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SCUTTLEBUTT EUROPE #1556 - 8 JULY

Brought to you by Boats.com Europe ( http://www.boats.com ) and Yachtworld.com Europe ( http://www.yachtworld.com ) Scuttlebutt Europe 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 editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

THE RETURN OF THE CAPTAIN The recent trucking of South Africa's America's Cup campaign yacht Shosholoza RSA 83 from Naples to the mountains beyond Pompeii for a week long display in the piazza of the small Italian town of Nocera Inferiore was never a secret.

Rather it was something Team Shosholoza managing director, Captain Salvatore Sarno, was reluctant to publicise.

In the four year lead up to the 2007 America's Cup he had successfully used Shosholoza as a vehicle to showcase South Africa's new democracy on the world stage. Now he was taking the space-age 24 metre yacht, designed and built in his adopted Africa, on an emotional pilgrimage "home" to his birthplace.

"It's a private thing. We don't need to write it in a press release," Sarno replied when asked what was planned in the town where he and his wife Sandra fell in love as 14 year olds; where his twin brother and extended Sarno families still live; where he climbed the highest mountain for a glimpse of the sea - "just a silver slither on the horizon" - to fuel his dreams of becoming a ship's Captain.

But while the world didn't know where Shosholoza was disappearing to after her VIP guest appearance at last month's annual nautical festival in the southern Italian city of Naples it was already big news in the nearby valley towns stretching from Salerno to Sorrento.

"The Return of the Captain!" (Il Ritorno del Capitano) was the headline emblazoned across the 1000's of posters and pamphlets that featured Shosholoza on every billboard, in every shop and on every windscreen.

In fact people had already started gathering by the time the Shosholoza delivery crew finally managed to get the yacht to Nocera Inferiore's main Piazza Diaz after some tricky late night traffic-free manoeuvering through narrow cobbled streets.

Twenty four hours later the yacht's 34 metre mast had been craned into place and a huge South African flag hoisted. A deck height scaffolding bridge was erected along the hull for easy viewing and crowds arrived in droves to meet the Captain, the crew and feel part of the "African Dream" they passionately supported through the America's Cup.

The Mayor of Nocera Inferiore, Mr Antonio Romano, also used the opening ceremony to announce that Captain Sarno had been awarded the Freedom of the City.

"We do this in recognition of the high civil, social and humanitarian values that characterized the commitment of this man, who in his personal and business life, has so admirably managed to combine the strength and tenacity of his dreams," said Mayor Romano.

The Shosholoza crew climbed to the historic medieval Fienga Castle built on Roman ruins atop Mount Albino for the filming of the first episode of a series that will feature Captain Sarno in the popular Italian TV programme "Second Life".

"Captain was very emotional when he started talking - up there above Nocera with Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples in the distance," said team secretary Shirley Mullins.

"It was an emotional time for all us. Not even a storm kept people away from coming to see Shosholoza on the first Saturday night. It was amazing to see people's faces as they touched Shosholoza, especially the elderly folks," said Mullins. -- Di Meeks

http://www.teamshosholoza.com

18FT SKIFF EUROPEAN INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Before the final day of the 2008 18ft Skiff European Championships, the race committee of the Yacht Club Six-Fours, under the exemplary leadership of Principle Race Officer Guy Guermond and Assistant Race Officer John Coveney, had already managed to hold 12 races, despite loosing the previous day to the Mistral winds. Even so the decision was made to bring forward the start of racing on the final day to 11.00am to potentially sail a further four races before the 2.30pm deadline for the final start. This they were able to do comfortably, despite a number of course resets as the thermal breeze clocked right during the day. With only 12 points separating the top 5 boats in the competition and an extra discard kicking in on the 16th race the pressure was on for the fleet in extremely tricky conditions with a fickle 8-10 knot sea breeze and a large sea way left over from the previous day's strong wind.

Leading into the final day, Australian Grant Rollerson with his crew Anthony Young and Tom Partington on the brand new Slam relished the conditions. The only boat in the fleet to carry the new hi-modulus carbon mast from CST they started cleanly in each of the first three races and quickly pulled out a comfortable lead to dominate the day's racing and claim the overall event title with a race to spare.

Placed third overall at the beginning of the day and second in the European classification, Ian Turnbull, Paul Constable and Alec Mckinlay on Ronstan UK steadily went about working their way back up to the European title. A fifth, third and fourth in the first three races brought them back to the top of the European ladder and second overall, but they left themselves with everything to do in the final race, after a dreadful start saw them round the windward mark in 13th. They steadily worked themselves back through the fleet until in sailing through the lee of Wild Oats Chardonnay on the final beat they climbed back up to third place to take second overall by a single point and as well as the European Championship title for 2008.

Australian skiff legend and previous JJ Giltinan Champion John Winning with his crew David Gibson and Andrew Hay on Yandoo Ssangyong were always near the front of the fleet and had a very consistent day counting a fourth and two second places, but a seventh in the first race of the day left them having to settle for third overall.

The European fleet now moves on to Weymouth in the UK for the next round of the European Grand Prix circuit and UK National Championship, commencing August 10th.

http://www.18footer.org

LIBERTINE AND SPIDERTECH ON TOP OF THE WORLD Athens Greece: LIBERTINE is World Champion at "The ORC World Championships" (20-28 June) after seven races sailed. LIBERTINE, the Comet 45 R owned by Maurizio Biscardi had Lorenzo Bodini at the helm and Francesco De Angelis calling tactics. Sails were made by Banks Sails Italy and designed with Spidertech technology. LIBERTINE won by two points ahead of George Andreadis's MELITI IV. Five races out of seven have been sailed in line, all with strong winds, like the long distance race of 148 miles, divided into parts, which had all participant boats in difficulties with winds in excess of 25 knots.

A good performance as well from FRA'DIAVOLO, the Comet 41 R owned by Vincenzo Addessi, with Luca Simeone at the helm. Sails were also from Banks Sails Italy and again designed with Spidertech technology. FRA'DIAVOLO came third in the Corinthian Class 1. The World Championship protagonists, LIBERTINE & FRA'DIAVOLO, will meet again at the Italian ORC International Championships which will take place in Punta Ala from 24 - 30 August.

http://www.spidertechsails.eu

THE M 30S WILL NOT SAIL AROUND BRITTANY For the first time ever, the boats of the Tour de France Sailing Race will have to travel on trolleys towards Lorient. The stop in Perros-Guirec Cotes d'Armor had to be cancelled due to hazardous weather conditions. This decision was taken by the race committee, race direction and the organization so as to be able to start the races on Thursday morning in Lorient, as initially planned.

Jean Coadou, president of the race committee, announced at noon during the skippers' briefing his decision not to start any race during the forthcoming days. Any other decision would have compromised the rest of the race, because of hard weather conditions expected for crossing the channel du Four. "The near gale warning doesn't allow us to start a race tonight", such was the first point of the briefing. As far as the rest is concerned, things are getting a little more complicated: "Meteo Consult forecasts a very slight improvement during the next 24 hours; the wind should be blowing around 15 knots tomorrow in the afternoon". The offshore leg towards Perros-Guirec Cotes d'Armor could have been sailed, but the boats would then have most likely been stuck another few days. "The competitors couldn't have reasonably sailed past the Raz de Sein windward with winds above 25 knots. This is why we took this decision to put the boats on their trolleys, and to drive them to Lorient. Like this, we could start as of Thursday morning in Lorient, according to the initial schedule".

The organisers of the Tour de France Sailing Race had to do this difficult choice for the first time in a thirty years time. In order not to do a disservice to the competitors, the organisation will pay for the crane that is to put the boats onto their trolleys. The race direction also wants to ensure the respect of equity during this exceptional operation: "it goes without saying that it is forbidden to make any amendment aimed at improving the performance of the boat during the transit", says deputy-race director Jean-Michel Gandon.

http://www.tourvoile.fr

FIRST F18 WORLD COMPETITION FOR CAMMAS AND LAGARRIGUE In Nigran, near Vigo in Spain, where the Solitaire du Figaro will make a stopover this summer, 160 Formula 18 crews will be competing in the world championship for the series. A newcomer to the series, the crew of Groupama sum up their ambitions for this spectacular competition.

1100 hours on Monday 7th July. According to the sailing instructions, this should be the point where the start of the first race is given. In the wide bay of Vigo, the organisers have designed two rounds measuring 2 miles in diameter. According to the wind direction, they'll choose between racing in the north or south. Either way, the fleet will be divided into 2 groups: "It's not possible to have all 160 catamarans racing together over the same course. As a result we've been split into two groups of 80 boats. At the end of the first two days of racing and hence with six races under their belts, the first 40 from each group will end up in group A whilst the others will race in group B. Clearly the organisation is very different from that which we experienced in the ORMA class" says Franck Cammas, smiling. Alongside him, Jeremie Lagarrigue goes a step further: "It's a little odd but, in contrast to Franck, I'm used to it as it's my fourth Formula 18 world championship".

Champion of France in the recent spring series, the Groupama duo are anticipating a difficult championship: "The level is very high. In such a big fleet, it's imperative that we get off to some good starts in order to avoid sailing in the dirty air of the other competitors. It's these starts that are difficult though as you have to position yourself on the line very early. You have to be capable of holding onto the same position for 2 minutes" adds Jeremie.

With Franck on the helm and Jeremie on the sheets, the two men have been training in Nigran since Thursday

Every evening view the race images and get the low-down about the races contested during the day at http://www.cammas-groupama.com -- Translated by Kate Jennings

LUXURY MOTOR YACHT VIKING NOW AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER MV Viking is an impressive semi-displacement 72ft motor yacht, ideally designed for corporate hospitality or short term charters. Coded for up to twelve guests, Viking offers spacious accommodation and provides an imposing platform for entertaining afloat.

Based in Cowes, MV Viking is ideally located for Race Viewing at the major regattas, such as Cowes Week or the Little Britain Cup, however, if you simply want a fantastic day out or evening, cruising the Solent there are plenty of interesting places to visit.

For pricing and availability please visit http://www.vikingcharter.co.uk

WARNEMUENDER WOCHE The fourth race day of the Warnemuender Woche started with the long distance race of 66 offshore yachts, which set their spinnakers to reach for the Danish island of Bornholm. Shortly afterwards the eight classes went of to their courses. Sam Kivell and Max Taylor from Australia sailed to a victory in the 470er class. The sailors of the Laser Europa Cup start into their deciding races on Tuesday.

The Laser Europa Cup is currently dominated by the French Jean-Baptiste Bernaz. The 20 year old Olympic starter scored a second place in today's only Laser race and leads after five races with seven points only. The days race went to the Canadian Olympic candidate Mike Leigh, who could place himself on second place overall after today's bullet. Third is Valeriy Kydryashov.

Sam Kivell and Max Taylor from Melbourne sailed to a clear victory in the 470 class. The 19 year old Australians could defend their lead on the last day of the series during the Warnemuender Woche. The crew just changed from the 420 into the Olympic class beginning this season.

Ten points behind the German team Morten Bogacki and his new crew Nils Schröder had to accept becoming second.

Philipp Kadelbach could decide the competition in the Streamline class without even sailing the last race. "Sailing was pretty demanding in the light winds and we had some problems at the beginning, but always good speed", he said. "In race eight we matched against second placed Andreas Beckmann to secure an early victory." Third became Axel Mertens and his crew in the fleet of 16 boats.

The long distance race of the offshore yachts started in the morning with lots of spinnakers up – offering a beautiful picture for all spectators. 61 crews took off in the morning, followed by five racers in the afternoon. Among them two Volvo 60's and the Reichl/Pugh 57 "Scho-ka-Kola" try to break the record set in 2001: "UCA" sailed the course in 28 hours, 37 minutes and 23 seconds.

What's on for Tuesday, 8 July: Start of the OK-class World Championship Last race day for the Laser Europa Cup (Laser Standard and Radial) and classes Dyas, Kielzugvogel, Laser 4.7

http://www.warnemuender-woche.com

NZ WINS WORLD UNIVERSITY MATCH RACING CHAMPS After five days of racing in Gdansk Poland New Zealand has taken out both the gold and silver medals at the 2008 FISU World University Match Racing Championships. Josh Junior, Matthew Steven, Chris Jones and Carl Syman from the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club, ran out convincing winners in the finals over their country mates, Reuben Corbett, Brad Farrant, Scott Burling and Jimmy Maloney (Royal New Zealand yacht Squadron). Rounding out the medalists was the team from the United States of America.

Finals day was a difficult one for the race committee. After attempting to start the racing inside the harbour a decision to abandon the first flight was made when a 90 degree wind shift came down the course. Racing was shifted outside the harbour but this was not the end of the race committee's work. After the first flight the wind swung a further 180 degrees forcing yet another course change.

After what had been a very tight regatta Junior and team were surprisingly dominant in the finals. They found a distinct boat speed edge over Corbett's team which meant they won the final comfortably 3-0.

Junior and team were sailing under the banner of Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club and were representing both Victoria and Massey Universities. Corbett and team were sailing for the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and were representing Auckland University.

The World University Match Racing Championships are held every two years. They will be sailed next in Greece in 2010. -- Dean Stanley in Sail-World.com: http://www.sail-world.com/NZ/NZ-wins-World-University-Match-Racing-Champs/46138

See also: http://www.jjsailing.com http://www.matchracing2008.awf.gda.pl

ONDECK'S ATLANTIC ADVENTURE IS TRULY THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME! We follow the traditional trade route across The Atlantic which is downwind, leaving earlier and sailing to destinations unvisited by other commercial Atlantic rallies, we head further South to warmer climes and steadier trade winds. Despite pre-conceptions, anyone can do this trip! No offshore experience is necessary, just a taste for adventure!

We will be holding a series of Complimentary Atlantic Adventure Open Days with lunch and an afternoon sail onboard the Farr 65s, which will give you the opportunity to get to know more about the event, destinations, support, weather, the yachts, the crew and Ondeck. Stokey Woodall will be holding a presentation at the beginning of the day, giving you a deeper insight into the event. This will then be followed by a sandwich lunch and an afternoon sail onboard a Farr 65 so you can see what the crew and this ocean-racing performance machine can offer on such a unique and fantastic adventure! The day is at 11.00 to 16.00 at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. Dates scheduled are Saturday, 19th July 2008 and Saturday, 16th August 2008.

Please contact Katy on +44 (0) 1983 612642 or e-mail ko@ondeck.co.uk to book your place.

OPEN 60 RULE CHANGES At a time when their fleet is going supernova with 30 boats expected on the start line of this year's Vendee Globe, of which 20 are new in this four year cycle, it might seem odd that the IMOCA Open 60 class feels they should be putting their house in order. The old adage - if it ain't broke, why fix it? - might seem to apply. But as we have stated on this site in the past, the terrible demise of the ORMA 60 trimaran class, from its high note prior to the 2002 Route du Rhum when 18 boats took the start line, to more or less non-existence in the space of five years, is something that rings loudly in the ears of IMOCA and its ever increasing membership. This is why next week proposals are to be voted on at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the class to implement some major amendments to their rules.

So are IMOCA wise to be legislating early to prevent their possible ORMA-demise or is its membership being overly cautious?

The facts are that a) it is impossible to make any boat 100% seaworthy when exposed to the ultimate conditions Mother Nature can conjure up and b) any genuine Open class is certain to have a number of technical issues over its lifetime as designers, builders and skippers and their teams push towards new limits... While no one would criticise any class in attempting to make their boats safer, there seems to be concensus among the skippers in the UK that the way being proposed to achieve this is perhaps overly dramatic and certainly overly costly.

The full article, another must-read well worth the yearly subscription fee alone, is at http://www.thedailysail.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - editor@scuttlebutteurope.com Letters are limited to 350 words. No personal attacks are permitted. We do require your name but your email address will not be published without your permission.

* From Tom Hayhoe: Anyone who has raced from Weymouth in the past forty years will share in the sadness of the news of the death last Friday of Bill Ludlow, chairman of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Current and future generations of championship sailors owe an enormous amount to Bill for his role in the development of a centre of excellence for competitive sailing on the waters of Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay. He first conceived the vision of a national sailing centre in the early 1970s. Finally, the closure of the naval airstation on Portland created the opportunity for him to pull together the resources of the RYA and various public bodies interested in the regeneration of the local area to convert the vision into the world class facility that will host the 2012 Olympics.

Sailors of earlier generations will also recall fondly the splendid receptions provided by Devenish's Brewery, where he was managing director, that were the highlight of the social programme of major championships and Weymouth Olympic Week regattas in the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's.

Bill raced National 12s, International 14s and Flying Fifteens in the 1950s and early 1960's before switching his attention to bigger boats, cruising the Channel and Brittany coasts in the "Gnu" and "Celadore" and in more recent years the coasts of Ireland and Scotland in "Foxtrot of Rhu"

THE LAST WORD Gloriousness and wretchedness need each other. One inspires us, the other softens us. -- Pema Chodron

The opinions expressed in Scuttlebutt Europe do not necessarily reflect those of its editors or sponsors.

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