EuroSail News #5466 - 5 December
In This Issue
• RORC Annual Dinner & Prize Giving
• Ruyant sets new 24 Hour Record
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• Team NZ maintain America's Cup dominance
• Christmas Coffee Table Books
• Warm and Windy Forecast for Datchet Flyer
• Interview: Jeanne Socrates
• 80th Dragon Gold Cup Celebrations In 2024
• Industry News
• Featured Charter: Caribbean Racing with "The Project"
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Shogun Yachts 50
• • TP52 Alegre
• • Balance 526
• The Last Word: H. L. Mencken
Brought to you by Seahorse magazine and YachtScoring.com EuroSail News is a digest of sailing news and opinions, regatta results, new boat and gear information and letters from sailors -- with a European emphasis. Contributions welcome, send to
Celebrations at the Royal Ocean Racing Club Annual Dinner & Prize Giving
Rob Craigie and Deb Fish - Overall 2023 RORC season championship. Photo by Rich Bowen Photography. Click on image to enlarge.
The 2023 Royal Ocean Racing Club Annual Dinner and Prize Giving was held at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, London. Celebrating an impressive season of RORC racing, more than 250 guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and gourmet dinner at the magnificent five-star hotel in Mayfair.
The 2023 RORC Season's Points Championship featured 15 offshore races held in nine different countries. The exciting programme included the Rolex Middle Sea Race, the RORC Transatlantic Race, the RORC Caribbean 600, and the cornerstone of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Rolex Fastnet Race, celebrating its 50th edition.
2023 IRC Overall RORC Season's Points Championship winner:
Rob Craigie's Sun Fast 3600 Bellino (GBR)
RORC Yacht of the Year
Eric de Turckheim's NMD 54 Teasing Machine (FRA)
IRC Super Zero - I Love Poland (POL)
IRC Zero - Teasing Machine (FRA)
IRC One – Dawn Treader (GBR)
IRC Two - Scarlet Oyster (GBR)
IRC Two-Handed and IRC Three - Cora (GBR)
IRC Four – With Alacrity (GBR)
MOCRA Multihull – MOD70 Zoulou (FRA)
Class40 - The 3 Bros (FRA)
Special Awards
The Dennis P Miller Memorial Trophy for Best Overseas Yacht to Tom Kneen's Sunrise III, the Haylock Cup for Best British Service Yacht to Fujitsu British Soldier, the Arambalza Swan Cup for Best Swan to Louis Balcaen's Balthasar, the Freddie Morgan Trophy for Best Classic Yacht to Andrew Tseng's Quailo 3, the Highwayman Cup to Gavin Howe's Tigris, the Best Sailing School Yacht to Susan Glenny's Olympia's Tigress, the Peter Harrison Youth Trophy to Galahad of Cowes.
The Crew of Ju Kyu, skippered by Dr Peter Rowe, was awarded the Seamanship Trophy for an Outstanding Act of Seamanship. Shortly after the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race start, Ju Kyu stood by a sinking yacht Vari, and assisted the emergency services and the RORC Race Committee. Once the Vari crew was safe, Ju Kyu rejoined the race and finished the Rolex Fastnet Race. Ju Kyu was given a rousing standing ovation at the Prize Giving.
The 2024 RORC Season's Points Championship has already started with the Rolex Middle Sea Race in October 2023. The 2024 Championship has notable international races including the RORC Transatlantic Race, the RORC Caribbean 600, the SSE Renewables Round Ireland, and the second edition of the Roschier Baltic Sea Race. The majority of the series is held in Northern Europe with the Myth of Malham and the Cowes Dinard St Malo being ever popular. -- Louay Habib
Full List of Special Awards and Winners
2023 RORC Season's Points Results:
Alex Thomson's mark topples as Ruyant sets new 24 Hour Record
With more than 2200 nautical miles still to sail and at least two more low pressure systems due before a timely finish into Lorient expected Saturday, there is still a long, long way to go on the Retour à La Base solo Transatlantic from Martinique to France.
But as Thomas 'The Rocket' Ruyant (For The People) scythed his way into third place today - setting a new solo 24 hour distance record - the podium positions are now held by the top three finishers on the outward, two handed Transat Jacques Vabre. Second into Martinique Yoann Richomme leads, Briton Sam Goodchild, third on the way out, is holding second.
Between 1430hrs UTC Sunday 3rd and 1430hrs UTC today Ruyant is measured to have sailed 539.94 nautical miles. This beats the 2017 record mark of Alex Thomson set on 16th January during the Vendée Globe of 536.81. And with the leaders still making round 22-24kts there is every chance Ruyant's new mark might fall again.
The recent winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre with Morgan Lagravière, Ruyant made up the best part of 30 miles and three places during those 24 hours at record speed This afternoon he was still about 14 miles behind Sam Goodchild (For the Planet). Early leader Jéremie Beyou (Charal) continues to have technical problems and has set up a secondary wind vane system and lies fourth.
Seahorse December 2023
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
The finest vintage of all - Part I
Dan Houston enjoyed immersing himself in another Voiles de St-Tropez. More interesting was learning how the original event came about and talking to those who were there
Built to take it
With a slew of the industry's highest awards to her name, the First 36 clearly warrants some investigation. Seahorse journalist Oyvind Bordal chooses the wild conditions of the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race for his test sail...
RORC - Humanitarian factors
We all must hope this does not become a regular feature of offshore racing. Jeremy Wilton
It's December 1993, folks
Rolf Vrolijk
Here we go again - Part II
Taps, spoons, Bernoulli and powerboat design. How not to win the Cup. Dave Hollom
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Team NZ maintain America's Cup dominance as mystery lingers about the five challengers
Team New Zealand's defence of the America's Cup is still 10 months away and there remains a lingering curiosity about which of the five challengers will emerge to race them for the Auld Mug.
While the impressive Italian syndicate, Luna Rossa, surfaced as Team NZ's greatest rival at last week's second preliminary regatta in Jeddah, the six teams will be racing in different boats in Barcelona next year.
The smaller AC40 Cup boats have been sailed throughout this year's opening regattas in Vilanova i la Geltrú and Jeddah, where Team NZ have been the team to beat with a model they designed.
While similar to the larger AC75 design that syndicates will be focusing on mastering for next year's sailing on the Catalonian coast, the AC40s will only be seen in competition again at the youth and women's America's Cup regattas and won't feature in the main events between August and October.
It's been an ominous dominance from Team NZ, showing the challenging Italian, American Magic, Britannia, French Orient Express and Swiss Alinghi teams what quality standards the Cup defenders can produce in whatever boat they're sailing. -- Joseph Pearson
Christmas Coffee Table Books
Journey of Change: Women Pushing Boundaries by Yvonne Gordon
The story of Team SCA is captivating - a group of talented women daring to take on the world's most challenging ocean experience: a 40,000-mile race around the world in state-of-the-art yachts.
New. Published by Gardners VI Books
$50 includes shipping to anywhere in the continental USA.
Warm and Windy Forecast for Datchet Flyer
It's a warm and windy forecast for this weekend's Datchet Flyer, the second event in this season's Seldén SailJuice Winter Series. Almost 50 boats from more than 30 different dinghy classes have already entered, with many of the usual suspects along with some new names competing in Sailjuice events for the first time.
After a strong showing by the Musto Skiffs at the first event, the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash, will the likes of Sam Pascoe be able to repeat that at Datchet? Stuart Jones is likely to be strong in the Contender if the breeze is blowing hard, as are former Fireball World Champions DJ Edwards and Vyv Townend. Imogen Wade and Hugo Valentine will also be ones to watch in their 420 if it's upwind planing conditions. There is a huge range of classes of different speeds, with hiking singlehanders of the common and lesser spotted variety.
Here are the Selden SailJuice Winter Series rankings after Round 1 at Draycote Water.
Top Class 12 classes had 3+ boats competing at the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash. It was the Musto Skiffs who headed the Top Class rankings, with the ILCA 6s in second place and the ILCA 7s completing a very close podium. Based on the best three results for each class across every race.
Top Club There were 43 different clubs represented at the Dash, Castle Cove SC with five entries saw off a massive home club entry from Draycote Water SC, to lead the Top Club Rankings, with Rutland SC completing the podium., based on the best three results for each club across every race.
Online entry for the Datchet Flyer, and all others in the series, is available at sailjuiceseries.com
Cruising Association and Practical Boat Owner interview: Jeanne Socrates
The Cruising Association (CA) and Practical Boat Owner (PBO) are delighted to release an inspirational video interview with renowned sailor and world record-breaker Jeanne Socrates.
The CA and PBO joined forces to host the interview, which offers an exploration of Jeanne's world-record achievements, challenges faced during solo circumnavigations, and the connection she has with the ocean, nature and people she meets on her voyages.
With a wealth of sailing experience, CA member Jeanne boasts an impressive list of accomplishments, including being the oldest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world via the Southern Ocean's five Great Capes. Notably, she is recognised as the first woman to sail solo, nonstop unassisted around the world from North America. Her latest adventure began in April 2023, sailing solo from Mexico across the Pacific to New Zealand and onto Australia, aboard her Najad 380 'Nereida'.
The short version of the video was first showcased on 'Women in Marine Day' at Southampton International Boat Show in September 2023. The full 45-minute recording is now available for viewing, enabling a worldwide audience to celebrate Jeanne's remarkable journeys and pioneering spirit.
Kinsale YC To Host 80th Dragon Gold Cup Celebrations In 2024
Kinsale, Ireland - Preparations are underway in Kinsale, Ireland's yachting and gourmet capital, for celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of one of international sailing's most prestigious events. From 6 to 13 September 2024, Kinsale will welcome Dragon sailors from across the globe to compete for the Kinsale Yacht Club Dragon Gold Cup, which has been raced annually since 1937 and this year will be sponsored by Astra Construction Services Ltd.
This will be the third time that Kinsale Yacht Club (KYC) has hosted the Dragon Gold Cup, the first being in 1977 and the second in 2012. The venue is hugely popular with the Dragon sailing community and many international teams are expected to compete alongside a strong Irish contingent.
Already confirming their intention to race are crews from some 20 nations across Australasia, Asia, North America, and Europe. In attendance will be some of the best sailors on the planet including multiple Olympic medallists, America's Cup veterans, World, Continental, and National Champions. The regatta will also feature a Corinthian Division for all amateur crews, who will race alongside the professional teams, whilst at the same time scoring in their own ranking.
Industry News
Spirits and glasses were raised high as the Outremer team collected Multihull of the Year award for their latest Outremer 52 model at the British Yachting Awards yesterday in London at The Royal Thames Yacht Club. Elected by public vote alone, the 52' was one of five contenders in the multihull category.
The Outremer 52 combines the signature features of the legendary 51 – to which it is successor - with the fresh look and feel of the 55, which won European Yacht of the Year award in 2022. This merging of design elements has resulted in a yacht that stands out as a true masterpiece in the world of sailing. The involvement of renowned names in the industry, such as the naval architects VPLP and the French designers Patrick Le Quement, Darnet Design, has contributed to a design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and well-engineered.
it has been nominated for the prestigious European Yacht of the Year Award 2024, taking place at Boot Düsseldorf on the 20 January. Amongst the 21 contenders, the Outremer 52 stands tall, awaiting judgment from a highly esteemed 12-strong jury.
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Henri-Lloyd has announced its continued support for the Junior Offshore Group (JOG) Yacht
Racing as its technical clothing partner. JOG, which was set up in the 1950's as a club designed to encourage smaller yachts to participate in competitive but friendly coastal and offshore racing, says Henri-Lloyd's ongoing support is helping it grow its Generation JOG programme which encourages more youth sailors into the sport. The club has experienced a 70% growth in youth numbers, which is 37% of the entire club membership.
Now in its third year of support, Henri-Lloyd provides prizes to Generation JOG sailors in recognition of race wins or other notable milestones, sponsors one weekend race over the season, and supplies vouchers throughout the year for events and for members to buy Henri-Lloyd technical clothing.
The GenJOG programme has also helped drive up the level of female participation, with an average of 35% female crew members regularly taking part, significantly higher than the average for offshore events. With rising numbers of participating females Henri-Lloyd is releasing 33 new items of technical clothing, from base layers to offshore jackets and salopettes, which have all been designed especially for female sailors. The new Henri-Lloyd range will be available in retail stores from February 2024.
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Antigua Sailing Week organisers are pleased to announce the return of BVI Yacht Sales as sponsor of the 55th edition April 27 - May 3, 2024.
The leading Caribbean brokerage firm in the region, specialising exclusively in pre owned yacht sales and brokerage, BVI Yacht Sales has continuously supported and promoted sailing events that celebrate the spirit of Caribbean lifestyle, adventure and competition. This is the second year of partnership with the event Antigua Sailing Week, reinforcing the company's dedication to fostering the growth and success of sailing and exploration of the Caribbean by sail.
Antigua Sailing Week stands as one of the longest running regattas in the region, attracting professional crews, Corinthian sailors and spectators originating in over 30 countries across the world. BVI Yacht Sales recognises the significance of this event in connecting and fostering international relations within the sailing community.
Antigua Sailing Week consists of 6 days of racing including a circumnavigation of the island in the Peters & May Round Antigua Race. Entries are on-going for both and the list of current entries can be viewed on YachtScoring.com
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PredictWind announces the launch of PredictCurrent, the world's most comprehensive, high-resolution tidal currents model. This groundbreaking solution empowers users to navigate local waters around the globe with unparalleled accuracy, providing a new level of insight into tidal and ocean currents.
PredictCurrent represents a leap forward in tidal current modeling, offering users the ability to visualize tidal currents with unprecedented detail. Through a world-first initiative, PredictWind's team of dedicated oceanographers has produced tidal current maps for nearly all coastlines worldwide, setting a new standard in precision, resolution and coverage.
The PredictCurrent model boasts impressive resolutions. For areas characterized by complex bathymetry and high tidal flows, an ultra-high resolution model at 100m gives unparalleled accuracy. With a 400m resolution within 90 km of the coast and a 4km resolution extending up to 600 km offshore, users can see tidal flows anywhere and make decisions with confidence.
Featured Charter
Caribbean Racing with "The Project"
Join us on board the beautifully-maintained Sigma 38 for the 2024 Caribbean Racing Season.
A racer-cruiser with a brand new suit of racing sails and a highly experienced racing skipper: Andy Budgen. Available for full-boat charter (max 8 ppl) and ideal for everyone from sailing enthusiasts to complete beginners.
"The Project", our Sigma 38, is a fabulously maintained Racer-Cruiser. She is kitted out with a brand new suit of race sails and safety gear as well as all the instruments you could hope for! Designed as a safe Offshore Racer, she goes extremely well in the wild seas and steady tradewinds of the Caribbean.
Our Schedule:
Barbados Sailing Week 14th - 22nd January
Grenada Sailing Week 28th January - 2nd February
St Maarten Sailing Week 29th February - 3rd March
Antigua Sailing Week 28th April - 6th May
See listing details in Seahorse Charters
Contact
Andy Budgen
Email:
Tel: +44 (0) 7866 589824
See the the Seahorse charter collection
Featured Brokerage
Shogun Yachts 50. 980000 EUR. Located in Rosattra, Sweden.
Quite possibly the coolest yacht on the planet and certainly one of the fastest. Marrying blistering performance under sail with epic Swedish build-quality, and luxury interiors for comfortable cruising, LADYKILLER ticks all the boxes for a multi-purpose performance cruiser.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Matias Renlund - Grabau International (Scandinavia)
Tel: +358406861501
Email:
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2018 TP52 Alegre. 1.5 million (ex VAT) EUR.
Professionally maintained and fully optimised to the highest level of competition on the 52 Super Series circuit. Cradle, container, sails and spares.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
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Balance 526. 1,620,000 tax not included USD.
A Yachting journalist once likened our Balance 526 to a "BMW M Series," so who are we to argue? With her foam core hulls and decks, carbon daggerboards, heavily carbon reinforced structures and full epoxy construction, she's built and sails just like a high-performance racing cat yet remains amazingly easy to operate and maintain.
The 526 was awarded "Import Boat of the Year" by Cruising World magazine in 2016 as well as Best Multihull Over 50 Feet, and she's been winning awards ever since, including first to finish in the 2023 Cape to Race. But...she is a liveaboard voyaging catamaran - we did not set out to create a racing boat, fast as she is.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong. -- H. L. Mencken
Editorial and letter submissions to
Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see eurosailnews.com/advertise/
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