In This Issue
• Swan Tuscany Challenge
• The Trades Came Back
• Less than 90 days to the AEGEAN 600
• Black Sheep wins RORC Cervantes Trophy
• Ready to summit again - Henri Lloyd
• Seahorse Sailor Of The Month
• A fine second place in the Italian classic Roma Per Due
• The wrappers come off the new British Cup boat
• Official opening of the Yacht Racing Image Award 2024
• April 2024 FINNFARE focuses on future, present and past
• Featured Charter: McConaghy 75 - Jack
• Featured Brokerage:
• • J/80 - Jeronimo
• • Reichel/Pugh 69 - Moneypenny
• • Custom Volvo Ocean 65
• • Shogun 43
• • SW100X Allseas
• The Last Word: Christopher Isherwood
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
Swan Tuscany Challenge
Photo by Max Ranchi, www.maxranchi.com. Click on image for photo gallery.
The Swan Tuscany Challenge closed after four days of intense racing under different sailing conditions and ample social gatherings in true ClubSwan Racing style. The last day of the competition saw excellent weather with a South-westerly wind blowing between 8 and 10 knots delighting the twenty teams ClubSwan 36 and ClubSwan 50 fleets as they sailed their final race. Marina di Scarlino delivered once again a beautiful setting both on and off the water.
Top three podium positions:
Swan Tuscany Challenge ClubSwan 36:
1. G Spot - Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (MON)
2. Black Battalion - Black Battalion (HUN)
3. Fra Martina - Edoardo Pavesio (ITA)
Swan Tuscany Challenge ClubSwan 50:
1. Perhonen - Ross Warburton (GBR)
2. Django - Giovanni Lombardi (GBR)
3. Stella Maris - August Schram (AUT)
The Nations League 2024 event comes to an end with a great prize giving ceremony at Yacht Club Isole di Toscana with the daily winners presented by B&G and C-Map, and the lights are starting to shine on the next events, two of which are new exciting locations the Swan Bonifacio Challenge (May 28 to June 01) in this picturesque Corsican gem and Alghero in the North of Sardinia. , thanks to their bowman Matteo Ramian, a talented cyclist and sailor".
nautorswan.com/clubswan-racing/
The Trades Came Back
Click on image to enlarge.
With great relief, the seasonal 15-knot easterly trade winds came back and the relatively flat seas made perfect sailing conditions for the third day of racing at the 35th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. The new Caterpillar course, which is the reverse of yesterday's Butterfly course, was enjoyed by all.
In the windier conditions, the tall ships finished their race with Ocean Star, the 88-foot Seamester youth sailing vessel, coming first on corrected time, following by Sailing Classics' 177-foot staysail ketches Rhea in second place and Chronos third. That leaves only one point separating all three ships in the class in the cumulative standings with one race to left. In the schooner class, Charm III claimed first place again today, followed by Eros in second and Adventurer third. In the vintage and classic class, Bolero came first today, with Seefalke II and Petrana coming in tied second and The Blue Peter fourth. That puts Seefalke II in first place in the cumulative standings with The Blue Peter a point and a half back and Bolero only one point behind them.
In the traditional class, Alani was first today with Genesis second and New Moon third creating a showdown in the final race as Genesis leads with six points, Alani one point back with seven and New Moon eight. In the Modern A class Legacy won today with Saida second and Longbow of Itchen third. In the cumulative standings Legacy leads Saida by one point going into the final race. In the spirit of tradition class, Eager won first place today with Chloe Giselle second and Freya third. Chloe Giselle leads in the cumulative standings going into the final race but Eager and Freya are tied for second only one point behind. Finally, in the Modern B class Jabberwock now has three first places giving them a four point lead in the cumulative standings over Encore, who held onto second with Blue Peter, the 1979 J-30, moving into third place.
Full results on YachtScoring.com
Less than 90 days to the AEGEAN 600
Click on image to enlarge.
It is now less than 90 days to the 7 July start of the 2024 AEGEAN 600, the annual offshore race organized by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club in conjunction with Olympic Marine. This spectacular 605-mile race starts at Cape Sounio under the watchful gaze of the ancient Temple of Poseidon for a scenic tour of 23 islands of the Aegean archipelago before finishing back at Cape Sounio.
Among the offshore racing world's classic 600-mile races, this is the newest, with the first edition held in 2021. Since then the event's popularity has grown every year, with already 60 monohull and multihull entries from 18 nations planning to participate in this year's 4th edition, a figure that is on its way to a new record turnout with the entry deadline still a few weeks away on 30 April.
These entries represent a large cross-section of the offshore sailing world, ranging in size from Jerry Petratos and Evi Delidou's double-handed Dehler 30 AETHER to George Procopiou's Volvo Open 70, ex-I LOVE POLAND, last year's runner-up elapsed time champion. Teams also range from amateur crews racing for fun to all-pro squads in search of elapsed time course records and corrected time victories in IRC and/or ORC scoring.
In this latter category are two successful international teams making their AEGEAN 600 debut: Austrian Stefan Jentzsch's Botin water-ballasted Botin 56 BLACK PEARL and American Jason Carroll's MOD 70 trimaran ARGO. Both have proven track records and highly-experienced crews that are regular competitors in the world's most competitive ocean races.
"The challenge of this course is precisely why we are coming," said ARGO project manager Chad Corning. "That and we have heard this is a fantastic race, a very cool course and a must-do on the global circuit."
Black Sheep wins RORC Cervantes Trophy
Cowes - Le Havre (110-160nm)
Start: 20 April 2024
The Cervantes Trophy Race is organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) in association with the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Société des Régates du Havre.
RORC Racing Manager Steve Cole reported glorious conditions for the start off the Squadron Line with 14 knots from the north west giving a fast downwind sail through the Western Solent. The 110-mile race to Le Havre was all off the breeze in Spring sunshine. However, south of the Isle of Wight, the wind faded, causing the fleet to compress. The wind picked up mid-Channel to provide thrilling close finishes right through the IRC Classes.
The overall winner of the RORC Cervantes Trophy Race after IRC time correction was Trevor Middleton's Sun Fast 3600 Black Sheep. Second overall was Ian Hoddle's Sun Fast 3300 Game On, racing with Ollie Wyatt. Game On was also the winner in IRC Two Handed. Third overall and second in IRC Two Handed was Rob Craigie's Sun Fast 3600 Bellino, racing with RORC Commodore Deb Fish.
The next RORC offshore race will be the Myth of Malham starting from Cowes on the 4th of May. The 230-mile race around the Eddystone Lighthouse and back mirrors the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race. The Myth of Malham Race is the fifth race of the RORC Season's Points Championship, the world's largest offshore racing series with trophies and races dating back over 100 years.
Ready to summit again - Henri Lloyd
Ocean racing sailor Jamie Arbones tests the new Henri-Lloyd Elite series
Henri-Lloyd is going back to its roots with plans to make sailing gear that lasts for decades and a focus on offshore racing
New product launches in the clothing world often feel like they come as regularly as the sailing seasons that they cater for. But every now and then there are announcements that mark important changes from technological advances to broad reassessments of the manufacturer's focus. For Henri- Lloyd, it was the announcement of both these factors that made their 2023-24 show season a special one as they unveiled an exciting new strategy, along with a bold new yachting and boating range to mark the new direction of travel. Yet rather than starting the process with a detailed analysis of the sport and the market, Henri-Lloyd began by going back to its roots.
Full article in the May issue of Seahorse
Seahorse Sailor Of The Month
This month's nominees:
Marie Tabarly (FRA)
Other teams had setbacks, none more so than Italy's Translated 9, the team frequently leading in IRC but twice succumbing to failures that caused unsustainable 'ingress of water', also known as sinking. Marie Tabarly has worked so hard for this, her campaign run completely in the image of her father, never taking the easy option, racing a huge, heavy 50-year-old rolly-polly Maxi, recruiting and patiently training up a new young crew and then winning the damn thing. Marvellous!
Vita Heathcote (GBR)
The mixed-gender 470 has been a revelation, bringing forward a new generation of talent, some helming, some on the wire, and giving a new lease of life to a great dinghy - previously for 'smaller' people - which has now found its perfect role. Vita Heathcote rose through Optimists, 420s, 470s… before grabbing the chance to helm with the vastly experienced Chris Grube crewing and then just running with it. Second in the worlds in an Olympic year… and first woman helm. Outstanding!
Last Month's winner:
Cole Bauer (USA)
'Our soon to be next GOAT!' - Blake Middleton; 'Cole has changed the world for every woman sailor' - Cristy Erazo; 'An inspiration to women literally around the world' - Rachel Lake; 'How does she make the hard look so easy!?' - Mark Robinson. 'I have sailed thousands of miles with Cole shorthanded, she is the real deal' - Gavin Brines; 'Let's all go sail like that girl!!!!' - Cindy Sawyer… Plus more than 5,000 others who are all thinking the same way!.
View past winners of Sailor of the Month
Seahorse Sailor of the Month is sponsored by Harken Derm, Musto and Dubarry. Who needs silverware, our prizes are usable!
Cast your vote, submit comments, even suggest a candidate for next month at seahorsemagazine.com/sailor-of-the-month/vote-for-sailor-of-the-month
A fine second place in the Italian classic Roma Per Due
Geneva-based sailor Joshua Schopfer, who is preparing for the Mini Transat 2025, has had a successful debut in the Mini class with two second places in his first two races: the Arcipelago Regatta a month ago and the Italian classic Roma Per Due last week.
"These two double-handed regattas enabled me to get to grips with my boat, and to make rapid progress thanks to the experience of my two team-mates, Giovanni Bignardi for the Arcipelago Regatta and Arnaud Machado for Roma per Due, whom I would like to thank sincerely for their contribution."
Between these two races, Joshua also completed his compulsory 1000-mile qualifier between Rome, Menorca and back, often in rough conditions. On Wednesday, he will take part in his first solo race: the 490-mile Roma Barcelona Solo, before competing in the 700-mile Solo Med between Barcelona and Mallorca the following week.
"It's a very intense start, but one that suits me well," says Joshua, "I know that if you want to race at a good level, there's only one solution: to sail as many miles as possible. Over the last few weeks, I've learnt a lot about my boat, the weather, electricity and a thousand other things, and above all about myself. I'm progressing really quickly!"
The wrappers come off the new British Cup boat
After more than two years in design development and build and a being under wraps for her 1,000 mile road trip from Northamptonshire, UK to Barcelona, the new British AC75 is now out in the open.
She is the fourth of the new AC75s to be revealed.
Matt Sheahan takes a first look at what stands out on the British design.
planetsail.co.uk
Matt Sheahan's blog
Official opening of the Yacht Racing Image Award 2024
Initiated in 2010, the international photo competition dedicated to competitive sailing is proud to launch its 15th edition. Professional photographers from all over the world are invited to submit their best image, taken between October 14, 2023 and October 13, 2024.
"A new era is beginning for the Yacht Racing Image award," explains Bernard Schopfer, organiser of the competition. "After 15 years of loyal support, Mirabaud is giving way to a new lead partner, whom we are actively seeking. The format of the event is not affected by this change and we are proud to be organising this competition, much appreciated throughout the world, with the same passion and enthusiasm for the fifteenth year running."
The 80 best images selected by the international jury will be published on the event website on October 17, allowing the public to vote for the Public Award. The top 20 images will be exhibited in hall 13, the central hub for METSTRADE visitors at the show floor, allowing visitors to vote for the Delegates Award.
Sponsorship opportunities
The Yacht Racing Image award is looking for a new title sponsor. To discuss sponsorship opportunities and receive our brochure of presentation:
- The submission of images is open.
- Photos must have been taken between October 14, 2023 and October 13, 2024.
- Photos must be submitted before October 13 at midnight.
- The top 80 images will be published on the contest website on October 17, 2024.
- The public will be invited to vote for their favorite image between October 17 and November 12, 2024.
- The top 20 images chosen by the international jury will be exhibited at METSTRADE Amsterdam (November 19-21).
The winners of the competition, selected by the international jury, will be celebrated during the Yacht Racing Forum. The Delegates Award will be designated by METSTRADE visitors and Yacht Racing Forum delegates while the Public Award will be based on votes accumulated online.
April 2024 FINNFARE focuses on future, present and past
The April 2024 FINNFARE is dropping on doormats worldwide. In this rather special year for the class - 75 years of Finn sailing - this issue represents a reflection on the past and future of the class, as well as the present.
It starts with a long overdue interview with World No.1 Laurent Hay. In fact, he has been World No. 1 since the ranking list was started two years ago.
For Laurent the Finn class represents, "Conviviality and sporting and friendly exchange. It's an extraordinary chance to meet and share with sailors from all over the world. Meeting up from year to year allows us to maintain connections and gives rise to frank hugs, which does not exclude great battles and tough fights on the water."
That leads in well to the next article, where Slovakian Finn sailor, Tomas Mihalik, looks at specific skill related physical conditioning techniques for the Finn with some suggested programmes.
Over the past year the class also started a new format, the Finntalks which originated as a series of podcast and video interviews centred around the Finn. These talks revolve around sailors' careers, their enduring love for the class, sailing techniques, and insights into the Finn calendar, among other captivating topics. With a blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and expert analysis, it serves as an engaging hub for the diverse voices within the Finn sailing community and some of the best quotes are included here.
As the Finn Class enters its eighth decade, the class remains on a high note, continuing to thrive, building on its legacy and inspiring other sailors around the world to challenge themselves.
Read the online version here or download a PDF here.
Featured Charter
McConaghy 75 - JACK.
The 2023 McConaghy 75 sailing catamaran JACK is available for charter with her 4 crew members for up to 8 guests.
2024 Planning:
July/August: Greece
September/Oct: Spain
Navigation under e-Charter licence (28 days) in Greece this summer then she will head back to Barcelona for the America's Cup (high season rate during that period)
Charter Rate (High Season): 70 000 EUR / week
Charter Rate (Low Season): 65 000 EUR / week
See listing details in Seahorse Charters
Contact
Charter Department
Bernard-Gallay
Phone : +33 (0)467 66 39 93
Mail :
See the the Seahorse charter collection
Featured Brokerage
J/80 - Jeronimo. 19,950 GBP. Located in Lymington, UK.
A great J/80 for club racing or even a trip around the island. It's a great way to get into racing with only a small crew needed. She is ready to go, currently dry sailed.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Ben Cooper
Berthon UK
Tel: 0044 (0)1590 679 222
E-Mail:
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Reichel/Pugh 69 - Moneypenny. 750,000 EUR.
Moneypenny has been maintained to the highest standards by Noakes Group and dry sailed from its Sydney yard.
She has a significant sail wardrobe from Doyle. Recent modifications and improvements to water ballast systems and keel have been carried out.
Moneypenny finished 3rd in IRC overall, 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and was the CYCA’s 2022-23 blue water champion. This is an exciting and rewarding yacht for sailing at the highest levels on the world’s yacht racing circuits.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
For more information, please contact Sean Langman by email:
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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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Shogun 43. POA EUR.
Developed with a focus on performance and ease of use, this yacht goes beyond conventional and traditional design, taking performance cruising to the next level. It is the yacht for you who love speed and want to sail fast without a full crew. It is for you who want to have fun on the water and maximise your sailing experience every time you go out, but still want comfort onboard. Shogun 43 gives you both.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Lead Agent: Matias Renlund - Grabau international (Scandinavia)
Tel: +358406861501
Email:
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SW100X Allseas. POA EUR.
Stemming from the DNA of Southern Wind, the new SW100X will combine all the knowledge and experience gained from the construction of nearly 40 performance sailing yachts in the 90-110 feet range
This exciting new project will complement the Southern Wind range of yachts that includes the successful SW96, SW108 and SW120.
The new SW100X represents an evolution of the acclaimed SW100 and SW102 miniseries that marked Southern Wind’s success and leadership in the creation of 30m performance sailing superyachts.
See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly
Contact
Southern Wind Brokerage
Ph. (+39) 010 570 4035
See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/
The Last Word
Life is not so bad if you have plenty of luck, a good physique and not too much imagination. -- Christopher Isherwood
Editorial and letter submissions to
Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see eurosailnews.com/advertise/