty and contrast to the garish hype surrounding the teenage sailors. The report (in Italian)
Thursday, 22. July 2010 (Image © Paloma Werner/Cape Town Sailing Academy)
A couple who took a yacht for a quiet sailing trip were stunned when a 40-ton whale crash-landed on their boat off Cape Town RSA. The pair were enjoying calm seas off the South African coast when the animal flipped into the air and smashed into their mast. Ralph Mothes, 59, and Paloma Werner, 50, were helpless as the beast thrashed around on their 33ft vessel before slipping back into the water. Miss Werner said: "It really was quite incredible but very scary. The whale was about the same size as the boat. "We'd spotted it about 100 metres away and thought that was the end of it. Then suddenly it was right up beside us. "I assumed it would go underneath the boat but instead it sprang out of the sea. We were very lucky to get through it, as the sheer weight of the thing was huge. "There were bits of skin and blubber left behind, and the mast was wrecked. It brought down the rigging too." Thank goodness the hull was made of steel and not fibreglass or we could have been ruined." The story and a slide show.
Tuesday, 20. July 2010 (Image © Jean-Marie Liot)
TPM-COYCH Hyères' (Fabien Henry) was the team of the day yesterday with two wins in the three short races, consolidating third overall. Nothing new on top where 'Nouvelle Calédonie' (Bertrand Pacé) remains a mile ahead of 'Courrier Dunkerque' (Daniel Souzben). In a 10-12 kn breeze and summery 28°C, 'Groovederci' (Deneen Demourkas USA) struggled to get it going with 14-11-9, which puts them back into sixth overall. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.
Sunday, 4. July 2010
Is this a good sign for soccer, where the World Champions will be crowned in a week? In sailing at least, Wolfgang Schäfer GER (Farr 40) and Jean-Francois Lacruette FRA (Melges 32) did it on Sardinia. Yesterday again, the breeze was not good enough to add some more races to the sailors' recordings. The already published results are now firm with the Bronze-Medal for Team USA and Pieter Taselaar USA (Melges 32) and Jim Richardson's Farr 40 'Barking Mad'. The final report.
Thursday, 1. July 2010
Yesterday the 28-boat Farr 30 fleet again faced challenging conditions with a well established breeze and a strong current. 'Groovederci' (Deneen Demourkas USA) started the day poorly with an 18th in the first race, but came back in the next one to finish second and move up to sixth overall. Bertrand Pacé's 'Nouvelle Calédonie' defended the overall lead in the two short races, but the direct opponents are getting closer. The surprising student team 'SOG Safran' with Julien Villon is second, followed by the day's top teams 'COYCH Hyères' (Fabien Henry FRA) and 'Ile de France' (Jimmy Pahun FRA) in third and fourth. Today is the start to the first longer race from Calais to Dieppe. The daily report and the videotheque.
Thursday, 1. July 2010 (Image © Fox News)
In her first public statements after being rescued June 12 in the Indian Ocean, teenage sailor Abby Sunderland said Tuesday there were "times when I was terrified" during the ordeal, but that she was prepared for the perils of a solo circumnavigation and was proud of her achievement. Sunderland's parents, through a family spokesman, defended their 16-year-old daughter's effort and condemned the media and public criticism of their decision to allow the voyage to take place as "shocking to us" and some of which "crossed the line of human decency." Read more in Soundings Online and see the press conference video.
Wednesday, 30. June 2010 (Image © Jean-Marie Liot)
Up to 20 knots of breeze, a foul current of 3 knots and choppy seas in the English Channel welcomed the 28-boat Farr 30 fleet on their first coastal race, a 25-mile dash from Dunkirk to Calais. 'Nouvelle Calédonie' with Bertrand Pacé got the third bullet in a row, ahead of 'Ile de France' (Jimmy Pahun FRA) and 'COYCH Hyères' (Fabien Henry FRA). 'Groovederci' (Deneen Demourkas USA) added another 11th place yesterday and remains 8th in the overall www.tourvoile.fr/fr/2010/la-course/les-classements/les-classements-2010.html standings. The report and the mediatheque (with a one-day-delay).
Monday, 28. June 2010 (Image © Rich Roberts)
Jeff Janov and 'Dark Star' held on to win the Farr 40 class at the Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week, beating out defending champion David Voss and 'Piranha.'
There were 147 boats in 20 classes, and all except J/120s, which didn't race Friday, sailed seven races over three days. In continuing moderate breeze, lady skipper Tracey Kenney won the Open 5.70s, the largest one-design class in the while Bob Miller (Rio Grande YC, is from El Paso, Texas ) won the eight-boat Viper class and One-Design Boat of the Week honors. Australia's Alan Brierty skippering his Reichel/Pugh 63, 'Limit', won the IRC class. PHRF Boat of the Week was the Andrews 45, 'Locomotion', which won the Fast 50 fleet. The report with all results and galleries.
There were 147 boats in 20 classes, and all except J/120s, which didn't race Friday, sailed seven races over three days. In continuing moderate breeze, lady skipper Tracey Kenney won the Open 5.70s, the largest one-design class in the while Bob Miller (Rio Grande YC, is from El Paso, Texas ) won the eight-boat Viper class and One-Design Boat of the Week honors. Australia's Alan Brierty skippering his Reichel/Pugh 63, 'Limit', won the IRC class. PHRF Boat of the Week was the Andrews 45, 'Locomotion', which won the Fast 50 fleet. The report with all results and galleries.
Monday, 28. June 2010 (Image © Clipper Ventures)
At times during the last nine months the crew of Cork might have thought this moment would never arrive but on Sunday evening at 1847 GMT they crossed the finish line at Kinsale IRL, first to finish the Transatlantic leg of Race 12 in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race. 'The original 'Cork' was lost after hitting a reef in the Java Sea in January, but the crew was dispersed among the other nine teams to continue their challenge and came together again in Panama when they took delivery of their replacement yacht, a steel-hulled Challenge 67. They completed the 2,000-mile course from Cape Breton Island CAN to Kinsale in eight days, 30 minutes and 50 seconds. The rest of the fleet must now finish before approximately 1000 GMT in order to beat them. First in line were 'Team Finland' and 'Jamaica Lightning Bolt' with a little more than 30 miles to the finish at midnight GMT. The report and the race viewer.
Monday, 28. June 2010 (Image © Archiv)
For the first couple of days in the Singlehanded TransPac from San Francisco to Hawaii most of the 14 solo sailors were stuck in neutral. But with Hurricane Celia, churning somewhere off the Mexican coast, competitors are getting back some breeze to continue on their 2120-mile journey west to the Sandwich Islands. Comfortably ahead and past halfway point is Jeff Lebesch on 'Hecla,' a 54-foot Hammmerhead trimaran. If you have some time to kill and can't wait to read the ramblings of some lone rangers out there, here is the link to the log transcripts. The event site, and the race viewer.
Sunday, 27. June 2010 (Image © Jean-Marie Liot)
Winning yesterday's prologue in a 10 kn breeze, 'Nouvelle Calédonie' with Damien Iehl FRA, helmsman, and Bertrand Pacé FRA, tactician, asserted their high aspirations for this year's Tour de France. The prologue does not count for the overall results, yet the short race was a good last chance to test and tune the boats. No official results were posted at press time, so the finish of the US entry 'Groovederci' is not yet known. The official report and the video of the prologue.
Saturday, 19. June 2010 (Image © Thierry Martinez)
With 1754 boats on the line, the 50-mile Round-the-Island-Race is by far the biggest highlight of the UK sailing season. Sun and breezes from 10 to 17 knots were forecast for this classic race at the cradle of the America's Cup. The fleet is loaded with rock stars, including Ben Ainslie, Paul Goodison, or Shirley Robertson and some fine and fast boats that vie for line honors such as the Super-Maxi 'ICAP Leopard 3', the Maxi-Trimaran 'IDEC' with Francis Joyon FRA, some X40-Cats and the J-Class 'Velsheda'. Follow the race on the live tracker. See the 2008 video and the event Web site.
Saturday, 19. June 2010 (Image © The Plastiki)
Today, Sailing News received a personal note from www.theplastiki.com] Plastiki's[/url] Explorer-in-Chief, David de Rothschild. He and his mates have been at sea for nearly 90 days since leaving San Francisco, Calif., in March and are now on their last leg from Samoa to Sydney, Australia. According to the trip tracker, they traveled approximately 5,900 nautical miles while in that same time span, 5,4 billion plastic bottles are estimated to have been used in the US alone. Here's Dave:
"Some notable points of the journey so far include the fact that we could not catch a fish for 3 weeks (not due to our perfect technique, of course!) and only 3 since then (2 tuna and 1 dorado), we have seen no sharks – although we have seen pilot whales and dolphins amongst the polluted waters of the South Pacific… The crew and I try to spend as much time in the water as possible. This gives us the opportunity to check and maintain the boat from the underside, once underwater we continue to notice that if you move your hand slowly in front of your face you quickly accumulate many molecular sized plastic particles on your palm, often know as mermaid's tears.” Read David's missive (PDF) and join My Plastiki, where nearly 4,000 people pledged to reduce their use of new plastic bottles, plastic bags and styrene foam.
"Some notable points of the journey so far include the fact that we could not catch a fish for 3 weeks (not due to our perfect technique, of course!) and only 3 since then (2 tuna and 1 dorado), we have seen no sharks – although we have seen pilot whales and dolphins amongst the polluted waters of the South Pacific… The crew and I try to spend as much time in the water as possible. This gives us the opportunity to check and maintain the boat from the underside, once underwater we continue to notice that if you move your hand slowly in front of your face you quickly accumulate many molecular sized plastic particles on your palm, often know as mermaid's tears.” Read David's missive (PDF) and join My Plastiki, where nearly 4,000 people pledged to reduce their use of new plastic bottles, plastic bags and styrene foam.
Friday, 18. June 2010 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
After the fast squall-driven passage from St-Tropez FRA to the Giraglia Rock, the wind died on the way from the northern tip of Corsica to the finish in San Remo ITA. Only eight teams had finished by press time. Line honors for the 100-foot Super-Maxi 'Esimit Europa 2' (ex Alfa Romeo) owned by Igor Simic SLO with Flavio Favini ITA at the helm. The Maxi class was won on corrected time by Neville Crichton NZL with 'Shockwave' ahead of the German 'Container,' owned by Udo Schütz GER and skippered by Markus Wieser GER. The report.
Friday, 18. June 2010
Laura Dekker, the 14-year-old Dutch girl who wants to become the youngest person to sail solo around the globe will remain under state supervision for another month, a court ruled Thursday, days after Abby Sunderland, a California teenager, was rescued during a similar attempt. The decision by the court in the southern Dutch city of Middelburg meant another frustrating delay for Dekker, who has gone into intense training to persuade the authorities she is capable of undertaking the risky venture. Dekker was made a ward of the state last year after her plan to set sail aboard her small yacht raised concerns over her physical ability and her social development if she is isolated and out of school for months. She was then 13. Full story.
Wednesday, 16. June 2010
Laura Dekker, a 14 year-old New Zealand-born girl born is waiting on a Dutch court to this week decide whether to allow her to achieve her dream of becoming the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Dutch child protection services are seeking to prolong Dekker's official supervision, possibly thwarting her plans, Mariska Nieuwendijk, a spokeswoman for the district court in Middelburg in the southwest Netherlands, told the AFP news agency. Dekker needs to complete the trip - which she expected to take two years - before she turns 17 on September 20, 2012 to set the record, but child welfare experts have previously raised concerns about her being cut off from parents and peers and other social stimulus or interaction. The report.
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
Rain and a stormy breeze prevented racing yesterday off St-Tropez FRA, as the Race Committee decided the boats and equipment should be taken care of before today's start to the 241 miles Giraglia Race to San Remo ITA. The standings after two races are therefore final. The STP65 'Container' of Udo Schütz GER with Markus Wieser GER (arriving from the Dragon Europeans on Lake Balaton) at the helm is the winner in the Maxi class, in the biggest class with 127 teams, the IRC A-category, Gilles Argellis on 'Imagine' took first. The report.
Milder conditions have been forecast for today's Giraglia Race with a 10-15 kn southerly breeze. First boats are expected to finish early tomorrow.
Milder conditions have been forecast for today's Giraglia Race with a 10-15 kn southerly breeze. First boats are expected to finish early tomorrow.
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 (Image © Reid Stowe)
New York City artist, adventurer and sailor Reid Stowe, on his 70-ft. gaff-rigged schooner Anne, returns from an epic 1,152-day non-stop and non-re-supplied sea voyage. No human has ever been away from land for this duration. Stowe, 58, will be accompanied by a flotilla of boats up the Hudson River to W. 42nd Street where he will disembark at 1 p.m. and step foot on land for the first time in over three years. He will reunite with his companion, Soanya Ahmad, who sailed with Stowe for the first 306 days of the voyage, but had to leave due to morning sickness. Stowe will also meet, for the first time, his son Darshen, who was conceived at sea and is now almost two years old. Details on Stowe's Web site.
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 (Image © GizaraArt.com)
The father of Abby Sunderland, the 16-year-old girl whose solo sailing effort ended when her boat was damaged, cut ties with a company that planned to do a reality TV show about the family because he disagreed about the direction the producers were taking, he said Monday. "There is no show at this time, nor will there be,” Laurence Sunderland said, addressing reporters outside the family's Thousand Oaks home. Long before Abby Sunderland set sail on her around-the-world attempt in January, Sunderland was approached by Magnetic Entertainment about the possibility of a reality show, he said … Magnetic did some initial filming but could not sell the show, said Sunderland, a shipbuilder. He also had a falling out with the partners over the angle they wanted to take, he said. "They were assuming Abigail was going to die out there,” he said. "They were relying on her dying, and so we cut the ties.” He said that so far he has spent $250,000 financing Zac's and Abby's trips, money from a nest egg he had set aside to buy a farm in Maine. Read on.
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 (Image © Kurt Arrigo)
The 10 to 15-knot breeze was perfect for yesterday's coastal races at the Rolex Giraglia Cup. With a second place, 'Container ', the TP65 of Udo Schütz GER, defended the lead in the Maxi class, holding off 'Allegre' und 'Shockwave' . In the IRC group A, the Swiss GP42 'Near Miss' had to concede the lead to 'Imagine'. The daily report.
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 (Image © Jean-Marie Liot)
June 26th marks the start to the Tour de France in Dunkerque, the last edition of this classic regatta that will be sailed on Farr 30s. 28 Teams are registered, among them defending champions 'Courrier Dunkerque' with Daniel Souben FRA, 'Nouvelle Calédonie' with America's Cup and match racing veteran Bertrand Pacé FRA and for the first time 'Oman Sail' with Robert Greenalgh GBR und 'Groovederci' with Deneen Demourkas USA. Read more about this crazy, fascinating race on the event Web site.
Monday, 14. June 2010 (Image © Fried Elliot)
For those who were busy racing, here are some reports you might have missed in our weekend editions: Star EC - Campbell/Nichol win Silver; Teen Sailing - Abby's next ride; Laser EC - Croatia x 2; Etchells NA - Golison wins; Bol d'Or - Dona beats the boys; Oil spill - Hobie Cat event canceled; Beach Cat - Round Texel preview.
Monday, 14. June 2010
You know what's wrong with June? There's no three-day weekend to sail! For the 10th Annual Summer Sailstice, a global holiday dedicated to sailing, the actual solstice occurs on Monday June 21st, immediately following Summer Sailstice weekend. To allow all sailors everywhere to live by the rule: 'It is better to be lost at sea than found at work', an official holiday absentee notice has been created authorizing a three-day weekend for sailors. To participate, sailors need only sign up and download the official hooky form.
Saturday, 12. June 2010 (Image © AP)
Help is due to reach embattled sailor Abby Sunderland, in the form of a French fishing boat named 'Ile De La Reunion'. The 16-year-old adventurer, who had not been heard from for 20 hours after activating her emergency satellite beacons, but was found to be safe late Thursday night aboard her dismasted vessel, is not out of danger yet. The crew aboard an Australian spotter plane, that located her 40-foot cruising sled 'Wild Eyes' as it floundered in the Southern Indian Ocean, was at the limit of its range and had to turn back, leaving the rescue to the French fishermen, who were nearest her position. Now that she has been found and seemingly will make it home safely, the wisdom of her journey has come into question. [Should] Abby have been so low in the Indian Ocean, along the 40-degree latitude known for good reason as the "Roaring Forties," at this time of year, with the stormy Southern Hemisphere winter so close at hand? She chose the route partly to steer clear of pirates farther north in the Indian Ocean, and she originally hoped to embark from Marina del Rey at least two months before she finally left on Jan. 23. Boat issues were the cause of the delays.
Australia's Ian Kiernan, who has sailed around the world, told Sky News television on Friday that even if Abby had made it safely through the latest storm, she "would be going through a very difficult time with mountainous seas and essentially hurricane-force winds." The full story.
Australia's Ian Kiernan, who has sailed around the world, told Sky News television on Friday that even if Abby had made it safely through the latest storm, she "would be going through a very difficult time with mountainous seas and essentially hurricane-force winds." The full story.
Friday, 11. June 2010 (Image © Abby Sunderland)
Abby Sunderland is safe but dismasted about 2,000 nautical miles off Western Australia, which means the end of her solo circumnavigation attempt and, likely, the end of her Scott Jutson-designed Open 40, 'Wild Eyes'. Sunderland's team informed media that the 16-year-old was found alive in the Indian Ocean by Australian rescue authorities. "Wild Eyes is upright, but her rigging is down. The weather conditions are abating," says Sunderland's parents, Laurence and Marianne, on her blog. "Radio communication was made and Abby reports that she is fine!" The voyage, however, is over, says Laurence Sunderland. "I don't know how she'll be routed back to us here or where we'll go to meet her, but knowing that she's alive and well means far more to me than any sailing record," he told Australia's ABC news. Get the update from Soundings Online.
Friday, 11. June 2010 (Image © GizaraArt.com)
An international search and rescue effort has been launched by the US, France and Australia in hope of finding Abby Sunderland, 16, who set off her emergency beacon locating devices from the southern Indian Ocean early yesterday morning. Sunderland, who had been attempting to sail around the world alone, endured multiple knockdowns in 60-knot winds Thursday. Shortly before the incident, she was in contact with her parents via satellite phone, but the connection was lost. An hour later they were notified by the Australian Coast Guard that both EPIRBs had been activated. Her last known position was reported as Latitude -34.885931, Longitude 74.53125, several hundred miles northeast of the French Kerguelen Islands. Her support team said the boat was drifting backwards at around 1 knot, which is slower than any upright boat, even a dismasted one, would drift. At least one report speculated about her being 'alive' and 'most likely floating'.
Her yacht, 'Wild Eyes' is an Open 40 that was designed for ocean racing with five watertight compartments to keep the boat afloat in an emergency. Her family says she has all the safety equipment on board, including dry suit, survival suit, life raft, and ditch bag with emergency supplies. The timing of her trip was criticized because it was going to place her in the middle of the Indian Ocean when the stormy Southern Hemisphere winter was at hand. Read the report in Soundings and follow the updates on her blog. Her Web site now only has one page, titled 'Hurry Home Abby'.
Her yacht, 'Wild Eyes' is an Open 40 that was designed for ocean racing with five watertight compartments to keep the boat afloat in an emergency. Her family says she has all the safety equipment on board, including dry suit, survival suit, life raft, and ditch bag with emergency supplies. The timing of her trip was criticized because it was going to place her in the middle of the Indian Ocean when the stormy Southern Hemisphere winter was at hand. Read the report in Soundings and follow the updates on her blog. Her Web site now only has one page, titled 'Hurry Home Abby'.
Tuesday, 1. June 2010
After the frustration of the very light and spotty winds of the past few days, the conditions have improved over the last 24 hours to produce some downwind sailing. With the forecast for the next 24 hours showing the winds strengthening, the race to New York is on. Tension is mounting as the finish line approaches. 'Uniquely Singapore' and 'Cape Breton Island' were in a virtual dead heat at the front of the fleet with under 170 miles to go. The daily report and the race viewer.
Tuesday, 25. May 2010 (Image © US Coast Guard)
A married couple died Sunday in a boating accident off the Cliff House in San Francisco, the Coast Guard said today. The couple were in a 30-foot sailboat when patrons at the restaurant reported at 4:46 p.m. that the vessel "appeared to be in distress," Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Jeremy Pichette said. A short time later, people on shore saw two people in the water. A Coast Guard helicopter dispatched to the area spotted a woman whose body soon washed ashore near Seal Rock, as well as a man who disappeared under the water and did not resurface, Pichette said. The Coast Guard and other agencies searched for him until 11 p.m., without success. This morning, his body was found on Ocean Beach. A report.
Sunday, 16. May 2010 (Image © Mark Kolbe/Getty Images )
Jessica Watson, the 16-year-old Australian who braved knockdowns and seven months of solitude set foot on dry land outside the Sydney Opera House on Saturday, thus becoming the youngest person to sail around the globe solo, nonstop and unassisted when she cruised into Sydney Harbor in her pink, 34-foot yacht 'Ella's Pink lady' to a rock-star welcome. "Amazingly, I just enjoyed it much, much more than I ever thought I would and handled the challenges better than I thought," Watson said. Her feat will not be considered an official world record because the World Speed Sailing Record Council discontinued its "youngest" category, which was held by another Australian, Jesse Martin, after he completed the journey in 1999 at the age of 18. Martin and British sailor Mike Pelham, another young solo circumnavigator, were among the first to congratulate Watson.
Read more.
Read more.
Monday, 10. May 2010
Perfect conditions in the Sir Francis Drake Channel prevailed for the start of the main fleet a mile south of the entrance to Nanny Cay. Sunny and warm with an ENE 10 to15-knot breeze, the downwind start sent the yachts on a westerly course through The Narrows between the US and British Virgin Islands before heading north some 840 miles to the finish line in Bermuda. Two yachts started in St. Augustine, Fla. and have about the same 840 miles to sail. They are expected to join the main fleet in the coming week. Eleven British, six US, two German and and one boat each from Panama, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium participate. The official report and the entry list.
Wednesday, 5. May 2010 (Image © Sail World)
The hoopla about Jessica Watson finishing her solo nonstop trip around the world will kick into high volume when she crosses the finish line in Sydney AUS later this week. But the World Speed Sailing Council will rain on her parade, writes Nancy Knudsen in Sail World. The WSSC will neither recognize her for being the (thus far) youngest person to sail around the world singlehandedly, nonstop and unassisted, nor will it recognize her course as a true circumnavigation. The rules specify a minimum orthodromic distance of 21,600 nautical miles while Watson, according to calculations by the WSSC, will have sailed only 18,265 nm. So the record books will not be rewritten, and Jesse Martin AUS, the current record holder, looks to retain his official title. See the story.
Monday, 26. April 2010 (Image © Gizzara Art)
With Aussie girl Jessica Watson recovered from a knockdown and is close to closing her loop, her slightly younger rival, 16-year-old Abby Sunderland USA has sailed into Cape Town for repairs to her autopilot, thus ending her quest to complete a non-stop unassisted circumnavigation. 'I gave it my best shot and made it almost half way around the world. I will definitely keep going, and whether or not I will make any more stops after this I don't yet,' Sunderland wrote on her blog. 'It would be foolish and irresponsible for me to keep going with my equipment not working well,' She had already stopped once since the start of her journey on January 23 for maintenance reasons, in Cabo San Lucas, where she had extra batteries added to her yacht and other repairs. However on that occasion she was able to re-start her journey, as she had not passed the equator. Her Web site.
Sunday, 25. April 2010
Jessica Watson, on the home stretch of her non-stop unassisted circumnavigation, has had another knockdown as the first of several forecast systems pass. Watson is roughly in line with Ceduna in South Australia and heading to round the most southerly tip of Tasmania. A Customs aircraft flew over just after the knock-down. Here is her Prozac blog post: "I was in my bunk asleep this time when we went over and was woken up when various objects and a whole lot of water landed on top of me. Seriously whatever happed to gently shaking someone awake and handing them a cup of coffee? Despite the fact that today started with a knockdown, a wet bunk, a headache and some pretty huge seas, I've had a great day….” Watson's news page.
Thursday, 22. April 2010 (Image © BoatUS)
Whether one is new to sailing or looking to sharpen racing starts or navigation skills, the ninth annual Women's Sailing Conference has something for everyone as the event returns to Corinthian Yacht Club in scenic Marblehead, MA, on Saturday, June 5. Sponsored by BoatUS and organized by the National Women's Sailing Association, conference topics include introduction to sailing and racing, diesel engine troubleshooting, boat systems, knots, charting, crew overboard, night sailing, suddenly single-handed, spinnakers and more. Sorry, no dudes allowed. Read the entire release.
Wednesday, 21. April 2010 (Image © NOSA)
Seven of last year's nine winners of major awards in the Newport Ocean Sailing Association's Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race will return to the starting line off Balboa Pier for the 63rd annual classic Friday at noon. Spectators won't have any trouble picking out the fastest one among the 212 entries, H.L. Enloe's 60-foot trimaran, 'LoeReal'. In 2009's dream reaching breeze, Doug Baker's 'Magnitude 80' ripped off a record time by a monohull of 10 hours 37 minutes 50 seconds for the 125.5-mile course. Enloe posted the second fastest time ever by a multihull of 8 hours 45 minutes 3 seconds. 'Mag 80' won't be back, but 'LoeReal' will try to best the absolute record of 6 hours 46 minutes 40 seconds set by the late Steve Fossett on Dennis Conner's old 'Stars & Stripes' catamaran in 1998. Event site
Wednesday, 21. April 2010
Last January, the Island Sailing Club announced its intention to introduce live GPS tracking for boats taking part in the 2010 Round the Island Race on June 19. "Competitors with suitable GPS-equipped mobile phones or laptops will be able to continuously log their position as they sail around the Island," the press release said, going on to explain the benefits for spectators and competitors who can later "replay” their race online. It makes sailing more accessible to a global mass audience and adds another interesting facet to Internet coverage. thus far this technology (borrowed from the trucking industry) is mostly used for ocean races like Groupama's recent Jules Verne trophy record and in the current Bénéteau Figaro Transat AG2R, which we cover daily. So what the Brits are trying is not exactly new. New is the scale (an estimated 1,500 boats will be in this race), which represents numerous technical and logistical challenges. But as these systems evolve, we expect them to show up in one-design and even Olympic class racing.
Tuesday, 20. April 2010 (Image © Yachting World)
The showdown between the J-Class behemoths 'Velsheda' , 'Ranger' and 'Hanuman' (inspired by Endeavour II') fizzled out before it got under way, because Jim Clark, 'Hanuman's' owner, pulled out of Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta last week. The billionaire owner felt his fellow J-Class owners were a bit too ambitious in hiring professional crew. Clark wrote a letter that he made public, explaining his reasoning. Read the hilarious account and how he wants to correct the situation. Reader comment: "Like kindergarten."
Monday, 19. April 2010 (Image © Nico Martinez)
The last day of Palmavela finally brought the marvelous seabreeze who makes this Mallorcan Bay to one of the most famous sailing areas. As expected,Torbjörn Tornquist's 'Artemis' remained on top of the TP52 while Udo Schutz GER and his 'Container' helmed by Markus Wieser GER won the [ url=www.prensarcnp.es/palm2010/resultados2010/resulta/overall_minimaxir_minimaxir-c.html]Mini-Maxi-Series[/url]. See the final report, all results and the Palmavela video reports.
Thursday, 15. April 2010 (Image © Nico Martinez)
171 yachts participate in the Primavela 2010 that opens today at Mallorca ESP for a variety of classes such as the Maxi-Wally's, the TP52, the Platu 25 or the J/80. Many well known sailors are among the participants, such as Paul Cayard USA and Cameron Appelton NZL on the TP52 'Artemis', Sébastien Col FRA, Markus Wieser GER, Jesper Radich DEN or Peter Holmberg ISV. The event-website and a preview.
Wednesday, 14. April 2010
It's slow going for the Plastiki. They're 25 days into the trip and have covered 2200 miles, averaging 3.67 knots thus far. But they are in good spirits harvesting kale and sprouts from the cylindrical garden on the mizzen mast and pedaling away on their bicycle generators to generate electrical power for their next blog entry.
Before they set off for Sydney, there was time for a little celebrity chat on board, Dave taking funny guy Robin Williams around the boat, checking out the composting head and the translucent albino laminate. Watch the video.
Before they set off for Sydney, there was time for a little celebrity chat on board, Dave taking funny guy Robin Williams around the boat, checking out the composting head and the translucent albino laminate. Watch the video.
Saturday, 10. April 2010
Dick Drechsler, the founder of The Sail Through Cancer Foundation and a cancer survivor himself, found himself in a pickle after getting caught by some steep breakers in the shallowest part of the entrance of the San Blas MEX estuary. Accompanied by his wife Sharon, he watched two fellows ahead of him getting tossed around, so he tried to time it and gunned the engine of his Catalina 470 'Last Resort.' It looked good for a while, but then things changed…. Listen to Sharon's voice and remember these images next time you are about to do the same. On the upside: Only a camera had to be chalked up in the loss column.
Friday, 9. April 2010 (Image © Christophe Juany/Les Voiles de St. Barth)
With a well-established trade wind blowing at twenty knots or more, the tone was set for the crews in the Voiles de St. Barth. Today's course led the fleet around the island and its rocky islets on a 35-mile course, before finishing with a long downwind at Forked Island. The final buoy in the harbor entrance to Gustavia saw some acrobatics, with the wind whistling down from the hills or stopping altogether. The breeze whipped up some chop and around Coco Island and the Soube Rocks wave height reached about nine feet. It wasn't enough to bother the big boats however, which were led for a while by the all- woman crew of the Class W 76 'White Wings.' The biggest yachts 'Rambler' and 'Sojana,' felt right at home and showed their full speed potential. Read the report and check the results.
Friday, 9. April 2010
More than 30 boats have registered for the 42nd edition of the 500-mile Regata del Sol from St Petersburg Fla. to Isla Mujeres, Mex. with an April 23 start in St. Pete. Entries hail from Florida, Rhode Island, Louisiana, and Alaska. The first Isla Mujeres race dates back to 1969 and has been kept running in large part by the efforts of the St. Petersburg YC and former Mexican Secretary of Sports, Jose De Jesus Lima.
Friday, 2. April 2010 (Image © Clipper Race)
'Qingdao' is the second team to finish the marathon 5,690-mile leg of the Clipper Race 09-10 from Qingdao, China, to San Francisco, California. In a report to the Race Office 'Quindao's' skipper, Chris Stanmore Major, confirmed that they'd crossed the Noonday Rock finish line near the North Farallone Islands at 15:40 local time (22:40 UTC). The boats that have finished by April 5 will be open to public viewing on that day at San Francisco Marina from 10 am to noon and from 2pm to 4pm. Cape Breton Island and Qingdao, probably Jamaica Lightning Bolt (expected Friday) should be there. The jury-rigged California with her escorts 'Spirit of Australia' and 'Hull & Humber,' are expected on April 6. Read the www.clipperroundtheworld.com/index.php/race_news reports.
Tuesday, 30. March 2010 (Image © File)
More pirate attacks further offshore, as far east as the coast of India and as far south as Madagascar is what sailors should be expecting, says the International Sailing Federation. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, even though the links in the press release on the ISAF site were broken when we tried them yesterday. Still, we have the anti-piracy flyer (PDF) for your education and entertainment. So don't blame us if you get in trouble.
Tuesday, 30. March 2010
The 25the edition of the ARC is the most popular ever. Already in early March, the 200th yacht has registered, and it looks like the anniversary edition of this event is fixture on every cruising calendar. The organizing World Cruising Club of Cowes GBR says it is overwhelmed by so much interest. A number of parties are planned in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and at the finish port of Rodney Bay, St. Lucia. A special highlight will be the participation of several ARC veterans, i.e. sailors and yachts from the first event in 1986. As the number of berths at the Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) marina is limited to 215, owners have to make up their minds quickly to sign up. The report.
Monday, 29. March 2010 (Image © Ingrid Abery)
With a few exceptions, most of yesterday's class leaders remained in place on the last day of the International Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas USVI to collect the winners' watches. Unlike last year when he lost it in the last race, Puerto Rico's Fraito held on to win the IC 24 class. In the Spinnaker Racing 2 Class Chris Stanton's Melges 24 Devil 3 managed to beat Dave West's Melges 32 Jurakan on corrected time and by four points overall. In IRC, Richard Oland's Vela Veloce, with Olympic silver medalist Brian Ledbetter (Seattle, Wash.) driving, posted a final score of 13 points to overtake Austin and Gwen Fragomen's Interlodge. The Spinnaker Racing/Cruising Class was won by James Dobbs' J/122 Lost Horizon while Antonio Sanpere's J/36 Cayennita Grande posted five victories in as many races in Non-Spinnaker Racing. The Farr 65 Team On-Deck/Spirit of Isis, edged the magnificent Kialoa V in CSA Spinnaker Racing 1, while John Holmberg prevailed to win the Beach Cat class on a Hobie 16. View the videos, check all results and photos.
Sunday, 28. March 2010 (Image © Ingrid Abery)
Racing at the International Rolex Regatta was under a pall today after word got out about the death of Guy Eldridge, who passed away after yesterday's races. Eldridge of Road Town, Tortola, BVI was a well-known island sailor and long-time International Rolex Regatta competitor. He had skippered 'Luxury Girl' to fourth in Spinnaker Racing/Cruising Class. Before heading out today, a moment of silence was observed by the competitors. Details bout Eldridge's death were unavailable at deadline.
Leading the 15-boat IC 24 fleet is Puerto Rico's Fraito Lugo aboard Orion. Elizabeth Brookes' Farr 65 Spirit of Isis is ahead in CSA Spinnaker Racing 1. In the CSA-handicapped Spinnaker Racing 2 Class the Chris Stanton's Melges 24 Devil 3 is sitting on a two-point lead over Dave West's Melges 32 Jurakan, while in the large IRC class, Interlodge (JV 52) and Vela Veloce (southern Cross 52) are tied for first. See all www.yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=299 results. Online video, photos and reports, plus mobile phone updates
Leading the 15-boat IC 24 fleet is Puerto Rico's Fraito Lugo aboard Orion. Elizabeth Brookes' Farr 65 Spirit of Isis is ahead in CSA Spinnaker Racing 1. In the CSA-handicapped Spinnaker Racing 2 Class the Chris Stanton's Melges 24 Devil 3 is sitting on a two-point lead over Dave West's Melges 32 Jurakan, while in the large IRC class, Interlodge (JV 52) and Vela Veloce (southern Cross 52) are tied for first. See all www.yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=299 results. Online video, photos and reports, plus mobile phone updates
Saturday, 27. March 2010 (Image © Ingrid Abery)
Day 1 at the International Rolex Regatta brought two races under sunny skies with 15 to 18-knot breezes that kept all teams honest. Interlodge (JV 52) won today's first "town” race in IRC, which went from St. Thomas Yacht Club to Charlotte Amalie. White Heat took (Summit 40) second and Vela Veloce (Southern Cross 52) was third. In the second race, which reversed course, Vela Veloce outmaneuvered Interlodge at the start on her way to a bullet, while Interlodge settled for second. Overall, Interlodge leads the 8-boat IRC class. The Spinnaker Racing 2 class is led by Jurakan (Melges 32), tied on points with Devil 3 (Melges 24). The report and the results. Online video highlights and updates for mobile phones.
Wednesday, 24. March 2010 (Image © Clipper Round the World Race)
Following 'California's' dismasting in stormy conditions last weekend during the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, the Danish registered tanker Nord Nightingale was diverted to render assistance while under way from Yokohama Japan, to Los Angeles, Calif. The purpose was to medevac two crew members from the yacht. One of them, Clive Cockram, 53, GBR was thrown across the cabin and sustained cuts to his head when the boat was rolled by a beam sea. After several attempts, Cockram was safely transferred to the merchant ship in high seas. Fellow crew member, Dennis Flynn USA was also transferred to the tanker. Meanwhile, cleanup continues aboard the dismasted 'California' while the boat continues to motor towards San Francisco with another yacht, 'Jamaica Lightning Bolt' in close proximity to help relay messages back to the race office. The report
Wednesday, 24. March 2010 (Image © Balboa YC)
Balboa Yacht Club's 2010 Corona del Mar to Cabo San Lucas MEXRace will get under way next Friday and Saturday. Standouts among the 36 boats will be the 78-foot 'Akela' and the R/P 63 'Limit' in Class A. Class D is expected to be tight with four J/125's and three Farr 40's duking it out for class and corrected-time wins. Moderate winds are forecast so most finishes are expected for on Tuesday. Event site and boat tracking
Tuesday, 23. March 2010 (Image © Clipper Race)
Another incident was reported from the current stage of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race from Qingdao, China to San Francisco, Calif. This time the racing yacht 'California' USA was dismasted and her EPIRB was activated. At 15:45 GMT on Sunday, sailing under storm jib only in 50 knots of wind, 'California' was hit by a large beam sea from the port side. The impact caused the 68-foot boat to roll to starboard through approximately 120 degrees and as the yacht righted herself the mast broke in two places. During the roll, a large amount of water came through the main hatch and flooded the navigation station, cutting off the boat's communication systems. The US Coastguard sent a C130 aircraft to check on 'California' and talked to skipper Pete Rollason on the VHF radio. Rollason confirmed the boat lost the mast above the first spreader, but also said it is sound enough to proceed towards San Francisco under engine. Event Web site.
Wednesday, 17. March 2010 (Image © Dykstra & Partner)
One of the world's resources that have run out are restorable J-Class yachts. Therefore, the only way to prolifeate is built them from scratch using aluminum for the hulls, carbon for the spars and 3Dl for the sails. The idea is to make them hip, but not overly so in order to let them race against the existing vintage J-Class boats like Endeavour, Velsheda and Shamrock V or other replicas like Hanuman, Ranger J5 and Lionheart. The latest one of these J-replicas, the Starling Burgess-designed Rainbow, which was modified by Dykstra & Partners Naval Architects, recently was turned over Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw in Makkum NED to get ready for outfitting. Read rainbow-jh2.com ]more[/url]
Wednesday, 17. March 2010
The replica ninth-century 'Jewel of Muscat', a square rigged sailing ship, has completed the first leg on its way from Oman to Singapore, arriving at the Indian port of Kochi. The wooden 'sewn plank' sailing ship has been modeled on the famous Tang Treasure ship that sank in the Indian Ocean with gold and other precious items belonging to the ancient Chinese Tang dynasty. The plan is to stick to ancient trade routes, hence the first stop in India. Next stops are Galle in Sri Lanka, George Town in Penang, and Malacca before arriving in Singapore after a five-month voyage. After the trip, Oman will gift 'Jewel of Muscrat' to the people of Singapore. Read the article.
Tuesday, 16. March 2010 (Image © Bronny Daniels)
Cruisers and fun racers in Southern California tested their offshore mettle at the first Islands Race from Newport to San Diego. A fleet of 41 boats made the 130-mile dash and enjoyed some lively ocean sailing outside of Catalina and San Clemente islands. Corrected-time winner was the Santa Cruz 50 'Flaca' by Paul Casanova. First across the line was Magnitude 80 with Brad Avery at the controls ahead of Dennis Conner who raced Stars & Stripes, his Farr 60. See results, photo streams and video.
Friday, 12. March 2010 (Image © Dan Nerney/CCA)
Last week, the Cruising Club of America presented its annual awards at the New York Yacht Club. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston was awarded the Blue Water Medal for a lifetime devoted to the advancement of sailing, sail training and youth development, and on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his singlehanded, non-stop circumnavigation of the world. Other awardees include Annie Hill and Trevor Robertson, Lin and Larry Pardey, Maurice and Sophie Conti, John Rousmaniere and Rich Wilson.
Tuesday, 9. March 2010 (Image © Tim Wright/www.photoaction.com)
With one last race on Sunday, it's a wrap. After three days of Caribbean flair and fun for the 240 boats and more than 2000 sailors, the 30th edition of the Heineken St. Maarten Regatta is in the books, even though some might still be standing at a bar somewhere. In Spinnaker 1, the showcase class, Tom Hill's racing red R/P 75 'Titan 15!' proved too much to handle for the bigger boats'Rambler' (R/P 90) and 'Highland Fling' (Wally 82). Three firsts and two seconds for a low-point score of 7 reflect the kind of regatta they had. 'It's the best boat I ever owned, right out of the box,' Hill said. In Spinnaker 2 'Sin Duda' was equally dominant with the same score. Read the final report, check all results and thegallery.
Sunday, 7. March 2010 (Image © Tim Wright/photoaction.com)
Day two of the 30th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta brought a lively breeze from the south that topped 20 kts and made for some classic Caribbean racing with thrills and spills in the 240-boat fleet. The racing boats did a couple of short windward/leeward races offshore in the morning, and an afternoon sprint round the coast. On the Wally 82 'Highland Fling' with Peter Holmberg at the controls, the forestay broke right after the first start. The team recovered from the mishap to save the rig, but was handicapped the rest of the day. 'Titan 15' with Peter Isler at the helm continued its dominance and remains in first overall by corrected time in Spinnaker 1. The bare boats raced off Simpson Bay but had the chance to enjoy quality time on the beach or a beer or two.Results and images.
Saturday, 6. March 2010 (Image © Tom Zinn)
The mother of all beerfest sailing, the 30th Heineken Regatta in St. Maarten got under way today in light breeze and sultry conditions. The big boats were sent around the island on a 32-miler, while most others sailed shorter courses. In the Spinnaker 1 Class, Tom Hill's new Reichel/Pugh 'Titan 15!' corrected out to first, over George David's 'Rambler' (R/P 90) and 'Highland Fling,' Irvine Laidlaw's Wally 82. Spinnaker 2 saw 'Sin Duda! Fritz Duda's venereable Santa Cruz 52 correct out to first over the Swan 90 'White Lie' and passion 4 C a Bill Tripp design. Sojan the massive Farr 115 owned by Sir Peter Harrison finished 6th on corrected time, one spot ahead of Hanse Yachts boss Michael Schmidt, who sailed one of his own products, a Hanse 630. All results
Friday, 5. March 2010 (Image © Billy Black)
Junior sailors from the northeast US can extend the 2010 sailing season by 150 miles. The organizing committee of the Ida Lewis Distance Race has announced the introduction of its Youth Challenge for this year's sixth edition of the race, which is scheduled to start on Friday, August, 20, 2010. "The idea of the Ida Lewis Distance Race Youth Challenge is to give junior programs an incentive to organize teams and develop the skills necessary to succeed in a medium-distance overnight race,” said Committee Member Joe Cooper, who is spearheading the effort. Teams must be registered under the flag of a US SAILING yacht club or community sailing establishment. All youth sailors must attend a brief informational meeting the evening prior to the race and are encouraged to attend one of the Storm Trysail Club Foundation's Junior Safety at Sea Seminars.
Wednesday, 3. March 2010 (Image © The Yacht Week)
It's not a secret that the sport of sailing struggles for participation, especially among the crowd of 25- to 45-year olds. European Travel Ventures AB in Sweden is tapping into this void by offering The Yacht Week, a 'summer sailing vacation that is accessible to everyone.' This means package deals for charter boats in some of the world's finest sailing venues with like-minded, fun-hungry people in shorts and bikinis. If the video is any indication, the party is the destination.
The 2010 dates:
British Virgin Islands: March 13-20
Croatia: July 17th - August 28
Greece: August 14-21, August 21-28
Ibiza: July 31 - August 7, August 7 - 14
The 2010 dates:
British Virgin Islands: March 13-20
Croatia: July 17th - August 28
Greece: August 14-21, August 21-28
Ibiza: July 31 - August 7, August 7 - 14
Wednesday, 3. March 2010 (Image © bajabound.com)
After 62 years of the oldest of all races from the U.S. to Mexico, shouldn't everybody know how to sail the 125.5 nautical miles from Newport Beach to Ensenada? Not necessarily. With 50 days to go before the April 23 start in Newport Beach, Calif., the Newport Ocean Sailing Association (www.nosa.org) offers free pre-race seminars as primers for rookies and refresher courses for veterans. The subjects range from preparing your boat to racing at night to entering Todos Santos Bay and anchoring in Ensenada Harbor. If you want to get a feel for what it's like, watch this video.
First date is today at Ventura YC, followed by five morefive more through the end of March.
First date is today at Ventura YC, followed by five morefive more through the end of March.
Wednesday, 3. March 2010 (Image © Tim Wright/www.photoaction.com)
Serious fun at shoreside parties often has a dirty secret: The serious amount of trash that's left behind. And the folks at the upcoming the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta want to do something about it. Like last year, they participate in the Clean Regatta Program by non-profit Sailors for the Sea to create environmental awareness and to reduce their impact on oceans and coastal waters. Here's how they'll do it: Issuing reusable bow numbers, enabling paperless registration, using biodegradable office products, using absorbing pads to prevent oil and fuel spills, passing out biodegradable drinking cups and straws at the parties, and selling bracelets to raise money for marine parks on the island. Read more about the eco-conscious attitude in St. Maarten.
Tuesday, 2. March 2010
Weather and preparations permitting, Plastiki, David de Rothschild's 60-foot catamaran made from recycled plastic bottles, might shove off for its 11,000-mile trip across the Pacific from San Francisco, Calif., to Sydney, Australia. However, space on board will be limited to six or seven. Four will be the primary sailing crew, the rest (i.e. a camera team from National Geographic) will document the trip for posterity. See also the Sailing News Interview with de Rothschild. Therefore, a report about Elizabeth Jagger, the oldest daughter of Rolling Stones front man Mick joining the trip sounded a little peculiar. Lizzie is a famous model and an actress, not an ocean sailor. Maybe we're missing something here, so we checked with the Plastiki Camp and were told: 'Lizzie Jagger was at their christening party Saturday night and someone must have started a rumor.'
Monday, 1. March 2010 (Image © Pindar/Bob Grieser)
With a few days to go, final preparations are well underway for the 30th anniversary of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta (4-7 March). There's a steady flow of yachts arriving in the marina and the bareboat charter fleet is expected to surpass 100 boats, with Beneteau and Jeanneau yachts making up the bulk of the fleet. There'll certainly be no lack of top-ranked competition in this fleet either with the likes of Margriet Matthijsse – Dutch, double Europe Olympic silver medallist – who will be racing with her team aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 473 Heineken Rotterdam (Monet II), among the notable entries. The big boat line-up includes Tom and Dotty Hill's new custom Reichel/Pugh 75 'Titan 15,' George David's Reichel/Pugh 90 – 'Rambler', and Irvin Laidlaw's Wally 82 'Highland Fling,' Roberto Galperti's Swan 90 'White Lie,' Patrick Adams' Swan 100 'Varsovie,' Peter Harrison's Farr 115 'Sojana,' and Christopher Besser's Swan 80 'Team Selene.'
Read more
Check out the videos
Read more
Check out the videos
Monday, 1. March 2010 (Image © Didier Rouxel)
It's been a tradition at the Heineken Regatta to shred around the Caribbean island of St. Maarten/St. Martin in big boats, small boats, race boats, charter boats and multihulls. This year the big Heineken celebrates 30 years (see separate report) and cats and tris got their own event a week earlier. Start and finish was Philipsburg on the Dutch side of the island and shred they did alst Saturday, Feb. 27. Fastest elapsed time was posted by Jeff Ledee on a Nacra Formula 18 in 2 hours 55 minutes and 17 seconds. Not far behind was Bernard Sillem on his Prindle 19 in 3 hrs. 01 min. 57 sec. See results and images
Friday, 26. February 2010
Yesterday, the 30-meter Solar-trimaran 'Planet Solar' was unveiled for the first time at the HDW-shipyard in Kiel GER. In a few weeks already, she shall be launched. The round-the-world rounding project with solar energy only will start in 2011. The report (PDF) in french.
Thursday, 25. February 2010 (Image © Tim Wright)
Yesterday evening, after 2 days, 11 hrs and 21 min, 'Beau Geste' with Gavin Brady (NZL) at the helm, took line honors in the 600-miles race around 14 Caribbean isalnds. 'I sailed in shorts and T-shirt the whole race, even though the wind strength got up to 20 knots,' Brady commented. 'That's something you don't say very often after a 600 mile classic.' The report and all results.
Thursday, 25. February 2010
Wednesday, 24. February 2010 (Image © Henry Wakefield)
The big news on Tuesday in the San Diego to Puerto Vallarta (MEX) Race was the withdrawal from the race by Pendragon VI due to a boat issue (undisclosed at this time). The crew is safe in Cabo. It is undecided if they will make the trip under motor to PV to join the festivities. Escort Vessel Coley D spent the night in Cabo as well, and will be looking at a Thursday arrival in PV.
Back to the racers, the wind has been strong and consistent through the night and has allowed all boats to maintain speed near or above 10 kts at every ping by the Race Tracker. Some boats have hit readings of 17+ kts and likely went higher during the race. The possibility of a record breaking race by Akela or Peligroso is still in play.
San Diego Yacht Club publishes daily race reports and videos.
Back to the racers, the wind has been strong and consistent through the night and has allowed all boats to maintain speed near or above 10 kts at every ping by the Race Tracker. Some boats have hit readings of 17+ kts and likely went higher during the race. The possibility of a record breaking race by Akela or Peligroso is still in play.
San Diego Yacht Club publishes daily race reports and videos.
Wednesday, 24. February 2010 (Image © Getty Images)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather
Service will use a new hurricane scale this season called the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale. The scale keeps the same wind speed ranges as the
original Saffir-Simpson Scale for each of the five hurricane categories, but
no longer ties specific storm surge and flooding effects to each category.
Report in Trade Only Today
Service will use a new hurricane scale this season called the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale. The scale keeps the same wind speed ranges as the
original Saffir-Simpson Scale for each of the five hurricane categories, but
no longer ties specific storm surge and flooding effects to each category.
Report in Trade Only Today
Tuesday, 23. February 2010 (Image © RORC Caribbean 600)
Scores of spectators gathered on Shirley Heights and Fort Charlotte on the island of Antigua to witness the start of the RORC Caribbean 600. The first boats crossed the line for the 605-mile race on Monday, 12:30 p.m. local time, taking on the course that will take them around 14 Caribbean islands in what organizers consider 'probably the best sailor's play ground in the world.' Competitors were treated to some superb sailing conditions, with warm waters and a balmy easterly breeze of 12-15 knots. Read daily reports and track the fleet.
Tuesday, 23. February 2010
As reported by Sailing News last week, 48 students and 16 professional crew and teachers were rescued successfully after the Canadian-flagged threemaster 'Concordia' sank 300 miles off the coast of Brazil. The Concordia's Captain, William Curry, told the Associated Press that the sinking occurred Wednesday afternoon - a day earlier than previously reported. Curry said he and the crew had prepared for rough but not unusual weather. He blamed the sinking of his vessel on a 'microburst,' a sudden, vertical downdraft that first heeled the ship over, then kept it on its side as window began to pop, which caused 'Concordia' to take on water and sink.
Read Sail World's report.
Read Sail World's report.
Tuesday, 23. February 2010
The sailing yacht Triton reported it was attacked by pirates 40 miles north of Trinidad. Details are sketchy thus far, but according to a report by another sailor on Cruisers Network Online, nobody was injured while the boat was ransacked. Sailors criticize the Yacht Services of Trinidad and Tobago allegedly for not doing enough to make this incident public, i.e. through the association's Web site, which offers a 'Safety & Security Notice' menu. However that appeared to be defunct. Read the Report.
Saturday, 20. February 2010 (Image © St. Croix Hospice Regatta)
Sailing for a good cause in the Caribbean, it does not get any better than this. More than 50 entries will gather this weekend in St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands to help raise funds at the annual St. Croix Yacht Club Hospice and Optimist Regatta that will go to support the end-of-life medical needs of St. Croix residents, regardless of their ability to pay. More than one third of the island's population of has poor or no health insurance coverage at all. The preview and the Gallery.
