In This Issue
• Pressure builds on Bay of Palma
• Rolex China Sea Race 2024 wraps up in Subic Bay
• What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine
• Round Tortola Race for Nanny Cay Cup
• Countdown to Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point
• Henri Lloyd go Back to Basics
• OpenSkiff Eurochallenge
• Vintage Motorboating magazines for sale
• Spirit Yachts Reveals Plans for 2024 Regatta
• Industry News
• Featured Charter: Beneteau First 36 #42
• Featured Brokerage:
• • Volvo Ocean 65 - VO65 NO6
• • TP 52 Georgia
• • Fujin - 2015 Custom Bieker 53’ Catamaran
• • TP52
• • Swan 80 - Umiko
• The Last Word: Calvin & Hobbes

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

Pressure builds on Bay of Palma
Another sea breeze day kept the giant 53 Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by Iberostar rolling through a demanding schedule of races. Across the classes are some marked, understandable differences between the mindsets of those who are in the throes of an Olympic selection fight and those who have missed out on Marseille and are racing now liberated of the constant pressure.

The two leaders of the women's ILCA6 fleet are on either side of that divide. In first place Australian Mara Stransky is looking to this Sofía to tip Olympic selection in her favour ahead a talented group which has three Aussies in the top ten after today's first gold fleet races.

The 25-year-old Stransky who grew up on her family's catamaran and came to the ILCA 6 from offshore racing on multihulls, is aiming to clinch selection to her second consecutive Olympics after Tokyo where she finished 14th.

She shares the same points aggregate as GBR's 22-year-old Matilda Nicholls who believes she is sailing better after compatriot Hannaa Snellgrove was announced for Paris 2024.

After six qualifying races for the 470 Mixed event Sweden's Tokyo silver medallist Anton Dahlberg and Lovisa Karlsson are on top by a single point by virtue of two wins in the 10-13kts sea breeze conditions they seem to love.

In the Nacra 17 Italy's world and Olympic champions Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti, 2022 overall winners here moved up to second place with a 1,1,3 closing up ominously on Germany's Olympic bronze medallists Paul Kohlhoff and Alica Stuhlemme.

trofeoprincesasofia.org

Rolex China Sea Race 2024 wraps up in Subic Bay
The final yachts arrived in Subic Bay late afternoon of 2 April, wrapping up the 2024 Rolex China Sea Race. 21 boats took part in the 2024 edition with 191 competitors hailing from 26 territories.

After a stunning start in Victoria Harbour with up to 20kts of easterly breeze on 27 March, the wind gradually softened throughout the 565nm journey towards Subic Bay, Philippines. The faster IRC Racer 0 division yachts took advantage of their waterline length, making the best of the stronger wind on the course over the first two days and finishing well ahead of their smaller rivals, taking the top spots in the IRC Overall rankings.

It was a fierce battle between TP52 Happy Go and Standard Insurance Centennial V, however Happy Go ultimately finished the Race a mere five minutes ahead of her rival, to take out both Line Honours and the IRC Overall win.

Chinese Entry William Liu's Seawolf claimed 2nd IRC Overall and IRC Racer 0 2nd place. Skipper YY Yan said "We hit two fishing nets on the way down to Subic, but in general we had a pretty good journey down. The whole team performed very well and we hope that our participation can inspire more Chinese boats to join the Rolex China Sea Race."

Third overall, as well as 3rd place in the IRC Racer 0 division went to Philippines entry, Ernesto Echauz s R/P 75 Standard Insurance Centennial V.

Full results of all classes at rolexchinasearace.com

Seahorse April 2024
What's in the Latest Edition Of Seahorse Magazine

Variety
Rob Weiland (bravely) delves into the thorny world of campaign budgets. He is also very much unimpressed with the latest actions of US Sailing

Big Fella - Part I
Blue Murray spends a memorable day talking with Iain Murray, skiff champion, America’s Cup skipper and designer, Olympic sailor, real estate developer and perhaps the most powerful ‘influencer’ in Australian sailing

IRC Column - Balancing act
Those new IRC sail regs. Jenny Howells

Wheat from chaff
When Italian designer Matteo Polli upped his already strong focus on green boat building there were going to be no half measures

Seahorse build table - Hard to believe
1960s multihull genius. Julian Everitt

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Epic Conditions for Round Tortola Race for Nanny Cay Cup
Tortola, British Virgin Islands: Tuesday was epic for the Round Tortola Race, the kick-off event for the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival. Boats started in some 16 knots ENE breeze in five classes, and by the time they rounded Beef Island, it had built to 20 and continued to build to over 24+ throughout the afternoon.

"The north in the breeze made it very tactical going up the south side of Tortola with boats hugging the shore and a lot of ducking and diving to find a lane to get off the south shore," Chris Haycraft, Regatta Director, who raced today on his Corsair F 31 Ting-A-Ling II, commented. "The current was running high, so the waves were steep depending on what boat you were on but once you turned the corner at Scrub (Island), that was it, it was just fun and games! Round Tortola is a great racetrack when its windy and thankfully it was."

Today's overall winner Allegra, the custom catamaran owned by Adrian Keller (SUI) and racing for her first time in the BVI, took first in Performance Multihull, winning the Nanny Cay Cup with an elapsed time of 2:45:45. The course record, which was set in 2019, is held by Fujin, the Bieker 53 catamaran owned and skippered by Greg Slyngstad (USA), with the fastest elapsed time of 1:57:16.

Paul Larsen who calls tactics on Allegra, said, "I've not raced around Tortola before, so it was a voyage of discovery for us. We made a bit of a change today - we brought Paul Campbell James on board as tactician to reduce the workload at the back of the boat and that enabled me to work with Adrian on the driving. The conditions were perfect for us - starting to step into the range where it favours Allegra at 30 tonnes. We had breeze up to 23 and all the boats – Nemo and Convexity2 were flying hulls. Nemo was even reefed, and it was fantastic to have three very well sailed powered up boats neck and neck. It was smiles all around." -- Trish Jenkins

Full Results on YachtScoring.com

bvispringregatta.org

Countdown to Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point
The countdown for the much-anticipated Charleston Race Week 2024, which starts in just two weeks, is underway. Sailors are gearing up for an exhilarating competition with entries spanning 16 classes, including a robust turnout in one-design fleets: 41 J/70s, 26 VX Ones, and 16 Melges 24s.

Building upon 2023 and the regatta's first event aboard the USS Yorktown, Charleston Race Week will expand its festivities aboard the historic aircraft carrier at Patriots Point. Participants and guests will enjoy access to the entire vessel, which will be complemented by award-winning Southern Bear Catering, Gosling's cocktails, beer from Westbrook Brewery, and live music. The ship's 280-seat cinema will host daily race debriefs, continuing the event's legacy of camaraderie and learning.

The USS Yorktown, welcoming over a thousand visitors daily, is a vibrant hub for the sailing community to engage with new enthusiasts. Charleston's sailing organizations, such as Charleston Community Sailing, Veterans on Deck, and the College of Charleston Sailing, will be present to share insights into the sport. Interactive STEM stations throughout the ship will further promote sailing's educational aspects.

charlestonraceweek.com

Henri Lloyd go Back to Basics
We meet marine clothing experts Henri Lloyd to find out how and why one of the biggest names in the business felt the need to go back to basics.

Former Volvo Ocean Race CEO Knut Frostad and Henri Lloyd's sales manager Ross Partridge explain why the company felt the need to change and how it has achieved it.

planetsail.co.uk

Matt Sheahan's blog

OpenSkiff Eurochallenge
The regatta season kicks off at Circolo Vela Arco: on Garda Trentino from 5 to 7 April, almost 200 young sailors from 10 nations will take part in the first stage of the OpenSkiff Eurochallenge, a prologue to the class World Championship at the end of July

The RS Aero class joins the competition with the first international regatta, involving youngsters under 17 and under 22, as well as the over 21s

Circolo Vela Arco's 2024 sports season opens under the banner of the ecological transition and the youngsters of the Open Skiff class, as well as the RS Aero single-handed regattas. In fact, after announcing that it has begun the replacement of its assistance equipment, wanting to switch to electric dinghies tested together with VSR, next weekend (5-7 April) it will begin with the first regattas organised, by delegation of the Italian Sailing Federation, by the club chaired by Carlo Pompili. Nearly 200 under-12, under-15, and under-17 kids (international category subdivision, under-12 and under-15 for the Italian ranking) will take part in the first stage of the OpenSkiff Eurochallenge, also valid as the second national class regatta, after the positive debut in Taranto. Coming from 10 nations, they will join the RS Aero fleet, singles that will race in the first national regatta of the 2024 calendar, with a decidedly international character given the foreign participation, which will make it very interesting.

Stage 1 OpenSkiff EuroChallenge - 2nd National Regatta
The OpenSkiff regattas will be particularly exciting, as they will take place on the same race course as the Class World Championships scheduled for late July (28 July-2 August). Among the nations present will also be India, New Zealand and the USA.

RS Aero-Regatta International and 1st National
Around forty racers in the RS Aero singlehanded race, with excellent foreign participation: in addition to Germany, France, Ireland, Great Britain, Switzerland, and Italy, Australia and the USA are also present. The fleet is divided into the under-17 and under-22 youth categories, as well as the over-21 category, with the respective classes/sails, scheduled respectively in RS Aero5, RS Aero 6, and RS Aero 7.

First race scheduled for Friday from 12 noon.

eurochallenge2024.openskiffclass.org

Vintage Motorboating magazines for sale
Click on image for a gallery of a few issues

For sale: 24 issues of Motorboating magazine from the first half of the 20th century. Two are missing covers but otherwise in fine condition. All have been in protective mylar for decades, conditions vary from good to fine.

Price is $200 and includes shipping via USPS Media Mail to anywhere in the USA, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Contact

Here is the list:
June 1929
November 1929 - Missing back cover
January 1933
June 1933
January 1934
April 1934
June 1934
May 1935 - Missing front cover
June 1935
May 1936
October 1936
December 1936
November 1937
August 1939
April 1940
December 1940
October 1941
June 1942
October 1944
August 1949
February 1953
December 1953
March 1956
December 1958

Spirit Yachts Reveals Plans for 2024 Regatta
Photo by Spirit Yachts / Waterline Media. Click on image for photo gallery.

Spirit Yachts has announced entry is open for its upcoming regatta, to be held in partnership with Locate Guernsey. Taking place in Guernsey, in the Channel Islands, from 15th - 22nd June, the event is exclusively for Spirit Yachts' owners, crew, and guests.

Hosted in partnership with Locate Guernsey and based at Guernsey Yacht Club in St Peter Port, the regatta comprises a six-race series alongside a programme of varied social events.

The regatta programme has been designed to deliver fast paced racing under IRC rating for Spirit yachts from 37ft to 100ft+. The event is partnered by Locate Guernsey, with additional support from lead sponsor WEST SYSTEM and supporting sponsors Lewmar, OneSails, Pantaenius, and Oceanskies.

Taking inspiration from the historic Nioulargue match races at the original Les Voiles de St Tropez, this year's race programme incorporates an exciting new addition, and pays homage to an historic sailing tradition. A day has been allocated for Spirit owners and skippers to challenge fellow yachts to a head-to-head match race, bringing an extra level of competition for sailors.

spirityachts.com/regatta

Industry News
Marine Resources, the marine specialist recruitment agency, is thrilled to announce its second consecutive year of collaboration with METSTRADE through the Career Zone initiative within the Young Professionals Club. This partnership underpins a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent within the industry, extending far beyond the event itself. 

METSTRADE, the world's largest marine equipment trade show for leisure marine professionals, will take place from 19-21 November 2024 in Amsterdam. Attendees under 35 years of age can expect a warm welcome from the Young Professionals Club, which offers far more than just networking opportunities. Daily sessions will feature expert insights on career advancement and invaluable business mentorship from industry leaders. The team also provides guided tours during METSTRADE with personal introductions to key marine businesses. 

During 2023 the event attracted over 400 young professionals to the club over the three days, and the feedback received was overwhelmingly positive.

The Marine Resources team is keen to hear from young professionals to share their challenges and aspirations, offering an open invitation to input ideas for the METSTRADE event. Join the conversation at linkedin.com/groups/12717817/

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Suntex Marina Investors, LLC ("Suntex" or the "Company"), the largest standalone marina owner in the U.S., and Centerbridge Partners, L.P. ("Centerbridge") today announced that they have established a joint venture backed by Centerbridge-affiliated funds and global institutional investors (collectively, "the Investors") to acquire over $1.25 billion in new marinas across the United States. These funds will be used to support new acquisitions and capital improvements at newly acquired facilities, as well as for several development projects across the United States. The day-to-day operations of the joint venture will be managed by Suntex, for which it will receive customary fees.

The Suntex portfolio includes marinas located in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Virginia.

suntex.com

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The opening of the 15th International Multihull Show (IMS) at La Grande Motte marina, close to Montpellier in the South of France, highlights the increasing growth being experienced in the catamaran market. The event, which opened today and runs until April 7, can claim to be the leading global show devoted entirely to multihulls.

Within the multihull market worldwide, the power catamaran sector in particular is expanding steadily with a series of new models being launched regularly. Catamarans are also tending to be larger in size, as reflected in the recently announced order for a 57m (187ft) sailing cat superyacht to be built by Echo Yachts in Australia.

IMS 2024 has some 70 craft on show, both sailing and power catamarans, and includes two world premieres and two European premieres. The former are the new Windelo 54 and the Aventura 37 Day Charter model. The European premieres are the Nautitech 48 Open and the GP70 built in Portugal by Trimarine. -- David Robinson

ibinews.com

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Borrow A Boat, part of The Boat Engine Group in the UK, has acquired Berlin, Germany-based boating marketplace Zizoo, creating one of the biggest boating marketplaces worldwide. The move is part of Borrow A Boat's growth strategy as the company looks to expand operations globally and consolidate other markets.

Borrow A Boat has been adding platforms to its group over the years to serve an expanding and increasingly digitised boat-rental market. Through the acquisition of Zizoo, a leader in the multi-day rental/boating holiday segment, the group will expand its inventory to over 60,000 boats in more than 65 countries worldwide, and become one of world's top 3 biggest boat rental marketplaces.

Borrow A Boat also owns European day-hire boat rental platform Barqo, which it acquired in 2022. The company now has operations in London and Amsterdam and will combine with Zizoo's teams in Berlin and Athens (Greece) to build their global reach. The coming-together will enable synergies across the group in tech, automation and best-in-class customer experience to enable scalable global growth, the company says.

ibinews.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
Volvo Ocean 65 - VO65 NO6. 400000 EUR. Located in Auckland, New Zealand.

Volvo Ocean 65 Ex. TURN THE TIDE, and ready to ship for the next owner - for The Volvo Ocean Race, and other events. Shrink wrapped and ready to go.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

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

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TP52 Georgia. POA.

New Zealand's most successfully campaigned TP52. Built 2009 by Cookson Boats

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Expressions of interest for this exceptional boat, along with POA to

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Fujin - 2015 Custom Bieker 53’ Catamaran. POA USD.

Professionally maintained and in excellent sail-away condition, FUJIN is a custom 53’ all-carbon catamaran designed for the thrill-seeking adventurer or regatta winning owner.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Nils Erickson
SOMA Sailing LLC
+1 619-430-8935

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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:

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Swan 80 - Umiko. 1,595,000 EUR. Located in the Mediteranean.

The 80 concept called for a light, fast, elegant and comfortable super yacht, taking the Cruiser / Racer concept to the next level - ‘Speed, seaworthiness, technology and innovation without compromise’.

UMIKO ((Ex-Conquistador, Ex-Astro, Ex-Maligaya) had an extensive refit in 2012-13. She was lightly cruised in the Balearics between 2014-18.

UMIKO sleeps up to 10 guests in 4 cabins when two crew live forward. However, 6 guest with 3 crew is recommended for maximum comfort and service.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Lucy Jackson - LV Yachting
Call: +44 (0) 20 3920 6261
Email:
lvyachting.com/yachts/swan-80-umiko/

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
To make a bad day worse, spend it wishing for the impossible. -- Calvin & Hobbes

Editorial and letter submissions to

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see eurosailnews.com/advertise/