Scuttlebutt Europe #3942

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

Freides Wins Melges 20 World Championship
Newport, RI, USA: After eight races, eight varied race winners and a wide range of racing conditions, Drew Friedes' Pacific Yankee with tactician Morgan Reeser and crew member Charlie Smythe have captured their very first major international title in the Melges 20 Class, that of World Champions. It's a title and trophy that is anything but easy to come by, and Freides' long racing campaign which includes a runner-up finish at Worlds in 2016 with the same crew, has served him well and delivered exactly what he was after - the top trophy in the most rewarding Class of boat in the World. With this win, he also strengthens his placement on the World League Circuit and remains atop the North American Division standings.

Vladimir Prosikhin's Nika claims second place on a brand new boat in Newport, and with such a great result it enhances his position on the International World League stage as well. Rounding out the World Championship podium is John Kilroy Jr.'s Samba Pa Ti in third.

Much like Friday, Saturday's one and only race got underway after a lengthy postponement, featuring light and shifty conditions. Freides won the event with a race to spare, leaving the rest of the top contenders to duke it out for podium positions. The conditions were kinder to some rather than others with Russia's Yuri Morozov on Russotrans taking the win, chased by Dario Levi's Fremito D'arja finishing up in second, and Prosikhin grabbing a nice third.

Congratulations to Canada's Justin Quigg and Character 2.0 teammates Julian Plante and Nick Cleary as they are 2017 Melges 20 Corinthian World Champions! Practically from start to finish, Quigg commanded the Worlds all-amatuer division for a huge win. Brazil's Cesar Gomes Neto at the helm of Portobello came second followed by Johannes Lind-Widestram's Intermezzo finishing third.

Top Five World Championship Results (Final - After Eight Races, One Discard)
1. Drew Freides, Pacific Yankee, USA, 30
2. Vladimir Prosikhin, Nika, RUS, 37
3. John Kilroy Jr., Samba Pa Ti, USA, 46
4. Alessandro Rombelli, Stig, ITA, 53
5. Jim Wilson, Oleander, USA, 56

Full results

2017 Five Melges 20 World League Results (After 12 Events Complete)
1. Igor Rytov, Russian Bogatyrs, RUS, 136
2. Vladimir Prosikhin, Nika, RUS, 95
3. Achille Onorato, Mascalzone Latino Jr., ITA, 82
4. Drew Freides, Pacific Yankee, USA, 77
5. Alexander Ezhkov, Pirogovo, RUS, 73

Full rankings: melges20.com/pdf/2017-m20-mwl-results.pdf

Aretemis Racing AC36 Protocol Statement
Artemis Racing is reviewing the Protocol for the 36th America's Cup, and continues to weigh whether to participate in this cycle or await the next. The most important consideration for our team is the need for a cutting-edge boat design, one that results in speeds that are as fast or faster than in the last America's Cup held in Bermuda. The boat and race format must be seen as bringing the sport of sailing forward and inspiring young and future generations. Other aspects of importance include the cost, which should be justifiable to ensure the right number of participants, and the overall rules should guarantee fairness for all to compete effectively.

Our team will now take its time to carefully review the Protocol, and we look forward to receiving more information on the Class Rule in November.

www.ArtemisRacing.com

Cowes Week Ltd seeks new Regatta Director
The organisers of the world famous Lendy Cowes Week regatta are seeking a new Regatta Directorto replace Phil Hagen, who left CWL after this year's regatta to focus on other interests.

The Regatta Director role is a year-round, part-time post, and carries a responsibility to evolve the on-the-water side of the regatta in order to retain andon the yachting and racing circuit, has the vision to take the racing programme forward and can work with existing and potential entrants, class associations and organising clubs to ensure the event offers the best possible competitive experience.

The new Regatta Director will work as part of a small executive team and also with the member clubs of Cowes Combined Clubs through the regatta's Sailing Committee.

The closing date for applications is 6th November 2017. Anyone interested in the role should request further details by emailing

New Moon wins 5.5 Metre season finale after wind abandons Thunersee
Photo by Robert Deaves. Click on image to enlarge.

While the beauty and splendor of Lake Thun have not been lost on the 5.5 Metre fleet at the Autumn Trophy (Herbstpreis), the wind did get lost on the final day with no more races possible.

So, New Moon, BAH 21 (Christoph Burger, Flavio Marazzi, Peter Vlasov) takes a second regatta win in a row, after taking the win in Cannes last week. Second place goes to Marie-Francoise XIX, SUI 228 (Jurg Menzi, Dino Fumasoli, Christof Wilke) with Nina, SUI 215 (Heinz Saurer, Hans Scheidegger, Maja Siegenthaler) in third.

The overnight rain had cleared and after a brief wait ashore on Sunday morning the fleet was sent out in a light breeze. However, on arrival at the start area there was barely enough breeze to fly the flags. The fleet waited... and waited... and waited. Some went ashore to the nearest pub, some edged back towards the club but apart from the occasional cat's-paw on the water, there was no sign of wind. The lake was like a mirror. Eventually at 13.00 the race officer gave up and sent the fleets home.

So the results remain from Saturday.

Former World Champion, Flavio Marrazi was brought in at the last minute to fill the middle position on regatta winner, New Moon. His history in the class is legendary, winning the Swiss Championship and the European Championship in his first season at 14 year of age, crewing for his father, and then winning six world titles, five as helmsman over the next 12 years. -- Robert Deaves

Final results here.

Carlos Aguilar Match Race Cancelled for 2017
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands: Organizers of the Carlos Aguilar Match Race (CAMR) regretfully announce the cancellation of the November 30-December 3, 2017 event. The CAMR, presented by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, is known for bringing some of the best international match racing talent, from America's Cup veterans to Olympians, to sail in the scenic yet challenging Charlotte Amalie Harbor. However, damage to the island from back-to-back major hurricanes less than a month ago has put a definitive damper on hosting a Grade 1 event in less than two months.

"We are very sad to have to cancel this year's CAMR," says regatta director, Verian Aguilar Tuttle. "However, many if not most, of the strong and talented team of volunteers who organize and run this event and host the teams in their homes are still in the recovery and rebuilding phase. Repairs are also underway to our fleet of IC24s, the St. Thomas Yacht Club clubhouse as well as the Virgin Islands' utilities and infrastructure. We will definitely miss seeing and welcoming the sailors and race officers, many of whom have become great friends over the years. However, we do want to maintain the high standards of the CAMR and for this we'll look forward to 2018."

Like last year, the 2017 CAMR was set to host the Women's International Match Racing Series (WIM Series) Finale.

Those who would like to help in the Virgin Islands' recovery efforts can donate to the non-profit VI Marine Build Fund. All funds will be used for the cleanup of the current cruising grounds, growth of marine industry offerings and development of marine vocational programs.

www.carlosmatchrace.com
www.wimseries.com

To donate

Oakcliff Triple Crown - Stage 3
Oyster Bay, New York, USA: Olympic hopefuls from three different countries battled it out at Stage 3 of the Oakcliff Triple Crown Series where nearly $50,000 of prize grants were awarded. With two days of breeze in the mid to low teens, racing was tight in the five Olympic classes: 470 Men's, 470 Women's, 49er, 49erFX, and the foiling Nacra 17.

Playing the puffs was key to staying on top this weekend. "We kept our heads outside of the boat," said Nora Brugman, who won 470W crewing for her sister Atlantic. "It was very shifty and I think we did a good job looking around the race course checking for puffs."

Judge Ryan and Hans Henken, brother of Paris Henken who represented the US in the 49erFX in the 2016 Olympics, won the 49er class.

Ali ten Hove and Mariah Millen narrowly missed out on winning all three stages of the Triple Crown in the 49erFX class. They won Stage 1 and 2 and tied for first in Stage 3 with Sam Merson and Jack Joslin but they lost the tie breaker.

Riley Gibbs and Louisa Chafee won the Nacra 17 class but Ravi Parent and Christina Persson put up a good fight.

Full results.

Industry News
Green Marine, a UK builder of custom racing yachts and superyacht hulls, has gone into liquidation. The company was based in Hythe, Hampshire and employed 46 workers. It was established in 1982 and has built more than 180 boats that had advanced composite designs.

The company told BBC.com that a slowdown in large orders prompted the closure. Green Marine had provided designs for the Volvo Ocean Race and Portsmouth-based Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) for its attempt to become the first British crew to win the America's Cup. It also built yachts for the Vendee Globe race.

The builder had hoped to gain a contract for a superyacht hull, but that did not materialise. Seven years ago, Green Marine had moved from facilities and Lymington and Southampton to a larger state-of-the-art facility at Hythe Marina, so it could work on several large projects at once.

plus.ibinews.com

* Editor: a note from a reader on the matter:

Thought that you would be interested (saddened) to hear that Green Marine in Southampton has gone into receivership.

Dutch owners asset stripped it and left it to die. The yard was waiting for some great carbon project they had in the pipeline but it seems like the Dutch had different ideas...

It was in the throws of death for a while. Vitters had bought it when they realised that they were missing the boat (!) on composite construction. They have basically removed the knowledge base and tools to Holland and rather than make any effort to make the yard still work they called in the receivers. Luckily, many of the good guys walked out 6 months ago and started on their own www.fibremechanics.com Geoff Stock is the real deal when it comes to carbon.

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Berthon has announcee their appointment as the UK, Eire and Channel Islands agent for Solaris Yachts. They will be working closely with Richard Baldwin, who has represented the brand for 8 years, who will be on the Berthon team.

Solaris produce high quality performance cruising yachts with Italian style and flair to designs by Javier Soto Acebal and produce around 40 yachts a year from 37 feet upwards.

www.berthon.co.uk

Contact for further information.

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World Sailing, the world governing body of the sport, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Rolex, the leading name in prestige watches that includes watches engineered specifically for sailing.

Rolex has been the title sponsor of the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards since 2001. As part of the new agreement, Rolex will continue this role, in addition to supporting World Sailing to a greater extent.

Rolex have a long running commitment to supporting sailing through their sponsorship of major events such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Rolex Fastnet Race, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Giraglia Rolex Cup, as well as the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards.

Under the new agreement with World Sailing, Rolex will support World Sailing's vision and mission to grow and develop the sport at a grassroots level and work with World Sailing on sustainability initiatives.

"Rolex has a long and prestigious history of supporting sailing through their sponsorship of the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards and major offshore sailing events," commented World Sailing President Kim Andersen.

"Our new strategic partnership brings us closer to Rolex, creating synergies between World Sailing and Rolex titled sailing events.

"Rolex has been a valued and prestigious partner of World Sailing since 2001 and we are thrilled to expand on our relationship and advance our shared passion for the sport of sailing."

As part of the agreement, Rolex will continue its title sponsorship of the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards, which for 2017 will be held alongside the inaugural World Sailing Awards in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on 7 November.

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The Progressive Miami International Boat Show has an annual economic impact of $854.2 million, an increase of 40 percent, or $257.2 million, since the study was last conducted in 2013, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

The NMMA said the increase reflects the success the show has seen at its new location on Virginia Key and its importance to Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida. The study was done by Thomas J. Murray & Associates Inc. in conjunction with the University of Florida.

"Boating and the Miami boat show are big business for Florida, bringing visitors, sales and revenue from around the world to our state each February for the five biggest days in boating," said Miami boat show manager Larry Berryman in a statement. "We are proud to be a part of the greatest boat show in the world that delivers $854 million into Florida's economy each year and supports full-time employment for approximately 6,000 of our fellow Floridians."

Labor income for the 6,000 jobs totaled $289.6 million, the study showed.

As a result of the show, Florida was paid about $56.9 million in sales and excise taxes, and out-of-town visitors to the show and exhibitors spend about $53 million in the local area on hotels, restaurants, retail shops, entertainment and transportation.

www.tradeonlytoday.com

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The Yacht Racing Forum is pleased to welcome Sunset+Vine as its official TV Production Company.

"We have been following and covering the Yacht Racing Forum since its debuts in 2008", says Executive Director Andrew Preece. "This event is dear to us because it gives us the opportunity to meet a wide number of key personalities involved in yacht racing worldwide over two days, to network and make business in a very relaxed atmosphere. The Forum is unique in its kind and we are pleased to join it as a partner."

Global TV sports producer and distributor, Sunset+Vine, which is part of the Tinopolis Group, has been producing sailing programming for the last twelve years, including event coverage and magazine programming. Sunset+Vine was involved amongst others in the last America's Cup, in the Olympic Games, Vendee Globe or Volvo Ocean Race. Sunset+Vine also produces World Sailing, the monthly series designed to take the best of world sailing to a growing global audience for the sport.

The Yacht Racing Forum 2017 will take place on November 27-28 in Aarhus, Denmark, six months prior to World Sailing's World Championships.

www.yachtracingforum.com

George Cuthbertson
George Cuthbertson, founder of Cuthbertson & Cassian (C&C) Yachts and NMMA Canada Hall of Fame recipient in 2002, has passed away.

Cuthbertson became president of C&C Yachts at a time when it was the most recognised and successful production and custom boat builder in North America and the world, says NMMA Canada in a statement. Leaving the company in 1982, he reestablished himself as an independent yacht designer.

Cuthbertson dedicated his career to helping grow recreational boating. "His dedication to recreational boating and leadership over the years had a significant, positive impact on the marine industry," reads the statement. "He was a world-class designer who established a design legacy that is still recognised to this day."

The family has confirmed that the funeral will be a private affair, but they plan to have an event in the future to celebrate George's life.

plus.ibinews.com

Featured Brokerage
2010 Ker 40 - "Keronimo". 250000 GBP. Located in England - South Coast.

Ready to spearhead any IRC or ORC fleet and with a large amount of sail development over recent years, she got more to offer than most! Friendly inshore and offshore and with a 2017 sail wardrobe and immaculate cosmetics, she is a real head turner and ready for next enthusiastic owner.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
+64 277733717
+44 2380 016582

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2009 Mills 43 - "Windpower". 180000 EUR. Located in

Top performing IRC boat in South Africa over recent years and with sister ships dominating the ORC circuit too, shes a complete package. Very tidy and high spec sail inventory included.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
+64 277733717
+44 2380 016582

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2011 TP / IRC 52 "Viento". 800000 USD. Located in Auckland.

Originally launched as "Container", this boat has always been a front runner in any regatta its entered and is arguably the most competitive TP/IRC 52 on the market today. Inshore and offshore capability, refined by the best that NZ has to offer. An absolutely turn-key, regatta winning boat!

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
+44 2380 016582
+64 277733717

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

The Last Word
Beware of the zealots; they have no sense of humor. -- Fred Packwood

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