SAILING NEWS

At the appointed hour of 10.55 there was a light and briefly stable gradient breeze that lasted just long enough for the committee to set up a course and get the Open Division into sequence. Sadly as the seconds ticked down towards the start the wind shut off again so the AP was hoisted and a long wait began.

Fortunately that wait was eventually rewarded with a glorious afternoon of sailing in a westerly sea breeze of 7-10 knots that allowed the race committee to complete three windward leeward races, races four to six of the eight race series. Racing was cutthroat and with the discard now introduced there were shake-ups in both Open and Classic divisions. Going into the final day the points are so close that all the podium places remain to be decided.

In the Open Division local boat FRA177 Junior No Limit, owned and helmed by Yann Marilley finished second, third and ninth and has moved into the lead with a narrow two-point delta over Hugo Stenbeck’s SUI132 Sophie II who scored a pair of wins and a fifth place to move up from third. The fortunes of overnight leader Steve Kinsey at the helm of CAN111 Blade were not so rosy and despite finishing second in race six he drops down into third overall, two points behind Sophie.

The Corinthian Division saw big position changes on both the race course and overall and tonight Peter Hoffmann’s US83 Llanoria, the 1948 Olympic Gold Medal winner being skippered this week by Eric Jespersen, and Andy Postle’s GBR22 Titia, a 1952 David Boyd design, are tied for the overall lead on sixteen points. In third place and trailing by five points is Lars Guck sailing N71 Flapper, who took the silver medal at the last Classic World Championship in 2013 and went into today as the leading boat. Lars still holds out hope of not being the bridesmaid this time around, but with just two races remaining to sail he will have his work cut out to make the top step of the podium. As Titia’s Andy Postle said after racing, “It was a hard day at the office, and it’s going to be an even harder day at the office tomorrow!”

The late finish to the racing day did nothing to dim the competitors’ enthusiasm for a good party, which is lucky as there were two parties to enjoy this evening. On arrival home the boats were greeted by the sound of a local Breton bagpipe band welcoming them to a spectacular champagne dockside party hosted by ISMA Chairman Matt Brooks and Pam Rorke-Levy, owners of the stunningly restored Classic Lucie. Lucie, designed in 1931 by Clinton H. Crane and built by Nevins for Briggs Cunningham the Americas Cup skipper, took pride of place on the dock and was bedecked with flowers, a fitting celebration for both the party hostess and the winner of the sixth race.

Following straight on from the dock party came the Crew Dinner in the regatta marquee where the teams enjoyed a delightfully informal evening featuring wonderful local foods and wines and of course lots great camaraderie. Matt Brooks took the opportunity to thank the event’s wonderful hosts, the Société Nautique de la Trinité-sur-mer, for their most generous hospitality.

Two races remain to be sailed and with the weather forecast indicating an easterly of around 11-14 knots tomorrow morning, backing into the south and dropping to sub six knots by mid afternoon, the race committee will be keen to get proceedings underway promptly at 11am tomorrow and conclude the event. If all eight races have not been completed tomorrow racing will continue into Friday. The regatta will close with a Gala Dinner and Prize Giving on Friday evening.

No Racing for Day Two!

– Weather forecast for Tuesday morning, wind coming from the northeast, and reaching around 31mph, or about 50km/h.

Racing is cancelled for today, so it is coffee and croissants from the wonderful guys on the Sommelier a la Carte stand followed by a very good Breton lunch are on the cards!

Check Out The Photos From Thierry Martinez: Website
Vancouver 2017 Worlds: Website

Sun And Drama On The Opening Day Of The Six Metre Worlds In La Trinité

June 1st 2015 – La Trinité Sur Mer, France –  The opening day of the International Six Metre World Championship, being hosted by theSociété Nautique de La Trinité sur Mer from 28 May to 5 June, produced sparkling conditions and spectacular racing for the 42 strong fleet of 19 Modern and 23 Classic Sixes. The south-westerly wind gradually built from around ten knots to mid teens ensuring that the race committee was able to run all three of the planned races.

The quality of the fleet is without doubt exceptional as can be seen from the extraordinarily close mark roundings and finishes and the mixed fortunes on the results sheet. When asked about his 3, 12, 3 scoreline for the day which put him into fourth place overall in the Open Division, Bertie Bicket, owner of GBR86 Scoundrel One, summed the day up neatly saying “It’s tight out there. One tiny mistake and you’re history so we need to do better”.

Further information, news and results from the regatta will be available from www.6metreworlds.com.

TOP FIVE RESULTS

Open Division

1.  CAN111 – Blade – Steve Kinsey – 1,2,4 = 7 pts
2.  FRA177 – Junior – Yann Marilley – 6,1,1 = 8pts
3.  SUI32 – Sophie – Huge Stenbeck – 7,4,2 = 13 pts
4.  GBR86 – Scoundrel One – Bertie Bicket – 3,12,3 = 18 pts
5.  USA105 – Jane Ann – Jaly Makila – 2, 8,10 = 20 pts

Classic Division

1.  N71 – Flapper – Lars Guck – 4,4,3 = 11 pts
2.  USA83 – Llanoria – Eric Jespersen – 5,5,2 = 12 pts
3.  GER68 – Lillevi – Andreas Haubold – 1,8,4 = 13 pts
4.  GBR22 – Titia – Andy Postle – 3,3,10 = 16 pts
5.  GER30 – Mena – Thomas Kuhmann – 6,6,5 = 17 pts

FULL RESULTS

EVENT WEBSITE

PHOTO GALLERY

INTERNATIONAL SIX METRE CLASS ON FACEBOOK

SAILING NEWS –

Valhalla Wins SNG Annual Regatta At Sea As Six Metres Prepare For Start Of World Championship

31 May2015 – La Trinité Sur Mer, France – Sadly strong winds made sailing impossible for the forty-three strong International Six Metre fleet on the second and concluding day of the Société Nautique de Genève’s Annual Regatta at Sea in La Trinité Sur Mer. The race committee initially held the teams ashore in the hope that conditions would abate, but sadly by 13.00 it became clear that the situation was not improving and racing was cancelled for the day.

With two races completed on the opening day, the Annual Regatta at Sea was validated and Paul Smith’s Valhalla, the current British Six Meter Champion and winner of the 2012 European Championship in Nynashamm, claimed overall victory and the prestigious Annual Regatta at Sea Trophy. Second place overall went to Basil Vasilou’s Jane Ann, while third place was a tie between Stefan O’Reilly-Hayland’s Tsigane, being co-skippered this week by Nayl Driss and Brice Bertier, and Jan Marilley’s Junior, whose past victories include the World Championships of 1999 and 2007 and the European Championships of 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002. Although Junior might have had the upper hand on track record, in this regatta is was Tsigane who claimed the third step on the podium on count back.

The Trophy for the winner of the Corinthian Division was awarded to Peter Hofmann’s Llanoria, being helmed this week by Eric Jespersen, which was designed by Olin Stephens and was victorious at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics and the 1957 One Ton Cup as well as in both of yesterday’s races. Second place in the Corinthian Division went to Louis Heckly’s Astree, a two time Classic Six Metre European Champion in 1994 and 1996 who’s past owners include King Constantine II of Greece. Thomas Kuhmann’s Mena, the first British Six built after the war in 1948 by Camper & Nicholson, took third place overall.

The competitors’ attention now turns to the World Championship, which opens tomorrow and concludes on Friday 5 June. Eight races are scheduled with racing planned for Monday 1 through Thursday 4 June with Friday being a reserve day if required. The Gala Prize Giving Dinner http://www.fionabrown.phanfare.com/6917497will take place on the evening of Friday 5 June at the Regatta Marquee.

As always the Classic Division has a strong entry of 23 teams, but this event is remarkable in that it has also attracted a large entry in the Modern Division, which has seen an enthusiastic resurgence of interest in recent years. This is a very welcome increase on the past entries of just 10 or 12 Moderns a few years ago.

The title Modern Division is perhaps a misnomer since it incorporates boats built as early as 1967, but in a class which dates back to the 1920s that actually is quite “Modern”! The Six Metres hit their heyday during the era of the 12 Metres in the America’s Cup, when the Sixes provided ideal test beds for many of the greatest yachting innovations of the era. Following the demise of the 12s in the America’s Cup the Sixes saw a similar downturn, but in recent years discerning owners have seen their potential for truly first quality racing at a very affordable price. A top flight Modern with an excellent track record can be purchased for around £40,000 and there are a number of good second hand boats available at a range of prices.

For sailors who enjoy the technical aspects of the sport the Sixes are a natural home. They allow owners and designers to bring the very latest technology and their own innovations to a boat. From exchanging outmoded hydraulics for cascade systems to redeveloping their deck layouts to incorporate the newest offerings from the hardware manufacturers and refining hull shapes to take advantage of the latest thinking in naval architecture the boats are constantly evolving.

John Pollard, professional sailmaker, multiclass champion and tactician aboard Valhalla sums up the attractions of the fleet succinctly saying, “They are very tactical and technical boats. It’s the whole package and you get a lot of bang for very little buck. The rule creates great flexibility for the owner and designers to utilise their own individual ideas. Curiously they all still seem to arrive at the finish line at the same time. Very small increments can make big difference, making for some of the closest racing I get to enjoy. Often even closer than in some one design classes I sail.”

With eight World Championship races ahead of us there will be plenty of opportunity to see just how exciting the Six Metres can be. Further information, news and results from the regatta will be available from www.6metreworlds.com.

TOP FIVE RESULTS
Open Division

1.  GBR107 – Valhalla – Paul Smith – 3, 1 = 4 pts
2.  USA105 – Jane Ann – Jali Makila – 4, 2 – 6 pts
3.  FRA107 – Tsigane – Nayl Driss – 1, 6 = 7 pts
4.  FRA177- Junior No Limit Yacht – 2, 5 = 7 pts
5.  GBR86 – Scoundrel 1 – 7, 3 = 10 pts

Classic Division

1.  US83 – Llanoria – Eric Jespersen – 1, 1 = 2 pts
2.  SUI344 – Astree – Louis Heckly – 3, 4 – 7pts
3.  GER30 – Mena – Thomas Kuhmann – 5, 3 = 8 pts
4.  US55 – Lucie – Matt Brooks – 2, 10 = 12 pts
5.  FRA111 – Dix Aout – Pierre-Paul Heckly – 9, 5 = 14 pts

FULL RESULTS

EVENT WEBSITE

PHOTO GALLERY

INTERNATIONAL SIX METRE CLASS ON FACEBOOK

SAILING NEWS –

No Racing On Final Day Of SNG Annual Regatta At Sea

31 May 2015 – La Trinité Sur Mer, France At the 13.00 competitor briefing the race committee reported to the competitors that the wind in the race area was still regularly gusting up well into the twenties and that the sea condition in the area was very rough. As a result the decision has reluctantly been made to cancel the final day of racing for the Société Nautique de Genève’s Annual Regatta at Sea. Although sad not to sail the competitors universally applauded the committee’s decision.

The race committee also gave advance notice of its intention to post an amendment to the Sailing Instructions for the World Championship to give them the option to run up to three races on tomorrow’s opening day. This is in light of the fact that currently the forecast for Tuesday is for more strong winds and the race committee would like the option to get an extra race in the bank if they feel it appropriate.

The prize giving for the Annual Regatta at Sea and the Opening Ceremony for the World Championship will take place at 18.30 tonight.

Light Airs For Six Metres On Opening Day Of Société Nautique de Genève’s Annual Regatta at Sea

30 May 2015 – La Trinité Sur Mer, France – Light winds and warm sun were the order of the day for the start of the Société Nautique de Genève’s Annual Regatta at Sea which is being held at La Trinité sur Mer in Southern Brittany from 31 to 31 May, featuring the International Six Metre Class. Forty-three teams from across Europe and North America are entered for the competition and the fleet is split into two groups, the Open Division for the Modern Sixes of which there are 19 and the Classic Division of which there are 23.

The fleet represents one of the largest gatherings of Six Metres in several years, both in terms of the number of countries represented, with entrants from across Europe and North America, and the quality of the fleet with virtually all the world’s top Six Metre crews present.

The early morning sun was most welcome, but initially winds were very light. Fortunately by early afternoon the sea breeze was building and the race committee was able to start the first of two excellent races in southerly winds of 5-8 knots. Both races were run on two lap windward leeward courses and with some interesting shifts and a lot of boats to contend with the helms and tacticians had plenty to think about, whilst the trimmers needed to stay focused and constantly change gears as the conditions fluctuated.

The Open Division for the Modern Sixes got underway at the first time of asking, but the Classic Division was a little over eager and had to be recalled for a second attempt. Second time around almost everyone was well behaved with only a few individual recalls. Once underway both races were nip and tuck all the way round the course and the many spectator boats jostled for position to best enjoy the spectacle.

Winner of the first race in the Open Division was Nayl Driss helming local boat Tisagne in the absence of owner Stefan O’Reilly-Hayland who sadly cannot be here this week due to a recent foot injury. Tisagne had managed to eek out a small lead coming into the line, but behind her the battle for second place was extremely close with Yann Marilley’s Pelle Petterson designed Junior No Limit Yacht, Paul Smith’s Valhalla, designed by Peter Norlin, and Jali Makila’s Jane Ann, another Pelle Petterson design, crossing the line neck and neck. Ultimately the race committee confirmed it was Junior No Limit Yacht second, Valhalla third and Jane Ann fourth.

After racing Valhalla’s owner Paul Smith noted “The sailing water is marvelous and we’ve got 43 boats which is one of the best turnouts since about the year 2000. The number of boats is great and the level of competition is as good as I’ve ever seen it so its very exciting to be here and to sail in such a delightful place.” (Full interview below).

The second Open Division race was won confidently by Valhalla who was followed across the line by Jane Anne with Bertie Bicket’s Petterson designed Scoundrel One third and Ben Clothier’s Battlecry, designed by Ian Howlett, fourth.

In the overall standings for the Open Division Valhalla leads the fleet on four points with Jane Ann second on six points and Tisagne and Junior No Limit Yacht sharing seven points apiece, but Tisagne taking third place on count back.

In the Classic Division Eric Jespersen’s Llanoria, designed by Olin Stephens and arguably one of the best Sixes ever built, dominated the fleet winning both races to take the overall lead. Whilst Llanoria had the ultimate in consistent days, for the many in the Classic Division the results were a rather mixed bag.

ISMA Chairman Matt Brooks, helming the 1931 Clinton H Crane designed Lucie, took second place in the first race but then struggled to find traction in the second, finishing tenth. Andy Postle and his team aboard Titia, a 1952 David Boyd design, took second in race two but had only managed 24th in the opener leaving them well down the rankings overall. More consistent was Louis Heckly’s Astree, launched in 1951 to a Bjarne Aas design, whose third and fourth places put her neatly into second overall five points behind Llanoria. Also consistent was Thomas Kuhmann sailing the 1946 Camper & Nicholson designed and built Mena, who scored a fifth followed by a third and so now lies a single point behind Astree in third with Lucie two further points back in fourth.

Two final races for the SNG Annual Regatta at Sea are scheduled tomorrow with an anticipated first start time of 11.00. Sadly it looks as if the sun may desert the fleet as Sunday’s forecast is for overcast weather with rain showers and initially south westerly winds of 18-25 knots, veering north west and dropping off a little later in the day.

The SNG Annual Regatta at Sea concludes tomorrow with the formal prize giving at 18.30 in the regatta marquee. This will be followed by the Opening Ceremony for the International Six Metre World Championship which commences on Monday 1 June and continues until Friday 5 June.

Post Racing Video Interview With Paul Smith of Valhalla

TOP FIVE RESULTS

Open Division

1. GBR107 – Valhalla – Paul Smith – 3, 1 = 4 pts
2. USA105 – Jane Ann – Jali Makila – 4, 2 – 6 pts
3. FRA107 – Tsigane – Nayl Driss – 1, 6 = 7 pts
4. FRA177- Junior No Limit Yacht – 2, 5 = 7 pts
5. GBR86 – Scoundrel 1 – 7, 3 = 10 pts

Classic Division

1. US83 – Llanoria – Eric Jespersen – 1, 1 = 2 pts
2. SUI344 – Astree – Louis Heckly – 3, 4 – 7pts
3. GER30 – Mena – Thomas Kuhmann – 5, 3 = 8 pts
4. US55 – Lucie – Matt Brooks – 2, 10 = 12 pts
5. FRA111 – Dix Aout – Pierre-Paul Heckly – 9, 5 = 14 pts

FULL RESULTS

EVENT WEBSITE

PHOTO GALLERY

Further information, news and results from the regatta will be available fromwww.6metreworlds.com.

SAILING NEWS –

International Six Metre Class World Championship –

5.30.2015 – Saturday Briefing

by fionabrown – The briefing for the opening day of the SNG Annual Regatta at Sea is completed and the crews are now heading out to the race course. As well as running through the plans for todays racing the sailors were also updated on the weather. Currently there is very little wind, however, the forecast is for a sea breeze to fill and build in this afternoon.

The Race Committee confirmed that it will be afloat and set up to go for the planned 13.30 start time, but warned the sailors that they may have to make a postponement depending on how long it takes the wind to arrive.

SAILING NEWS –

International Six Metre Class World Championship –

Twenty three classic and twenty moderns have entered, as of this date, for the 2015 6 Metre World Championships.

Re-published for the convenience of our readers…

EVENT: Six Metre Worlds
DATE: May 29th – June 5th, 2015
VENUE: International Six Metre Class Worlds
SPONSOR: Arthus Bertrand Paris, Musto Performan
RACE COORDINATOR: The Société Nautique de La Trinité sur Mer and Union Française des 6 Mètre JI
LOCATION: La Trinité-sur-Mer, Morbihan, Bretagne, France.

The 2015 International World Championship is hosted and organized by the Société Nautique de La Trinité sur Mer (SNT)

REGATE ANNUELLE EN MER OF THE SOCIETE NAUTIQUE DE GENEVE

Day 1: Thursday May 28th – Registration and measurement (from 0900 to 1200 and 1400 to 1800)
Day 2: Friday May 29th – Registration and measurement (from 0900 to 1200 and 1400 to 1800)
Day 3: Saturday May 30th – Registration and measurement (from 0900 to 1200) – 2 Races
Day 4: Sunday May 31st – 2 Races – Prize giving

INTERNATIONAL SIX METRE CLASS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Day 5: Monday June 1st – Racing (Day 1)
Day 6: Tuesday June 2nd – Racing (Day 2)
Day 7: Wednesday June 3rd – Racing (Day 3)
Day 8: Thursday June 4th – Racing (Day 4)
Day 9: Friday June 5th – Reserve day (Day 5) – Prize giving

The entry fee for the International World Championship is 1,000 Euros
200 Euros will be charged by the harbour to cover:
One mast stepping and unstepping
One crane in before the Regattas & one haul out afterwards
Truck or trailer parking during the Regatta
Berthing for sixes and their tender

Boats requiring berthing for support boats are responsible for making private arrangements with the harbour management who will advise on launching at the nearby slipway.

SAILING NEWS –

Another Beautiful Recreation From Artisans Boatworks

The N.G. Herreshoff designed Buzzards Bay 15 FOXFIRE, was recently launched into the picturesque waters of Penobscot Bay in Camden, Maine. FOXFIRE will then be heading off to her Summer home in Marion, Massachusetts.

In 1899 eleven boats were towed to the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, MA by the designers steam launch SQUIB, leaving an indelible high water mark in history for one of the oldest yacht clubs in the United States.

The Herreshoff 15 was know at the time, as the E-class, or Es, because the one-design was classified into the Yacht Club’s racing program’s E division. This Herreshoff design would go on to be comprised of three different variants:

The Buzzards Bay 15 – LOA: 24’6″ – WL: 15’0″ – Draft: 2’3″ (board up) Gaff-rigged
The Newport 15 – LOA: 24’6″ – WL: 15’0″ – Draft: 2’9″ (board up) Gaff-rigged
The Watch Hill 15 – LOA: 24’6″ – WL: 15’0″ – Draft: 2’3″ (board up) Marconi-rigged (minor modifications to freeboard & trim)

Through the years 91 boats were built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company between 1899-1927.

For further information on Artisans Boatworks: Website

SAILING NEWS –

MAYFLOWER II to Depart Mystic Seaport

Updated Departure Date – Plimoth Plantation and Mystic Seaport announced today that Mayflower II is now scheduled to depart Mystic Seaport on the morning of Tuesday, May 19 (9:00am) for her return trip to Plymouth.

Mystic Seaport Announcement – “The Museum will open at 8:30 a.m. and members and the public are invited to view the ship’s departure from our shipyard free of charge. Visitors that would like to stay at Mystic Seaport after the ship’s departure will be asked to check in at the main gate to pay admission.”

The delay is due to difficulties with the availability of a tugboat to tow the ship back to Massachusetts.

The ship is scheduled to cast off at 9 a.m., although the exact time is dependent on tide levels and weather conditions that morning. The journey to Plymouth is expected to take two days. Once back at her berth, the ship will be inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and other preparations will be carried out to make her ready to reopen to visitors prior to the Memorial Day weekend.

The full-scale reproduction ship owned by Plimoth Plantation has been at Mystic Seaport to undergo an extensive survey and the first phase of multi-year restoration at the Museum’s Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard.

For more information about Mayflower II and her restoration, visit www.plimoth.org/sos

Images are available for download at the Mystic Seaport website.

SAILING NEWS –

Six 12’s To Send Off Volvo Fleet Tomorrow –

Columbia, Weatherly, Nefertiti, American Eagle, Intrepid & Heritage.

On the morning of May 17th, America’s Cup 12 Meter Class yachts will parade to celebrate the tradition of great yacht racing in Newport. Twelve America’s Cups were contested here in Newport over a span of 53 years, cementing “The Cup” as a significant part of this city’s rich history. Join America’s Cup Charters aboard these icons of inshore racing to salute the competitors in the world’s greatest offshore racing event – the Volvo Ocean Race, as they start their transatlantic leg from Newport to Lisbon on May 17th.

The 12’s will motor by the East side of the Volvo dock basin, head out of Newport Harbor and past the west side of the Fort Adams Yachting Village. Sails will then be hoisted so that you can enjoy a short sail on Narragansett Bay before returning to our docks at the Newport Harbor Hotel marina. The hotel is adjacent to the Fort Adams boat shuttle, located at Perrotti Park for those who would like to proceed to the yachting village to view the start of leg 7 from there. Join the parade!

Space still available – Time 10am-12:30pm – Tickets $75

For tickets call America’s Cup Charters 401-849-5868 or email info@AmericasCupCharters.com.

SAILING NEWS –

Long Lost Ming Dynasty Shipyard May Have Been Discoverd –

Construction workers in Nanjing have unearthed what experts believe could be an ancient shipyard that supplied vessels to a legendary explorer known as “China’s Columbus”.

The Longjiang Shipyard helped build the fleet of Zheng He, a eunuch admiral whose epic voyages in the early 15th century made him China’s most celebrated maritime voyager.

The admiral’s “Treasure Fleet” – a gigantic navy with junks that had up to nine masts and were sometimes 400ft long – carried cargos of porcelain, silk and tea as far afield as Africa until the emperor pulled the plug on China’s maritime ambitions following Zheng’s death.

“It was a unique armada in the history of China – and the world – not to be surpassed until the invasion fleets of World War I sailed the seas,” Louise Levathes wrote in When China Ruled the Seas, a book on the period.

For the complete story use the following link

References:

Artisan Boatworks
The Telegraph

SAILING NEWS –

Coast Guard Kicks Off National Safe Boating Week in Florida –

The Coast Guard provides an immensely important service, but it is every boaters duty to make sure they are educated about safe and responsible boating. Education, and preparedness are your building blocks for safe passage, not only helping to save your life, but that of others, including the Coast Guard.

Here are some other tips from the Coast Guard to help boaters have a safe and pleasant summer on the water:

Minimize the risk:

If you have safety equipment, you’re minimizing the possibility for something to happen. Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon:

Own it, know it, and register it. An EPIRB is a device that is designed to transmit a distress signal if you get into trouble. No matter where you are in the world, an EPIRB sends a signal to emergency responders through a satellite system.

Wear it:

Life jackets tops the list for safety. Life jackets should bear a tag that shows they are Coast Guard approved.

Float plan:

Boaters should prepare a written float plan that’s given to friends or family members to show where they’re bound, when they plan to leave shore and when they plan to return. If something goes wrong, they can call for help for you. Make sure somebody knows where you’re at. The float plan should also include a description of your boat and a description of the safety equipment you are carrying.

Weather:

Boaters should check the weather before embarking. Know your weather limitations – what your boat can handle and what it can’t. Check the weather for storms, tides, currents and winds.

Good equipment:

A VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. Purchase radios to assure communication with other boaters and Coast Guard crews. Its range can be picked up much farther than a cell phone; Furthermore, have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.

Don’t be distracted:

Just like driving a car, don’t do anything that can take your attention away from operating a boat. Talking and texting are a distraction while trying to maintain safety on the water.

Don’t bow ride:

The Coast Guard nation-wide urges the boating public to think twice before allowing their friends and family members to carelessly bow ride. “You wouldn’t allow your kids to sit of the hood of your car, so why would you allow them to sit on the bow of your boat?” Bow riding refers to the unsafe practice of passengers remaining on the bow of a recreational vessel while it is making way.

Inspect your vessel:

Inspect your boat to avoid breakdowns that too often lead to tragedy in the water. You’re supposed to do a full check before you take the boat out. Run the engine to see if it’s working. Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free boating safety classes. The biggest problem is lack of knowledge and boatmanship ability.

With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start of the boating season, the U.S. Coast Guard stations in the Florida are scheduled to hold open houses. Below are the unit and date who will conduct an open house:

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, May 16, 10 a.m., to 3 p.m., 600 8th Ave. SE, St. Petersburg, Florida,

Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach, Florida, May16 and 17, 10 a.m., to 3 p.m., 719 San Carlos Drive, Fort Myers Beach.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: http://www.cgaux.org/

Vessel Safety Checks: http://ift.tt/1tal5U9

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://ift.tt/16CBKrb

National Safe Boating Council: http://ift.tt/1mA741R

SAILING NEWS –

Lez Dames de Saint-Tropez Invitation Only –

Update 5.10.2015 – Final Results – The winners : Oriole in the class of less than 16m and Oiseau de Feu for the over 16m group. The Spanish yacht Yanira finished first in the 100% female boats.

Limited to 16 yachts – This years 4th edition is organized by the Yacht Saint-Tropez, the city of Saint-Tropez and faithful partner FSS (Securities & Financial Solution), the Ladies of Saint-Tropez.

A traditional yacht regatta sailed on the great classics AMADOUR, DJINN, ESPAR II, EVA, HAVSORNEN , HERMITAGE, ILARIA, MANITOU, MARIA GIOVANNA II, MOONBEAM III, NAGAINA, OISEAU DE FEU, ORIOLE, RATAFIA , SAVANNAH, YANIRA in the old port of Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera.

The Event Programme:

16 boats divided into two classes (+16m -16m)
Total amount of participants (160 Ladies and 26 men) All boats will have a women at the helm.

– Friday, May 8: reception, briefing and welcome drink
– Saturday, May 9: provision to 12h and evening crew
– Sunday, May 10: provision at 11am and awards.

SAILING NEWS –

2015 Six Metre Class World Championships –

EVENT: Six Metre Worlds
DATE: May 29th – June 5th, 2015
SPONSOR: Arthus Bertrand Paris, Musto Performan
VENUE: International Six Metre Class World Championship
RACE COORDINATOR: The Société Nautique de La Trinité sur Mer and Union Française des 6 Mètre JI
LOCATION: Morbihan, Bretagne, France.

The 2015 International World Championship is hosted and organized by the Société Nautique de La Trinité sur Mer (SNT)

REGATE ANNUELLE EN MER OF THE SOCIETE NAUTIQUE DE GENEVE

Day 1: Thursday May 28th – Registration and measurement (from 0900 to 1200 and 1400 to 1800)
Day 2: Friday May 29th – Registration and measurement (from 0900 to 1200 and 1400 to 1800)
Day 3: Saturday May 30th – Registration and measurement (from 0900 to 1200) – 2 Races
Day 4: Sunday May 31st – 2 Races – Prize giving

INTERNATIONAL SIX METRE CLASS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Day 5: Monday June 1st – Racing (Day 1)
Day 6: Tuesday June 2nd – Racing (Day 2)
Day 7: Wednesday June 3rd – Racing (Day 3)
Day 8: Thursday June 4th – Racing (Day 4)
Day 9: Friday June 5th – Reserve day (Day 5) – Prize giving

The entry fee for the International World Championship is 1,000 Euros
200 Euros will be charged by the harbour to cover:
One mast stepping and unstepping
One crane in before the Regattas & one haul out afterwards
Truck or trailer parking during the Regatta
Berthing for sixes and their tender

Boats requiring berthing for support boats are responsible for making private arrangements with the harbour management who will advise on launching at the nearby slipway.

SAILING NEWS –

West Indies Regatta –

“Reconnecting the Islands with Traditional Sail”

Each year during the first weekend in May, beach built island Schooners & Sloops from all over the Caribbean return to the Port of Gustavia, St. Barths to commemorate the great days of trading by sail between the islands.

The event takes place over three days and includes sailing, an Island Market, live music and much more…

EVENT: West Indies Regatta
DATE: April 20th – May 3rd, 2015
SPONSORS: Free in St. Barth – Black Swan Boutique – La Bete a Zailes – Maya’s Restaurant – Boulangerie Choisy – Koko Imports – SarlLe Gout de Vin – Scaramouche, Union Island – Aragorn’s Studio, Tortola – Woodstock Boatbuilders – The Frame Shop, Antigua – Indian Creek Films, Antigua – Carriacou Cottages, Carriacou – The Anchorage Rooms, Antigua – Tradition Charters, Anguilla – Savvy Grenada Sailing – Acquafilms, Antigua – Lazy Bones, Antigua – Friendship Rose, Bequia – Compass Magazine, Bequia – Picton Castle, Nova Scotia – Sailing Antigua Classic Charters
LOCATION: ST. Barths, FWI

The premier of Vanishing Sail will be at the St. Barth Film Festival on April 30th

View Vanishing Sail Trailer – A Caribbean Tradition on the Verge of Extinction – The legacy of boatbuilding in the Grenadines.

Help support Vanishing Sail – Kickstarter Campaign

SAILING NEWS –

Congratulations to the Hawk, from all of us at ClassicSailboats.Org…..Great Win!

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, sponsored by Panerai, celebrated the winners at the Prize Giving Ceremony on the lawn of the Copper & Lumber Store, Nelson’s Dockyard. The huge crowd was welcomed by Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta Chairman, Julian Gildersleeve, who introduced His Excellency Dr Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua & Barbuda and the Minister of Tourism, Economic Development Investment and Energy, Asot Michael. Sir Rodney Williams gave a rousing speech, highlighting the importance of Antigua Classics to the country and welcomed competitors to the regatta from overseas, as well as congratulating Antiguans who had taken part.

Angelo Bonati, CEO Panerai, explains why the company values the regatta.

“When Panerai was a young company, we analysed our DNA to look at ways to promote our brand. Florence, the city of art, is our spiritual home, the concept of the family is very important and so is the sea; in 1936, Panerai created their first Submersible watch. Panerai is famous for sporting watches and the technology and application required is very similar to values in designing and building classic boats. To be a master of watch making or boat building you need many years of experience. Classic boats are built to last for over one hundred years, and for Panerai, our watches have the same properties. In many ways, the values of Panerai have the same mix of elements as classic yacht racing.

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is unique, the yachts have their own history and stories and the owners and sailors emotions are echoed in Panerai. For Italians, when you talk about the Caribbean, you imagine adventure and seafaring heroes and these elements are very much part of Italian culture. At Antigua Classics, there is profound depth and passion for the yachts, the boats are sailed by people who really want to race these beautiful boats, pushing them hard, and only polishing them after racing. Many of the yachts have sailed across the Atlantic and from North America to participate and to see these fantastic boats in their element is a wonderful fusion of art and design.”

The Prize Giving Ceremony was a lively affair with huge cheers greeting every team as they took the stage. Whitehawk was declared the winner of the Panerai Trophy for the second year in succession having won every race and taken line honours in four starts in Classics Class A. Whitehawk’s co-skipper, Ralph Isham was full of praise for the regatta and Antigua.

“I think we sailed better this year, last year we had rougher conditions, which made the racing tough but this year’s team has had more time together on this boat and that makes a big difference. This is one of the most beautiful places to sail in the world, Antigua is a welcoming place, many of the Whitehawk crew have homes here. The island is stunning and the easterly Trades have been just perfect.”

Whitehawk boat captain, Eric Nittmann also commented. “It is 1600 miles to Rhode Island from Antigua but it has been well worth the trip. It is great to see Whitehawk being sailed hard but also so well. I don’t think I yelled at the crew all week, it went very well and it is a pleasure to have a team on board that fully appreciate the stallion that Whitehawk can become.”

Antigua music sensation, 17 61°, got the entourage in the mood and the dancing continued long into the night. The traditional end to the social festivities for the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta takes place today, Tuesday 21 April, with gig racing and cream teas at the Admiral’s Inn, Nelson’s Dockyard and the ACYR Tug of War, organised by Elena crew boss, Malcolm Banks, also known as Shrek.

The 29th edition of Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, sponsored by Panerai, will be April 13-19, 2016.

For a full list of 2015 podium winners go to: http://yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=1176

SAILING NEWS –

Final Results – Antigua Classics

Monday, April 20, 2015

Racing came to a conclusion today at the 28th edition of Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, sponsored by Panerai. The Windward Course was raced today by all classes and featured a glorious reaching start outside Falmouth Harbour to the deep water Woodstock mark followed by a spectacular downwind surf to Old Road Bluff then a long beat to Cape Shirley. The fleet headed back out to sea reaching to the Woodstock mark in big seas before finishing on a tight reaching leg to Falmouth.

The entire four-race series was blessed with spectacular conditions with 15-20 knots of easterly Trade Winds throughout the regatta. This evening, the Prize Giving Ceremony will be held on the lawn of the Copper and Lumber Store in the historic surroundings of Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour. The winner of the Panerai Trophy and the glittering array of prizes will be revealed tonight.

Spirit of Tradition Class

Rebecca, the spectacular 140′ Frers Ketch won today’s race, the third in a row for the regatta, giving Rebecca the class win. Starling Burgess/Dijkstra J Class, Rainbow, was second in class with third being the Joel White designed Dragonera, steered by Sean Lucey. Jerry Bardoe, better known as Chippy, was racing on board Rebecca for the regatta.

“I think I have been to about 20 Antigua Classics, there is no other regatta like it.” smiled Chippy. “The courses are great for these boats with plenty of reaching, as classic yachts are not really made to go upwind. Even if you are a ‘momma and pappa boat’ you can join in; classics suits so many different types of sailors and you don’t have to have a museum piece, the regatta is all about fun. A great memory for me from this edition was this morning. Rebecca was in the starting area and we passed Elena, exchanging pleasantries, then we passed Rainbow and did the same – where in the world are you going to do that – Antigua Classics of course!”

Vintage Class A

The final race was one of the closest for many years in Vintage A Class. Four yachts were vying for victory for the last race. Griff Rhys Jones’ Argyll was the race winner by just over a minute, after time correction, from Robbie Fabre’s Vagabundo II. Trevor Fretter’s was third just 4 seconds behind Vagabundo II and Mat Barker’s The Blue Peter was fourth. Blackwatch won the class with Vagabundo II holding on to second place by literally 4 seconds from Argyll.

Vintage Class A

The final race was one of the closest for many years in Vintage A Class. Four yachts were vying for victory for the last race. Griff Rhys Jones’ Argyll was the race winner by just over a minute, after time correction, from Robbie Fabre’s Vagabundo II. Trevor Fretter’s was third just 4 seconds behind Vagabundo II and Mat Barker’s The Blue Peter was fourth. Blackwatch won the class with Vagabundo II holding on to second place by literally 4 seconds from Argyll.

Vintage Class B

Mary Rose, skippered by Gerald Rainier, scored a perfect four races to win the class. Brazilian schooner, Atrevida was second, just ahead of Richard Oswald’s Coral of Cowes. Gerald Rainier spoke after finishing the regatta. “The rating system in our class worked very well. Yesterday, after time correction, we only beat Coral by 7 seconds and today, we were less than two minutes ahead of Atrevida. Mary Rose is a much smaller boat, which meant that we could get inshore for the lifts off the land but the big schooners had the advantage of waterline length, so the differences evened out. The Mary Rose crew are such fun to sail with. I said before the regatta, the three most important things were: Don’t get hurt, don’t hurt the boat and have fun – we pretty much stuck to that plan.”

Vintage Class C

Leo Goolden’s 25′ Folkboat Lorema was the winner of today’s race, giving the young skipper from Cornwall, a perfect score at his first ever Caribbean regatta. Roy Boughton’s Guiding Light was second with Alexander Drinkwater’s Samsara placing third.

Classics Class A

Ralph Isham’s Whitehawk took line honours in every race, also winning all four races after time correction. Brian Smullen’s Cuilaun was second with Saphaedra third. Whitehawk’s helmsman, James Houston spoke about the regatta.

“Marvellous, just the right amount of wind and a good sea state, ‘chamber of commerce’ perfect conditions, every day has been just great. We are all friends and we work on staying focused because, as the fastest boat, we are on our own for most of the race. I think that aspect of our performance got better every race.

A big thank you to Joseph T. Dockery, who owns Whitehawk and Eric Nittmann, the boat captain for bringing the boat down to Antigua, especially for this regatta. Both myself and co-skipper, Ralph Isham are members of the International Yacht Restoration School and many of the crew are members of the Mill Reef Yacht Club in Antigua. We have had a great time and we have all contributed to raise money for a school in Rhode Island.”

Classics Class B

The majestic schooner, Elena was the winner of today’s race, sailing the complex course to perfection. Elena was an incredible sight, her extensive sail area was expertly handled by her compliment of nearly 30 crew. However, Robert’s Soros’ Juno had won the previous three races, and being second in today’s race, secured the class win. Bonnie Schmidt and Nigel Bower’s Heron was third.

Classics Class C

Sea-Mester’s magnificent schooner, Argos was beaten for the first time in the regatta, with the last race going to the Klaus Roder designed schooner, Kairos. However, Argos won the class with Kairos second and Ashley Kerr’s Windjammer in third.

Traditional Class

Andrew Robinson’s Summer Cloud won their second race of the regatta but it wasn’t enough to win the highly competitive fleet of six Carricou Sloops. Alexis Andrew’s Genesis finished second today, the Antiguan team’s consistency throughout, secured Genesis the class win, by just two points from Summer Cloud. Philippe Fabre’s Exodus was third in class but did not finish today’s race after a collision with Eli Fuller’s Zemi. Both crews are safely ashore with no injuries sustained.

Classic GRP Class

Don Ward’s Frolic won today’s race by just 24 seconds, after time correction, taking second in class for the regatta, on countback from Stuart Armstrong’s Desiderata. Paul Deeth’s Petrana was second today to win the class by three points.

After tonight’s Prize Giving Ceremony, the traditional end to the social festivities for the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta will take place tomorrow with gig racing and cream teas at the Admiral’s Inn, Nelson’s Dockyard. The ACYR Tug of War after the gig racing will be an excellent way to burn off the calories consuming scrumptious homemade cakes!

For full information about Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, including full of racing, pictures and stories visit www.antiguaclassics.com

SAILING NEWS –

The Spirit of Classics

Antigua, West Indies. Sunday, April 19, 2015 –

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, sponsored by Panerai, is a competitive regatta but the spirit of the event is just as important. Today’s race, the Kenny Coombs Memorial Cannon Course, was the favourite race of the Father of Classics, Kenny Coombs. The reaching course was as much a celebration of traditional boats as a sailing competition. Once again the famous perfect sailing conditions delivered, with 15 knots of Trade Winds and a significant sea state. The tight reaching start had the fleet at full tilt, barreling out to sea, with the occasional sideswipe from the two metre waves, it was a refreshing start for the crews, as warm water cascaded down the decks.

After three days of racing, five yachts still remain unbeaten: Ralph Isham’s Whitehawk continues to dominate Classics Class A, as does 112′ Marconi Schooner Argo in Classics Class C. Herreshoff Schooner, Mary Rose, scored their third bullet in Vintage Class B, but only just. Richard Oswald’s Coral of Cowes was just 7 seconds behind after time correction. Leo Goolden’s Lorema remains unbeaten in Vintage Class C. Robert Soros’ Juno, continued their perfect score, holding off the mighty schooner Elena by just one minute after time correction. Paul Deeth’s Petrana lost its winning streak today, by a very narrow margin. Stuart Armstrong’s 1944 ketch, Desiderata, won today’s race by just 14 seconds after time correction.

There was a carnival atmosphere as the Classics fleet left the Antigua Yacht Club Marina and afterwards for the Parade of Classics in English Harbour. Batman appeared on the bow of Andrew Robinson’s Carriacou Sloop, Summer Cloud. The appearance of the caped crusader raised their game to take third in today’s race, which was won by Philippe Fabre’s Exodus. Batman (alias Brazilian drummer, for local band Sound Citizens) spoke dockside. “The people of Gotham City can sleep soundly tonight because we are looking out for them! While I have your attention, I would like to emphasis and important point about Classics. The world is full of too much plastic and these beautiful wooden boats will be re-cycled, nurtured and loved for hundreds of years that is the message Classics is putting out to the world.”

Leo Goolden’s 25′ Folkboat, Lorema remains unbeaten after three races, Leo has been racing the smallest yacht at the regatta with his girlfriend, Elin Goransson. “We share the helm, Elin was at the tiller all day yesterday and she is a very good sailor but I sailed Lorema here on my own from Falmouth, Cornwall. I left Falmouth in January and sailed to the Cape Verde Islands in June. The weather was pretty nasty at times and I took my time pulling into a few places. I don’t mind admitting that I was apprehensive when leaving to cross the Atlantic. It was the first crossing for me and this is my first time in the Caribbean. Antigua Classics is amazing, I feel very privelidged to be racing on the same course as schooners and J Class, Rainbow. I know a few people competing, as like them, I am a boat builder and I have been nosing around, looking at their work and a few people have come to look at Lorema. She was a wreck when I first got her but she is a sturdy boat and capable of handling the Antigua conditions.”

Robbie Fabre is racing 1945 Marconi ketch, Vagabundo II. The crew are all friends and include several Antiguan boat builders and Karl James who has represented Antigua & Barbuda at the Olympic Games on two occasions. “Vagabundo II is a wet boat but she was designed for ocean racing.” commented Robbie. “I don’t think we ever got dry during the Panerai Transat earlier this year, we were even sleeping in wet weather gear. It is great to have Karl James racing with us, he really knows the conditions out here and is a phenomenal sailor. Vagabundo is really an Antiguan boat, we restored her at the Antigua Slipway and last year we had Louis Sinclair on the bow, who is now doing the Volvo Ocean Race. Vagabundo competes at classic regattas in the Med’ but Antigua Classics really stands out because you don’t get these conditions anywhere else and ashore the regatta has a really great atmosphere. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

A perfect end to the day’s racing was the Parade of Classics in the historic surroundings of English Harbour. Each yacht was cheered as they approached the Antigua Slipway, with hundreds of classic fans enjoying lunch at the waterside eateries. Racing at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, sponsored by Panerai will conclude tomorrow with the Windward Course with the Prize Giving Ceremony, on the Lawn of the Copper & Lumber Store, at 8 p.m.

For full information about Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, including the full schedule of racing and social events visit www.antiguaclassics.com

2015 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta – Preliminary Results Race 3

2015 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta – Preliminary Cumulative Results

SAILING NEWS –

Whale Ahoy and Six of the Best –

Antigua, West Indies. Saturday, April 18, 2015 –

Mother Nature delivered once again perfect conditions for the second day of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, sponsored by Panerai. Three hours of exhilarating racing were fully appreciated by crews returning to Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Salt encrusted on the dock, the Classics Clan shared their memories of a great day on the water, even the whales came out to play, captured by photographer, Cory Silken. 15 knots of Trade’s built during the day, gusting up to 25 knots and the amazing classics were lifting up their skirts with white water hissing at the rail. The Butterfly Course consisted of two tight triangles, testing boat handling to the maximum, on six short legs of roughly two to three nautical miles.

After two days of racing six yachts still remain unbeaten: Ralph Isham’s Whitehawk, Herreshoff Schooner Mary Rose, Leo Goolden’s Lorema, Robert Soros’ Juno, 112′ Marconi Schooner Argo and Paul Deeth’s Petrana.

In the Spirit of Tradition Class, the magnificent 140ft Frers ketch, Rebecca, sailed impeccably well taking line honours and won on corrected time from J Class, Rainbow JH2, by just under 3 minutes. After two races, Rebecca is now tied on points with Rainbow JH2. “We hope that we get two big wind shifts tomorrow and The Cannon course is all upwind!” joked one of Rainbow’s crew.

Griff Rhys Jones’ 1948 57′ Olin Stephens yawl, Argyll, put in a strong performance today to win Vintage Class A by just 7 seconds on corrected time from Trevor Fetter’s 1938 S&S yawl, Black Watch. Welsh comedian, Griff Rhys Jones is best known for the British TV series, Not the Nine O’Clock News but Griff has been sailing all his life and his passion for classic yachts is as strong as ever.

“I only started racing about 10 years ago but I sailed with my father as a boy on the east coast of England.” commented Griff. “I race Argyll all the time because I can organise my work calendar around it. If you are just cruising, it is easy to change your plans and you just end up staying in the office. When you go racing you have to stick to the dates. The magic for me is that you are instantly transported into another world, racing is so demanding it’s a new set of anxieties! You’re thinking, if only I spent more time doing this, I would be better at it. For me racing Argyll is hugely entertaining, we don’t have any pro-sailors and often we meet new crew, as we have done here. Racing is immense fun, as long as you don’t get too hung up about winning.”

The magnificent 180′ gaff rigged schooner, Elena, was an amazing sight. A blend of speed and beauty, Elena was in her element in the ocean conditions. Skipper Steve McLaren, explained the lure of Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.

“Elena was fully powered up today and the Butterfly Course was a real test of boat handling, with a lot of manoeuvres. It was an exciting day in challenging conditions. Elena’s owner is a big supporter of Antigua Classics but that is not the only reason for our participation, Kenny Coombs sailed on Elena and was a true friend. As a show of respect, when Elena is in the Caribbean we come to race here and we feel by doing so, we have encouraged other yachts, such as Rebecca and Rainbow, to take part.”

By invitation only, tonight’s Owners Party, hosted by EFG Bank, will be at South Point Resort with the inaugural S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup Competition. Phillip Baxter, Director Private Banking at EFG, has been racing at Antigua Classics Yacht Regatta and explains why the international bank supports the event.

“EFG likes to get involved in sponsorship at a grass roots level, so rather than just use money for advertising, we like to get our clients involved in the activities and enjoy the benefit of the sponsorship directly. I have been racing with Richard Oswald’s Coral of Cowes for the regatta and as a sailor, rather than a banker, it is an amazing experience. Coral is a beautiful boat and the weather in Antigua provides perfect sailing conditions, it really is awe-inspiring and EFG believe that our clients find the experience just as rewarding and that really cements our relationship.”

Tonight’s social schedule at Antigua Yacht Club continues with the highly popular open mic music night with backing by Itchy Feet. Racing will continue at Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, sponsored by Panerai, tomorrow Sunday 19th April, with the Kenny Coombs Memorial Cannon Race followed by the Parade of Classics through historical Nelson’s Dockyard.

For full information about Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, including the full schedule of racing and social events visit www.antiguaclassics.com

SAILING NEWS –

Over The Rainbow
by Louay Habib

Antigua, West Indies. Friday, April 17, 2015 –

Glorious conditions greeted hundreds of avid sailors taking part on the first day of the Antigua Classics Yacht Regatta, sponsored by Panerai. The fleet of 46 classics was an incredible sight, assembled outside Antigua’s Falmouth Harbour to race “The Old Road” course. The battle in the Spirit of Tradition Class was incredible. After two-and-a-half hours of racing, under two minutes separated three magnificent yachts.

The winner was the J Class Rainbow JH2, re-designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, according to the 1937 Starling Burgess design. German Frers, 140ft ketch Rebecca, took line honours, but after time correction, was placed second by just 32 seconds. The 74′ Joel White designed ketch, Dragonera was third in the Spirit of Tradition Class.

“We now know we are in a battle.” commented Rebecca’s Stan Pearson. “Rebecca was just flying along today, but we left a few minutes out there on the race course. We know we are capable of beating Dragonera and Rainbow but this looks like it is going to be a great Regatta.”

The squally weather of the preceding day had given way to solid trade winds, with perfect 15-20 knots of breeze pumping from the east, kicking up the characteristic Antiguan swell. “The Old Road Course” started with a four-mile reach south, then a downwind leg to Old Road Bluff was followed by a beat back to the starting area. With a reach south and a reciprocal reach to the finish, the fleet enjoyed a race of approximately 20 miles.

Vintage Class

15 entries are racing in the Vintage Class, for yachts in original condition, designed and launched before World War II. In Vintage Class B, the winner was the 1925 Herreshoff, Mary Rose. Whilst in Vintage Class C the smallest yacht at the regatta was the winner, Leo Goolden’s 1942 25′ Folkboat, Lorema.

In Vintage Class A, Trevor Fetter’s 1938 Sparkman & Stephens designed Black Watch was the victor, taking line honours and the class win on corrected time. Robert Fabre’s 1944 German Frers Vagabundo II was second, by just four minutes on corrected time. Griffith Williams’ 1936 H. Rasmussen designed Seefalke II placed third after taking part in her first race after an extensive restoration at Antigua Boatbuilding.

Mat Barker’s 1929 Alfred Mylne sloop, The Blue Peter and the 1927 Baglietto designed ketch, Sincerity, skippered by Trygve Bratz, had a tremendous battle on the water.

“The Blue Peter is almost unchanged since being launched in 1929, we keep her as original as possible. We could make her much faster but that’s not the point. I am highly competitive, but racing a classic is about appreciating the love of traditional boats with people that have the same appreciation. Most of the crew aboard this week have been coming back for many years, even if I tell them off a bit, we have a lot of fun together. I don’t know the skipper of Sincerity but we had a great battle today and although we beat them on time correction, they won the race to the finish line and I congratulated them for that.”

Classics Class

14 yachts are racing in the Classics Class, for yachts designed and launched after World War II. In Classics Class A, Ralph Isham’s Bruce King designed, Whitehawk, took line honours and won on corrected time, by a handsome margin. In Classics Class B, line honours went to the Klaus Röder designed 109′ schooner Kairos, but after time correction the 112′ Marconi Schooner Argo, sailed by the Sea-Mester Adventure College, won the class by just over two minutes.

The 1909 Herreshoff schooner Elena took line honours in Classics Class B. However, Robert Soros’ 65′ schooner Juno, designed by Nat Benjamin, was the winner after time correction. Bonnie Schmidt & Nigel Bower’s John Alden designed 65′ schooner Heron was second in class. Heron was built by the Bower family in Camden, Maine.

“We have sailed her over 70,000 miles and our daughters were home schooled on board.” proudly declared Nigel Bower. “Heron is a commercial boat, we take charter guests from Maine right through the Caribbean islands and thousand of sailors have enjoyed sailing her over the last ten years. We have only missed one Antigua Classics Regatta since she was launched. We don’t normally race Heron but Classics is just a fantastic event, it is such an amazing gathering of yachts and people. I love chatting to other boat builders, there is a tremendous pool of talent and knowledge and these are the people that are at the forefront of traditional boat design and craftsmanship.”

Racing at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, sponsored by Panerai, continues tomorrow, Saturday 18th April, with the Butterfly Course, effectively two triangles to the south of Antigua. As is the way, the social-side of classics continues tonight, Friday 17th April with the Single-handed Sundown Trophy Presentation on the lawn at the Antigua Yacht Club with complimentary Dark & Stormies and live entertainment with Gerard Knight on guitar.

For full information about Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, including the full schedule of racing and social events visit www.antiguaclassics.com

SAILING NEWS –

Preview Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
15-21 April 2015

Wonderful yachts and passionate sailors, from all over the world, are gathering in Antigua for the 28th edition of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, sponsored by Panerai. The event attracts an astounding collection of yachts from almighty J-Class and magnificent schooners to beautiful petite pride and joys. Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is a unique event, an eclectic mix of owners and crew, racing traditionally built yachts, enjoying spectacular sailing and playful parties ashore. ‘Classics is a rare rendezvous of breathtaking yachts from both sides of the Atlantic and further afield. Newcomer to the regatta, Leo Goolden, will be racing his 24ft Folkboat Lorema. Leo sailed to the Regatta from Cornwall, England, crossing the Atlantic single-handed without an engine, guided by compass and sexton alone.

Four days of racing are scheduled, preceded by the single-handed race and the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance Concours d’Elegance. Yachts will be divided into different classes; Traditional, Vintage, Classic, Classic GRP and Spirit of Tradition. Not all of the yachts are wooden, some date back to the 1900’s, others are modern-day reproductions. However, all of the yachts are descendent or examples of traditionally rigged displacement sailboats. Each yacht has its own fascinating story, this individuality is part of the magic of ‘Classics and the dockside tales continue well into the night-time festivities with the aid of a few Mount Gay rums.

The objective for Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is the same as it has always been; to encourage sailing in the Caribbean in a safe, fun regatta with the emphasis on sailing together rather than on racing but ‘Classics brings out the competitive spirit in many of the players.

The 2014 winner of the Panerai Trophy, Ralph Isham’s 105ft Ketch Whitehawk, is returning to Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. Launched in 1978 in Rockport, Maine, Whitehawk is one of Bruce King’s finest designs. Whitehawk will be racing in the Classic division, as well as the beautiful Nat Benjamin designed 65ft schooner, Juno, commissioned by the owner Robert Soros in 2001. Juno is a regular participant and has won class on two occasions but newcomer to the Regatta is the Olin Stephen’s designed 56ft yawl, Argyll. Launched in 1946, Argyll has been beautifully restored and recently claimed second place in the 2015 Panerai Transat Classique.

Three magnificent masterpieces returning to the regatta are the Dijkstra J Class sloop Rainbow, the 140ft Frers ketch Rebecca and the Herreshoff Classic schooner Elena.

180ft schooner Elena, launched in 2009 by Factoria Naval Marin, is a meticulous recreation of the Herreshoff design that won the 1928 Transatlantic Race. This will be the third occasion that Elena has raced at Antigua Classics, driven by 2,000 square meters of sail area, the schooner will be an impressive sight.

140ft ketch Rebecca, designed by German Frers and launched in 1999, has been a regular participant for many years, winning class on two occasions. Built at Pendennis shipyard, she is without doubt one of the finest modern sailing yachts in the world. The fine lines of Rebecca’s hull, including a glorious counter, give her immense power and grace and her curved teak deck, extending from stern to bow, is a magical platform.

J Class Rainbow JH2, commissioned in 2007 and re-designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, according to the original design of William Starling Burgess Rainbow JH2 was launched in 2012, by Holland Jachtbouw. Rainbow was second in class at last year’s Regatta by a single point. Based upon the lines of the original 1934 America’s Cup winner, the spectacular 130ft sloop features a racing hull with a superyacht interior and unique hybrid propulsion and power system with a grand prix deck layout and carbon rig.

The 36ft classic sloop, Ruffian will be one of smallest yachts at the regatta, launched in 1961 and designed by Francis Kinney. Ruffian, skippered by Martin Halpern won last year’s Classic GRP Class B. The 54ft, John Alden designed, Desiderata, skippered by Stuart Armstrong also returns to defend the Classic GRP A class. The 75ft pilot house ketch, Dragonera, designed by Joel White, is likely to be the largest yacht racing in the GRP class. A number of Carriacou sloops will be racing in the Traditional Class, Alexis Andrews’ Genesis and Exodus, both built by Alwyn Enoe, are early entries and will be joined by the 54ft classic Windjammer, skippered by Ashley Kerr from Queensland, Australia

In the Vintage Class, the immaculate1925 Herreshoff, Mary Rose returns having won class last year and has competed at the last four editions of Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. Richard Oswald’s Coral of Cowes was second to Mary Rose last year and returns hoping to go one better. Designed by Fred Shepherd and launched in 1902, the 80ft gaff schooner, Coral of Cowes, will be one of the oldest yachts competing at the regatta. Robbie Fabre’s 42ft German Frers, Vagabondo II will also be competing this year. The 1945 Marconi ketch completed this year’s grueling RORC Caribbean 600. Mat Barker’s 65ft sloop, The Blue Peter, designed by Alfred Mylne in 1929 returns to the Regatta. The Blue Peter raced across the Atlantic in the 2015 Panerai Transat Classique and has been racing at regattas in the Caribbean all season.

Racing starts on the 16th April with the Classic Single-Handed Race, followed by four days of racing for the full fleet. The courses romantically named; Old Road, Butterfly, Windward and the Kenny Coombs Memorial Cannon Race, are designed to take the best advantages of wind, sea, scenery and skill. Participants of the regatta are entitled to free dockage throughout the regatta through the generosity of the Antigua Yacht Club Marina for first four days and via National Parks Authority in Nelson’s Dockyard for the last two days.

The social programme kicks off with the Welcome Party at the Antigua Yacht Club on Wednesday 15th April. Every evening, the fun continues ashore with musical nights and social occasions for hundreds of competitors, friends and family. The exclusive Owners Party on Saturday, hosted by EFG Bank, will be at the stylish South Point waterfront restaurant, with invited guests enjoying delights provided by four international chefs competing in the S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup. The first ten yachts to enter for the Mount Gay Rum Cocktail Competition on Friday will mix cocktails on the dock for the jury to decide on the winner followed by complimentary Dark & Stormies for all to enjoy.

Spectators in Antigua can view all races from high points along the south coast; Fort Charlotte, Shirley Heights and Block House. The Parade of Classics in Nelson’s Dockyard on Sunday 19th April offers a wonderful sight from the lawn at the Copper and Lumber Store and Antigua Slipway.

Another spectacle this year will be the 179’ square-rigged Picton Castle. Built in 1928 in North England as a fishing/cargo boat she now works as a sail training tall ship accommodating up to 40 trainees. Although not competing, she and her crew will participate in many events including the Parade of Classics.

This year the Prize Giving will take place after the final race on Monday 20th April in Nelson’s Dockyard. The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta concludes on the 21st April with afternoon Gig Racing and Cream Tea Party at the Admiral’s Inn, and a Tug-of-War in Nelson’s Dockyard.

For full information about Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, including the full schedule of racing and social events visit www.antiguaclassics.com

SAILING NEWS – March 9, 2015

Royal Perth Yacht Club Celebrates 150 Years

Founded in 1865, the Royal Perth Yacht Club (RPYC) host of the 1987 America’s Cup Race, the third oldest yacht club in Australia, celebrates it’s 150th year.

132 years, the longest winning streak in sporting history came to an abrupt end on September 26, 1983, when Alan Bond’s Australia II beat Dennis Conner’s Liberty by 0:41 seconds. Prime Minister of Australia commented on the victory from Western Australia “Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum”

The victory formally transferred the America’s Cup from the New York Yacht Club to the Royal Perth Yacht Club located in Perth, Western Australia, and introduced the Fremantle Doctor and the great people of Australia, and the Men from a Land Down Under to the world.

The Royal Perth has a long-standing reputation for producing champions and staging major international events. Famous members who have gone on to international status include John Bertrand, Peter Gilmour, Iain Murray, Colin Beashel and lone circumnavigator Jon Sanders. More recently Sebastian Destremau is one of the three top ranked Australian match racers, David Dicks holds the record for the youngest solo circumnavigation, and Noel Robbins has won a Gold medal for Australia in the Paralympics in the Sonar class.

SAILING NEWS – March 9, 2015

Bringing Home the Niña and Her Crew

After nearly 21 months, not a single trace of the Starling Burgess designed schooner Niña (Spanish for “little girl”), or her seven-person crew has ever been found.

The Starling Burgess designed Nina, a classic sailboat with an impeccable racing career. Where once the King of Spain went out in his launch to congratulate her on winning the 1928 New York to Santander, Spain race, was lost in a fierce storm in the Tasman Sea off of New Zealand in June of the year 2013.

The crew of the Nina’s families have since spent countless dollars conducting their own searches, and have tried to form a Petition to ask John Kerry to help save Nina’s sailors. 1,270 more signatures are needed to reach the 5,000 goal to submit to John Kerry.

MAY 29TH 2013 – Nina set sail from Opua in the Bay of Islands for their destination point Newcastle, Australia, ETA June 8th.

JUNE 4TH 2013 – The next day Meteorologist Bob McDavitt got a text, the last known communication from the boat: “ANY UPDATE 4 NINA? … EVI” McDavitt said he advised the crew to stay put and ride out the storm another day. He continued sending messages over the next few days but received no answer.

JUNE 14TH 2013 – After concerns were raised by family and friends, the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) instigated a communications, using a range of communications methods to broadcast alerts to the vessel and others in the area.

JULY 25TH 2013 – A search area of 160,000 square nautical miles was covered, to the immediate north-north-east of New Zealand, based on the vessel being disabled and drifting.

JULY 5TH 2013 – The subsequent 12-day search covered 737,000 square nautical miles before being suspended. Officially, it’s deemed likely that the Niña was “overwhelmed in a catastrophic event” in gale force winds and eight-metre swells soon after June 4, and sank suddenly with the loss of all hands.

Oceans by Hillsong United has become an inspirational song for the family of crew member Danielle since their daughter disappeared with her mates. They continue to anticipate the finding of their precious daughter and the rest of the crew. They have not given up, in fact they stand stronger in their faith each day. And they thank all for believing with us.

References:

One News New Zealand:
Website

Bringing Home the Nina and Her Crew
Website
Facebook
Petition
Donations

Classic Yacht Nina:
Timeline

SAILING NEWS – March 6, 2015

After winning the 2014 North American Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge for Best Overall “Vintage Division” the 1905 Herreshoff NY 30 CARA MIA’s owner Alfred Slanetz has commissioned Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railroad (G&B) in Vineyard Haven, MA to undertake a thorough refit this Winter season.

Reprinted from G&B – “We enjoy the opportunity for a fun winter project such as this. “Cara Mia” will receive some deck repairs and re-canvasing, and we will address some mast partner issues. After removing the house, coamings, and deck hardware, the lack of deck camber became very apparent. The ends of the boat were close to the correct camber, but the mid- 2/3rds were as much as an 1-1/4″ low. Camber template across the cockpit area side deck.”

“The decision was made to remove the fir deck and replace all the deck beams reproducing the correct camber from the original Nathanael Herreshoff drawing. Having this sort access allows us to more easily replace the stem and breasthook, transom, and lodging knees which all have had several repairs affixed through the years and are currently soft. The vertical grain fir deck will be re-used as it was replaced earlier and is good condition. The stem and all deck beams are shaped and ready for installation. The transom has been removed and the new one is being laminated into shape.”

“The existing stem had been repaired a number of times with a lot of fasteners, and was rotting from the top down. The breast hook situated behind the stem will be replaced as well.”

SAILING NEWS – February 28, 2015

Soundings Magazine Reports on Flat Sailing Interest –

For the past decade the number of U.S. residents who sail at least once and seven times a year has remained unchanged at around 4 million to 1.2 million people respectively.

Once the dream to buy a sailboat and to sail off into the sunset, the aging Baby Boomers have changed their interest to less physically demanding powerboats for their ease of use.

The Millennials have been enjoying the broader appeal of less costly leisure options, such as kayaks. They have been turned off by sailing due in part to the high dockage and insurance costs.

The most recent industry survey presented by Sailing World magazine highlights the hurdles. In 2014, sailboat brokers in North America reported sales roughly flat, at $463 million.

No one expects a quick return to the heady days of the 1970s, when 12 million Americans sailed at least once a year. Families worked shorter hours, commuted less, had fewer child-only activities and could afford to take three hours on a weekend afternoon for a family sail, said Nick Hayes, author of “Saving Sailing.”

SAILING NEWS – February 24, 2015

NavyTimes – Staff Report – The Coast Guard will run out of money Feb. 27 if Congress doesn’t pass a Homeland Security Department budget for fiscal 2015.

That would force active-duty members to work without pay until a bill is signed, the U.S. Naval Institute reported Feb. 19 in its Seapower magazine.

The Coast Guard had no official statement as of Feb. 20, but spokesman Chief Warrant Officer 3 Chad Saylor said Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft is planning to post an explanation of what Coast Guardsmen can expect if the service is forced to operate without a budget.

The budget impasse has nothing to do with the Coast Guard. Republicans and Democrats have been at odds over language inserted in the measure that would prevent President Obama with making good on plans to reduce deportations for undocumented immigrants.

If the Senate doesn’t sign off on the House’s version of the budget bill — which overturns the president’s executive order on immigration regulations — by Feb. 27, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told CNN earlier this month, his department will have to furlough 30,000 civilians of the 230,000-person workforce.

Those other 200,000, including members of the Coast Guard, are considered essential personnel and would continue working without pay until a budget is passed.

The budget impasse also threatens the Coast Guard’s ability to proceed with its eighth national security cutter.

Zukunft told Navy Times on Feb. 12 that he won’t be able to start a new contract for the top-of-the-line cutter until Congress approves the bill.

“If this drags out much further, it really does put that contract into jeopardy and, at the end of the day, it causes a delay, which causes costs to go up,” he said.

SAILING NEWS – February 23, 2015

Coast Guard News – Semper Nostra Optima – ALAMEDA, Calif. — Photo Credit: Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard – Coast Guard crews continue the search Monday for Richard Byhre, the 76-year-old sailor who did not return from his sailing trip as expected.

Two HC-130 aircraft crews from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento have completed three additional searches between San Diego and San Clemente Island Monday, and an MH-60 helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Sector San Diego is currently conducting numerous search patterns off San Diego. The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Haddock was also dispatched and has been on station searching since approximately 1 p.m.

At 9 p.m. Saturday, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Joint Harbor Operations Center in San Diego received a report from Byhre’s wife reporting that he had not returned from his trip underway last week. He was reported to normally only go out on day sail trips and whale watching.

Byhre was last in personal contact with his wife Feb. 10, when he departed on his blue-hulled 28-foot sailing vessel Princess.

The Coast Guard immediately launched a Coast Guard Station San Diego 33-foot Special Purpose Craft — Law Enforcement boatcrew to search for Byhre. Additionally, San Diego Harbor Patrol crews searched for Byhre.

Sunday, a Coast Guard HC-130 aircrew from Air Station Sacramento completed multiple searches of the waters 30 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico and 60 miles south of Rosarito, Mexico. Additionally, an MH-60 helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Sector San Diego completed a search along the waters off the U.S. and the border of Mexico. The Coast Guard Cutter Edisto has been diverted and will remain on scene and conduct searches throughout the evening.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the 11th Coast Guard District Command Center at 510-437-3701
Dark Blue Catalina 28 “Princess” Website

SAILING NEWS – February 21, 2015

Cowes, UK, 12 February, 2015: The J Class Association (JCA) is thrilled to announce that the J Class has accepted an invitation from the Organisers of the 2017 America’s Cup to participate in a J Class regatta during the AC35 event. All eight J Class yachts are expected in Bermuda, with a minimum of six anticipated to compete in the J Class regatta – the first time in history more than five J Class yachts have ever raced against each other.

“The J Class era of the America’s Cup is widely recognised as being among the high points in Cup history,” said Russell Coutts, director of the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA).

“When racing for the America’s Cup in the 1930s, the J Class boats embodied grace and power with cutting-edge design and engineering. Having the J Class join us in Bermuda will create a spectacular blend between the old and new.”

Berthed at the centre of the Race Village, the J Class fleet will showcase the heritage and tradition of the America’s Cup. The yachts will also be at the heart of the action with their own exclusive four day regatta.

Louise Morton, Secretary of the J Class Association (JCA) commented: “The America’s Cup Organisers have offered the J Class a unique opportunity to be part of the America’s Cup for the first time in 80 years. On behalf of the Owners, Captains and crew, we are delighted to accept their kind invitation and look forward to being part of this spectacular event.”

Racing in the J Class regatta will be organized by the America’s Cup race management team with the final two days of racing expected to straddle the opening weekend of the America’s Cup Match.

The current J Class fleet comprises seven yachts, including two of the original Js that raced for the America’s Cup. The seven J Class yachts sailing are: Endeavour, Hanuman, Lionheart, Rainbow, Ranger, Shamrock V and Velsheda. J8 is due to be launched in May 2015, taking fleet strength to eight – the first time that eight Js have been sailing since 1934.

J Class fleet racing is one of the most spectacular sights on the world sailing circuit. The Class continues to expand and the fleet is warmly welcomed by regatta organisers around the world. Followers logging on to www.jclassyachts.com can also enjoy every tack and gybe as it happens thanks to live race tracking fitted to every yacht.

SAILING NEWS – February 18, 2015

Young Olympian Peter Burling Tipped to Take Helm for 2017 Challenge.

New Zealand Herald – Dana Johannsen – Team New Zealand are preparing to axe long-serving skipper Dean Barker and appoint 24-year-old Peter Burling to the helm.

There was some suggestion yesterday that Barker would not be retained in any capacity, with Emirates Team New Zealand looking to cut costs and present a fresh approach for the 2017 campaign.

But the Herald understands Team NZ are still working to keep his experience in the team.

International sailing media have suggested Barker could be bound for Italy’s Luna Rossa.

Barker, with several other veteran members of the crew, is currently off-contract, having been signed only on a retainer following the 2013 America’s Cup while management assessed whether they could pull together the funding to campaign for the next event in 2017.

Team NZ chairman Keith Turner last night denied any decision on Barker’s future had been made, but said the organisation were reviewing all operations with the view to decreasing costs and increasing competitive.

For complete story visit The New Zealand Herald Website.

SAILING NEWS – February 16, 2015

Coast Guard rescues father and son from sailboat during winter storm – Photo Credit – Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

The father-and-son team had recently prepared the 43-foot sailboat “Sedona” at the Conanicut Marina, in Jamestown, Rhode Island for their Once in a Lifetime 8,600-nautical-mile trip back home to Port Macquarie, Australia.

Sedona, is a Nelson/Marek design number 95 sloop, built in 1994 at the former Carroll Marine in Bristol. Rhode Island.

Coast Guard News – Semper Nostra Optima – BOSTON — Coast Guard crews responded to an offshore distress call from a 43-foot sailing vessel that was disabled and adrift in a winter storm about 150 miles south of Nantucket, today.

Watchstanders at the First Coast Guard District command center in Boston received an alert beacon signal at about 4:50 a.m. from the sailing vessel Sedona, and contacted the two men via satellite phone.

The operator of the Sedona reported the vessel was without power and its sails were torn in the storm. He requested he and his father be removed from the vessel due to the degrading weather.

Watchstanders at the command center directed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod to launch. Faced with worsening storm conditions, the aircrew launched successfully, but due to ice and low visibility the HC-144 Ocean Sentry support plane was unable to launch.

Meanwhile, the command center issued an emergency request broadcast to ships in the area. The crew of the 600-foot motor vessel Maersk Katalin, about 40 miles away at the time, set a course toward the scene and agreed to provide communications support.

After navigating through low visibility and near hurricane force winds, the aircrew arrived on-scene at 8:48 a.m., and hoisted the men to safety. They landed safely at Air Station Cape Cod at 10:50 a.m., and transferred both men to local EMS to be evaluated for cold weather injuries. None were reported.

“Given the severity of this storm, this rescue was a major effort and we are all relieved it ended as it did,” said Lt. j.g. Tyler Dewechter, MH-60 pilot and public affairs officer at Air Station Cape Cod. “We are glad we were prepared for this storm and could render aid — and also continue to urge mariners to stay safe and heed the cautions and advisories of winter storm warnings.”

Initial on-scene weather conditions were nine-foot seas and building, with 40-mph winds. By the time the crew was recovered, conditions had deteriorated to 25-foot seas and winds of nearly 60 mph. Seas are forecasted to build to 34 feet into the evening. The water temperature was 43 degrees and the air temperature was 35 degrees.

SAILING NEWS – February 12, 2015

Snow and more snow, where do you put all of the snow to clear the way for this weekends New England Boat Show? In this case…in the way of a 43- foot Hinckley Talaria, trying to navigate its way through the streets of Boston – resulting in stopped traffic on Summer Street in Downtown Crossing. See video

With this weekends forecast for more snow and temperatures in the teens, it may be time for a reprieve from all of the Winter woes, and time to head down to the show, albeit drive safe. With just 110 days away from meteorological Summer, the New England Boat Show Feb. 14 to Feb 22, provides a welcomed respite, that has attracted some of the industries best products.

C.W. Hood Yachts will be attending this years New England Boat Show! Once again exhibiting there award winning Hood 32, a “stand out from the crowd” sailboat. Light and nimble, she can climb to windward with exceptional grace. She is easy to single hand and roomy enough for a crew if she finds herself in a skirmish with her sisters. You can find C.W. Hood Yachts at booth #1208.

SAILING NEWS – February 5, 2015

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Designed and built in 1900 by Wilbur Morse at his boatyard in Friendship Maine, Blackjack, is one of oldest Friendship sloops in the world. Through the assistance of the Friendship Sloop Society, Blackjack’s owners, Kelly and Diane Magee, recently agreed to donate the vessel to the Sail, Power and Steam Museum, in Rockland, Maine. The Museum is a nonprofit organization created by Jim and Megan Sharp in 2009. Jim Sharp commented that Blackjack will require a lot of work to restore it to its original condition. “Her keel is bent, her decks are rotting and her rigging is in tatters. But we will restore her for the state of Maine,” Sharp said.

Blackjack Restoration Project

Neighbors Helping neighbors a concept where, in this case, a community comes together to donate there efforts to preserve an icon for the future benefit of its interested public. The Sail, Power and Steam Museum, has announced a call out to all volunteers wishing to help out with the reconstruction of this treasured icon, to contact the museum. All levels of experience, or individuals wishing to learn the finer points of boatbuilding are welcomed.

Capt. Sharp said he expects the restoration will take three years to complete. The timetable will depend on the number of volunteers who step forward to work on the Blackjack, as well as the amount of grants and donations received.

Noel March, the newly elected commodore of the Friendship Sloop Society, said the donation and restoration project are occurring as the museum and society are nearing an agreement to have the museum become the home for the Friendship Sloop Society. The society’s records and memorabilia already are being stored at the museum at 75 Mechanic St.

The nonprofit society was founded in 1961 to both preserve existing sloops and encourage the construction and sailing of sloops. The society now has nearly 300 members.

“This is a happy alliance between two organizations that have a common mission and shared vision to preserve the sailing heritage of Maine,” March said.

People wishing to help with financial assistance can send checks to the Sail, Power and Steam Museum, 75 Mechanic St. Rockland, ME 04841, care of the Blackjack.

SAILING NEWS – January 28, 2015

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island’s tall ship has been toppled by strong wind gusts during the snowstorm that pounded the state.

USS Providence owner and captain Thorpe Leeson said Tuesday that the ship was extensively damaged when it fell on its side overnight at the Newport Shipyard. It was stored there for the winter.

Leeson says the mast is broken and the hull is punctured. Extra supports were added as a precaution, but they couldn’t sustain the heavy winds.

Rhode Island’s tall ship, a replica of the USS Providence, rests on its side on the dock at at the Newport Shipyard after strong wind gusts topped it during the snowstorm Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, in Newport, R.I. Owner and captain Thorpe Leeson said the ship, stored there for the winter, sustained extensive damage. Rhode Island’s tall ship, a replica of the USS Providence, rests on its side on the dock at at the Newport Shipyard after strong wind gusts…

Leeson vows that the ship will “come back to life.”

Leeson says he expects insurance to cover the damage, and he plans to get the ship in the water by the end of the summer.

The replica of the Continental sailing vessel Providence is the state flagship and tall ship ambassador.

SAILING NEWS – January 14, 2015

Untie The Lines – a weekly solo sailing documentary that started on August 30th 2013, and has just completed its first season, which covered 1 1/2 years and 52 episodes.

The documentary is about a young woman Nike who quits her job buys a boat in Panama, Unties the Lines and just goes sailing to points unknown! Her documentary will give you insight on how she is coping with putting one of her biggest dreams into reality.

The documentary aims to be a reminder that it is possible to live your dreams and hopefully an inspiration to untie the lines yourself to conquer all the undiscovered areas on your personal map of life, which she calls “WhiteSpots”.

To find out more about Nike’s life aboard “Karl” visit her facebook page located here: www.facebook.com/whitespotpirates. If you enjoy watching her documentary and therefore want to contribute a little bit for internet costs / video equipment, then you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/whitespotpirates.

Look for Nike’s second season aboard her 1992 Aluminum Reinke Super 10 “Karl” which will start after a much needed rest period back in her native Germany.

Music – “Look Back In” by Moby (Google Play • AmazonMP3 • iTunes • eMusic)
Artist – Moby
Category – People & Blogs

SAILING NEWS – January 12. 2015 – Georgie Thompson and Sir Ben Ainslie, celebrating their recent marriage, were honeymooning on the couples Hoek Design TC 65 “Rita” when their roller furling mainsail twisted around the mast, unable to lower the fouled sail, the couple needing more hands to sort the problem out, hailed for assistance.

Three of Richard Branson’s watersports team (all of whom appeared in the Necker documentary last week) heard the call and raced over to their aid. Together, through Sir Ben’s calm direction. the team helped to stop the boat from wrecking on the Moskito reef. With no harm done, Ben was able to see the funny side – after all, stranger things have happened at sea. Richard Branson is now hosting him and Georgie on his private island for a few days.

Hoek Design TC 65 “Rita” Specifications:

LOA: 63.97′ / 19.5m
LWL: 44.94′ / 13.7m
Beam: 15.74′ / 4.8m
Draft: 9.18′ / 2.8m
Sail Area: 223 m2
Yard: Dutch Built Yachts, Holland Jachtbouw, Metur Yachts

CLASSIC SAILING NEWS – December 28. 2014 – Hats off to Syd Fischer at 87 years young he is the oldest sailor, owner and skipper to participate in this years 70th edition of the Sydney to Hobart Boxing Day Race.

Mentor to many of today’s top sailors including America’s Cup skipper Ian Murray, Team Oracle skipper, Jimmy Spithill, and a host of other top sailors from the Olympics to Match Racing, World Championships and Ocean Racing.

Syd Fischer’s competitive roots were honed by playing Rugby League for Manly Sea Eagles, and surfboat racing for Bilgola and North Steyne surf lifesaving clubs.

A self made man that started off as a carpenter to become the Executive Chairman of Australian Development Corporation Pty Ltd. group.

Syd Fischer has represented Australia internationally in 5 America’s Cup campaigns; self-funding all (a record shared with Sir Thomas Lipton). Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian Yachting Awards 2013, Award for services to Yachting 2003.

With an imminent 46 Sydney to Hobart’s behind him and 0.2 nm to the finish of the 2014 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, Syd Fischer’s Ragamuffin 100 will capture a Line Honours 3rd place, finishing the race in an unofficial time of 2 day 13 hours and 48 minutes, within one more race to tie the record of the most Hobart races set by Tony Cable at 47.

Fischer has said in the past that he’ll die with his sea boots on. ”I’ve told the crew that if I do happen to croak, put me in a sail bag, but win the bloody race.”

HAPPY HOLIDAYS – DECEMBER 24, 2014 – Despite being made without record company help, My Favourite Time of Year has spanned the globe and is being performed by countless schools, colleges, choirs and orchestras around the world – even the United States Army band! It receives regular TV broadcasts across Europe and is touching hearts regardless of religion and nationality.

After trying to gain record company support, Leigh decided to make it happen himself by gathering together his musician friends and writing, producing and singing this Christmas song. The video was filmed at the fantastic Blists Hill Victorian Town at Ironbridge in Shropshire. It features the skills of top director Nick Bartleet and Cinematographer John Perez (known for his work on Coldplay’s Viva La Vida, Beyoncé and many other productions). You can help spread some Christmas magic by spreading the word – thanks for your support and best wishes for 2014!

My Favourite Time of Year
Words & music by Leigh Haggerwood

Lanterns lighting up the town,
Peace on earth is all around,
Everything is calm on Christmas Eve.
There’s goodwill in the air tonight,
Angels sing by candle light,
Their voices carried on the wind.
When carol singers gather round,
When I hear that festive sound,
I wanna join with them and sing!

Chorus

They sing a merry song and we all sing along,
A festive melody that tells us Christmas time is here.
See the stars tonight; they’re shining bright,
‘Cause it’s Christmas time and it’s my favourite time of year.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Give me mistletoe; it’s the season to be jolly,
Wrapping presents, writing cards, helping decorate the tree,
But there’s one thing that makes it all for me.
When carol singers gather round,
Angel voices fill the town,
It’s like the world is joining in!
(Noel, Noel, Noel)

Chorus

They sing a merry song and we all sing along,
A festive melody that tells us Christmas time is here.
See the stars tonight; they’re shining bright,
‘Cause it’s Christmas time and it’s my favourite time of year.

Middle 8

Christmas Eve,
Still believe,
So excited,
Can’t sleep,
When the morning comes,
Church bells ring,
And he’s been!

Chorus

They sing a merry song and we all sing along,
A festive melody that tells us Christmas time is here.
See the stars tonight; they’re shining bright,
‘Cause it’s Christmas time and it’s my favourite time of year.
And it’s my favourite time of year
(Noel, Noel)
End

Words & Music by Leigh Haggerwood.

CLASSIC SAILING NEWS – December 20. 2014 – Historic sailing vessel to get $6M restoration

New Bedford. Massachusetts — The state’s official sailing vessel is getting a sprucing up.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation says a combination of private and public money will be used to rehabilitate and restore the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, currently berthed in New Bedford.

The Boothbay Harbor Shipyard won the $6 mil bid to restore the Ernestina, the oldest surviving Grand Banks fishing schooner, listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1990 and serves as the official vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Officials say the vessel will return to New Bedford after the work is completed.

The vessel was launched in 1894 in Essex. It was purchased in 1926 by Arctic explorer Robert Bartlett, and once reached within 600 miles of the North Pole. She later carried immigrants from the Cape Verde Islands to the United States.

Julius Britto, president of the nonprofit Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association Inc. (SEMA), said the restored Ernestina will be moored at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay and serve as the school’s sail training ship – much like the schooner Bowdoin serves as the sail training ship for Maine Maritime Academy in Castine.

CLASSIC SAILING NEWS – December 2014 – Two Teenagers Have Been Shortlisted by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Sir Ben Ainslie for the Clipper Round the World Race.

Sir Robin said: “Congratulations to Charlie Stannard 19, and Heather Heather Thomas 18, who both impressed us with their level of passion and dedication to sailing. “On behalf of the Clipper Race, and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, we wish Charlie and Heather the best of success during the final selection process. Regardless of who wins the overall prize, they are both in for a highly inspiring introduction to ocean racing on board our specially designed Clipper 70 yachts.”

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was conceived in 1995 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. The event gives paying amateur crew members the chance to sail around the world. The organizers own a fleet of identical yachts, and provide qualified skippers to lead each team. Crew can either sign up for the whole race, or one or more legs. In contrast to the slightly older Global Challenge (no longer being staged due to the owner company going into administration), the Clipper race uses lighter, faster boats and the route follows the prevailing currents and winds.

Charlie, who was nominated by Steve Mitchell, RYA Regional Development Officer for the Thames Valley and London region, said: “I felt incredibly proud to find out I was even being nominated for this competition, so to find out that I am a finalist was a huge surprise.”

Heather Thomas was nominated by Norman Stephens, senior instructor and trustee from Otley Sailing Club, in recognition of all the hard work and commitment she has shown from an early age to actively encourage sailing for all ages and abilities.

The Clipper Round the Work Race is divided into eight legs and 16 individual races covering 40,000 nautical miles. For more information visit the events website

SAILING NEWS – December 2014

IYRS School of Technology & Trades announced today a major property acquisition of a half-acre parcel of the Casey Marina properties at Spring Wharf. The acquired property is immediately to the south of the school’s Newport campus. The property sold for $1.9mm.

The acquisition further demonstrates IYRS’ continued progress. In 2009, the school restored the 27,000 square foot Aquidneck mill building on the current 2.5-acre waterfront campus. The mill, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to the school, as well as commercial tenants. Accordingly, IYRS pays local taxes associated with the tenant rents.

“We have an extraordinary model for experiential learning at a time when there is great need in the economy for people who can make, manufacture and build either through great hand work or through the use of technology,” said Terry Nathan, President. “Graduate outcomes at IYRS have been a validation of our approach.”

Better than 90% of graduates have been employed on or about the time of graduation, according to IYRS, and increasingly as the school has diversified its program offerings, graduates have been employed in many fields in Rhode Island and beyond, including the marine trades; fine joinery; aerospace; automotive and education. Some IYRS graduates have continued their education in the fields of architecture, engineering and other technical fields.

IYRS plans to move its Bristol-based programs in Composites Technology and Marine Systems into the new facilities and to use these facilities to establish a Rhode Island incubator to bring industry and IYRS closer together through collaborative projects.

During the past couple of years, IYRS has collaborated with important educational institutions including Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Roger Williams University. The school is in similar discussions with Salve Regina University.

“The school’s development has helped Newport economically as well,” said Nathan. “We have helped to improve the neighborhood through campus restoration; brought employers from out of state into the mill building who have in turn created jobs; and now with increasing enrollment, we are bringing even more revenue into the community. It is a win-win for IYRS and Newport.”

With much of the Newport harbor developed now, IYRS represents an important link to the community’s working waterfront heritage.

“We take that connective thread very seriously,” says Clark Poston, Vice President of Industry Relations and a 17-year employee of the school. “We view it as part of our core values – saving a bit of Newport’s great history in the face of so much development.”

SAILING NEWS – Claasen Shipyards Truly Classic 90 – The third TC90 is currently being built, with the launch slated for spring 2016.

SAILING NEWS – Maine Built Boats Global Outreach Conference –

Thursday December 4th, 2014 – Grow your boatbuilding business by developing new ways to build and market your custom, semi-custom and production boats internationally. Attend the third-annual Maine Built Boats Global Outreach Conference to learn from marketing and business experts how you can extend the reach of your company and the quality of your boats.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is for boatbuilding and manufacturing executives, managers, service and production professionals, marketing managers, key staff, MBB members and non-members.

The Maine Built Boats Global Outreach conference is a full day of workshops and networking opportunities. Each session is approximately 45 minutes with a 15-minute Q&A period.
The conference will have representatives from national manufacturers and service providers who hope to speak with you during the workshop breaks.

Please contact the show if you have any questions about the seminars or the speakers.

SAILING NEWS – Captain Cook’s Endeavour Found?

By Matt Majendie, CNN
November 4, 2014 — Updated 1224 GMT (2024 HKT)

(CNN) — This is no treasure hunt for a casket of gold at the bottom of the ocean.

Instead, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack, with this search potentially for no more than a few partly rotten timber frames on Newport Harbor’s sea floor.

For years, the whereabouts of one of the most famous ships in nautical history — HMS Endeavour — has remained a mystery.

“I don’t like to call it treasure as there’s no gold or silver,” Dr Kathy Abbass, the executive director of Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project, a not-for-profit organization set up in 1992 set up to study the area’s maritime history, told CNN. “But it’s an intellectual treasure.”

The Endeavour is now believed to have been intentionally sunk — in a new life and under a new name — during the American Revolution in 1778.

Endeavour is endemic to every Australian and New Zealand child’s education with a rich British and American history to boot.

It was the boat on which Captain James Cook achieved the first recorded contact with the east coast of Australia, Hawaii, and the first circumnavigation of New Zealand.

Cook also provided the first accurate map of the Pacific and is believed to have shaped the world map more than any other explorer in history.

So how exactly did the British Royal Navy vessel get from exploring undiscovered far flung lands to lying in waters off the east coast of the United States, sharing the ocean floor with torpedoes and other 18th Century vessels?

Click here for the complete story

Burling and Tuke named for New Zealand Sailing’s Top Honour

Saturday, 22 November 2014, 11:25 am
Press Release: Yachting New Nealand

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have taken New Zealand’s top honour in sailing for two years running after being named as 2014 House of Travel Sailor of the Year at the awards ceremony in Auckland.

“It’s a big honour to win this Award,” says Peter Burling. “We had a great year last year, so to do it all again, to build on that is just brilliant.

”This Volvo Young Sailor of the Year, recognising outstanding achievement for sailors under the age of 21, also went to a pair of skiff sailors; Markus Somerville and Isaac McHardie, from Wakatere Boating Club have taken the honour following their 2014 results in the 29er skiff class.

A special highlight this-evening was the unveiling of a stunning new trophy for the Aon Emerging Talent category, awarded in 2014 to Kate Stewart, also from the Wakatere Boating Club. Kate won the prestigious and long-standing P-Class Tauranga Cup becoming only the second ever female to do so after Leslie Egnot 35 won it years ago.

In other announcements made tonight Comworth Coach of the Year went to Jim Maloney from Auckland, and Isotak Official of the Year was awarded to John Grace from Wellington.

House of Travel Sailor of the Year: Peter Burling (Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club) and Blair Tuke (Kerikeri Cruising Club)

Peter Burling (23 years old) and Blair Tuke (25 years old) have had another incredible twelve months going unbeaten at all major Olympic 49er regattas world-wide and notching up notable accomplishments in the Extreme 40, A-Class catamaran and offshore keelboat racing.

Securing the 2014 49er World crown in Santander, Spain at the ISAF Sailing World Championships meant back to back 2013 and 2014 world titles in the Olympic skiff – an enviable feat given long-time rival and four-time world champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Nathan Outteridge of Australia is still competing.

The world champions also won the 2014 49er European Championship, 2014 South American Championship, two ISAF Sailing World Cup Regattas (Palma and Hyeres) as well as taking victory at the 2014 Rio Olympic Test Event.

Sailing independently at the single-handed A-Class catamaran World Championship held off Takapuna in January, both were on the podium. Tuke won silver, Burling won bronze. In their new roles with Emirates Team New Zealand Burling and Tuke went to Extreme Sailing Series Regattas in St Petersburg, Russia and Qingdao, China placing 3rd in both events.

Volvo Young Sailor of the Year: Markus Somerville and Isaac McHardie, Wakatere Boating Club

2014 Volvo Young Sailor of the Year was awarded to Markus Somerville and Isaac McHardie (Wakatere Boating Club), gold medallists at the 2014 RYA British Youth National Championships and winners of the bronze medal in the 29er skiff at the 2014 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships. The young pair also claimed the 29er National Championship. McHardie is a former recipient of the Emerging Talent category, named for that honour two years ago in 2012.

Aon Emerging Talent Award: Kate Stewart, Wakatere Boating Club

Kate Stewart from Wakatere Boating Club on Auckland’s North Shore has been named 2014 winner of the Aon Emerging Talent Award becoming the first female to take the honour.

Kate, who turned 16 in September, is one of the hottest young talents in sailing taking 1st place in the prestigious Tauranga Cup for P-Class sailors. She goes down in history as the second female ever to have won the Tauranga Cup.

Comworth Coach the Year: Jim Maloney

Comworth Coach of the Year went to Jim Maloney who, for a number of years, has fostered and mentored the crews he has dedicated his coaching time to. In total over the last 12 months the sailors Jim has coached have amassed a Gold, a Bronze and three top ten finishes in major international regattas.

He has raised the profile of the 29er Class in New Zealand and the level of competition within the fleet. Jim also adds a personal touch by actively helping sailors to find crew.

Isotak Official of the Year: John Grace, Paremata Boating Club

John Grace from the Paremata Boating Club was named Isotak Official of the Year for his huge contribution to the sport in his various official roles. The recently retired President of the Wellington Yachting Association holds several qualifications; he is a Club Race Officer and Umpire and has been a qualified Yachting New Zealand Judge since 2008 and an International Judge since 2012.

John volunteers his time at numerous regattas in the Wellington region and he is Chairman on most of the Protest Committees for the regattas in the area. Earlier this year he travelled to Spain where he was an International Judge at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander.

John also works closely with Yachting New Zealand helping to pass along his hard earned knowledge to others by developing resources and running Officials training seminars in the Wellington region.

Yachting New Zealand President’s Award supported by Fuji Xerox: The NZ Multihull Yacht Club for the Coastal Classic Race

The iconic Coastal Classic Yacht Race undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealand sailors and tonight the organization behind the race, the NZ Multihull Yacht Club, was recognized with the Yachting New Zealand President’s Award.

The full list of Awardees from tonight’s 2014 Volvo Yachting Excellence Awards follows:

House of Travel Sailor of the Year: Peter Burling (Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club) and Blair Tuke (Kerikeri Cruising Club)

Volvo Young Sailor of the Year: Markus Somerville and Isaac McHardie, Wakatere Boating Club

Aon Emerging Talent Award: Kate Stewart, Wakatere Boating Club

Comworth Coach the Year: Jim Maloney

Isotak Official of the Year: John Grace, Paremata Boating Club•

Yachting New Zealand President’s Award supported by Fuji Xerox: The NZ Multihull Yacht Club for the Coastal Classic RaceYachting New Zealand Performance Awards

Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie – 2014 Women’s 470 World Championship Silver medallists(RNZYS, Takapuna Boating Club)

Mark Bond – Winner of the Stewart 34 Championships(RNZYS)

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke – 2014 49er World and European Champions(Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club, Kerikeri Cruising Club)

Gemma Jones and Jason Saunders – 2014 Nacra World Championships 5th place(Murrays Bay Sailing Club, Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club)

Josh Junior- 2014 Finn World Championships 5th place(Worser Bay Boating Club)

Scott Leith – 2013 World Apprentice Master Laser Champion(Murrays Bay Sailing Club)

Alexandra Maloney and Molly Meech – Consistent podium finishes in the 49erFX class(Murrays Bay Sailing Club, Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club)

Sam Meech – 2014 Laser World Championship 9th place(Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club)

Andrew Murdoch – 2014 Finn World Championships 6th place(Kerikeri Cruising Club)

Waka Racing – Winners of the 2013 Monsoon Cup and 3rd overall in the 2013 Alpari World Match Racing Tour(RNZYS – Phil Robertson, Nick Catley, Garth Ellingham, James Willliamson and Adam Martin)Yachting New Zealand Service Awards• Shirley Closey (Murrays Bay Sailing Club)• Dean Coleman (Wakatere Boating Club)

Dr Rob Ebert (Hamilton Yacht Club)• John Grant (Russell Boating Club)

Martin Hannon (RNZYS)

Margaret Harvey (Richmond Yacht Club)

Gay Noyer (Sandspit Yacht Club and NZTSA)

Murray Walls (Waimakariri Sailing & Powerboat Club)Yachting New Zealand Youth Performance Awards

Sam Barnett and Zak Merton – International results in the 420 class(Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club)

Abigail Goodwin and Olivia Mackay – Consistent podium finishes in the 420 class(Napier Sailing Club)

Patrick Haybittle – 2014 RYA British Youth National Championship 7th place(Murrays Bay Sailing Club)

Trent Rippey – 2014 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships 8th place (Boy’s Laser Radial)(Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club)

Jack Rogers and Micah Wilkinson – International results in the 29er and SL16 classes(Murrays Bay Sailing Club)

Markus Somerville and Isaac McHardie – 2014 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships Bronze Medal (29er skiff)(Wakatere Boating Club)

Kate Stewart – Winner of the 2014 Tauranga Cup(Wakatere Boating Club)Yachting New Zealand Cruising Awards

Tom and Vicky Jackson (Tasman Bay Cruising Club)

Jim and Karin Lott (RNZYS)

BREAKING NEWS – AP Source: Bermuda to Host 2017 America’s Cup

SAN DIEGO — Nov 20, 2014, 6:26 PM ET
By BERNIE WILSON AP Sports Writer

The tax haven of Bermuda has been picked over San Diego to host the 2017 America’s Cup, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because defending champion Oracle Team USA, based in San Francisco, hasn’t made the decision public.

The person said software billionaire Larry Ellison of Oracle Corp. made the decision after consulting with the CEO of his sailing team, Russell Coutts, a New Zealander who also is director of the America’s Cup Event Authority.

Reached in New Zealand, Coutts declined to confirm the decision, saying he was under a non-disclosure agreement. Members of San Diego’s bid effort, as well as officials with the Port of San Diego, also declined comment, saying they were under a non-disclosure agreement. Mayor Kevin Faulconer wouldn’t comment, his spokesman said, declining to give a reason. The spokesman wouldn’t say if the mayor’s office was also bound by an NDA. Officials in Bermuda didn’t return an email seeking comment.

America’s Cup officials have scheduled a news conference in New York on Dec. 2 to announce the venue selection.

The choice of the British territory is intriguing, from its location at the northern tip of the Bermuda Triangle to the financial incentives that include tax-free status for regatta participants.

It’s also sure to be unpopular with traditionalists and could mean the end of powerhouse Emirates Team New Zealand and perhaps other challengers.

This will be the first time a U.S. defender holds the America’s Cup outside the United States. It’ll also be the first time in the regatta’s 163-year history that a defender sails the races in foreign waters by choice rather than necessity. In 2007 and 2010, Alinghi of Switzerland held the America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain, because it wasn’t practical to race on Lake Geneva.

Before he won the America’s Cup in 2010, Ellison, one of the world’s richest men with a fortune estimated at $52 billion, spoke of how he wanted to return the silver trophy to the United States after a 15-year absence. Now he’s taking it offshore after just one cycle in America.

San Diego hosted the America’s Cup in 1988, 1992 and 1995. In 1995, Coutts skippered Team New Zealand to a five-race sweep of Dennis Conner, the first of Coutts’ five America’s Cup victories, for three different countries.

A few weeks ago, a “for rent” signed popped up in the yard of Coutts’ home in Coronado, across the bay from downtown San Diego.

Sailors and other members of America’s Cup syndicates are expected to benefit from tax breaks offered by Bermuda. Some America’s Cup sailors earn six-figure salaries. Others in the sport, such as Coutts, are paid millions of dollars a year. Bonuses are a big part of their pay packages.

Three of the six teams currently entered are owned by billionaires. Oracle Team USA is owned by Ellison; Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge is owned by Patrizio Bertelli, husband of Miuccia Prada of the Prada fashion house; and Sweden’s Artemis Racing is owned by Torbjorn Tornquvist. Tornquvist’s former business partner, Gennady Timchenko, is among those in a group of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle targeted with U.S. sanctions.

Most sailors wanted the regatta to return to San Francisco Bay, where a steady wind blows in through the Golden Gate Bridge. Oracle Team USA staged one of the greatest comebacks in sports on San Francisco Bay in September 2013, rallying from an 8-1 deficit to win the final eight races and retain the Auld Mug.

But Coutts ruled out a return to San Francisco, unhappy that it didn’t offer the same terms as last year, including free rent for piers as well as police, fire and other services.

Once San Francisco was eliminated, many challengers expressed support for San Diego over Bermuda, feeling it would be a logistical nightmare to take the competition to the Bermuda. The island is some 640 miles off North Carolina.

Team New Zealand officials have said the choice of Bermuda could be a deal-breaker for them. The Kiwis are funded in large part by their government, and some of their biggest commercial sponsors would get no benefit from backing a boat sailing in a regatta in Bermuda.

Currently, five syndicates have filed challenges and Coutts has hinted at a sixth, most likely from Asia. Another syndicate that might not make it to the starting line is Team France. It’s not known who Team France’s sponsors are, and France-based Airbus recently signed a technology deal with Oracle Team USA.

Picking Bermuda is the culmination of a nearly year-long process in which Coutts considered venues from coast to coast, including Chicago.

NEW YORK – (AP) — Acadia Insurance Co. is suing the owner of an 18th-century replica sailing ship that sank during Superstorm Sandy.

Newsday http://nwsdy.li/1sQF1ur reported Nov. 14, 2014 that Acadia Insurance Co. sued Robert Hansen this month. The suit seeks to recoup $5 million in payouts after the HMS Bounty sank off North Carolina in 2012.

Hansen’s attorney hasn’t immediately responded to an email Friday

The National Transportation Safety Board noted some problems with the 50-year-old ship but largely faulted the captain for sailing into the storm’s path.

Acadia says the Setauket, New York-based Hansen didn’t disclose leaky areas and other “unseaworthy conditions,” so his insurance contract should be voided.

National Transportation Safety Board – Marine Accident Brief – Sinking of Tall Ship Bounty:

On October 29, 2012, the tall ship Bounty sank off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, while attempting to transit through the forecasted path of Hurricane Sandy. Three of the 16 people on board were seriously injured, one crew member died, and the captain was never found. The vessel’s estimated value was $4 million.

Probable Cause:

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the sinking of tall ship Bounty was the captain’s reckless decision to sail the vessel into the well-forecasted path of Hurricane Sandy, which subjected the aging vessel and the inexperienced crew to conditions from which the vessel could not recover. Contributing to the sinking was the lack of effective safety oversight by the vessel organization.

In the Heart of the Sea – The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex – American author, Nathaniel Philbrick, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and currently lives in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Nathaniel graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, earned his bachelor’s degree in English at Brown University, and his master’s degree in American literature at Duke University. Nathaniel is married to Melissa Douthart Philbrick, the Executive Director of Remain Nantucket, and he is a leading authority on the history of the island.

On May 8, 2000 Viking Press published a non-fiction book written by Nathaniel, “In the Heart of the Sea” which won the 2000 National Book Award for Nonfiction. The book which retells the story of the “Essex” an American whaleship, from Nantucket, Massachusetts, which was attached by a sperm whale in the Pacific Ocean, in 1820. After the ship sinks the remaining crew attempts to sail 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km) to South America in the ships whaleboats. Suffering from starvation and dehydration, most of the crew died before the survivors were rescued in February 1821, after 92 days at sea.

Today the book is being adapted into a feature film by director Ron Howard, starring Chris Hemsworth, Ben Whishaw, and Cillian Murphy. In retelling the story of the crew’s ordeal, Philbrick utilizes the written accounts of the 87′(26 m)) “Essex” surviving 14 year old cabin boy Thomas Nickerson, who’s story was lost until 1960 but was not authenticated until 1980, and 23 year old Owen Chase, the ship’s first mate.

“I turned around and saw him about one hundred rods [500 m or 550 yards] directly ahead of us, coming down with twice his ordinary speed of around 24 knots (44 km/h), and it appeared with tenfold fury and vengeance in his aspect. The surf flew in all directions about him with the continual violent thrashing of his tail. His head about half out of the water, and in that way he came upon us, and again struck the ship.” —Owen Chase

Ron Howard’s ‘In The Heart Of The Sea’ will be in theaters March 2015, the official trailer has just been released by Warner Bros and Village Roadshow Pictures.

As published on August 24th, 2014 – the Joseph P. and John F Kennedy’s Star Class sailboat was set to be auctioned off in Texas on November 8th, 2014, after calls to the Auction house, “Flash II” was removed from the auction, there is no further updates on the status. As follows is the reprinted 8.24 announcement:

Heritage Auctions, of Dallas, Texas have announced on there Facebook page that “Mark Prendergast, Heritage’s Director of Trusts & Estates, was in Kemah, TX today (July 29th posting) having pictures taken of JFK’s sailboat “Flash II” from the 1930’s.” “The well documented sailboat, in which JFK won a number of racing trophies, is coming up for auction this Fall along with a large collection of Kennedy memorabilia as part of Heritage’s Political and Americana auctions.”

More information regarding this auction will be made available, according to the company, on October 20th. Visit HA.com, at that time, for further details. Make sure you conduct thorough due-diligence when purchasing.

<strong>FLASH II:</strong> (1934-1944) – Was purchased from original owner H.B. Atkin, of Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, in 1934 by Joseph P. and John F Kennedy, sold in 1944, after Joseph was killed during WW II, to to a sailor from Maine.

Year Built: 1930 | Sail Number: *721 | Hull Number: Unknown

Known Race History:
1936 – Won the Nantucket Sound Star Class Championship Cup
1936 – Won Atlantic Coast Championships
1938 – MacMillan Cup Annapolis, Maryland

Current Location: Kemah, TX | Restored: 1997 | Seized: 2004 – U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

* The Kennedy Library notes that “FLASH II” is boat No. 902 and built in 1930

141m / 462′ SY ‘DREAM SYMPHONY’ the Worlds Largest Sailing Yacht is Currently Under Construction-

The brainchild of Valeriy Stepanenko, owner of the Dream Ship Victory’s yard in Bozburun, Turkey. The hull of the yacht will be constructed in wood and will be built by the same team that designed “Maltese Falcon”

The luxury yacht will be the largest private sailing yacht ever constructed, incorporating composite materials and steel in the design. The build team have stated the yacht will have good green credentials during her build using recycled and sustainably grown wood.

A four masted schooner incorporating a high tech version of the unique Hoyt booms, the yacht includes some very unique features, including a large sliding roof over the central guest cockpit to ensure that it can be used all year round irrespective of the weather, an all glass swimming pool bringing light and interest to the gymnasium, with a rising swimming pool platform which, when up, extends the available deck space for receptions and events, as well as becoming an integral part of the helicopter landing platform.

DREAM SYMPHONY Specifications:

LOA: 463′ /141m * Rig: Four-Masted Schooner * Builder: Dream Ship Victory/Balk Shipyard * Designer: Ken Freivokh Design/Dykstra NA * Interior Design: Ken Freivokh Design * Naval Architect: Dykstra Naval Architects * Stylist: Ken Freivokh Design

Dream Symphony, as a private yacht, will sleep up to 20 guests and 32 crew, with separate owner quarters including sauna and massage rooms. The owners suite includes a private deck house with main and lower deck salons, developed as a Dream-Symphony-profile-duplex, with private circulation between the accommodation flat and the saloon and office facilities at main deck level.

Launch date is unknown, but Dream Symphony should hit the water in Bozburun, Southern Turkey late 2015 and be delivered early 2016.

Dream Ship Victory: www.dsvyachts.com
Dykstra & Partners: www.gdnp.nl
Ken Freivokh Design: www.freivokh.com

The Duchess of Cambridge – Royal Patron of The 1851 Trust –

The Duchess of Cambridge teams up with Sir Ben Ainslie to get more young people into sailing and the marine industry.

As reported in the Daily Express – The Duchess, a keen yachtswoman in her younger days, will act as a figurehead for the 1851 Trust, the charitable arm of Olympic hero Sir Ben Ainslie’s bid to bring the America’s Cup back to Britain for the first time since the world’s oldest sporting trophy was won by a US yacht 163 years ago.

It reflects her interest in sailing and in using sport to support children and young people to build their skills, confidence and aspirations. The trust will work with young people under 25 years old and from diverse backgrounds, to inspire and engage a new generation through sailing and the marine industry.

I hope that through the 1851 Trust we can engage and inspire a new generation into sailing along the way

The Duchess of Cambridge

“I am delighted to be royal patron of The 1851 Trust. I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed sailing from a young age and I know it is a great way of providing young people with the opportunity to develop skills and confidence,” Kate, 32, said.

“It is a hugely exciting time for sailing as the British challenger bids to bring the America’s Cup back to Britain. I am looking forward to being part of this journey and I hope that through the 1851 Trust we can engage and inspire a new generation into sailing along the way.”

Kensington Palace said the 1851 Trust, which is supported by Ben Ainslie Racing, aims to inspire and engage a new generation through sailing and the marine industry, providing young people with the education, skills and training to become innovators of the future, and stewards of the marine environment.

The Great August Gale of 1927 decimated the Nova Scotia Lunenburg fishing fleet claiming nearly 100 lives including the famous U.S. racing and fishing schooner Columbia with all 22 hands.

Columbia was built by Arthur Dana Story from the design of Starling Burgess, at Essex, MA, 1923. The Columbia represents the final development of the Gloucester fishing schooner, famous for speed and seaworthiness. She has participated in a number of international races, including the one against Bluenose in Halifax.

Columbia Specifications: 141.2 feet overall, 110 feet at the waterline with a beam of 25.5 feet and a draft of 15 feet 7 inches and will spread more than 10,000 square feet of sail.

After nearly 2 1/2 years, Eastern Shipbuilding of Panama City, Fla a commercial shipyard, noted for building sophisticated working vessels ferries, tugs, and offshore supply ships, recently launched a replica of this famous Gloucester fishing schooner Columbia. Eastern Shipbuilding’s president Brian D’Isernia, a once commercial fisherman, has built the vessel for himself and has recently laid the keel for a second Columbia, his immediate long term plans for the two vessels are unknown.

Columbia will soon set sail for Southern Florida, and will be the featured yacht at the upcoming 55th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 30th – November 2, 2014 at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center: 801 Seabreeze Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation “The inaugural Bart’s Bash is a sailing race that will be run by sailing clubs all around the world on behalf of the charity, the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. Each sailing club will sail an individual Bart’s Bash race at their location (with certain set requirements to meet our world record criteria) on Sunday 21 September 2014. It is the major fundraising event for the Foundation and we are asking people to raise money to support our charitable work. It is for this cause that we are suggesting people could pay a £5 donation to take part.”

“The race details will be set locally by each club, but are not onerous – at a bare minimum, to meet the world record rules, the course will need to be over 1km and you must sail for more than 15 minutes. We expect many clubs to use one of their normal Sunday morning races as their Bart’s Bash race – subject to any adjustments needed for the world record and event criteria.”

“Full details are being provided to an organiser (the Event Maker) at each of our registered clubs who will run the race for us locally, co-ordinate your local race with our requirements and send through results to us for processing. You can check if your club is registered – if not, there is still time to gather support, register your club and then enter individually, or find another club to sail with.”

“We are collecting information on entries, results, boats, courses and conditions that we will use through our new Bart Number handicap system to provide an overall result – please note that ultimately this is fun and not a precise science! Individuals will need to sail at one of the participating clubs in their Bart’s Bash race on 21 September – you will need to arrange access to a boat to take part (as crew or skipper) and further details are on our website or in our FAQs.”

“By signing up to the event through our website, we (and your club) will know who is participating and are beginning to collect the information we need for results. Your club may also still be able to take entries if you turn up on the day.”

“The Foundation is a charity set up in Andrew’s memory in 2013 to inspire the next generation of young people through sailing in the UK and around the world. There is no entry fee, but we are suggesting a £5 minimum donation to take part – but we very much hope that you will choose to raise more money for the charity through sponsorship or other events on the day. Our partner, Justgiving.com is a charity fund raising website that will collect your sponsorship money on our behalf and make it very easy wherever you are in the world – details are included in the sign up process.”

“If you can raise money for us, that would be fantastic – we have included some fund raising leaderboards and rewards to make it even more fun! Many thanks for your support, good luck with the fundraising and happy sailing for Sunday 21 September – we look forward to welcoming many thousands of new Guinness World Record holders across more than 40 countries, and we hope you enjoy the largest sailing race in the world in memory of Bart!”

Sir John Franklin’s “Lost Expedition” Bomb Ship Found.

Departing England in 1845, commanding officer Captain Sir John Franklin, with a flotilla of two bomb vessels the HMS Terror and the HMS Erebus, set sail for the Arctic to traverse the last unnavigated section of the “Northwest Passage”

The two ships would later became icebound in Victoria Strait near King William Island in the Canadian Arctic, and were abandoned two years later. The entire expedition complement, including Franklin and 128 men, was lost.

The mystery of what happened to the ships has been ongoing for over 150 years. Many have tried and have failed to find them, but this year the government of Canada decided to renew the search for what they call our “only undiscovered national historic site”. A Canadian coast guard helicopter pilot, two days ago, spotted a dark U-shaped object in the Arctic snow the size of a man’s forearm. A Royal Navy davit, once used for the liveboats of the two lost Franklin ships, now sits on display in Parks Canada’s Ottawa laboratory, linking evidence to Canada’s most enduring maritime mystery.

Ryan Harris, a senior underwater archeologist and one of the people leading the Parks Canada search said that the search team found the remains of wreck 11 metres below the water’s surface. Sonar imaging shows that that ship appears to be well preserved, but can not differentiate which of Franklin’s ships were found.

Since 2008, Parks Canada has led six major searches for the lost Franklin ships. Four vessels led the search this summer — including the Canadian Coast Guard ship Sir Wilfrid Laurier, which launched the helicopter whose pilot made the pivotal davit sighting. It was joined by the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Kingston and vessels from the Arctic Research Foundation and the One Ocean Expedition.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harpe, on Tuesday delivered the news of the “great, historic” breakthrough.”For more than a century, this has been a great Canadian story and mystery,”

Joseph P. and John F Kennedy’s Star Class Sailboat Set to be Auctioned off November 8th, 2014

Heritage Auctions, of Dallas, Texas have announced on there Facebook page on July 29th that “Mark Prendergast, Heritage’s Director of Trusts & Estates, was in Kemah, TX today having pictures taken of JFK’s sailboat “Flash II” from the 1930’s.” “The well documented sailboat, in which JFK won a number of racing trophies, is coming up for auction this Fall (November 8th, 2014) along with a large collection of Kennedy memorabilia as part of Heritage’s Political and Americana auctions.”

More information regarding this auction will be made available, according to the company, on October 20th visit HA.com, at that time, for further details. Make sure you conduct thorough due-diligence when purchasing.

FLASH II: (1934-1944) – Was purchased from original owner H.B. Atkin, of Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, in 1934 by Joseph P. and John F Kennedy, sold in 1944, after Joseph was killed during WW II, to to a sailor from Maine.

Year Built: 1930 | Sail Number: *721 | Hull Number: Unknown

Known Race History:
1936 – Won the Nantucket Sound Star Class Championship Cup
1936 – Won Atlantic Coast Championships
1938 – MacMillan Cup Annapolis, Maryland

Current Location: Kemah, TX | Restored: 1997 | Seized: 2004 – U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

* The Kennedy Library notes that “FLASH II” is boat No. 902 and built in 1930

Francis Lee Official Christening –

This years highlight of the annual Perry Design Rendezvous at Port Ludlow was the christening of “Francis Lee,” the 61′ double ender known as the “Sliver Project”

The annual pilgrimage of Robert H. Perry designed yachts to the docks of Port Ludlow’s Marina and Resort this year was led in ceremony by Bob Perry, bagpipes and close friends. All gathered on the docks to celebrate the official finish of the three plus year construction project of the classic double ended yacht “Francis Lee”

To commensurate the official finish a builders plaque was given to Kim Bottles after the completion of the ceremony.

Photos for this article were provided by Francis Lee’s owner Kim Bottles close friend “Boomer”

For additional information on “Francis Lee’s designer visit Bob Perry’s website

Herreshoff Centennial Classes of 1914 –

2014 marks the centennial for three important one design classes, the Newport 29, the Buzzard Bay 25, and the Herreshoff 12 1/2 footers.

Earlier this month Halsey Herreshoff spoke, to a sold out crowd, of the significant actions of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and its outstanding team that functioned so impressively in 1914. The six part video series discussion at the Herreshoff Marine Museum, was sponsored by: PURE Insurance, Cisco Brewers Nantucket, Triple Eight Vodka, Nantucket Vineyard, & Points East Magazine, and was filmed by Halsey Fulton of Fish Hawk Films.

Use the following link to view the Halsey’s Herreshoff’s Centennial Classes of 1914
Click Here to Watch the Video

August 10th Update – “Winnie of Bourne” Raised from the Bottom of Nantucket Harbor’s Entrance Channel –

With Nantucket’s Boat Basin, and mooring field at near capacity, and ferry traffic at its peak. The 40′ Concordia Yawl, “Winnie of Bourne“, after sinking in the channel Friday morning, was raised today by a crane onto a barge.

During the New York Yacht Club Cruise Regatta in Nantucket, “Winnie of Bourne,” who had been at the top of the fleet during the regatta, was on starboard, during pre-race sailing, and was hit by a Swan 48. The crew was able to sail into shallow water and beyond the channel before sinking outside of Nantucket Harbor. Fortunately nobody was injured.

Senior chief Matt Welsh of U.S. Coast Guard Station Brant Point said on Friday that the collision remains under investigation, and that he wouldn’t speculate about which boat might have been at fault.

For complete coverage review the Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror’s facebook page

Winnie of Bourne Sinks off Nantucket After Colliding with Another Sailboat –

Senior chief Matt Welsh of U.S. Coast Guard Station Brant Point said the collision between Winnie of Bourne, a 1952 Concordia yawl, and the 46-foot Swan Dragon, occurred outside the harbor around 10:20 a.m. Winnie of Bourne received “catastrophic” damage, Welsh said, including a two-foot-by-two-foot cracked seam and two-inch hole, and sank while attempting to make it back into the harbor.

The Coast Guard sent its 25-foot response boat to the scene, and retrieved four people off the Winnie of Bourne from the water. There were no injuries, Welsh said.

Winnie of Bourne Specifications:
LOA: 39’10” | Built By: Abeking and Rasmussen | Yard Number: 4828 | Design Number: 11 | Year Built: 1952

For further information view Coast Guard News

Classic Swedish Yachts AB –

In 1973 Olof Hildebrand gathered a team of highly competent Swedish sailors and discussed what qualities should be built into a modern family cruiser, that would allow the yacht to flourish in the marketplace. The design focus was that the new vessels needed to be beautiful, and not esthetically hindered by any racing rules, simple with great sailing, handling and safety pedigree.

The design study resulted in the design of the Swede 55. Knud H. Reimers gave the yacht its lovely sleek lines in cooperation with professor Sven Olof Ridder, well-known aero- and hydro dynamical expert, and with Professor Karl Axel Olsson guidance, as an expert in light constructions. Although the focus of the company was not to build racing yachts, the Swede 55 won both the Transpac Race, and Bermuda Race in challenging stormy conditions.

Michael Wolff, owner of a Swede 75 for the past 20 years, has now stepped in as the new owner of Classic Swedish Yachts AB. In order to flourish into today’s marketplace the firm has commissioned Håkan Södergren Yacht Design (HSYD) to design a Scandinavian Inspired 68 ft Classic Yacht. OAXS design has primarily been responsible for producing the CG images, but has also been involved in presenting design solutions throughout the yacht under the lead of head designer/naval architect Håkan Södergren.

The Swede 68 is to be built in Sweden at Rosättra Boat Yard, otherwise famous for Linjet, which will ensure a quality build. This yacht is planned for a small and exclusive production. Performance, luxury and great craftsmanship will be the designs focus.

Södergren “Classic Swedish Yachts 68” Specifications:

LOA: 67.60′ / 20.60m * LOD: 67.60′ / 20.60m * LWL: 53.15 / 16.20m * Beam: 12.50′ / 3.81m * Draft: 9.02′ – 22’00 / 2.75m * Ballast: 15655 lbs / 7.10 tons * Displacement: 38808 lbs / 17.60 tons * Sail Area: * Yard Number: * Hull material: * Rig: Sloop * Designer: Södergren * Built by: Rosättra Boat Yard * Year Built:

July 7th 2014 – J Class Association Releases film of the 2014 Superyacht Cup Palma –

Five J-Class Yachts (Results: 1st – Hanuman | 2nd – Lionheart | 3rd – Ranger | 4th – Velsheda | 5th – Rainbow ) participated in the 2014 Superyacht Cup in the beautiful waters of Palma, Majorca Spain.

A camera crew were on board to capture all the excitement and close quarter boat handling of the magnificent J Class fleet. This official film is a great record of the Class’s premier event this summer, with all five battling it out over four days, often less than a boat length apart.

Superyacht Cup Palma 2014 from J Class Association on Vimeo.

J-CLASS ASSOCIATION: Website
OCT FILMS: OCT Films
CNN MAINSAIL: CNN Mainsail

June 25th 2014 Vineyard Haven, MA – The Charles W. Morgan built in 1841 at Hillman Brothers shipyard in New Bedford, is preparing to return home for nine-day visit. Weather permitting the “Morgan” is expected to arrive in New Bedford on Wednesday, June 25, at approximately 3:30 p.m.

The “Whaler” is currently preparing to leave Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, upon her arrival she will be docked at New Bedford’s State Piernot, and will be open to the public, following the official opening ceremony, on Saturday, June 28, at 10 a.m.

For complete coverage of the “Morgans” Homecoming visit, view the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s website

Track the Charles W. Morgan LIVE as she sails for her Homecoming celebrations on MarineTraffic.com

June 23rd 2014 Vineyard Haven, MA – The Charles W. Morgan is berthed at Tisbury Wharf and is open to visitors today from 9 am-4:30 pm.

View the LIVE tracking chart of the Charles W. Morgan as she sails on her 38th voyage on MarineTraffic.com

The 38th Voyage of the Charles W. Morgan:

All dates are subject to change due to inclement weather and unforeseen operating conditions.

May 17 — Charles W. Morgan departs Mystic Seaport for New London.
May 24-25, 31 and June 1 — New London, City Pier. Open to the public with the dockside exhibition program.
June 7-8, 11-12 — Sea trials off New London.
June 14-16 — Sailing window: New London to Newport, RI.
June 17 — Newport, Fort Adams State Park. The ship will be open to the public (no dockside exhibition).
June 18-20 — Sailing window to Martha’s Vineyard.
June 21-24 — Vineyard Haven, Tisbury Wharf. The ship will be open to the public with the dockside exhibition.
June 25-27 — Sailing window to New Bedford, MA.
June 28-July 6 — New Bedford, State Pier. The ship will be open to the public with the dockside exhibition. There will be a special July 4th celebration and many other community activities.
July 7-11 — Sailing window to Provincetown via the Cape Cod Canal. There will be an overnight stop at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (no public access).
July 11-13 — Day sails on Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (not open to the public). Overnight mooring in Provincetown Harbor (no public access).
July 15-17 — Sailing window to Boston.
July 18-22 — Boston, Charlestown Navy Yard. The ship will be berthed next to the USS Constitution and open to the public with the dockside exhibition.
July 23-25 — Sailing window to Massachusetts Maritime Academy via the Cape Cod Canal.
July 26-27 — Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The Morgan will be open to the public with the dockside exhibition. The visit coincides with the centennial celebration of the opening of the Cape Cod Canal.
July 28-30 — Sailing window to New London.
August 6-8 — Sailing window to Mystic.
August 9 — A homecoming celebration awaits the Charles W. Morgan at Mystic Seaport.

June 16th 2014 – The 173-year old whaler Charles W. Morgan sails for the first time in 90 years.

After a month-long fitting out period, where shipwrights added 140 tons of concrete, steel and lead ballast, the “Morgan” left New London, Connecticut on it’s way to Newport Rhode Island, marking the official first leg of the historic vessel’s 38th voyage.

The National Historic Landmark, was towed up Fishers Island Sound and through Watch Hill Passage. Once on Block Island Sound the ship dropped the tow and set all working sails, arriving in Newports Fort Adams at 6 p.m.

The 38th Voyager program is made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

The Morgan will be open to the public at Fort Adams from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17. For further information visit Mystic Seaport’s Website.

Ukraine’s Valentyn Mankin, the only sailor in Olympic history to win gold medals in three different classes, Finn, Tempest and Star passed away June 1, 2014, in Viareggio, Italy, after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, had sailed in four Olympics for the USSR sailing team. Initially, under the Soviet system, he was passed over by sailors with more seniority for the 1960 and 1964 Olympics, delaying his great successes. In 1968, at the Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Valentyn dominating 35 competitors in the Finn class, winning the Gold medal over 40 points ahead of silver medalist, Hubert Raudaschl (AUT) In his last Olympics (as a competitor), at the age of 41, Valentyn won gold in the Star class, this time a very competitive close race, determined in the final race against arch-nemesis Silver medalist, Hubert Raudaschl (AUT)

At the end of the eighties he moved to Livorno, Italy, where he was technical director and coach of Italian Sailing Federation, where he trained top generations of sailors and future Olympic sailors.

Valentyn, as a competitor or coach, had participated in 11 Olympics, won three Olympic gold medals and one silver, never filed a protest, had four filed against him, winning all of them. He will be missed by all, who were fortunate enough to have know him.

The 1948 128′ Brigantine “Unicorn,” aka “Black Pearl,” in Pirates of the Caribbean, Sinks off the Coast of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. –

St. Vincent, Saturday May 24th 9:30 am – According to reports, the vessel shook, and began taking on water as she neared the North coast of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Engaging all bilge pumps, proved unsuccessful as the vessel sunk within 5 minutes. Abandoning the ship in the vessel’s pirogue, the captain and it’s entire nine-member crew were rescued by the Grenadines Coast Guard.

The Brig “Unicorn” was first used in the filming of Roots, in St. Simons Island, Georgia, as a slave ship in the 1977 TV mini-series, and in all three Pirates of the Caribbean Movies. She was built in Finland in 1948, and is one of only six of her kind in existence.

Brig “Unicorn” (Ex: Lyra) Specifications:

LOA: 128.6 / 39.19m * LOD: 98′ / 29.87m * LWL: 86.3 / 26.30m * Beam: 24.0′ / 7.31m * Draft: 8’01” / 2.47m * Sail Area: 7,362 sq ft * Original Rig: Galeas (2 Masted Baltic Trader) * Current Rig: !970s Converted to a Brigantine, Replica of 1850 Brig * Design: Helge Johansson * Built in: Borga/Sipoo, Finland * Launched in: 1948 * Hull / Superstructure Construction Material: Oak / Marine Ply * Gross Tonnes: 102 * Nett Tonnes: 64 * Original Name: Lyra * Current Name: Unicorn

Restoration:

1975 – Derectors Shipyard, Dania Fl – Restoration completed in time for OpSail 1976 – Installed copper clad bottom

Historical:

Originally named “Lyra”, the vessel was launched in 1948, as a Finnish softwood schooner. In the early 70s “Lyra” sailed to Sweden, operating there for two years with all-volunteer crew. Upon sailing to England “Lyra” was rechristened “Unicorn.” Later used as a cargo hauler in the Caribbean and after many adventures, sailed to the United States to lead the tall ship parade into New York Harbor during the celebration of America’s bicentennial in 1976.

In 1980 Salt Atlantic Chanties, recorded at sea aboard the historic Unicorn. The sounds of the pawls, blocks, and seafoam that accompanied the songs are entirely authentic. The instrumental pieces are performed on traditional instruments―fiddle, banjo, Anglo and English concertina, and the five-string banjo-mandolin. Liner notes include an illustrated booklet containing the history and verses of each chanty, background on the musicians and the making of the recording, plus a glossary of nautical terms.

May 17th, 12:48 p.m The Charles W. Morgan Arrives at New London City Pier. –

Towed by two tugboats, the Charles W. Morgan arrived in New London more than an hour ahead of schedule. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, Seaport president Stephen C. White were onboard for the 3 1/2 hour journey.

During the Charles W. Morgan’s month-long fitting out period in New London, the vessel will conduct four sail training cruises, complete its rigging and obtain Coast Guard certification for her 38th voyage. The “Morgan” will be open to the public on May 24, 25, 31 and June 1.

May 17th, 9:15 a.m The Charles W. Morgan Departs for 38th Voyage. –

For the first time since November, 1941, Kip Files, the 22nd captain of the National Historic Landmark vessel, will command the Morgan under tow through the Mystic Bascule Bride. Due to the shallow depth of the Mystic River the ship cannot be properly ballasted for sailing at her berth at the Museum, hence the Morgan will begin her 38th voyage en route to New London, Connecticut, where a month-long fitting out period will take place.

The decision to sail the Morgan is based on Mystic Seaport’s commitment to make history come alive for today’s audience. The 38th Voyage will call attention to the value of historic ships and the important role America’s maritime heritage plays in this country’s history. The voyage will also raise awareness about the changing perception about whales and whaling.

Spirit of Tradition Yachts at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta – “Continue to encourage the future building of exceptional yachts that keep the classic traditions alive.” All yachts wishing to enter this class must complete a Pre-Entry Form and include photographs of hull rig and deck layouts, for approval into this class. After the yacht is accepted, an Official Entry Form will be sent to you by the Committee. The Spirit of Tradition Class entries must be measured and have a current CSA measurement certificate. for further information review ACYR

Spirit Yachts, a Suffolk, UK based ship building company, led by Sean McMillan, started the company with his late friend Mick Newman 19 years ago, when they built a “rakish 37-footer” named Spirit. Today fully embracing the “Spirit of Tradition” concept, with wood composite constructed “Modern Classics” through there ‘Spirit’ range of classic yachts.

Testament to the success of the company, seven “Spirit” yachts have entered into the 2014 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. Sean McMillan’s 52′ “FLIGHT OF UFFORD,”along with another Spirit 52 “CHLOE RACING SPIRIT,” two Spirit 56s “FREE SPIRIT” and “SPIRITED LADY OF FOWEY,” Spirit 60 “SPIRIT OF RANI,” and the Spirit 76 “NAZUL OF FORDELL”

After the Concours d’Elégance, and Single Handed Race today, racing begins tomorrow at 10:00am, commencing on Tuesday 22nd April, with a Prize Giving Slideshow, Trophy Presentation and Party in the true spirit of what makes the Antigua Classic Yacht Race such a desired regatta to attend, and highlight of the Panerai Classic Yacht Circuit

Shephard “Coral Of Cowes” Specifications:

LOA: 96.00′ / 29.26m * LOD: 80.00′ / 24.40m * LWL: 64.00′ / 19.50m * Beam: 15.00′ / 4.57m * Draft: 11.00′ / 3.35m * Ballast: * Displacement: 75T * Sail Area: * Yard Number: * Hull material: 2 inch thick Rangoon teak planks laid over 5 inch square English oak frames with bronze fastenings. * Rig: Original Yawl * Designer: Fred Shepherd * Built by: White Brothers, Southampton, UK * Year Built: 1902 * Restored By: * Current Name: Coral Of Cowes * Original Owner: * Contract Cost: * Current Owner: Richard Oswald * Sail Number:

Known Racing History: ?

1926, 1928 – King’s Cup Winner
1934 – Queen Mary’s Cup Winner

Known Restoration History:

Built in 1902 to Lloyds 100 A1 + Standards

2011 – Peake Yacht Services, Trinidad
2011 – Hog Island, Grenada
2005 – Cape Town, South Africa, Hull Rebuilt

THE RESTORATION OF CORAL OF COWES

Historical:

Spent her first 40 years of her life racing in Cowes, and many time competing against King George V’s yacht, winning numerous times. During World War II, 26 tons of lead from her keel was used to make bombs and bullets. After the war the yacht sat for 50-60 years without masts and keel serving as a house boat. Then the owner of a Coca Cola franchise in South Africa bought the yacht spending millions of dollars in her restoration. The present owner has continued on with additional restoration and then the Coral of Cowes will be heading back to England for the first time since World War !!

The 27th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta to celebrate late founder Captain Kenny Coombs, on his Birthday, Monday April 14th, 8-10pm at The Lime Lounge – ABSAR fundraiser.

From small beginnings in 1988, the popularity of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta quickly grew under his leadership to attract 50 to 60 unique yachts each year and become known as one of the premier events of its kind in the world. Kenny dedicated the last 26 years of his life to bringing together an impressive collection of classic and traditional boats, their custodians and crews for some of the most memorable times of their lives.

For further information review the tribute to Kenny Coombs

Sir William Robert Patrick “Robin” Knox-Johnston to Celebrate 45th Anniversary of Solo Circumnavigation of the World –

On 22 April 1969, after 312 days at sea, Robin Knox-Johnston became the first man to circumnavigate the globe non-stop and single-handed on his 32-foot (9.8-metre) boat Suhaili, one of the smallest boats to enter the 1968-1969 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. In recognition of this achievement, he was ordained a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. On the day he returned to Falmouth Robin Knox-Johnston donated his prize money for fastest competitor to the family of Donald Crowhurst. Mr. Crowhurst’s trimaran was found abandoned and adrift in the middle of the Atlantic. Upon review of his log books it was determined that he had never left the Atlantic. His final log entries indicated he committed suicide. “It is finished. It is finished. It is the mercy,” he wrote on July 1. He ended, “There is no reason for harmful …”

At the time a solo non-stop circumnavigation was the one great voyage left to be made. The longest non-stop voyage until then was achieved by Sir Francis Chichester in 1966-67, when he circumnavigated the world with one stop in Australia.

In 1968 the British newspaper The Sunday Times announced the award of a trophy, the Golden Globe, for the first person to sail single handed and non-stop around the world. The Golden Globe would be awarded to the first to complete the voyage starting in the British isles and finishing in the same port, and £5,000 would be warded to the person who made the fastest voyage.

There were nine entrants, but because small boats sail slower than big ones, each planned to depart to suit their own schedule, and The Sunday Times was forced to announce that the start time could be between 1st June and 31st October 1968. RKJ was the third boat to start, and first to finish, after surviving 25 metre waves and force 12 winds in the Southern Ocean.

Alongside numerous fiberglass powerboats, at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, one classic sailboat “Race Horse” stands out amongst the crowd.

Like today’s current crop of cutting-edge race boats, the W-37 is lightweight, relatively beamy, with a plumb stem and near-vertical transom. But where out-and-out race boats sacrifice grace and beauty in the name of performance, “Race Horse” was carefully crafted with a beautiful sheer, subtle curves and attractive camber.

In 1997 Donald Tofias, an avid classic sailing enthusiast, approached his friend Naval Architect Joel White of the Brooklin Boat Yard in Maine, to design a one-design class yacht in the spirit of the early 20th Century Corinthian style. Regrettably, Joel White passed before “Wild Horses” was finished. And as a tribute to his late friend, Donald Tofias named his new company W-Class Yachts.

W-Class Yachts, a world renowned brand that actively promotes one-design “Spirit of Tradition” yachts built of wood, has grown to include the W-37s, W-46s, W-76s, and the new W-100

C.W. Hood Yachts has won the Spirit of Tradition under 40-feet in Classic Boat Magazines’ annual contest. This is a great honor from a UK magazine whose readers and their friends and customers came out in support of the C.W. Hood 32. C.W. Hood wants to thank all for their continued support.

Hood Yacht will be at the upcoming Maine Boatbuilders Show in Portland, Maine, March 14 -16 – One of the finest gatherings of fiberglass and wooden custom boat builders on the East Coast. A perennial favorite throughout New England, this show is both invaluable to those in the marine industry and offers many worthwhile lectures and seminars for visitors.

Fairlie Yachts Sundowner 26, Smaller, Lighter, Faster – and with Elegant New Styling. – The new sleeker designed Sundowner will be the first semi-production yacht to be built by Fairlie Yachts. Prospective owners will be able to customize everything from interior arrangements, to decorative timber species used both on deck and below.

Sundowner Specifications: LOA: 26’0″/7.92m * LWL: 23’0″/7.01m * Beam: 8’3″/2.52m * Displacement: 2200kg/4840 lb * Draft: 6’0″/1.82m * Sail Area: 409 sq ft

A unique performance daysailer designed by Paul Spooner. Although heavier than her contemporaries, Sundowner was designed for a more relaxed sailing experience, in a hand crafted elegant package. From her freestanding wood veneered carbon mast, to her aft sun lounging area, she retains true simplicity and ease of operation in a one sheet, one tiller classic sailboat.

Contact Fairlie Yachts, for further information

The CW Hood 32 Gioia and the all new Gloucester 20 will be coming to the New England Boat Show – From Feb. 22 to March 2 the boat show will be held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC). The show is one of the largest boat shows in the Northeast, attracting thousands from around the New England area. The big show has become an annual tradition for many boaters and sailors, and this year, C.W. Hood Yachts is proud to be exhibiting both there C.W. Hood 32 Spirit of Tradition sailboat, and center consoled Gloucester 20.

For detailed driving directions, please use the following link

Gloucester 20 Specifications:
LOA: 20’02” * Beam: 7’09” * Displacement: 2,795 lbs * Fuel: 63 gal * Fresh Water: 6 gal * Engine(s) Evinrude E-TEC 150.

CW. Hood 32 Specifications:
LOA: 32’05” * LWL: 21’00” * Beam 6’11” * Draft: 4’00” * Displacement: 2825 lbs * Sail Area: 285 sq. ft.

Designer Theo Danel’s One Design “Rum” (100% Dutch product)– In the Spirit of Tradition designer Theo Danel has created a modern boat that fuses classic boat styling. Her old fashioned hand drawn lines, later faired with the aid of CAD design software, were inspired from Scandinavian skerry cruisers, metre class designs, hull shape of America’s Cup Yachts around 2003, Herreshof designs, Fife designs and some local Dutch lake sailing yachts.

Danel choose foam cored composite hull construction, in order to reduce annual cash-flow expenses, and to ease construction cost, which allows for a complete boat to be built in 5 months.

A 19th century deck layout, with a few modern systems within her cockpit, powered by the smallest and sleekest 13hp Lombardini sail-drive you can find on the market today.

Danel “Rum” Specifications:

LOA: 43.07’/ 13.13m * LOD: 42.02′ / 12.81m * LWL: 51′ 0″ / 15.54m * Beam: 7.38′ / 2.25m * Draft: 8.39′ / 2.56m * Displacement: 8917.69 lbs/ 4045 kg * Hull material: Composite * Rig: Gaff Sloop * Sail Area: 1,302 sq ft / 121 m2 * Designer: Theo Danel * Built by: Jachtbouw Vels, Medemblik, Holland

Her keel, rudder, mast, boom and bow sprit all come off with ease, allowing the hull to be rolled on to her own trailer into a 45ft pellet wide sea container. Ideal for winter storage! or ready to be moved all over the world wherever and whenever you want.

For further information contact Theo Danel Design

C.W. Hood Yachts to Attend 8th Annual Cape Cod Boatbuilders Show – Often compared to the Maine Boat Builders show, the Cape Cod event will take place tomorrow in Hyannis, Massachusetts USA from February 7-9.

As visitors get a first-hand explanation of how the boats are built and what the details and differences are as they move from builder to builder. Growing in size and popularity, the 8th annual Cape Cod Boatbuilders Show is a gathering of builders who exemplify the craftsmanship and standards of quality that C.W. Hood customer’s value. We believe the C.W. Hood 32 stands out for its classic lines and exceptional beauty.

Vote for the C.W. Hood 32, in the Spirit of Tradition under 40-feet category.

The C.W. Hood 32 is one of eight nominees in Classic Boat magazines’ annual contest. Please take a moment to review the nominees in this category. Your support means a lot to them! Follow this link here

El Salvador Fisherman Found on Remote Pacific Atoll – Late December 2012, Alvarenga, a 37 year old Salvadorian man, and Ezequiel Cordoba, 24, set out on a one-day shark fishing expedition, in a 7.3m (22’0) fiberglass fishing boat. After a month at sea, Cordoba died, and after over 1 year adrift, Alvarenga washed ashore on a Marshall Islands Atoll, after traveling a distance of approximately 10,000 km (6,200 miles)

A Marshall Island police patrol boat found Alvarenga this past weekend disoriented, unable to walk alone, and with a very bushy beard. Authorities are still gathering information, and will find out if this ordeal is a hoax or not. Information gathered so far alleged that Alvarenga and his mate were blown off course by northerly winds, after there engine died. The two fisherman had survived by drinking turtle blood, caught fish and birds with there bare hands, and drank there own urine. Cordoba after four weeks, succumbed to hunger and thirst because he could not stomach the raw fish and birds.

In a statement, El Salvador’s Foreign Ministry said it was working with Mexican authorities to return Alvarenga to Mexico, and then on to El Salvador.

Pete Seeger passes at 94 – In 1966 Folk music legend and environmental activist Pete Seeger, in despair over the pollution of his beloved Hudson River, announced plans to “build a boat to save the river.” Seeger and friends played concerts up and down the Hudson River to raise funds to build a replica of the 19th century sloops the sailed the majestic river. In 1969 the 106-foot sloop Clearwater was launched at Harvey Gamage shipyard in South Bristol, Maine. On her maiden voyage she sailed to South Street Seaport in New York City, then made her home on the Hudson River.

Clearwater Specifications: LOA: 106′ / 32.3m * Beam: 25′ / 7.5m * Draft: 8′ / 2.4m * Sail Area: 4,305 sq ft / 387.5m * Mast Height: 108′ / 32.9m * Builder: Harvey Gamage Shipyard in South Bristol, Maine * Launched: 1969

The Clearwater was the first environmental group to focus on an entire river and its ecosystem, the first wooden sailing ship with a mission to preserve and protect the environment, and the first onboard environmental classroom accessible to children of all ages, races, backgrounds.

The 2014 Panerai Classic Yacht Series Challenge

THE COMPANY Officine Panerai, a Florentine based watchmaker since 1860, once the exclusive supplier of high-precision instruments to the Royal Italian Navy in the early nineteen hundreds, now highly coveted timepieces that blend Italian style, Swiss technology, and the companies passion for the sea.

CLASSIC YACHT OWNER AND MAIN SPONSOR – Eilean was purchased in 2007 and painstakingly restored by Officine Panerai’s CEO Angelo Bonati. Today going into there 10th year as the main sponsor of the circuit of regattas known as the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.

THE VENUE – The North American Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge Series (N.A. PCYC) is made up of three stages taking place between Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, cummulating with the overall circuit trophy presentation in Newport
– Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta – Marblehead, MA – August 8th – 10th, 2014
– Opera House Cup – Nantucket, MA – August 17th, 2014
–