Pos,Bow/Sail, Skipper, Yacht Club, Results, Total Points |
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Notes
– Scoring System is ISAF Low Point 2009-2012
– Finishes in [brackets] denote throwouts
– Click on race number to view detailed race information.
A New Experience: Match Racing
By Airwaves writer Elizabeth Dudley
I would consider myself a “well-versed” sailor. I have logged countless hours on dinghies and increasing hours on keelboats, both racing and cruising, fleet racing and team racing. But a few weeks ago, I was the given the opportunity to experience my sport in a way that was completely new to me- a concept that one would not expect to encounter 15 years into a sport. And it is experiences like this that keep me entranced with the sport of sailing.
In the beginning of June, myself and five other fellow
Due to the range of experience, the yacht club held a clinic on Friday preceding the Saturday and Sunday event for anyone who wanted to participate. Drills were run on the water to help familiarize teams with the inner workings of a starting sequence as well as give people an opportunity to sail the Swedish Match Race 40’s.
That morning’s chalk talk was my first ever conversation about match racing. Like my friends who know nothing about sailing, I felt as though an entirely different language was being spoken. It was weird feeling so unintelligent about a sport I always felt I knew so much about.
But after only match racing for one weekend and in a light breeze that only allowed us to get in one round robin, I would definitely recommend it to any and all competitive sailors. Things happen fast in a match race. Courses are short, opponents are aggressive on the start line and tacks, gybes, sets and douses, become numerous and quick. Match racing almost makes fleet racing seem leisurely. But if you can master boat handling in that high stress environment, your overall sailing would improve ten-fold.
I had never even been walked through a match race, so sitting down that morning of the clinic, I had no idea what to expect, and still do not have a firm grasp on things. But I thought some of you might appreciate a brief overview, albeit from someone who still has a lot of learning to do.
In match racing, there is a ten minute starting sequence as opposed to the five or three minute starts most of us are used to. One boat is assigned to the pin end of the line and displays a blue flag while the other boat, assigned to the boat end, flies a yellow flag. These colors are also used by the judges as the races progress to inform boats of any penalties they might incur.
The P Flag goes up at four minutes and at that time, each boat is meant to be above their respective ends of the line, entering the starting box. Boats round down below the line and then meet in the middle, round up and hope to gain control of their opponent. You have to have been on the pre-start side of the course (below the line) prior to the two minute mark and, as always, you can not be over the line at go.
Many match races are won or lost depending on how the start goes. The start is all about gaining control and putting yourself in the advantageous position.
The start is also one of the most hectic environments. You are making sure your job gets done white the boat is constantly making directional and velocity changes as well as needing to be aware of what is going on around you: where you are in the start sequence, where the other boat is and what they are doing.
Windward beats, in the simplest terms, are about either maintaining control over your opponent or breaking a hold the other boat may have on you. You then make a right hand turn around the top mark and offset, and the run becomes another opportunity to either maintain your position or pass from behind. Then it’s a right hand turn around the bottom mark, back up to the top, and then a downwind finish.
There really is very little downtime, if any, during a match race. Boats are typically in close proximity and there is not always a lot of time to think, you have to just do and react.
During one of our races, the breeze had been finicky all day and thus the courses short so we could get as much racing in as possible. The breeze had come up significantly though during our flight, making the already shortened courses eve
n shorter. We came around the offset after the top mark, set our kite and then it was almost immediately time to douse. Myself, in pit, and our bowman were momentarily confused, thinking something had gone horribly wrong. But it just speaks to the quickness in which things can happen in a match race and highlights the importance of communication.
Match racing is almost like an augmented version of sailing. Everything seems faster, louder, more stressful and more confined, all at the same time. It is definitely an experience I would recommend, and with match race centers popping up in places like
Happy Sailing!
Elizabeth Dudley grew up sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. She went to The Gunston School where she sailed and was captain of the Varsity Sailing Team. Elizabeth also attended and graduated from Boston College in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She sailed for the Boston College Varsity Sailing Team all four years on the women’s circuit as a crew and was twice named to the NEISA First Crew Team. Elizabeth is now living and working in the Maryland/DC area.
You can reach Elizabeth at : [email protected]
Newport AC World Series Crowd Proves that the U.S. is Ready for NASCAR Style Sailing
By Judith Krimski
A capacity crowd of 14 thousand sat in on the the final day of the America’s Cup Newport World Series. They weren’t disappointed because it played out in thrilling fashion. “It was really exciting,” commented David Gilman, a college student from Sharon MA, “The cats were so close to the shore and we saw some near crashes in the fleet race. We all wanted to see more racing.”
Russell Coutts, the “Old Bugger,” as James Spithill called him post racing, came away with the victory in the match racing finals. “You’re too young to know some of those tricks,” the 50-year-old Coutts shot back with a laugh. Earlier in the day Coutts showed his youthful Oracle counterpart how a seasoned match racer does it. With seconds to go before the start Coutts stalled Spithill with a well-timed luff. Pulling away at the start he took advantage of his lead, playing the shifts perfectly and keeping a good cover on his opponent. Coutts also fought hard in the fleet race but due to a penalty lost to Luna Rossa’s Chris Draper and company.
In the end Jimmy Spithill’s team came away with the overall championship trophy for the world series. Post racing Coutt’s had some encouraging words for Team Oracle’s progress to date. “Today just happened to work out for us. We got some nice breaks, but I wouldn’t give us too much credit for it,” Coutts said. “As a team, we’re really happy. Jimmy and his guys won the World Series and that’s what we came here to do… We’re always out there to win, we’re not there to just sail around the buoys – we want to win.”
The Newport event marks the end of the first season of AC World Series racing and follows previous events in Cascais (POR), Plymouth (UK), San Diego (USA), Naples and Venice (ITA). Regatta Director Iain Murray and his team have conducted 130 races over 30 days of racing in the six international venues. Over the time, only one day of races has been postponed due to weather.
American terry Hutchinson, Skipper for Artemis Racing, won the overall match racing trophy. “It’s a nice milestone for the team,” Hutchinson said, his mood tempered somewhat by a poor fleet race on Sunday. “But I think we have a lot of work to do. There are a lot of areas we can do better. But we have 14 months to do it and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Oracle has clearly shown they are the team to beat in this newfangled America’s Cup. “I’m pretty happy with the state of everything,” said tactician John Kostecki. “Most importantly the World Series seems a huge success. We’ve been through Europe and now here in the States. Each event has gotten better and better and San Francisco will be exciting too.”
ORACLE TEAM USA now heads home to its base at Pier 80 in San Francisco for the next four months with a full slate of activities on the schedule. The team’s first AC72 will begin sailing next month, and the first regatta of the 2012-13 America’s Cup World Series is scheduled Aug. 23-26. It’ll be the first time that America’s Cup racing will be featured on the Bay. “We’re looking forward to getting back home to San Francisco,” said Spithill. “We have some testing sessions coming up and the launch of the first AC72. That’s an exciting time. And when the ACWS kicks off again it’ll be another level of racing that we’ve seen. You’ll see more thrills and spills, and more teams. It’s exciting. I can’t wait to see the event back in our hometown.”
The 2012-2012 ACWS season visited six venues in four countries, and Coutts voiced satisfaction with the state of the game. But he knows that changes are needed to keep improving. “The America’s Cup World Series is good right now, but we have to take it to the next level and we’ll see some of that in San Francisco later this summer,” said Coutts.
2012 J/24 U.S. National Championship Results Results
J/24 (32 entries) Scoring: OneDesign
| Position | Bow | Sail | State | Name | Boat Name | Race 1 | Race 2 | Race 3 | Race 4 | Race 5 | Race 6 | Race 7 | Race 8 | Points |
| 1 | 08 | 1574 | Mollicone, John | 11th Hour Racing | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | [33/DNS] | 13.0 | |
| 2 | 25 | USA 2160 | Toole, Pat | 3 Big Dogs | 1 | 5 | [11] | 5 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 34.0 | |
| 3 | 22 | 5208 | Snow, Chris | Bogus | 2 | [18] | 10 | 2 | 4 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 37.0 | |
| 4 | 71 | 5235 | Nelson, Tim | Fly Mo’J | 12 | 1 | [17] | 1 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 8/ZFP | 41.0 | |
| 5 | 10 | 5177 | Johnson, Greg & Susan | Pinotage | 4 | [14] | 5 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 46.0 | |
| 6 | 69 | USA 2185 | Keesling, Frank | The Dumpster | 6 | 7 | 3 | [17] | 7 | 13 | 5 | 6 | 47.0 | |
| 7 | 31 | USA 1574 | Simkins, B rian |
Shoulda Woulda Coulda | 11 | 4 | 12 | [22] | 9 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 57.0 | |
| 8 | 17 | 174 | Pierini, Doug | Cold Smoke | 7 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 14 | 14 | [33/DSQ] | 63.0 | |
| 9 | 09 | 5253 | Irwin, David | Ibaj too | 9 | [33/DSQ] | 2 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 23 | 9/RDG | 64.0 | |
| 10 | 02 | USA 3764 | Dyer, Bryan | RumLine | 21 | 8 | [22/20%] | 13 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 66.0 | |
| 11 | 11 | USA 1966 | Kelble, Frank | Frankies | 14 | 3 | 21 | 19 | [23] | 9 | 4 | 11 | 81.0 | |
| 12 | 23 | 1663 | Stewart, Avery | Disheveled Rogue | 19 | 9 | [25/20%] | 14/20% | 16 | 6 | 13 | 13 | 90.0 | |
| 13 | 01 | 451 | Anstey, Paul | J-PEAS | 10 | 6 | 8 | [24] | 14 | 21 | 10 | 22/20% | 91.0 | |
| 14 | 26 | 2257 | Tunberg, Thomas | Bullet | 5 | 10 | [26] | 20 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 14 | 95.0 | |
| 15 | 27 | 2627 | Warnygora, Todd | Phantom | 13 | 20 | [24] | 16 | 10 | 7 | 22/20% | 15 | 103.0 | |
| 16 | 03 | 267 | Holmes-Moon, Kelly | Bad Moon | 15 | 13 | 20 | 23 | [28] | 8 | 17 | 10 | 106.0 | |
| 17 | 15 | 2014 | McCleskey, Blaine | Tiki | 20 | [25] | 4 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 9 | 12 | 108.0 | |
| 18 | 20 | USA 2118 | Dannecker, Michael | Entourage | 16 | 26 | 14 | 10 | [29] | 11 | 22 | 9/ZFP | 108.0 | |
| 19 | 13 | 1351 | Helmer, Dave | Blue Side Down | 17 | 15 | 6 | 9 | 24 | [27] | 19 | 19 | 109.0 | |
| 20 | 07 | 5258 | Dille, Alan | Septillion | 18 | 17 | 25 | 21 | [27] | 18 | 15 | 9 | 123.0 | |
| 21 | 06 | 1564 | Singstad, Charles | Code Blue | [23] | 19 | 18 | 14 | 15 | 20 | 18 | 21 | 125.0 | |
| 22 | 04 | 2382 | Bergman, Steve | Event Horizon | [31] | 11 | 13 | 7 | 22 | 29/20% | 26 | 22 | 130.0 | |
| 23 | 19 | USA 4458 | Roybal, Michael | Outer Limits | [28] | 22 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 25 | 24 | 18 | 131.0 | |
| 24 | 94 | 2961 | Delgado, Alex | Siren/ UNT Sailing Team | 27 | 16 | 22 | 11 | 19 | [33/DNF] | 33/DNS | 17 | 145.0 | |
| 25 | 12 | 361 | Burson, Bill | Blue Max | 26 | 28 | 7 | [30] | 26 | 16 | 21 | 23 | 147.0 | |
| 26 | 67 | 672 | Mott, Kevin | Heavy Fuel | 24 | 27/20% | 23 | 26 | 18 | 19 | 20 | [33/RAF] | 157.0 | |
| 27 | 21 | 674 | Sauer, Tim | Garage Sail | 22 | [29] | 29 | 25 | 20 | 28 | 25 | 20 | 169.0 | |
| 28 | 05 | USA- 555 | Bumgardner, Charles | USA-555 | [29] | 23 | 28 | 28 | 11 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 171.0 | |
| 29 | 24 | USA 2170 | Sweeney, Tom | Triple Pain | 8 | 27 | 31 | 27 | 30 | 26 | [33/DNS] | 26 | 175.0 | |
| 30 | 33 | 4165 | Martin-de-Nicolas, Jorge | daveBoat | 25 | 24 | 27 | [31] | 31 | 22 | 27 | 25 | 181.0 | |
| 31 | 18 | USA 327 | Pleune, Timothy | After You | 32 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 25 | 30 | 29 | [33/DNF] | 205.0 | |
| 32 | 14 | 2355 | Leidal, Jason | Leverage | 30 | 31 | [32] | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 27 | 213.0 |
2012 Farr 40 North American Championship Results
http://www.yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=650
| Bow | Sail Number | Yacht Name | Yacht Design | Owner/Skipper | Race 1 |
Race 2 |
Race 3 |
Race 4 |
Race 5 |
Race 6 |
Race 7 |
Race 8 |
Race 9 |
Race 10 |
Total | |||||
| North American Championship Racing | ||||||||||||||||||||
| One Design Division | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Farr 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. | 2 | USA 50955 | Barking Mad | Farr 40 | James Richardson | 3 | 3 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 39.0 | ||||
| 2. | 5 | ITA 29141 | Enfant Terrible | Farr 40 | Alberto Rossi | 4 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 45.0 | ||||
| 3. | 11 | GER 40 | Struntje light | Farr 40 | Wolfgang Schaefer | 2 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 47.0 | ||||
| 4. | 9 | USA 60059 | Plenty | Farr 40 | Alexander Roepers | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 50.0 | ||||
| 5. | 10 | TUR 1211 | Provezza 8 | Farr 40 | Ergin Imre / Onur Erardag | 10 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 57.0 | ||||
| 6. | 6 | USA 7289 | Groovederci | Farr 40 | John Demourkas | 6 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 2 | 59.0 | ||||
| 7. | 14 | AUS 6422 | Transfusion | Farr 40 | Guido Belgiorno-Nettis | 9 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 61.0 | ||||
| 8. | 8 | USA 40076 | Nightshift | Farr 40 | Kevin McNeil | 1 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 64.0 | ||||
| 9. | 1 | TUR 4000 | Asterisk Uno | Farr 40 | Hasip Gencer | 8 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 64.0 | ||||
| 10. | 4 | MON 69 | Charisma | Farr 40 | Nico Poons | 5 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 11 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 68.0 | ||||
| 11. | 15 | USA 92 | Yellow Jacket | Farr 40 | Bulman Scholz Syndicate | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 106.0 | ||||
Day 2 Report from Americas Cup World Series
Day Two report from Newport America’s Cup World Series By Judith Krimski By the look of the crowd lining Fort Adams on Friday, over 9,000 strong, that America’s Cup fever has taken hold in Newport. The sailing community was out in force with many youth coaches taken their summer program charges to view the spectacle. “It’s a great way to start the summer.” said Colin Smith, Brown University sailor and Coach at Beverley Yacht Club in Marion Ma. “We brought a bunch of kids with us. After seeing this they’re all pumped to go racing.” After two days of exciting competition it’s totally appropriate to call James Spithill The Terminator. With wins in both fleet and match racing Oracle 4 is dominating the competition and cementing the likelihood that they will come away with the AC World Series victory. As the sea breeze filled in to a respectable 10-14 knots the day started off with the semi-finals match racing in which both Oracle crews handily won their races. They will face each other in the ultimate 4th of July finals face-off on Sunday. James Spithill and Oracle 4 took advantage of a starting mistake by Artemis Racing to take the lead in the first race. One which they never lost. Despite losing Terry Hutchinson, who Team Artemis hasn’t lost a race all season, is firmly in position to win the match racing part of the series. “Making it into the Semi Finals secured us the overall Championship for the year in the match racing… (But) we still feel we have a long way to go to match ORACLE TEAM USA and Emirates Team New Zealand. We’re a fairly young team and we have to get better, plain and simple.” Match race two started off with Russell Coutts showing his racing metal as he made an aggressive move to take a slight advantage over Team Luna Rossa Piranha. Even with Piranha biting at his heels throughout the race they were never able to get that coveted crossing advantage. The real treat of the day came with the fleet race. Race organizers moved the course closer to the shoreline so spectators could get up close and personal with these amazing vessels. At the start Emirates TeamNZ got off to a great start mid-line. It was questionable that they would get back into racing after a costly trim mistake in thursday’s match race caused a capsize. The wing filled with water, breaking off the top. The team burned the midnight oil and launched before noon with a fully repaired wing, ready to race, and eager to prove they could challenge for the top of the fleet. With Emirates NZ and Team Spithill racing around the course in 1-2 and Artemis not far behind the key to the day’s racing was to take advantage of some good pressure coming off the bottom course-right until the course boundary then sail in a nice tunnel of breeze up the center of the course. In the earlier part of the day course right was clearly favored with more breeze and a lift off the west side of the bay but as the sea breeze filled in lower right and mid-course looked better and better. With the fleet split the top three boats drag raced down the course at speeds up to 20 knots. Emirates suffered a breakdown of their starboard centerboard causing tremendous drag. While they struggled to fix it Team Spithill and Artemis battled for position on course right with Spithill winning out in a great lift and pressure off Fort Adams. After Emirates was able to jury rig their starboard centerboard they continued on in first place with Oracle chewing up their thin lead. At the leeward gates Emirates elected to go course left towards Fort Adams while Oracle jibed to go right. Coming back mid-course Emirates made a comfortable port cross on Team Spithill. But the racing wasn’t over. Once again Emirates and Oracle 4 split for the final run. Mid-course Emirates, on port, got tangled up with Oracle Coutts coming up the beat on starboard, and had to avoid. While no penalty was assessed it gave Spithill the time he needed to make his move. The boats came together just a few boat lengths from the final turning mark. Emirates still needed to jibe to make the turn. As their gennaker came around Spithill was able to accelerate and go by. Spithill smartly took a bit wider angle, left his gennaker up a few more seconds and launched his team into the lead sailing a speedy 17 knots to Emirates 12. “We got off the starting line well and the boys just dug in the whole way around and never gave up,” Spithill said. “We thought we had a shot at it (making the late pass), it was just a fantastic race track. There were a lot of passing opportunities out there; it was never over. But full credit to Team New Zealand, they did a lot of work last night and they got out there and were straight up to pace.” So The Terminator James Spithill just keeps on coming on. Saturday promises to be another day of great fleet racing. The match racing finals will be run on Sunday.
America's Cup in Rhode Island day 1
June 23, 2012: Day One Cup update By: Judith Krimski It was a truly historic scene Saturday on Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island when the most high tech sailboats on the planet— the America’s Cup catamarans—joined classic Jboats, New York 30s and a fleet of 420 and Opti sailors on the water. As the first day of formal America’s Cup practice started teams geared up to get out in the freshening southwesterly sea breeze. Several teams, including the pair of Luna Rossa cats and ArtemisTNZ have already spent several days practicing in Newport while Team Oracle, lead by skippers Jimmy Spithill and Russell Coutts, watched their team perform final calibrations on the huge winged rig before hoisting the cats into the water. “I’ve sailed here many times,” said Russell as he watched his #5 cat get launched by a huge crane, “We’re ready to go.” Getting up close and personal with these amazing vessels is awe inspiring. While the cat platform seems small the winged mast is a towering 70 ft. above. It’s gratifying to know that the plethora of technological advances aside, these sailors still rely on good ‘ole telltales to gauge flow over the “sails” and sheets and winches to trim them. Joe Newton, headsail trimmer for Oracle comments, “You need quickness and sensitivity that sheets provide. Hydraulics just don’t cut it.” Shortly after the boats where set on their moorings Team Oracle sequestered themselves at the back of their bay to talk “local knowledge” provided by Scott Ferguson, head designer of the wing sail and Newport native. John Kostecki, Oracle’s tactician commented after the briefing, “I’ve sailed on this race course area once before and it’s a good place to race when the sea breeze is blowing. It’s a little bit tricky, there’s some current to think about, but we’re fortunate that we have a few Newport locals on our team to give us the local knowledge.” Going into Thursday’s competition ORACLE TEAM USA Spithill holds a slender four-point lead on the overall results table over Dean Barker’s Emirates Team New Zealand. With 10 points available to the winner of each of the match and fleet racing championships in Newport, Artemis Racing’s Terry Hutchinson is also within striking distance. “We’ve always just wanted to be in a position to win the championship, and now we’re there,” said skipper Jimmy Spithill from San Francisco earlier this week. “We’ll have a shot to wrap up the season and it’s obviously something we’d like to win.” Dirk De Ridder, Oracle’s wing sail trimmer, has been with the program from the beginning so has seen Oracle’s competitors grow in their knowledge of the boats and skill at sailing them. “Team New Zealand are the closest and no matter what boat you sail them in they are always tough,” say De Ridder, “When we started this off we had more hours in the boats than anyone else and it clearly showed in the first two competitions. But everyone has put a lot more time in. Now it’s pretty much a level playing field because the boats are one-design, the sails are one-design and we all look at each other to see the weaknesses so we’re all tweaking the boats the same.” The America’s Cup World Series event in Newport runs from June 23 – July 1. Racing commences on June 28th with a combination match racing and fleet racing each afternoon.
Wing It! A closer look at the AC45 Winged Sail
By: Judith Krimski
It takes a monumental team effort to design and build the winged sails that grace the AC45 and AC72. When Team Oracle decided to go with the winged sails for the 34th America’s Cup they tapped Rhode Island native Scott Ferguson, a naval architect and veteran designer of America’s Cup competitions and the Volvo Ocean Race to name a few. Scott is also notable for his accomplishments on the Laser Masters circuit where he’s was World Champion in 2009 and 2010.
I was especially curious about the winged sail so I decided to go to the source with my questions. Here’s what Scott had to say.
How did you come to be involved with this latest AC campaign. What is your role?
I was part of the previous campaign for the 33rd Cup in the giant multihulls, and was asked to return in same role of managing the Rig Design. By the time I was signed up Oracle were undecided on the multihull/monohull question, wing or normal mast, so as it turns out I am working again on the design and engineering of the wing managing a group of 4-5 other designers.
How is the winged sail constructed? What are some of the key features as far as trim controls and sailing that make it different from a conventional sail?
The wing is constructed primarily of carbon fiber, foam, nomex cores. The front and back 2 or 3 panels we refer to as ‘elements’. The front panel is the Main Element and the aft one is the Flap Element. These Elements have hinges much like an airplane that allow you to control the depth and top to bottom twist of the wing. The twist is controlled at 4 or 5 vertical heights over the span of the wing and at the bottom of the wing there is a traveler that controls the angle of the entire wing relative to the boat.
A conventional sail requires a tremendous amount of sheet tension to control the sail shape and twist. Generally, to get the correct shape and twist in the middle of the sail means that the top of the sail is too closed down and therefore inefficient compare to the wing.
How much does the wing weigh?
1325kg (2922lbs) all up
Russell Coutts has said that the AC45 is a challenging boat to sail. What are some of the challenges mono-hull sailors face when learning the boat?
The AC45 is still a sailboat so most of the same basic rules apply. The biggest differences compared to most mono-hulls are the top speeds and wider tacking and jibing angles. During a tack or jibe the boat comes almost to a complete stop so there is a premium on minimizing tacks and learning to get up to speed quickly after a tack or jibe. As a monohull guy myself I made the transition to an A-Class Catamaran last year. I am still learning the go-fast subtleties, speed is king so you do not want to pinch upwind or get caught too low downwind. It has been challenging but quite a lot of fun to learn a new one design class, again, it is still a sailboat.
What about designing the original AC45?
It was a fairly rushed project. For the 45s we had to design a boat and a wing in a short period of time last summer and into the fall. It’s not just for our benefit, but to get the whole cup competition kick-started. I’m pretty proud of the fact that the boats look exciting, they’re responsive, and they’re fast. It’s good to see them out actually competing now.
Everyone has watched the youtube video of Oracle’s capsize in San Francisco. How do you repair the wing when it’s got a big hole in it?
Russell was quite lucky to go through the softer part of the hard wing! The softer areas are made from a polyethylene film very similar to the plastic covering used on most items you find in the grocery store, and a lighter more specialized version of the shrink wrap used to cover your boat during the winter. It is easy to apply, and shrinks to a nice tension using a heat gun.
Which would you rather sail—the AC45 or the AC72? How about those vs. the laser?
The AC72 has about 5 times the power (righting moment) of the AC45, and will be a handful on San Francisco Bay this summer, but I am looking forward to the first sail. I have a laser here in San Francisco that I still like to sail ….. nothing like 40+ boats on a line.
More about Scott:
Scott Ferguson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture from The University of Michigan where he was also a three time Collegiate All-American in sailing.
Scott has worked in the marine industry since 1984 and established Scott Ferguson LLC in 2000. He has become a specialist in the design of carbon fiber grand prix racing spars and brings not only his years of technical experience to the table but also a long resume that also shows his talent around the race course.
Thanks Scott and good luck to Team Oracle, 34th America’s Cup defender. For more information or to contact Scott click on the link to his website.
2nd Annual Neill Advanced Sailing Clinic Completed with Success
2nd Annual Neill Advanced Sailing Clinic Completed with Success, sponsored by Sail1Design
This year marks the 2nd Annual Neill Advanced Sailing Clinic, hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation and run by the Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School. The Neill Clinic, sponsored by Sail1Design, is a high level clinic for Club 420s from around the country coached by six of college’s best coaches – Justin Assad from Dartmouth, John Vandemoer from Stanford, Brian Clancy from Cornell, Nick Ewenson from University of Rhode Island, Amanda Callahan from Roger Williams University, and Ward Cromwell from College of Charleston, all who providing some of the best instruction the selected sailors could have. After a successful inaugural event last June, momentum from that event carried through to this year with almost twice as many applicants applying to participate. Given the large number of applicants and the strength of the group, the committee chose to expand the group from just twenty boats to twenty-four to maximize the number of sailors who could participate. In selection, the committee looked for both already top performers in the Club 420 fleet as well as less experienced sailors who show a strong commitment and drive to get to that level. Using the CYC Sailing School’s fleet of twenty-four well-maintained boats, all the participants need to bring are their sails, gear, and enthusiasm! On top of some fantastic sailing and instruction, the Neill Clinic sailors are treated to all sorts of additional opportunities and events throughout the week to round out a full and exciting program.
The sailors from around the country arrived in Chicago on Saturday, June 9th and settled into their housing provided by the local participants in the clinic. On Sunday, they arrived at Belmont Harbor to already climbing temperatures and great breeze to get the program started. After welcomes and introductions, the sailors were split into smaller groups and matched with coaches for the day to set up their boats, tune their rigs, and hit the water. Though the temperatures were scorching on land, on the water conditions were perfect – a steady 10-15 knots from the southeast and some cool breeze blowing off of the lake. Boat speed was the main focus, with long up-winds followed by plenty of spinnaker work on trapezoid courses. The session ended with the entire group coming back together for some competitive fleet race drills. After a great day sailing 420s all the sailors got to try their hands at match racing in Tom28s hosted by the Chicago Match Race Center. The beautiful breeze held, and though the sailors were tired from a full day of training in 420s, they seemed to find a second wind to enjoy the keelboats and a different style of racing. Following some exciting races, the sailors were treated to a delicious Italian dinner onboard the Match Race Center’s house boat before heading back to housing for the night to rest up for another day of sailing.
Through Monday and Tuesday, the groups and coaches kept shifting to maximize the range of coaching and practice that each boat could get. The hot and humid temperatures leading storms through the Midwest on Monday made way for cooler weather on Tuesday, but the wind remained solid throughout both days allowing for lots of sailing for the kids! The groups continued to work on boat handling and upwind boat speed with rabbit starts, starting and practice races, practice setting and dousing the spinnakers, on top of strength and conditioning to the long days on the water. A big focus at the end of each day was taking the skills from the drills and applying it to race course situations. On Monday evening, the sailors came to shore to enjoy a pizza dinner and had a chance to talk to the coaches outside the sailing and coaching atmosphere. To help finish up the event and lead into the final day of racing, the sailors were picked up at Belmont Harbor by a bus and treated to a quick tour of the city. They then made their way down to the Monroe Station to enjoy a nice banquet and hear from guest speaker Bora Gulari. Gulari is a world renowned sailor, having won the Moth World Championship and finding great success in a wide array of classes, and earning himself the title of 2009’s Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. Gulari shared with the group many stories, some exciting video of the hydrofoiling boats, and some words of advice for the young sailors.
Wednesday, June 13th, the clinic concluded with a short race day to allow the sailors to take everything that they had learned throughout the clinic and apply it to the race course. A tough easterly brought in lots of chop and waves, and unfortunately lighter breeze compared to the rest of the week, but still great sailing and competition for the participants. Following the racing, the organizers wrapped up the clinic with some closing remarks, coaches’ words of advice, and some annual awards donated by benefactor Victor Chigas and presented to the Most Improved Crew, Most Improved Skipper, and one showing the greatest Sportsmanship. This year, the Most Improved awards were presented to a skipper and crew from the same boat – Willy Crary and Andrew Hed from White Bear Lake in Minnesota. The pair got a lot from the coaching team and made huge strides over the four days of sailing, taking their sailing to a new level. The Sportsmanship Award, one of the most respected awards in the sport of sailing, went to CYC’s own Junior Member Will Holz.
The event was an enormous success, and has paved the way for many more to come! The feedback and reactions from the participants was that they had a great time, loved the coaching and the program, and that the Chicago Yacht Club was a gracious and generous host. All of that success comes from the hard work and support of our Neill Clinic committee, most notably Regatta Chair Sandy Curtiss, Katherine Holz, Carolyn Foulston, Ted Anderson and coaches Matt Clark and Bobby Collins whose work before and during the event was vital to a smooth program. We would also like to thank the sponsors – The Chicago Match Race Center for hosting an event and dinner for the kid
s, Atlantis Weathergear for providing the great jackets for the participants, Sail1Design and Patagonia for donating hats and shirts, and Access Financial for making generous donations to fund the event. And finally, a grand thank you to the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation whose generous support makes this whole event possible!
For more information on the Neill Clinic, pictures, and updates, visit www.NeillClinic.com, or like “Neill Advanced Sailing Clinic” on Facebook. In the coming weeks, stay tuned for a new and improved video filmed and compiled by Chris Love, of Chris Love Productions which will feature some exciting footage of the on-the-water action and land activities and events.
2012 J/80 World Championship Results
http://events.sailracer.org/eventsites/j80_results.asp?eventid=99949
2012 J/80 World Championship, Dartmouth, UK
| Pos | Nation | Helm | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8 | R9 | Nett |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ESP9 |
Jose Maria VAN DER PLOEG | 10.0 | 9.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | (14.0) | 14.0 | 7.0 | 57 |
| 2 | ESP8 |
Rayco TABARES | 18.0 | 5.0 | (21.0) | 5.0 | 8.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 19.0 | 2.0 | 61 |
| 3 | GBR64 |
Kevin SPROUL | 5.0 | 14.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | (19.0) | 8.7 RDG | 5.0 | 16.0 | 4.0 | 69 |
| 4 | FRA15 |
Eric BREZELLEC | (43.0) | 7.0 | 1.0 | 10.0 | 23.0 | 3.0 | 13.0 | 5.0 | 9.0 | 71 |
| 5 | GBR51 |
Robert LARKE | 2.0 | 12.0 | 29.0 | 14.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | (33.0) | 10.0 | 83 |
| 6 | ESP4 |
Ignacio CAMINO RODRIGUEZ | 35.0 | 10.0 | (77.0 DSQ) | 6.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 11.0 | 5.0 | 90 |
| 7 | FRA24 |
Laurent SAMBRON | 16.0 | 1.0 | 18.0 | (26.0) | 3.0 | 19.0 | 16.0 | 12.0 | 18.0 | 103 |
| 8 | GBR46 |
Simon LING | 13.0 | 3.0 | 11.0 | 23.0 | 11.0 | 11.0 | (37.0) | 15.0 | 25.0 | 112 |
| 9 | GBR50 |
Simon JOHNSON | 17.0 | 22.0 | 17.0 | (25.0) | 13.0 | 2.0 | 17.0 | 22.0 | 3.0 | 113 |
| 10 | GER68 |
Bjorn BEILKEN | 39.0 | 20.0 | 15.0 | 17.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 20.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 127 |
| 11 | FRA27 |
Simon Moriceau | 27.0 | 21.0 | 19.0 | 3.0 | (37.0) | 9.0 | 28.0 | 4.0 | 19.0 | 130 |
| 12 | ESP6 |
Carlos MARTINEZ | 26.0 | 8.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 7.0 | 2.0 | 77.0 BFD | 11.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 134 |
| 13 | GBR43 |
Nick & Annie HAIGH | 34.0 | 15.0 | 24.0 | 16.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | (48.0) | 17.0 | 11.0 | 147 |
| 14 | SWE74 |
Mikael LINDQUIST | 36.0 | 4.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 27.0 | 17.0 | 13.0 | 2.0 | 38.0 | 16.0 | 153 |
| 15 | FRA76 |
Patrick BOT | 1.0 | 33.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 32.0 | 35.0 | (77.0 DSQ) | 17.0 | 154 |
| 16 | FRA10 |
Arthur HERREMAN | 14.0 | 18.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 11.0 | 42.0 | 21.0 | 30.0 | 6.0 | 13.0 | 155 |
| 17 | FRA19 |
Luc NADAL | (49.0) | 24.0 | 34.0 | 20.0 | 24.0 | 10.0 | 15.0 | 25.0 | 6.0 | 158 |
| 18 | FRA13 |
Maxime Rousseaux | 7.0 | (58.0) | 6.0 | 1.0 | 46.0 | 18.0 | 22.0 | 40.0 | 21.0 | 161 |
| 19 | FRA14 |
8.0 | 44.0 | 38.0 | 9.0 | 34.0 | 29.0 | 1.0 | 9.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 172 | |
| 20 | GBR66 |
Henri BOMBY | (59.0 TLE) | 2.0 | 40.0 | 24.0 | 29.0 | 23.0 | 18.0 | 31.0 | 8.0 | 175 |
| 21 | FRA25 |
Sebastien Petithuguenin | 11.0 | 13.0 | 2.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 16.0 | 45.0 | 12.0 | 44.0 | 34.0 RDG | 177 |
| 22 | GBR47 |
Steward HAWTHORN | 6.0 | 6.0 | 20.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 14.0 | 17.0 | 55.0 | 39.0 | 23.0 | 180 |
| 23 | ESP5 |
Javier CHACARTEGUI | (45.0) | 37.0 | 22.0 | 30.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 | 24.0 | 1.0 | 14.0 | 184 |
| 24 | ESP3 |
Emilio AZOFRA ALCAZAR | 20.0 | 16.0 | 4.0 | 38.0 | 10.0 | 44.0 | (46.0) | 24.0 | 30.0 | 186 |
| 25 | FRA11 |
Brieu LEBEC | 33.0 | 19.0 | 16.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 35.0 | 34.0 | 21.0 | 18.0 | 15.0 | 191 |
| 26 | ESP2 |
Javier AGUADO | 3.0 | 40.0 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 77.0 DSQ | 3.0 | 77.0 BFD | 210 |
| 27 | GBR29 |
Ian ATKINS | 9.0 | 23.0 | 14.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 48.0 | 24.0 | 10.0 | 26.0 | 77.0 BFD | 231 |
| 28 | GER69 |
Sven VAGT | 24.0 | 39.0 | 13.0 | 33.0 | (45.0) | 41.0 | 32.5 RDG | 32.5 RDG | 32.5 RDG | 248 |
| 29 | GBR32 |
Scott COLE | 23.0 | 35.0 | 10.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 7.0 | 77.0 BFD | 40.0 | 30.0 | 26.0 | 248 |
| 30 | FRA16 |
Jean-Charles MORICEAU | 38.0 | 11.0 | 35.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 26.0 | 16.0 | 34.0 | 13.0 | 77.0 BFD | 250 |
| 31 | FRA26 |
Simon Benaichouche | 21.0 | 62.0 | 9.0 | 18.0 | 50.0 | 25.0 | 19.0 | 49.0 | (77.0 DSQ) | 253 |
| 32 | GBR34 |
Gordon CRAIGEN | (51.0) | 26.0 | 26.0 | 35.0 | 30.0 | 38.0 | 31.0 | 43.0 | 28.0 | 257 |
| 33 | GBR78 |
Ian DOBSON | 4.0 | 27.0 | 37.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 20.0 | 77.0 BFD | 9.0 | 8.0 | 77.0 BFD | 259 |
| 34 | FRA17 |
Jerome PICARD | 48.0 | 49.0 | 27.0 | 13.0 | 38.0 | 26.0 | (57.0) | 34.0 | 24.0 | 259 |
| 35 | GBR41 |
Will GOLDMITH | (59.0 TLE) | 47.0 | 51.0 | 19.0 | 18.0 | 52.0 | 53.0 | 21.0 | 12.0 | 273 |
| 36 | FRA23 |
Pierre METAIS | 41.0 | 36.0 | 63.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 31.0 | 20.0 | 33.0 | 28.0 | 22.0 | 274 |
| 37 | USA75 |
Gary KAMINS | 42.0 | 38.0 | 31.0 | 31.0 | 21.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 45.0 | 42.0 | 31.0 | 281 |
| 38 | NED73 |
Laura VROON | 40.0 | 29.0 | 46.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 22.0 | 14.0 | 27.0 | 27.0 | 77.0 BFD | 282 |
| 39 | FRA21 |
Pascal PIC | 25.0 | 42.0 | 57.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 47.0 | 37.0 | 36.0 | 7.0 | 32.0 | 283 |
| 40 | GBR53 |
Patrick LIARDET | 55.0 | 69.0 | 36.0 | 45.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 7.0 | 20.0 | 10.0 | 45.0 | 287 |
| 41 | DEN1 |
Thomas KLOK | 28.0 | 28.0 | 30.0 | 21.0 | 52.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 29.0 | 29.0 | 77.0 BFD | 294 |
| 42 | GBR56 |
Terry PALMER | 12.0 | 31.0 | 44.0 | (60.0) | 36.0 | 51.0 | 54.0 | 47.0 | 29.0 | 304 |
| 43 | GBR48 |
Allan HIGGS | (59.0 TLE) | 48.0 | 43.0 | 40.0 | 25.0 | 30.0 | 32.0 | 35.0 | 52.0 | 305 |
| 44 | FRA28 |
Fanny LE SAUSSE | 46.0 | 43.0 | 59.0 | 29.0 | 49.0 | 22.0 | (77.0 DSQ) | 46.0 | 20.0 | 314 |
| 45 | FRA22 |
Pierre FOLLENFANT | 31.0 | 32.0 | 41.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 39.0 | 27.0 | 39.0 | 32.0 | 77.0 RAF | 318 |
| 46 | GBR33 |
Steve COOPER | 15.0 | 64.0 | 52.0 | 22.0 | 32.0 | 40.0 | 44.0 | 52.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 321 |
| 47 | GBR35 |
Nick DAILY-HUNT | 59.0 TLE | 59.0 | 5.0 | 28.0 | (73.0) | 42.0 | 41.0 | 57.0 | 33.0 | 324 |
| 48 | HKG70 |
Andrew MOORE | 59.0 TLE | 25.0 | 55.0 | 32.0 | 27.0 | 48.0 | (63.0) | 55.0 | 27.0 | 328 |
| 49 | NED72 |
Edwin SPAANS | 59.0 TLE | 50.0 | 47.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 51.0 | 31.0 | 7.0 | 41.0 | 47.0 | 333 |
| 50 | GBR42 |
Mark GREENAWAY | 56.0 | 45.0 | (67.0) | 34.0 | 33.0 | 57.0 | 23.0 | 51.0 | 44.3 RDG | 343 |
| 51 | FRA18 |
Yannig LOYER | 59.0 TLE | (67.0) | 54.0 | 15.0 | 61.0 | 43.0 | 26.0 | 53.0 | 35.0 | 346 |
| 52 | FRA12 |
Perig DONNARD | 54.0 | 41.0 | 33.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 41.0 | 39.0 | 47.0 | 23.0 | 77.0 DNC | 355 |
| 53 | GBR49 |
Adam JAMES | 59.0 TLE | 17.0 | 50.0 | 59.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 35.0 | 38.0 | 62.0 | 39.0 | 359 |
| 54 | GBR63 |
Sam STEPHENS | 19.0 | 34.0 | 53.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 58.0 | 58.0 | 50.0 | 59.0 | 38.0 | 369 |
| 55 | GBR44 |
Debbie HALL | 32.0 | 55.0 | 48.0 | 48.0 | (62.0) | 55.0 | 52.0 | 48.0 | 34.0 | 372 |
| 56 | GBR38 |
Chris DUCKER | 57.0 | 53.0 | 61.0 | 41.0 | 40.0 | 33.0 | 56.0 | 37.0 | (77.0 DNC) | 378 |
| 57 | GBR60 |
Gillian ROSS | 30.0 | (71.0) | 45.0 | 37.0 | 60.0 | 46.0 | 59.0 | 64.0 | 43.0 | 384 |
| 58 | GBR45 |
Dan HALLAM | 59.0 TLE | 51.0 | 56.0 | 42.0 | 64.0 | 49.0 | 25.0 | (71.0) | 40.0 | 386 |
| 59 | GBR55 |
Doug NEVILLE-JONES | 59.0 TLE | 52.0 | 49.0 | 47.0 | 44.0 | 56.0 | 43.0 | (63.0) | 37.0 | 387 |
| 60 | GBR39 |
Michael EAMES | 22.0 | 30.0 | 64.0 | 36.0 | 53.0 | 53.0 | 64.0 | 67.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 389 |
| 61 | Harald SCHILLING | 29.0 | 70.0 | 23.0 | 43.0 | 59.0 | 65.0 | (77.0 RAF) | 65.0 | 44.0 | 398 | |
| 62 | GBR30 |
Mark BASKERVILLE | 59.0 TLE | (68.0) | 39.0 | 46.0 | 54.0 | 62.0 | 42.0 | 54.0 | 42.0 | 398 |
| 63 | GBR52 |
Michael LEWIS | 52.0 | 54.0 | 32.0 | 54.0 | 56.0 | 61.0 | (77.0 RAF) | 50.0 | 49.0 | 408 |
| 64 | FRA20 |
Olivier GRASSI | 53.0 | (72.0) | 25.0 | 56.0 | 65.0 | 54.0 | 65.0 | 45.0 | 50.0 | 413 |
| 65 | GBR37 |
Brian DENNEY | 44.0 | 60.0 | 28.0 | 53.0 | 68.0 | 60.0 | 58.0 | 56.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 427 |
| 66 | HKG71 |
Bruce PERKINS | 37.0 | 61.0 | 60.0 | 49.0 | 57.0 | 63.0 | (69.0) | 69.0 | 41.0 | 437 |
| 67 | GBR65 |
Robert WALTERS | 47.0 | 57.0 | 68.0 | 52.0 | (70.0) | 59.0 | 68.0 | 58.0 | 36.0 | 445 |
| 68 | GBR36 |
Joanna IRELAND | 59.0 TLE | 46.0 | 69.0 | 39.0 | (72.0) | 68.0 | 66.0 | 60.0 | 46.0 | 453 |
| 69 | GBR61 |
Rosie SANDS | 59.0 TLE | (77.0 RAF) | 42.0 | 61.0 | 63.0 | 50.0 | 67.0 | 70.0 | 48.0 | 460 |
| 70 | GBR54 |
Andrew MCAUSLAND | 59.0 TLE | 66.0 | 62.0 | 44.0 | 43.0 | 36.0 | (77.0 RAF) | 77.0 RAF | 77.0 DNC | 464 |
| 71 | GBR57 |
Geoffrey PAYNE | 59.0 TLE | 63.0 | 72.0 | (77.0 BFD) | 66.0 | 47.0 | 49.0 | 36.0 | 77.0 RAF | 469 |
| 72 | GBR77 |
Alison BANFORD | 50.0 | 56.0 | 65.0 | 51.0 | 55.0 | 70.0 | 51.0 | 72.0 | (77.0 RAF) | 470 |
| 73 | GBR31 |
Steve BEST | 59.0 TLE | 65.0 | 58.0 | 50.0 | 67.0 | 69.0 | 61.0 | 68.0 | (77.0 RAF) | 497 |
| 74 | GBR40 |
Andrew EDWARDS | 59.0 TLE | (74.0) | 70.0 | 58.0 | 74.0 | 67.0 | 60.0 | 61.0 | 53.0 | 502 |
| 75 | GBR62 |
Richard SOPER | 59.0 TLE | (73.0) | 66.0 | 57.0 | 69.0 | 66.0 | 70.0 | 66.0 | 51.0 | 504 |
| 76 | GBR67 |
Rachel WOODS | 59.0 TLE | 75.0 | 71.0 | 55.0 | 71.0 | 64.0 | 62.0 | 73.0 | (77.0 RAF) | 530 |
Showing 1 to 76 of 76 entries
Results provisional
29er and trailer in Annapolis, MD
Hi, I have a 29er with a galv. trailer. The boat is in excellent shape. No leaks, step is great… Like new with the exception of needing to be waxed.. from the sun. The sails… have been stored inside. Please contact me with your thoughts in my interest to sell this exceptional boat to someone who deserves it. I am in Annapolis, MD. I am at 612-205-9689 (cell) Thank you very much. J-E Elion
Americas Cup Countdown: Airwaves Reports from Rhode Island
By Judith Krimski
As the 34th America’s Cup wends its way towards the sixth and final stop of the AC World Cup Series in Newport, Rhode Island, one-design enthusiasts are asking “What’s this all about?” Fortunately, one thing it’s not all about is a convoluted court case that sucks the energy out of this historic 34th Cup event. Yes, there are still a bunch of mega-rich guys funding these boats though this time around it appears that race organizers—Larry Ellison and the cup committee—have gotten it right. The sailors and the boats have reclaimed the main stage. Whether you’re watching the cup on NBC (YES! it will be nationally televised on July 1st), on the internet or course-side in Newport, you’ll be treated to some of the most exciting yacht racing ever.
There’s no denying this is not your mother’s America’s Cup. With boats that easily travel 30 knots, sailor/athletes who are younger and stronger, and tighter courses that bring racing within easy reach of spectators, it’s obvious that America’s Cup organizers have taken a page from the Extreme Sailing Series. It’s great to know that the professional sailors who race these high-tech vessels are excited by the change in the AC format.
The AC World Series in the first of three main stages for the Cup culminating in the 34th defense of the America’s Cup between Team Oracle and the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup. Both take place on San Francisco Bay in 2013. The AC45, currently being used, is essentially a smaller version of the ultimate AC yacht, a 72 foot behemoth featuring 130 foot mast and a sail area of 6,250 vs. a 70 ft mast and 1,430 on the AC45.
So why the AC45?
The challenge was to design a boat that would not only meet the racing and performance criteria, but could also fit inside a 40-foot container, which is the shipping method for the America’s Cup World Series.
“The boat was designed for all-around performance so it can be sailed in wide range of conditions, and that means the next America’s Cup will see races start on time,” said Ian Burns, ORACLE Racing design coordinator. “Plus it’s a regatta boat, meant for lots of racing, so quick assembly and disassembly was a must to accommodate an active competition schedule.”
While capable of closing speeds of over 30 knots, the AC45 was designed to remain nimble enough to handle the tight race courses planned by America’s Cup Race Management (ACRM). “The wing is big and the boat powers up quickly and is easy to sail and maneuverability is not a problem,” is the way ORACLE Racing skipper Jimmy Spithill, the test pilot, described the boat after just one sail.
©2011ACEA Giles Marten-Raget
In 2010, Spithill became the youngest skipper to win the America’s Cup. Now his sights are set on a successful defence in 2013. The first year of the campaign has gone well, with ORACLE Racing Spithill fighting tooth and nail against Emirates Team New Zealand for top spot on the AC World Series leaderboard.
World Series viewer friendly format
Each regatta combines match racing and fleet racing, and takes place over a span of about nine days in port cities around the world. The common thread in all of these venues is the chance to race the boats close to shore, with spectators able to watch in a “stadium” type of setting, as compared to yacht races which can sometimes be staged miles from shore. Teams can enter one or two AC45 cats in the event, and additional teams that are not America’s Cup 2013 entries may also participate. The ACWS was created to give both competitors and organizers the chance to gain experience racing wingsail multihulls in preparation for the 2013 America’s Cup while also building the fan base and bringing media exposure for the teams and the America’s Cup event.
©2011ACEA Giles Marten-Raget
Newport 2012 America’s Cup World Series Schedule: For the full schedule of events (and there are tons of them) go to America’s Cup Newport Events Schedule
- Saturday, June 23 – Monday June 25: AC45 Team Training, Sail Newport Youth Regatta
- Tue
sday, June 26: Sail Newport Youth Regatta, 2:00pm AC45 Practice Racing
- Wednesday, June 27: 2:00pm Official ACWS Practice Racing
- Thursday, June 28:
- 12 noon – 4:00pm Race Day – Fleet & Match Racing
- Friday, June 29 Healthy Oceans Day:
- 2:30 – 4:30pm Race Day – Match & Fleet Racing
- Saturday, June 30: 2:00 – 4:30pm Race Day – Speed Trials & Fleet Racing
- Sunday, July 1: 2:30 – 4:00pm Race Day – Match & Fleet Racing Finals (Live NBC coverage)
Want to know more?
I’ll be covering the Cup from Newport and you can follow my antics on twitter @judithkrimski, Sail1Design.com, and here on centerofeffort. I’d love to know what you want to hear about so send me a comment.
