In This Issue
• A Drag Race To Recife... And Beyond!
• Rayon Vert over halfway in RORC Transatlantic Race
• Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
• Don't Miss "The Cup Experience," AC36 Pre-Race Show 1
• PJ Montgomery reveals Team New Zealand have 'more good stuff'
• Webinar: Three men and their boats
• 2021 RORC Caribbean 600 is cancelled
• Royal Western Yacht Club Entry now open for the Plymouth Lonely Rock Race
• Industry News
• Featured Charter: Pata Negra - Marc Lombard IRC 46
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Ice Yachts ICECAT 61
• • Spirit 46 ILHABELA II
• • Kinetic Catamarans - KC62
• The Last Word: H.L. Mencken
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
A Drag Race To Recife... And Beyond!
With nothing more than a handful of small miles separating them, the leaders of the Vendée Globe are engaged on a straight head-to-head speed test which may yet prove decisive, and which may finally show the ultimate value of a fully functioning latest generation foil package.
In what is likely to be a close reaching then reaching drag race up the Brazilian coast past Recife, 600 miles to the north of leader Charlie Dalin (Apivia), the actual speed potential - the combination of a working foil and J2 headsail - could deliver the key advantage which might then be carried into a North Atlantic sprint finish that presently looks relatively fast and straightforward.
Dalin, from his position about 60 miles to the East of Yannick Bestaven, has managed to eke out a gain to be 10 miles ahead Maître Coq, sailing a faster angle with slightly more wind pressure. Louis Burton is holding steady in third at 23 miles behind.
In terms of the various packages Maître Coq has smaller less powerful foils as does Burton on Bureau Vallée 2. It is not completely clear if Dalin's port side foil is compromised because of his repair to the box bearing. In fourth Thomas Ruyant has a truncated foil and lacks power. And already sixth place Boris Herrmann with big, new generation foils fitted to his 2016-17 boat is pulling back miles on Damien Seguin's Groupe APICIL, first daggerboard boat which is tracking furthest to the East.
Top ten at14 Jan 2021 - 04h (UTC)
1. Charlie Dalin - APIVIA, 4210.41 nm to finish
2. Louis Burton - Valley 2 Office, 19.19 nm to leader
3. Yannick Bestaven - Maitre CoQ IV, 37.56 nm to leader
4. Thomas Ruyant - LinkedOut, 44.53 nm
5. Damien Seguin - GROUPE APICIL, 58.42 nm
6. Boris Herrmann - SEAEXPLORER - Yacht Club De Monaco, 95.62 nm
7. Benjamin Dutreux - OMIA - WATER FAMILY, 134.37 nm
8. Giancarlo Pedote - Prysmian Group, 174.5 nm
9. Jean Le Cam - Yes We Cam!, 183.49 nm
10. Maxime Sorel - V and B-MAYENNE, 434.08 nm
Rayon Vert over halfway in RORC Transatlantic Race
On the fifth day of the RORC Transatlantic Race all of the competing yachts are fully offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. Life on board will have found a rhythm to the corkscrew motion of surfing downwind for days on end. Oren Nataf's Multi50 Trimaran Rayon Vert, skippered by Alex Pella is leading the fleet and they will be celebrating having crossed the halfway mark in the 2,735-mile race from Lanzarote to the Caribbean. Rayon Vert's skipper Pella is very much at home in the Atlantic. The Spaniard has won both the Route du Rhum and the Transat Jacques Vabre.
Olivier Magre's Class40 Palanad 3 is the leading monohull, 18 miles ahead of Johannes Schwarz's Volvo 70 Green Dragon. The leading boats in the RORC Transatlantic Race are hundreds of miles south of the rhumb line. High pressure has pushed the ENE trade winds further south and the front runners have raced the additional miles to hook into the bigger breeze to maximise their velocity made good (VMG).
Third in the monohulls is Antoine Carpentier's Class40 Redman; currently 114 miles behind Palanad 3 when they contacted the RORC Race Team: "Everything is going well. We have solved a problem with our starboard rudder and everything is working normally. We spent most of the nights gybing and changing sails. Now the weather is better- it's a good time to get back in the kitchen."
The performance cruisers racing in IRC are positioned further north. For these boats the strategy for maximizing VMG has produced a different tactic. Racing further south does not improve their speed enough to warrant the extra miles. Benedikt Clauberg's First 47.7 Kali and Sebastien Saulnier's Sun Fast 3300 Moshimoshi maybe over 100 miles apart on the water, but they are both approximately 2,000 miles from the finish.
As previously reported, the IRC56 Black Pearl retired on January 10th. Black Pearl's bowsprit had broken just west of the Canary Islands. The crew sailed back to Lanzarote unassisted, arriving on January 12th. The team are disappointed, but safely ashore and received a warm welcome from Marina Puerto Calero. -- Louay Habib
http://rorctransatlantic.rorc.org
Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
Voting continues after we announced the top ten... we're now picking 2020's best bar. Two notes today from readers concerning a very unusual clubhouse... the Columbia Yacht Club which is housed aboard the MV Abegweit, an icebreaking railway, vehicle, and passenger ferry which operated across the Abegweit Passage of Northumberland Strait, connecting Port Borden to Cape Tormentine between 1947 and 1982.
* Just a note on why Columbia should be the BEST.
Besides the variety of specialty drinks, beer club, bar dining at a very high - chef gourmet scale, from bar the views of lake Michigan - the Chicago skyline during the day and so romantic and fun at night - especially with sail boats coming in from racing or cruising. What more could you ask for entertainment - trivia night - bar events beside the menu changes and over the top seasonal items offered in the bar. This is not a snotty bar. This is a bar where everyone feels comfortable and makes a effort to know your name as a guest or a member. The staff is over the top with their service and our manager ensures changes in beverage options as well as weighs in on the food and beverage pairings.
Not much more to say Columbia Yacht Club has it all working even in the Covid 19 pandemic with carry out items to meet everyones needs.
This is all under the Chicago restrictions and keeping us well entertained and fed.
* Greetings from Chicago!
We are very fortunate to have what I believe to be the best sailors bar at the Columbia Yacht Club onboard club ship M/V Abegweit, and I'm so happy to hear you're considering it for your competition!
It's the type of place where it's equally appropriate to meet friends and family for a lively celebration, or to go alone on a weeknight to read a book and drink a pint. I've done both many times! The staff are second to none, and the ambiance is fitting of the ship's impressive history. I love the bar at Columbia and would put it up against any in the world!
VOTE for the the best bar: eurosailnews.com/sailors-bars
Don't Miss "The Cup Experience," AC36 Pre-Race Show 1
America's Cup commentator Tucker Thompson and Cupexperience.com's Jack Griffin host "The Cup Experience" pre-race show #1 with Mount Gay Rum & Pellini Coffee (formerly "The MAGIC Show") detailing all of AC36.
In the US, beginning January 14th, shows will broadcast online by 8:00pm EST on every Prada Cup and AC36 race day.
Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Facebook
PJ Montgomery reveals Team New Zealand have 'more good stuff'
The "voice of the America's Cup" PJ Montgomery has warned challengers that Defender Team New Zealand have plenty up their sleeve on the eve of the Prada Cup.
Montgomery, who has become synonymous with the Auld Mug since delivering his live commentary of the event involving a New Zealand boat in 1986, also predicts the Kiwi syndicate will face stiff competition in the America's Cup match in March.
The challengers - American Magic, Luna Rossa and Ineos Team UK - will face off from tomorrow for the right to challenge TNZ in the Cup match in March and according to Montgomery, will be vastly improved thanks to a number of changes made since the World Series in December.
"These are significant changes, too. They've made changes to a variety of things from their foils to the sails to all sorts of other things in the way these boats are set up. And they've had to - because they are now playing for keeps," said Montgomery.
www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/americas-cup-2021
Webinar: Three men and their boats
If you are a dedicated yachtsman, you will not want to miss this fun and entertaining show!
We are sure most of you will have been following the exciting Vendee Globe single-handed around the world race, currently just rounding Cape Horn. Maybe you saw the amazing rescue of Kevin Escoffier just South of Cape Town when his boat broke in half! This event gave birth to the idea of bringing together three legends of ocean racing who will not only relive their close encounters but also tell amusing stories never before aired in front of a live audience.
Prepare yourself for this hour of fun entertainment. The event will be introduced by Colin Squire and hosted by David Abromowitz who will be seated with these three awesome sailors in Cape Town as they recount their death-defying ocean adventures, plus a few unpublished tails that will bring a smile to your face. All three have great stories to tell.
The Ullman Sails sponsored webinar will take place on Thursday the 14th of January 2021 at 17.00 hrs GMT, (Europe 18.00 hrs, South Africa 19.00 hrs, EST in the USA 13.00, and in NZ 06:00). You need to register with Quicket to have access via Zoom and the cost is R200 per person (around 11 Euro or 13.5 USD). All money raised is in aid of The Marine Inspirations Charity which promotes young aspiring navigators from disadvantaged backgrounds.
2021 RORC Caribbean 600 is cancelled
After much discussion internally and after consultation with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, it was decided that the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) had no option but to cancel the RORC Caribbean 600 due to take place in February.
The escalation in the spread of the new strain of COVID-19 in Europe, the state of lockdown in the UK and concern that a large number of sailors travelling to Antigua could transmit the virus to the Island were all taken into consideration when making this decision. The safety of the population of Antigua, competitors, local volunteers and RORC staff is paramount and the committee felt that this could be compromised if the race was run.
The Royal Ocean Racing Club would like to thank the Antigua and Barbuda Government for their co-operation and support and looks forward to organising the 2022 RORC Caribbean 600, which is scheduled to start on February 21, 2022. -- Louay Habib
Royal Western Yacht Club Entry now open for the Plymouth Lonely Rock Race
The Royal Western Yacht Club is delighted announce that the entry process is now open for the Plymouth Lonely Rock Race 2021.
Following numerous requests for this race to be formed, the PLR will start and finish in Plymouth, rounding the Fastnet Rock to port and leaving the Isles of Scilly to port on the return.
The 508-mile course, 100 miles shorter than the original Fastnet Racecourse will also be the highest-ranking points race for the new, Southwest offshore Group Series (SOGS). Classes will be offered for IRC & MOCRA. Cruiser and one design classes can be accepted. Options on crew numbers are solo, double handed, ½ IRC crew number as well as full crew.
Expect some great prizes as race partners include B&G, Spectra, Trek n Eat, Forestia, Teamo and Ullman Sails amongst other marine market leading brands.
A strong entry is expected for the race, particularly as the start and finish is from the same port. COVID management will be much easier and for the UK entrants the city has the main railway line for those needing to get home quickly.
Please go to rwyc.org/plymouth-lonely-rock-race/ and scroll down for Notice 0f Race and entry forms.
The entry will be limited to the first 70 boats.
Industry News
Cowes Week Limited (CWL) is thrilled to announce that it has been selected by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to participate in the 5G Test and Create project.
With £825,000 DCMS funding as part of 5G Create - a government-backed competition exploring how 5G can improve people's lives and help the UK build back better from the pandemic - Cowes Week Ltd and its partners, aql and the 1851 Trust will deliver the Connected Cowes 5G Project and showcase its capabilities at the Cowes Week regatta in the first week of August 2021.
A virtual reality lounge on the Parade in Cowes will enable spectators to don headsets and be transported out to one of the 50 boats, literally seeing exactly what's going on right across the Solent.
The new Cowes Week Spectator App will bring all of this technology directly to spectators both here in the UK and around the world, further enhancing Cowes Week's global reach as one of the most famous sailing regattas in the world. Race organisers will use the new technology to enhance their race management capabilities and with 700 boats circulating on 42 different race courses every day that is an enormous challenge in its own right.
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Moore sailboat production is moving. In wake of the property owners' decision not to renew the lease, Moore Sailboats Inc. will move production of the all-new Alan Andrews-designed Moore 33 to Riverside County, East of Los Angeles, under the direction of Blaine Rorick. After three decades of boat-building success here, Ron Moore will move all Moore 24 business to Richmond while his day-to-day operations of Moore Sailboats will relocate locally.
Moore will remain on board to oversee the Moore 33 project while Javier Ruiz, his foreman of 20 years, will move to Southern California as production manager of the anticipated mid-sized racer.
Last September, Rorick, a long-time competitive sailor, and consummate businessman announced the formation of Moore Sailboats Inc. and plans to produce a high-quality, 33-foot trailerable racer focused on performance. With Andrews' record of designing a multitude of record-setting and race-winning sailboats, it's projected that the Moore 33 will be as fast as it is good-looking.
Even with the unanticipated changes, plans are moving forward and delivery of the hull and deck molds are expected in February.
For those who want to be first to reserve their boat, the company will be taking deposits for pre-production orders upon receipt of the molds next month.
Contact: Blaine Rorick, President, Moore Sailboats, Inc. (909) 667-0123 or
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The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) has released the latest edition of its Recreational Boating Industry Statistics.
The 2019 ICOMIA Statistics Book provides a wealth of industry intelligence in one useful reference document. This year has been unprecedented, and although the book features data from 2019, extensive work has been put into the market overview to highlight the impact of Covid-19 on the industry in 15 countries following interviews conducted with leading Marine Industry Associations around the world.
This of course is a snapshot (as of October 2020), with the industry sentiment changing and adapting to customer demand, state of lockdowns (and the ability to manufacture) per country, as well as the ability to hold much-needed boat shows.
Highlights this year also include new data on the number of charter businesses across different countries and more detailed data on boating facilities provided by members of the ICOMIA Marinas Group, including the number of berths, slips, moorings and any other boat storage alternatives present in marinas in 24 countries.
To view sample pages or order your electronic copy, go to the ICOMIA Library section of the website.
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Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Hall as new CEO. Mr Hall will start on 1st February 2021 with a planned CEO handover date following the Board meeting on 26th February.
Mr Hall will be moving to the Island with his family to immerse himself in the new role, replacing Capt. Stuart Mcintosh who announced in the autumn of 2020 his intention to retire after over 20 years in the role of Harbour Master and CEO. The Board of Commissioners had previously decided to split his combined role into two separate roles, that of Harbour Master, with responsibility for safety and security of the Trust Port and the new separate CEO role to manage the commercial side of the port. Deputy Harbour Master Marine Services Ed Walker will be promoted to the new Harbour Master role on 1st February, ready for Mr Hall's arrival.
Mr Hall has more than 20 years of experience in the aircraft and airports industry with over 10 years managing the commercial operations of a number of airports and a further 10 years as Chief Executive of Culture Coventry, amongst other roles. Specialising in innovation, organisational improvement, commercial results and a keen focus on people management and customer relations. His role with Culture Coventry particularly speaks of understanding the history and culture of a particular place whilst optimising innovation and growth.
www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk
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Ribcraft UK has been bought by UK entrepreneur Toby Adams for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition has been carried out with a view to supporting and giving a strong focus to the growing market of government, military and securities contracts with plans to expand the RIB manufacturer's facility.
Toby was introduced to Ribcraft in 2009 when co-founding global franchise, The Yellow Boats.
Ribcraft RIBs provided the platform for success in what has become a leading brand in the tourism sector.
Enjoying success in the industry and seeing a demand for more rigid inflatable boats, Toby invested in a Ribcraft license to manufacture in the United Arab Emirates and supply the increasing demand for Ribcraft boats across the Middle East.
Ribcraft UK will now help to support this growing business.
Ribcraft was founded in the late eighties and is based in Yeovil, Somerset.
The company builds RIBS from 4.2 to 18m, for leisure, commercial and military applications worldwide.
Featured Charter
Pata Negra - Marc Lombard IRC 46. Located in Caribbean / Northern Europe
Pata Negra is a prototype IRC 46 design by Marc Lombard and built by CSC Composites in 2016. Marc Lombard is renowned for designing some great offshore racing yachts, including IMOCA 60ʼs, Class 40ʼs and Mini’s. Pata Negra is a great example of this offshore pedigree and has a proven track record of podium results offshore including overall winner of the Round Britain Ireland 2018, 1st in class in the RORC Caribbean 600 2020 and 2nd in class in the Rolex Fastnet Race 2017.
See listing details in Seahorse Charters
Contact
Lucy Jackson - LV Yachting
Call: +44 (0) 20 3920 6261
Email:
See the the Seahorse charter collection
Featured Brokerage
2018 Ice Yachts ICECAT 61. 1290000 EUR. Located in Cannes, France.
Very lightly used and beautifully presented 2018 example of the carbon composite Ice Yachts ICECAT 61. Offering blistering cruising speeds, coupled with a stunning 3-cabin plus crew interior layout.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Lead broker: Matias Renlund - Grabau international (Scandinavia)
Tel: +358406861501
Email:
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2005 Spirit 46 ILHABELA II. 330000 EUR. Located in Frejus, France.
ILHABELA II has been totally refitted in 2018 by the original yard with a new teak deck, a completely new paint and varnishes (and a lot more!) to be presented at Dusseldorf Boat Show and has not been used since. The boat is in perfect condition.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
BERNARD GALLAY Yacht Brokerage
+33 (0)467 66 39 93
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Kinetic Catamarans - KC62. POA USD.
Pioneered for pleasure, Kinetic sets a new standard for luxury performance cruisers.
Each of our semi-custom catamarans is made to your exacting standards, combining comfortable, spacious living with power and grace. Even use your personal handheld device to monitor or control any number of functions on your vessel.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Kinetic Catamarans
USA Tel: +1 954 732 2836
Kinetic Catamarans
SA. Tel:+27 44 382 0439
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
The demagogue is one who preaches doctrines he knows to be untrue to men he knows to be idiots. -- H.L. Mencken
Editorial and letter submissions to
Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html