In This Issue
• Deborah Fish elected RORC Commodore
• Richomme's bold moves north are paying off
• Ingrid Abery 2024 Sailing Calendar
• LawConnect first home in SOLAS Big Boat Challenge
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• Alberto Bona crowned 2023 Class40 Champion
• International Etchells Youth Performance Squad opportunities
• Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta
• Line Honours for Italian Team on Berenice Cube
• Featured Charter: Lady M
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Savannah
• • IRC GP42
• • Ichi Ban 60
• The Last Word: George Smoot

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

Deborah Fish elected RORC Commodore
Members of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) have elected Dr Deborah Fish, OBE as the new Commodore of the London and Cowes based Club with effect from 1st January 2024. She will take up the prestigious role from James Neville. Richard Palmer will take up the role of Vice Commodore from Eric de Turckheim, and Andrew Tseng and Joe Lacey will become Rear Commodores.

Under James and Eric's leadership, RORC has further strengthened its position as a global leader in offshore racing, successfully introducing the RORC Nelson's Cup series in Antigua and the new 635nm Roschier Baltic Sea Race. They have also set the foundations for the return of the Admiral's Cup in 2025, as well as initiating the exciting redevelopment of its Cowes Clubhouse. Both have enjoyed tremendous racing success during their tenure. Eric de Turckheim's Teasing Machine was awarded 2023 RORC Yacht of the Year after overall wins in the Rolex Middle Sea Race and RORC Transatlantic Race. James Neville's INO XXX enjoyed many victories and was second overall in the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race; the best result for a Commodore in office since John Illingworth's Myth of Malham won the Fastnet Race in 1949.

Deb is the first woman to be elected Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, which will celebrate its centenary in 2025. She has been very active in her role as a Rear Commodore, chairing the Membership Committee and championing youth sailing through her leadership of RORC's Griffin initiative. Deb also has a strong offshore racing background having raced with the RORC since 1999 and completed the Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race 11 times. Deb and Rob Craigie sailed Bellino, Rob's Sun Fast 3600, double handed to overall victory in the 2023 RORC Season's Points Championship. This was the first time Bellino has won the RORC Championship overall after coming third in 2022 and second in 2019. -- Louay Habib

www.rorc.org

Richomme's bold moves north are paying off
For the meantime Yoann Richomme (Paprec-Arkea) is pulling out the stops as he continues to lead the Retour à La Base solo IMOCA race from Martinique to Lorient. So far he has been prepared to push harder and go slightly further north than the pack of boats chasing him. Benefiting from more wind he has nearly doubled his lead since yesterday.

And while he appears to have a boat and sails at close to 100%, more and more of the chasing pack have technical problems or have been more conservative. Whilst Jéremie Beyou (Charal) suffered with wind instrument and pilot problems he has been back on the attack, making good speeds today and getting back up to second place, duelling with third placed Sam Goodchild (FOR THE PLANET), both about 45 miles back on Richomme.

And after racing to a new 24 hours distance record to yesterday afternoon 539.1 miles Thomas Ruyant (FOR PEOPLE) suffered rudder problems last night which led to an involuntary gybe which tore his mainsail.

And over the course of this Tuesday afternoon more of the 'usual subjects' - those with a history of attacking or strong boats - have gybed to go north. Germany's Boris Herrmann (Malizia Seaexplorer) is holding high average speeds and has gybed this afternoon as has the hard driving maverick Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée).

Race Tracker

retouralabase.org

Ingrid Abery 2024 Sailing Calendar
Looking for some colourful vitamin sea this winter? The Ingrid Abery 2024 Sailing Calendar transports you to a fresh setting each month. From Cowes to the Caribbean, Sardinia to St Tropez twenty five images capture drama, action and atmosphere. A great Christmas present the calendar can be ordered gift-wrapped and sent directly to you recipient.

Ingrid's lenses have again been at the sharp end of the international race circuit. Opening the year is the inaugural Richard Mille Cup that drew various Mediterranean regulars from their classic circuit. In the fresh to fruity conditions of this year's Rolex Fastnet race Ultim multihull winner SVR Lazartigue was captured accelerating off the start. Just days prior the same patch of the Solent offered a calmer burst of colour with the Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford leading Class 1 in the British Classic Week.

The majestic J-Class meanwhile are featured sparring in the swell off Porto Cervo as Rambler 88 slices through the spray light a knife through butter. A tour around the Caribbean takes you to the Superyacht circuit in St Barths, striking inter-island racing at the BVI Spring regatta and a mouthwatering view of the St Thomas International regatta.

Opening up to A2 each month offers two richly printed photos plus a generous box calendar in which to make notes. The price for all these images is just 20 Euros apiece plus p/p. Orders can be placed seamlessly through the website where UK, European and worldwide postage is detailed.

The calendar can be viewed and purchased at: ingridabery.com/calendar

LawConnect first home in SOLAS Big Boat Challenge
Nine of the best performing maxi racing yachts in Australia competed in ideal sailing conditions with an 18kt NE breeze on Sydney Harbour this afternoon in the fifth and final race of the 2023 Raymarine Australian Maxi Championship.

The SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), has become a popular spectator event over its 25 years and seldom fails to deliver close and exciting racing. As the last major event before the Rolex Sydney Hobart on Boxing Day, it's a final test for crews, an opportunity to test set-ups and a chance to claim bragging rights over rivals.

The 2023 victors in both Maxi (80 to 100-foot) and Mini Maxi (60 to 79-foot) divisions have arguably been the form boats of the past few months.

Christian Beck's Juan Kouyoumdjian Maxi 100 LawConnect has placed second to Andoo Comanche in many races in 2023 and has also been bridesmaid for Line Honours in the past three Rolex Sydney Hobarts, but under the guidance of Tony Mutter and Ty Oxley, the crew has gelled strongly and been sailing as a tight team. Today they completed the course without a blemish.

cyca.com.au

Seahorse December 2023
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

World News
It's some TJV ahead, the Best of British, doing good at the base, dodging bullets in Barcelona, off the wrong way... again. Ivor Wilkins, Carlos Pich, Magnus Wheatley, Blue Robinson, Patrice Carpentier, Dobbs Davis, Alex Pella, Franck Cammas, Luis Saenz De Mariscal

Time for a rethink
It's a sea boot, Jim, but not as we know it... Zhik decided to redevelop the concept from scratch Winning before you start

Clever, cleverer
Kate Cope on how to prepare a doublehanded boat (part one of two)

Case proved
The value of the Doyle Sails expert goes far beyond the role of sailmaker

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Alberto Bona crowned 2023 Class40 Champion
At the end of a sensational season, Italian sailor Alberto Bona (age 37) has been crowned 2023 Class40 Champion. Having only joined the Class40 circuit in September 2022, Alberto Bona propelled his Mach40.5 IBSA campaign straight in to the top 10, scoring two fine victories this year in the RORC Caribbean 600 and Les Sables-Horta, and finishing third in the season's two transatlantic races, the Defi Atlantique and the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre.

The worthy runner-up is Ambrogio Beccaria (Alla Grande Pirelli) in second place ahead of Erwan Le Draoulec (Everial).

Even though the rules of the championship dictate that the title goes to the skipper, Pablo Santurde del Arco deserves to be honoured yet again this year. As Alberto's co-skipper, he amply deserves to share this victory, having competed in every championship race on IBSA.

Alberto Bona won the RORC Caribbean 600, Les Sables-Horta and the 2023 Class40 Championship. Ambrogio Beccaria on Alla Grande Pirelli won the Transat Jacques Vabre, the 40 Malouine Lamotte and CIC Normandy Channel Race. Italy has every reason to be proud of its offshore racers.e

Erwan Le Draoulec (Everial) took third place thanks to a season during which he always managed to position himself well, with a few outstanding performances, such as his victory in the 2nd leg of the Defi Atlantique (as well as his win in the Rolex Fastnet Race, though the race does not count towards the Championship). Often making smart tactical moves, the skipper of Everial, who took over from Stan Thuret, has seen his consistent performance rewarded with a creditable third place result in the Championship in his very first season.

Top ten 2023 Championship results
1. Alberto Bona (IBSA) - 1077pts
2. Ambrogio Beccaria (Alla Grande Pirelli) - 896pts
3. Erwan Le Draoulec (Everial) - 807pts
4. Axel Trehin (Project Rescue Ocean) - 720pts
5. Alister Richardson (Tquila) - 716pts
6. Ian Lipinski (Credit Mutuel) - 668pts
7. Pierre-Louis Attwell (Vogue avec un Crohn) - 653pts
8. Achille Nebout (Amarris) - 633pts
9. Xavier Macaire (Groupe SNEF) - 589pts
10. Mikael Mergui (Centrakor) - 587pts

class40.com

International Etchells Youth Performance Squad opportunities
The Etchells Youth Performance Squad is a brand new programme starting in 2024 for accomplished young racing sailors to allow them and their teams to participate in some of the best one-design fleet racing based out of Cowes. Selected teams will be granted the use of one of 3 boats to race within the Cowes Etchells Regatta Programme.

The EYPS programme provides boats that are very competitive, high specification Etchells for all the regattas during the calendar year, with the option of formal and ad-hoc training events. This package includes competitive sails, all the necessary 'class legal' equipment, entry fees for the duration of the season, insurance for the boat, dry sailing package at Cowes Yacht Haven, and the use of boat and kit for training outside of regattas.

The Squad aims to support high performing and high potential racing sailors aged 18 and over. Teams can participate for one or more seasons and the Performance Squad is open to both previous Academy members with Etchells experience, and, for example British Sailing Team graduates and Olympic class sailors new to the class. All team members must be under the age of 29 on the 1st of January 2024, and must comply with a maximum combined weight of 285 kg.

Applications can be made by getting in touch with to express your interest for the 2024 racing season. The application details for the 2024 squad will then be shared with you and your proposed team. Please do also get in touch if there any questions with the squad, application process, or any other relevant questions. -- Ted Blowers

Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta
Porto Cervo, Italy: Registration for the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2024 is officially open as of today. The event, supported by Giorgio Armani, one of the most iconic Italian brands in the world, will take place from 4th to 8th June and is open to Superyachts with a minimum length of 90 feet. Once again for the 2024 edition, the Southern Wind RendezVous and Trophy will be held as part of the event. This appointment sees a large fleet of Southern Wind yachts gather in Porto Cervo for a friendly competition set against the unique backdrop of the La Maddalena Archipelago.

Racing will begin on 5th June and conclude on the 8th, the day on which the winner of the Silver Jubilee Cup will be declared. The Notice of Race is available online

The official documents, Notice of Race, entry form and further information are available in the dedicated section on the YCCS website.

Line Honours for Italian Team on Berenice Cube
A lucky thirteen years after claiming line honours in ARC 2010, Marco Rodolfi is again first to the finish, this time in a faster 12 days 13 hours 54 minutes and 34 seconds with Swan 90 Berenice Cube (GBR).

The Italian owned and crewed Berenice Cube crossed the line off Pigeon Island, Saint Lucia on Saturday 2 December at 02:39:34 UTC (local time Friday 1 December 22:39:34) after 3050 nautical miles of classic trade wind sailing from Gran Canaria.

Seven hours after Berenice Cube was alongside in IGY Rodney Bay Marina, Regis Guillemot took multihull line honours with his Marsaudon ORC50 Ti ana (FRA), crossing the line on Saturday 2 December at 10:22:32 UTC (local time 06:22:32). Regis and the crew of Ti ana covered 3313nm in 12 days, 21 hours 52 minutes and 32 seconds.

Like Marco Rodolfi, this is the second ARC line honours award for Regis, following his 2019 win with Hallucine (FRA), a Marsaudon TS5. Ti ana made the crossing almost 2 days faster than Hallucine, which was first overall to finish in 2019.

With Berenice's line honours, Italian teams have won both the 2023 ARC transatlantic rallies as Andrea Nevi's Italia Yachts 15.98 Nessun Dorma (ITA) crossed the line first in the ARC+ rally to Grenada on 29 November after 11 days 18 hours from Cape Verde.

It is also a double in the 2023 multihull line honours with newly launched Marsaudon ORC50s taking both top slots – Ti ana joining Christopher Murray's Mongoose (USA) which finished ARC+ in 11 days and 23 hours.

Fleet Viewer

worldcruising.com/arc/

Featured Charter
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Charter destinations (West Mediterranean):
French Riviera | Corsica | Marseille to Saint Tropez | Naples & Amalfi Coast

See listing details in Seahorse Charters

Contact
Charter Department
Bernard-Gallay
Phone : +33 (0)467 66 39 93
Mail : or

See the the Seahorse charter collection

Featured Brokerage
90' Savannah

Savannah’s all carbon kevlar construction ensures thrilling performance & impeccable balance thanks to her deep fin keel. In truth this Modern Classic Legend has never really been matched since her launch in 1997. Achieving a particularly good rating, it is no wonder Savannah continues to turn heads on the racecourse where she has achieved podium results in Antigua, Newport RI, St Tropez and Cowes. With hydraulic winches & furling genoa, SAVANNAH can be easily sailed by 2-3 pers. and is an ideal purists cruising yacht in which to cruise the Mediterranean or US coastline. This is a fine yacht not to be missed!

In 1997 the classic design of SAVANNAH set new standards of grandeur and elegance under sail. Her long overhangs and low freeboard were inspired by the magnificent J-Class yachts of the 1930's.

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Contact
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email:
Tel: +44 (0)7476 888639

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2009/2020 IRC GP42. 300000 GBP. Located in Hamble, UK.

"Dark N Stormy" is an IRC/ORCi racer. Launched as GP42 in 2009, she is a full carbon build with extensive refits for the IRC FAST 40 circuit. New deck in 2020 and updated sail inventory from North. Most successful IRC boat in the UK for past 3 years. Huge potential - she just keeps winning!

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats

+447759 424900
ancasta.com/raceboats

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ICHI BAN 60. POA. Located in Sydney, Australia

Ichi Ban is a superbly built and maintained hi-tech offshore racer.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Matt Allen at

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The Last Word
It seems that the more we learn, the more we see how it all fits together. As we study the universe as a whole, we realize that microcosm and macrocosm are, increasingly, the same subject. -- George Smoot

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