A good day onboard Katusha

Photos: Copyright Ales Fevzer RC 44 Class

Bank Sarasin - RC44 Portoroz Cup
Paul Cayard

A good day onboard Katusha today and it was our first race day. The 11 boats were split into two groups; six in our group and five in the other. We were 3-2 in the match racing and finished up second in our round. Organica of Poland was first with 4-1. We were in a position to win each of our races and made one key mistake in each of the two that we lost. As frustrating as that is, I would rather know that we have the ability to win and made a mistake than to not have the ability to win.

In the other group, Puerto Calero won and No Way Back finished up second. The surprise there is that Artemis and BMW Oracle are out of the top two, both finished up 2-2.
Tomorrow should put the top two teams of each division in a semi-final and then the final for the two winners.

Those who did not qualify will race for 5th-11th. The winds were very light again today, with a peak wind speed of 8 knots at 1500. But these RC44s are very high powered boats, so it was very good racing anyway.

For more information go to http://www.rc44.com/

Cayard Sailing Website

Alinghi 5 already on it's way...

Alinghi 5 is loaded on a ship heading to UAE. It should be arriving sometime this week.

We stole this from http://www.tribormat.fr/
Video on the building the America's Cup Island

LES VOILES DE SAINT-TROPEZ SETS SAIL

Photo credit: Rolex / Kurt Arrigo

Saint-Tropez, France
It may be the end of the summer season, but Saint-Tropez is bustling with life as the 11th edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez takes sail. With nearly 300 boats participating in this grand event that unites both modern and classic yachts, the 2009 edition promises spectacular racing on the water and one-of-a-kind ambiance on land in the race village and town centre.

Yachts have been arriving in Saint-Tropez throughout the weekend, with the port expected to reach capacity this evening when the rest of the traditional yachts arrive, following today's finish of the Yacht Club de France's Autumn Cup from Cannes to Saint-Tropez. Traditional yachts begin racing as of tomorrow while the first of the coastal races took place today for the modern division.

With racing to continue through Saturday 3 October, one can expect some magnificent sights as Saint-Tropez is taken back through generations of history and yacht design. With some boats dating back more than a century, one could say that touring the port this week is like browsing an open history book. Four days of coastal racing have been scheduled for the traditional yachts, five for the modern yachts, with Thursday reserved as the Challenge Day. Inspired by the original race that has now become Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the Challenge Day offers competitors a chance to duel against one another following the historical route of the race: Saint-Tropez, Saint-Raphaël and La Nioulargue, the buoy that marks the famous shallows in the Mediterranean. Assuming the weather plays its part, one can certainly expect intense and beautiful racing. - www.regattanews.com

Bank Sarasin - RC44 Portoroz Cup

By Paul Cayard

I just learned today that Portoroz is one word.

Today was the official practice race. We went out early and did some match race practice with Artemis. The practice race was a fleet race and we finished a credible third. We had the lead off the start and <'s all of the way up the first beat then made some mistakes so the good news is that we can improve. The wind was 8-9 knots which is a good breeze in these boats. As you can see from the photo, we were fully powered up. Artemis won the practice race and Aqua was second, Ceeref fourth.

In the photo you have, from front to back; Mo Gutenkunst, "Belt" Sander, Jarad "Beach" Henderson, Robbie "the Battler" Naismith, "Sister" Theresa, Marco "Shark" Constant and missing is Mohito and myself. I think I must have been down below making a sandwich at this time. No really, I was on the boat today. The dude on the back with the life jacket on is a photographer.

Tomorrow we start the Match Racing part of the event. Our first match is against Sea Dubai, and then we have Aqua who is leading the season. First warning signal is at 1130. The forecast is for light winds all week.

For more information go to http://www.rc44.com/

Cayard Sailing Website

Farr 40 North Americans

The whole gallery can be viewed through http://www.sail22.com/ under Farr 40 North Americans.

Helmut Jahn skippering Flash Gordon - wins the Farr 40 North Americas held in Chicago.

Results: http://www.2009farr40na.info/documents/F40NAOverall.htm

Audi Melges 32 Worlds Gets Bliksemed

Audi Melges 32 Worlds Gets Bliksemed

Porto Cervo, Italy (27 September) - Congratulations to the very first Melges 32 World Champion, American Pieter Taselaar on USA-169 Bliksem with Jeremy Wilmot on tactics and crew of Nathan Wilmot, Williem Van Waay, George Peet, Paul Atikins, Michael Coxon and Alex Clegg. This amazing team has come a long way since the 2009 Miami Grand Prix, Audi Sailing Series Events in Scarlino and Cagliari, only to arrive in Porto Cervo and win the World Championship.

In second and third overall is Giovanni Maspero on ITA-999 Joe Fly and Armando Guilietti helming ITA-1 Uka Uka Racing for Lorenzo Santini tied with equal points. Originally leading the event, Claudio Recchi on ITA-93 Team 93 had a tough last couple days in the competitive arena leaving him in fourth overall.

Although disappointment ran deep last evening following a major protest from Taselaar against Claudio Recchi on ITA-93 Team 93, in which Taselaar won, there was still a heated battle for the second place overall position. Recchi, in second by one point over Guilietti, both went into the day's one and only race, putting spectators on the edge of their seats for the start. The light and shifty air tested the fleet, mixing up the rounding with Wolfgang Stoltz on GER-205 Opus One in first, Maspero, then Edoardo Lupi on ITA-487 Torpyone. Maspero dialed the race in to round the final mark in first, Stolz now in second and in third, Luigi Melegari on ITA-161 Matrix. Maspero blasted downwind for the win, Melegari took second and in third, Stolz.

The Bliksem team did not sail today. Instead they celebrated honors last night at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda that held a fabulously lavish buffet dinner and party in honor of the event.

The International Melges 32 Class Association (IM32CA) would like to extend a sincere gesture of gratitude to all competitors that traveled from around the world to compete in Porto Cervo. Without your presence, support and enthusiasm for the Melges 32, this World Championship would not have been a great success. A very special thanks to title sponsor Audi who has not only supported the Melges 32 throughout the year, but also the Worlds. The IM32CA looks forward to this continued partnership in 2010.

The Class would like to specifically recognize Stuart Simpson on GBR-84845 Team Barbarians for his help and assistance with the acquisition of the World Championship Trophy. The prize, an Elkington Bowl dating back to 1895 graciously wears the Melges 32 World Champion engraving upon a mahogany plinth. Stuart — you are a treasure to the class, your passion and love for the Melges 32, truly immeasureable.

A very special thank you to Filippo Pacinotti, European Melges 32 Fleet President. His leadership, dedication, tireless efforts and hard work have been phenomenal.

Many thanks to Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, most especially Edoardo Recchi and staff. Their constant support and professionalism has been amazing.

The IM32CA is most appreciative of the careful hand and guidance of PRO Peter Reggio and committee, they have exceeded expectations.

A special thanks to Melges Europe with the support of Melges Performance Sailboats in the USA — in particular Federico Michetti, Harry Melges, Andy Burdick, Charlie Harrett, Luisa Bambozzi and Paola Spreafico.

WHAT'S NEXT — 2010 MELGES 32 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The Melges 32 in 2009 is not finished yet, in fact, it's just getting started. Join the fleet in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. at the Lauderdale Yacht Club on December 4-6 for the start of the 2010 Winter Series with the Gold Cup Regatta. Mark your calendars for the 2010 World Championship taking place in San Francisco, Calif. on September 22-25, hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club. Just prior, plan to also attend the Rolex Big Boat Series on September 15-19. This event will serve as a Pre-Worlds. Stay tuned to melges32.com.

CHARTER BOATS NEEDED
The Melges 32 is in high demand and due to its immense popularity, the class would like to encourage all owners interested in chartering their boats in the USA as well as Europe to post availability on the class site, melges32.com as soon as possible.

Currently the class has been bombarded with charter requests for the upcoming Gold Cup Regatta, 2010 Key West Race Week on January 18-22 and Miami Grand Prix on March 4-7. Most especially, charters are needed for the 2010 World Championship.

Post And View All Available Charters

For all new boat information, please contact the Melges company closest to you: Melges USA - Andy Burdick Harry Melges at +1 (262) 275-1110, or Melges Europe - Federico Michetti at +39 02 94435078.


Top Ten Results (After 10 Races)
1.) Pieter Taselaar, Bliksem; 6-2-11-14-8-4-5-2-[DNC 30] = 43
2.) Giovanni Maspero, Joe Fly; 3-12-[20]-5-2-9-14-7-1-5 = 54
3.) Armando Guilietti/Lorenzo Santini, Uka Uka Racing; 4-11-[19]-6-9-3-2-2-10-7 = 54
4.) Claudio Recchi, Team 93; 2-1-2-3-1-11-17-9-[DSQ 30]-9 = 55
5.) Jason Carroll, Argo; 10-10-6-17-6-15-3-[19]-3-5 = 75
6.) Vincenzo Onorato, Mascalzone Latino; 12-3-5-[14]-7-5-12-13-9-15 = 80
7.) Francesco Martino, Pilot Italia; 8-8-4-2-24-12-7-6-[26]-10 = 81
8.) Andrea Cecchetti, Bagua; 5-7-[18]-10-3-10-1-16-14-26 = 83
9.) Joe Woods, Red; 1-6-11-11-4-[20]-19-1-20-12 = 84
10.) Filippo Pacinotti, Brontolo; 14-15-[DNF]-13-11-2-8-3-6-13 = 85


View Full Results

View Photo Gallery : Stefano Gattini
View Photo Gallery : Guido Trombetta
View Photo Gallery : Carlo Borlenghi
View Photo Gallery : Max Ranchi
View Photo Gallery : Fabio Taccola
View Photo Gallery : International Melges 32 Class Association
Full Entry List : Audi Melges 32 World Championship 2009

Bank Sarasin - RC44 Portoroz Cup

Paul Cayard
Sunday, September 27, 2009

We had a very good day of practice today on Katusha, our new Russian RC44. A lot of work has gone into getting the brand new boat ready for our first event here in Slovenia. Brad and JR have been here a month putting the keel on, getting the bottom perfect, assembling the rig and fine tuning all the bits and pieces. They have done a great job and we have a very nice boat to sail.

The Katusha crew is all new, so we have not sailed together before. These boats are really demanding from a crew stand point. The boats are very powerful and agile, so things happen fast. We have made great strides since our first day sailing together last Wednesday, but we have a ways to go to be as proficient at the teams that have sailed together for the past two seasons.

Tomorrow is the practice race. Since the practice race is a fleet race, we will do three or four practice match races with the Team Artemis beforehand. I know this is confusing, as I usually sail on Artemis. But that is the Artemis TP52 and this is the Artemis RC44, which has Dean Barker as helmsman.

The RC44 class allows four professional sailors and the remaining sailors must be non-professional. The owner or his representative, in any case an amateur, may helm the boat in the fleet racing. This has proven to be good for sailing in many other classes like Farr 40 and Melges 32. The pros, who are the tacticians in the fleet racing, helm the boats in the Match Racing. This is a lot of fun for us.

The format is that the first two days of the event are match racing and the last three days are fleet racing. There is placing for each discipline, as well as an overall combined placing.

The forecast for the next few days is for light winds.

For more information go to www.RC44.com

Cayard Sailing Website

T-Bone: iShares - Ecover & Oman Sail Collision

Photos Mark Lloyd lloydimages.com
First collision at iShares Cup Amsterdam
There was dramatic racing on the water during the preview media day of the iShares Cup Amsterdam this afternoon when in the fourth race of the day, Mike Golding’s Ecover was hit by Oman Sail Renaissance, skippered by Loick Peyron, in a classic port starboard confrontation. The nine boats, squeezed

There was dramatic racing on the water during the preview media day of the iShares Cup Amsterdam this afternoon when in the fourth race of the day, Mike Golding’s Ecover was hit by Oman Sail Renaissance, skippered by Loick Peyron, in a classic port starboard confrontation.
The nine boats, squeezed into the IJ-Haven canal, just 875 metres by 265, were on the final leg of the final practice race of the day when Renaissance hit them on the port stern. Mike Golding picks up the story:

“It was a straight forward port starboard incident; I just don’t think they saw us or heard us calling. We had been crossing and ducking each other all the way up the beat. They hit us in a relatively soft area of the boat, it looks bad but luckily it’s not a structural point of the boat.”
Loick Peyron agreed: “It’s not a good day for us today. We were at the back of the fleet fighting our red boat [Oman Sail’s Masirah] and no-one on board looked right and it’s the first thing you should do on a port tack. There was no noise and we hit them. I really hate it, it’s not good; the second time in three weeks, not the same situation, but the second time. [Oman Sail Renaissance hit Team Wirsol Kiel.Sailing City in the first day of racing in Kiel]. Our guys will work through the night helping the Ecover shore team to get the boat back on the water for racing tomorrow.”
Ecover will be lifted out of canal this afternoon by crane and the shore team for both boats will be working through the night to repair the damage and make Ecover race-fit for the first day of the iShares Cup Amsterdam.

The nine iShares Cup boats enjoyed great conditions this afternoon for the media day, the wind speed was approximately 12 knots and the crews were challenged by the gusts that come down between the buildings that tower over the Amsterdam canal.

Shirley Robertson’s team iShares has had to make a crew change following Adam Piggott badly spraining his ankle in the first race of the day. Piggot will be replaced by British 49er sailor Paul Campbell-James

Actual racing for the iShares Cup Amsterdam starts tomorrow, Friday 25 September until Sunday 27 September, with up to eight races each afternoon on the tightly packed race course at the IJ-Haven Canal.

Windy conditions... Melges 32

Photos by http://www.maxranchi.com/

Recchi Still Leads, Taselaar Takes The Only Win Of The Day
24 September 2009

The second day of racing in Porto Cervo started a bit on the gloomy side and with an initial on-land postponement due to heavy rain that all but put a damper on the championship. Instead, the overcast skies and windy conditions positioned Pieter Taselaar onUSA-169 Bliksem to win race three of the series, while Recchi still remains in the overall lead.

Another course 4 was in store for the one and only race of the day. Dark clouds hung heavy, large seas with massive waves and a moderate breeze of 10-15 knots greeted the fleet for the start. Both Taselaar and Recchi were center of the line, taking to the right then out to the highly favored left. Coming up to the mark, the fleet battled for position in the monster waves and increased breeze, Taselaar just sliding in to round first. Vincenzo Onorato on ITA-2121 Mascalzone Latino rounded in second, Recchi charged hard for third. Downwind it was a spectacular show of speed, excitement and fun as Taselaar took off for the gate. Recchi made up ground on the last two legs of the race, eventually overtaking Onorato in second. For the finish, Taselaar blasted downwind for the line, unable to shake Recchi's ever pressing determination to gain the lead. Taselaar held on for the win only a couple of boat lengths ahead of Recchi finishing second. Stefano di Properizio on ITA-651 Mataran pulled up to overtake Onorato for third, Francesco Martino on ITA-161 Pilot Italia in fourth. Onorato was fifth.

With only one race today, the top ten results suffered a minor shuffle. Recchi still leads by four points, Taselaar moved up one for third while Joe Woods on GBR-500 Red slipped back to fourth. Di Properizio is up from fourth to third. Onorato moved ahead from eighth to fifth. Best of all, birthday boy Jason Carroll on USA-128 Argo was 11th yesterday and now seated 7th overall after a fantastic sixth place finish.

Top Ten Results (After 2 Races)
1.) Claudio Recchi, Team 93; 2-1-2 = 5
2.) Pieter Taselaar, Bliksem; 6-2-1 = 9
3.) Stefano di Properizio, Mataran; 7-4-3 = 14
4.) Joe Woods, Red; 1-6-11 = 18
5.) Vincenzo Onorato, Mascalzone Latino; 12-3-5 = 20
6.) Francesco Martino, Pilot Italia; 8-8-4 = 20
7.) Jason Carroll, Argo; 10-10-6 = 26
8.) Lanfranco Cirillo, Fantasticaaa; 9-5-13 = 27
9.) Andrea Cecchetti, Bagua; 5-7-18 = 30
10.) Armando Guilietti/Lorenzo Santini, Uka Uka Racing; 4-11-19 = 34

Back on the water

The SYZ & CO hydrofoil catamaran back on the water

Geneva, 24 September 2009 – Taken out of the water in May to allow alterations to take place during the summer’s light wind conditions, the SYZ & CO hydrofoil catamaran is now ready to tackle the Lake Geneva speed records. She will be back on the water at the end of the month, after a strict diet and a significant increase of the volume of her hulls, which have been extended from 32 to 35 feet.

Losing weight

Weight is the Nr 1 enemy aboard racing yachts and this is particularly true for hydrofoil boats. The two months of intensive tests following the maiden flight have shown that the stress sustained by the structure was less important than expected: this meant it was possible to lighten the boat. Each element has thus been taken down and weighted to allow the engineers and the sailing team to determine where weight could be saved. Gram after gram, the total weight savings are significant and have been able to make up for the new hulls’ additional length.

Hull increase

The main alteration concerns the hulls, which have gone from 32 to 35 feet, i.e. the same length as the D35s and the new Ventilo 35. They have been lengthened both fore and aft and the bows are now rounder. The increase in buoyancy will allow a higher speed in Archimedean mode (i.e. in conventional sailing) and will reduce the risk of pitch poling.

Tackling the records

Once relaunched, the revamped hydrofoil catamaran will try to take advantage of the fall’s stronger winds to break Lake Geneva speed records. Weather permitting, the «SYZ & CO» aims to win the Blue Ribbon (back and forth lake crossing), as well the hour and kilometer records. « If we wanted to tackle the different records this year still, we had to start the alterations as soon as possible and therefore miss out on the Bol d’Or Mirabaud. Considering this year’s conditions, it was the right decision to make but this long forced break has whetted our appetite! » said Alex Schneiter. « We can’t wait testing these new hulls and confirm the speed increase we’ve achieved ».

Future evolutions planned during the winter

The alterations brought to the «SYZ & CO» during the summer are just the first step of the improvements considered by the architects and engineers. Other alterations are still planned for this winter, as many factors influence performance: hull buoyancy, power of the sail plan and lift of the foils. In the future, the boat could thus receive a longer mast, in order to increase sail area, or foils of a different shape. Several different set-ups are also considered, depending on the target objective: a shorter mast and optimized foils for pure speed in strong winds or a longer mast and daggerboards adapted to lake conditions.

« We knew it from the start: the setting-up of such a technological breakthrough requires a long trial and error process » explains Patrick Firmenich. «This is an entirely new field where everything has yet to be invented. This is without any doubt one the most fascinating aspects of this project. What is very reassuring is that we’ve been able to confirm that the boat is fast. Now we just need to optimize her.»

Fit for service

Groupama 3
After spending seven weeks at the Multiplast yard, Groupama 3 is back in her home port of Lorient, Brittany. Serviced from top to bottom after 15,000 miles of sailing in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the maxi trimaran skippered by Franck Cammas will now be training off Lorient, in the build-up to the next record attempt. Indeed, from 1st November, the crew will be awaiting the right weather window to set off on their latest Jules Verne Trophy attempt, an award which has been in the hands of Bruno Peyron since 2005 with a time of 50 days and 16 hours.

If it's the early bird that catches the worm, the Groupama team won't be going hungry. Following the orders of Yann Mérour then Loïc Le Mignon, Boat Captain, the mast, which culminates at 41 metres, is positioned onto a tiny titanium ball upon which it will pivot around the world. Next up, the shrouds are fixed onto each of the floats where Gaël de Kerangat, a member of the team since 1999, has taken up position.

Now, as the Breton sunshine directs its glare at the units that form the old submarine base of Lorient, Groupama 3 heads off to the "Course au Large" pontoon where, for the next three days, various members of team will come and kit her up for the next sailing sessions: "Today Groupama 3 is at her best. I form part of the last dinosaurs who are both préparateurs and sailors. The benefit of that is that I know every inch of the boat. As such I regularly give her a thorough check-up to ensure that everything's alright. The only drawback is that I don't get an awful lot of time to myself" says Loïc Le Mignon. He goes on to say: "I'm going to need some quality time to prepare myself psychologically and physically as a circumnavigation of the globe under sail isn't something to be sniffed at. I also have a family to think about, which you have to devote time to". Find all the latest news from the Groupama trimarans at:http://www.cammas-groupama.com/servlet/track?mode=emailing&envid=00000664&aboid=00002464&page=00003307&redirecturl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cammas-groupama.com%2Fen%2F

Recchi In Charge At Audi Melges 32 World Championship

Photos by Joy Dunigan
Recchi In Charge At Audi Melges 32 World Championship

Porto Cervo, Italy (23 September) - The first day of racing at the Audi Melges 32 World Championship, hosted by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda was nothing short of spectacular, not to mention delivered no surprises. At the end of the day, topping the 30-boat fleet is Claudio Recchi on ITA-93 Team 93. In second overall is Joe Woods on GBR-500 Red and Pieter Taselaar on USA-169 Bliksem is seated third.

Racing commenced on time under partly cloudy skies and moderate breezes with the left side of the line strongly favored. Upwind, the right initially appeared to be productive, however the left proved to be the side that catapulted Woods with David Lenz calling the shots to the front of the pack, leading the charge by a nice margin. Rounding second was Giovanni Maspero on ITA-999 Joe Fly and Andrea Cecchetti on ITA-753 Bagua with Vasco Vascotto as tactician. Downwind, Woods poured on the speed placing him at the gate well ahead of the rest of the fleet and back out to the left for pressure. Recchi chased Woods back upwind, passing Maspero and Armando Guilietti helming ITA-1 Uka Uka Racing for Lorenzo Santini and Cecchetti. Woods won the first race by what seemed to be a mile, Recchi took second and Maspero third.

For the second race of the day, the breeze dropped off slightly as another course four was posted on the board at 060, with an approaching weather system off to the east for the start. Once more Woods look to have a nice start, as did Recchi and Vincenzo Onorato on ITA-2121 Mascalzone Latino with with tactician Adrian Stead at his side. Onorato got the upper hand upwind charging the mark in first, Recchi right on his heels in second, Cecchetti in third. Recchi took the lead almost instantly from Onorato. An amazing downwind drag race with Onorato placed Recchi at the gate first, then proceeded to extended his lead back upwind with Taselaar finding his way into the number two position. Onorato slipped back into third for the final downwind run to the finish. Recchi was first across the line, Taselaar settled for second and across the line in third was Onorato.

Looking to day two at the Audi Melges 32 World Championship in Porto Cervo, Italy, four points separate Recchi from Woods in the overall points standings with Taselaar only one point further back. In fourth is Stefano di Properizio on ITA-651 Mataran and in fifth is Cecchetti.

Top Ten Results (After 2 Races)
1.) Claudio Recchi, Team 93; 2-1 = 3
2.) Joe Woods, Red; 1-6 = 7
3.) Pieter Taselaar, Bliksem; 6-2 = 8
4.) Stefano di Properizio, Mataran; 7-4 = 11
5.) Andrea Cecchetti, Bagua; 5-7 = 12
6.) Lanfranco Cirillo, Fantasticaaa; 9-5 = 14
7.) Giovanni Maspero, Joe Fly; 3-12 = 15
8.) Vincenzo Onorato, Mascalzone Latino; 12-3 = 15
9.) Armando Guilietti/Lorenzo Santini, Uka Uka Racing; 4-11 = 15
10.) Francesco Martino, Pilot Italia; 8-8 = 16

On the eve of the largest gathering of Melges 32s...

INTERNATIONAL MELGES 32 CLASS ASSOCIATION

Cleared For Launch In Porto Cervo At Audi Melges 32 World Championship

Porto Cervo, Italy (22 September) - On the eve of the largest gathering of Melges 32s in the world ever, pre-regatta preparations such as weigh-in, sail measurement, boat inspections and interviews with ISAF's classification committee are complete. Thirty entries from eight nations spanning Europe, Australia and the United States are expected to compete. The predominantly Italian fleet features 19 of Italy’s finest, 3 from Great Britain, 3 from the USA and one entry each from Monaco, Czech Republic, France, Australia and Germany.

Teams front and center of the event, and expected to do well include 2009 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Champion Carlo Alberini on ITA-186 Calvi Network with Gabriele Benussi as tactician and 2008 Audi Series Champion Claudio Recchi on ITA-93 Team 93 with American Jonathan McKee calling tactics. Rendering Recchi fully armed and dangerous is three-time Melges 24 World and European Champion Federico Michetti. Recchi's crew also includes former America's Cup helmsman Flavio Favini who has won his fair share of major championship titles including that of Melges 24 World Ranking Champion in 2008.

Also included in the trifecta of potential winners is Pieter Taselaar on USA-169 Bliksem. Long-time tactician Jeremy Wilmot, alongside of his Olympic champion brother Nathan will join Taselaar as he has clearly traveled to Porto Cervo to win. This phenomenal team has been together since the very birth of the fleet in the USA. They successfully conquered the 2009 Miami Grand Prix and since have been competing in Europe building toward Worlds winning both Scarlino and Cagliari.

The teams enjoyed practice racing today under the careful hand of legendary PRO Peter 'Luigi' Reggio. No doubt, the very first Audi Melges 32 World Championship is in good hands, hosted by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.

Following a brief skipper's meeting, Melges 32 teams and guests congregated in the pool area of the club for champagne in honor of the championship being declared open.

Racing begins promptly at 12:00 on Wednesday, 23 September with two races planned.

Full Entry List : Audi Melges 32 World Championship 2009

CUSTOM HOUSE REGISTRY: COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF GGYC

GOLDEN GATE YACHT CLUB

CUSTOM HOUSE REGISTRY: COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF GGYC

SNG’s motion to disqualify GGYC is denied Challenger is free to modify its yacht
San Diego, CA (September 22, 2009) – The Golden Gate Yacht Club’s (GGYC)position with regard to supplying the Custom House Registry (CHR) document has been vindicated by Justice Shirley Kornreich in the New York Supreme Court. Justice Kornreich says, in her decision of September 18, 2009 and issued today, that
the CHR (or “COD” as it is now known) for GGYC’s yacht challenging for the 33rd
America’s Cup need only be provided at least two weeks ahead of next February’s
match. Her decision also states that the Deed of Gift does not compel the challenger to obtain the COD within a specific period of time, and that a challenger may continue to make modifications even after a CHR has been issued.

“Issuance of the COD does not freeze the vessel in time,” Justice Kornreich wrote.
GGYC spokesman Tom Ehman said, “The Swiss defender, Société Nautique de
Genève, has failed to understand the simple reality that a vessel is not complete upon its launch but when sea trials have been completed and it is ready for hand-over to its owner.” This, Justice Kornreich said in her decision, was explained clearly in evidence to the court submitted by Thomas L Willis, Director of the USCG’s National Vessel Documentation Center.

She wrote, “The vessel of an America’s Cup challenger is by nature a yacht undergoing intense technological development.”

GGYC’s racing team, BMW ORACLE Racing, currently has its yacht (known as the
BOR90) out of the water and undergoing further modifications in San Diego as part of its continuing development process. “Under these circumstances the Court agrees that the vessel is not completed for the purposes of COD,” Justice Kornreich said.
2 “Super light construction and huge sail area mean that the BOR90 is one of, if not, the most extreme and powerful yachts to sail in 158-year history the America’s Cup. We are looking forward to February’s match with huge anticipation,” Ehman added.

Audi Melges 20 Porto Cervo

Photos: Carlo Borlenghi & Guido Trombetta_B-Plan

©2009 JOY International Audi Melges 20 Class Association

Giallongo Named 2009 Audi Melges 20 Sailing Series Champion, Dominici Wins Final Showdown in Porto Cervo

20 September 2009 (Porto Cervo, Italy) - The final day of racing in Porto Cervo concluded with two additional heats and Luca Dominici on Mefisto winning the final event of the 2009 Audi Melges 20 Sailing Series. Taking the championship title was Benedetto Giallongo on Value Team. Giallongo’s success is attributed to winning the first four regattas — Lerici, Scarlino, Malcesine and Cagliari.

Dominici delivered a 1-4 punch to the fleet to win the event, hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Giallongo made a full recovery on Sunday with two third place finishes. This moved him up in the standings from yesterday’s sixth place slot to second overall. Fausto Rubbini on Thule, dropped to third after a disappointing tenth place finish in race one of the day, coming back for a bullet in race two.

The International Audi Melges 20 Class Association fully congratulates these two phenomenal competitors as well as the many who participated in 2009. A sincere thanks is extended to Audi, title sponsor of the series. The fleet looks to announce the 2010 Audi Sailing Series very, very soon.

Special thanks to Melges Europe and Melges Performance Sailboats as their support of the fleet and owners have been above and beyond exceptional, most especially to Federico Michetti, Luisa Bambozzi and Paola Spreafico in Italy, also Harry Melges and Andy Burdick in the USA.

Last but not least, many thanks to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, who hosted a world class event making the final series event one the fleet will remember for many years to come.

Full Results (After 3 Races)
1.) Luca Dominici, Mefisto - 1-1-4 = 6
2.) Benedetto Giallongo, Value Team - 5-3-3 = 11
3.) Fausto Rubbini, Thule - 2-10-1 = 13
4.) Antonello Morina, Sei Tu - 3-6-5 = 14
5.) Savino Formentini, Bitipi - 4-5-7 = 16
6.) Lanfranco Cirillo, Fantasticaaa - 9-2-6 = 17
7.) Carlo Alberini, Calvi Network - 8-13-2 = 23
8.) Federico Albano, TreMenda - 6-9-8 = 23
9.) Alessandro Rombelli, Aria Fritta - 10-7-9 = 26
10.) Marco Morina, Sei Tu 20 - 13-4-10 = 27
11.) Roberto Vallivero, Turnover - 7-11-11 = 29
12.) Alessandro Franzi, ITA-146 - 14-8-14 = 36
13.) Luisa Bambozzi, Trouble Makers - 12-12-12 = 36
14.) Alessandro Molla, Bela Vita - 11-14-13 = 38

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Siderarcordis wins the X-41 World Championship

SIDERARCORDIS WINS THE X-41 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT LA MARINA DI SCARLINO

ITALIAN CREW ON THE PODIUM

Press release N° 6 September 19th, 2009

Today was the last racing day of the X-41 World Championship at La Marina di Scarlino in Maremma Tuscany, organised by the Yacht Club Italiano and Club Nautico Scarlino, with the collaboration of X-Yachts Italia.

The first race of the day started at 12.20 with a 10 knot southerly breeze. During the first stage of the race the Spaniards on board of Javier Dominguez’s Vertice 360-Benalmadena with tactician Luis Doreste took the lead. Siderarcordis (owner Pier Vettor Grimani, tactician Daniele Cassinari) was in hot pursuit followed by WB Five (helmsman Alberto Signorini, tactician Tommaso Chieffi) and by Lady X-41 (owner Piergiorgio Ravaioni, tactician Lorenzo Bressani).
The Spaniards managed to lead until the end of the second beat, with Lady X-41 was closing in after having chosen to sail up the left hand side of the course.
On the last run the Italians – jibe after jibe– managed to close in, eventually overtaking the Spaniards. Lady X-41 cut the finishing line first, followed by Vertice 360-Benalmadena second and by Siderarcordis third.

The second race started at 1:45 p.m. with the same weather conditions. Le Coq Hardi, with tactician Francesco De Angelis on baord, took the lead at the start, closely followed by Siderarcordis. Le Coq Hardi lost ground on the first beat and Siderarcordis rounded mark 1 in the lead, followed by WB Five, Lady X-41 and Raffica. During the second upwind leg Siderarcordis changed tactics, choosing to sail on the far left side of the course, while WB Five kept to the far right. The race’s outcome was decided during the last run where Le Coq Hardi, WB Five, Siderarcordis and Lady X-41 engaged in a jibe for jibe battle. Siderarcordis crossed the finish line first, followed by Lady X-41 and by WB Five in third position.

Given the great weather conditions the Race Committee fired the gun for the 3rd race of the day. WB Five and Le Coq Hardi had a good start on the pin end , but Pasquale Orofino’s Raffica with Paolo Semeraro as tactician managed to overtake the whole fleet and led throughout the whole race, crossing the finishing line first. Second Piergiorgio Ravaioni’s Lady X-41 and third Maurizio Pavesi’s Le Coq Hardi.


Siderarcordis owned by Pier Vettor Grimani with Daniele Cassinari calling tactics were crowned winners of the X-41 World Championship after 8 races.. Piergiorgio Ravaioni’s Lady X-41 (tactician Lorenzo Bressani) finished second overall and Alberto Signorini’s WB Five (tactician Tommaso Chieffi) third.

Quotes of the day
Winner OverallDaniele Cassinari tactician on board Siderarcordis and owner of North Sails Italia Northeast back on the docks said: “A great result - we have fought it out until the end. Today the first two races were great and in the second we also had a bit of luck that offset the bad luck in the last race. The crew is really good and was focused from the beginning to the end of this World Championship."

2 nd Overall"We should be happy because we climbed our way up from fourth to second place. But that is not the case” said Lorenzo Bressani, tactician on Lady X-41. “We came very close to winning the Championship but the decision taken yesterday by the Race Committee to abandon the race when there had been no major change in wind direction and we were sailing at 4.5 knots, strongly penalized us. We were in the lead and our direct rivals were fourth and fifth. Looking at the final rankings there might have been a different order. Hats off to Siderarcordis."

3 rd Overall"A fantastic Championship. We are happy with our boat” said Tommaso Chieffi, tactician on WB Five. “We made some small mistakes here and there which eventually cost us pivotal points. We decided to push hard to win the last race which was decisive for us, but we had a slow start. At that point the protest against Cassinari was going to determine the overall scoreboard and since we were not up fot the title we decided not to proceed as to not affect the winner.”

Sail for Gold regatta...

Working the Boat Photo: Ingrid Abery, Sept 2009
September 19, 2009 - Weymouth, GBR

By Anna Tunnicliffe

We won the Bronze medal today at the Sail for Gold regatta here in Weymouth, England, the last leg of the ISAF World Cup Series. After getting eliminated from the finals yesterday, we battled in the petit-finals today against ISAF World #1 ranked Claire Leroy from France.

The series was a best-of-three series. We knew the racing was going to be close, and it was. When we first got out there, the breeze was dying. We sat around for three hours as we waited for it to fill back in, and when it did, it was perfect. It was shifty, but this kept the game challenging.

Race one started with us leading around the first lap and a half. At the second windward mark, we dialed her down, but didn’t give her an option to keep clear of us. As she tried to avoid, there was contact, and we drew a penalty. She went on to win the race quite easily. The second race was very close. We lead again around the course, but on the last downwind leg, she got a puff from behind and closed the gap. We crossed the line about five feet in front of her. Now the series was tied 1-1 with the deciding race ahead of us.

In the pre-start of the third race, Claire got a penalty against her. We continued to do our start setup and came out with a good start and led the race again quite comfortably. We had a bad leeward mark rounding and she gained on us. At the top mark, she had caught up enough that she rounded the mark inside of us. After a luffing match, we finally broke the overlap and could sail downwind. All we had to do was to just stay in touch with her; it didn’t matter that she was ahead of us because she didn’t have enough room to spin her penalty and still be ahead. As we went down the leg on starboard gybe, her to our right, we felt like we controlled the race. She kept gybing towards us to try and cross us, but couldn’t get across until it was too late. She finally crossed our bow as we entered the zone at the finish line, and luffed us hard to try and get a penalty on us. The result of the protest was that she got another penalty and had to spin immediately. We went on to finish the race and win the bronze medal at this year’s event.


Covering Photo: Ingrid Abery, Sept 2009

We are very happy with our performance. We learned a lot and know where our biggest areas of improvement lie. I had a great team sailing with me, Molly Vandemoer and Alice Manard. We all had a great time and are looking forward to our next match race event.

I am staying in England for another week to visit my relatives before I go home for a week's break. My next regatta will be the Rolex Women’s International Keelboat Championships in Rochester, NY at the beginning of October.

I would like to thank Carmuese for their continued support of my campaign towards the 2012 Olympics in London, England. I would also like to thank USSTAG for their support.

Sail hard,

Anna

TP52 Series

Photos by Richard Walch/Audi MedCup
Audi MedCup Circuit winners in the TP52 Series, Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) skipper Dean Barker (NZL) and CEO/mast man Grant Dalton (NZL), paid tribute to their entire team, shore support to sailing crew, and to Circuit’s organisers.

It was an emotional evening for the young Canary Islands crew of Islas Canarias Puerto Calero who won the inaugural Audi MedCup title for the GP42 Series. Thanking the Calero family for the opportunity to race on the Circuit, skipper Jose Maria Ponce (ESP) said : " We may be a young team but we have sailors with a lot of experience and I am very proud of them."

The Veni Vedi Vici themed party followed the regatta prizegiving for the Caja Mediterraneo Region of Murcia Trophy in front of thousands of spectators in the Audi MedCup Village immediately after racing, where both of the new 2009 champions also lifted the regatta trophies. - http://2009.medcup.org/

Monaco Classik Week Photos

Photos: Studio BORLENGHI: Stefano Gattini / Bruno Cocozza

Regatta Website: http://www.yacht-club-monaco.mc/ENG/index.html

Day 1 of the Etchells NA's in Toronto

Photos byBecky DaMore - Sail22.com. See more photos!
American Bruce Burton takes a 2 point lead over Marvin Beckmann after 2 races on the first day of the Etchells North America's in Toronto.

Click here for race results
Regatta website: http://www.etchells2009nas.com/

TP52 - Audi MedCup - Cartagena Sailing Video

TP52 - Audi MedCup - Cartagena
Update by Paul Cayard
Thursday, September 17, 2009

Good day on Artemis today. We started the day in 4th place for the season and we are now in second.

It was a tough day out there with plenty of carnage. Fortunately we did not break anything and while our 7, 2 scores were not perfect, they were better than Quantum Racing and Matador.
With the wind reaching 32 knots and a very rough sea, Team New Zealand was in a class of their own winning both races. Audi Q8 had a good day scoring 2, 3 for second and Bribon had a 2, 6 for third. We are fourth.

Racing was stopped after the second race due to the damage that some of the boats incurred. Boats like Synergy and Matador broke 2 or 3 gennakers each! No collisions though.
Forecast for tomorrow is more of the same.

For complete results go to 2009.medcup.org

Cayard Sailing Website

Nailed... TP52 Action

Ian Roman/Audi MedCup

While Emirates Team New Zealand have their hands on the Audi MedCup for the TP52 Series after two great wins today, the young crew on Islas Canarias Puerto Calero were equally at home in the strong winds and big waves to post a 1-2 and lead the regatta and the Circuit. - http://www.medcup.org/