In This Issue
• Rolex Fastnet Race's most complete pantheon of offshore race boats
• 2019 St. Thomas International Regatta
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• 50 Days To 50 Knots
• 1851 Trust continues as Official Event Charity for Lendy Cowes Week 2019
• Add St Barths To Your Bucket List
• Video: Ships vs. Boats - How Close is Too Close?
• Launchings
• Featured Brokerage
• Back on Monday
• The Last Word: Douglas R. Hofstadter
Brought to you by Seahorse magazine and YachtScoring.com EuroSail News 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
Rolex Fastnet Race's most complete pantheon of offshore race boats
The most impressive collection of offshore racing hardware from across the globe is set to gather off Cowes for the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race on 3 August.
Following the 340 available places in the IRC fleet selling out in just four minutes and 37 seconds when entry opened on 7th January, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, organisers of this, the world's largest offshore yacht race, has provided a sneak preview of the 2019 line-up.
While the bulk of the fleet remains the IRC entries, competing for both their class titles as well as the overall Fastnet Challenge Cup, 2019 will see an unprecedented entry of 'non-IRC' boats, the majority from France. Entered at present are 25 Class40s (plus two more in the IRC fleet). There are also set to be a handful of Ultimes. At 100ft long, these maxi trimarans are the world's largest and fastest offshore race boats. The present race record for the Rolex Fastnet Race was set in 2011 by the 130ft trimaran Banque Populaire V, skippered by Loick Peyron, in a time of 32 hours 48 minutes at an average speed of 18.5 knots. While shorter, any of the new generation Ultimes is capable of bettering this time.
Most staggering are the number of IMOCA 60s entered - 27 of them, making this one of the largest gatherings of these thoroughbred ocean racers outside of the race for which they are principally built - the Vendee Globe singlehanded non-stop round the world race. IMOCA 60s have been in the news in recent months as they are one of the classes set to be used for the next running of The Ocean Race (ex-Volvo Ocean Race) over 2021-22. The Rolex Fastnet Race line-up includes an unusually large number of British female skippers taking part, among them Initiatives Coeur's Sam Davies and former Mini and Class40 sailor Pip Hare.
In sheer numbers the IRC fleet should once again be huge. At present the maximum entries has been comfortably exceeded although the exact number making it to the start will fluctuate due to circumstances, not least the requirement to comply with the RORC's race qualification requirements.
2019 St. Thomas International Regatta
When it comes to consistently delivering tradewind sailing on crystal-clear Caribbean water, the St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR), now about to begin its 46th annual edition, has long proven itself popular with sailors from different island nations, Europe and North and South America. And for excellent reason: STIR (March 22-24, 2019) unfurls on a beautiful patch of sun-kissed brine and is administered by seasoned and experienced race officials and a professional race committee who know how to deliver engaging One Design and fleet racing on a wide variety of courses.
Better still, the regatta's organizers also know how to deliver the kind of onshore entertainment that keeps boats and crews coming back for years.
Once the starting guns begin to sound, visiting racers can expect spirited competition in all classes, from modest Hobie Waves, to the Caribbean-grown IC24 fleet, to the keelboats sailing in CSA handicap divisions that have always been the regatta's beating heart.
While Windward-Leewward courses test crew work, boatspeed, and racecourse smarts, so too do short distance courses that wend past nearby islands and give crews a chance to stretch their legs a bit, and STIR has historically done a great job of offering an engaging blend of both styles of racing.
Additionally, the 4th annual Round the Rocks Race (March 21, 2019) serves as a warm-up for STIR and gives teams a great chance to circumnavigate St. Thomas while enjoying fantastic views (weather permitting) of nearby St. John and the smaller surrounding islands.
David Schmidt's interview with BIll Canfield in Sail-World
Seahorse April 2019
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
Vision
When Baltic Yachts and the Farr office agreed to throw their weight behind the biggest DSS project yet they did not hold back. The result is certainly going to be watched unusually closely. Gordon Kay, Soren Jansson, Simon Everest, Ken Read, Bas Peute, Bill Faude, James Wilkinson, Britt Ward and Dominique Pedron
Second life
Or more accurately Act Two? Either way the new 44Cup takes a great boat that is already acknowledged as perfect for the task and fires in a whole heap of fresh energy...
All going to plan
Speed, reliability, skipper comfort... so far it's all going the right way for Sam Davies' third Vendee Globe programme
Seahorse build table - Italian Magic
Designer Mark Mills is pretty happy with what just came out of the shed at Maxi Dolphin
Fun (aka value for money)
Maybe it's time at last? Rob Weiland
Special rates for Scuttlebutt Europe subscribers:
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50 Days To 50 Knots
In just under 50 days, SailGP will debut on U.S. waters, expecting to break sailing's elusive 50-knot barrier (60 mph) when its six supercharged F50s take flight on San Francisco Bay.
SailGP will bring the all new on-water racing spectacular to San Francisco on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, marking the second event in the championship's 2019 inaugural racing calendar, and its first-ever grand prix in the United States.
In San Francisco, the U.S. SailGP Team - comprised of world-class sailors from across the country - will assume center stage as they take on five rival teams from Australia, China, France, Great Britain and Japan. All six teams will race in identical, supercharged 50-foot foiling catamarans at speeds that have never been seen before in sail racing.
Racing will take place just off the Marina Yacht Club Peninsula in the heart of San Francisco Bay, with the stunning Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island as a backdrop. Competing in a total of five short-format fleet races, the top two teams will face off in a match race finale to determine the event winner on Sunday afternoon.
The U.S. SailGP Team is comprised of Rome Kirby, 29, of Newport, Rhode Island (helmsman); Taylor Canfield, 30, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (flight controller/tactician); Riley Gibbs, 22, of Long Beach, California (wing trimmer); Hans Henken, 26, of Coronado, California (flight controller); Mac Agnese, 24, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida (grinder); and Dan Morris, 31, of Edina, Minnesota (grinder).
Earlier this week, SailGP announced a partnership with Red and White Fleet - San Francisco's leading bay cruise operator - as the exclusive provider of on-water experiences for families, individuals and corporate guests. Exclusive ticketed experiences will be offered on the Red and White Fleet's newest vessels, the Zalophus and the Enhydra, with both spectator boats having prime viewing position within the race zone, guaranteeing the closest viewing of the action, as well as complimentary food and beverage.
Purchase tickets for land or on-water viewing here.
1851 Trust continues as Official Event Charity for Lendy Cowes Week 2019
Cowes Week Limited (CWL) is delighted to announce that they have appointed the 1851 Trust for a further year as the official event charity for Lendy Cowes Week.
The 1851 Trust's aim is to inspire and engage young people from all backgrounds across the UK to imagine their futures differently. As the Official Charity of INEOS TEAM UK, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, the Trust uses the power of professional sport to inspire the next generation. In 2019, the Trust will be launching a new sailing initiative with the support of INEOS. This programme will provide 6,000 'first-time' sailing opportunities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the country in 2019.
It is widely recognised that not enough talented young people are choosing careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). The 1851 Trust challenge perceptions and excite young people about STEM through their high-quality education programmes. Programmes like www.stemcrew.co.uk, which is used by over 1,500 teachers and 85,000 students in classrooms across the UK, showcases the cutting-edge innovation and aspirational role models behind the British Challenge for the America's Cup.
The 1851 Trust will be raising money during Lendy Cowes Week which will enable them to reach more young people who would not usually get the opportunity to try sailing. They will be running fundraising activities throughout the week, from family games on The Parade to prize draws for Cowes Week competitors. In the run-up to Cowes Week competitors can offer their support to the 1851 Trust by adding a donation to their regatta registration.
Add St Barths To Your Bucket List
The St Barths Bucket has a placeholder on many calendars within the North Sails network. This annual superyacht regatta is a 'must do' for more than just its tropical location. The Bucket is considered one of the most Corinthian events of the superyacht circuit, mixing great sailing with a casual vibe that is enjoyed by owners, their guests and the crew who help sail these modern superyachts.
Taking our cue from the event, North Sails is onsite (and onboard) to make sure all 36 yachts taking part in the 2019 St Barths Bucket are race ready throughout the four-day event. Palma-based Superyacht expert, Quinny Houry will be sailing on Missy, an MM330. We called Quinny in advance of his trip to collect his thoughts on the 2019 event, and why, the Bucket has a place in Quinny's schedule since 2003.
The St Barths Bucket is the Corinthian Superyacht event of the modern era - a mix of owners, pro sailors and guests onboard all the boats. The owners are very comfortable to bring their boats because they're with friends. For the pro sailors, it's just an amazing place to be out on the water. The island lends itself to ideal superyachts racing, and also the infrastructure to support an event this size. Anybody who loves sailing, and gets an opportunity to do the event, should.
The Bucket is similar to a golf Pro-Am tournament because although there's competition, and you have some of the best sailors in the world, everyone on the water is having fun too. The most amazing thing about the racing is you'll have an America's Cup helmsman, and Olympic gold medalist sailing on your boat; it's the equivalent is being able to go around a Grand Prix track with Lewis Hamilton driving your car. Owners really see the potential of their boat, whereas when you're cruising it, you don't see the potential because you don't have world class sailors sailing it.
When I've sailed with Shirley Robertson, who's won two Olympic gold medals, and she's on the boat giving the debrief, the owner is sitting there listening to her give her views on the race you've just had and they really feel part of it. It is an amazingly unique event.
www.northsails.com/sailing/en/2019/03/2019-st-barths-bucket-preview
Video: Ships vs. Boats - How Close is Too Close?
When it comes to recreational boats and commercial ship traffic, separation is key. Some boaters, however, may not recognize the dangers of navigating close to a commercial ship. Two 30-second videos captured by a pilot at the helm of 600-plus-foot commercial vessels navigating on New York's Hudson River are aimed at educating recreational boaters on this risk and improving recreational boat safety.
In one of the videos, a recreational boat and personal watercraft cross directly under the bow of a 623-foot bulk carrier underway near the waterway's Bear Mountain Bridge, then disappear out of view from the ship's helm for more than 7 seconds - plenty of time to put the boaters and their passengers at risk.
The videos can be found at: bit.ly/2BniCUn
"In both of these situations, all it would take is an engine failure, striking a submerged object, or any other momentary propulsion or mechanical failure to put these recreational vessels on a collision course with a ship, which has restricted ability to maneuver and may take a half mile or more to come to a complete stop," said BoatUS Public Affairs Vice President Scott Croft. "We hope the videos will educate boaters on the need to give ship traffic a wide berth and to always avoid passing under a bow."
For more information on safe boat operation and ships, go to BoatUS.org/rulesoftheroad.
The videos were done in partnership with the Hudson River Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee (HRSNOC), Hudson River Pilots Association, and the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. BoatUS is a member of HRSNOC whose goal is to create cooperation among Hudson River waterway users and communities to seek out non-regulatory solutions to operational challenges and minimize environmental and safety risks.
Launchings
Sodebo Ultim 3 arrives in home port La Trinite-sur-Mer
The 32m long by 23m wide trimaran was launched at Vannes Multiplast Yard in Morbihan two weeks ago.
Incredibly, Thomas Coville's new Trimaran is flying from the front, not the rear. The Cockpit is at the front of the Sailboat, in front of the mast.
Sodebo Ultim 3 left the site at Vannes, France, after 18 months of construction in the Multiplast hanger.
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Zelanian shipyard Yachting Developments has relaunched a 24,4-metre maxi racing yacht Lion New Zealand (built in 1985) in Auckland, after a fundamental two-year refit. The latter has cost the company $ 1,000,000 and included structural renovation and installation of new marine equipment.
The yacht has undergone extensive refit resulting in a new mast, keel and boom, along with new deck winches, rigging, lighting and electronics. Her interior was completely upgraded, with new accommodation facilities, a reconfigured galley and forward area. In addition, Lion New Zealand has been fully repainted in her original colours and covered with antifouling. A new propeller with a propeller shaft and new Volvo engine were fitted alongside new navigation systems and plumbing.
According to Ian Cook, the refit work allowed to upgrade the yacht that had been in need for refit, and repurpose her for a new role. From now on, the yacht will serve ensuring sailing experience on the Hauraki Gulf for Zelanian youth and team building activities.
Lion New Zealand was originally launched 34 years ago featuring design by Ron Holland, serving for Sir Peter Blake's attempt to win Whitbread Round The World Race in 1985/1986. Owned by the NZ Sailing Trust since 2008, Lion New Zealand is now conceived to host thousands of young New Zealanders on-board yearly.
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The hull of the first S/Y 42m E-volution has arrived in Viareggio from the Perini Navi yard at Yildiz in Turkey. Part of the series created by Perini Navi's in-house designers in collaboration with renowned American performance yacht specialists Reichel/Pugh, the yacht will be delivered in summer 2020.
As the first hull in the E-volution line, the 42m performance cruising yacht represents the beginning of an exciting new era for Perini Navi. Sloop-rigged, it is built from aluminium with a carbon-fibre mast, boom and rigging.
In terms of aesthetics, the crisp exterior styling by Franco Romani, Perini Navi's Style & Design Director, breaks with tradition, while the terraced aft deck introduces more space and improves functionality in addition to bringing guests into closer contact with the water.
The naval architecture and sail plan by Reichel/Pugh offer the ideal compromise between cruising comfort and performance. Equipped with a lifting keel, the yacht will be powerful and easy to handle.
Perini Navi currently has the largest number of over-40m sailing superyachts in build in the world. Its production plans span seven craft, four sailing and three motor. Specifically:
42m E-volution sailing yacht;
42m E-volution GTS sailing yacht;
47m E-volution sailing yacht;
60m Classic sailing yacht;
53m Voyager motoryacht;
56m Voyager motoryacht;
25m Eco-tender motoryacht.
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DOMANI YACHTS introduced its first Sportyacht S30 at the Dusseldorf Boat Show in January 2018, and immediately became a hit with the general public and the international press. DOMANI YACHTS is now the only true Belgian sailboat builder.
The first S30 Sportyachts were sold last year. DOMANI participated in the Dutch 'HISWA on the water' where the DOMANI S30 was nominated for the election "HISWA boat of the year" and the INTERBOOT show in Friedrichshafen, followed by test trips on Lake Constance in Germany where the conditions were just astonishing; friendly sailors, wind, sun and the unique Alps in the background.
The DOMANI S30 offers sportiness, luxury and design in one elegant boat. This way the Sportyacht brings the ultimate sailing experience within reach.
Due to the compact dimensions and light weight, the DOMANI S30 can also be perfectly trailered to the water of your wishes. Ideal for a relaxing or sporty day or weekend sailing.
For more information or an appointment, contact: , +32 473 662 014.
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Dehler 30 OD
After two years of intensive research, design and development, the Dehler 30 od became a perfect product for the new generation of sailors adopting the challenge of double handed offshore racing.
In tradition of Sprinta Sport and DB1, Dehler Yachts presents a new offshore one-design class, focusing on double-handed long distance racing.
Dehler Yachts starts a new chapter in its more than 50 years of history:
Type: Offshore One Design
Total loa: 10.22 m
Floating length: 9.00 m
Beam: 3.25 m
Draft: 2.20 m
Displacement: 2.500 Kg.
Ballast: 900 Kg.
Furling Jib: 27.50 m2
Main: 31.0 m2
syiberica.com/en/yates/dehler-30-od/
Featured Brokerage
2014 Azuree 46 - ROSHINI. 335000 USD. Located in Antigua.
Great looking performance cruising yacht from the board of Humphreys Yacht Design - she is fast! This Azuree 46 is set up for easy, shorthanded, long distance sailing, she has cruised both the Mediterranean and Caribbean, with a passage time across the Atlantic of only 16 days. She has 3 comfortable sleeping cabins with a light, airy saloon and comfortable and inviting cockpit.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Ben Cooper
Telephone: +44(0) 1590 679222
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2018 JPK 1180 - "Sunrise". 350000 GBP. Located in UK.
A VERY unique opportunity! Ancasta Race Boats are happy to inform you that the 2018 JPK 1180 "Sunrise" is now for sale. Incredible opportunity of securing one of these boats now, rather than joining the near 2 year waiting list for a new build! An 11.80 just won the RMSR overall - potential is H
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
+64 277733717
+44 2380 016582
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2018 Grand Soleil 34 185,000 tax not paid EUR. Located in Cowes, Isle of Wight.
A re-styling of the original Grand Soleil 34, the Skyron designed 2018 model is a sleek performance cruiser.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Key Yachting Ltd
44 (0)2380 455669
www.keyyachting.com
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
No Friday Issue, back on Monday
Your humble narrator goes under the knife (albeit for only about 10 minutes) for cataract surgery early Thursday morning. Phones and tablets all charged, audio books and podcasts lined up and waiting. And a pair of those dark black wrap around "old man" sunglasses that put 10 years on anyone who dons them. A quiet few days, a reinvigorated return on Monday.
The Last Word
It turns out that an eerie type of chaos can lurk just behind a facade of order - and yet, deep inside the chaos lurks an even eerier type of order. -- Douglas R. Hofstadter
Editorial and letter submissions to
Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html