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Régates Royales 2011: Sun shines on Day 2 in Cannes

September 22, 2011

The stunning bay of La Napoule provided the competitors with great sailing conditions, ideal for close, fast racing. Under blue skies, in bright sun and good breeze the sixty-eight classic yachts and fifty-eight Dragons completed the second day of the Régates Royales, final and decisive event of the Panerai Trophy 2011.

Régates Royales 2011 Sun shines on Day 2 in Cannes - Copyright Alexis Courcoux Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai

Régates Royales 2011 Sun shines on Day 2 in Cannes - Copyright Alexis Courcoux Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai

The Big Boats sailing past the Lérins Islands stole everyone’s attention once more, the magnificent high masts and immense sails making spectators and photographers happy. The 20 mile long coastal race was won by Moonbeam of Fife III followed by Moonbeam IV, the couple are still on top of the provisional ranking at 4 and 6 points respectively while James Thom’s Mariquita coming in fourth is tied at points in third place. Among the big gaffers Nan of Fife scored another first that keep her on top with 2 points, British flagged Avel scored another second and is following at 4 and, thanks to a fourth today the third provisional place is occupied by Oriole. Among the nine Classics Arcadia is in the lead by a little point on White Dolphin and four on Italian Navy’s Stella Polare. In the big Marconi class, the reigning champion Rowdy left the first step of the provisional podium because of a fourth, and is now tied at points with Havsornen at 5, the top spot going to The Blue Peter that scored two second places. Among the smaller Marconi Leonore got a clean score and leads with 2 points, but Cholita is still in her tracks at 4 and Anne Sophie is third at 6 points. Irish flagged Shamrock is securely leading the Spirit of Tradition class with two wins, second placed are Gaulois and the modern J Class Lionheart at 5 points.

The Russians bounce back

The 58 boat strong Dragon fleet had two more windward/leeward races today. Day 2 marked the comeback of reigning champion Anatoly Longinov on Annapurna. With a twelfth and a second, the Russian skipper managed to keep his competitors at bay and jump on top of the provisional ranking with 36 points. Ever consistent Poul Richard Hoi Jensen on Danish Blue, scoring a third and a 15th is now second on the overall scoreboard distanced by only one point whilst luck was not to Martin Byrne’s side today: the Irish helmsman could not keep up to the excellent result of the opening day with a 29th and a 17th that make his Jaguar Bear slip back to third in the ranking with 22 points. Italian Giuseppe Duca on Cloud, with a second and a sixth, and having discarded a black flag disqualification he got yesterday, is now fourth and still close to the top trio. HRH Prince Heinrik of Denmark on White Lady is now fifth in the overall standing at 26 points and British Ivan Bradbury on Blue Haze sixth a 33 points.

Phoebus II, fast from the lake…

In 1892 French designer Auguste Godinet conceived an original and experimental new rule, offering an alternative to the traditional V-shaped hulls and fin-keeled and bulb-keeled boats. As the former are theoretically more seafaring, more powerful upwind, but heavy and less spacious, the latter are beamer, flatter and subsequently faster downwind but less safe. Considering the real hull shape, by measuring the “offset”, decreasing the stem to half the hull length, Godinet managed to make the new boats less extreme, more harmonious and sufficiently stable.

Poil-de-Carotte, built by Emile Belly and Auguste Godinet himself was the first of the eleven produced “Three Tonners”, they were pretty different from one another and designed by well known architects like Guédon, de Cactus, Herreshoff or Costaguta. Calypso (Guédon) was also a heavy displacement boat with a V-shaped hull contrary to Poil-de-Carotte (Godinet), a lighter, shorter but also faster boat. Phoebus II is a replica of the original Poil de Carotte launched in 1903. She has been built as an identical copy in 1991 using the hull of Phoebus that was in such a bad state that it was impossible to give her a second life.  Phoebus II has taken part to several Bol d’Or races on Lake Geneva since 1992, was also present to the classic yachts events in Brest (92-96-2000) and Gironde in 1996.

Régates Royales 2011: Champagne conditions for the opening day in Cannes

September 22, 2011

It was Cote d’Azur at its best for the opening day of the 33rd edition of the Régates Royales, final and decisive event of the Panerai Trophy 2011. A bright sun, a good southerly breeze later veering southwesterly and flat sea were on the menu on the stunning Bay of La Napoule.

Régates Royales 2011 Champagne conditions for the opening day in Cannes - Copyright Alexis Courcoux Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai

Régates Royales 2011 Champagne conditions for the opening day in Cannes - Copyright Alexis Courcoux Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai

As tradition in Cannes, the classic yachts offered a superb show to the many spectators’ boats and to the public that crowded the beaches on a warm late summer day. The fleet sailed in the area just off the Lerins Islands, on a twenty and twelve mile long coastal course, for the Big Boats and the other classics respectively. Among the Big Boats it was Chris Barkham’s Cambria to cross in first, followed by Moonbeam IV and Moonbeam of Fife III while James Thom’s Mariquita came in fourth. Nan of Fife, Avel and Oriole were on the top three spots in the Classic gaffers class. Stella Polare, the ketch representing the Italian Navy won among the Classics, leaving behind the French couple White Dolphin and Arcadia. Reigning champion in the Marconi class, Rowdy confirmed her supremacy, coming in front of The Blue Peter and US flagged Manitou at her absolute debut in the Régates Royales. Leonore, Anne Sophie and Harlekin respectively jumped on the provisional podium among the smaller Marconi class. And finally, it was Ireland’s Shamrock V to beat Gaulois and Grey One in the Spirit of Tradition division.

A jaguar among the Dragons

After they could not go out on the water yesterday because of the strong, gusty typical Mistral breeze, the 58 boat strong Dragon fleet had three windward/leeward races on Tuesday starting in a 12 knots south-westerly, that progressively increased during the afternoon hours, topping 20 knots. Competition was strong as usual for the top positions and the class’ champions imposed their supremacy. The first two races went both to Ireland’s Martin Byrne on Jaguar Bear who managed to get the better of reigning champion and class master Anatoly Longinov on Annapurna and on multiple class winner Danish Poul Richard on Antigua’s flagged Danish Blue on the first one. A nearly clean score for the Irish skipper who was third in the last race of the day won by Ian Bradbury on Blue Haze. HRH Prince Heinrik of Denmark’s had a very positive first day with a sixth, a second and a fourth. With five points, the Irish team is then securely on top of the provisional podium, in front of HRH Prince Henrik of Denmark (13 points) and the Russian crew skippered by Anatoly Loginov (16 points).

A jaguar among the Dragons Copyright Alexis Courcoux Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai

A jaguar among the Dragons Copyright Alexis Courcoux Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai

A Lion heart…

J Class boats were born back in 1930 when the famous Universal Rule was created that limited the new boats hull length between 75 and 87 feet. First boat to be launched was Shamrock V, designed and built by Charles Nicholson for the famous tea trader Sir Thomas Lipton. Shortly after, for the 1937 America’s Cup edition, Defender Harold Vanderbilt asked designers W. Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens to produce a new J Class to race against Charles Nicholson’s Endeavour II and the two architects conceived Ranger and Lionheart, yet only the first one ever saw the light.  Ranger won easily against the British Challenger but was also the last J class to be built.

Actually, only ten boats from this class (six in the USA and four in Great Britain) ever sailed and some were only used as cruising boats. Today the fleet is down to three units: Endeavour, Velsheda and Shamrock V, as Ranger is a replica built in 2003. Another ten J Class only existed on paper, as it is the case of Lionheart’s design. As a matter of fact, the boat was built in aluminium by Dutch shipyard Hoek, and launched in 2010 and.

The Pajot brothers are in Cannes

Flying Dutchman silver Olympic medallists in Kiel in 1972, the Pajot brothers are in Cannes to race Karenita, the 1929 John Alden design built by Georges Lawley & Sons in Massachusetts. The ketch rigged boat was became world famous when it was bought by Hollywood star Errol Flynn in 1936 and renamed Sirocco, she is now based in Saint-Tropez.

First Shipwrights Lecture in Southampton sees strong industry support & high attendance levels from apprentices

September 21, 2011

International Designers Rob Humphries and his son, Tom, followed by Ian Benning of Volvo Penta UK, are the inaugural speakers in a series of lectures designed to inspire young people working in the UK industry and to explore the UK’s unique international position in yacht design and boat building.

A former apprentice who now helps to run a £60m company based here in the UK, and an internationally renowned yacht designer and his son, are the headline speakers at the first Shipwrights lecture, taking place on October 19th, at the Turner Sims Hall, University of Southampton.

Yacht designer Rob Humphreys and his son, Tom, will be discussing the exciting developments in the yacht design sector, in the first of a series of marine-industry specific lectures designed to illustrate the exciting and diverse career opportunities available for today’s apprentices, young shipwrights and boat builders.

They will be followed by Ian Benning, Sales Director of Marine Engines at Volvo Penta UK.  Ian started his working life aged 16 as an apprentice, and will be drawing on his experiences and the exciting future for today’s young apprentices, based on the Shipwright Lecture’s theme of ‘past, present and future’.

The Shipwrights Lectures, which are being organised by The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, in conjunction with the University of Southampton, will give attendees an exciting insight into the opportunities, technologies, and future developments in this broad-ranging industry.  Support from the marine industry has been enthusiastic, with companies including Pendennis, Princess, Rustler Yachts, SYS and Halyard all registering for their apprentices to attend.  Support also comes from trade bodies such as the British Marine Federation.

An introduction and welcome will be made by Sir Jock Slater, Deputy Prime Warden of the Shipwrights, and will close with a speech by Sir T John Parker, former Chancellor of the University and a shipbuilder himself.  The whole format of the lectures is designed to ensure apprentices will benefit from hearing about the exciting development and opportunities within the marine sector, and also have the opportunity to network with other apprentices and industry experts at the lectures.

The concept of high-level lectures for young people under the age of 25 who are either already employed as apprentices in the marine leisure sector, or who are studying in this arena, came from  the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, which was formed in 1387 as a Trade Guild for shipwrights working on the London River . A number of its current members work and employ young people in the marine leisure sector.  The second lecture in the series is planned for early 2012.

The theme of the lectures is ‘Past, Present and Future’ and it is planned that there will be two dates set per annum, each comprising two presentations covering both sail & power. Attendance is free for apprentices nominated by their employers, and young people under the age of 25. Each apprentice will receive a certificate of attendance for each lecture subject, allowing him or her to build a collection of certificates demonstrating wide knowledge of different marine industry sectors and an appreciation of subjects alongside their particular apprentice training.

Ian Benning, Sales Director of Marine Engines at Volvo Penta UK says he is looking forward to the opportunity to inspire the audience about the exciting future they face, and the opportunities open to them from the marine industry.  He says, “The marine industry is a great place to work, with countless international and technological opportunities.  I will be explaining how my career has developed from an early start as a 16 year old apprentice to achieving my current position, and I will draw upon the views of CEOs of top marine companies about the skills and expertise they are looking for in today’s apprentices.  I will also be talking about the innovations coming out from Volvo Penta and our vision for the future.”

The first Shipwrights Lecture took place at the Turner Sims Hall, University of Southampton

Superyacht Cup Double for 2012 Olympic Year – Superyacht Cup Palma and Superyacht Cup Cowes, UK

September 21, 2011

Organisers of the Superyacht Cup regattas are pleased to confirm dates for two editions of the popular Superyacht Cup Regatta they will host next year including the first ever Superyacht Cup in Cowes, UK.

Aerial view of the famous Needles, Isle of Wight – Image Credit Rick Tomlinson

Aerial view of the famous Needles, Isle of Wight – Image Credit Rick Tomlinson

The 16th edition of the Superyacht Cup Palma will take place in the traditional venue of Palma, Mallorca from 20-23 June, 2012. Popular with owners, guests, captains and crew, the Palma regatta is open to a maximum of 30 superyachts in the central location at Muelle Viejo surrounded by the spectacular sailing conditions in the Bay of Palma.

One month later, owners are invited to participate in a special edition Superyacht Cup Cowes 2012 to take place in the waters of the Solent, UK from 22-25 July, 2012. Organised in association with the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron, the event will offer owners and guests a unique experience of sailing in the Solent and around the Isle of Wight, the course made famous by the first America’s Cup in 1851 (then called the Hundred Guinea Cup).

Several yachts have already registered for the Cowes regatta including the impressive Hoek design SY Athos (62m), the Pendennis built SY Adela (55m), the Dubois designed Sailing Yacht Bliss (38m), and this years Superyacht Cup Palma winner SY Drumfire (24m). Other entrants to date are SY Heartbeat (24m), SY Savannah (27m), and the maxi superyacht Mari Cha III (45m).

Motor Yacht Atlantis 48 turns heads at the Bank of Valletta Malta Boatshow 2011

September 19, 2011

The Atlantis 48 yacht was launched at the Bank Of Valletta Malta Boatshow 2011 and was immediately declared the ’best in show’ by the organisers and 1400 people present for the event. The event and launch of the yacht was inaugurated in the presence of the Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Chris Said, Vice President of Azimut Yachts – Dott. Ugo Garassino, Bank Of Valletta Chairman Mr. Tonio Depasquale and Network Events Chairman Mr. John Formosa. Immediately distinctive with it’s metallic grey hull and gloss black hardtop together with striking orange upholstery the motor yacht Atlantis 48 set the tone for the future of Atlantis Yachts in Malta.

Motor Yacht Atlantis 48 turns heads at the Bank of Valletta Malta Boatshow 2011

Motor Yacht Atlantis 48 turns heads at the Bank of Valletta Malta Boatshow 2011

Dott. Ugo Garassino presented AZIMUT|BENETTI’s group’s financial strength, dimension and position as today’s market leader in the nautical sector together with it’s substantial investment is Research & Development and yacht marinas over the past years. He also reaffirmed the Group’s belief and prospect in Malta’s strategic geographical position with it’s intentions and ongoing discussions with the Maltese Goverment for the development of a yacht marina and refit facility in Malta. NETWORK EVENTS Chairman Mr. John Formosa also confirmed the intentions to expand and transform next year’s 6th edition of the Valletta Boatshow into an International Boatshow covering the Southern Mediterranean Region.

Atlantis 48 motor yacht by Azimut Yachts

Atlantis 48 motor yacht by Azimut Yachts

Atlantis 48 motor yacht cockpit - Credit Azimut Yachts

Atlantis 48 motor yacht cockpit - Credit Azimut Yachts

Atlantis 48 motor yacht dinette - Credit Azimut Yachts

Atlantis 48 motor yacht dinette - Credit Azimut Yachts

Also on the night FERRARI and their regional dealer CRONOS represented by their President Sig. Mario Schianina launched the new FERRARI FF accompanied by the FERRARI 458 ITALIA and a top line fashion show by local leading fashion boutique REBELLI displayed the latest ’prima linea’ Autumn/Winter Collections for 2011/2012.

Master Cabin of Atlantis 48 motor yacht by Azimut Yachts

Master Cabin of Atlantis 48 motor yacht by Azimut Yachts

Azimut|Benetti Group and their brands AZIMUT Yachts, ATLANTIS Yachts and BENETTI Yachts are represented in Malta by Esprit Yachting.

Motor Yacht Atlantis 48: technical specification

MAIN DIMENSIONS
Maximum Length ISO 8666: 15,94 m
Hull Length ISO 8666: 14,33 m
Max Beam ISO 8666: 4,35 m
Max Draft ISO 8666: 1,18 m
Full Load Displacement ISO 8666: 18,2 t
Light Displacement ISO 8666: 14,5 t

TANK CAPACITY
Fuel Tank Capacity: 1700 lt
Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 420 lt
Grey Water Tank Capacity:150 lt

LAYOUT & COSTRUCTION
Cabin: 2
Berths: 4 + 2
Heads: 2
PROPULSION & PERFORMANCE
Engine: 2 x CUMMINS QSC 8.3 600 mHP
Vmax: 34 kt
Vcruise: 31 kt

ORACLE Racing Spithill win AC Plymouth Fleet Racing Championship

September 19, 2011

Spithill and crew thrived to win treacherous Fleet Racing Championship as capsizes and collisions mark the final day in Plymouth. Crowds on Plymouth Hoe were treated to thrills and spills, capsizes and collisions, as the America’s Cup World Series raced to a dramatic conclusion on Sunday.

ORACLE Racing Spithill won the Plymouth Fleet Racing Championship after an action-packed final day of the America’s Cup World Series in south-west England.

ORACLE Racing Spithill win AC Plymouth Fleet Racing Championship © 2011 ACEARicardo Pinto

ORACLE Racing Spithill win AC Plymouth Fleet Racing Championship © 2011 ACEARicardo Pinto

James Spithill made amends for a lackluster Match Race Championship with an emphatic victory in today’s winner-takes-all race in the fleet racing. “It’s redemption after the match racing,” said Spithill, who seemed unfazed by the breeze that bulleted across the course. With winds gusting up to 30 knots (55 km/h / 35 mph), merely avoiding a capsize or a collision was a major challenge but Spithill commented: “I still think we had a bit left in the tank to be honest. The puffiness and change in direction made it challenging, but what a fun race!”

Other sailors might have a different perspective on today. In the anxious minutes leading up to the start, Energy Team capsized trying to avoid Team Korea, although Loick Peyron’s crew managed to get the boat upright very quickly and rejoin the race. Moments later there was a dramatic collision with Artemis Racing riding up over the back of Green Comm Racing, with the skipper Vasilij Zbogar falling off the back of the Spanish boat and suffering a minor injury to his hand. With their boat damaged in the collision, Green Comm retired without crossing the start line.

America's Cup World Series in Plymouth day 9 © 2011 ACEA Gilles Martin-Raget

America's Cup World Series in Plymouth day 9 © 2011 ACEA Gilles Martin-Raget

“Vasco (Vasilij Zbogar) and the entire crew are doing well, nobody has been seriously hurt and we will try to be back on the water as soon as possible,” said team Executive Chairman Francesco de Leo.

Steering clear of trouble in the pre-start, the two ORACLE Racing boats and Emirates Team New Zealand burst off the start line with other teams following behind. At the first mark China Team capsized but got up and running again. In fact when Artemis capsized later in the race, Charlie Ogletree’s Chinese team moved past and managed to cross the finish line 9 minutes and 54 seconds after the winner, just six seconds inside the finishing time limit. A great result for China Team, and a great result for Aleph who moved past Team Korea in the closing stages of the race to take 4th across the line.

America's Cup World Series in Plymouth day 9 © 2011 ACEA Gilles Martin-Raget

America's Cup World Series in Plymouth day 9 © 2011 ACEA Gilles Martin-Raget

With boats touching speeds in excess of 50km/h, it was a wild ride, and while the Kiwis battled hard with the two ORACLE boats, Spithill moved clear on the final lap and Dean Barker had to satisfy himself with 2nd place ahead of Russell Coutts. “Today it was racing and survival,” said Barker, the Emirates skipper. “When the wind cranked in it was full on. The hard thing was not the wind speed but the big puffs which were unpredictable. We always like to win, but nice to get past Russell and take second.”

The crowds on Plymouth Hoe increased throughout the week, as the city embraced the World Series and the teams.

“Plymouth has been buzzing with excitement since you arrived,” said Councillor Vivien Pengelly. “It is estimated that over 115 000 people have lined the Hoe over the past week to see some of the most exciting racing to ever come to British waters. I have to take my hat off to all of the teams. Your skills are amazing. We’ve been thrilled to have you here.”

The America’s Cup World Series now moves on to San Diego, with the first practice races scheduled to take place beginning Saturday November 12. On Wednesday, November 16, the San Diego Match Racing Championship begins, along with television and YouTube live-streaming of the races.

America's Cup World Series in Plymouth day 9 © 2011 ACEA Gilles Martin-Raget

America's Cup World Series in Plymouth day 9 © 2011 ACEA Gilles Martin-Raget

Sunday’s Results

STANDINGS – PLYMOUTH FLEET RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
1. ORACLE Racing Spithill
2. Emirates Team New Zealand
3. ORACLE Racing Coutts
4. Aleph
5. Team Korea
6. Energy Team
7. China Team
8. Artemis Racing
8. Green Comm Racing

PLYMOUTH MATCH RACING CHAMPIONSHIP (Saturday)
1. Emirates Team New Zealand
2. Team Korea
3. Artemis Racing
4. ORACLE Racing Coutts
5. ORACLE Racing Spithill
6. Energy Team
7. Green Comm Racing
8. China Team
9. Aleph

ACWS Fleet Racing Championship
OVERALL STANDINGS
Place Team Cascais Plymouth TOTAL POINTS
Place Points Place Points
1 Emirates Team New Zealand 1 10 2 9 19
2 ORACLE Racing Spithill 3 8 1 10 18
3 ORACLE Racing Coutts 4 7 3 8 15
4 Aleph 6 5 4 7 12
5 Artemis Racing 2 9 DNF 3 12
6 Team Korea 7 4 5 6 10
7 Green Comm Racing 5 6 DNS 3 9
8 Energy Team 8 3 6 5 8
9 China Team 9 3 7 4 7
ACWS Match Racing Championship
OVERALL STANDINGS
Place Team Cascais Points Plymouth Points Total Points
1 Emirates Team New Zealand 9 10 19
2 Team Korea 7 9 16
3 Artemis Racing 8 8 16
4 ORACLE Racing Spithill 10 6 16
5 ORACLE Racing Coutts 6 7 13
6 Energy Team 5 5 10
7 Green Comm Racing 4 4 8
8 China Team 3 3 6
9 Aleph 3 3 6

Riviera to exhibit a range of yachts at the Auckland International Boat Show

September 14, 2011

Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded pleasure boat builder will exhibit an excellent line up of yachts ranging from 43 to 58 feet at the Auckland International Boat Show.

Explore your own private beach as Riviera's space ship, the 53 transports you to yet another idyllic location

Explore your own private beach as Riviera's space ship, the 53 transports you to yet another idyllic location

The Auckland International Boat Show is New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show featuring up to 200 boats from trailerboats through to motoryachts and attracting more than 20,000 boating enthusiasts.

Fuel efficient pod drives propel the 53 to a top speed of about 35 knots and a cruise speed between 25-28 knots

Fuel efficient pod drives propel the 53 to a top speed of about 35 knots and a cruise speed between 25-28 knots

The annual show will be held from September 15-18 at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, home to the 2000 and 2003 America’s Cup, where boating enthusiasts will see first-hand what Riviera has to offer the discerning buyer.

Enjoy family time in your very own sky lounge on board Riviera's new 53 Enclosed Flybridge

Enjoy family time in your very own sky lounge on board Riviera's new 53 Enclosed Flybridge

R Marine New Zealand will show case some of Riviera’s latest and most innovative models including the 5000 and 5800 Sport Yachts.  Premium brokerage boats include the 4000, 45, 47, 48 and 51.

Riviera's 5800 Sport Yacht features Volvo Penta IPS which offers 30 per cent better fuel consumption

Riviera's 5800 Sport Yacht features Volvo Penta IPS which offers 30 per cent better fuel consumption

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s best game fishing grounds and blue water cruising, which is why Rivierais such a sought after brand.

Simply up anchor and cruise to another idyllic location on board your 5000 Sport Yacht

Simply up anchor and cruise to another idyllic location on board your 5000 Sport Yacht

R Marine New Zealand dealer principal Bruce McGill said the Auckland International Boat Show would provide a great opportunity for Riviera to introduce its latest designs to the New Zealand market.

The 5000 Sport Yacht is the perfect escape from the everyday

The 5000 Sport Yacht is the perfect escape from the everyday

“I am confident Riviera’s latest models will be well received in Auckland as they have been at other major boat shows in the region and sales have shown; 20 5800s sold since May 2009 and 36 5000s sold since August 2009,” said Mr McGill.

The 5800 Sport Yacht saloon oozes style and comfort

The 5800 Sport Yacht saloon oozes style and comfort

“R Marine New Zealand will also have details on the display of the striking new 53 Enclosed Flybridge, which has already received 18 orders since its release in May and the new 61 Series II Enclosed Flybridge which has sold nine of these new models since its launch in May 2011.

The crisp salty breeze is a refreshing reminder that you have dropped anchor in total isolation on board the 53 Enclosed Flybridge

The crisp salty breeze is a refreshing reminder that you have dropped anchor in total isolation on board the 53 Enclosed Flybridge

“Riviera has participated in the Auckland International Boat Show since its inception and we look forward to showcasing our impressive range at the 2011 show.”

Riviera’s floating display will be at stand 13 on the water alongside the new exhibition centre.

Riviera offers 20 different models from 36 to 85 feet across four model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht, Offshore Express and Motor Yachts.

Superyacht Elena and sailing yacht Mariette of 1915 shine in Porto Cervo at Veteran Big Boat Rally

September 13, 2011

Porto Cervo, 13th September 2011. The first day of sailing in the Veteran Big Boat Rally 2011, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda from 12th to 15th September, brought sunshine, scorching temperatures and light easterly winds. Today’s coastal race of approximately 20 miles was won by the 38 metre schooner Mariette of 1915 who took victory ahead of the 55-metre schooner Elena and Xavier Tancogne’s sailing yacht Moonbeam IV, built in 1914.

Sailing yacht Elena - Photo Credit Alessandro Spiga YCCS

Sailing yacht Elena - Photo Credit Alessandro Spiga YCCS

The grand dames of the sea had a short wait before the breeze filled in to 8 knots to allow them to set off towards the island of Mortoriotto, south of Porto Cervo, before doubling back and heading north to round Monaci island. The fleet then paraded past the entrance to Porto Cervo Marina before finishing off the Gulf of Pevero.

S/Y Mariette of 1915 flies the burgee of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club and is a regular on the classic regatta circuit. Charlie Wroe, Captain of Mariette was satisfied with today’s result: “We had light air conditions today but that worked out well for us. It’s interesting to see how fast the boats sail in these conditions and I think if we get a bit more breeze in the next few days positions could change; Elena is very quick. It’s been four years since we sailed in Porto Cervo and we are very happy to be back, the sailing is always great and we are really looking forward to tomorrow’s racing.”

Croce del Sud Yacht - Credit Alessandro Spiga YCCS

Croce del Sud Yacht - Credit Alessandro Spiga YCCS

Yacht Elena was in fact the fastest yacht around the course today in elapsed time but slipped back to second place on compensated time. The largest of the competing classic boats, she is an exact reconstruction of a 1910 N. G. Herreshoff design.

Seven yachts have gathered in Porto Cervo for the Veteran Big Boat Rally and although several, such as Bruno Mentasti’s triple masted Croce del Sud and the gaff yawl Veronique, are not actively competing, they can be admired on the emerald waters of the YCCS regatta course together with the rest of the fleet.

Racing is schedule to continue tomorrow, 14th September at 11.30 a.m. Approximately 8 knots of easterly wind are forecast.

Swan 90 Sailing yacht DSK Wins Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2011

September 13, 2011

Danilo Salsi and his crew of the Swan 90 sailing yacht DSK, are celebrating an overall victory at this year’s Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, taking first place in the Racing / Cruising division by a matter of 1 point on the final day.  A tight head to head between the Italian Swan, S/Y DSK and Aegir was a dramatic spectacle, seeing the racing Swan 90 FD climb back up on the deciding day to triumph over the competing Maxis in her class.

Swan 90 Sailing yacht DSK Wins Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2011 © Rolex & Carlo Borlenghi 2011

Swan 90 Sailing yacht DSK Wins Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2011 © Rolex & Carlo Borlenghi 2011

Porto Cervo’s history of tactical yacht racing did not disappoint.  The last two days of the Maxi event were run under light airs with shifting breeze testing some of the world’s leading racing minds.

Yacht DSK had a 24 mile coastal race to contend with on the last day of the event sustaining top racing skills over a prolonged time period to come out on top.

Swan 90, DSK yacht’s, tactician Andrea Casale, shared his delight on winning by a few seconds during a decisive ultimate day.

‘It’s been a thrilling week and I have to say we didn’t expect this victory.  We improved during the week and a few days ago we realized we’d be fighting out with Aegir.  When we were second the other day we got a bit worried but on the last day we were determined and we stayed right behind Aegir downwind and we won in the end, even if it just was just by a few seconds.  The final performance was a decisive one.’

America’s Cup AC World Series Plymouth – Day 2 an epic day of racing

September 12, 2011

Three capsizes tell the story of an epic final race in the Plymouth AC Preliminaries with winds gusting close to 30 knots (35 mph; 55 kph) across Plymouth Sound. The race course was pushed up close to The Hoe, and once again, the crowds on the hill were rewarded with thrilling racing just meters from shore.

America's Cup AC World Series Plymouth – Day 2 an epic day of racing © ACEA (2011) Photo G. Martin-Raget

America's Cup AC World Series Plymouth – Day 2 an epic day of racing © ACEA (2011) Photo G. Martin-Raget

The blustery conditions pushed the crews and the boats to their limits, and in some cases beyond. Three teams capsized; the French Aleph, Team Korea and just meters from the finish, Spain’s Green Comm Racing. In each case, the crews escaped unscathed, the boats, with minor damage to their wings.

During the race, the ORACLE Racing Spithill crew had many near misses and was lucky not to capsize as they passed the first mark with the lead. Other boats challenged them for their early advantage, with first Artemis Racing, then Emirates Team New Zealand taking their turn at the head of the fleet. But it was a game of least mistakes, a war of attrition that eventually went back in favor of James Spithill and his slick ORACLE team.

America's Cup AC World Series Plymouth – Day 2 an epic day of racing © Ricardo Pinto

America's Cup AC World Series Plymouth – Day 2 an epic day of racing © Ricardo Pinto

France’s Energy Team sailed a strong race to finish fourth, after battling around the course with Russell Coutts for a podium spot. China Team too, sailed well in the conditions to finish in fifth place. Artemis Racing, meanwhile, was forced to retire, moments after relinquishing the lead on the second lap of the course, with equipment problems.

America's Cup AC World Series Plymouth – Day 2 an epic day of racing © Ricardo Pinto

America's Cup AC World Series Plymouth – Day 2 an epic day of racing © Ricardo Pinto

Aleph was the first to capsize, nose-diving right in front of the crowds gathered along Plymouth seafront, early in the race. Then, at the top of the course Team Korea speared their bows into the waves and flipped over. And tantalizingly close to the finish, Green Comm Racing was toppled by a gust on the final leg of the race. Luca Devoti, sports director from Green Comm commented later: “Nobody has been hurt and the wing has been damaged; we’ll need two days to fix it.”

America's Cup AC World Series Plymouth – Day 2 an epic day of racing © ACEA (2011) Photo R. Pinto

America's Cup AC World Series Plymouth – Day 2 an epic day of racing © ACEA (2011) Photo R. Pinto

All day, the sailors and the boats were racing at their very limits, unless a nonchalant James Spithill was to be believed after the race. “It was great racing for sure, not even at the limit of the boats; still a way to go.” Brave words after a race that had spectators gasping with disbelief.

While Spithill won the race, his rival Dean Barker’s second place was sufficient to give victory to the Kiwis in the Plymouth AC Preliminaries.

In Sunday’s AC500 Speed Trials, it looked like the Kiwis had it in the bag with two great runs while others were spinning off the race track. James Spithill’s words nearly came back to haunt him as the ORACLE AC45 flipped right on to its edge – there were a few moments of doubt as to whether it would capsize – before it slapped back down on its floats.

With Spithill out of contention in the speed trials, it was up to the remaining teams – and ORACLE Racing Coutts in particular – to take the fight to the Kiwis. Once again Russell Coutts had the bit between his teeth and turned in a scorching final run to post a winning time of 37:48 seconds.

Monday and Tuesday are off days at the America’s Cup World Series – Plymouth allowing the teams a chance to rest and repair both man and machine. Racing resumes on Wednesday with qualifying races for the Plymouth AC Match Race Championship.

Results – Plymouth AC Preliminaries

Place Team RACE #1 RACE #2 RACE #3 RACE #4 TOTAL POINTS
Place Points Place Points Place Points Place Points
1 Emirates Team New Zealand 1 10 3 8 1 10 2 9 37
2 ORACLE Racing Spithill 2 9 1 10 4 7 1 10 36
3 Artemis Racing 3 8 2 9 2 9 DNF 3 29
4 ORACLE Racing Coutts OCS 3 4 7 3 8 3 8 26
5 China Team 6 5 5 6 6 5 5 6 22
6 Aleph 4 7 7 4 5 6 DNF 3 20
7 Energy Team 8 3 6 5 7 4 4 7 19
8 Team Korea 5 6 DNF 3 8 3 6 5 17
9 Green Comm Racing 7 4 8 3 9 3 DNF 3 13

Plymouth AC500 Speed Trials – Sunday

Place Team Speed (km/h)
1 ORACLE Racing Coutts 48.00
2 Emirates Team New Zealand 47.36
3 China Team 44.12
4 Energy Team 34.34
ORACLE Racing Spithill DNF
Artemis Racing DNS
Team Korea DNS
Green Comm Racing DNS
Aleph DNS
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