In This Issue
• Worlds Apart
• America's Cup: 'Foiling is the future, we must not return to the past'
• Exciting career opportunities
• Shirley Robertson previews the Prada Cup with the three Challengers of the 36th America's Cup
• One Week To Go - Rolex Fastnet Race Entry Opens
• Displacement
• What does new lockdown mean for sailing in England?
• Yacht IDA sails once more
• Jeremy Pudney
• Simon 'Fumesy' Russell
• Letters to the Editor
• Featured Charter: Swan 80 - Umiko
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Botin TP52 - Interlodge VI
• • GER 5500 “Broader View Hamburg”
• • Ridas 37 ORC Racer
• The Last Word: Douglas Adams

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

Worlds Apart
Rested and fully energised in beautiful sunshine, climbing north up the South Atlantic, the mercury rising and sailing in a moderate breeze, Vendée Globe leader Yannick Bestaven's strategic choices may prove better than his off key rendition of a Jonny Hallyday classic, but with a margin of over 170 miles - and at times peaking at over 20 knots earlier today, the 48 year old skipper of Maître Coq IV had every reason to be in full voice in a video he sent today.

The weather modelling is quite unreliable where the race leaders are - as they proved on the descent of the Atlantic some five weeks ago - but there seems to be a chance that Bestaven might be able to wriggle out of a high pressure system and escape from his pursuers on a small depression which would sling shot him north. The next 48 hours will be key.

At the same time as Bestaven was lapping up the sunshine, enjoying the benefits of leading the fleet into escalating temperatures, 750 nautical miles behind Germany's Boris Herrmann was wrestling with some of the toughest moments of his race on SeaExplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco. At some 150 miles from his fourth racing rounding of the Cape, Herrmann tore the leech of his mainsail and so had to sail all the way past the horn only under his J3 - small headsail, dropping to be 10th at the Cape, the passage of which, he reported later, he hardly noticed in the 40-45 knots winds.

Top ten at 04 Jan. 2021 - 21h (UTC)

1. Yannick Bestaven - Maitre CoQ IV, 6082.45 nm to finish
2. Charlie Dalin - APIVIA, 193.58 nm to leader
3. Thomas Ruyant - LinkedOut, 329.05 nm
4. Damien Seguin - GROUPE APICIL, 357.67 nm
5. Louis Burton - Valley 2 Office, 549.87 nm
6. Benjamin Dutreux - OMIA - WATER FAMILY, 549.98 nm
7. Jean Le Cam - Yes We Cam!, 671.32 nm
8. Giancarlo Pedote - Prysmian Group, 719.48 nm
9. Maxime Sorel - V and B-MAYENNE, 726.15 nm
10. Isabelle Joschke, MACDF, 775.34 nm

Tracker

America's Cup: 'Foiling is the future, we must not return to the past'
One of the most enduring and respected figures in the America's Cup has hit back at critics of the current boats, insisting foiling is the future and there must be no return to the sluggish monohulls of the past.

Frenchman Bruno Trouble, who has been around the Cup scene for 43 years as a sailor and administrator, has been captivated by the current 75-foot monohulls. He says sport's oldest contest must evolve with the times.

He has penned a column for yachting website Scuttlebutt, damning plans revealed by the New York Yacht Club and backed by some leading Italian Cup personalities, of a return to 80-100 foot displacement monohulls.

While there might be uncertainty about the AC75 boat, I have no doubt they will deliver a tremendous platform for racing. This is where we are, and we will never return to slow and lovely monohulls without branding! The world has changed and it is now all about speed ... SPEED!" Trouble wrote for Scuttlebutt.

www.stuff.co.nz/sport/americas-cup/

www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2021/01/02/rubbing-the-crystal-ball/

Exciting career opportunities
A+T is the rapidly growing manufacturer of high performance and beautifully engineered instruments for the superyacht and racing markets, see www.AandTinstruments.com.

We have continued to expand through the Covid period and are looking to build our sales and marketing team with two senior positions:-

Technical Support and Sales; a good technical grasp of marine electronics and good knowledge of superyachts and race yachts is needed, with opportunities to visit and sail at major regattas world-wide.

Sales manager; to expand our now well established footprint on over 400 superyacht and raceboats to the wider market of refit yards, brokers, new-build yards and electronics dealers. Some sales experience and knowledge of the market necessary, such as ex yacht broker, but not deep technical understanding.

Based primarily from Lymington, UK, these both offer competive salaries and the chance quickly to build senior management roles in an innovative and growing marine company.

Please contact . Please also pass on to anyone you know who might be interested.

Shirley Robertson previews the Prada Cup with the three Challengers of the 36th America's Cup
With the eyes of the sailing world focused firmly on the waters of Auckland, Shirley Robertson is in New Zealand to preview the Challenger Selection Series for the 36th America's Cup.

Pre-Christmas racing is now over, so this month's two part edition of Shirley Robertson's Sailing Podcast looks forward to the next instalment of America's Cup racing, the Prada Cup. In Part 1 of this Edition, Robertson talks to her fellow Broadcast Commentators at the Cup, as Kenny Read and Nathan Outteridge discuss all they have seen in the World Series racing to date, and weigh up the strengths of each of the three Challengers as the Prada Cup draws near. The trio dissect the performance of the three teams to date, look at where each team may be able to improve and discuss some of the design differences apparent in each of the Challenger set ups.

In Part 2 of this month's Edition, Robertson then sits down with three key players from the Challengers themselves, kicking things off with American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson. The only team to have beaten all three of the other teams in the December racing here in Auckland, American Magic put in a solid performance pre Christmas, although Hutchinson was quick to point out that they still didn't win the regatta. He did however reveal how happy the team were to be back out on the water mixing it up with their rivals...:

This edition of the podcast is in two parts and is available to listen to via the podcast page of Shirley's own website, at www.shirleyrobertson.com/podcast or via most popular podcast outlets, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcast and aCast. The podcast is produced and written by Tim Butt - for further enquires, please contact

One Week To Go - Rolex Fastnet Race Entry Opens

One Week To Go - Rolex Fastnet Race Entry Opens Registration for the 49th Rolex Fastnet Race begins at 1000 UTC on Tuesday 12th January 2021.

Enter the race HERE

Read the Guide for Entrants

Register your boat on SailGate now before entries open: rorc.sailgate.com to avoid delay

Get ready to register on 12 January 2021 @ 1000hrs GMT

The RORC Race Team are here to help: www.rolexfastnetrace.com

Displacement
With the greatest respect to the venerable denizens of the New York Yacht Club and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, I disagree with their desire to put the AC boats back in the water. I think this kills the Cup stone-dead. It would take it from the pinnacle to 'just another regatta' on the circuit and despite their vision that the boats would be magnificent at 80-100 feet, again I just don't see it.

Personally I think these AC75's have the wow factor and now that we can see that they are not just master-blasters but boats that can actually race against each other, my view is that there is no going back. And more, I gauge engagement by the reactions of non-sailing friends and even family members who just marvel at these things. They are click-bait for the modern generation and do more than just fine for the purists.

I want to see top level sport being something that requires professionals at the very peak of their athleticism. In sailing I want to see something that astounds me with speeds that I haven't even hit in a motor boat. How many of us have actually been 50 knots? Downwind, downhill on the Col de Madone on my bike with my heart in my mouth maybe, but on water? That's awesome.

The full hand grenade from Magnus at rule69blog.wordpress.com/

What does new lockdown mean for sailing in England?
The Government has issued new guidance for the national lockdown in England, which comes into force today Tuesday, 5th January 2021. Meanwhile residents of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also facing new, or extended restrictions.

Guidance for the devolved administrations differs, and it is vital that members and affiliates familiarise themselves with the regulations in force in their area, as well as conducting their own risk assessment.

The new guidance in England states that you must not leave, or be outside of your home except for a limited number of specific circumstances. The latest guidance states that:

- Outdoor exercise is still permitted, with your household or bubble, or with one person from another household as long as social distancing is observed:

- It should be limited to once per day
- You can only leave your home to exercise, not for the purposes of recreation or leisure (e.g. a picnic or a social meeting)
- You should not travel outside your local area, unless to travel a short distance for exercise
- All outdoor sports clubs, centres, venues and facilities will need to close, alongside indoor facilities
- Elite sports, and organised activity for people with disabilities, can continue
- Further detail expected this week

www.sailingtoday.co.uk/news

Yacht IDA sails once more
Click on image to enlarge.

Designer // Charles Bailey Jnr // Builder // C & W Bailey // Launched // 1895
LOA including spars 58ft // LOD 46ft // LWL 30ft // Beam 8ft // Draft 6ft 6ins
Ballast // 3 tons of lead in keel // Sail Number A11 // Boom 33ft //Mast Oregon
Hull refastened and splined in the early 1990's

Ida was for sale as the current owners Jerry Brookman and Catherine Shirley had reached a point where, due to Jerry's ill health, they were unable to complete the planned deck restoration nor maintain her to the standard they previously took pride in. Jerry and Catherine had owned Ida for 20 years, the first 10 years of which they raced her in the classic yacht races on Sydney Harbour with the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club at Mosman Bay and the Balmain Sailing Club, where she won hands down.

Wayne Olsen's assessment was that, while the hull appears sound, being triple skinned kauri, it is unclear what will be found once the inner layer is pealed back. She is in poor condition with much of the rest of the boat needing replacement. A previous owner to Jerry and Catherine had applied a fibreglass skin to the deck which had cracked and allowed rot to set in.

John shipped Ida to New Zealand in December 2018 where her restoration commenced in January 2019 in Horizon Boats shed in Stillwater under the skilful hands of Wayne Olsen and Mike Smith. Wayne learned his craft under Chris Robertson (and was Chris's last apprentice according to Chris's son Martin) and has spent a life time building wooden boats up to 100ft and completed restoration work and maintenance on other CYCT boats including Thelma, Waitangi, Frances and Gloriana.

forum.southernwoodenboatsailing.com

Jeremy Pudney
World Sailing is sad to report the passing of Jeremy Pudney (GBR), former Council Member and Committee Chairman, at the age of 82 on 14 December 2020.

Jeremy, affectionately known as "Pud," was an International Sailing Federation (ISAF), now World Sailing, Council Member and Chairman of the International Classes Committee from November 1994 to November 2000.

He was also the former Chairman of the International 14 Class World Council, where he was deeply involved in re-uniting the various national 14 development Classes into a unified International 14 Class.

A member of Itchenor Sailing Club since 1964, Jeremy was an active sailor in the Int 14 Class until the 1990s and, along with his crew Richard Fleck, won numerous titles in the 1970s. He drove through the adoption of the second trapeze and later, as World Secretary, the amalgamation with the Australian 14ft Skiff class, and the rule changes producing the 14 we see today.

In later years, when helming from the trapeze became too much, Jeremy commissioned two Phil Morrison dayboat trimarans for sailing in Chichester Harbour; the second fitted with hydrofoils. As well as the Int 14 Class, Jeremy was also very involved with the Mirror Dinghy Class Association.

"Pud" had his coffin painted in the same colour as his boats, complete with the red stripe, and all the pallbearers wore the same red neckerchiefs as he used to wear. Following a family service at Itchenor Church, Jeremy's coffin was delivered by boat from ISC to Chichester with buglers playing the last post.

World Sailing sends its condolences to Jeremy's wife Mary; sons Jonathan and Jack; daughters Jessica and Megan; and six grandchildren.

www.sailing.org/news/90663.php#.X_UND-lKiuo

Simon 'Fumesy' Russell
It is with a very heavy heart that we pass on the below note received earlier today.

It is with great sadness to share the news of the sudden passing of my brother Simon 'Fumesy' Russell this morning. Simon was much loved by his family, his girls and Audrey and a great many friends in the sailing and motorcar world. We are all absolutely devastated and in shock. He will be missed always and in our hearts. Sail on Fumesy.

He will be missed sorely within the class. The class passes on its deepest sympathies to the family and will pass on any messages of condolences received.

Simon Russell had over 25 years of experience in the marine business and his move to Sportsboat World came after 11 years as Corporate Sales Manager at sailing apparel brand, MUSTO, where he focused on growing the team sales business. Before that, Simon spent ten years at Jack Holt Ltd as a Technical Sales Manager in the dinghy and keelboat hardware division.

Editor: Fumesy died of Covid a mere four days after being diagnosed.

Letters To The Editor -
Letters are limited to 350 words. No personal attacks are permitted. We do require your name but your email address will not be published without your permission.

* From Jock Wishart: re: Unfair to Scots

Aah yes. Well remembered from my youth was the example of Jim Clark the legendary Formula 1 driver who sadly died on the circuit. Whenever Jim won a Grand Prix he was the great British driver but whenever he lost he was the Scottish driver!!

Sad but true!

* From Euan Ross:

'Made in Scotland from Girders' - with apologies to the excellent Iron Bru: With reference to Alistair Skinner's letter concerning Charles Barr, I did a fair bit of research on the Barr brothers for 'Highland Cowes, a History of Sailing in Scotland', and there seems to be some entrenched confusion about Charlie's career and whether or not he sailed aboard Thistle. I am more inclined to believe the written accounts at the time of his death in 1911. The Yachtsman said this in an extensive eulogy covering three full pages:

"Capt. Barr was believed by many to be a Yankee: but, as a matter of fact, he was a Gourock man, coming from a typical Scottish sailor family. His elder brother, John, also went to America and took command of the Thistle, which raced against the Yankee cutter Volunteer in 1887.

At this time Charlie Barr was gaining experience on the Clyde, where he gave the first glimpse of his ability in several sailing craft. In 1889 he left the Clyde in the famous Fife-designed 40-footer Minerva, which swept the board in her class. The Americans were impressed with the design of Minerva and subsequently, the Herreshoff-designed Gloriana came out, Barr having charge of her."

As for Scotland's claims on the man, these are of course fair enough. But at the risk of offending my many friends 'Up North', in comparison to every other sailing nation that I am familiar with, most Scots appear to care little for their yacht heritage. It is, I'm afraid, one of these 'use it or lose it' situations.

Featured Charter
Swan 80 - Umiko

The Swan 80 was designed by German Frers and is recognised around the world as one of the greatest performance cruising yachts ever conceived – an iconic yacht that offers exhilarating sailing whilst not compromising on comfort and luxury.

Umiko was built in 2000 by Nautor’s Swan. She has been continually maintained and has had numerous upgrades throughout her life.

In 2017 she underwent a refit including a full paint job, extensive servicing on all moving equipment, new OYS rigging and the addition of latest generation navigation equipment. Umiko is equally as comfortable on the racetrack as she is cruising.

See listing details in Seahorse Charters

Contact
Lucy Jackson - LV Yachting
Call: +44 2392 161272
Email:

See the the Seahorse charter collection

Featured Brokerage
2015 Botin TP52 - INTERLODGE VI. POA. Located in Michigan, USA.

Top of the range IRC yacht. Ex Bronenosec and sistership to the 2015 all-conquering AZZURA. INTERLODGE VI is in perfect condition and ready to win in any regatta. Tiller and wheel steering, she is ripe for coastal racing honours.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
Berthon Yacht Sales
Tel: 0044 (0)1590 679 222
E-Mail:

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GER 5500 “Broader View Hamburg”. 155,000 EUR. Located in Kiel Germany

GER 5500 “Broader View Hamburg” is available for sale - located Kiel Germany

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact

+49 40 89709560

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2018 Ridas 37 ORC Racer. 275000 EUR. Located in Tallinn, Estonia.

Designed in Italian by the master of ORC – Maurizio Cossutti and constructed in Scandinavia by Ridas, LOREIDA is a ‘blank cheque’ ORC racer, barely out of her wrapped and with enormous potential to win the biggest of regattas.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Jonas Renlund - Grabau international ( Scandinavia)
Tel: +358 408098688
Email:

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

The Last Word
The fact that we live at the bottom of a deep gravity well, on the surface of a gas covered planet going around a nuclear fireball 90 million miles away and think this to be normal is obviously some indication of how skewed our perspective tends to be. -- Douglas Adams

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