EuroSail News #5520 - 28 March
In This Issue
• Magic start to Rolex China Sea Race 2024
• SailGP set to get summer started in Halifax
• Two new Harken Twing blocks
• The Melges 24 Rocks Charleston Race Week
• Barcelona Begins
• World Sailing courses for women coaches and officials
• Industry News
• Gautier Sergent
• Featured Charter: Advanced 80 Mindfulness
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Custom Volvo Ocean 65
• • Elliott 44 - "Matador"
• • Savannah
• • Carkeek 47 "Stark Raving Mad IX"
• • ClubSwan 36-019 'Skorpidi'
• The Last Word: Werner J. Dannhauser
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
Magic start to Rolex China Sea Race 2024
A lovely 10 to 12kts north easterly breeze made for an exciting start to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Rolex China Sea Race 2024. All 21 boats got off to a clean start today at 1120hrs in the stunning Hong Kong Victoria Harbour.
The fleet gathered before the start at RHKYC's Kellett Island Clubhouse for a lion dance to wish the competitors a safe journey across the ever-challenging South China Sea.
Three of the top contenders in IRC Racer 0 Class, R/P 75 Standard Insurance Centennial V, along with two TP52s; Happy Go and Standard Insurance Centennial III were in a close tussle at the start line but it was Nie Hua's Happy Go which hit the line first at full pace at the sound of the horn. She led the fleet up to Kai Tak from where larger rival Standard Insurance Centennial V overtook her.
First through the Lei Yue Mun Gap (the narrowest part between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon) was R/P 75 Standard Insurance Centennial V, helmed by two-time China Sea Race Overall winner Ernesto Echauz. They were followed shortly after by TP52s Happy Go and Standard Insurance Centennial III.
After the fleet passed the sheltered harbour, they were greeted by big swells of up to 2.5m. Soon Zoe was the first retirement of the Race.
Of the six international entries, two Filipino boats are in the leading pack. Mainland of China entries, Seawolf and Tong Ran, are looking good in the early stages and the same goes for the first-ever Chinese Taipei entry, Mondher Latiri's Gutsy and the first-ever Korean entry, Hojun Song's Random().
As of 1600hrs, Happy Go is at the front of the fleet travelling along at around 8.6kts, followed by the two Standard Insurance team boats, Centennial V and Centennial III.
SailGP set to get summer started in Halifax
Tickets are now on sale for SailGP's Canadian debut in Halifax on June 1-2. The ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix will mark the official start to summer when the world's most exciting racing on water hits Halifax Harbour in just over two month's time.
The ten national teams (from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, France, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United States) will be racing turbocharged F50 catamarans at upwards of 100-km/h speeds in stadium-style racing close to the Halifax and Dartmouth shorelines, promising plenty of action for fans, when racing gets underway at 4 p.m. ADT on Saturday and Sunday.
The ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix marks the first time that the Canada SailGP Team will race in home waters. Driver Phil Robertson said: "It's going to be amazing to race in Canada for the first time, in front of Canadian fans who have supported the team since inception. We can't wait to get to Halifax!"
To match headsail leech twist in or off-shore, the two new Harken Twing blocks are up (and down) for anything.
You only need to tap into social media or turn the pages of a sailing magazine to see the riot of innovation going on up on the foredeck these days. Code Zeros; jib tops; blade jibs tacked at the stem; staysails; outriggers; even experiments into quad-jibs with two clews. Suddenly, there are more leech profiles to match - more leads to rig properly than ever.
At Harken, we've been down there on the leeward side with a head lamp looking and rigging. And we've been listening. The result is two new opening or Twing blocks - one for dinghies and sport boats - one for offshore. Both are designed to be rigged and de-rigged with one hand when it's gnarly out there. Both can be rigged 2:1 for easier up/down adjustment under load. Or loop-spliced and rigged directly. And both are in stock and available now.
40mm Carbo Twing Block: Buy it now Designed to 300 kg working load, tested to 1000 kg breaking load Learn more with Senior Designer Chuck Lob
1 Ton Big-Boat Twing Block: Buy it now Designed to 1000 kg working load, tested to 2000 kg breaking load 11mm line diameter 6061-T6 Aluminum. Anodized and Rubber-armored to protect block, deck and topsides.
Check it out with Engineering Manager Steve Orlebeke
The Melges 24 Rocks Charleston Race Week
Sixteen Melges 24s are signed up for this year's Charleston Race Week including the father-daughter team Pat Croke and Brigette Croke sailing on Crazy Train/USA 155, with Ted Helme and Megan Roach. From Bedford, NY, the Croke's are seasoned M24 sailors; they bought Crazy Train in late 2015 in time to hit the 2016 race season.
"Our previous boat was a Soverel 33, and we wanted to move to a smaller boat with sport boat characteristics in a great one design fleet," Pat Croke said. "The Melges 24 fit the bill."
The Crokes raced their first CRW in 2016 enticed by the one design class. They've been fans of the regatta ever since. Pat notes that the father-daughter combo works well although issues do arise from time to time...
"We work well as a team but like all skipper/crew or father-daughter combinations whoever has the helm in their hand at the time drives the boat and makes the final decision!" Pat noted.
Brigette usually helms - she's been fortunate to grow up sailing a variety of different boats out of Indian Harbor Yacht Club where she raced Optis, 420s, and Lasers. She sailed with Long Island Sound Youth Sailing Team circuit, in college at Roger Williams University, and any other big boats she could get on but the Melges 24 has become her favorite.
Barcelona Begins
The official America's Cup racing may have stopped until August when the third Preliminary Regatta gets under way, but the pressure is building in other areas. Teams are now making their final preparations for the arrival of their new AC75s as they take up residence in Barcelona.
Matthew Sheahan heads down to the host venue to take a first look at the focal point for the 37th America's Cup and provides an update on what the teams are up to as the clock counts down.
Road to 37th America's Cup is produced in association with Yanmar who commissioned this series.
World Sailing opens applications for courses for women coaches and officials
After the success of the five Race Management Clinics and four Technical Courses held in 2023, World Sailing is once again opening applications for Member National Authorities (MNAs), events, Class Associations and sailing clubs to develop women coaches or race officials.
With Gender Equality Month under way, applications are being invited for the courses which are aimed at encouraging more women to consider a career or volunteering in sailing.
World Sailing Race Management and Technical Coach Courses provide a fantastic opportunity to engage and inspire staff and volunteers from an MNA or club with ambitions of hosting a regatta or event later in their calendar as not only will attendees develop their skills on a course, but this would also offer them the opportunity to put their skills into practise.
The Coaching Pathway allows participants to take the first steps towards becoming an instructor or build on existing experience to be a sailing coach. Each course will teach participants how to safely prepare boats and equipment, develop sailing skills, and tactics and strategy, while also helping to set performance goals and training plans for sailors at all levels.
The Race Official Clinics are intended to introduce the different disciplines to countries where there no formal Race Officiating Certification and provides a ground level for improving their race management, judging and umpiring.
World Sailing is therefore inviting applications from MNAs, Class Associations or sailing clubs to host a course. The application process requires the applicant to confirm the host venue, number of attendees and what the expected costs would be. Courses and clinics will be funded by World Sailing, and applications will remain open until 30 March 2024.
Those interested in an Instructing or Coaching Course, should complete this application form.
Those interested in a Race Officiating Clinic, should complete this application form.
Industry News
On April 18th in Genoa, the first World Foiling Congress will bring together members of The Foiling Organization from all over the world and those interested in becoming members.
The event is organized by The Foiling Organization and is aimed at boat builders, boards, parts and accessories, naval architects and marine engineers, universities and research laboratories.
It will be an opportunity to discuss many aspects and issues related to the foiling industry, which has seen exponential growth in recent years. On the agenda: insurances, certifications, laws and regulations, intellectual property protection, global market data and trends, industry promotion, market access, research and innovation.
The event has the support of Genoa and the patronage of Confindustria Nautica (Italian Nautical Industry Association). The Foiling Organization is a Sustaining Member of EBI (European Boating Industry) and ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations).
On the afternoon of April 17th, there will be a networking session for delegates to meet in an informal environment and discuss with other industry professionals and innovators.
The First World Foiling Congress will take place on April 18th at the Magazzini del Cotone, with the program starting at 09:30.
The following day, April 19th, guests will have the opportunity to visit some of the most important nautical infrastructures of the Genoa Nautical District, visit and possibly test foiling vessels.
For further details and to book your place at the World Foiling Congress, as well as acquiring general membership, please visit the website of The Foiling Organization at foiling.org
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The Antigua and Barbuda Yachting and Marine Association (ABYMA) and IYRS School of Technology & Trades have launched The Antigua Marine Scholarship Fund. In order to qualify for the program, candidates will need to apply to the Antigua Selection Committee presently consisting of members of ABYMA who will review and determine the candidates long-term interest and commitment to the Antigua & Barbuda marine services industry. In addition, the candidates will be required to meet all of the IYRS Admission criteria led by Ms. Wehr, IYRS Director of Admissions.
The first recipient is 21-year-old Ishmael Auguste who will study Marine Systems. Auguste is an ex-Irene B Secondary School Student from Liberta Village and a current member of the refit team at Woodstock Boat Builders. He previously gained experience in electrics and is seeking to expand his knowledge to include marine electrical systems.
The Scholarship Fund's goal is to send at least two students each year and create an endowment that ensures the success of the program into the future.
Those interested in contributing to the Antigua Marine Scholarship Fund can visit iyrs.edu/give/make-a-gift and designate "Antigua Scholarship". IYRS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) so donations may be tax deductible. Contributions of any size will support current and future students' development in the industry and ensure program continuity.
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New features at the 2024 Valencia Boat Show in October will include special areas dedicated to nautical tourism and sustainability. The Spanish show, as always, will present the latest developments from key local and international brands, with a separate space dedicated to catamarans.
The Valencia Boat Show has already confirmed that it will hold its 15th edition from October 23-27 at La Marina de Valencia. The organiser maintains that as the last show of the year in the Mediterranean calendar, the show offers the last opportunity to acquire a new boat for delivery in spring/summer 2025.
In addition to the climate, moderate prices and the attractive leisure offer of the city, one of the great attractions of the show is undoubtedly the possibility – for potential buyers – of visiting the boats afloat and trying them out at sea.
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Set against the spectacular backdrop of the world-renowned Ocean Village Marina, the South Coast and Green Tech Boat Show will play host to a vast range of on-water and shoreside exhibitors, alongside an impressive line-up of boats, from vast luxury superyachts to the smallest tenders, as well as the latest cutting-edge electric boats and green technologies.
Guided by Raymarine, the 3-day event, taking place between 19-21 April, will once again incorporate the Innovation Hub, with a variety of talks covering topics on sustainability and ocean preservation, including an expert-led panel discussion with Q&As.
As part of these scheduled talks, Greg Wells of Raymarine will be on stage at 11am on Saturday 20th April to present their new Dame award-winning Alpha performance displays, as well as introducing their new Smart Wind transducer (RSW), a professional-level wind sensor designed for leisure sailors.
During the show, visitors will also be able to enjoy product demonstrations from a variety of exhibitors, as well as demos from world-renowned brands.
Refreshments and snacks will be available throughout the show from seasonal kitchen Earth to Oven, who will once again be supplying their sensational locally sourced street food for hungry visitors at the show. For something a little stronger, Renegade Brewery will be serving a great selection of craft beers, including MDL's very own Nauti Buoy on draft.
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The Chicago Boat Show will shift to a new venue at the DES Convention Center in 2025
The early January event will shift from its former McCormick Place venue to the Donald E Stephens Convention and Conference Center (DES Convention Center) in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont following extensive consultations with exhibitors and show visitors alike.
"After consulting with stakeholders and in-depth analysis, the best path forward is producing the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show at the DES Convention Center," said NMMA VP of Midwest boat and sports shows, Darren Envall. "The more centralised location positions the show for growth, accommodating the expanding boating population across a broader Chicagoland region, from the city and surrounding neighborhoods to the suburbs and exurbs of Chicago, and surrounding states."
Located 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago near O'Hare Airport, the DES Convention Center is said to provide 840,000ft2 of exhibition space with close access to major highways, public transportation, hotels and restaurants.
Marking its 93rd year in 2025, the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show is scheduled to run at the DES Convention Center from January 8-12. -- Craig Ritchie
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The International Multihull Show, the world's leading multihull event, keeps going from strength to strength.
For this 15th edition, the port of La Grande Motte will once again be staging an event for enthusiasts, visitors and exhibitors alike. Several previews, new boats and new versions are on the menu this year, as the world of multihulls will be showcased both afloat and ashore, covering an area of over 4,000 sq. metres.
A growing event, the 2024 edition will feature 150 exhibitors, 16% of them new and representing 13 nationalities.
Afloat, a strategic event for the industry
In numbers and highlights, the show will feature: 2 world premieres (New Windelo 54, Aventura 37 Day Charter) 2 European previews (Nautitech 48 Open, GP70) New versions on display (such as C-Catamarans).
The International Multihull Show: come and discover the 15th edition at La Grande Motte from April 3 to 7
Gautier Sergent
It is with immense sadness that we share the news that our friend and North Sails colleague Gautier Sergent passed away after sustaining a heart attack.
Gautier was a brilliant sail designer and an exceptional person. The North Sails team, particularly Gautier's colleagues at North Sails France, feel this news deeply, and his loss will no doubt reverberate throughout the sailing world.
Bruno Dubois, Managing Director for North Sails France from 1999-2014 and the current CEO of Orient Express Racing Team, recognized Gautier's talent when they started working together in 2011 during the Groupama Volvo Ocean Race campaign. Together, Bruno and Gautier laid the groundwork for the force that today is North Sails France.
He comments:
"Immediately, I understood that Gautier was the future of what we wanted to develop in France, not only for offshore sailing but also for the America's Cup. History shows that we made the right choice. Not only a super smart person but an amazing human being."
While at North Sails, Gautier and his family moved to America for him to run the 3D loft in Minden, NV. This prestigious posting, at the core of 3D sailmaking, enabled Gautier to deeply understand our 3Di technology. He translated that experience into advancing our product development and design innovation.
After Minden, Gautier oversaw the opening of the North Sails loft in Lorient La Base. This loft is strategically placed at the epicenter of offshore sailing and is an R&D center for North Sails. Today, North Sails is the dominant sailmaker within offshore racing because of Gautier's contributions.
North Sails President and North Technology Group President Ken Read:
"All of us at North Sails and the wider North Technology Group family stand with Gautier's wife and their three children. Gautier personified North Sails—an absolute expert who drew from his experience to relentlessly advance our competitive edge. He was a visionary sail designer and embraced new challenges with enthusiasm and dedication. Gautier leaves an irreplaceable hole in the sailing world and a legacy that North Sails will be proud to honor."
Featured Charter
Advanced 80 Mindfulness. POA EUR.
Some yachts are built for long ocean passages while others are designed to deliver superb performance in competition. Mindfulness satisfies both requirements to perfection.
Mindfulness is a blistering performance cruiser built from exceptionally high quality materials and equipped with an oversize rig. With her crew, Mindfulness can effortless tackle long and challenging passages in absolute safety as testified by her sister ship Apsaras’s round the world tour.
See listing details in Seahorse Charters
Contact
Jay Nolan
+39 3311096796, and/or +447984179713
See the the Seahorse charter collection
Featured Brokerage
Custom Volvo Ocean 65. 700.000 vat paid EUR.
Complete Turnkey VO65 for sale. Major refit and ready to race including lots of spares and a container workshop. Team Jajo had the most elaborate refit before the last Ocean Race and is ready to go around the planet again. Designed when it was still the Volvo Ocean race and meant as a strict one-design class. The boats are robust and fast, still holding speed and distance records.
For full details please go to seaportyachtbrokers.com
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Seaport Yacht Brokers
Oud-Loosdrechtsedijk 249
1231 LX Loosdrecht
The Netherlands
+31 255 70 02 09
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2009/2019 Elliott 44 - 'Matador'. 330,000 EUR. Located in France.
"Matador" is a competitive and exciting racer designed by Greg Elliott. With proven performance under both ORCi and IRC, she is a yacht that offers crews both inshore and offshore potential, on a well laid out platform that has more comfort than other GP racers with similar performance.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Sam Pearson - Ancasta Race Boats
+447759 4242900
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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.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Carrswood Yachts Limited, UK
email:
Tel: +44 (0)7476 888639
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Carkeek 47 “Stark Raving Mad IX”. POA.
Major upgrades and refit in 2021. Over twenty podium finishes across three seasons including Newport, RI and the Caribbean.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Expressions of interest for this exceptional boat, along with POA to:
+1-949-466-9210
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ClubSwan 36-019 ‘SKORPIDI’. PRICE REDUCTION - 395,000 EUR. Located in Culpe, Spain
The ClubSwan 36 is akin to a modern supercar, allowing you to reach exceptional limits in total control – the extraordinary sensation of surfing at over 20 knots in total safety needs to be experienced to be believed.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
Socrates was the plebeian dissector of an aristocratic society; Nietzsche is the aristocratic dissector of a plebeian society. -- Werner J. Dannhauser
Editorial and letter submissions to
Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see eurosailnews.com/advertise/
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