Brought to you by Seahorse magazine, Scuttlebutt Europe is a digest of sailing news and opinions, regatta results, new boat and gear information and letters from sailors -- with a European emphasis. Contributions welcome, send to

Quantum Racing Crowned 2016 Champions
Winners of four of the five regattas this season, Quantum Racing were crowned 2016 52 SUPER SERIES champions in Cascais, Portugal on Saturday evening. The American-flagged team - who has also won the circuit in 2013 and 2014 - secured their third 52 SUPER SERIES title on Thursday with two days to spare, finishing Saturday with an overall aggregate of 140 points after 45 races contested in Scarlino (Tuscany), Porto Cervo (Sardinia), Puerto Portals (Mallorca), Mahon (Menorca) and Cascais (Portugal).

But last year's champions Azzurra denied Quantum Racing their coveted clean sweep of all five titles. When they won the final race of the EGNOS 52 SUPER SERIES Cascais Cup in bright Autumnal sunshine and 11-14kts southerly breezes, Azzurra won the EGNOS 52 SUPER SERIES Cascais Cup and finish second overall for the season, 59 points behind Quantum Racing.

Niklas Zennström's Ran Racing Team take third step on the season's podium after a nervous final day showdown against Ergin Imre's Provezza and Harm Muller-Spreer's Platoon. Ran Racing fought back spectacularly from a penalty at the final mark that dumped them into last place, but quickly rallied to a critical fifth place, which ensured they take third for the season.

EGNOS 52 SUPER SERIES Cascais Cup Final Standings
Standings after day 5 (8 races):
1. Azzurra, ITA (Pablo/Alberto Roemmers ARG) 19 points
2. Quantum Racing, USA (Doug DeVos USA) 27
3. Sled, USA (Takashi Okura USA) 31
4. Platoon, GER (Harm Muller-Spreer GER) 38
5. Bronenosec, RUS (Vladimir Liubomirov RUS) 41
6. Ran Racing, SWE (Niklas Zennstrom SWE) 50
7. Provezza, TUR (Ergin Imre TUR) 52
8. Alegre, GBR (Andres Soriano USA) 58
9. Gladiator, GBR (Tony Langley GBR) 59
10. Phoenix, USA (Richard Cohen USA) 65

2016 52 SUPER SERIES Final Overall Standings
After 5 regattas:
1. Quantum Racing, 140 points
2. Azzurra, 199
3. Ran Racing, 241
4. Platoon, 245
5. Provezza, 248
6. Bronenosec Gazprom, 251
7. Sled, 275
8. Alegre, 283
9. Gladiator, 342

www.52superseries.com

Five Bullet Day For 2016 GC32 Racing Tour Champion
Franck Cammas and his crew on NORAUTO powered by Groupama Team France proved convincingly that their dominance of the 2016 GC32 Racing Tour was no fluke. On this closing day of Marseille One Design, held in at times in 'top of the range' conditions, the French team managed a perfect five-out-of-five score line. This left them a massive 24 points clear of American Jason Carroll's second placed Argo.

On the 2016 GC32 Racing Tour leaderboard, NORAUTO's only threat going into Marseille One Design was Sebastien Schneiter's Team Tilt. The Swiss youth crew finished fourth, enabling Cammas and his crew to claim the 2016 GC32 Racing Tour trophy by a six point margin.

For this final day, the forecast promised 9-11 knots, but after an hour on the water waiting for the wind direction to stabilise, much to the pleasure of everyone, it built into the high teens, gusting into the mid-20s. Fortunately in Marseille's well protected Rade Sud, the flat sea state made for a fast ride with the GC32s fully foiling, frequently hitting speeds in the mid-30s.

The other French team, Sebastien Rogues' Team ENGIE had a mixed day, in two races making it a French 1-2, but ultimately finishing Marseille One Design fifth overall. Team ENGIE was second best scoring boat of the day, a testament to the hard work Rogues and his team have put into improving this season. However equalling their scoreline today was the Japanese team Mamma Aiuto! which did well in today's two opening races.

GC32 Racing Tour at Marseille One Design overall results:
1. NORAUTO, 13 points
2. Argo, 37
3. Mamma Aiuto!, 41
4. Team Tilt, 43
5. Team ENGIE, 49
6. Malizia - Yacht Club de Monaco, 52
7. ARMIN STROM Sailing Team, 52
8. Gunvor Sailing, 58
9. Realteam, 68
10. Orange Racing, 89

GC32 Racing Tour 2016 championship results:
1. NORAUTO, 6 points
2. Team Tilt, 12
3. ARMIN STROM Sailing Team, 22
4. Argo, 26
5. Team ENGIE, 29
6. Malizia - Yacht Club de Monaco, 29
7. Gunvor Sailing, 32
8. Mamma Aiuto!, 33
9. Realteam, 40
10. Spindrift racing, 47
11. Orange Racing, 47

www.gc32racingtour.com

Seahorse November 2016
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

Where champions are made
Exactly 681 young, fast and hungry Laser sailors descended upon Kiel's Schilksee Harbour for their Youth Worlds - and once again Kiel's regatta managers just took it all in their stride

Update
They're lining up to take down the unloved Medal Race, good things happen in Annapolis, hugging the Maxi family close, bouncing back in Toulon. Rodney Pattisson, Jack Griffin, Terry Hutchinson, Rob Weiland

World news
Go south if you want to, learning to the very last, putting the sofa behind you, Rio sacrifices and shaking up the US of A. Bora Gulari, Ivor Wilkins, Blue Robinson, Patrice Carpentier, Dobbs Davis, Jacques Caraes, Mat Belcher

IRC column - Simple is good
And weighing a Maxi is not hard. James Dadd

Special rates for Scuttlebutt Europe subscribers:
Seahorse Print or Digital Subscription Use Discount Promo Code SB2

1yr Print Sub: €77 - £48 - $71 / Rest of the World: £65 www.seahorse.co.uk/shop/subs/

1yr Digital Sub for £30: www.seahorse.co.uk/shop/digital

Discounts shown are valid on a one year subscription to Seahorse magazine.

18ft Skiffs: Major A. Frizelle Trophy
Triple M crew lower the mainsail to save the mast. Click on image for photo gallery.

In an attempt to get today's 18ft Skiff Major A. Frizelle Trophy race started, race officials trialled a new scheme when they directed all teams to use their 'Storm' (#3) jib and reef their mainsail by 800mm.

Race officer Doug Cameron said it was an ideal opportunity to trial the new scheme.

"The time was right for the trial. We have a few new recruits to the fleet, and there are more critical races to be sailed later in the season."

Despite their efforts, the conditions were so strong that many teams either didn't leave the rigging area or were in trouble before the race was due to start.

The forced delay resulted in more problems as those on the harbour were battered by the wind.

While at least two teams suffered broken masts, the Thurlow Fisher Lawyers team put on a spectacular show for the spectator ferry patrons.

After the race was finally abandoned, Michael Coxon, Dave O'Connor and Trent Barnabas decided to sail towards Sydney Heads then drive their skiff downwind back towards the Opera House.

Patrons thrilled as the crew drove the skiff at full speed down the near deserted harbour.

It was quite an exhibition of power sailing.

The Alf Beashel Memorial Trophy race will be sailed next Sunday.

www.18footers.com

D-Day: The Vendee Globe Village Officially Opened In Les Sables D'olonne
The public could hardly wait for the official opening of the Vendee Globe Village this Saturday morning. This ceremony marks the start of three weeks of festivities in Les Sables-d'Olonne. At 10 a.m. Yves Auvinet, President of the SAEM Vendee, Bruno Retailleau, President of the Pays de La Loire Region, Didier Gallot, Mayor of Les Sables d'Olonne and Pascal Cadorel, head of communications for Sodebo, led a procession of guests and visitors through the Village, that has been set up for this eighth Vendee Globe and which stretches out over a total surface area of more than 2500 m2 in Port Olona. The official visit ended with a meeting with all of the competitors present aboard their boats.

In spite of the rain, the delegation was able to speak to each of the skippers present aboard their boats, with the Race Director, Jacques Caraes making the introductions. This was an opportunity for the sailors to give their first impressions, before getting together for the traditional family photo. This morning's visit concluded with a few more speeches, including one from Bruno Retailleau, for whom "the spirit and values of the Vendee Globe are an example to the sporting world. Where there's a will, there's a way." Didier Gallot was pleased about "the huge fame that the Vendee Globe has brought to the town of Les Sables-d'Olonne." Pascal Cadorel reminded everyone that "Sodebo has been the patron of the Vendee Globe since 2004. It's a popular event that we experience together within the company and outside and we share it with our public." In conclusion, Yves Auvinet wanted to reassure everyone about the safety measures taken to protect visitors. "We have been working on this for months with the government services and the Vendee authorities. Every measure has been taken to allow the public to make the most of this event."

vendeeglobe.org

Avoiding A Capsize - Groupama Team France
This Team France video shows them training in Lorient, France with their AC45x test boat. I don't think they were in real danger of capsizing, but the gybe at 40 seconds into the video did not go right! Of course, we've seen footage of all the teams splashing down as they work to master their manoeuvres.

At about 40 seconds into the video they start a gybe but the boat starts to heel too much. They make a quick recovery and the boat splashes down off its foils.

Notice the camber in the wing and the angle of the horizon.

All the camber is released and the horizon is at a less scary angle.

From Jack Griffins Cup Experience newsletter

cupexperience.com

Andy Lamont Sets Off On Westward Trip Around World
An Australian sailor is attempting to sail "the wrong way" around the world in what he hopes will be a record-breaking journey aboard his 34-foot boat.

Andy Lamont left the Gold Coast today and is planning to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world in a westerly direction.

Lamont is hoping to be the first to achieve a record set by the World Sailing Speed Records Council.

He must sail in a boat, measuring less than 40 feet in length, a minimum distance of 21,600 nautical miles.

The sailor said he would probably travel about 30,000 miles.

If all goes to plan, the solo sailor will arrive back on the Gold Coast next September.

www.abc.net.au/news/

For The Record
The WSSR Council announces the establishment of a new World Record:

Record: Around Isle of Wight. Outright record.
Yacht: Phaedo 3. MOD 70
Name: Brian Thompson. GBR and 8 crew
Dates:.27th September 2016.
Start time: 07;55;57. UTC on 27/09/16
Finish time: 09;58;29. UTC on 27/09/16
Elapsed time: 2 hours 2 minutes and 31 seconds
Distance: 50 NM
Average speed: 24.49 kts
Comments:
Previous record: "Phaedo 3" Brian Thompson.GBR. Aug 16. 2h 4m 14s

John Reed
Secretary to the WSSR Council

Gaetano Mura - Solo Round The Globe Record
On Saturday, October 15, Sardinian navigator Gaetano Mura left his native island on board a Class40, aptly called Italia for a voyage that will take him around the planet in an attempt to set the new time reference.

Gaetano has been training for over one and a half year for this challenge: to sail more than 25,000 nautical miles around the world and beat China's Guo Chuan record of 137 days. The start, that was originally planned for Wednesday October 12, was delayed due to adverse weather conditions in the southern Mediterranean. A powerful low-pressure forming over the Eastern Atlantic has been intensifying constantly and Gaetano Mura's weathermen forecast winds as strong as 50 knots on the area accompanied by violent rainstorms and high seas, up to 6 metres. A situation that casued Mura's shore team to postpone the start for safety reasons and to enable the public to say goodbye to Gaetano.

Gaetano Mura's circumnavigation will last some four months. Once past Gibraltar and into the Atlantic ocean, the Class40 Italia will head south to the Cape of Goof Hope and will then sail clockwise around Antarctica, leaving to port Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn to head back to the Mediterranean. The total distance on a theoretical, straight line is of 25,000 nautical miles. A large part of the navigation will be in very harsh and unwelcoming environments, with extreme weather conditions, very close to polar ices. Gaetano will sail non-stop, single-handed and with no outside assistance. To rest, efficiently Mura will use a technique called "micro-sleeping", that is to say 2 hours wake periods alternated to 20 minutes' long naps. His sleep, mental and health parameters will be constantly monitored by a medical team from the University of Cagliari.

The Italian sailor will also follow a special diet on board, that includes organic food from Sardinia, the island being one of the few Blue Zones, that is a region with the highest longevity on the planet. Italia is a Class40 designed by French Sam Manuard and built by Bert Mauri, that has been especially tested and equipped for the upcoming navigation.

www.gaetanomura.com

Count Down To Nassau: Robert Scheidt Is Back
With three Olympic gold medals and 14 world titles Robert Scheidt is one of the best athletes ever produced by Brazil. Having come fourth in the Laser class at the Rio Olympics, Robert will join the Star Sailors League in Nassau, from November 28th to December the 4th to contest his third SSL Finals, after winning the first edition in 2013 with his fellow Brazilian Bruno Prada. It will be a happy return to the Star class, where Robert won two Olympic medals and three world championships.

"It will be different this time. In 2013, I was sailing with Bruno and we were fresh from the London Olympics in a Star, where we've earned the bronze medal. I've trained very little on a Star in the past three years and I have to pick up the pace now." Scheidt also declared that he will be sailing with Brazilian crew Henry Boening (Maguila) this time around, due to being a lighter weight to compete in the Laser at the Rio Games.

Given the short time to train, Scheidt hopes to have his favorite conditions in Nassau "We like strong wind, and it usually happens in the Bahamas, that would be ideal for us. We will face some very good sailors and I am sure it will be a super SSL Finals this year, with many medalists coming straight from Rio, particularly my opponents in the Laser class. It will be a fantastic event and I am very excited!"

finals.starsailors.com

Featured Brokerage
2008 Mills 37 - Crazy Horse. 95000 GBP. Located in Dublin, Ireland

Following typical Mark Mills lines, Crazy Horse is raring to get back out on the race track. Big overhaul last year and now looking good as new.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Port Hamble

-----------------------------------------

2007 Farr 11s CASSIOPEIA. 140,000 USD. Located in Marina del Rey, CA, USA

An all-carbon racer with canting keel. Optimized for point-to-point racing, all systems recently checked & serviced.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Harmen Rockler
Farr Yacht Sales

+1 410 267 0780

-----------------------------------------

2011 Archambault A40RC. 135,000 EUR. Located in Turkey.

The boat raced in İstanbul since launched date with his first owner and did succesfull regattas with a very good team.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Bach Yachting

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
The Internet treats censorship as a malfunction and routes around it. -- John Perry Barlow

Editorial and letter submissions to

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see www.scuttlebutteurope.com/advertise.html