EuroSail News #4762 - 26 January
In This Issue
• Victory Is In The Balance
• Sustainability in the Vendee Globe
• Midnight Seeks Enthusiastic Capable Crew
• America's Cup 2021: Team New Zealand trial new foils amid Prada Cup racing
• Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
• Vendee Globe - Back To The Atlantic
• Red Diesel and the Validity of the Istanbul Convention of 1990
• Liberty Bitcoin Youth Foiling World Cup
• Blow Away the Cobwebs at the 25th Charleston Race Week
• WASZP European Championships headed for Norway!
• Featured Charter: Swan 80 - Umiko
• Featured Brokerage:
• • SY 'Sojana'
• • Soto 65 - 'Camiranga'
• • Pilot Classic 66
• The Last Word: James Randi
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
Victory Is In The Balance
Passing the latitude of Lisbon, Portugal this morning, Charlie Dalin is in control of a very tight three way fight at the moment, converging fast with Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée 2) who should be about 30 miles behind when they cross gybes. And Boris Herrmann (Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco) is some 37 miles behind Burton in third.
Clearly in these conditions and in to the finish, weather and sea conditions being close to forecast, Dalin's latest generation Verdier design with its big foil should be fastest and the 37 year old who grew up in Le Havre, France is the line honours favourite.
But he needs to be more than 10 hours and 15 minutes ahead of Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq IV) and six hours ahead of Herrmann, so every fraction of a knot that Dalin can find might prove vital, he has absolutely no latitude for small mistakes or failures during the next 48 hours to the finish line. Every mile gained just now at 19-20kts can compensate for a slower miles as the breeze eases closer to the finish line. In contrast Burton has been slower overnight making just 12-13kts while Herrmann has been around 15-17kts.
Bestaven is 232 miles behind him. Do the math. Right now that is just enough for Dalin whereas he needs time and distance on 'Der Schakal' - Herrmann - who right now has his time on the race leader, on Burton and also his time (net 4hrs 15mins or call it 90 miles) differential on Bestaven.
Right now the two key weather problems are a transition zone off Cape Finisterre and that the last miles into Les Sables d'Olonne will be lighter, maybe just 10-12kts.
The forecasts do seem to show more breeze coming in in the north and so this finish is very, very finely balanced, Bestaven's option may give him the extra wind he is seeking and the transition area is smoother offshore.
Top ten at 25 Jan 2021 - 21h (UTC)
1. Charlie Dalin - APIVIA, 595.51 nm to finish
2. Louis Burton - Valley 2 Office, 46.46 nm to leader
3. Boris Herrmann - SEAEXPLORER - Yacht Club De Monaco, 75.25 nm
4. Thomas Ruyant - LinkedOut, 249.77 nm
5. Yannick Bestaven - Maitre CoQ IV, 304.15 nm
6. Damien Seguin - GROUPE APICIL, 371.32 nm
7. Giancarlo Pedote - Prysmian Group, 408.7 nm
8. Jean Le Cam - Yes We Cam!, 563.9 nm
9. Benjamin Dutreux - OMIA - WATER FAMILY, 739.53 nm
10. Maxime Sorel - V and B-MAYENNE, 962.03 nm
Sustainability in the Vendee Globe
Among the remaining contenders, Boris Herrmann's boat has the most integrated solar system.
Seaexplorer - Yacht Club de Monaco is equipped with a 1249 Wp photovoltaic plant, designed by the Italian company Solbian, that weighs only 24,5 kg (including the adhesive). Between hydro generators and solar panels, the boat solely relies on renewables which translates in less weight to be carried onboard, a key aspect in terms of performance during the race.
From an ecological point of view, Seaexplorer is about to conclude the race without using any fossil fuel: a further demonstration of reliability from clean energy sources.
Currently in 20th place, the Spanish sailor Didac Costa has committed as well to sustainability, 780 Wp of Solbian solar panels are installed on One Planet One Ocean.
Costa is at his second Vendée Globe, he entered for the first time in the previous edition and although the many technical problems, he was able to cross the finish line and become the second Spanish yachtsman to complete the race.
Further down the ranking, the 25th place is occupied by Ari Huusela, the first sailor ever from the Nordic nations to race round solo. The Finnish airline pilot, on his IMOCA 60 Stark, rounded Cape Horn on January 25th, at 01.19 UTC, facing less than favourable conditions, as described by the sailor himself "It was not sailing but surviving".
Ari Huusela's boat has 390 Wp of solar panels onboard, made of back-contact monocrystalline silicon cells reaching a record 24% conversion of sunlight into electricity.
The first sailors are expected to cross the finish line in Les Sables - d'Olonne on 27th January 2021, but the final ranking will be determined by the Jury after assigning to Boris Herrmann, Yannick Bestaven and Jean Le Cam the time bonus for the rescue of Kevin Escoffier.
www.borisherrmannracing.com
www.vendeeglobe.org
Midnight Seeks Enthusiastic Capable Crew
Captain/Chef/Mate
The Oyster 82 Midnight will be back afloat Ipswich in April, refreshed and ready for passage to the Med, where the season will comprise a mix of charter and owner's use. She will then head for the Caribbean and on to Scotland and Ireland in '22.
Her owner, Oyster's founder, is a keen racer and part of Midnight's duties will be to provide regatta support for a vintage gaff cutter and a new IRC 52.
Crew with relevant experience are invited to email their CV in confidence. It may be possible to arrange interviews in Antigua up to 28 Jan, thereafter in the UK.
America's Cup 2021: Team New Zealand trial new foils amid Prada Cup racing
Team New Zealand have given fans a sneak peek of their latest America's Cup weapon - sleek new foils that would make the Defender much faster.
Pictures taken over the weekend of Te Rehutai being lifted from the water in Auckland's Wynyard Quarter revealed a brand-new set of foils that are noticeably narrower than what they have been using over the past months.
Team New Zealand won the America's Cup World Series last month using smaller and faster foils than the challengers - Ineos Team UK, American Magic and Luna Rossa - for the Auld Mug.
The new piece of hardware also features a "blended-foil" bulb design - resembling the latest generation kite foils, and according to AUT's sailing professor and Herald columnist Mark Orams, something the Kiwi syndicate has been trialling last week.
Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar
A see-saw voting battle underway between the Columbia Yacht Club and the Soggy Dollar has the Soggy Dollar ahead by about 400 votes, each now over 3000.
In praise of Columbia this note from J. M. Dorr:
I may be a bit biased because I belong to Columbia Yacht Club, but I truly believe we have one of the best bars on the planet! The atmosphere, the food and, of course, the DRINKS, are all amazing and truly made with love. My favorite is Braulio's Espresso Martini made with Absolut Vanilla, Kahlua, Dark Godiva, Cafe Ricard Espresso, and Coco Nibs. It's truly a treat! And of course, Braulio is the sweetest bartender on the planet so it compliments his personality perfectly.
And from Commodore Stu Friedman:
The best way to start describing the bar at Columbia is that, in addition to being a yacht club bar, it's a bar on a yacht. The Club's "house" is the MV Abegweit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Abegweit_(1947), a 372 foot ice-breaking rail, vehicle and passenger ferry that previously served the Northumberland Strait between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, Canada. At the time of her commissioning, "the Abby" was the most powerful icebreaker in the world. Now she rests in Chicago and is home to one of the best sailor bars in the world!
It's easier, cheaper, roomier and more climate controlled to have a post sail drink in a modern clubhouse. But it ain't as cool. Sure, the vintage brass fixtures, old growth American chestnut walls, impeccably varnished bar that's refinished by wooden boat nerds each winter, and generous rum pours help. But this is a yacht club bar for people who don't always love yacht clubs. You find more folks wearing old race t-shirts than blue blazers or Navy summer whites. When I was a new boat owner with engine problems, I asked a couple of old timers at the bar where to find a good mechanic, and, an hour later, we were all knee deep in the bilge and suspiciously, a bottle of rum was gone. It's simply one of the most unique eating and drinking spots most sailors have visited.
The vibe in the bar ranges from rowdy and raucous on race nights to warm and cozy on winter weekends. It's always friendly, occasionally loud and a fine venue for yachty karate. While the wine list is impressive and the food can be fancy, strong rum drinks, beers and burgers and tacos are the bar's best sellers. We're thrilled to be on the top 10 list with our awesome competition.
Vote for your favorite (voting ends at midnight Friday) eurosailnews.com/sailors-bars
Vendee Globe - Back To The Atlantic
As the front runners head for the equator and the back of the fleet rounds the Cape Horn, emotions are running high. For those rounding the notorious South American headland the passage marks a major milestone in their trip irrespective as to whether they are rookie or rock star. At the front of the fleet, the sprint to the finish in Les Sables D'Olonne is getting very stressful with just a few miles separating the leading boats and some tricky conditions to negotiate. Steve Ancsell reports.
Red Diesel and the Validity of the Istanbul Convention of 1990
Marine red diesel is still on sale to leisure vessels in the UK, despite the Government's plans to phase it out following a judgment from the European Court of Justice.
Now that Britain has left the EU, red diesel will continue to be legal for the propulsion of vessels in the UK until April 2022. However, red diesel in crafts' engine tanks is not permitted in the EU27 and other countries.
The Cruising Association's Regulations and Technical Services group (RATS) has received information from HMRC that they agree the Istanbul Convention of 1990 allows vessels to make visits to the EU27 and elsewhere without import prohibitions or restrictions on propulsion fuel. This includes visiting craft with UK red marine diesel, or red dye traces, in the engine tank(s).
As a matter of policy, it is not standard practice for HM Government to write to other governments stating how they should implement their own laws, but it is expected of them to implement their laws in accordance with the Convention.
In addition HMRC point out that the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP) to the UK's Withdrawal Agreement with the EU requires a number of EU directives to continue to apply in Northern Ireland, subject to regular affirmation from the Northern Ireland Assembly that the NIP should remain in place. If this affects what fuel private pleasure craft (PPC) in Northern Ireland can use HMRC will provide an update at the appropriate time. -- Peta Stuart-Hunt
Liberty Bitcoin Youth Foiling World Cup
Inaugural grand prix all set for Gaeta February, 8 teams confirmed with more spaces available. Conrad Colman joins media team to help reach international audiences.
Starting in Gaeta in February, followed by races on Lake Garda in August and Hong Kong in 2022, the Liberty Bitcoin Youth Foiling World Cup will provide action packed racing for international teams in a new format that will bring high performance foiling to youth sailors at the highest level.
The new, high performance foiling boats, designed by Wilson/ Marquinez and built out of pre-preg carbon fibre by Persico Marine in Italy, provides up and coming sailors a world-class instrument to race at the highest level. Top sailors have been involved in its development, including Santiago Lange and Francesco Bruni.
As the world's eyes turn to the impressive spectacle of the America's Cup in New Zealand this spring, we need to remember that there was meant to be a parallel Youth America's Cup regatta for sailors from 18 to 25 years old. The event was sadly cancelled due to COVID restrictions.
Following this cancellation, the 69F class becomes the de facto world championships for youth sailors looking to test their capacities in one-design foiling monohulls and the class has developed a series of races, and signed up international talent, worthy of this status. Act 1 of the Liberty Bitcoin Youth Foiling World Cup has confirmed 8 international entries, including teams from France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Hong Kong and the United States. The 69F class is set up with a "six-pack" of identical boats that are provided by the class and the fleet will rotate through the boats during the course of the regatta.
If you are interested in joining the circuit, or have other specific requests please contact 69F representative Francesco Rubagotti at: Tel: +39 3349048640
Blow Away the Cobwebs at the 25th Charleston Race Week
Due to the lack of sailing in 2020, organizers of Charleston Race Week are adding innovative ways to help participants blow away the cobwebs and help improve their game. One addition will be GPS trackers for participants to track their results and improve performance.
Coaches will also be on the courses to observe and commentate, which will be available online for everyone to review. What's more, real-time tracking engages spectators and enhances sponsor value.
The 25th anniversary event, April 8-11, will be run safely and innovatively and pent-up demand is expected!
Register before January 31st to save $100!
http://www.charlestonraceweek.com
WASZP European Championships headed for Norway!
The 2021 European WASZP calendar has taken shape with a full card of events to be announced in the coming days. The flagship event for the season will be the 2021 WASZP European Championships. After an extensive tendering process, Norway has been awarded what will be the biggest WASZP regatta of the season. The event will run from 8-14 August, after the Olympic Games finishes and prior to the Danish SailGP event, at which WASZP plays an integral part in the INSPIRE program.
A somewhat undiscovered foiler's dream. Sandefjord offers the perfect combination of reliable winds, flat water and spectacular scenery. Situated close to the ferry terminal from Denmark, right next to the ferry from Sweden and a short drive from an international airport, Sandefjord is Norway's most accessible sailing venue. The club, Sandefjord Seilforening, is split across two beautiful islands with ample space for boats, camping and notorious island parties.
The 2021 European Championships in Norway will be the centrepiece of a stacked month of events. In July we have the INSPIRE program at SailGP, Plymouth in the UK before moving to Travemünde for round 3 of the EuroCup circuit, onto the WASZP Euros at Sandejford in August and finally to the INSPIRE program at SailGP, Aarhus in Denmark at the end of August.
With a full card of 5 EuroCup legs, SailGP INSPIRE events and a European Championships, plus national championships across 10 nations in Europe, 2021 will be a fantastic opportunity to return to competitive large scale fleet racing.
For those WASZP sailors in other parts of the world, you can stay connected to the WASZP community through RaceHub where global rankings from every WASZP event will be online, Virtual Reality racing available and GPS racing open so that competition is still there for even the most isolated sailors. Stay connected until we can all meet again at the International WASZP Games in Lake Garda 2022.
Featured Charter
Swan 80 - Umiko
Umiko’s condition can quite simply be summed up in one word - stunning. She has been continually maintained and cherished throughout her life by professional crew for very discerning owners. She has also had the benefit of numerous upgrades during construction and post building. These upgrades have been made with full consultation with the factory. Maintained to exacting standards this Swan will appeal to anyone looking for the very best, whether they wish to cruise, race -- or both!
See listing details in Nautors Swan Charters
See the the Seahorse charter collection
Featured Brokerage
SY SOJANA. Built in 2003. Complete refit in 2016.
115' (35m) Sojana is now for sale and offered in exceptional condition for the 2021 sailing season. Maintained fastidiously this Farr designed performance carbon ketch has excellent accommodation for 6-8 guests. If you have a passion for sailing this yacht offers you a perfect blend of exhilarating cruising, fast ocean passage making and regatta winning pedigree
See listing details in Carrswood Yachts Brokerage
Contact
Carrswood Yachts Limited, UK
Tel: +44 (0)7476 888639
-----------------------------------------
2013 Soto 65 - "Camiranga". 2,049,000 EUR.
CAMIRANGA from Soto Acebal is a 65-foot canting keeler, best placed to tackle offshore's with a sail area compatible to a V70 and an interior that provides far greater comfort. Pretty lines and more forgiving than her sparring partners on the race track, this is an exciting boat for any yachtsman.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
+447759 424900
+442380 016582
-----------------------------------------
Pilot Classic 66. 1,595,000 EUR.
A supremely elegant timeless Hoek design of which 2 have been built, they are equally at home cruising or competing at the many Classic regattas such as the Voile de St Tropez. Easily handled by a couple but able to accommodate 8 plus crew in comfort they are the ultimate mini superyacht. Yachting World commented ‘Performance Classic Yachts are objects of desire and have the ability to turn heads anywhere.’
Within the standard specification comes full carbon construction, carbon rig package, carbon rudder, generator, electric winches and bowthruster.
The standard layout comprises of an Owners cabin forward, two aft guest cabins and a crew cabin forward all with en suite. A spacious saloon and galley together with a dedicated forward-facing nav station complete the interior. Other layouts are available.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Mark Speirs
+44 7818 119 656
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
The resilience of the duped is incredibly strong. -- James Randi
Editorial and letter submissions to
Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see www.eurosailnews.com/advertise.html
Search the Archives
SEARCH
Search
[{{{type}}}] {{{reason}}}
{{/data.error.root_cause}}{{texts.summary}} {{#options.result.rssIcon}} RSS {{/options.result.rssIcon}}
{{/texts.summary}} {{#data.hits.hits}}
{{{_source.title}}} {{#_source.showPrice}} {{{_source.displayPrice}}} {{/_source.showPrice}}
{{#_source.showLink}} {{/_source.showLink}} {{#_source.showDate}}{{{_source.displayDate}}}
{{/_source.showDate}}{{{_source.description}}}
{{#_source.additionalInfo}}{{#_source.additionalFields}} {{#title}} {{{label}}}: {{{title}}} {{/title}} {{/_source.additionalFields}}
{{/_source.additionalInfo}}
