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Charter yacht ICAP Leopard to once again attend JP Morgan Round the Island Race

May 24, 2013

Mike Slade’s Maxi charter yacht ICAP Leopard is back in The Solent, getting ready to take on formidable opposition in the legendary JP Morgan Round the Island Race, starting on June 1, 2013. Luxury sailing yacht ICAP Leopard holds the monohull course record for the 50-mile race around the Isle of Wight and has won every year, since she first participated in 2007.

LEOPARD - Racing

LEOPARD - Racing

Slade’s record breaking 100ft Maxi yacht ICAP Leopard ended the 2012 season in style, scorching across the Atlantic in just over 7 days, to win The International Maxi Association’s Transatlantic Race. Line Honours in a tough RORC Caribbean 600 was to follow and after sailing back across the Atlantic, ICAP Leopard is now ready for an extensive racing and charter programme in Europe, including the historic Rolex Fastnet Race, this August.

LEOPARD - Running

LEOPARD - Running

Mike Slade has had a love affair with the Round the Island Race for 25 years. “It’s where it all began,” smiled Mike. “The first race we ever did was on Ocean Leopard back in 1991, we broke the record then and we have held it with three different boats since, it has become something of an enigma. It is an intriguing race, no wonder it draws 1800 yachts each year. It is a wonderful sight to see all of those boats, some of them have been doing it since the 1930s. This year, we will have some fantastic yachts challenging Leopard; Alex Thompson’s Hugo Boss, Brian Thompson’s Artemis and Andy Budgen’s Monster Project are all capable of giving Leopard a run for her money. For me that makes this fascinating race even more exciting.”

Superyacht ICAP Leopard will have a stellar crew for the race including Volvo Ocean Race and World Champion sailors; Hugh Agnew (GBR), Ryan Godfrey (AUS), Zane Gills (AUS), Andy Meikljohn (NZL), Nick Bonner (GBR), Phil Harmer (AUS), Mark Thomas (AUS), Ian Budgen (GBR).

Luxury charter yacht ICAP Leopard 3 with new interior by Design Unlimited Credit- Ocean Images

Luxury charter yacht ICAP Leopard 3 with new interior by Design Unlimited Credit- Ocean Images

Chris Sherlock has been charter yacht ICAP Leopard’s Captain for over 20 years. “I can’t remember a more competitive fleet for Line Honours in The Round The Island Race,” admitted Chris. “Since Leopard 3 was launched, Volvo 70s and IMOCA 60s have been getting more and more powerful and this year it should be one hell of a race. Last year, Leopard was just 5 minutes outside the current record, which we set in 2008. However, we will need to be in top form this year just to be the first to finish. Taking the gun will be our objective and if the conditions are right, we know we are capable of beating our own record.”

Second Oyster 100 Yacht PENELOPE to attend Superyacht Cup Palma 2013

May 24, 2013

To be hosted by the lovely Spanish yacht charter destination – Palma de Mallorca, this year’s Superyacht Cup Palma, running from June 19 to 22, will be once again attended by some of the finest yachts in the world. Included in the 19 entries is the recently launched Oyster 100/02 yacht Penelope. It will be the first Superyacht Regatta for the beautiful sailing yacht Penelope, nominated as a finalist in this year’s World Superyacht Awards.

Second Oyster 100 superyacht Penelope

Second Oyster 100 superyacht Penelope

Now in its 17th year, The Superyacht Cup attracts some of the most spectacular sailing super yachts in the world to an annual regatta in the Bay of Palma for four days of racing and a relaxed and informal social programme.

This year will see a tremendous fleet of yachts, combining the most competitive and experienced with the more cruising sailors.

Superyacht Cup Palma annually hosted by the popular Spanish yacht charter location - Palma de Mallorca - Photo credit to Superyacht Cup Palma

Superyacht Cup Palma annually hosted by the popular Spanish yacht charter location - Palma de Mallorca - Photo credit to Superyacht Cup Palma

The experienced race team at Real Club Nautico de Palma will again manage the all so important racing and the super yachts will be using the new ISYR rating system, which was well received at the recent British Virgin Islands regatta and the St Barth’s Bucket. The five J Class yachts will fleet race in their own class under their JCA rules and it will be the first time these historic yachts have raced together in Europe ever.

America’s Cup 2013: AC72 yachts resume training in San Francisco

May 24, 2013

Today, May 24, saw three America’s Cup teams return to training on San Francisco Bay, less than 10 hours after a no-sailing recommendation period expired.

Emirates Team New Zealand training again

Emirates Team New Zealand training again© ACEA 2013/ Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

For ORACLE TEAM USA and Luna Rossa, sailing again meant a return to their training programs on the Bay. For Emirates Team New Zealand it was their first sail on the Bay since arriving en masse as a team earlier this month.

ORACLE Team USA training again

ORACLE Team USA training again© ACEA 2013/ Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

Luna Rossa training again

Luna Rossa training again© ACEA 2013/ Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

AC72 yachts in the San Francisco Bay

AC72 yachts in the San Francisco Bay© ACEA 2013/ Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda to welcome over 35 yachts expected to attend Dubois Cup and Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta

May 24, 2013

With the start of the Mediterranean superyacht season, the prestigious Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is preparing to welcome over 35 luxury yachts to the waters of the Costa Smeralda, in the breath-taking summer yacht charter destination – Sardinia in Italy. The impressive fleets will attend the Dubois Cup, running from June 1 to 3, as well as the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, taking place from June 4 to 8, 2013. Competing will take place against the fabulous backdrop of the La Maddalena archipelago, while social events will be held around the YCCS Clubhouse in Porto Cervo Marina.

Dubois Cup 2011 in Porto Cervo - Photo credit to Rick Tomlinson Dubois

Dubois Cup 2011 in Porto Cervo - Photo credit to Rick Tomlinson/Dubois

The Dubois Cup, held biennially and now in its fourth edition, will see a fleet of 14 sailing yachts and two motor yachts designed by the UK’s renowned Dubois Naval Architects gather on the quays of Porto Cervo Marina. Several of the yachts will be spectating while those competing will include defending champion sailing yacht Timoneer, a 44.8-metre ketch, as well as the 30 metre charter yacht Nostromo which placed second in the 2011 edition. The largest of the Dubois yachts taking to the starting line will be the 51.7 metre superyacht Prana, built by Alloy Yachts of New Zealand, while the latest design from the Dubois stable, the 38 metre luxury yacht Twilight – launched earlier this year – will be following racing and soaking up the atmosphere as a spectator.

The spectacle doesn’t finish here, however, and the busy YCCS calendar immediately continues with 21 superyachts enrolled in the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. The event, which has been taking place annually since 2008, has fast become a fixture on the Mediterranean racing circuit and this year’s participating yachts count an average length of over 34 metres.

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2012 - Photo credit to Superyacht Media

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2012 - Photo credit to Superyacht Media

The fleet represents the cream of international nautical design and construction and hails from some of the world’s top shipyards including Fitzroy of New Zealand, Oyster of the UK, Perini Navi of Italy, Royal Huisman of Holland and Southern Wind of South Africa.

Some of the most imposing participants include the 45m charter yacht Salperton, winner of the Caribbean edition of the Loro Piana regatta in March of this year, and the Wally 148 yacht Saudade, also 45 metres in length. The colossus of the fleet is however the award-winning, ultra-modern superyacht Zefira at just under 50 metres.

“Following an excellent start to our sailing calendar at our Caribbean base in Virgin Gorda, we are delighted to welcome such a remarkable fleet of superyachts to Porto Cervo,” commented YCCS Commodore Riccardo Bonadeo. “It is great to see so many yachts return year after year, as a testament to the quality of our regattas and hospitality, and also to welcome numerous new participants. A special thanks obviously goes to our sponsors and supporters who allow us to remain at the forefront of the international yachting scene.”

Regatta Director presents his “2013 America’s Cup Regatta Director Recommendations”

May 24, 2013

In order to increase safety during the Summer of Racing at the 2013 America’s Cup, the 37 recommendations were issued yesterday, on May 23, 2013. These include the structural reviews of AC72 yachts and wings, a 10-knot lower wind limit (23 knots maximum) as well as enhanced sailor safety equipment.

Regatta Director - Ian Murray Photo credit ACEA/Guilain Grenier

Regatta Director - Ian Murray Photo credit ACEA/Guilain Grenier

Many of the recommendations are intended to increase the personal safety of the sailors and they include buoyancy aids, body armor, crew locator devices, hands-free breathing apparatus and high visibility helmets. Other recommendations are specific to the AC72 yachts, additional support equipment and race management.

Regatta Director Iain Murray, progressing the work of the Review Committee, presented his “2013 America’s Cup Regatta Director Recommendations” at a meeting with the four competing teams and the America’s Cup Event Authority on Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco.

For reasons of insurance and liability, the Review Committee stopped short of making its own recommendations. Regatta Director Iain Murray has formulated the specific safety recommendations.

These additional recommendations have been incorporated into the safety plan produced by the America’s Cup, which was forwarded to the U.S. Coast Guard today.

“Producing and implementing the safety plan is within the scope of the America’s Cup, as the sponsoring organization for this summer’s racing,” said Stephen Barclay, the CEO of the America’s Cup. “This America’s Cup safety plan is a necessary component of the permit application submitted to the Coast Guard for their consideration.”

The Regatta Director will now form a number of task forces to bring in experts to define additional technical recommendations for specific safety items such as protective gear for sailors.

Since its first meeting on May 16, the Review Committee has worked diligently interviewing 25 team members including team heads, skippers, designers, engineers, sailors and support boat operators.

“All four competing America’s Cup teams have cooperated in an open, helpful and constructive way,” Murray said, “and the Review Committee noted there is a clear desire on the part of the teams to ensure the safety of the America’s Cup as much as possible.”

“I want to thank the members of the Review Committee for their exceptional and efficient work,” Murray concluded.

Rolex Fastnet Race 2013 to host the largest number of participants in its 89-year history

May 24, 2013

Since 1925, the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s legendary 608-mile race around the Fastnet Rock has captured the hearts and souls of millions of people. To be held this August, the 2013 Rolex Fastnet Race will host the largest number of participants in its 89-year history. More than 350 yachts, and as many as 380 yachts, from five continents and more than 22 different nations will attend.

Celebrating her centenary, the winner of the first Fastnet Race in 1925, Pilot Cutter, Jolie Brise now sailed by pupils from Dauntsey's School in Wiltshire. Credit: Rick Tomlinson

Celebrating her centenary, the winner of the first Fastnet Race in 1925, Pilot Cutter, Jolie Brise now sailed by pupils from Dauntsey's School in Wiltshire. Credit: Rick Tomlinson

The diversity of the yachts and participants is truly extraordinary. The maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 is the holder of the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest circumnavigation, sailing around the world in just over 45 days. Internet entrepreneur Niklas Zennström’s 72′ mini maxi yacht Rán 2 is hoping to win the Rolex Fastnet Race for an unprecedented third time in a row. Plus the original winner of the first race in 1925, the Pilot Cutter Jolie Brise, celebrating her centenary, is also competing and this diversity is the reason why the Rolex Fastnet Race is so special.

Built in 1913, Jolie Brise has participated in the Fastnet race four times, winning three races including the inaugural race in 1925. Her career as a pilot boat was short-lived, owing to steam replacing sail, she became a fishing boat for a time before being bought by E.G Martin in 1923, a founder member of the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Evelyn George Martin met with a group of distinguished sailors, including Algernon Maudsley, to discuss an ocean race. Martin pulled a ten shilling note from his pocket, placed it on the desk and asked Maudsley if he would do the same. In that moment, the Ocean Racing Club was formed. After some discussion a race ‘from Cowes round the Fastnet and back to Plymouth’ was announced for yachts not exceeding a waterline length of 50ft. Jolie Brise won the first race and also won in 1929 and 1930 and to this day, she is the only yacht to have won the race three times.

Since 1977, Dauntsey’s School Sailing Club has sailed and maintained Jolie Brise, as skipper Toby Marris explains: “Since Dauntsey’s School started to sail Jolie Brise, over 9000 pupils have sailed on her. She sails about 220 days each year, clocking up about 10,000 miles. We have raced across the Atlantic with The Tall Ships Race, as far north as inside the Arctic Circle, east as far as Russia and south as far as The Cape Verde Islands. Jolie Brise is available for charter but during Dauntsey’s School’s holidays, the pupils have priority. For the Fastnet, we will have seven girls and boys from Dauntsey’s School, all under 18 and two crew selected by The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. This year’s race will be a once in a lifetime experience. Our goal is always to enjoy sailing her, but this race will become part of her history, so it is very special.”

Niklas Zennström's 72' mini maxi Rán 2 is hoping to win the Rolex Fastnet Race for an unprecedented third time in a row Credit: Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

Niklas Zennström's 72' mini maxi Rán 2 is hoping to win the Rolex Fastnet Race for an unprecedented third time in a row Credit: Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

Since 1930, four yachts have come close to equalling Jolie Brise’s three overall victories, but none have yet to succeed. Olin Stephens’ Dorade (1931 & 1933), Capt. J.H.Illingworth’s Myth of Malham (1947 & 1949), Dick Nye’s Carina (1955 & 1957) and Niklas Zennström’s Rán 2 (2009 & 2011). This year, the mini maxi Rán 2 will be attempting to win the trophy for an unprecedented third consecutive year.

Tim Powell, Rán 2 yacht’s Team Manager, has competed in four round the world races and spoke about the Rolex Fastnet Race: “Having the chance to win the race for a third time in a row is amazing. It is always tough just to win your class, but to win overall you also need to have the weather conditions in your favour and I have to say that we have had our share of luck in the last two races. This year, sailing yacht Bella Mente (Hap Fauth’s American Mini Maxi) will be a big threat. Rán 2 is now four years old and I think it would be fair to describe Bella Mente as a more modern version of Rán 2. If we have a 25-knot reach to the Rock and back, we should be the slower boat. If we have a more tactical race then perhaps that will be in our favour. Bella Mente has an excellent crew but then we know the Fastnet Race really well and maybe that is an advantage.”

Experiencing the start of the Fastnet is unlike any other offshore race and this year with a record entry it will be a special moment for everybody in the race. I would especially like to wish the young crew of Jolie Brise a great race. I started racing offshore with The Youth Challenge and if you told me then that I would have the chance of winning it three times, I wouldn’t have believed you. For me, The Fastnet will always be a very special race.”

Marina Port Vell – Sponsor of Conde de Godó Regatta and Sailing Control Yacht

May 23, 2013

Positioned in the lovely Spanish yacht charter location – Barcelona, Marina Port Vell (MPV), set to become one of the world’s most elite superyacht destinations and, with phased marina completions throughout 2013, the pre-eminent home port in the Mediterranean, starts sponsorship of the 2013 Regatta Conde de Godó today, on May 23. The race takes place through Saturday, May 25.

Marina Port Vell Sponsored Sailing Control Yacht in Port

Marina Port Vell Sponsored Sailing Control Yacht in Port

2013 marks the 40th edition of the Regatta which features 60 boats from 9m-40m with a growing international race roster. Marina Port Vell supports the event in a number of ways: by providing mooring for 20 of the boats for 2 weeks; by sponsoring the real time race tracking program; and, in sponsoring the Soto40 yacht Sailing Control.

The regatta tracking program, Sailing Control Tracking, provides tracking solutions and covers nautical events from professional needs to social events. The Soto40 class (like others such as Tp52, Farr 40 or Open 60) brings together a group of vessels of the same features and designed to extract full power. It has two permanent competitions—one in South America and one in Europe—and a world championship.

Marina Port Vell Sponsored Sailing Control Yacht Racing

Marina Port Vell Sponsored Sailing Control Yacht Racing

Marina Port Vell is proud to be participating as a supporter of this noteworthy annual sailing competition.

Full 2013 order book for Southern Spars

May 23, 2013

The 2013 order book of Southern Spars is full of projects, including four America’s Cup AC72 wing sails, up to ten Volvo 65’ One Design rigs, multiple superyacht rigs, as well as a new era of Grand Prix racing rigs. All of these demonstrate that Southern Spars is leading the way with design, technology and manufacturing of composite spars and rigging.

One of the 2013 Southern Spars projects - WallyCento superyacht Magic Carpet 3 - Photo by J. Renedo

One of the 2013 Southern Spars projects - WallyCento superyacht Magic Carpet 3 - Photo by J. Renedo

“This year we’ve been busy producing the AC72 wings for Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Challenge,” says Richard Lott, Southern Spars’ managing director. “At present, the Volvo 65’ One Design rigs and numerous superyacht projects ranging from 30 to 90 metres are moving through our Custom Projects facility in Auckland, New Zealand.”

Lott and Southern Spars director and co-founder Mark Hauser believe the yachting sector appears to have pushed through the hump of the global financial crisis. “It’s great to see the marine industry slowly recovering,” says Lott. “With the America’s Cup ramping up with a new era of racing in the exceptional AC72 foiling catamarans and the Volvo Ocean Race taking a new turn into One Design, we’ve seen grand prix racing teams coming back in full force as they gear up for the 2013/14 busy regatta calendar. There are exciting times ahead for Southern Spars and clients around the world.”

Hauser adds: “Southern Spars was founded on the backbone of this Grand Prix yacht racing with one of our first major projects resulting in Sir Peter Blake’s Steinlager II winning all six legs of the Whitbread Round the World Race – that’s a record yet to be trumped. Since then the team at Southern Spars has pursued a passion for excellence, building and supplying the world’s finest carbon spars and rigging.”

Other significant projects delivered by Southern Spars in 2013 include the recently-launched WallyCento superyacht Magic Carpet 3 and the Mills 72’ yacht Alegre.

Hauser says: “Both Magic Carpet 3 and Alegre sport the latest high performance technology from Southern Spars, with high modulus Thin Ply Technology (TPT) throughout. Both masts have all the bells and whistles from internal tangs through to the latest Top-Lok (locking mainsail car for square top sails), racing booms with nomex honey cone cores and EC6 carbon continuous rigging.”

Developed by Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design with the exterior styling and interiors by Wally, sailing yacht Magic Carpet 3 fully exploits the WallyCento box-rule to create a fast, seaworthy cruiser-racer that benefits from the latest performance technology while respecting the Wally spirit. Magic Carpet 3 is the second WallyCento be launched to date; Southern Spars also supplied the rig package for the 30m WallyCento superyacht Hamilton which won the first Superyacht Cup Cowes regatta after just five days of sailing since her launching in July 2012.

A stunning performance also marked the debut for Magic Carpet 3 – just two weeks after her launch, she competed in Gaastra Palmavela regatta (Mallorca, 1-5 May) out-matching competitors in all races in real time and crossing the finish lines between five and 20 minutes ahead of the closest competitor.

Magic Carpet 3 yacht’s owner and helmsman Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones commented: “I’m highly satisfied with the outcome of this ground-breaking project. Magic Carpet 3 is precisely what I wanted and expected her to be, totally fulfilling my goals and briefs – fast, beautiful, comfortable, technologically-advanced, and easy to sail.”

Presently, Andy Soriano’s brand-new sailing yacht Alegre is getting ready for her busy regatta season in Valencia, Spain. With her Southern Spars rig package stepped and tuned, the 72-footer, designed by Mark Mills and built at Longitud Cero, has successfully completed her maiden sea trials.

Alegre yacht’s owner’s representative Dave Williams comments: “We are very happy with the new Southern Spars rig and rigging package. It is exactly what we expected and the Southern team have done an excellent job.”

Hauser adds: “For the team at Southern Spars, it was great to get back into the mini maxi game after a little downturn in this market. We’re delighted to hear we have yet another happy customer.

“We are also pleased to announce that we have recently received orders from three of the world’s most high profile racing teams: Ichiban (newly-designed Carkeek 65’), superyacht Wild Oats XI and Loyal (ex-Speedboat).

“This year’s Sydney to Hobart will be one to watch, with all three going head-to-head with their newly-stepped, fully-specified Southern Spars rig and rigging packages.

“The positive feedback we have from Americas Cup teams, grand prix race teams and superyacht owners about why they choose to work with Southern Spars means a great deal to everyone in the company. We continually strive to be at the forefront of the world’s mast and rigging industry in terms of design, technology, manufacture, safety and performance.”

New Zealand Superyacht Day in San Francisco, September 7, 2013

May 23, 2013

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, in partnership with participating companies, Alloy Yachts, Events Clothing, Fitzroy Yachts, McMullen and Wing, as well as Southern Spars, are delighted to introduce the New Zealand Superyacht Day, to be held on the first day of the 2013 America’s Cup, September 7, in San Francisco. The event will provide a unique possibility to engage with and gain insights from the best yacht builders in the industry, comprising world-renowned superyacht designer, Ed Dubois of Dubois Yachts.

NZ Superyacht Day


Set against the stunning backdrop of San Francisco amidst the excitement of the 34th America’s Cup, US superyacht owners, owners representatives, captains and designers are invited to attend a unique one-day program demonstrating the innovative and award-winning New Zealand superyacht industry.

The day will begin with a breakfast featuring guest speaker Ed Dubois, among other leading superyacht regatta specialists,leading marine innovation experts, and demonstrations of the future of the New Zealand superyacht industry. Breakfast will be followed with the opportunity to watch the first day of the race on the water with a complementary kiwi craft beer tasting and barbeque.

Esimit Europa 2 Yacht to enter new season with four excellent Russian sailors and some technological improvements

May 22, 2013

Three excellent Russian sailors will join the Esimit Sailing Team, composed of all-star sailors coming from 10 European nations and Russia, as recently announced by Igor Simčič, founder of the Esimit Europa project. Alexander Ekimov, Egor Larionov, Nikolay Kornev as well as the last year’s addition to the team, Anton Sergeev, represent the Russian part of the Esimit Sailing Team.

Luxury sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2 ©2013/photo: ESIMIT EUROPA 2 / BYBOSCH

Luxury sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2 ©Esimit Europa/Vicent Bosch

The Esimit Europa 2 yacht skippered by the best German sailor Jochen Schümann will not only further extend her message of Pan-European collaboration, but will also enter the new season with some technological improvements to be able to keep up her record breaking performances in the northern Europe.

“The Esimit Europa 2 yacht symbolizes the future of a successful European continent, which tightly lies in cooperation between Europe and Russia. I am convinced that as on our yacht, the foundation to common success is in close collaboration and mutual understanding, a winning mentality and constant innovations. Only by doing this, we at the Esimit Europa project can be a step ahead of the competition, achieving victories and setting records and remaining the most ambitious sailing project in the world.

Esimit Sailing Team ©2013/photo: ESIMIT EUROPA 2

Esimit Sailing Team ©Esimit Europa/Vicent Bosch

Therefore, I am extremely happy and proud to welcome to our Pan-European team 3 excellent Russian sailors, multiple Russian and European champions in various Olympic sailing classes, winners of match races and the most prestigious big boats regattas. After the extremely successful run in the Mediterranean, when we crossed the finish line first at every attended race and also set 5 records, now together with the newly joined Russian sailors, we await new challenges in the seas of northern Europe – in Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom – before returning back to the Mediterranean in the second half of the season,” said Igor Simčič, founder of the Esimit Europa project.

Along with announcing new sailing challenges (Kieler Woche in Germany, ÅF Offshore Race in Sweden and Cowes Week and Rolex Fastnet Race in the United Kingdom), Simčič presented also the new technological perfections to the world’s fastest monohull yacht. “With a clear goal of taking line honours at all the attended races in the upcoming season in mind new sails with technologically revolutionary processes of construction have been developed in collaboration between our crew member Jordi Calafat as a designer and North Sails company as a manufacturer. We have also placed a couple of new yacht’s components made of titan and carbon fibres, while at the same time we did an extensive revision of electronics and hydraulics. Therefore, nothing is left to coincidence and we are ready for the tough conditions awaiting in the seas of northern Europe,” added Simčič.

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