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2011 RORC Season’s Points Championship Winners

October 12, 2011

When the 300 places for the Rolex Fastnet Race were filled within 10 days of the entries opening, it became obvious that 2011 would be a notable year for offshore racing with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). With 300 miles of offshore racing required from each boat before the start of the Fastnet, the early season races were well subscribed with entries and over 100 boats entered three of the qualifying races. Hopes of an easy qualification for the main race of the season (Rolex Fastnet) were dashed by the weather early on. Strong winds and lumpy seas characterised the races and tested the crews and their yachts thoroughly.

Yacht of the Year – Somerset Memorial Trophy:

Rán, JV 72 – Niklas Zennström (GBR)

Yacht of the Year for 2011 has been awarded to Niklas Zennström's JV 72, sailing yacht Rán Credit RolexCarlo Borlenghi

Yacht of the Year for 2011 has been awarded to Niklas Zennström's JV 72, sailing yacht Rán Credit RolexCarlo Borlenghi

The Somerset Memorial Trophy for the Yacht of the Year for 2011 has been awarded to Niklas Zennström’s JV 72, Rán. Niklas and his crew have had an outstanding season, winning IRC Overall in the Rolex Fastnet Race in consecutive years, the first time this has been achieved since Carina II in 1955 and 1957. Rán also won the Rolex Mini Maxi World Series for the second year in the row as well as obtaining a good result in the Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race. Rán is currently planning to head to the Caribbean over the winter to race and the team are looking forward to competing in the RORC Caribbean 600.

Best Performance of a British Yacht Overseas – Dennis P Miller Trophy:

British Soldier, A 40 – Army Sailing Association (GBR)

The Dennis P Miller Trophy for the performance of a British Yacht Overseas, has been awarded to British Soldier. Skippered by Lt Col Nick Bate, the yacht travelled from the UK to the Caribbean to compete in the RORC Caribbean 600 as the first race of the Atlantic Ocean Racing Series in which it was the smallest yacht. They then competed in the Annapolis-Newport Race, Transatlantic Race (Newport to Lizard) and Rolex Fastnet Race, covering 11,000 miles. The yacht had a different crew for each race, including an injured soldier/amputee in each event. In total, 69 soldiers took part, only four of whom had ever crossed an ocean before.

Sail yacht British Soldier, the Army Sailing Association's yacht wins the Dennis P Miller Trophy for best performance of a British yacht overseas Credit Tim Wright - www.photoaction.com

Sail yacht British Soldier, the Army Sailing Association's yacht wins the Dennis P Miller Trophy for best performance of a British yacht overseas Credit Tim Wright - www.photoaction.com

In the IRC Classes the best five offshore races are counted towards the RORC Season’s Points Championship. These were heavily contested and in some of the classes, the results were undecided until after the Cherbourg Race, the last race of the season.

IRC Overall – Jazz Trophy: Tonnerre de Breskens 3, Ker 46 – Piet Vroon (NED)

2011 IRC Overall Winners - Piet Vroon's Tonnerre de Breskens 3 Credit Owen Buggy - www.plugphotography.com

2011 IRC Overall Winners - Piet Vroon's Tonnerre de Breskens 3 Credit Owen Buggy - www.plugphotography.com

As in 2010, Piet Vroon’s Ker 46, Tonnerre de Breskens 3 swept the board in IRC Overall, finishing the season 62.5 points ahead of Niall Dowling’s J/111 Arabella. As well as the trophies for IRC Overall and IRC One, Tonnerre will also collect the Stradivarius Trophy for the best overseas yacht.

Alan Paul Trophy – Consistent High Performance in IRC Overall:

Arabella, J/111 – Niall Dowling (GBR)

The Overall results in IRC, with all races to count, were dominated by a few intrepid boats travelling around the country to also take part in the RORC races not run from the Solent. Niall Dowling’s J/111, Arabella was one of these boats, competing in 10 races over the course of the season and winning the Alan Paul Trophy for consistent high performance in IRC Overall.

Europeans Trophy – IRC Zero: Venomous, CM 60 – Derek Saunders (GBR)

IRC Zero went to Derek Saunders and the CM 60, Venomous. By completing five races, they secured their victory from Bob, Rob Gray and Sam Laidlaw’s Farr 52, who came in second.

Bob also win the Peter Harrison Youth Trophy for the season having taken part in all their races with at least 45% of crew under the age of 25.

Trenchemer Cup – IRC One: Tonnerre de Breskens 3, Ker 46 – Piet Vroon (NED)

IRC One was led from the start by Piet Vroon’s Ker 46, Tonnerre de Breskens 3 and despite good attempts from two other Ker designs: Jonathan Goring’s Ker 40, Keronimo and Mike Greville’s Ker 39, Erivale III, they could not be knocked off the top spot.

Keronimo came second in IRC One with Erivale in third. Freddie Neville-Jones, sailing on Erivale was awarded the Duncan Munro Kerr Youth Challenge Trophy for the crew member under 25 who has sailed the greatest number of offshore miles in the season. In total he raced 1,338 nautical miles, including the Rolex Fastnet Race.

Emily Verger Plate – IRC Two: Joopster, J/122 – Neil Kipling (GBR)

In IRC Two Neil Kipling’s J/122, Joopster came in first with a consistent set of results. Second and third place were close with Ross Applebey’s Oyster 48, Scarlet Oyster coming in ahead of Peter Rutter’s Grand Soleil 43, Quokka 8. Scarlet Oyster relished the heavier conditions, especially in the Myth of Malham and Morgan Cup races where she came first in class.

Quokka was crewed by a team from Sailing Logic who missed winning the Roger Justice Trophy for the best sailing school yacht in IRC Overall, after a good result in the Cherbourg Race allowed their fellow Sailing Logic yacht, Visit Malta Puma, to move ahead in the points.

Grenade Goblet – IRC Three: Foggy Dew, JPK 10.10 – Noel Racine (FRA)

IRC Three was won for the second year in a row by Frenchman Noel Racine’s JPK 10.10, Foggy Dew. With four race wins in class this season, the boat was going to be hard to beat from the very beginning. Foggy Dew was raced fully crewed, but the next four boats in the class were all Two-Handed boats, showing the continual increase in popularity of this discipline. Peter Olden and Nigel Pipe, sailing the A 35, Solan Goose of Hamble and Nikki Curwen and Alex Adams, sailing the J/105, Voador came in second and third respectively.

Cowland Trophy – IRC Four: Jean Yves Chateau’s Nicholson 33, Iromiguy (FRA)

IRC Four was also won for the second year in a row by the same French sailor: Jean Yves Chateau’s Nicholson 33, Iromiguy. They had a good finish to the year winning their class in the Rolex Fastnet Race. This result put them ahead of the next two boats in class: Matthias Kracht’s JPK 9.60, Ultreia! and Ian Braham’s MG 346, Engima. Only 5.4 points separated the second and third places at the end of the season.

Psispina Trophy – Two Handed Winners: Ultreia!, JPK 9.60 – Matthias Kracht (FRA)

Ultreia! was beaten to first place in IRC Four, but managed to hold an unbeatable lead in the Two-Handed Class by the final race in the season. They were so confident of the win in this class that they raced fully crewed in the Cherbourg Race to try and win IRC Four as well. Unfortunately for them, Iromiguy held them off for the victory. Nicolas de la Fourniere and Martin Imbert’s X34, Exile/Mirabaud came back from their win in the 2009 season to try to reclaim the Two-Handed trophy, but could only manage second place with Solan Goose coming in third.

The Assuage Trophy: La Réponse, First 40 – Andrew McIrvine (GBR)

The Assuage Trophy is a championship for RORC members and is awarded to the yacht with the best results from the Cherbourg Race plus 3 other races from the Cervantes Trophy, Morgan Cup, Myth of Malham and Cowes-Dinard-St Malo races. This year the trophy has been won by the RORC Commodore, Andrew McIrvine, with his First 40, La Réponse. Much to the joy of the crew who were disappointed to come fourth in IRC Two, only half a point behind Quokka, after retiring with gear failure from the Rolex Fastnet Race.

A full list of the annual trophies and awards can be found HERE.  These will be presented at the RORC Annual Dinner held at the Banqueting House in Whitehall on Saturday 19th November.

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012

October 11, 2011

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2011 was hailed as the most successful and satisfying in the event’s spectacular 28-year history. Entered in the 2011 Audi Hamilton Island Race Week were 195 racing yachts – ranging from small cruisers to record-breaking supermaxis – and some impressive superyachts on the water. Then, when the sailing was done, crews, families, friends and island guests sampled the most impressive on-shore party and social agenda imaginable.

View of the fleet at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week - Day 2 - Sunday 21 August 2011. Photo by Hamilton Island Photography.

View of the fleet at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week - Day 2 - Sunday 21 August 2011. Photo by Hamilton Island Photography.

There were numerous highlights throughout the week, but none more so than the presence of the world’s oldest sporting trophy, America’s Cup, and the current Cup winning skipper, Australia’s Jimmy Spithill. And while the sailing scene was incredibly exciting, thanks to the presence of a solid south-easterly tradewind for much of the week, there was a most impressive array of familiar and friendly faces across the party schedule, including Naomi Watts, Megan Gale, Tom Williams, Matt Moran, Shanon Bennett, Catriona Rowntree, Sandra Sully and Mark Beretta.

The America’s Cup welcomed to Audi Hamilton Island Race Week by Bob Oatley, Jimmy Spithill, and Iain Murray. Photo by Andrea Francolini Audi image

The America’s Cup welcomed to Audi Hamilton Island Race Week by Bob Oatley, Jimmy Spithill, and Iain Murray. Photo by Andrea Francolini Audi image

Everyone was impressed by the week’s sailing and social activities, and it was the man who brought the Cup to the regatta, 30-year America’s Cup legend Tom Ehman, who summed up the week perfectly: ‘Hamilton Island Race Week is the best kept secret in the world of yachting. The organisers of any major race week should look at how Hamilton Island makes this more than a sailing event: it’s also a social and cultural happening. Through resources, imagination and hard work it has really come into its own.’

See for yourself by watching this impressive, 5-minute Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2011 highlights package.

The America’s Cup is welcomed to Audi Hamilton Island Race Week by island owner and veteran yachtsman, Bob Oatley, Cup winning skipper Jimmy Spithill, and Hamilton Island Yacht Club Commodore, Iain Murray. (Andrea Francolini/Audi image)

Magnificent social events, like the release of a new range by Collette Dinningan, are among the many and varied onshore activities at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.

Sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2 wins 43rd Barcolana Regatta – the Largest Regatta in the World

October 10, 2011

The Esimit Europa 2 sailing yacht has won the 43rd Barcolana regatta among the 1761 entrants and thousands of spectators, completing the 16,5-miles long course in 58 minutes and 5 seconds. Weather conditions with winds up to 24 knots were favourable for European flagged maxi yacht, which sails under the patronage of Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, and with Gazprom as her main sponsor.

Sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2 wins 43rd Barcolana Regatta - the Largest Regatta in the World

Sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2 wins 43rd Barcolana Regatta - the Largest Regatta in the World

Owner of the yacht, Igor Simčič, and his all-star crew, composed by the best sailors from six European countries, started off perfectly and immediately took the lead, sailing on average at about 15 to 20 knots. The yacht’s victory in a fantastic atmosphere in Trieste was very well deserved – the experienced team, skippered by a legendary German sailor Jochen Schümann, prepared a great strategy, therefore victory at the largest single-start regatta in the world was not put under the question mark at any stage of the race. The team’s success was endorsed by the crowd of a few hundred people at the dockside, including members of the European Parliament, ambassadors from different European countries and chairmen of some of the largest European enterprises.

“First of all I would like to congratulate this amazing crew, who went beyond their possibilities to win for Europe again. I dedicate the victory to all sailing enthusiasts, ambassadors, diplomats and businessmen, who came to Trieste to see what can be done with cooperation and complete dedication to the common goals. Europe needs winning symbols more than ever and Esimit Europa 2 proves for almost two years that by joining their forces Europeans can achieve supreme results”, said Igor Simčič, owner of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht.

“The crew has been practicing the manoeuvres over the past week in the Gulf of Trieste, therefore got a chance to become familiar with sea and weather specifics of this area. Together with the rest of afterguard, Juan Vila as navigator, Vasilij Žbogar, Sidney Gavignet as tacticians and Alberto Bolzan behind the helm, we have prepared great tactics, which very well paid off. We really got maximum out of it. Congratulations also to the rest of the crew, it was a privilege and honour to share this amazing experience with them”, added Jochen Schümann, skipper of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht.

The last regatta on the schedule of Esimit Europa 2 for this season is the 606-mile offshore Rolex Middle Sea Race, which will start in Grand Harbour in Malta on 22 October. As one of the most demanding and competitive regattas in Europe, it will guarantee a unique experience for the yacht as well as for the crew.

Quantum Racing wins 2011 World 2011 Audi TP52 World Championships

October 10, 2011

With a second and first on the final day of racing at the Audi TP52 World Championship off the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Ed Baird and the crew of sailing yacht Quantum Racing lifted their third world TP52 world title from four challenges.

Quantum Racing 08 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico Martinez WSM

Quantum Racing 08 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico Martinez WSM

They added to worlds wins in 2008 in Lanzarote and defended the title they won last year Valencia.  Emerging with a four points margin over Germany’s sailing yacht Container, the American flagged Quantum team complete the same ‘double’ as they did in 2008, winning both the Audi MedCup Circuit title as well as the World Championship.

Sailing yacht Quatum Racing wins Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico Martinez WSM

Sailing yacht Quatum Racing wins Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico Martinez WSM

With tactician Adrian Stead (GBR) combining with new navigator Francesco Mongelli (ITA) Quantum Racing were consistent across the very different wind conditions, from the very light sub 10kts conditions of the first three days of racing to a useful fourth in the strong early morning Mistral of Friday, to their final flourish in today’s moderate 7-11kts.

In paying tribute to team owner Doug De Vos, who was on hand to enjoy their success, Quantum Racing’s inspirational project manager Ed Reynolds, architect behind each of their wins, commented:

“Each of these world titles has been about a quintessential team performance, with two different teams of different characteristics and styles with no major, standout star names in either but unified in the level of results, and that is really down to Doug De Vos for putting the resources to give us good solid teams.”

Tactician Stead who called the shots successfully last season in Valencia, smiled:

“ It is splendid.”

” It is a great way to finish the season. We had a tense Audi MedCup, we have been really pleased with the way that we have sailed here against boats which have been in their conditions in the form of Gladiator and Paramount Park. Everyone has been pushing pretty hard.”

Udo Schuetz’ Container with skipper-helm Markus Wieser (GER) and his crew, augmented at this regatta by Kiwi mainsheet trimmer Don Cowie, came out on the final day with their strongest finishes of the late season.

Sailing yacht Container 08 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

Sailing yacht Container 08 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

Their 2,1,2 over the last three races of the season a secured them second place overall and shook off some of the disappointment of their lacklustre finishes in Cartagena and Barcelona.

Wieser attributed a large measure of their success to completely changing their rig set up under the advice of Cowie who won the Audi MedCup Circuit title twice as mainsheet trimmer with Emirates Team New Zealand. Wieser said:

“We are happy that it finished up like this, it was a long season and the last two regattas we hard with no boatspeed. But here we changed everything, a complete new set up with Don Cowie, and we had boat speed again and could be more aggressive in the way we sailed. We were so slow in Cartagena. But second here is good.”

Tony Langley’s British crew on Gladiator, surprise early leaders of these world championship, held on to third place overall with their third place in what  proved to be the final race, completing the podium by virtue of a better tie-break than the Spanish Paramount Park Murcia.

Langley commended the approach of their tactician, Melges 32 world title winning Chris Larson:

“What was great was the attitude he came with. He came to me and said ‘I really think we can win this’ and that mental attitude was really refreshing and we really set out to try and do that. So that was a big change really. Nacho (Postigo) stepped in and did a really nice job with us too.”

Three different boats lead the world championship over different days, but Quantum Racing were on solid form in the light-moderate conditions and today’s leftover sloppy seas. The breeze was shifting up to 30 degrees and there were big changes in wind pressure, between 5 and 11kts. Although there was breeze mid to later afternoon it proved too unsettled to run a third race, leaving Quantum Racing to enjoy their celebrations.

Container won the first race after starting close to the right hand committee boat end of the start line, showing good speed in the testing conditions Quantum Racing were unable to catch them with Audi Azzurra Sailing Team taking third.

In the second race Container led at the top windward mark with a beautiful layline call from the top left of the course by navigator Marc Lagesse (RSA) and tactician Hamish Pepper (NZL) until the leeward gate when Quantum Racing took the right hand gate mark and split to the right and gained 1 minute and 17 secs on Container on the second beat.

For Gladiator, third in the final race proved critical as it gave them the superior tie break over Ignacio Triay (ESP) and the Paramount Park Murcia (ESP) crew.  Langley wins the Owner-Driver trophy.

Sail Yacht Gladiator 08 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

Sail Yacht Gladiator 08 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

Audi TP52 World Championship, Yacht Club Costa Smerelda, Sardinia

FINAL RESULTS

1. Quantum Racing (USA) 1+3+5+1+4+2+1= 17 points

2. Container (GER) 2+7+3+4+2+1+2= 21 points

3. Gladiator (GBR) 3+1+4+2+6+5+3= 24 points

4. Paramount Park Murcia (ESP) 4+2+1+3+5+4+5= 24 points

5. Audi Azzurra Sailing Team (IT) 5+4+7+6+1+3+7= 33 points

6. RÁN (SWE) 6+5+2+5+ 8 (DNF)+6+6= 38 points

7. Audi ALL4ONE (GER/FRA) 7+6+6+7+3+7+4= 40 points

Owner Driver trophy for Tony Langley, Gladiator.

Sailing yacht fleet 08 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

Sailing yacht fleet 08 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

Quotes:

Adrian Stead (GBR) tactician Quantum Racing (USA):

“It is splendid, a really good day to finish on. It was pretty tricky with the breeze moving between 20 to 30 degrees, puffy and we made the best out of it. Container got away in the first race a little and so we made sure we got a good second place. In the second race we split with Container at the gate and we managed to extend on the second beat which was great.

It is a great way to finish the season. We had a tense Audi MedCup, we have been really pleased with the way that we have sailed here against boats which really have been in their conditions in the form of Gladiator and Paramount Park. Everyone has been pushing pretty hard. Container have been lurking there all week, their OCS in race 2 there was no way back and that was costly, but that just goes to show how tight the fleet is.

If there had been a bit more breeze this week Audi Azzurra Sailing Team and Audi ALL4ONE would have been in the frame too.

I think it is great that we have come and defended. In a couple of the light races we were definitely on the back foot, especially race 3. We had to be strong after our fifth. It was a tense MedCup.We overachieved in Cascais, we missed a few tricks with our sails, with our communication which meant we narrowly lost in Marseille. The game moved on in Cagliari definitely.

And there was always the potential of not knowing if it would be a four or five race series or an eight or nine race series. There was pretty of looking out for each other, but for me the turning point of the regatta was the light air race in bomb alley, being able to beat Gladiator and Parmount Park Murica in that really light stuff really made the difference.”

Markus Wieser (GER) skipper-helm Container (GER):

“We are happy that it finished up like this, it was a long season and the last two regattas we hard with no boatspeed. But here we changed everything, a complete new set up with Don Cowie, and we had boat speed again and could be more aggressive in the way we sailed. We were so slow in Cartagena. But second here is good. We knew we could do better than we did in the past and had the better boat speed to do it. The only shock was the OCS which pushed us back but we finished the regattas with 2,1,2 and proved that Quantum Racing are beatable. With more preparation we can get there. Don will be back with us next year with some new sail designs planned, we will back fully motivated. Quantum have shown they are the team to beat.”

Tony Langley (GBR), owner-helm Gladiator (GBR):

“We are really pleased with third. If you had told me at the start of the week we would be third I would never have believed you. But here we are. We are pleased because we sailed well. We took some real steps backwards during the season at Palma Vela and in Barcelona. But we made some changes and I think they have really paid off. It really sets us up for next year.

Chris (Larson) really was good for us. What was great was the attitude he came with. He came to me and said ‘I really think we can win this’ and that mental attitude was really refreshing and we really set out to try and do that. So that was a big change really. Nacho (Postigo) stepped in and did a really nice job with us too.”

“I feel like we are just so far ahead of where we were at the beginning of the season at Palma Vela. So I’m looking forward to next season.”

Ed Reynolds (USA) project manager Quantum Racing (USA):

“What can I say. With fewer boats you would think it would get easier but it always gets more difficult. This really was not easy in the conditions, but I think the team sailed an awesome regatta. They did what they had to do, focusing most of all on being fast all the time. They were good at setting the modes in the different conditions and moving between them. Ado Stead sailed brilliantly with some good start and really following the plans we talked about.

Each of these world titles have been about a quintessential team performance, with two different teams of different characteristics and styles with no major, standout star names  in either but unified in the level of results, and that is really down to Doug De Vos for putting the resources to give us good solid teams.

Francesco Mongelli has been a fantastic addition to the team here. In fact both tall Francesco (coach De Angelis) and short Francesco (Mongelli, navigator) have been great here. Little Francesco added a whole different dynamic, visibly excited to be with the team and his energy was infectious, he was so proud to be with the team that it was infectious.”

2011 Audi TP52 World Championships – Day 4

October 10, 2011

Azzurra ride the Mistral to win Race 5 – Quantum Racing lead into final day.

When the Mistral whistled in to break the deadlock at the top of the Audi TP52 World Championship off Costa Smeralda early on the fourth day of racing it was the local team on Azzurra which won, but fourth place for Quantum Racing allows the current world champions to move one point clear in the title race which will be decided Saturday.

Sailing yacht Azzura, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico Martinez WSM

Sailing yacht Azzura, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico Martinez WSM

Audi Azzurra Sailing Team lead at the windward mark on the first round, with already more than 25kts of wind blowing and more threatening. The team which sails under the colours of the host club, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, were first to break to the right on the upwind and were able to lead Container with Audi ALL4ONE and Quantum Racing overlapped for third and fourth.

Sailing yacht Azzura, 07 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico Martinez WSM

Sailing yacht Azzura, 07 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico Martinez WSM

A small problem on the kite drop on Azzurra at the end of the testing downwind allowed Container through to lead up the second beat. Paramount Park Murcia gybed early on the rollercoaster ride of a run and picked up a huge gust which they rode down the left side of the run and were challenging for second before they lost control. After suffering mainsail problems pre-start RAN started late and retired after the first run.

Azzurra’s tactician Vasco Vascotto managed to fight back to get control of the right in the very muscular conditions, with good speed and power in the strong conditions, and were just able to cross Container at the top of the second beat. With the wind gusting over 35kts the race team shortened the course at the top mark.

Yacht Container 07 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

Yacht Container 07 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

With Container second Audi ALL4ONE took third and Quantum Racing fourth, all four top boats finished within 20 seconds. Key for the Audi backed boats was their choice of smaller code 4 jibs.

In the overall standings going into the final day of racing Quantum Racing lead by one point ahead of Paramount Park Murcia on 15pts after they finished fifth today, with Gladiator now dropped to third on 16pts.

Yacht Gladiator 07 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

Yacht Gladiator 07 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

After starting at 0900hrs the fleet reached the dock by 1010hrs with no further racing for the day with the Mistral hitting nearly 40kts at times.

Audi TP52 World Championship Yacht Club Costa Smeralda

Results after 5 races:

1. Quantum Racing (USA) 1+3+5+1+4= 14 points

2. Paramount Park Murcia (ESP) 4+2+1+3+5= 15 points

3. Gladiator (GBR) 3+1+4+2+6= 16 points

4. Container (GER) 2+7+3+4+2= 18 points

5. Audi Azzurra Sailing Team (IT) 5+4+7+6+1= 23 points

6. RÁN (SWE) 6+5+2+5+ 8 (DNF)= 26 points

7. Audi ALL4ONE (GER/FR) 7+6+6+7+3= 29 points

Sailing yacht fleet 07 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

Sailing yacht fleet 07 10 2011, Audi TP52 World Championship © Nico MartinezWSM

Quotes:

Ed Reynolds (USA) project manager Quantum Racing (USA):

“It really was a day for getting the boat around the course. The light airs boats really struggled and there were a couple of sail handling things out there. It is always worrisome in these conditions, can you outlast everybody. It sounds boring but to be average today and get the boat around the course was good. We would really have liked that one more run because we might have been able to get another point or two, but you can never, ever question Maria the race officer. In all the years I have done this if she says you can’t sail in this then you can’t sail in it.

Vasco Vascotto, (ITA) tactician Audi Azzurra Sailing Team (ITA):

“It was important to win, for all the crew and the people here at the club, It was pretty windy really.

The retrieval system did not work first time and in these winds at these speeds if it does not work you are in trouble quickly. We had a good recovery – it was not an ideal manoeuvre but it worked and we got around the mark, staying close to Container and Jochen Schuemann on Audi ALL4ONE and that allowed us to get back on the second beat and go on to win.

We are very happy, the first three days were very, very light breeze and even if we sailed well and did not make many mistakes, the boat is not so fast to help us in the light winds.”

Hamish Pepper (NZL) tactician Container (GER):

“Azzurra sailed pretty well, they made only that one mistake at the bottom mark, we managed to get around them, but they were going quicker up that beat. It has been an interesting regatta, all very close with the top three and we are nipping at their heels and so the last day will be fun.”

Adrian Stead (GBR) tactician Quantum Racing (USA):

“It was a great decision to get out and race early and get a race in which puts less pressure on the last day. It is still very open and even Container with their second today are only four points behind us. For the light winds boats Gladiator and Paramount Park today’s conditions were more detrimental for them.

We nearly changed to the number 4 jib and might have been better for us, but the key thing for us was at the top mark first time up when we were not rolling the red boat (Audi ALL4ONE) at the windward mark and that meant they really controlled us down the run. But we were right in there to finish. As we approached the line we were bow to bow with Container, but there was just no room to do anything, it would have been pretty punchy in these conditions.”

Otam Millennium 100 motor yacht

October 05, 2011

Otam Yachts have produced a fast and sleek sports motor yacht design called the Millennium 100. Millennium 100 motor yacht, the new flagship of the Otam Yachts fleet was unveiled at the recent 2011 Monaco yacht Show.

Otam Millennium 100 motor yacht

Otam Millennium 100 motor yacht

The Otam Millennium 100 sportyacht will be propelled to speeds of around 50knots, the exact speed depending on the engine package chosen. The hull has been designed to house two or three MTU engines which will enable the Otam Millennium 100 to reach the coveted 50-knot barrier. Three 2,600 Horse Power engines will take her to approximately 53-knots while two of the same power, 45-knots.

The Millennium 100 sportyacht has a sleek design with walking access all around the exterior of the main deck with stops either at the bow or the stern where padded seating awaits. The yacht is bound to be aerodynamically efficient with the slender profile and curves drawn out. The Millennium 100 motor yacht by Otam Yachts will be constructed in Kevlar composite, providing strength and performance.

Les Voiles de Saint Tropez celebrates 30 years

September 27, 2011

The sailing calendar for classic yachts in the Mediterranean includes stops in idyllic ports including Antibes, Monaco, and Cannes. But it is the finale in St Tropez that is the not-to-be-missed conclusion for classic and modern yachts alike. This year Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez – which began life as La Nioulargue – marks the 30th running of this prestigious event. The nearly 300-boat regatta brings together the finest collection of traditional yachts (vintage and spirit of tradition), as well as the other end of the spectrum: modern high-performance racers.  Today was the first scheduled day of racing for the Modern fleet, with the light 6-8 knot conditions on the Golfe de St Tropez causing a delayed start, all classes managed one race today. Racing for the Tradition classes begins tomorrow.

Unique ambiance during the event at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

Unique ambiance during the event at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

Les Voiles’ fleet is divided into Modern and Traditional; with almost 200 boats, the Modern classes make up the majority. Boats such as Mike Slade’s 100-foot (30 metre) super maxi Leopard 3, which held the monohull course record in the Rolex Fastnet Race until this year; the impeccably restored 1930s-era J-Class Shamrock; Swan yachts from the popular one-design Swan 42 to the Swan 112 sailing yacht Highland Breeze, as well as a good showing from the Wally yachts of 80 – 130 footers.

Sailing yacht Elena - Photo Credit Alessandro Spiga YCCS

Sailing yacht Elena - Photo Credit Alessandro Spiga YCCS

But it is the Traditional fleet – 84-strong this year – that impresses. The “grande dame” of the fleet is the 136-foot (41.5m) Herreshoff schooner Elena. She is not alone among yachts over the 100-foot mark, joined by Cambria, the Fife-designed 23m class sloop; the Herreshoff schooner, Mariette of 1915, and the Fife gaff schooner, Altair, which raced successfully for nearly 50 years before being brought back to impeccable condition in 1985 at Fairlie Restorations in the UK. Rounding out the ‘bigger’ boat fleet is the more recently launched Sunshine, built in out of teak and rosewood in Myanmar.

Equally impressive are the 15-meter class yachts, the elegant Tuiga (1909) and Mariska (1908). Though 15 meters (50 feet) on the waterline, with their long bow and stern overhangs and bowsprit, they stretch to 90 stunning feet overall. Along with these two is the recently re-launched Fife III-designed 15-meter Hispania, originally built for the King of Spain in 1909 – but unfortunately the Spanish boat had to withdraw from Les Voiles.

The idea for La Nioulargue is a now legendary story that took place in 1981 at Club 55, Patrice de Colmont’s ultra-chic beach bar and restaurant on Pampelonne Beach. It began as a casual barroom bet between the 12-metre Ikra, skippered by Jean Laurin and Pride, a Swan 44 owned by Dick Jayson, an American who was cruising in the Mediterranean at that time. Three decades later the regatta endures, with tweaks and fine-tuning along the way. In the late 1990s, La Niolargue morphed into Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez and its popularity has only grown. Ikra still competes here. Now owned by Frenchman Yves-Marie Morault, the 12-metre won the Rolex Trophy in 2010 and Morault and crew are back this year to defend.

The Rolex Trophy is a competition within the Tradition division for all boats over 16 metres on deck. The winning boat receives the Rolex Trophy and a Rolex timepiece. First awarded in 2006, this year more than 50 boats are eligible for the Trophy, among these Graham Walker’s two-time winner Rowdy, a Herreshoff-designed New York 40. Past Rolex Trophy winners include:

2010 – Ikra, 12-metre. Originally built as Kurrewa V, a trial horse for the Royal Thames YC for the 1964 America’s Cup.  Later owned by Baron Bich, who sold it in 1977, after which it was converted for racing/cruising in the Mediterranean.

2008 & 2009 – Rowdy, Herreshoff-designed New York 40 class. Commissioned by the New York Yacht Club and built in 1916, this design is 40 feet on the waterline (approx 65 ft LOA).

2007 – Agneta, 25-metre yawl, built in 1951. Agneta’s beautiful varnished mahogany hull and tanbark sails are unmistakable on the water.

2006 – So Fong, 25 metre Marconi-rigged schooner. Designed by the renowned naval architecture firm, Sparkman & Stephens and built in Hong Kong in 1937.

The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez (SNST), organizer for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, hosts a number of regattas during the season including the Rolex Giraglia Cup. Though Les Voiles, with its incredible mix of the old and new, is unique and continues to attract yachts for what is to many competitors, their end of season rendezvous. André Beaufils, Chairman of Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, offered, “For all regattas organized by the SNST our credo is: being serious on the water and conviviality on land.  These are already the two important things. And then I think the Port of St Tropez attracts a lot of people. We are lucky to have the port inside the village, a charming village. At the same time we have an expanse of water that allows great racing. All this together contributes to the success.”

With five days of racing planned, there is an equal amount of entertainment onshore. The overriding theme is fully festive, as the French do so well, with local marching bands featuring as prominently as sophisticated cocktail parties. Crews, in full costume, take part in the crew parade, a boules (lawn bowling) competition in the central square of Les Place de Lices, where each team ‘adopts’ a local boules expert to guide them in the nuances of the game, as well as music every night, along with generous amounts of the uniquely local foods, such as tartiflette and a sardine barbecue.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Fleet - Photo Credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Fleet - Photo Credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

The fleet provides an international mix from France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, United States, United Kingdom, and Malta, among others. Given that the bigger yachts race with crews of 20-30, the port is awash with over 3,500 sailors, friends and family, creating a great camaraderie as many reconnect from prior regattas. Mixed in with a collection of mainly amateur sailors are the professional crews including competitors from the America’s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race and other grand-prix events.

The classical and traditional themes embodied by Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, follow on fittingly from the ethos of another Rolex-supported event: the Goodwood Revival, an annual three-day motor-sport extravaganza that takes place each September. While the former showcases the finest in Mediterranean yachting, including a collection of lovingly-maintained classic and traditional yachts of 16 metres and over competing in the Rolex Trophy, the latter is a nostalgic gathering of vintage cars from the 1940s, 50s and 60s, reliving the glory days of the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit. Both Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez and the Goodwood Revival provide unique opportunities for enthusiasts to take a fascinating journey back in time, immerse themselves in the spirit of yesteryear, while admiring the elegance and designs inspired by the era.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2011 Event Programme
Sunday, 25 September: Welcome for Modern yachts
Monday, 26 September: Welcome for Traditional yachts; Racing for Modern yachts
Tuesday, 27 September: Modern and Traditional yacht racing
Wednesday, 28 September: Modern and Traditional yacht racing
Thursday, 29 September: Challenge Day (match racing); Club 55 Cup between Mariquita & Altair; Centenary Trophy (yachts over 100 years)
Friday, 30 September: Modern and Traditional yacht racing
Saturday, 1 October: Modern and Traditional yacht racing
Sunday, 2 October: 11am, Prizegiving Ceremony at La Citadelle

Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai 2011: Sailing yacht Nan, S/Y Moonbeam IV, Arcadia, Léonore and Classic yacht Shamrock V win

September 25, 2011

The Régates Royales last and decisive event of the 2011 Panerai Trophy ended today in Cannes. Due to the extremely light easterly wind on the bay of La Napoule organizers had no choice but to abandon racing and the eye-catching traditional yachts had their final “red carpet” coming back to the old port. Sailing yacht Nan, S/Y Moonbeam IV, Arcadia, Léonore and Classic Yacht Shamrock V win in their respective classes

Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai 2011: Au revoir Cannes, see you next year! - Photo Alexis Courcoux

Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai 2011: Au revoir Cannes, see you next year! - Photo Alexis Courcoux

The “autumn festival” came to an end today with no wind and no racing. After exceptional weather conditions on the first two days, with the 68 classic yachts battling in a south-westerly wind topping 20 knots, lighter airs on the following days, the wind gods were not on the sailors’ side for the shutdown of the Régates Royales. Still, the 33rd edition of event with its stunning scenario, the excellent organization by Yacht Club de Cannes, world famous sailors coming from all over the world, was a huge success.

After four races it was the fore and aft cutter Nan of Fife to get on the first step of the podium f the classic gaffers, second place went to Italy’s Bona Fide the Charles Sibbick’s design that won the last two races in real time and bronze to ever consistent Avel tied at points.

In the Big Boat division, Moonbeam IV, Moonbeam III and Mariquita were also tied at points but, thanks to a win in the last race Moonbeam IV, the youngest of the Fife’s designs, was crowned 2011 champion. Mariska and Cambria follow, distanced by a mere two points. The biggest yacht competing at the Régates Royales de Cannes, sailing yacht Elena the 55 metre long fore and aft gaff schooner designed by Nathanaël Herreshoff finished seventh.

Among the nine Classics it was Arcadia, dating back to 1968 to score two wins that place her on the highest step of the podium followed closely by Sagittarius (Sparkman & Stephens 1971), White Dolphin (Beltrami 1967) and Stella Polare, the ketch representing the Italian Navy

Nothing and none seem able to stop Graham Walker’s Flying Forty Rowdy. Once more the British flagged boat is the winner in Cannes in the Classic Marconi class of more than 15 metres, the most crowded division with seventeen competitors. Light wind or strong breeze, the 1916 Nathanaël Herreshoff ‘s one-design won three races out of four. Only The Blue Peter could have opposed to this supremacy, but the 1930 Alfred Mylne’s designed boat had to do with a second place whilst  L’Oiseau de Feu, the 1937 Camper & Nicholson finished third.

Léonore’s score in Cannes was impressive, the John Anker’s design simply won all the four races in the Classic Marconi of less than 15 metres division triumphing over the 1937 Nicholas Potter designed Cholita and Anne-Sophie. Among the Spirit of Tradition, the newly arrived Lionheart, the gigantic J Class could not manage to beat Shamrock V. Despite two victories the yacht designed by Burgess and Stephens in 1937 and launched last year, was undoubtedly faster on the water when the wind was over ten knots but could not keep Shamrock V’s pace in lighter wind. The third place, in the 14 boats strong class, went to the “little” Jessie the Tofinou designed by Joubert-Nivelt in 2005.

Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai 2011: Italy’s Giuseppe Duca wins in the Dragon class

September 25, 2011

Wind was not on the Dragon crews’ side this Friday for the last and decisive rendez-vous. A light and flimsly air, not enough to have the boats moving, forced the Committee to calli it a day and send the 58 strong fleet back ashore. The final ranking has then been decided taking into consideration the six races sailed since Tuesday. Italian Giuseppe Duca on Cloud wins his first title at the Régates Royales.

A coastal race for the classic yachts, in very light and flimsy winds and Bona Fide wins again…

Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai 2011 Italy’s Giuseppe Duca wins in the Dragon class - Photo Alexis Courcoux

Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai 2011 Italy’s Giuseppe Duca wins in the Dragon class - Photo Alexis Courcoux

Good breeze on the first two days, light air on the third and not enough wind on the fourth: the 58 Dragons participating to the Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai profited from excellent conditions for the event opening, and namely the Irish crew skippered Martin Byrne on Jaguar-Bear who scored two wins whils race favourite and 2010 champion Anatoly Loginov from Russia on Annapurna, did not show the same consistency and strength he’s known for.

Still, it’s on the second day that the ranking becomes more definite as the Danish class master Poul-Richard Hoj-Jensen on Danish Blue bounced back as did Italian Giuseppe Duca on Cloud, despite a a black flag disqualification on race 3.  And, Thursday, when just one race could be sailed due to the extremely light wind, the skipper from Venice together with French sailors Jean-Sébastien Ponce and Guillaume Bérenger scored a win that proved to be crucial to obtain is first ever title at the Régates Royales. Danish Blue’s skipper and multiple Olympic medallist Poul-Richard Hoj-Jensen with Theis Palm and Mick Jensen  jumps on the second step of the podium, whilst Russians Anatoly Loginov, Andrey Kirilyuk and Alexander Shalagin on Annapurna are distanced by a single point and finish third.

Dubliner Martin Byrne, with Brian Mathews and Pedro Andrade on Jaguar-Bear who started the series brilliantly, had a bad second day and slipped back in fourth. Interestingly enough on a total of six races, victory went to five different crews:  Martin Byrne, British Ivan Bradbury on Blue Haze, French Joseph Varoqui on Rusalka, Danish Peter Warrer on Lil and Giuseppe Duca. And in the top ten spots of the overall ranking no less than eight countries are represented: Italy, the UK, Russia, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, France and Finland.

A short coastal race for the classics

A very light south-westerly, never stronger than eight knots, allowed the 68 boat strong fleet to race on a short coastal course on the bay of La Napoule. As it happened yesterday, it was the smaller and lighter boats to profit from the situation, moving more swiftly in the patchy puffs of wind. Once again it was Giuseppe Giordano’s gaff cutter Bona Fide to lead the fleet and cross in first with an even larger margin than yesterday, over thirty minutes ahead of her competitors.

A presidential yacht at the Régates Royales

Sailing yacht Manitou, once owned by US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, built in 1937 by shipyard Davis & Son, designed by Sparkman & Stephens - Photo Alexis Courcoux

Sailing yacht Manitou, once owned by US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, built in 1937 by shipyard Davis & Son, designed by Sparkman & Stephens - Photo Alexis Courcoux

Manitou, the yacht once owned by US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was built in 1937 by shipyard Davis & Son in Maryland and designed by the world-famous couple of architects Sparkman & Stephens. The 62 feet long yawl later passed in the hands of the American Coast Guard in 1955. JFK had the boat equipped with all the communication instruments needed to be in constant contact with his staff and the Pentagon, or the Kremlin, and used to call her his “Floating White House”. Manitou was often seen sailing in Chesapeake Bay with the President and his family, and was sometimes used as a very discreet place to receive and discuss with fellow politicians and celebrities. Five years after JFK’s assassination the boat was sold to Harry Lundeberg’s Maritime School. Aristotele Onassis will unsuccessfully try twice to buy her out before marrying Jackie Kennedy in October 1968. The boat was sold in 1999 to the original owner’s granddaughter and sold again in 2001. Manitou debuted in Cannes for the Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai in 2011, with her new owners Philippe and Phil Jordan.

America’s Cup dazzles at the 2011 Monaco Yacht Show

September 23, 2011

Following a successful America’s Cup World Series in Plymouth, the America’s Cup trophy is in Monaco this week to be part of three events during the Monaco Yacht Show. The stunning backdrop of Monte Carlo is the setting for Superyacht owners, captains, brokers, designers, media and other industry leaders during the annual yacht show.

America's Cup Dazzles in Monaco - Photo Credit Franck Terlin

America's Cup Dazzles in Monaco - Photo Credit Franck Terlin

Iain Murray, Regatta Director for the 34th America’s Cup, Craig Thompson, CEO America’s Cup Event Authority and Paul Cayard, CEO Artemis Racing headlined an America’s Cup presentation last night at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Golden Gate Yacht Club’s Vice Commodore Tom Ehman was the Master of Ceremonies for the full house of almost 200 persons. China Team CEO Thierry Barot was on hand for the America’s Cup program.

The America’s Cup was also in focus at this morning’s Southern Spars breakfast and will be displayed at the Fraser Yachts captains’ dinner at the Yacht Club de Monaco this evening.

Southern Spars through North Technology Group (NTG) is part of America’ Cup Race Management’s shared design program developing a baseline AC72 design for America’s Cup teams.  NTG is developing wing technology for ACRM.

America's Cup Dazzles at Monaco Yacht Show - Photo Credit Franck Terlin

America's Cup Dazzles at Monaco Yacht Show - Photo Credit Franck Terlin

The dockside buzz focused on the recent AC World Series in Plymouth and the exciting racing there and the ongoing transformation of the America’s Cup. The dramatic images of the international AC45 fleet pushing the limits — all within shouting distance of the over 100,000 fans who lined the Plymouth waterfront – had the audience here enthralled.

“This is stadium sailing,” said Thompson. “Jimmy Spithill told me for the first time in his life he heard the roar of the crowd when racing.” Spithill had a remarkable near-capsize in front of the crowds lining the Plymouth’s Hoe and the crowd’s reaction could be heard on the race course.

Cayard noted the new challenge for the sailors with the fast and physical wing-sailed catamarans. “It’s a big challenge for all the teams to change their skill sets. With the wing, it’s a whole new thing.”

With the goal of a television product that will cover the sport from the inside out, the America’s Cup is being delivered to new audiences. China Team’s Barot said China is new to sailing and new fans are getting on board as more and more of the dramatic racing images are seen in China.

“What’s happening today is a dream for all of us for the last 30 years and now the dream is happening.”

The next stop for the America’s Cup World Series is San Diego, where racing runs November 12-20

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