EuroSail News #5513

In This Issue
• Kusznierewicz/Prada Secure Fifth Straight Victory
• Blue Water Medal Presented to Kirsten Neuschafer
• We Are Hiring! Marine Canvas Fabricator
• Clarisse Cremer/Tanguy Le Turquais: "It Was A Tsunami"
• 2024 Aegean 600
• Yacht Racing Forum Sets Sail for Amsterdam on November 20-22
• 18ft Skiffs Queen Of The Harbour
• Cup Spy : Light winds plague training in Barcelona
• 2025 Trans-Tasman Yacht Race: Entries Officially Open
• Featured Charter: Beneteau First 36 #42
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Pegasus 50
• • Reichel/Pugh 45 - Pterodactyl
• • SW78 Elise Whisper
• • TP52
• • Melges 15
• The Last Word: Polish proverb

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

Kusznierewicz/Prada Secure Fifth Straight Victory at the 97th Bacardi Cup
Bruno Prada (left) and Mateusz Kusznierewicz. Photo by Martina Orsini. Click on image to enlarge.

In a fleet brimming with former Bacardi Cup winners and Star World Champions, maintaining consistency across six races to seize The 97th Bacardi Cup title was never going to be easy.

After five races, Mateusz Kusznierewicz/Bruno Prada, Augie Diaz/Henry Boening and Doyle/Payson Infelise had elevated themselves into a class of their own, setting the stage for a three-way tiebreak showdown in the decisive race 6.

The showdown however never materialised, as Kusznierewicz/Prada took control from the start and never looked back.

"Five times in row is really out of the box in terms of the Star Class," said Prada, who won his first Bacardi Cup in 2020 after fifteen years of trying. "It is a really tough class to win. Five in a row never happened before so it is some historical moment and we need to enjoy it. I am super proud to win five Bacardi's, five Worlds and be a little part of the Star Class history." -- Luissa Smith

Final Top 3
1. Mateusz Kusznierewicz / Bruno Prada (POL 8559) - 14 pts
2. Augie Diaz / Henry Boening (USA 8509) - 17 pts
3. Eric Doyle / Payson Infelise (USA 8580) - 18 pts

Prizes were also presented to the age division winners:
U30 (skipper under 30) - Facundo Olezza / Ricardo Vadia
Master (skippers aged 50 through 59) - Eric Doyle / Payson Infelise
Grand Master (skippers aged 60+) - Augie Diaz / Henry Boening
Exalted Grand Master (skippers aged 70+) - John Dane III / Dave Martin

bacardiinvitational.com

Blue Water Medal Presented to Kirsten Neuschafer as CCA Honors Top 2023 Ocean Sailors
Kirsten Neuschafer. Photo by Dan Nerney. Click on image to enlarge.

The 2023 Cruising Club of America (CCA) awards ceremony was held at the New York Yacht Club on Friday, March 1, highlighted by the presentation of the Blue Water Medal to solo round-the-world sailor Kirsten Neuschafer. The prestigious Medal was first awarded by the CCA at the Club's first annual meeting in 1923.

Neuschafer, of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, received the Blue Water Medal from Commodore Jay Gowell in recognition of her victory in the 2022 Golden Globe Race, a 235-day solo circumnavigation in which she was the first of three finishers among 17 original starters. The race restricts sailors to the use of sailboats and technology that was available when the race was first held, in 1968.

Self-effacing in her remarks, Neuschafer said, "It's a singlehanded race, but many, many people help" and spent most of her speech giving credit to others. She said, "On a very philosophical level, I learned a lot, and it was truly a voyage of collaboration," then added, "It's one of those experiences you keep on doing for a while, and the train hasn't ended." -- John Burnham

cruisingclub.org

We Are Hiring! Marine Canvas Fabricator
Ullman Sails St. Maarten is currently looking for a qualified Marine Canvas Fabricator to join our full service loft. Requirements

- Must be an experienced Marine Canvas Fabricator capable of manufacturing repairs etc.
- Be able to work independently or as part of a team
- Good dexterity and proficiency in operating heavy duty sewing machinery
- Possess a positive work attitude

Send Resume To:

Tel: +1 (721) 5445231

Clarisse Cremer/Tanguy Le Turquais: "It Was A Tsunami"
The international jury set up to rule on Clarisse Cremer 's suspected routing by her companion Tanguy Le Turquais in the last Vendee Globe delivered its verdict on Monday: it is "entirely convinced that there was no misconduct from either Clarisse Cremer or Tanguy Le Turquais." Relieved by this decision, the two sailors agreed to talk to Tip & Shaft about the story .

How did this story start for you?
Clarisse Cremer: Almost at the same time as everyone else, when we received the famous screen shots this Monday (February 12); on the other hand, ten days before that, we had had exchanges with the Imoca class, who had received a call from a skipper saying that we would soon be accused of cheating in the newspapers. At the time, I wondered what they were talking about, I was a bit hallucinated, but we understood better when we received the screenshots...

How did your sponsors react to the storm?
Clarisse Cremer: Personally, I received a lot of support from my team and my partners, they never doubted us, that was very precious, I don't know how I would have done without that.

Tanguy Le Turquais: Same thing, I've had unwavering support. After that, we're in a period where we're still looking for funding; personally, my winter was dedicated to that, and now that part has fallen apart a bit, with some prospects disappearing. It's a bit complicated, because it represents weeks, if not months, of work, but on the other hand, the partners already involved, and Lazare in particular, have put their blind trust in me.

Do you have any idea who took the photos and who sent the anonymous e-mails?
Tanguy Le Turquais: For the e-mails, we have some ideas, but no certainties. As for the photos, all we know is that it's on the Banque Populaire trimaran, but we don't know who it is. And I confess we haven't concentrated on that.

Clarisse Cremer: The only important thing to remember is that these shots were carefully selected to cause as much harm as possible.

The full interview in Tip & Shaft

2024 Aegean 600
Click on image to enlarge.

Organizers at the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC) are pleased to announce the 2024 edition of the Aegean 600 is now open for entry. The event is being held over 5-13 July 2024 and is co-organized by the host venue at Olympic Marine.

Now in its fourth annual edition, the race has grown in interest and popularity every year, with last year's third edition attracting 500 sailors racing on 45 yachts from 16 nations. What attracts them is this race's unique format: a scenic offshore journey of 605 miles that starts and finishes under the watchful gaze of the Ancient Temple of Poseidon poised on the sea cliff above Attica's Cape Sounio.

Besides this amazing and historic start and finish venue, the course itself is a spectacular tour that passes 13 iconic Greek islands, including a lap around the volcanic caldera of Santorini in the first part of the race and later towards end of the race through a gap at the islands of Dilos and Mykonos.

The ever-present northerly Meltemi winds that can peak to over 30 knots propels the fleet around this course, challenging their skills in both seamanship and navigation, yet also delivering clear sunny skies, starry nights and warm waters throughout.

Seaworthy monohulls of minimum length of 9.00 m and seaworthy multihulls of length 9.15 m and larger are welcome to enter with ORC and/or IRC certificates.

Recognized offshore class yachts such as Dehler 30 One Designs, Class 40's, Mini 6.5's, Figaro 2's and Figaro 3's are also welcome to enter. The event will also welcome Maxi yachts as a race on the 2024 International Maxi Class (IMA's) calendar of events.

Notice of Race

aegean600.com/the_race/

Yacht Racing Forum Sets Sail for Amsterdam on November 20-22
The worlds' leading conference dedicated to the sport of sailing is delighted to announce the official launch of its 14th edition. The event will take place alongside METSTRADE and will gather the finest minds and talents in the yachting industry for three days of intense discussions, networking opportunities and strategic collaborations.

Mark your calendars for November 20-22 as the Yacht Racing Forum 2024 prepares to make waves in Amsterdam, alongside the METSTRADE fair.

The 14th edition of the event will once again serve as a pivotal platform for industry professionals to explore and discuss the latest trends, innovations and challenges shaping the world of yacht racing, offering unparalleled networking and business opportunities.

Attendees can anticipate gaining valuable insights from leading experts, exchanging best practices, and cultivating invaluable connections with peers worldwide.

"We are excited to bring the Yacht Racing Forum to Amsterdam, in collaboration with the METSTRADE fair," expressed Bernard Schopfer, the event organiser. "By co-locating with the world's biggest maritime trade show, we aim to create a synergistic platform for discussions on the future of yacht racing. This partnership will enhance participation and also significantly reduce the event's carbon footprint. We eagerly await the diverse participation from around the world, promising an inspiring event for all."

The Yacht Racing Forum 2024 invites all stakeholders, including event organisers, sponsors, yacht clubs, sailors, technical providers, designers, engineers and media representatives to join this unparalleled gathering.

Early bird registration for the Yacht Racing Forum 2024 is available until April 30.

18ft Skiffs Queen Of The Harbour
Queen of the Harbour (Miss Peggy Stewart) - 1931. Click on image for photo gallery.

The eyes of the world 18 footer competitors and supporters were centred on the most successful JJ Giltinan world Championship regattas held for many years as 27 of the best skiff teams produced a number of exciting, action-packed races on Sydney Harbour.

This Sunday (March 17), the Australian 18 Footers League fleet will be back on Sydney Harbour and 18 of the teams which contested last week's championship will be in action once again.

This time it will be a vastly different type of event, but one with a similarly high regard within the class, where every team will carry an additional female crew member. All boats will have a four-person crew for the race.

It is the time-honoured 'Queen of the Harbour' race.

The Queen of the Harbour race is the final race of the Australian 18 Footers League's 2023-24 season. The club's spectator ferry will follow the race, leaving Double Bay Public Wharf at 2.15pm.

If you can't get to Sydney Harbour, catch the action on the SailMedia livestream coverage -- Frank Quealey, Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.

18footers.com

Cup Spy : Light winds plague training in Barcelona. US back with two AC40s
Two teams sailed off Barcelona in light conditions, which provided a valuable albeit frustrating experience. In Auckland, the Kiwis stayed ashore.

What happened in the Cup - March 7, 2024:

- INEOS Britannia - did not sail, presumably due to the prospect of light winds. They have their AC40 Athena back in action after a lithium battery fire.

- Alinghi Red Bull Racing: did not sail, presumably due to the prospect of light winds.

- Emirates Team New Zealand - did not sail despite having a good breeze of 15-20kts blowing in Auckland.

- American Magic - the US team had both their AC40s in action today, with the damaged topside repaired on America. Light winds again restricted their practice, however experience in marginal foiling conditions is likely to be a determining factor in the upcoming America's Cup in Barcelona.

- Orient Express Racing Team - Sailed for the fourth successive day on Thursday. Three times America's Cup winner Glenn Ashby was back on the water with the team - but had to leave to catch a flight. The team also struggled a little in the light, turning in some tack/gybe stats which have room for improvement. But as with American Magic a day in these marginal conditions is probably more valuable than sailing at 40kts plus in optimal foiling conditions.

- Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli - The Italian team have retired their LEQ12 test boat, which has served the team well. They have notified an April launch date for their AC75 raceboat.

Read Richard Gladwell's full commentary in Sail-World.com

2025 Trans-Tasman Yacht Race: Entries Officially Open
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) has opened entries for the inaugural Trans-Tasman Yacht Race.

The race from Sydney which traverses over 1,270 nautical miles across the Tasman Sea and rounds the tip of New Zealand's North Island to finish in Auckland, will commence on 28 February 2025.

The Trans-Tasman has been designed for both racing yachts and racer/cruisers and will be an exciting addition to Summer's international offshore race calendar. It will be run in collaboration with Race Finishing Partner, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

The race is planned to run biennially, alternating with the CYCA's Ponant Sydney Noumea Yacht Race every other year.

A distinctive feature of the event will be its staggered start, spread over a three-day period from 28 February to 2 March 2025. Competitors' start times will be assigned based on their boat's IRC or PHS ratings. This should result in closer finishing times and a festive celebration in Auckland.

With over 30 boats having previously submitted expressions of interest, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia anticipates a strong and varied fleet for the 2025 race.

Entries for the Trans-Tasman Yacht Race 2025 are open until 1700hrs (AEDT) on 8 November 2024.

trans-tasman.cycaracing.com

Featured Charter
BENETEAU First 36 #42. From 3150 Euros/week. Located in Marina Pirovac, Adriatic Sea, Croatia.

One of the most awarded boats in history is now available for bareboat charter in Croatia. Experience the thrill of high-performance racing boats on your family holidays without sacrificing onboard comfort. She is brand new and fully equipped for cruising and racing.

See listing details in Seahorse Charters

Contact
Portuss d.o.o., Tit Plevnik
Email:
Phone: +386 31 212 432
Booking Code: Seahorse First 36

See the the Seahorse charter collection

Featured Brokerage
Pegasus 50. POA EUR.

Blue water cruiser for freedom at sea

Comfort, safety, quality and speed, the cardinals of the Pegasus yachts team. The Pegasus 50 offers an exclusive modern layout boasting an open flow from deck to interior for maximum comfort. Attention to details throughout this gorgeous and innovative yacht delivers the ultimate in quality and safety... for a short getaway or an ocean crossing adventure, with multiple crew or single-handed! With remarkable performance and agility, she will take you the distance and deliver superb sensations. The Pegasus 50 delivers the perfect harmony for your sailing adventures.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Miha Breskvar
E-mail:
Skype: miha.breskvar
Mobile: +386 41 686 096

-----------------------------------------

2006 Reichel/Pugh 45 - 'Pterodactyl'. 325000 USD. Located in Newport, RI - USA.

Reichel/Pugh 45, PTERODACTYL is back on the market for the next owner to enjoy a powerful but easily driven hull, with recent upgrades and optimizations keeping her at the front of the fleet. Some new sails and all ins are maintained professionally. Please do call for the full details.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
Berthon UK
Tel: 0044 (0)1590 679 222
E-Mail:

-----------------------------------------

2001 / 2021 SW78 Elise Whisper. 1,490,000 EUR.

Designed as a cruiser-racer, the Southern Wind 78 ELISE WHISPER is ideal for both bluewater navigation and competitive races. Her deck layout features a large guest cockpit protected by a collapsible and recessed dodger, which is well separated from the sailing cockpit. She is the perfect yacht for

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact

Phone : +33 (0) 467 66 39 93

-----------------------------------------

TP52. 290,000 EUR. Located in Barcelona.

High Performance Full Carbon (DSPM-7,000 K.)

Designer: Botin & Carkeek
Builder: Goetz (EEUU 2007)
Updated: Longitud 0 (2015)

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
For more information:

-----------------------------------------

Melges 15. POA EUR.

Designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges, the Melges 15 prioritizes stability, comfort, ease of use, and performance.

“The Melges 15 creates a clear pathway for junior sailors to get started and stay excited about sailing while also being comfortable and accessible enough for adults to learn, race, or cross-train,” said Harry Melges III.

The Melges 15’s stable hull shape and ergonomic cockpit make it a suitable layout for adult racing and educational sailing. Easy conversion from a club configuration (non-spinnaker) to a one-design setup, provides more versatility to club programs and options for individual owners.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Melges Performance Sailboats
W3730 Forest Glenn Street
Zenda, Wisconsin 53195 USA
Phone +1 262 275 1110
Email