Supermaxi Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Save Our Seas Ocean Racing prepares for round Australia record attempt

September 19, 2010

Save Our Seas Ocean Racing are chasing a world record on a maxi yacht.  In May 2011, current solo Australian circumnavigation record holder Ian Thomson will be setting off on the almighty Jutson 79ft sailing yacht Brindabella to break the world record for the fastest monohull to circumnavigate Australia.

Save Our Seas Ocean Racing prepares for round Australia record attempt

Save Our Seas Ocean Racing prepares for round Australia record attempt

In May/June this year, Ian Thomson took a whopping 26 days off the former Around Australia solo record.  Now he wants another record and that is the fully crewed monohull record which is currently held by David Pescud’s 53ft Kaz. This record is currently 37d:1h:23m:7s. Ian states ‘Last year I got lonely so this year I am going with crew.  We are taking 18 crew of which 6 positions are allocated to professional crew.  The final 12 slots however are open to the worlds sailing community.’

The boat chosen for the record attempt is the almighty maxi sailing yacht Brindabella.  She still holds 6 race records including the fastest Sydney to Hobart for a conventionally ballasted boat.  Owner Jim Cooney will be aboard as this world record attempt plays out.  Jim states ‘Brindabella is a piece of Australian history and to break the circumnavigation of Australia record would be quite fitting for the old girl.’

BRINDABELLA, passing Tasman Island Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008 - Photo Credit ROLEX Carlo Borlenghi

BRINDABELLA, passing Tasman Island Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008 - Photo Credit ROLEX Carlo Borlenghi

Applications are open to all experienced sailors and this truly is a unique job to apply for.  Where else can you have a chance to sail on one of  Australia’s most Iconic racing yachts in a world record attempt.  Your name could go in the history books as a world record holder and if you want a career in sailing, this is a great place to start, imagine that on your resume.  Not only do the final 12 get all their expenses paid, you will get to keep your wet weather gear and uniforms and the added bonus of $5,000 cash if the record is broken. 

Applicants firstly need to visit the campaigns website at www.sosoceanracing.com/Australia.htm and download the application form.  Apart from your usual information about sailing history and personal details there is a section on what you can do to raise awareness of the damage plastic bags do to our environment.  This whole campaign is part of the Save Our Seas Australia program which is out to raise awareness of the damage plastic bags and plastics are doing to our environment, to promote alternatives and to take action in teaching our current & next generations of the issue.  All final crew will have to spend at least 1 day campaigning in their local town for this program. 

SOS Ocean Racing Crew - Around Australia Record Attempt - Photo Credit Ian Thomson

SOS Ocean Racing Crew - Around Australia Record Attempt - Photo Credit Ian Thomson

From all applications, a short list of 30 will be selected and announced onboard S/Y Brindabella at CYCA on Dec 24th, 2 days before the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.  The shortlist candidates will then be flown to the Whitsundays for 2-3 days of gruelling selection trials that will include hikes, kayaking and match racing on the fleet of Maxi Yachts cruising the tropical waters.  Straight after this, a final 18 will be selected and they will be flown to Sydney where they will compete in more trials that will include an overnight sail onboard sailing yacht Brindabella.  The final 12 will be announced on 1st February 2010.

All applicants are encouraged to raise funds for Save Our Seas Australia.  Ian said ‘Whilst the world record is the major goal, we cannot forget the reason I do this and that is to save our seas.  We need to raise money so we can continue our work and hence the 5 applicants that raise the most funds by December 24th will automatically be selected in the short list of 30 people with the person raising the most funds by January 31st is guaranteed a position in the final 12.  Applicants can raise funds by bringing sponsors to Save Our Seas Australia or through fundraisers at their local yacht club.  Applicants will receive additional information on this when they submit their application.’

To add to the excitement, the whole process will be filmed and presented as a documentary/Reality TV program for television purposes.

Sailing yacht Brindabella - Around Australia Record Attempt - Photo Credit Ian Thomson

Sailing yacht Brindabella - Around Australia Record Attempt - Photo Credit Ian Thomson

Save Our Seas Australia not only raises awareness of the damage plastic bags do but are active in saving our reef and educating the youth.  They are currently setting up a day with divers as part of the Padi Project Aware clean up day, are setting up a day to search for and destroy the damaging Crown of Thorns at Bait Reef in the Whitsundays, as well as working with the Whitsunday PCYC in creating programs to educate the youth on their backyard.  Ian will also be talking with students at primary schools in Victoria in late October.

When asked what type of crew he was looking for Ian stated ‘This is not a leisurely sail around the cans, this is a full blown World Record attempt and Brindabella is a very powerful machine.  We need experienced crew in all positions however you need to be a good person too.  We have to spend approximately 30 days on this boat together so we need to get along.  You will also need to be fit as this is a tiring task.  I lost 14kg in 6 weeks when I sailed around solo and the mental fitness is also a major key.  However sailors of all abilities and backgrounds are urged to apply as long as you have some offshore experience.’

For full details on this campaign and to apply for this unique job, visit the campaigns website at www.sosoceanracing.com

Ian just finished his book Dare to Dream and said ‘If you don’t dream it, you will never do it!’

Audi MedCup: Region of Sardinia Trophy Regatta: Cagliari practice day.

September 19, 2010

As the full fleet of ten 52 Series teams took to the waters off Cagliari today for the final informal practice day, leading in to the Region of Sardinia Trophy regatta, winds on the Gulf of Cagliari stayed firmly in step with the prevailing rhythms ashore in the Audi MedCup Public Village.

52 Series training Fleet - Region of Sardinia Trophy Photo Credit Ainhoa SanchezA udi MedCup

52 Series training Fleet - Region of Sardinia Trophy Photo Credit Ainhoa SanchezA udi MedCup

Yesterday’s humid, oppressive winds, changing direction and pressure all the time, were perfectly tuned to yesterday evening’s reggae music.

But just as today’s winds turned up the tempo and volume, verging on authentic Mistral, tonight’s stage act Rocket Queens (form 2000hrs) is pure rumbustious rock and roll.

Late season conditions predicted for this venue vary between sea-breeze, Mistral and variable. And so far the 52 Series teams have now had enough of each type of conditions to enter the Audi MedCup season’s finale having checked off their performance across the spectrum.

52 Series training Fleet - Region of Sardinia Trophy Photo Credit Ainhoa Sanchez Audi MedCup

52 Series training Fleet - Region of Sardinia Trophy Photo Credit Ainhoa Sanchez Audi MedCup

Up to 23 knots and flat water produced one set of classic Cagliari conditions for the final informal practice races. Tomorrow, after two practice starts from 1300hrs, the 52 Series’ Official practice race takes place. The current forecast seems to promise 8-10 kts sa breeze conditions with the possibility of a Mistral encore to finish on Saturday.

52 Series training Quantum Racing Region of Sardinia Trophy Photo Credit Ian RomanA udi MedCup

52 Series training Quantum Racing Region of Sardinia Trophy Photo Credit Ian Roman Audi MedCup

Also out on the race area today was the Audi MedCup Circuit’s 42 Series leader Madrid – Caser Seguros (ESP), first to train here this season.

Quotes of the day

Ray Davies (NZL) tactician of Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
“Conditions today were awesome, it started off about 16 knots and then built to 22-23, flat water, and still quite shifty so it was quite challenging, but it was just perfect conditions, t-shirt and shorts 20, 21 knots of wind and flat water. You couldn’t ask for more.”

“All of the boats did two races, we won both of those, we were going quite quick upwind which made life a little bit easier, so it’s very important to get a clear start and a clear lane. Some of the other boats struggle quite a bit in these conditions. It looks softer tomorrow, and then it looks like we got easterly flow for the first three days of the regatta.”

“Today’s conditions should be similar to what we should expect for the last two days, specially the last one should be a windy South westerly.”

Sebastien Col (FRA), tactician of AudiA1 powered by ALL4ONE (FRA/GER):
“We had good conditions today, but tomorrow it’s going to change. The gradient wind from the west is fighting the sea breeze, it comes from above the mountain and it has to be very strong to prevail inside the bay. So it’s a tricky place because of that, it’s interesting cause you have to keep your eyes open and not take any risks, not being too far on one side or the other, and try to play the small shifts. It will be a little choppier, with waves tomorrow which is not very good for our boat, but usually it’s not as pronounced as what we had closer to the beach in Barcelona, let’s cross our fingers.”

Guillermo Parada (ARG), skipper of Matador (ARG):
“Yes, improvements can still be done, specially in the boat finetunning…We’ve done some changes with the mast, we’ve trained different starts, that’s basically it. The weather forecast is quite clear for the week, so we are happy”.

Sabina Mollart-Rogerson

Rolex Swan Cup: Mistral cancels final race day

September 19, 2010

The mighty Mistrall roared back down the coast of the Costa Smeralda causing the cancellation of racing on this last day of the 2010 Rolex Swan Cup. With wind readings in the morning of up to 30 knots the YCCS Race Committee opted to postponed the 1100 start time several times, in the hopes of the breeze dropping somewhat. But, in fact, by 12pm with gusts outside the entrance recorded at 35+ knots, the decision was made to cancel racing.

The mistral blowing strong in Porto Cervo - Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

The mistral blowing strong in Porto Cervo - Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

While some boats may have been keen to get out and sail a final race — these are Swans after all, boats capable of sailing offshore, and in the case of the Swan 65, race around the world. But the 95-boat fleet here in Porto Cervo is diverse with some older boats, some crewed by family and friends, some sailed short-handed. So with high winds recorded even at the dock, most were content to stay ashore today.

With yesterday’s racing postponed for lack of wind – it’s a bit of feast or famine in the wind department in Sardinia – the standings were left unchanged from Friday’s finishes. In the Maxi Class A, Danilo Salsi’s Swan 90 DSK Pioneer Investment (ITA) led over the new Swan 60, Emma (GER), and the elegant black-hulled Swan 112, Mystery.

Prizegiving ceremony, DSK Pioneer Investment, Danilo Salsi winner of the Maxi division receives a Rolex timepiece - Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

Prizegiving ceremony, DSK Pioneer Investment, Danilo Salsi winner of the Maxi division receives a Rolex timepiece - Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

The well-sailed DSK has several significant regattas under their belt, including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Rolex Middle Sea, Antigua Sailing Week, and RORC 600. DSK races with 18 people on board, and 12-13 of them have been the same for the past seven years. A good number of racing miles under her keel, plus a core crew that has been with Salsi both on the 90-footer and on the Swan 45 he successfully campaigned earlier, certainly contributed to their performance.

Salsi, said, “This year is the result for us of two years of work on the boat to make it all okay – to understand the boat, to increase the performance – and what we saw on the water is what we had hoped to achieve.

“We built this boat for distance races, and this is all we’ve done up to now. This week and last week (at Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup) are the first coastal races we’ve done. And I think that the boat is well prepared for these kind of races, as well.”

In Grand Prix Class B, Piet Hein Baker’s Silveren Swaen (NED), a Swan 53, ended the week first ahead of the Swan 56, Clem (ESP) and the Swan 53, Crilia (GER).

Piet Hein Baker, owner of SILVEREN SWAEN, recieves a Rolex timepiece for winning the Grand Prix division - Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

Piet Hein Baker, owner of SILVEREN SWAEN, recieves a Rolex timepiece for winning the Grand Prix division - Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

Owner Piet Hein Bakker bought Silveren Swaen in 2007. Baker has been a Swan owner since the late ‘70s and has previously owned four Swans: 48, 46, 43, and 39. Silveren Swaen has competed at the Swan Europeans in Cowes and in various regattas in Holland, but this is the first time for the team and boat in the Mediterranean and Porto Cervo.

Skipper Coon Verhorst said, “It was an excellent week; we are not used to sailing in blue waters, with lots of sun, wearing only t-shirts…so it was a beautiful week, we greatly enjoyed it. We are an amateur crew, the owner helms the boat, and we are basically a bunch of friends who regularly race the boat. We were lucky this time; but we did sail well, let’s put it that way.  The competition on the water was excellent, you see a lot of professional teams, a lot of experienced sailors competing. So we came prepared as well; we bought new sails and went for it.”

In the Sparkman & Stephens Class C, Peter Simon’s Swan 65 Monsoon Jaguar(GBR) won on a tiebreak with Shirlaf (ITA), a ketch-rigged Swan 65 that was 2nd, and Dream (ITA), a Swan 47, third.

MONSOON JAGUAR team, winner of the Sparkman & Stephens division - Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi.

MONSOON JAGUAR team, winner of the Sparkman & Stephens division - Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi.

Monsoon Jaguar won the Island Long Race in the 2008 Rolex Swan Cup, but this is the first time they’ve won their class overall. Owner/helmsman Simon said, “I think this event was really good this time because we had the S&S class, and it is very clear who the boats are that we are sailing against. So I think it’s great. We put quite a lot of effort into it, so I think our success reward is worthy of it, of what we achieved.

“The courses that were set were really good as well, very fair and challenging. I felt it was the best sailing I ever had. Sure it was short and sweet, but it was excellent and we were really, really pleased.”

Like many in the Sparkman & Stephens Class, Simon, who has had the boat for 20 years continued, “I fell in love with this boat, I really love it, it’s a classic. Even when I look around now is difficult for me to think of moving on to another boat.”

In the ClubSwan 42 Class, it was Enrico Scerni on Kora 4(ITA) who repeated his win of 2008. Second was Leonardo Ferragamo on Cuor di Leone (ITA), and 3rd was Natalia (ROM), notable for its enthusiastic and capable female skipper Natalia Brailoiu and as the first Swan from Romania.

KORA 4, team twice winner in the Swan 42 Class division - Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

KORA 4, team twice winner in the Swan 42 Class division - Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

On the dock after racing was cancelled, Scerni said, “We are happy, since all the crew and the people onboard worked very hard to win this race. We were lucky to win it for the second time, so happy. Porto Cervo is marvelous, one of the best spots to sail. It was a perfect week, marvelous weather, wind, and only one day with not too much wind.

“Competition is never easy, we had some good competitors, well-prepared, so it was very interesting. The most important thing is to have fun when you race, when you race in a place like this.”

Paul Cayard sailed as tactician onboard Leonardo Ferragamo’s Cuor di Leone. Cayard first came to Porto Cervo in 1984 to sail in the Sardinia Cup, and since then has sailed in numerous World Championships, as well as Rolex Swan Cups.

Cayard said, “The Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo is a bit of an historic event in our sport, it has a lot of tradition. Here we have 95 boats, which is pretty exceptional. Swans are very high quality boats, they are capable of going in the ocean and at the same time they are capable of racing. There is a history first with Sparkman & Stephens who were the original designers for Swan, then the Frers family has been designing, then Ferragamo brought the company and added his own touches to it. So Swan has gone through a gentle evolution over the years, but always maintained its style, and class, and certainly quality as a product. That evolution has been well received — it probably ends up touching more people because there are those who prefer the modern look, and those who love their classic Swan of 30 years ago.”

Cuor di Leone finished 2nd to Kora 4, despite scoring two firsts during the week, including the Long Islands Race. Cayard says, “The differences between us and Kora 4 is their tuning of their boat was a little bit better than ours, their crew work was just a little bit better than ours, they’re smoother around the corners…and that makes all the difference in the world when the boats are essentially identical.

“This race course is challenging, like on the long race the other day you saw it — typically you can get two winds fighting each other: the Scirocco from the south and the Mistral, the westerly that comes through the Straits of Bonafacio, and it can be a difficult place to sail here because of that feature.”

Last evening the Rolex Crew Party took place at the Hotel Colonna Beach & Resort at Cala Granu. Guests were treated to an enchanting performance by the Italo-French Les Farfadais dance and arobatics troupe.

The prizegiving for the Rolex Swan Cup took place on the YCCS’s Piazza Azzurra. Nautor’s Swan CEO Leonardo Ferragamo, YCCS Commodore Ricardo Bonadeo, and Gian Riccardo Marini Managing Director of Rolex Italy presented the Rolex Swan Cup jointly to winners Danilo Salsi on DSK, Piet Hein Bakker on Silvern Swaen, Peter Simon on Monsoon Jaguar, and Enrico Scerni on Kora 4. Each of the winners was then presented with a Rolex Submariner timepiece.

Yesterday evening, Hendrik Brandis skipper and co-owner of Earlybird was awarded the Swan 45 Gold Cup and a Rolex Submariner timepiece as the Rolex Swan 45 World Champion.

ROLEX SWAN CUP – PROVISIONAL STANDINGS

Maxi – Class A

1) DSK Pioneer Investment (ITA), Danilo Salsi, 3-1-5, 9.0 points
2) EMMA (GER), Johann Killinger, 1-4-7, 12.0
3) MYSTERY, Amadoo Int.Corporation, 4-2-6, 12.0


Grand Prix – Class B

1) SILVEREN SWAEN (NED), P.H.J. Bakker, 2-1-1, 4.0 points
2) CLEM (ESP), Amanda Hartley, 1-3-4, 8.0
3) CRILIA (GER), Heinz-Gerd Stein, 3-2-5, 10.0

Classics – Class C

1) MONSOON JAGUAR (GBR), Peter Simon, 1-1-3, 5.0 points
2) SHIRLAF (ITA), Giuseppe Puttini, 2-2-1, 5.0
3) DREAM (ITA), Francesco Persio, 3-3-7, 13.0

ROLEX SWAN 45 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – FINAL RESULTS

1) EARLYBIRD (GER), Hendrik Brandis, 1-2-5-5-1-4.5-(6)-2, 20.5 points
2) BLUE NIGHTS (FIN), TEA Ekengren-Saurèn, (8)-6-2-4-6-1-2-1, 22.50
3) SAMANTAGA-DUVEL (BEL), Phillipe Moorgat/Patrick Van Henr, (6)-3-3-3-4-3-5-4, 25.0

Swan 42 – Class E

1) KORA 4 (ITA), Enrico Scerni, 1-1-1-(2)-3-1, 7.0 points

2) CUOR DI LEONE (ITA), Leonardo Ferragamo, (4)-4-2-1-1.5-4, 12.5
3) NATALIA (ROM), Kdf Energy Romania, 2-2-(3)-3-6-3, 16.0

Sevenstar round Britain and Ireland race: Record breaking Victory for Groupama 70

August 30, 2010

It was at 1126 hours BST on Sunday that Franck Cammas and his ten crew took victory in the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland off the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. By covering the 1,802 miles in 5 days 21 hours and 26 minutes at an average speed of 12.74 knots, the French crew considerably improved on the best time over this course which had previously been in the hands of the British sailors Dee Cafari and Sam Davies since 2009.

Record breaker - Groupama finishing the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race 2010 - Photo Patrick Eden RORC

Record breaker - Groupama finishing the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race 2010 - Photo Patrick Eden RORC

“Our arrival in the Isle of Wight was pretty magical. We powered along the island at over twenty knots under spinnaker before tacking against the current in the Solent. On crossing the finish line off the Squadron, the exhaustion swept over us. That’s how you build a team; it’s important” said Jean-Luc Nélias, navigator aboard Groupama 70.

As the winner of the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland tied up to the dock in the port of Cowes, the bottle of champagne was passed around the whole crew. Very much in demand, Franck Cammas had to do a steady stream of telephone interviews and after his first confrontation against a Volvo Ocean Race specialist, the skipper of Groupama 70 was ready and waiting: “Our aim in this race was to see how the work this new team, on a new boat, has been doing over the past six months would measure up to a reference like Telefonica. The battle was great and very close-fought. We really battled hard. The confrontation was worth its weight in gold with the crew forced to sail under pressure for the first time since Groupama’s engagement in the Volvo. This victory has motivated the whole team to push themselves as hard as they can. As far as the record is concerned, it’s the icing on the cake” explains a happy Franck Cammas.

Record breaker - Groupama celebrating finishing the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race 2010 - Photo Patrick Eden RORC

Record breaker - Groupama celebrating finishing the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race 2010 - Photo Patrick Eden RORC

By taking 14 hours and 3 minutes less time than the previous Sevenstar RBI reference, Groupama 70 has confirmed the fast pace of these Volvo Ocean Race monohulls, which are capable of peak speeds in excess of 30 knots, as well as regularly sailing faster than the strength of the wind, like the multihulls that the skipper of Groupama is so familiar with.

However, the greatest satisfaction for the recent winner of the Jules Verne Trophy is a human one: “We have a new team. None of my crew come from the multihull and the three Groupama trimarans. It was necessary for me to become integrated. For that there’s nothing more valuable than a race to get to know each other well and gain trust. I’ve learnt more in six days of racing than in six months of training in Lorient during our day sails. This victory binds our crew for the future”.

Next up the crew will quickly have to head back out to sea to return to the base in Lorient: “We’ll have left before Telefonica arrives. We’re not being prudish, but our work schedule is a busy one and every minute counts until the start of the Volvo in November 2011. It would be a mistake to underestimate our rivals” concludes Jean-Luc Nélias.

Groupama Team Translated by Kate Jennings – Expression

- Time of passage over the finish line: 1126 hours BST
- Race time: 5 days 21 hours and 26 minutes
- Average speed over the 1,802 mile course: 12.74 knots
- Lead over the previous record: 14 hours and 3 minutes

Crew of Groupama 70

1. Franck Cammas, skipper
2. Jean-Luc Nélias, navigator
3. Laurent Pagès, watch leader
4. Magnus Woxen, watch leader
5. Charles Caudrelier, trimmer
6. Erwan Israël, trimmer, under 30 years of age
7. Martin Strömberg, trimmer and pitman, under 30 years of age
8. Sébastien Marsset, trimmer and pitman, under 30 years of age
9. Mike Pammenter, bowman, under 30 years of age
10. Martin Krite, bowman, under 30 years of age
11. Yann Riou, media crew

Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race :Telefonica Azul takes 2nd place

Sunday 29 August 16:38:09 (GMT+1) – Volvo Open 70 Teléfonica Azul crossed the Royal Yacht Squadron Line to claim second place in the 2010 Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race. Teléfonica Azul finished the race well inside the old record. They started the race like a bat out of hell, screaming down the Solent at over 25 knots, but a rigging problem meant that they were overtaken by Groupama and they never managed to catch them. Teléfonica Azul crewman, Neal McDonald, describes the turning point in the race:

 “The low point was having a fitting break at the top of Scotland that prevented us using our heavy weather jib for 10 hours. This allowed Groupama to get from 20 miles behind to 30 miles in front – heart breaking from a racing point of view but the sort of price you pay in these type of racing boats when things break. When the failure occurred it was pitch black (as it always is when things go wrong!) and blowing 35 knots in a horrific seaway. But after that, it was fantastic sailing in flat water, something I’ve never experienced before around Scotland. The fastest part was just off the back of the Isle of Wight and these boats are great to sail, they’re just a big skiff. The Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland was a really fantastic race.”

Telefonica Azul finishing the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race 2010 Photo - Patrick Eden RORC

Telefonica Azul finishing the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race 2010 Photo - Patrick Eden RORC

Jonny Malbon’s IMOCA 60, Artemis Ocean Racing should be the next boat to finish. They have been racing on their own virtually the whole way around the track, but they are most definitely not cruising, as crew member Andy Tourell explains: “Our current ETA is around 01:00 so the IMOCA 60 course record* is going to be extremely close. As far as the overall IRC is concerned, the rest of the fleet should slow as they approach the Isles of Scilly, and for the final leg the breeze is due to drop and clock round to the northeast, so it is all still to play for!”

*Artemis Ocean Racing need to finish by 01:30:53 on Monday 30 August, to beat the IMOCA 60 record set by Aviva in 2006 of 6 days, 11 hours, 30 min and 53 secs.

At 1800 BST, the Overall handicap leader, Piet Vroon’s Ker 46, Tonnere de Breskens has reached the southwest tip of Ireland with just over 400 miles to go. The wind is north to northwest at about 14 knots. The British Keelboat Academy’s TP52, John Merricks II has been absolutely flying along and is now 30 miles ahead of Tonnerre on the water. The lighter conditions may well suit the high performance TP52 rather than Tonnerre de Breskens. Lithuanian Volvo 60 Ambersail is now halfway across the Irish Sea and still in second place overall, after time correction.

In IRC One, Steven Anderson’s First 40.7, Encore still leads the class and rounded St. Kilda just after 1800 BST. Encore immediately gybed towards Ireland, presumably to try to avoid the high pressure which is coming in from the west. Adrian Lower’s Swan 44, Selene is still leading IRC Two. However, with over 900 miles to go, the ridge of high pressure will not be good news for the class and it will be quite a few days before they finish the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race.

Race report by Louay Habib

Emirates Team New Zealand win the Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy

August 30, 2010

Emirates Team New Zealand’s return to Cartagena proved something of a repeat performance as the 2009 Audi MedCup champions retained the overall Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy for the second year in a row on the same waters where they clinched the overall TP52 Series championships title last year.

TP52 Day 5 - Emirates Team New Zealand Sailing Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit Ainhoa SanchezAudi MedCup

TP52 Day 5 - Emirates Team New Zealand Sailing Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit Ainhoa SanchezAudi MedCup

The Kiwis seemed to have sailed an almost blemish free regatta, consistent across the broad wind range through the event, emerging triumphant at the dockside with a comfortable cushion on second placed Matador, but the jury subsequently disqualified them from the second race of the day for infringing Quantum Racing at the first windward mark.

TP52 Day 5 - Emirates Team New Zealand Sailing Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit Guido Trombetta Studio BorlenghiAudi MedCup

TP52 Day 5 - Emirates Team New Zealand Sailing Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit Guido Trombetta Studio BorlenghiAudi MedCup

The protest outcome cut the Kiwi winning margin to 10 points over Matador (ARG) but the reigning Audi MedCup title holders head to next month’s season’s finale in Sardinia with a lead of 46.5 points, just ahead of the target that the Dean Barker skippered crew had considered their realistic target.

After winning in Cascais, Portugal in May this is the New Zealanders second regatta triumph of the season with skipper Dean Barker – who skippered Bribon to win in 2008 –  unbeaten in the class at this venue.

TP52 Day 5 - Emirates Team New Zealand Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit Guido Trombetta Studio BorlenghiAudi MedCup

TP52 Day 5 - Emirates Team New Zealand Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit Guido Trombetta Studio BorlenghiAudi MedCup

Caja Mediterraneo, Region of Murcia Trophy Prizegiving Emirates Team New Zealand Leader in the TP52 series, presented by Pilar Barreiro, Mayoress of Cartagena. Photo CreditGuido Trombetta Studio BorlenghiA

Caja Mediterraneo, Region of Murcia Trophy Prizegiving Emirates Team New Zealand Leader in the TP52 series, presented by Pilar Barreiro, Mayoress of Cartagena. Photo CreditGuido Trombetta Studio BorlenghiA

The protest decision may have smudged their copybook but on the water the Kiwis maintained their regular scores through the regatta. TeamOrigin (GBR) seemed to have the measure of them at times in the light to moderate wind conditions and flat water, but the British crew were recalled for starting too early in the final race of the day, finishing ninth.

Added to their 11th in Saturday’s coastal race that left TeamOrigin, who lead early in the event, third overall.

Ben Ainslie and team will take some satisfaction not only from their first podium finish of the season and also the positive progress they are making on the season’s leaderboard, but they may look back and wonder else – other than those two ‘ majors’ what they could have done to make good the tantalising 1.5 points deficit they fell short of second placed Matador.

On the overall standings Quantum Racing (USA) lie second on 179.5pts, but third placed Matador and TeamOrigin are separated by just one point, on 199pts and 200pts.

Racing in 9-13 knots of easterly breeze and blissful Mediterranean sunshine Alberto Roemmers’ world champions Matador won the first race of the day when Vasco Vascotto (ITA) and Francesco Bruni (ITA) combined to read the first run well, gaining five places on the downwind to take the race win ahead of Emirates Team New Zealand who had lead at the WW1 mark.

TeamOrigin were in contention at the first windward mark but slid to 11th on the first run, recovering to seventh.

In the second race TeamOrigin started sharply to win the preferred left side of the first upwind leg, rounding the windward mark first and going on to their third winning gun of the regatta.

Emirates Team New Zealand finished with a flourish winning the final race with Matador back in seventh, TeamOrigin in ninth and the Franco-German team on Audi A1 powered by TeamAll4ONE leaving Murcia with a measure of renewed confidence from their second place.

Despite the obvious increase in the overall standard at the top of the TP52 Series, the defending title holders will travel to Cagliari for September’s Region of Sardinia Trophy with a margin only 5.5 points less than they did at the same point in 2009.

Two in a row for Madrid – Caser Seguros

The racing in the GP42’s was never closer, with everyone taking turns leading and following in each of today’s three races.

And even though they won only one race in nine sailed, it was the consistency of Madrid-Caser Seguros (ESP) led by skipper Jose Maria van der Ploeg (ESP) and helmsman Paolo Cian (ITA) which was key to their second regatta win in a row. Their triumph here follows up on victory in Barcelona in July and sees them take an eight points overall lead on the Audi MedCup Circuit.

GP42 Madrid - Caser Seguros celebrates the victory on the Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy 29 08 2010, Audi MedCup Circuit Photo credit Nico MartinezAudi MedCup

GP42 Madrid - Caser Seguros celebrates the victory on the Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy 29 08 2010, Audi MedCup Circuit Photo credit Nico MartinezAudi MedCup

But the remaining places in this class were decided only on tie-breaks.

The fight for second was especially vigorous, decided by only a metre at the finish of the last race.

In a dramatic reversal of their first two day’s mediocre results that put them solidly in last place going into today, Iberdrola (ESP) led by Laureano Wizner (ESP) came back to win the day on scores of 1-1-2, and vaulted up into the runner-up spot on the podium.

Sliding back one place from this morning’s standings, third-placed John Bassadone (GBR) and his Peninsula Petroleum (GBR) team was still very pleased with their podium finish, their first-ever in the 2010 Audi MedCup.

Quotes of the day

Dean Barker (NZL), skipper Emirates New Zealand (NZL):
“We sailed much better here than we did in Barcelona. We didn’t have any bad races.  I think we sailed better in Barcelona than we had done earlier in the year, and today it was really a good day.”

“There was still three races to go, so anything could have happened and we managed to sail a very good consistent day.

Cartagena has been good for me, I’ve been here three times now and had three victories, the first one with Bribón. It’s a difficult venue, I don’t think you ever really quite understand it, there’s big currents, a lot happening out there, so you have to take it one day at a time, and see what you figure out.”

Ben Ainslie (GRB), skipper TeamOrigin (GBR):
“We had really great moments and some bad moments. It’s been a tough event for us again, we had some really great races, and we had a really bad offshore race when our forestay broke, we weren’t having a great race anyway but that last place has certainly hurt us a lot, but probably a better result for us overall and hopefully we can keep improving into the final regatta of the series. We struggled at the beginning of the season, we are learning about the fleet, the boat, and have been improving a lot which is nice. It’d be nice for the final event if we could try and take it a step further. Cartagena is really good, it’s been tricky cause there’s quite a bit of current out there so it’s made it more interesting racing I think more than a normal Mediterranean regatta”.

Vasco Vascotto (ITA), strategist Matador (ARG):
“We are happy cause we’ve fine tuned some details in the way we sail, but the truth is that ETNZ are a step beyond us all. Sometimes we tend to forget that and try to fight them but they are far better than us, and we have to learn from them to improve ourselves. We are like little children, but talented. We have many great moments, and many not that good. I hope we can improve and keep consistent”.

Paolo Cian (ITA), skipper Madrid-Caser (ESP):
“The Audi MedCup is always tough, but this week has been even tougher. We had to race making points but trying to make as few mistakes as possible, in order not to lose any thus benefiting Islas Canarias Puerto Calero. And that’s not easy, conditions were very difficult as well, that’s why I’m so happy about the job the crew’s done, about the boat’s speed in all conditions, and  I’m optimistic with regard to Cagliari. The one who makes the least mistakes wins; yesterday we made quite a few but the others, luckily, also.”

Laureano Wizner (ESP), skipper Iberdrola (ESP):
“A second place isn’t bad at all, specially after this week’s two first days, and the bad overall results in the circuit. So we leave with a good taste in the mouth. It’s more than clear by now that the level of the fleet has increased a lot, and you can’t relax for a minute. In the last days there’s some aspects we’ve improved internally, racingwise, but also concerning the attitude onboard, which has helped us be at the front”.

Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy

TP52 Series Final after 10 races

1. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), 4+2+5+4+3+1+1,5+2+12(DSQ)+1= 35,5 points
2. Matador (ARG), 1+4+1+5+8+5+6+1+7+7= 45
3. TeamOrigin (GBR), 3+1+3+2+1+3+16,5+7+1+9= 46,5
4. Quantum Racing (USA), 9+5+6+3+7+2+7,5+6+5+3= 53,5 
5. Artemis (SWE), 5+6+2+10+4+6+3+9+9+10= 64
6. Synergy (RUS), 8+3+7+11+6+7+10,5+10+2+4= 68,5   
7. Luna Rossa (ITA), 2+7+9+6+2+9+15+3+8+8= 69
8. Bribón (ESP), 7+11+4+1+10+4+12+11+4+6= 70
9. Audi A1 powered by ALL4ONE (FRA/GER), 6+8+11+8+9+10+9+5+10+2= 79
10. Bigamist 7 (POR), 11+9+8+9+11+11+4,5+4+6+5= 78,5
11. Cristabella (GBR), 10+10+10+7+5+8+13,5+8+3+11= 85,5

GP42 Series Final after nine races

1. Madrid – Caser Seguros (ESP), 2+3+1+5+3+2+3+2+2= 23 points
2. Iberdrola (ESP), 4+4+3+4+4+3+1+1+2= 27
3. Península Petroleum (GBR), 1+5+2+2+2+4+2+5+4= 27
4. Islas Canarias Puerto Calero (ESP), 3+1+5+1+5+5+4+4+1= 29
5. AIRISESSENTIAL (ITA), 5+2+4+3+1+1+5+3+5= 29

Audi MedCup Circuit 2010 Provisional Leaderboard

TP52 Series After four events of five

1. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), 31,5+31+35+35,5= 133 points
2. Quantum Racing (USA), 59,5+22,5+44+53,5= 179,5
3. Matador (ARG), 60+27+67+45= 199
4. TeamOrigin (GBR), 59,5+31+63+46,5= 200
5. Artemis (SWE), 57+53+33+64= 207
6. Synergy (RUS), 64+35,5+73+68,5= 241   
7. Audi A1 powered by ALL4ONE (FRA/GER), 51,5+29,5+84+78= 243
8. Bribón (ESP), 88+41+58+70= 251,5
9. Cristabella (GBR), 65+43,5+62+85,5= 256
10. Luna Rossa (ITA), 77,5+44,5+73+69= 264
11. Bigamist 7 (POR), 88+78+70+78,5= 314,5

GP42 Series After four events of five

1. Madrid-Caser Seguros (ESP), 24+12+14+23= 73 points
2. Islas Canarias Puerto Calero (ESP), 14+17+19+29= 80
3. Iberdrola (ESP), 25+10+26+27= 88
4. AIRISESSENTIAL (ITA), 37+15+39+29= 120
5. Peninsula Petroleum (GBR), 40+24+37+27= 128

Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race: Sailing yacht Groupama leads by 18 miles

August 27, 2010

At 14:00 BST the vast majority of the fleet was in the remotest corner of the North Sea, hundreds of miles from any city and well offshore. The barren coastline of northeast Scotland was the nearest landfall. In essence, they were very much out on their own. Race leader Groupama had managed to struggle past the light winds around the Isle of Lewis and into fresher north easterly breeze. Getting to the breeze first means that they have opened up an 18 mile lead on rivals Telefónica Azul.

Looking at weather further up the track, the wind speed is due to increase in strength, to as much as 25 knots. Soon enough, the two Volvo Open 70s in the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race will be launched like guided missiles, speeding down the west coast of Ireland.

Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race' sailing yacht 'Tonnerre de Breskens - Photo Credit Rick Tomlinson

Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race' sailing yacht 'Tonnerre de Breskens - Photo Credit Rick Tomlinson

Piet Vroon’s Ker 46, Tonnerre de Breskens has regained the overall lead under IRC from Jonny Malbon’s IMOCA 60, Artemis Ocean Racing, which led on handicap overnight. At 14:00 BST, Tonnerre was 27 miles south of Muckle Flugga and is due to round the most northern part of the course at 17:00. The easterly move by the TP52 John Merricks II has failed to pay dividends and they have dropped to sixth overall. This is another boat that revels in downwind surfing conditions and could easily make up the lost time to move up the leaderboard.

Chaz Ivill’s Grand Soleil 54, John B is lying second overall and has had close company virtually the whole way around the track – the Clipper 68, Hull & Humber. Besides three professional crew, Hull & Humber are all amateurs with the youngest and most inexperienced crewmember being Josephine O’Hare a 22 year old student who also works as a chef. The oldest on board is Ian March, who is 72 years young: “I did the first Clipper Race back in 1996 and I wanted to take part in this race because it gives a variety of weather and sea conditions and I really love the experience of working together as a team on board,” explained Ian.

In IRC One, the Army Sailing Association’s A 40, British Soldier has sailed intelligently and is now ahead of Steven Anderson’s First 40.7, Encore, but only on the water. Encore still lead the class on handicap. However, a period of light winds is expected and should slow their progress into the night. Many gains are made during the hours of darkness, often simply by staying alert, something that the armed services are trained to do, but that is not to discount Encore. Steven Anderson and his crew are very resilient. Prior to this race, they represented Great Britain in the Rolex Commodores’ Cup.

Further back in the fleet, Adrian Lower’s Swan 44, Selene continues to shine and leads IRC Two. Selene was 333 miles from Muckle Flugga, but this part of the race course has been experiencing an easterly breeze of 20 knots, which has helped them maintain their position as class leaders.

Although conditions vary across the race course, the strong winds of the first few days have for the moment abated. Although crew will need to maintain concentration levels whilst on watch, when they end their turn on deck, there is the chance to get some proper sleep. This may be in a damp and cramped bunk, but after being put through the mill for the last three days, most of them will be sleeping like newborn babies.

Race report by Louay Habib

Audi MedCup Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy: TeamOrigin lead after 2 races

August 26, 2010

Cohesion, confidence and continuity made the difference today for Britain’s TeamOrigin who lead the Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy off Cartagena. Islas Canarias Puerto Calero won the GP42 Practice Race.

TP52 Day 1 - Fleet 25 08 2010, Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy Photo Credit - Ian RomanAudi MedCup

TP52 Day 1 - Fleet 25 08 2010, Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy Photo Credit - Ian RomanAudi MedCup

TP52 Day 1 - Fleet 25 08 2010 - Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit - Ian RomanAudi MedCup

TP52 Day 1 - Fleet 25 08 2010 - Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit - Ian RomanAudi MedCup

Buoyed by their team’s recent success, winning on their own home waters against the America’s Cup defenders, Britain’s TeamOrigin emerged with a third and a first place from the opening two races to lead the Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy regatta TP52 Series fleet by a single point ahead of the Argentinian flagged team on Matador.

Skipper Ben Ainslie pointed to their team’s heightened levels of confidence, cohesion and the fact that for the first time of this Audi MedCup Circuit season they are sailing with exactly the same crew as they had at the previous TP52 regatta as key components of today’s strong opening.

They made good starts and then capitalised with smart tactics reinforced by good boatspeed and handling.

With the mainly easterly breeze topping 16 knots in the first race, and the second enjoying slightly gentler breezes, both times there were opportunities for the early leader to bank their gains and extend on the chasing pack, especially when the strong current was used to maximum advantage.

TP52 Day 1 - TeamOrigin 25 08 2010 - Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit - Ian Roman Audi MedCup

TP52 Day 1 - TeamOrigin 25 08 2010 - Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit - Ian Roman Audi MedCup

TP52 Day 1 - TeamOrigin 25 08 2010, Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit - Nico Martinez Audi MedCup

TP52 Day 1 - TeamOrigin 25 08 2010, Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit - Nico Martinez Audi MedCup

Matador (ARG) with tactician Francesco Bruni (ITA) working with strategist Vasco Vascotto (ITA) won the first race when they read the current and the breeze at the top end of the first beat best, escaping with a small lead around the first windward mark which they were able to increase, to build a comfortable margin ahead of second placed Luna Rossa (ITA).

TP52 Day 1 - Matador 25 08 2010, Caja Mediterraneo, Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit - Ian Roman Audi MedCup

TP52 Day 1 - Matador 25 08 2010, Caja Mediterraneo, Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit - Ian Roman Audi MedCup

The all-Italian team sailed an excellent first run, seizing an advantage on the right of the downwind where they hooked into a big band of additional wind pressure and gained relief from the relatively strong flowing current. TeamOrigin took second place just ahead of Emirates Team New Zealand.

The strong desire of most of the fleet to go right from the start of the second race ensured that the committee boat, right hand end of the start line was extremely busy from 90 seconds before the gun. Three times Olympic gold medallist Ainslie on the helm of the British boat was first to emerge with speed out of the melée, which saw several boats shut out at the boat end of the line. With Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson, Star Olympic champions, calling tactics, TeamOrigin were able to quickly draw clear of second placed Synergy and sail their own race.

The Russian team skippered by Karol Jablonski (POL) lost out on second to the Kiwi team due to one poorly executed gybe on the downwind leg, giving the New Zealanders their second place. Their 4,2 scoreline for the day added a further eight points to reigning champions’ series lead over Quantum Racing USA) who opened with a ninth in the first race.

The GP42 Series Practice Race was won by Jose Maria Ponce’s Islas Canarias Puerto Calero team, the five boats being well tested in the brisk 12-15 knots breeze sailing a full course with three windward legs.

Points racing for the GP42 Series begins tomorrow when the Islas Canarias crew will be looking to repeat their practice race success and repair the one point penalty they were docked for arriving late at the venue.

Audi MedCup TV broadcasts live from 1250hrs tomorrow.

Once again the enthusiasm and support for the visit of the Audi MedCup Circuit to the region was highlighted again last night when a large crowd turned out for the traditional Romans and Carthagenian show.

Quotes of the day

Ben Ainslie (GBR) skipper-helm TeamOrigin 1851 (GBR) :
“We sailed really well today in the tricky conditions. The tracks were a bit one way and so that was not easy, so the starts were really quite critical. But Andrew Simpson and Iain Percy did a really good job of picking the right side of the course, the correct way, and the guys did sail the boat really well around the track. The boathandling was good, so we had a good day.”

“Everything went our way today. We made good starts and went the right way. We have the boat going well.”

“Overall it is still early for us to be looking at the overall standings, we would like to have a good regatta here, and to finish off the season with two regattas would be good for us. There is a long way to go with this one.”

“This is actually the first event that we have exactly the same crew as we had for the last regatta and that helps. We have been through a few transitions as a team, for one reason or another which is always unsettling, but we had a really good time in Cowes at the 1851 Cup and that obviously helps boost the confidence in the team a bit, keeping the same guys and the continuity does make a difference.”

Ray Davies (NZL) tactician Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
“We had a really good day, extremely tricky conditions. The fact that there is a lot of current and it does a big circle around the bay, I think all the boats were trying to benefit from the current. Going upwind the right hand side was strong and the left going downwind. The second race everyone was trying to get to the right and there was a little bit of committee boat bias and so it was very busy at the committee boat end. And in that situation there is only ever one or two boats that are going to get out of those situations alive and luckily we did. Origin did, Synergy did too and that was pretty much the orser at the top mark.

And we opened up a little more margin on Quantum Racing, overall-wise to put eight boats on them, at this stage in the regatta that is huge percentage wise. And so really at the moment we just need to keep our foot on their throat.”

Francesco Bruni (ITA), tactician of Matador (ARG):
“We are satisfied. It was a good beginning, most of all for the good starts we made. Also today the current was the key to the race: is definitely a great course area from this point of view, nice to have a different dimension to deal with, even if it is strange to experience these conditions in the Mediterranean Sea.”

Cole Parada (ARG), trimmer Matador (ARG):
“In the first race we wanted to start to the right because of the current, and we managed to be among the first to do that. And that was basically it, we had good speed and a couple of tight crossings in the first beat, but had things always more or less under control.”

“After that, in the downwind ETNZ and Quantum were very close but they gybed too soon and went out of the current, and that got us apart and we could sail more comfortably the rest of the race.”

“In the second one we were all knew the course better, so we all went to the right. At the start we had a small incident with ETNZ, we were well positioned in order to start to the right but we couldn’t at the beginning.”

In spite of it we managed to be among the four or five first boats. We kept fighting with ETNZ, Synergy and Quantum throughout the whole race, but we managed to finish fourth, which is all in all a good result”.

Sabina Mollart-Rogerson

Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy TP52 Series

Day 1

1. TeamOrigin (GBR), 3+1= 4 points
2. Matador (ARG), 1+4= 5
3. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), 4+2= 6
4. Luna Rossa (ITA), 2+7= 9 
5. Synergy (RUS), 8+3= 11   
6. Artemis (SWE), 5+6= 11
7. Quantum Racing (USA), 9+5= 14
8. Audi A1 powered by ALL4ONE (FRA/GER), 6+8= 14
9. Bribón (ESP), 7+11= 18
10. Bigamist 7 (POR), 11+9= 20
11. Cristabella (GBR), 10+10= 20

GP42 Series

Racing starts tomorrow

Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland Race – Update on Sailing yacht ICAP Leopard

August 24, 2010

Yesterday, we bought you news regarding the Super maxi sailing yacht ICAP Leopard who contacted the RORC Race Office to announce that they were retiring from the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race. News in from ICAP Leopard is that the goose-neck fitting, attaching the boom to the mast, was the reason for their retirement.

“After a great fast start and only two hours into the race, we were obviously bitterly disappointed in not being able to continue in this fantastic race. The boom failure left us with no option but to retire, everything is now in order and we are making our way back to Southampton.” Message from ICAP Leopard received: 17:30 Monday 23.08.10

ICAP Leopard were forced to retire from the race but they sent the RORC this video which shows the amazing conditions prior to their exit from the race.

Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland Race – Telefonica Azul leads fleet to Scotland

August 24, 2010

The Volvo Open 70, Telefonica Azul, is scorching along at a blistering speed. After the first 24 hours of the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race, the Spanish yacht has covered 440 miles of the 1,800 mile course.

Hurtling along behind them is Groupama and they are pushing hard. If anything the wind speed is due to increase during the night. The crews on board will be soaking wet and beginning to feel the effects of fatigue. Food will only be fuel and boat speed will be their primary concern.

Onboard Groupama in the North Sea Photo Credit Yann Riou Team Groupama

Onboard Groupama in the North Sea Photo Credit Yann Riou Team Groupama

To put this amazing 24 hour run into context, the two rocket ships are now north of Edinburgh, and could well be north of mainland Scotland by tomorrow morning!

Several hours behind the two front runners, Johnny Malbon and his crew on IMOCA 60, Artemis, are reveling in the fast reaching conditions.

The overall leader on handicap is the RYA Keelboat Academy’s TP52, John Merricks II. The average age of the team is under 24 and they have been training hard all season, as skipper Luke McArthy explains; “It is a tough call to take on this course in a TP52, but this team has been working hard and should we have any problems we know how to fix just about anything. It is very wet, even down below, but we have made some modifications to the bulkheads, so that John Merricks II is a bit more user-friendly offshore.”

After 24 hours, Piet Vroon’s Ker 46, Tonnerre de Breskens, leads Class Zero. Tonnerre de Breskens loves heavy weather and is absolutely flying up the North Sea. They are now north of Vroon’s homeland, Holland. Vroon claims that after a lifetime of racing, including 25 Fastnets as skipper, this race will be his swan-song. But after this incredible ride, he might just change his mind.

In IRC One, Philippe Falle’s Reflex 38, Visit Malta Puma, are first in class after 24 hours. Averaging over nine knots, the sailing school team is just north of Norwich, having covered 225 miles of the course – astounding for a boat of only 38 feet.

However, only a few miles astern are their team mates, Peter Robson’s First 40.7, Playing Around Logic, are leading Class IRC Two after 24 hours, a great recovery after a drama the start when a crew member had to climb the rig in very difficult conditions. They have been enjoying champagne surfing conditions, surfing at over 14 knots.

Tonight before the sun sets, the crews taking part in this challenging race, will be using the last of the light to check lines and equipment on deck, before settling into their night watches. The wind is forecast to change to a more northwesterly direction, heading the fleet and the sea state may well become rough. It could well be a bumpy night in the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland race.

Louay Habib

Fair Do’s VII & Relentless on Incisor retire

In further news, Sailing yacht Fair Do’s VII (GBR4601L) and Relentless on Incisor (GBR8248) have retired from the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race. Both retirements are due to equipment failure and there are no reports of any injuries to crew on board either yacht.

Fair Do’s VII has developed a steering problem and Relentless on Incisor a problem with the communication system.

Audi MedCup Circuit: Sailing yacht Artemis wins TP52 Series Practice Race in Cartagena

August 24, 2010

Sailing yacht Artemis, winners of last month’s Camper Regatta – Conde de Godó Trophy – Barcelona, suggested today that they might have lost nothing of their momentum when they comfortably won today’s official Practice Race for the TP52 Series at the Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy off Cartagena.

TP52 Training Day - Artemis Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit Nico Martinez- Audi MedCup

TP52 Training Day - Artemis Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit Nico Martinez- Audi MedCup

With Cameron Appleton (NZL) calling tactics and Paul Cayard (USA) on the helm, the Artemis crew read the tricky approach to the first turning nearly perfectly to be able to round in first place, ahead of the Portuguese team on Pedro Mendonca’s Bigamist 7.

At the leeward gate Artemis sailed wide and late allowing Bigamist through, but they quickly made good what they had lost, leading around the top mark for the second time to take the winning gun by 41 seconds from Bigamist with Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) finishing third. The best recovery of the day was that staged by Terry Hutchinson (USA) and Quantum Racing (USA) who worked from 11th at the first turn to finish fourth.

TP52 Training Day - Fleet Downwind Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia TrophyCaja - Cartagena Photo Credit Ainhoa Sanchez-Audi MedCup

TP52 Training Day - Fleet Downwind Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia TrophyCaja - Cartagena Photo Credit Ainhoa Sanchez-Audi MedCup

After a delay of over one and a half hours waiting for the sea breeze to fill in sufficiently to allow racing the SW’ly breeze topped no more than eight knots but it was the top corner, calling the layline in to the windward mark in the streaky breeze and strong current which taxed the afterguards most today.

Racing is scheduled to start in earnest for the TP52’s tomorrow at around 1330hrs after the GP42 Series have completed their initial practice starts.

Among the visiting VIP’s was Ruth Beitia, Spain’s 2010 indoor world championships silver medal winning high jumper who sailed today aboard Bribón.

After watching today’s TP52 Practice Race many of the 30 participants who have been competing at the regional Optimist championships were able jump on board the top two boats, Artemis and Bigamist, for the ride back to Cartagena then helping the crews fold sails and carry them to the container village.

Last night’s gymnastics display was well received by a large and enthusiastic crowd. Tonight there is a Carthaginians and Romans show at the Public Village.

TP52 Training Day - Fleet Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit Stefano Gattini Studio Borlenghi-Audi MedCup

TP52 Training Day - Fleet Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy - Audi MedCup Circuit Photo Credit Stefano Gattini Studio Borlenghi-Audi MedCup

Quotes:

María Torrijo (ESP), Principal Race Officer:

“This week will be difficult, not only will be for tacticians because the light wind and the strong current will complicate things on the course areas but it will be tricky too for us in race management.”

Sabina Mollart-Rogerson

Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy TP52 Series official practice race

1. Artemis (SWE)
2. Bigamist 7 (POR), +00:41
3. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), +00:53
4. Quantum Racing (USA), +01:13
5. Matador (ARG), +01:38
6. Synergy (RUS), +02:12
7. Luna Rossa (ITA), +02:21
8. Bribón (ESP), +02:43
9. TeamOrigin (GBR), DNF
10. Cristabella (GBR), DNF
11. Audi A1 powered by ALL4ONE (FRA/GER), DNF

2010 Audi MedCup Circuit. Overall after 3 events: TP52 Series

1. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), 31,5+31+35= 97,5 points
2. Quantum Racing (USA), 59,5+22,5+44= 126
3. Artemis (SWE), 57+53+33= 143
4. TeamOrigin (GBR), 59,5+31+63= 153,5
5. Matador (ARG), 60+27+67= 154
6. Audi A1 powered by ALL4ONE (FRA/GER), 51,5+29,5+84= 165
7. Cristabella (GBR), 65+43,5+62= 170,5
8. Synergy (RUS), 64+35,5+73= 172,5
9. Bribón (ESP), 88+41+58= 181,5
10. Luna Rossa (ITA), 77,5+44,5+73= 195
11. Bigamist 7 (POR), 88+78+70= 236

GP42 Series

1. Madrid-Caser Seguros (ESP), 24+12+14= 50 points
2. Islas Canarias Puerto Calero (ESP), 14+17+19(+1)= 51*
3. Iberdrola (ESP), 25+10+26= 61
4. AIRISESSENTIAL (ITA), 37+15+39= 91
5. Peninsula Petroleum (GBR), 40+24+37= 101

* Islas Canarias Puerto Calero has been penalised one point for breaking rule 7.3 of the MedCup Circuit rule (all the boats to be moored at the MedCup pontoon by Friday afternoon)

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