2009 - 10 AY Race Reports - News and Views & Event Coverge

Jewel of Muscat arrives in Singapore
We have been closely following the Jewel of Muscat story, ever since the replica 9th - century, Arab trading ship was Hijacked by the RSYC into Pt Klang for a six day stopover. Talk about pirates in the Malacca Straits, these guys have got nothing on them. The Jewel of Muscat set sail on her 3000 nautical mile voyage from Muscat, Oman on 16th February 2010, and now almost 5 months latter, the 70,000 stitch, beautifully hand-sewn, wooden plank hull, sailing ship has made it all the way to Singapore. As the vessel does not have an engine the crew must sail the boat and are left to find their own way at the mercy of mother nature and offshore currents. Captain Saleh Al Jabri and up to 19 brave crew members have spent long periods at sea, crossing the Arabian Sea to Cochin, India and have experienced tropical cyclone strength conditions for four days in the Bay of Bengal on their travels. Back in 1988, a 9th - century Arab ship wreck carrying over 60,000 pieces of Chinese pottery (from Tang dynasty) was found offshore from Belitung, Indonesia and the treasure is now stored in Singapore. After extensive archaeological studies the Sultanate of Oman gifted the Jewel of Muscat to Singapore for them to put on display the treasure in the replica boat. Thus her historic voyage through the ancient “water silk road” from Oman to Singapore, which not only plays a role diplomatically and historically, she also encourages cultural exchange and charity function. Further information at: http://www.jewelofmuscat.tv/ After taking over 5 days to cover the last 200nm from Pt Klang to Singapore at an average speed of less than 2 knots, perhaps that is were we get the old saying 'On a slow boat to China'. Check out the AY Event Media coverage of the Pt Klang departure "On Da Way Again" Here... Goto AY Photo Gallery of the RSYC stopover and Pt Klang departure Here...

Jewel of Muscat - 'On da way' again...
By AsianYachting Event Media
28 June 2010: When some one in Malaysia phones up to say they are "On da way" usually means that they may arrive anytime during the next week. Around 17:00 on Sunday afternoon, the replica 9th century Oman trading vessel, Jewel of Muscat released the tow rope, about two miles to seaward of the lead marker and clear of the moored ships at the Southern entrance to Pt Klang. Destination Singapore - Last 200nm leg of the Oman to Singapore voyage and in time for a huge handover ceremony being planned next weekend on Saturday July 3rd at Keppel Marina. After diverting them into Port Klang, the Royal Selangor Yacht Club have regally hosted a six-day stopover for the skipper, crew, shore team and supporters as they make their way down the Malacca Straits to Singapore. Commodore Dato Alex Nah and his committee bid the crew farewell with a resounding send off by club members lining the verandah, over looking the pontoons in front of the club. Goto More June 2010 News and sixty eight more images of the departure have been added to the Jewel of Muscat Stopover - AY Photo Gallery. Follow their progress on Tracking Route and check out the daily Ships Log entries at: http://www.jewelofmuscat.tv/en/logs

RSYC Hijacks Jewel of Muscat stopover
By AsianYachting Event Media
23 June 2010: Ever since the Royal Selangor Yacht Club got wind of the Malaysian stopovers that the replica 9th century Oman trading vessel, the Jewel of Muscat would be making on her way down the Malacca Straits to Singapore, Commodore Dato Alex Nah and his committee became intent on diverting them into Port Klang after the Penang stopover last week. Now! Due to time constraints and commitments on reaching Singapore by Saturday July 3rd, they will have to completely forego the traditional Malacca stopover in favour of some right royal treatment and good ole Malaysian hospitality, that they are famous for in Port Klang. Apparently it did not take much convincing once they contacted the right people and got some strings pulled. The Jewel of Muscat actually arrived on Tuesday afternoon, under tow (No wind) organised by committee member Capt Kumar's shipping agency SEACON and where expertly escorted by Cdr (Rtd) John Ferguson through the tricky strong river currents and comfortably berthed alongside the pontoon in front of the yacht club. The skipper Saleh Al Jabri and crew were greeted by a line of Malaysian women dressed in traditional costumes and the sound of beating drums to announce their arrival and initial welcoming ceremony. For more goto the AY June News Here...

Photos, Photos and more Photos
16th June 2010: Although the physical side of the 2009-10 Season is run and done the arduous task of processing images and generating Photo Galleries continues, so a record of the activities can be easily remembered long after the racing has finished. All the on and off the water action at the Sawadee.com Regatta 2010 Samui plus the gala prize presentation can be found at: http://asianyachting.com/photos/photo.htm?KSR10 Highlights of all the racing class action at the 10 X AYGP events held this season have also been compiled into the 2009-10 AYGP Gallery including the Skipper and Yacht of the Year awards ceremony. AY Multimedia will post these galleries on Picasa and flickr for the world at large to enjoy. Meanwhile all the individual regatta galleries since 2004 and much much more can be accessed from the AY Photo Library Many thanks must go to all the regatta organisers for providing facilities for the media and the numerous journalists and photographers that we have had the pleasure of working with throughout the year. If any images capture your eye don't hesitate in contacting us for high resolution copies both for personal and commercial use.

Times are a changing - Revised AY Advertising Rates & Combo Packages...
For as little as US$100 per month (Min 3 months) we can help promote your interests on selected AY Multimedia publications. After some revising we have narrowed the selection down to two separate Combo Packages 1. Spots on the AYGP Newsletter/Updates & AY Race Reports and 2. Monthly AY News & Views - Classified Adds & Website Rotating Banners. Take advantage of this transitional period while it lasts Go Here... - Special Rates can be negotiated by E-mailing info@asianyachting.com

Ray Roberts & Evolution Racing - 2009/10 AYGP Skipper and Yacht of the Year
By AsianYachting Event Media - Goto June 2010 - Final AYGP Newsletter
9th June 2010: After winning 6 regatta's and scoring 3 x 2nd places and one 3rd, Ray Roberts was never off the podium at all 10 X AYGP events held this season, and consequently crowned the 2009-10 AYGP Skipper and Yacht of the Year at the Sawadee.com Regatta Samui awards ceremony last weekend. Believe me this is no easy task, as having top racing crews on standby around the world and running a professional campaign/team throughout Asian waters over the last 12 months requires quite a lot of conviction from all concerned. Neil Pryde and Ray Roberts went blow for blow at most the regattas this year and by mid season they opened up a substantial points lead over the rest of the racing class yachts vying for the honours.

Coming into the final event at Koh Samui, Ray Roberts had already won the Skipper of the Year award but the ongoing battle for Yacht of the Year went right down to the wire on the last Race #10 of the regatta. (See AY Race Reports) There was a chance that the dueling duo could share the awards between themselves and bring a fitting end to their battle over the 2009-10 Season. This was not to be, as Ray Roberts steered his TP52 Evolution Racing across the finish line only one boat length in front of Pryde's Hi Fi team on the final race showdown to claim the trifecta. After receiving the Sawadee.com Regatta Samui Racing Class trophy, Roberts then donned the Armani International Suits - Koh Samui Blue Blazer and the Perpetual AY Cup traditionally filled with sponsors chilled champagne at the magnificent prize giving party held on the spacious lawn in front of the spectacular Centara Grand Beach Resort on Chewang Beach. (See SamuiPics.com flickr gallery) or goto the AYGP Photo Gallery on Facebook of the trophy presentation. Goto June 2010 - Final AYGP Newsletter

Sawadee.com Regatta 2010, Samui - Ray Roberts and Evolution Racing clean up in Samui...
By AY Event Media
June 5th: Despite almost wiping out the bowsprit on the startboat in the prestart maneuvers and coming close to ending their challenge for the title, Ray Roberts TP52 Evolution Racing went on to finish both races, a mere boat length in front of arch rival Neil Pryde's Welbourn 52 Hi Fi, to claim the trifecta, Sawadee.com Regatta 2010, Samui Racing Class title as well as pick up both the AYGP Skipper and Yacht of the Year awards. Talk about close, it does not get much closer than that! Having that little edge going upwind makes all the difference and despite Neil Pryde employing close covering tactics and splitting to either side, when the boats came back together again, it was Evolution Racing that prevailed over Hi Fi. Also after Hi Fi's rating was increased by the IRC during their annual renewal to be the same as Evolution Racing it seems to have demoralized the Hi Fi crew a little. However they did not have it all their own way as Frank Pong's 76ft Jelik II jumped up to claim a win in Race 9 and the Nick Burns/Fred Kinmonth co-owned Mills 51 EFG Mandrake slotted into second place. This result had a few heads turning and some pointscore recalculations to see what could happen on the last race of the regatta. All bets were off when Frank Pong steered Jelik II down the wrong side of the finish boat and failed to correct the mistake. Undeterred the dueling duo carried on gybe for gybe in close quarters right down to the finish line, when Roberts took the advantage and crossed a few seconds in front. Wow! What a race and the spectators gave a sigh of relief as they were held in suspense throughout the thrilling final. Goto AY Race Reports & Summary and AYGP Photo Gallery on Facebook of the trophy presentation.

ISAF issue warning on Pirate Zone
In view of the recent escalation in piratical attacks in the area of the Gulf of Aden, Yemeni and Somali, and the consequent very high risk, the essential advice is not to enter this area. However a yacht which, despite this advice, decides on such a passage is recommended to make contact in advance with the naval authorities and will find in the document basic guidance for her transit. The Guidelines are a joint production of MSC(HOA) and ISAF under the auspices of the ISAF International Regulations Commission. The Commission has been established and appointed by the ISAF Executive Committee in accordance with Regulation 41 to provide advice on matters related to the regulation of recreational boats or craft by government actions or otherwise. In response to these warnings the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) recently updated and re-issued its guidelines to yachts contemplating making a passage through the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin. Click here to download a copy of the ISAF Guidelines. February to April are the months when most cruising sailors are going east to west across the Indian Ocean, and set out to transit the pirate infested Gulf of Aden. At this time of year the trade winds in the Red Sea are favorable, and a boat will reach the Mediterranean just in time for the European Spring. Between August to November during the SW trades is when yachts are likely to make the return journey from west to east. As this area has become notoriously famous for pirate attacks, a security corridor International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) has been established, and boats are advised to travel in convoys. New coordinates came into effect on 0001Z 01 FEB 09 See Map & goto Full Details Here...

AsianYachting goes MultiMedia
By AY Event Media
27 May 2010: After successfully installing three live streaming TV Channels, (LVT Live - AYTV - SAIL TV) we decided it was time to garner some further International MultiMedia attention by adding a collection of famous yachts racing and classic blue water video's onto my YouTube - MrCaptMarty's Channel (Never was any good at filling in those dam online forms) that was created late last year to stream any live YuuZoo news during the 2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.

As the AY Website is now entering mainstream media circles, we are in the process of inter connecting to the Major Players that make up AY MultiMedia (Listed below) somehow with a RSS feed from the 2009-10 AY News, Race Reports and AYGP Updates. Please bare with us if any duplication occurs during this period. Check out the AY Media Partners in the May 2010 News Here...

2010 WMRT Germany ends with a fizzle...
24 May 2010: Initially due to the light conditions the Match Race Germany Semi Finals were cut short to the first to win two points. Yesterday's results will stand, Adam Minoprio's ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing and Jesper Radich's - Radich Racing Team went through to the final. As Adam finished above Jesper in the round robin he got to choose the entry. So the stage was set but "Alas poor Yorik!" There was to little wind to hold any races on the final day and Adam Minoprio was crowned the winner on points count back. Their Live online player was to big to stream over in Asia but the World Match Racing Tour daily highlights and race by race action can be viewed long after the racing is over. Enjoy Click Here...
WMRT Germany Points: 1 Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 25 Points
2 Jesper Radich (DEN) Radich Racing Team 20 Points
3 Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 15 Points
4 Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 12 Points
5 Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 10 Points
6 Peter Gilmour (AUS) Yanmar Racing 8 Points
7 Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Victory Challenge 6 Points
8 Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Italia 4 Points
9 Ian Ainslie (RSA) Team Proximo
10 Mads Ebler (DEN) Ebler Matchracing
11 Kathrin Kadelbach (GER) EWE Sailing Team
12 Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Gill Global Team

4th Louis Vuitton Cup 1995 - Original Razzia Poster - Best birthday present ever...
22 May 2010: Capt Marty received an original Razzia - LVC 1995 Poster for his birthday a couple days ago. Dear old Auntie Lillian was working in the Asian media back in those days and was lucky enough to score some all expenses LV treatment and showered with gifts in San Diego, USA some time between Jan - April 1995. "This is the best birthday present ever and we will treasure it on the wall at our AY Sailing School in PD World Marina, Malaysia" said Capt Marty.A few images are posted in our Facebook Gallery Auntie has gone back to KL to ferret around and see if she can find the Limited Edition LV Duffle Travel bag, scarf and other such memorabilia that she has collected over the years. Depends on what she comes back with we might even put a few items up for sale on E-Bay (Don't worry girls, we will let you know well in advance) to raise some urgently needed funds for our ailing AY Sailing School at PD World Marina, Malaysia. More on the 1995 LVC Poster with links to three AYTV channels. Access our Live Streaming Program Guide at the top of the player. Here...

May AYGP Update - The show must go on...
Despite the present unrest in central Bangkok and International travel warnings being posted for Thailand, the rest of the country is not affected and enjoy the warm hospitality that the Thai's are famous for. As in most political protests the disturbance is centered in the main streets and the extensive International media coverage focuses on the violence and ignores the general public's opinions or the peace and harmony experienced in the rest of the country. On a recent trip to Pattaya via the Bangkok airport there was no sign of any unrest, other than complaints that there is a drop in tourist numbers, it is business as usual. Nation wide the airports are open and popular tourist destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui are serviced by direct International flights from neighboring countries which avoid Bangkok if there are any concerns to be had. As a consequence the estranged circumstances will not stop organised activities and International events in the out lying provinces going ahead, so as they say on broadway "The show must go on." More Asian Regatta News on up and coming events in Thailand can be found in the May AYGP Update

May AYGP Newsletter - Ray Roberts is the AYGP Skipper of the Year
After winning the Top of the Gulf Regatta, Ray Roberts holds an unbeatable points lead in the AYGP Skipper of the Year award. As Neil Pryde elected not to race at the TOTGR he left the door open for Roberts to run away with the coveted prize. However all is not lost as Evolution Racing only has a one point lead over Hi Fi in the Yacht of the Year award, leaving it open for the taking at the season ending Sawadee.com Regatta Samui (May 31st - June 5th). Second place for Matt Allen's Beneteau 44.7 Ichi Ban and third for Robert van Paridon's Beneteau 44.7 Tantrum makes them the 12th and 13th skipper and yachts to score precious points in the AYGP Championship. Neil Pryde and Ray Roberts have been going blow for blow at most the regattas this year and by mid season they opened up a substantial points lead over the rest of the racing class yachts vying for the honours. Although the Koh Samui results will determine the eventual outcome but based on the effort and wonderful achievement shown by the dueling duo it would be quite fitting for them to share the awards between themselves. Full details of the 2009-10 AYGP and current pointscore can be found at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP09-10.htm Goto May AYGP Newsletter

Top of The Gulf Regatta - Ray Roberts and Evolution Racing by a whisker...
Another picture perfect day greeted the sailors on the final day of racing. In a surprise turn around in events Matt Allen's Beneteau 44.7 Ichi Ban won IRC 1, Races 6 and 7 to force the race committee to hold the Race 2 resail. In fairness to the IRC handicap system that is supposed to take into account the different yacht designs and come up with a calculation that fairly works out the speed difference between two vastly different boats. Thus a well sailed Beneteau 44.7 can compete on a equal footing with a professionally sailed fully optimizedTP52 racing yacht. So what seemed to be turning into a walk over came down to a final race showdown. As Ray Roberts TP52 Evolution Racing likes the longer passage race legs they put the pedal to the metal and crossed the finish line 17 minutes in front of Ichi Ban. Immediately the radios came alive requesting finish times and the sound of crunching calculators could be heard above the wind. Eventually a little under two minutes separated the two boats on corrected time, in Ray Roberts and Evolution Racing favour. Goto AY Race Reports...

Indian Ocean 5 Capes Race - OMAN SAIL A100 - Majan rules the Indian Ocean
In the February and March AY News & Views we kept a close eye on Majan's progress down the hurricane strewn Indian Ocean to Capetown, then across the storm lashed Southern Ocean where the crew survived several days of fast moving cold fronts when the windspeed peaked at 78 knots. Legendary UK skipper Paul Standbridge is happy to report that "Other than a few mechanical breakages that we fixed, there is no sign of any problems with the hull platform structure in those conditions". Amazingly it only takes a crew of six to drive this vessel mercilessly forward to reach their targets. Here in Asia we can only dream of seeing one of these Giants when we go overseas, so when Ingmar Jense invited Capt Marty (Editor) down to Singapore for a Media Sail, I was off like a rocket and could not be seen for the dust. WOW! what a weapon - in five knots of breeze she effortlessly glides along at ten knots and with three rudders is extremely responsive on the helm. A quick Photo Gallery of the Singapore experience was posted on Facebook and NOW the more comprehensive AY Photo Gallery showing all the intricacies of Majan including steering system, centerboard, boat interior, rotating wing mast, mainsail traveler and sail handling mechanisms can all be accessed from the Indian Ocean 5 Capes Race Report Here

2009-10 AYGP - Neil Pryde is within 1 point of Ray Roberts Go to: APRIL AY Newsletter
Despite the controversy that surrounded organisng the Commodore's Cup in the Philippines, ten formidable yachts lined up in the racing class. With nine 50 plus footers, must equal the most at any regatta this season and given the changing nature of the breeze in Subic Bay, everyone had a chance and the title was open for the taking. Historically the local Philippine yachts with low IRC ratings have done well here because they have held their time on the bigger boats especially in light airs. In the early stages Jude Echauz's Sydney 46 Standard Insurance Subic Centennial, helmed by Aussie Jamie Wilmot showed she still has what it takes to be amongst the leaders. However this year it was Ray Ordoveza's Excel 53 Karakoa helmed by the yachts designer Alan Andrews that came to the fore in stronger breezes and scored third overall plus become the 10th skipper and 11th yacht to score points in the annual AYGP. After an up and down sort of regatta, then like cream rising to the top, the two combatants leading the AYGP scoreboard, somehow pulled off another magnificent 1 - 2 on handicap. So now, after the Commodore's Cup, Neil Pryde closes to within 1 point of Ray Roberts in the Skipper of the Year and Hi Fi takes a two point lead over Evolution Racing in the Yacht of the Year awards. With only 2 events to go it looks like these two will be battling it out till the very end. Check out the AYGP Championship pointscore Here... or for more info go to the APRIL AY Newsletter

Commodore's Cup - Hi Fi, Red Kite & Rapparee are Class winners
As the Boats left the Subic Bay Yacht Club to motor out to the start, the wind showed promise for another day of great sailing in the Bay. In four days there were four different patterns of weather. On the fourth day the wind was already set from the East when the fleet left for the start in the middle of a Bay shrouded in haze from the previous day’s high temperatures. Race Officer Jerry Rollin announced that the wind would hold and that the first race was on. After 3 laps Jelik III took line honours again, followed by Neil Pryde’s Hi Fi and Ray Robert’s Farr Transpac 52, Evolution Racing. But Jamie Wilmot and his young crew in Subic Centennial had sailed a perfect race and took first place on corrected time. Mandrake sailed their best race of the Regatta to take second with Hi Fi getting it all together in third. In IRC Racing Overall stakes, the two Philippine boats, Karakoa and Subic Centennial battled for third place which finally went to the larger boat, Karakoa - 14 points to 15. Ray Roberts’ Evolution Racing only one point ahead took second, with Neil Pryde’s Hi Fi taking first and the Commodore’s Cup. Access Race Reports Here... Goto Zed Avecilla & Chaos Photo Gallery

2009-10 AYGP - Neil Pryde & Hi Fi climb the rankings...
Over the years all the winners of the 565 mile Rolex China Sea Race have expressed how they pre-planned their course with weather routers and stuck firmly to the game plan to be successful. This year is no exception and despite all the best laid plans of man or mouse it really depends on the weather and timing as the leaders close in on the last 100 miles to Subic Bay. Two years ago Subic Centennial picked up a favourable inshore breeze to eclipse Hi Fi for the handicap honours. This time there was no chance of that being repeated. Neil Pryde and the Hi Fi crew have a little edge in close reaching conditions and managed to take out the daily double in fine style. A little further out to sea Ray Roberts Evolution Racing were never far behind to finish 2 hours after Hi Fi and had to settle on second place overall on their first attempt. These two have been going blow for blow all season and now Neil Pryde closes to within 2 points of Ray Roberts in the AYGP Skipper of the Year and Hi Fi takes a one point lead over Evolution Racing in the Yacht of the Year award with 3 events left to run. Third place for Geoff Hill's TP52 Strewth makes them the ninth skipper and tenth yacht to score points in the annual championship. Check out the AYGP Championship pointscore Here...

Rolex China Sea Race HI FI ADDS IRC OVERALL TO HER LINE HONOURS WIN
April 5, 2010: Neil Pryde’s Hi Fi (HKG) held off several strong challenges from two TP52s for the IRC Overall win in the 2010 Rolex China Sea Race. This was after the boat clinched the Line Honours win yesterday morning. Hi Fi, which also took IRC Racing A division, held off rival Ray Roberts’ Evolution Racing by less than two hours. Roberts said that Evolution ‘parked up’ two times on the first night and lost about 12 miles to Hi Fi. For the rest of the way down the track the boats would close up and then spread apart again. Several hours behind Evolution, and keeping the pressure on all the way, was Geoff Hill’s Strewth (AUS), which was 3rd overall. Pryde was presented with a Rolex Yacht-Master timepiece for his IRC Overall win, which he generously handed over to Hi Fi crew member Kevin Costin (Kos), who has managed Pryde’s racing programme for the past 13 years. Ernest Echauz’ Subic Centennial (PHI) won IRC Racing B division, holding off a strong challenge from the Mills 41 Ambush. Go to other class winners, Race Reports and Summary at: RCSR - Race Report 5

2009-10 AYGP Going down to the wire... March Newsletter
There comes a time during every theatrical performance when the actors strike out and show their true intentions as the drama unfolds. The same can be said about the competing teams in the AYGP this season. After trading blows at the Langkawi and Singapore regattas, Ray Roberts took a three point lead over Neil Pryde in the Skipper of the Year award and has tied his TP52 Evolution Racing with Hi Fi on 12 points in the Yacht of the Year award. Ray Roberts has chosen not to defend the Brisbane Gladstone Race title that he has won two years running in favour of contesting the biannual Rolex China Sea Classic. Both are held over the Easter break and are icons of the Austral-Asian yachting scene. Neil Pryde is a veteran of 18 China Sea Races, with two wins under his belt and line honours as recently as 2008. The RCSR is one race that has eluded Ray Roberts grasp in Asia that he would dearly love to rectify. This will not be easy as the race is very strategic for tacticians and navigators, experience normally counts as there is usually a minefield of shifty light conditions to contend with as the yachts close in on the Philippine shoreline. Full details and more in the March Newsletter...

ETNZ wins Louis Vuitton Trophy - Auckland
Racing under the colours of the host Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Emirates Team New Zealand won the Louis Vuitton Trophy Auckland regatta. The Kiwi boat extended on every leg of the deciding five-mile race off Auckland’s East Coast Bays against the Mascalzone Latino Audi team representing Club Nautico di Roma to record their second win out of the reduced three race final. Right after the finish, the normally controlled and contained Emirates skipper Dean Barker had a broad smile on his face as he soaked his veteran team with champagne from a jeroboam of Moët et Chandon, not even sparing an event photographer who had climbed aboard for the occasion. Noting that his team had lost two races in the two weeks, Barker added: “It’s always satisfying when you feel that you’re sailing your best on the last day, and today we were sailing really well.” Live streaming highlights and full replays of the whole regatta are still available at: http://asianyachting.com/SailTV.htm

New Jules Verne Record - 48 d 07 hrs 44 mins 52 secs!
The Jules Verne Trophy now belongs to ten men who have sailed around the globe at an average of 18.76 knots along the optimum course, beating the reference time set by Orange 2 in 2005 by 2 days 08 hours 35 minutes. Franck Cammas and his men crossed the finish line off the Créac'h lighthouse at Ushant (Finistère) at 21h40'45" UTC Saturday 20th March. The skipper Franck Cammas, navigator Stan Honey, watch leaders Fred Le Peutrec and Steve Ravussin, helmsmen/trimmers Loïc Le Mignon, Thomas Coville and Lionel Lemonchois, and the three bowmen Bruno Jeanjean, Ronan Le Goff and Jacques Caraës, supported on shore by router Sylvain Mondon, have pulled it off: they have beaten the round the world record under sail via the three capes! In 48 days 07 hours 44 minutes, Groupama 3 has certainly had her highs and lows, as she hasn't always been ahead of the reference time set by Bruno Peyron and his crew in 2005. On the contrary! The giant trimaran had a deficit of just over 500 miles in relation to Orange 2 and was only able to beat the Jules Verne Trophy record thanks to a dazzling final sprint from the equator. At that stage they had a deficit of one day and two hours, but by devouring the North Atlantic in 6 days 10 h 35', Groupama 3 quite simply pulverised the reference time over this section of the course. Full review at: http://www.cammas-groupama.com/en/index.jsp

2009-10 AYGP Championships
The 2009-10 AYGP now swings over to the South China Sea and March is the month big boat owners spend repositioning and completing further modifications to their boats before the final four events get underway. Full scale battle resumes on April 1st with the classic 565nm Rolex China Sea Race between Hong Kong and Subic Bay in the Philippines. We then go straight into the Commodore’s Cup (April 6th - 10th) in Subic Bay which caps of the Philippine escapade in style. After traversing the entire length of the South China Sea to Ocean Marina in Pattaya, Thailand, the Top of the Gulf Regatta takes place from 1st to 5th May and is open to all forms of racing craft including monohull, multihull and dinghy classes. The final event on the AYGP Championship is the Sawadee.com Regatta on Koh Samui, Thailand (May 31st - June 5th) which is turning into a festival of sail and the spectacular prize presentation on the majestic lawn setting of the Centara Grand Beach Resort should not be missed. Follow your favourite teams progress throughout the season at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP09-10.htm Small keel boat enthusiasts take center stage this month with the first of 4 events that make up the Quantum One Design Platu Championship 2010. First off the rank is the OPEN Championship of Thailand from 11/14th March at Ocean Marina Yacht Club (OMYC) Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Thailand. Goto March 2010 AY News & Views

33rd America's Cup - BMW ORACLE Racing wins 2-Zip
It has taken 9 court cases and over 250,000 man-hours to build two of the most technically advanced sailing yachts in history to race the 33rd America's Cup. In the end, it took little more than four and a half hours of racing for Oracle software billionaire Larry Ellison, skipper James Spittall, team boss Sir Russell Coutts, tactician John Kostecki and the rest of their BMW Oracle crew to wrest the 159 year old trophy from the Swiss hands of Ernesto Bertarelli and his Alinghi crew with a 2-0 victory. The fight, which began in 2007 with cries of foul play and demands for a level playing field by the challengers, after Bertarelli, a 2-time Cup winner, attempted to establish a Formula 1 style commercial race series, but with rules, heavily slanted in the defender's favour. Club Nautico di Roma becomes the Challenger of Record for the XXXIV America's Cup with Mascalzone Latino Audi Team expected to bring back the technical and sporting tradition that has distinguished the America's Cup in sailing. There are now some big questions that the America’s Cup community and the sport of yacht racing are asking. 1) Where will the 34th America’s Cup be sailed? 2) What will the boats be like? 3) What structural changes will take place, if any, in the management of the America’s Cup? If you blinked you may of missed it over Chinese New Year, so take a look at the Live coverage beginning with the complete AY Roundup and racing images in the AY Race 1 Photo Gallery, Race 2 & Roundup Photo Gallery If you missed out on watching either of the two races from the 33rd America's Cup, here are the links courtesy of BMW Oracle to watch the replay: AC33 Race 1 and AC 33 Race 2

13th Phang Nga Bay Regatta - Everyone is a winner...
07:02:2010 Although sailors had to endure light winds for the first two days, the spectacular scenery and lively parties at some of the finest island resorts in Thailand made up for it. This allowed crews to savour the pristine environment as they wound their way between the steep sided limestone karsts. The breeze picked up on Day 3 and today they made fast work of the short windward beat then a nice long downwind slide to finish of Ko Yao Yai. Finishing early meant they could quickly disperse and return to their home marina berths or anchorage to prepare for the final presentation and windup party at Kan Eang Seafood 2 sponsored by Silolona and Diva Andaman. John Vause's Ruby Tuesday broke through to score first place today in the Racing Class but when Mike Downard's Switchblade sailing under Team Turkey posted second place they have done enough to secure the Overall title. Goto: AY Race Reports or the PNBR - AY Photo Gallery

2009-10 AYGP Championships Goto February AYGP Update
In a cloud of spray Evolution Racing crossed the line and Hi Fi followed 38 seconds latter. In what seemed like an eternity, finally the thumbs up sign came from the Evolution Racing tactician that they have firmly sealed first place in the record books. After putting up a brave fight Neil Pryde's Hi Fi had to settle on second place and Nick Burns / Fred Kinmonth Mills 51 EFG Bank Mandrake managed to slip into third overall and become the 8th skipper and 9th yacht to score points this season. This result lifts Ray Roberts to take a three point lead over Neil Pryde in the Skipper of the Year award and tied his TP52 Evolution Racing with Hi Fi on 12 points in the Yacht of the Year award. Both Roberts and Pryde have taken a commanding lead in this seasons pointscore and with four events to go it will take a herculean effort for anyone to topple them. With four events left to run, it could also come down to which regattas the dueling leaders choose to contest from now on in. Follow your favourite teams progress throughout the season at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP09-10.htm Goto February AYGP Update

16th Singapore Straits Regatta - It's Evolution Racing by a whisker...
30:01:2010 Once again it came down to a final day showdown in the Racing Class. Both crews on Ray Roberts TP52 Evolution Racing and Neil Pryde's Welbourn 52 Hi Fi were pumped up and raring to go. Some old fashioned America's Cup style circling started the sequence, then they broke away and headed for the startline with speed. Geoff Hill's TP52 Strewth and Nick Burns / Fred Kinmonth Mills 51 EFG Bank Mandrake also joined in and tried desperately to throw a spanner into the works. Neil Pryde hit the line first at the pin end but Ray Roberts was a couple boat lengths to windward with Strewth on their hip and Mandrake taking the weather berth. The last couple of tacks coming into the top mark are proving very crucial to rounding in first place. After going tack for tack up the first windward beat Evolution Racing had the honour of rounding only a few seconds in front of Hi Fi. This is a significant advantage as Hi Fi maybe slightly quicker downwind but can only close the gap and extremely difficult to find an overtaking lane. Professional crew at this level rarely make mistakes and are a sight to behold as they go through the maneuvers with clockwork proficiency. As the two boats surged into the finish line the watch keepers were poised with their fingers on the button. In a cloud of spray Evolution Racing crossed the line and Hi Fi followed 38 seconds latter. So was this enough for the lower rating Hi Fi to even up the score? In what seemed like an eternity finally the thumbs up sign came from the Evolution Racing tactician. AY Race Reports & Summary Here... or goto the SSR Photo Gallery

2009-10 AYGP Championships Goto January AYGP Newsletter
After the nail–biting end to the Royal Langkawi International Regatta, Ray Roberts (12) takes a two point lead over Neil Pryde (10) in the Skipper of the Year award. As Roberts changed boats after the first event, his TP52 Evolution Racing (9) has closed in to be one point behind Pryde's Hi Fi (10) in the Yacht of the Year award. Frank Pong and his 75ft R/P Jelik III (3) added another point to their tally for third place in Langkawi and takes over third place in the AYGP. Although we are only half way through the season both Roberts and Pryde have had an extraordinary season going head to head at each of the regattas to take a valuable lead in the pointscore. They are constantly working on boat modifications and optimising their performance to suit the expected conditions. This dedication is the driving force of the racing class and has provided some exceptionally close and exciting racing as witnessed during the last race in Langkawi which went down to the wire. Follow your favourite teams progress throughout the season at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP09-10.htm Goto January AYGP Newsletter

Royal Langkawi Int Regatta - Ray Roberts makes it five wins in a row...
15:01:2010 An exceptionally strong North East tradewind blasted down Bass Harbour to bring this years regatta to a spectacular conclusion. The highlight was in the racing class which came down to a winner take all final race. Several other classes saw a shake up in the overall leaderboard. Triumph or tribulations aside the regatta ended on a high note and everyone that participated will go away feeling very proud of their achievements.All eyes were on the clash of the titans in the racing class. Ray Roberts put Evolution Racing into the box position at the start and although neck and neck with Neil Pryde's Hi Fi up the first beat, they held a slight advantage at the windward mark. Both boats fully powered up reached speeds in excess of 20 knots on the long downwind leg and as they closed in on the mark Evolution Racing dropped the spinnaker in the water and was forced to steer away, leaving the door open for Hi Fi to take the inside berth around the mark. Tack for tack up the next beat Neil Pryde held the advantage but as they narrowed in on the bottom mark again, it was his turn to slip up and allow Ray Roberts to take the inside running and regain the lead. AY Race Reports Here... AY Photo Gallery

2009-10 AYGP Championships - Royal Langkawi Int Regatta
As most people in the northern hemisphere are shivering in freezing cold weather conditions, we are walking around the marina in T-shirt, shorts and thongs getting ready for next weeks Royal Langkawi International Regatta in Malaysia. This is the fifth event on the 2009-10 AYGP Championship, where Mohd Razali Mansor's Royal Malaysian Navy Farr 520 Zuhal will be taking on three stalwarts of the Asian racing class, that have dominated proceedings for the last decade or two. Neil Pryde, Ray Roberts and Frank Pong have each won the annual AY Skipper and Yacht of the Year awards at least once, worn the Blue Blazer plus drank from the Perpetual AY Cup traditionally filled with chilled champagne at the season ending celebrations on the magnificent lawns of the Centara Grand in Koh Samui. Razali's crew may have a mountain to climb to overcome these professional racing teams but the experience gained will surely help their competitive spirit and improve crew drills for the often new trainee's onboard. Goto January AYGP Update...

Presently in the AYGP Championship points table, Neil Pryde is only one point behind Ray Roberts in the Skipper of the Year and his custom Welbourne 52 Hi Fi holds a two point lead over Roberts TP52 Evolution Racing in the Yacht of the Year. Frank Pong's 75ft R/P Jelik II scored 2nd place at the recent Phuket King's Cup and although entering this seasons pointscore a bit late, is capable of mounting a late charge as racing swings over to the South China Sea events next month. As we are now approaching the half way point of the season, there is still plenty racing to come and points for the taking. Judging by the way things have panned out after four AYGP events, the eventual winner is already on the scoreboard, but which one will it be? Follow your favourite boats progress throughout the season at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP09-10.htm

YuuZoo Online during Hobart Race...
Ludde Ingvall's 90 foot maxi yacht YuuZoo was connected to the internet throughout the Rolex Sydney Hobart race and the crew relayed their personal experiences and achievements on Facebook, Twitter and posted short video clips of life onboard the mighty YuuZoo during the race. These can still be viewed from: http://www.youtube.com/bigboatracing

Rolex Sydney Hobart Race It's sorted - Andrew Saies Two True declared Overall Winner
1630hrs, 31 DEC 2009: The news slowly filtered out from 'The Room' as the International Jury had a full plate of scheduled protests to deal with. By midday, they imposed a 30% scoring penalty on Jim Holley's Aurora, for a breach of RRS 41. Latter in the afternoon the big news item, was that Kioni skippered by Nick Athineos was disqualified for an incident on Sydney Harbour after the start. Subsequent protests against Warren Buchan's Colourtile, Todd Leary's She's the Culprit (who retired after damage sustained in harbour incident) and Andrew Saies Two True (Provisional IRC Overall winner) were dismissed relating to the same incident in Sydney Harbour. This paved the way for Andrew Saies’ newly launched Beneteau First 40 Two True to be declared the overall winner of the 65th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and go on to claim the Tattersall's Cup for his victorious South Australian team. “I’ve been dreaming of winning this trophy since I was 12 years old,” an emotional Saies said. Two True is only the fourth South Australian winner of the Tattersall’s Cup. The last was Kevan Pearce’s SAP Ausmaid in 2000. The official prize giving for this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart will be held at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania at 11am on New Years day. Goto our easy reading Summary of the 2009 RSHYR. Enjoy!

Christmas Image Giveaway extended into New Year
The long awaited 20th Raja Muda Selangor Int Regatta, Phuket King's Cup Regatta and Extreme Sailing Series Asia - Singapore photo albums have been posted online. Click on the above links to go directly to the albums, then click on individual images to enlarge and browse slide show. Goto the extensive AY Regatta Photo Library and if you find a photo you like, send us the details under the image and which gallery it came from, then we will send you "Absolutely free" the highest quality resolution images that we have on file. So what are you waiting for? Start clicking the mouse and sending your photo requests to: info@asianyachting.com

Extreme Sailing Series Asia - Life changing experience in Singapore...
15:12:09 Oman Sail's Ingmar Jense, challenged Capt Marty to come to Singapore and look up Katharine Birtwistle, the Communications and Marketing Director who would organise a ride on one of their Oman Extreme 40 catamarans during the race series held at Marina Bay, right under the Singapore Eye, which is on the corner that leads into pit lane of the Singapore F1 night race. Look out onto the water and another revolution is taking place - six massive sleek 40ft all carbon fibre racing machines being driven by some of the worlds best sailing teams, going head to head in fleet races right in front of your eyes. Like 'A dream coming true'. Bring sailing to the masses by turning it into a spectator sport similar to car racing. Go one step further and offer a fifth position onboard the boats during the race for anyone game enough to go onboard. No other extreme sport can offer you that. Follow the trials and tribulations as Capt Marty wins his first and only race in the Extreme 40 class and Race 14 of the Extreme Sailing Series Asia - Singapore. Wow! Beginners luck. It's as easy as that? Done it! Won it! Many thanks must go to the hard working and dedicated crew that guided the mighty Masirah on their winning ways and for transforming the way we look at staging high profile yacht racing events going into the future. Check it out Here... AY Photo Album

2009-10 AYGP Championships - Neil Pryde & Hi Fi close in after King's Cup.
After clearly winning the King's Cup, Neil Pryde jumps up the AYGP Championship points table to be only one point behind Ray Roberts in the Skipper of the Year and his custom Welbourne 52 Hi Fi takes a two point lead over Roberts TP52 Evolution Racing in the Yacht of the Year. Frank Pong's 75ft R/P Jelik II pushed hard at the front of the fleet and bounced around the podium places all week, to finish up 2nd overall and enter this seasons pointscore with 2 points. By not racing Hi Fi in the last race, Pryde left the door open for Roberts and Evolution Racing to score two wins on the day and after a slow start to the regatta managed to slip into 3rd overall and score one valuable point, which may make all the difference at the end of the season. As we are only 1/3 of the way through the season there is still plenty racing to come and points for the taking. Judging by the way things have panned out after four AYGP events, the eventual winner is already on the board, but which one will it be? Follow your favourite boats progress throughout the season at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP09-10.htm

Thailand voted favourite sailing venue in Asia
Phuket (5 December) Thailand was voted the favourite sailing venue in Asia and the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta best regatta in Asia, according to a recent survey. The survey found also that the Regatta generated approximately 40 million baht for the Island economy during the 2009 event.The Sailing survey was conducted by the Top of The Gulf Regatta (www.topofthegulfregatta.com) in co-operation with the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta (www.kingscup.com) with the aim to find out sailing trends and provide useful information in helping to attract more sailors to Thailand. Phuket King’s Cup this year attracted 111 boats, approximately 1,000 registered sailors of 33 different nationalities from all corners of the globe. The survey found that over 30% of the sailors who participated in the 23^rd Phuket King’s Cup Regatta have been sailing in Thailand for more than 10 years, while 20% are new – sailing in Thailand for 1-3 years. Goto Complete Survey Here

MONSOON CUP 2009 MINOPRIO DEFEATS AINSLIE
Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia 6 DEC 2009: ISAF Match Racing World Champion defeats triple Olympic Gold medallist. The Monsoon Cup, the final event of the World Match Racing Tour, with MYR 1.57 million (approxUS$454,000) prize money was sailed on the Pulau Duyong basin in Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia this week. Yesterday Adam Minoprio and his ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing crew of Tom Powrie, David Swete, Nick Blackman and Dan McLean won the ISAF World Match Racing Championship on the way to the Monsoon Cup finals. Today the new World Champion sailed against the legendary Ben Ainslie, 32 year old British sailor, three-time Olympic gold medallist and ISAF World Sailor of the Year in 1998, 2002 and 2008. Ainslie's mainsheet hand is double Olympic Gold medallist Iain Percy and the balance of his crew Matt Cornwell, Christian Kamp and Mike Mottle are considered amongst the best in the world. The drama started even before the pre-start when the New Zealand skipper Minoprio sailed out of the sailing area and ran aground. Crew member Dave Swete stripped to his shorts and went into the water to check the keel for damage and to clean off any of the river mud that may have stuck. Goto Final Roundup Here

2009 Phuket King's Cup Regatta - Neil down and arise 2009 KC Champion
05:12:09 The morning started with what now has become the customary sail-past to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyedej 82nd birthday. Long Live the King and may there be many more King's Cup held in HM and future Thai monarchs honour. As the wind was already pumping in at around 20 knots it was off to the race course were PRO Jerry Rollin was preparing two further windward/leeward races to conclude this years program. Some of the class winners have already been decided yesterday but in other classes only one point separated the leaders, so they had everything to play for. The high attrition rate continued as the heavy going took its toll. All eyes were on the start line and the different tactics being employed by skippers that depended on which boats they had to beat to improve their standing. At the conclusion of racing yesterday Neil Pryde's custom Welbourne 52 Hi Fi held a substantial points lead and only needed to go around the course to be crowned 2009 champions. In line with present performance, Hi Fi scored second place in Race 8 to gallop way with the trophy and did not have to compete in the last race. Go to the full AY Race Reports Here... AY Photo Album

2009 Malaysian Match Racing Champs- Hazwan Hazim's Team Taring Pelangi
26:11:09 The action came in thick and fast as the semi finals got underway. Best of five races and the winner advances to the finals and one step closer to the blue ribbon Monsoon Cup. No room for the slightest of mistakes at this level because they will be punished very quickly. The racers may be hotting up but so are the spectators as another hot sunny day is being experienced with 6 to 8 knots of northerly breeze being the only relief from the harsh sun rays. Final Race 4 The race committee made minute adjustments to the course and sounded the attention signal for race 4. A fierce pre-start battle ensued, Hazwan earning final control at GO, starting the race with a 5 second lead, forcing Elia to follow just behind him next to the committee boat. Hazwan rounded the windward mark clear in front and his crew made an excellent spinnaker set - up and full in seconds. Cheers burst out from the marina as Hazwan crosses the line as MALAYSIAN CHAMPION and Team Taring Pelangi gain entry to the blue ribbon Monsoon Cup next week. Go to Day 4 Final AY Race Report

20th Raja Muda Regatta - The final countdown and it's Neil Pryde & Hi Fi
21:11:09 With overcast skies and scattered showers the crews made their way out to the startline for the final days racing. Fortunately the North Easterly breeze arrived early and 10 to 15 knots saw them complete the first race in fine style. As the crews waited for the rest of the fleet to finish a light rain shower descended over the course and dampened the hopes of having a second race. Eventually PRO Gerry Rollin had to call it a day and everyone returned to get ready for the final dinner and prize giving at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. Not having enough separation and the cancelled race mean that Neil Pryde and his custom Welbourne 52 Hi Fi are the 2009 champions and successfully defend the title. Thirty six seconds latter Ray Roberts TP 52 Evolution Racing corrected out into second place in front of Neil Pryde's Hi Fi for the first time this regatta. AY Race Report 7 & Summary Here... AY Photo Album

2009 AMRC Day 3 - Robertson through to Monsoon Cup
12:11:09 In a thrilling series, New Zealand's Phil Robertson and his WAKA Racing Team beat Australian Michael Dunstan and his SLAM Racing Team, to win the Asian Match Racing Championship this afternoon. As a result Robertson will be sailing in the final round of the 2009 World Match Racing Tour, the Monsoon Cup to be held in Terengganu, Malaysia from December 1st to 6th 2009. On what is now truly the home of Asian Match Racing, the Pulau Duyong Basin in the Terengganu River, teams from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong progressed to the semi-finals after the completion of two full round robins. Phil Robertson and his WAKA Racing crew; tactician Garth Ellingham, trimmer James Williamson, muscleman Sam Bell and Australian bowman Adam Martin cruised into the semi-finals with an impressive 11-1 record. Goto 2009 AMRC Day 3 report...

Oct 09 AY Team News - MMRC - One chance in a million...
A full quota of 12 teams have entered the Malaysian Match Racing Championship 2009 (locally known as the Malaysian Qualifiers for the Monsoon Cup) to be contested at Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu from Nov 23 to 26. The winning team will have the honour of representing Malaysia in the 5th edition of the Monsoon Cup and take pleasure in competing against some world-class sailors and top racing teams, on the final leg of the prestigious World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) to be held in Terengganu from 1-6 Dec, 2009. Get the full run down on all 12 teams contesting this years MMRC in the Oct 09 AY Team News Here...

Unique AYGP pointscore after two events.
After two regattas a unique situation has developed in the AYGP scoring system. Aussie Ray Roberts has won both events on two different boats and presently leads the Skipper and Yacht of the Year pointscore on both accounts. The Skipper points continue to accumulate for Roberts while the DK46 Evolution Sails and the TP52 Evolution Racing are leading the Yacht category with three points a piece. A stunning performance by Chris Meads’ Full Metal Jacket to secure second overall at the China Coast Regatta has them sharing second place with Neil Pryde's Hi Fi that scored second place at Phuket Raceweek. Third place for Sam Chan's Ffreefire TP52 has them entering the pointscore early in the season and become the sixth boat to score points towards the coveted title. Over the next three months we get down to the business end of the championships with the Raja Muda, King's Cup, Royal Langkawi and Singapore Straits likely to sort out the pointscore. Anyone purchasing Roberts DK46 (Below) will inherit the three points already awarded to the boat and surely is a good incentive for a new team joining the Asian racing scene. Check out the 2009/10 AYGP October Update Here...

Don't miss out on the 20th Raja Muda reunion celebrations
The Sailing Instructions for the 20th Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta have been released. Click on: http://www.rmsir.com/html/s01_home/home.asp to download them... There are important additions, changes, extra races and earlier start times for some classes so please download them asap, as they may affect you and your crews travel plans. There are still some pretty fancy Yachts for Charter (Including the DK 46 Evolution Sails above) So if your running late and still looking for a crewing position post your desire on the Crew Available List 2009 for all to see. Everyone is looking forward to the 20th reunion celebrations... So Bring it on! Contact the RMSIR Organising Committee directly through the website http://www.rmsir.com or by Emailing info@rmsir.com Phone: +603 3168 6964 Fax: +603 3168 8650

Phuket scores big from the Phuket King's Cup Regatta
Bangkok Oct 09: Long recognised as one of the top events in the yachting world, both regionally and internationally, the Phuket King's Cup Regatta is this year also being saluted as a major tourism attraction for Phuket. The annual event generates income, regional and global publicity highlighting Phuket as a world class marine lifestyle and sports destination. The regatta not only underscores the benefits of the greater Andaman Sea as a world sailing destination, but brings in around 2,000 additional high spending tourists who provide a 40 million baht direct boost to the island's economy. Full Press Release at: http://asianyachting.com/news/PKC09/0.htm

RHKYC China Coast Regatta - What a difference a day makes...
29 of 30 entrants reported to the start line in a meaty, bouncy 21 knots of breeze for the start to the last day of Hong Kong’s favourite three day inshore series. All Divisions were ready for a final windward leeward, followed by an Islands course to take them back to RHKYC Kellett Island for the Overall Prize-giving party. With FfreeFire 52, Strewth and Mandrake over the line at the start, the two main contenders for Racing Div A were given a head start, with Evolution Racing taking the race on handicap, just over 90 seconds ahead of Full Metal Jacket and Jelik II taking Line Honours. After discard, this left FMJ 3 points adrift of Ray Roberts’ new TP52 going into the final race of the series. Goto RHKYC Daily Reports Here...

1st Asia Superyacht Conference - Time to walk the walk...
14 Oct 09: On the 2nd and final conference day, presentations were made by the Singapore and Australian Superyacht associations, who expanded on future growth plans for the Asian Pacific region and problems they have encountered so far. Robin Engel, Head of GAHAWISRI the Indonesian Marine Tourism Assoc and Vincent Tabuteau from the Thai Marine Business Assoc, outlined the success in forming national marine associations, especially if the pleasure yacht industry want the ear and put forward a respectable voice when dealing with government policies and regulations. The Indonesians plan to scrap the unworkable customs bond on visiting yachts by early 2010 and are implementing a 'Unity in Diversity' solution finding policy. Gareth Twist's great summery on Superyacht refits, facilities and service in Thailand would firmly place Phuket as the Superyacht Capital of Asia. AY Daily Updates & Summary Here

Thai Platu Nationals October 10/11th OMYC, Pattaya
To date 14 teams have entered the season ending Platu National Championships of Thailand which is the fourth and final round of the One Design Platu Championship 2009. Ray Roberts, Platu 117 Stingray, is the holder of this years Coronation Cup, won at the Top of The Gulf Regatta in May is bringing his team from Australia for this event. Rolf Heemskerk, Platu 130 The Fox, the current National Champion of Thailand will try to retain his title with a team from Malaysia. The Thai National team, who won gold at the last SEA games, will come straight from the Platu Worlds in Italy to join in the fun on Platu 116 Naiad. Scott Duncanson will be sailing his favourite Platu 124 The Ferret. They are the current 2008 Platu Series Champions and after adding the Open Championship title back in March to their tally of places are leading the 2009 title race. Having missed out last year to Rolf's Malaysian team they would dearly love to add the National title to their rapidly expanding resume. With these four champions all on the water at the same time with other top level entrants, sparks are sure to fly and we can expect 'mark roundings' to be hotly contested and no doubt, some very noisy and exciting racing. One Design fleet racing promotes winning crews not winning boats. More info contact: kevscott@hotmail.com Thai mobile +66 878 25 00 11 Competition results to date and other Platu information can be found at http://www.OMYCsailing.com

VALE Peter J R Sharpe 1936 - 2009
The sad news is that during September the sailing world lost one of its greatest supporters and most gentlemanly competitors when Peter Sharpe MBE past away at his home in Subic Bay. From New Zealand to Fiji, Ex-Commodore of the Port Moresby Yacht Club in Papua New Guinea and onto the Philippines, Peter organised races and competed with the finest sailors from across the seven seas to become a well respected ocean racer in his own right. His focus, enthusiasm and determination will be greatly missed. A sailing event was held at the Subic Bay Yacht Club on Sat 19th Sept in his honour as this was were he devoted so much time and solely due to these efforts that sailing in Subic Bay has taken off over the last few years. Following the gathering to celebrate his life and in particular his great contribution to the sport that we all love, Peter's funeral was held on Sunday 20th September at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina after mass at Funeraria Paz. He can now Rest in Peace.

America's Cup has been mugged...
This glorious event has been so grievously damaged and betrayed by Bertarelli and his billionaire nemesis, San Francisco software guru Larry Ellison, that the trophy needs to be blown to smithereens so it will never, ever again sully the landscape of serious international sport. Strong words? Well, look at the facts. Since Bertarelli's Alinghi team successfully defended the Cup in 2007 in Valencia, Spain, the event has been mired in one legal wrangle after another. So tangled is the web that the next Cup very likely will be in some blistering Middle East port next year between two immense, engine-assisted multihulls bearing little resemblance to anything that's ever raced before. How did it come to this? It wasn't easy. First Bertarelli appointed an all-but-nonexistent Spanish yacht club to be his puppet challenger of record for the 33rd defense. Then he unilaterally dictated terms that gave him power to change the rules, kick out any challenger he didn't like, and hire and fire race officials. Ellison, who had already failed spectacularly in two attempts to win the Cup in 2000 and 2003, took exception to the terms and sued in New York state courts, which have overseen the Cup since the late 1980s, when rules were written and filed there as a trust. The event has been in and out of court for the last 18 months in a bewildering array of suits and counter suits. The America's Cup has regressed from a glittering, multinational event with entries from Asia, Europe, Africa and North America to the old pattern of two unappealing rich guys flaunting their fortunes while the world struggles through hard times. Goto full story Angus Phillips - Washington Post Here...

NOR for 14th Asian Sailing Championship (March 2010 Shanwei, China)
Fourteen sailing events will be contested at the Guangdong Ocean Sports Training Centre (GOSTC) from 20-29 March. Shanwei is located on the South China Sea in the Guangdong province of China, approximately 150 kilometers east of Hong Kong. The championship will be hosted by the Asian Sailing Federation and the Chinese Yachting Association and is organized by the Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee and the Shanwei People’s Government. Racing will be held six men’s, five women’s and three open events, including the Optimist, 420, 470, Mistral, RS:X, Laser, Laser Radial and Hobie 16 classes. Find out more about the event at the Asian Sailing Federation website http://www.sailingasian.org. Click for NOR http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/10ASCNOR-%5B7511%5D.pdf China is also hosting the 16th edition of the Asian Games at Guangzhou in November 2010. Check it out at: http://www.gz2010.cn/en/

2009/10 AYGP - Sept 09 Update - AYGP comes alive next month
29:09:09: Ray Roberts has completed the purchase of Paul Winkelmann's TP52 Island Fling and the re-branded Evolution Racing is reported by sailing coordinator Don Buckley to be in Guilty's hands and already left KK for Subic Bay. They will be joining the bulk of the Racing Class fleet based in Hong Kong to contest the China Coast Regatta, from 16-18 October, which is the 2nd event on the AYGP calendar. The 20th Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta is moving along at a fast clip. Over 50 expressions of interest have been received and past winners, yacht club commodores and Royal dignitaries have been invited to attend a gala reunion and celebrate with a Open House BBQ Party on Thursday 12 Nov at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club in Port Klang. More news Goto the Sept 09 Update... or check out the 2009/10 AYGP pointscore as the championship unfolds at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP09-10.htm

Sept 2009 - AY Team News launched - Sponsorship Request by the AY Match Racing Team
The AsianYachting Match Racing Team initiative is taking up the challenge and fielding a competitive Malaysian Team at this years qualifying rounds (Malaysian Match Racing Championship Nov 23 to 26). Then hopefully the unique privilege to go on and fight it out for a share of the RM1 million prize money that awaits the 12 International teams at the ISAF - World Match Racing Tour season-ending Monsoon Cup finals on (Dec 2-6th). Twenty four year old Nazreen Ghani (Ayin) will be skippering the AY Team through the choppy waters and together with the Royal Selangor Yacht Club - Racing Teams are currently conducting team selection and weekly training sessions in Port Klang. From now on, there are many expenses associated with running a serious racing team that will somehow have to be met. Travel costs, accommodation, boat rental, entry fee, damage deposit, Insurance just to mention a few. Presently we have relied solely on our own funds and hopefully with some support from the local business community, will help us achieve these goals and targets. Sponsors interested in supporting our bid on the Match Racing scene should contact the AY Team Manager Hasslan (Lan) to discuss the benefits and the full sponsorship letter can be browsed in the first ever AY Team News

Capt Marty's Sailing Memoirs launched - Pioneering the Austral-Asian Tour
Capt Marty has been asked to recall his recollections of racing on the early Asian events and decided to put together a series of short stories, while the memories still float around in the head somewhere. The first on what was originally called the Austral-Asian Tour from Darwin, North Australia to Phuket in Southern Thailand on the 2nd Raja Muda 1991 and the 5th Phuket King's Cup 1991 can be accessed from the archives. Many boats have gone before us but in 1991 we were the first to try and make an organised route, competing on a chain of events through Indonesia before embarking on the early Raja Muda and King's Cup regatta's. Future CM Sailing Memoirs are in the process of being prepared Early Darwin - Ambon Races, Inaugural 1973 Darwin to Dili Yacht Race, 1989 Sydney Hobart Race plus a few others are in the pipeline. If anyone out there can help with old photos to accompany the story's, they will be rewarded and very much appreciated. Goto at http://asianyachting.com/Archive/Memoirs.htm

2009/10 AYGP - Sept 09 Newsletter - Weighing up the odds for the rest of the season
09:09:09: A lot can be learned on how the 2009/10 season is shaping up by just taking a stroll around the hardstand at Raffles Marina in Singapore. Neil Pryde's beloved Welbourne 52 Hi Fi is again undergoing major surgery in the workshop. The old cabin top has been replaced with a smaller and lighter section plus a new deck layout is being fitted. The keelbulb is being replaced with a heavier new shape by boat builders specially flown in from New Zealand. The ongoing experimental nature on the hull and appendages has led to some huge performance gains in the past. So this round of moving high up weight, down into the keel bulb is also expected to yeild good results. Goto Sept 09 Newsletter... Check out the 2009/10 AYGP pointscore as the championship unfolds at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP09-10.htm

Singapore's Western Circuit - All's well that ends well...
29 August: The day started with blue sky and a light SW breeze that was expected to increase throughout the afternoon. Most the boats headed out early for some last minute crew practice and had enough time to sail up and down the first leg of the course. Getting a good start will be crucial in determining the overall class champions. Right from the beginning, Andy Cocks / Bill & Janis Bremner's TP52 FOXY LADY IV hit the start line with speed and accelerated away to show the crews intentions in the remaining races. Nothing could hold them back from scoring the daily double and go directly to the top of the score board. Jeff Davidson"s Farr 30 PANIC! scored second place to keep them in the running if FOXY LADY IV slipped up in the next race. Third place for Sarab Jeet Singh's Sydney 40MOD WINDSIKHER saw their chance of toppling the leaders disappear but highly likely to secure the third podium spot. Online AY Race Reports with photos can be accessed from: Race Report 5 & Summary: http://asianyachting.com/news/WC09/5.htm Results at: http://www.westerncircuit.com/

The Platu Cup - Pattaya Ocean Marina
This was the third round of four which comprises the Raimon Land One Design Platu Championship 2009. Holidays and busy regatta schedules meant that the fleet for this third round consisted of 7 local crews without the usual influx of “foreigners”, but the lower numbers did not reflect on the amount of fun to be had on the water. With the championship in mind, racing was very competitive and at times extremely close. The Westerly wind was just enough to ensure that hiking was the order of the day for most of the windward leeward races. After Day 1 it came down to the top three contenders Scott Duncanson on The Ferret, Ray Waldron aboard Gulf Charters and Morten Jacobsen's Emma Matilde. Again, upwind speed and some good tactics meant that at the last windward mark - The Ferret rounds half a boat length in front of Emma Matilde with Gulf Charters a further length behind. This is as close at it gets and actions at this point will decide the winner. Emma Matilde bears away to the right, Ferret tries to jibe quickly but the kite won’t set and Gulf Charters gets the jump on her and eases past. This is what One Design is all about. Gulf wins, Ferret second, Emma third. So it’s all down to the last race but Gulf need to win and get Emma Matilde to help him by beating The Ferret. ….but it is not to be, Ferret got a good start and was never headed to the line. Overall Results 1st Scott Duncanson The Ferret, 2nd Ray Waldron Gulf Charters and 3rd Morten Jacobsen Emma Matilde. For Platu Championship standings and results see http://www.omycsailing.com/platuresults.shtml

Monsoon Sailing School a resounding success
PUTRAJAYA, 17 AUG 2009 – Thirty three participants, aged between 18 to 63, attended the inaugural Monsoon Sailing School (MSS) from the 14 - 17 August at the Putrajaya Maritime Centre. The full on 4-day in house clinic gave competitive sailors and sailing enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire the finer skills and experience technical match racing maneuvers. From the very first classroom session, MSS Head Coach Bill Gladstone from the USA had them living, eating and breathing match racing. Most sailors tend to shy away from match racing as they don't fully understand the starting techniques. Clear, precise and easy to understand instructions plus practicing these maneuvers on the water with world-class coaches made the school a resounding success. By the end of the course the teams were successfully match racing like seasoned professionals on the F36 racing yachts specially brought down from Terengganu for the clinic. Some teams attended the clinic as part of their preparation for the Monsoon Cup Malaysian Open Qualifiers while others were there to become competent match race sailors and race officers. Further discussions are on going to form teams that will be vying for a spot to compete in the Monsoon Cup from 1-6 December 2009 at Pulau Duyong, Terengganu. AsianYachting was there in force and still working on forming the AY Racing Team. More Monsoon Cup details at: http://www.monsooncup.com.my/ and a comprehensive AY Photo Gallery of the MSS hosted by Sail Putrajaya can be found at http://asianyachting.com/photos/photo.htm?MSS09

Successful conclusion to ASEAN Para Games
18 Aug: The sailing competition held at Admiral Marina & Leisure Club in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan came to a successful conclusion yesterday. In the Female Access Liberty Class Singapore's LIM KOK LIANG triumphed over CHERRY PINPIN from the Philippines. From then on the Malaysian Team white washed the scoreboard. In the Men's Access 2.3, AL-MUSTAKIM MATRIN and SHAMSUL AZLI MOHAMAD took home the gold and silver medals while Singaporean JOVIN TAN and previous champion had to settle on the bronze medal this time. FARIDAH MOHD ABIDIN triumphed over Singaporean JOANNE TOH in the Women's Access 2.3 Class. In the hotly contested Men's Access Liberty Malaysia's MUSTAFAH JUNELL scored Gold after overcoming a strong challenge from the Philippines ALSON TUMBAGAHAN (Silver) who just piped Malaysia's AZMI ANI in the final races to score the Bronze Medal. The games aim to promote friendship and solidarity among persons with disabilities as well as to rehabilitate and integrate persons with disability into mainstream society through sports. Results can be found at: http://www.aseanparagameskl09.org.my and the AY Photo Gallery with the sailing action and Medal presentations can be found at: http://asianyachting.com/photos/photo.htm?ParaGames09

Asian sailors excel at Opti Worlds in Brazil
Niterói, Brasil (August 14) - The team racing segment concluded, with China beating Peru in the finals. The Malaysian team advanced to the fourth round of the double-elimination format, but were ultimately beaten by both finalists. Singapore sailors, Bryan Lee, Kimberly Lim, Ryan Lo, Andrew Tang and Elisa Yukie Yokoyama, have set a record in the world of junior sailing by winning a forth straight medal in the team racing event - a feat never achieved before by any country. Malaysia's Mohamad Faizal Norizan led the International Optimist Class World Championship over the first couple of days when the winds were extremely shifty and difficult to predict. 211 sailors from 47 countries make up the fleet. When racing continued Thailand's favourite girl sailor Noppakao Poonpat took the overall lead and the celebrations could be heard from here. Seventh and thirteenth places relegated Mohamad Faizal Norizan down to third place and left the door open for his fellow countryman Ahmad Syukri Abdul Aziz to jump into second place. Mixed results in the final races saw SINCLAIR JONES from Peru rise to the top of leaderboard and overall triumph on the last race. Mohamad Faizal Norizan hung on for second place and Argentinean IGNACIO ROGALA in third. Thailand's Noppakao Poonpat eased into fourth spot and the first girl by a country mile. Malaysia's Muhammad Farhan Hamid came 6th and AHMAD LATIF KHAN in 9th. China's YANG YANG is 8th and Singaporean Ryan Jun Han Lo finished up in 11th place. Perhaps all the light wind racing experiences in Asia, may at last be paying some dividends. All the news and Overall results can be accessed from: http://www.cncharitas.com.br/optiworld2009.html

Phuket Raceweek - Wonderful end to a splendid regatta...
26 July: Although the wind eased up on the last day of racing, there was enough for two more races to be run which completes the entire program. Handling the strong incoming current became a big issue and the determining factor in the final results. Certainly in the first race of the day (Race 7) the yachts that went offshore realised their mistake, as the yachts that favoured the Koh Lon shore generally rounded the top mark first. Then it became a matter of either playing catch up or the front runners extending their lead. For several classes these crucial last race results could swing the podium places either way. In a couple of classes the top spot was already taken but the silver and bronze places were still to play for. Coming into the final day Ray Roberts DK46 Evolution Sails held a slender three point lead over Neil Pryde's Welbourne 52 Hi Fi. The discussion over breakfast was "Would this be enough? Could Peter Ahern's Farr 40 YO!2 slot in to create some points separation?" Neil Pryde's crew were up and at it early, with an air of confidence in their stride and struck gold soon after by winning both races today. Only 34 seconds in Race 7 and 41 seconds in Race 8 behind was Ray Roberts on Evolution Sails that reduced the overall points lead down to one, for Ray Roberts to claim the title on his first outing at Raceweek. Talk about coming down to the wire. If that's how it is going to be for the next nine events on the AYGP we are in for a bumper season. Goto AY Race Reports & Summary Goto SSPR 2009 Photo Gallery

2009/2010 AsianYachting Grand Prix - July 2009 - Newsletter
July 20: Welcome to the monthly AYGP Newsletter, where we will update you throughout the season with all the news, expert analysis, regatta results, progressive pointscore and off course post the popular photo galleries, taken at the ten regatta/races chosen this season that score points towards becoming the AY Skipper and Yacht of the Season. We kick of early this year with the Six Senses Phuket Raceweek from 22-26 July, as organisers Image Asia agreed to join in and expect to see some increased AYGP action at the event. 2008/09 Champion Neil Pryde has deferred some modifications to his prized Welbourne 52 Hi Fi, till latter in the year, just to attend Phuket Raceweek for the first time. Similarly the 2007/08 Champion Ray Roberts has forgone defending the Sydney Gold Coast Race title, in favour of attending Raceweek and not letting Neil Pryde get the early jump as he did last season. Ray will be helming the re branded DK46 Evolution Sails (formerly Quantum Racing) which already has an outstanding racing record both in Australian and Asian waters. Goto July 09 Newsletter...

KFC - Putrajaya Regatta 2009scaling new heights...
After last years success the organising committee decided to go all out and try to make this event the best of the 10 KFC Regattas on the Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) calendar. Being blessed with some of the best launching and boat storage facilities in the country and an unbelievable 10 to 15 knots of breeze made this task very achievable. Invitations were extended to all Asian nations with sailors coming from as far as Bahrain, India, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore to take on the strong Malaysian contingent from all the state associations and the National Sailing squad that have recently won medals at European Youth and Asian Class Championships. Goto the AY Race Summary & Full Results Page and the online Photo Gallery is Posted Here

Sailing with Tun Dr Mahathir
The highlight on Day 1 of the Putrajaya Regatta was when the AsianYachting Directors Hasslan Ismail and Capt Marty had the pleasure of taking former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir for a sail on the lake as part of his 84th birthday celebrations. This sail is a long standing promise in appreciation for Dr Mahathir's government policy at the time - To grow the country into a regional yachting center by rapidly expanding the number of marinas around the extensive coastline, develop modern boat building facilities and the yachting tourism industry is sure to follow - prompting the sailing fraternity to nickname him as the 'Farther of Malaysian Sailing' . Full Report can be found on the Putrajaya Regatta Summary Page and the Photos are Posted Here

Raising Impy from her sandy grave...
22nd May 2009: On a recent visit to Palau Tioman Capt Marty was recalled to Pulau Rawa as Tengku Khairul decided to dig out his farther's beloved racing yacht Impy that has laid buried on the beach for the last eight years in front of his Rawa Island resort. At the height of the La Nina storms back in December 2000 the mooring line on the Jeanneau - Selection 37 broke and the rough seas drove her onto the beach in front of Le Club Rawa, breaking off the keel in the process. When the shifting sands returned the winner of the first ever Phuket King's Cup in Thailand was completely submerged up to the deck and full of sand inside to the gunnels. Complete story and Photo Edition at: http://asianyachting.com/Archive/Impy.htm

Changes to 2009-10 AY GP calendar of events
Each year the events on the annual AsianYachting Grand Prix Championships come under scrutiny, as this is the best way to determine the top Skipper and Racing Yacht of the Year in Asian waters. The top three Racing Class results at 10 major Asian Events held during the year are scored as a series. This year the Biennial HK to Vietnam Race has been dropped in favour of the Six Senses Phuket Raceweek which kicks off the 2009-10 Season from the 22nd - 26th July. The Rolex China Sea Race returns in April 2010 and becomes the tenth event on the program. All other events on the annual sailing calendar remain the same as last season. Check out the events and the pointscore as the championship unfolds at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP09-10.htm

2008-09 AY GP Photo Gallery posted
All the best racing class shots and trophy presentations taken at the nine events that made up the 2008-09 AYGP have been posted Here... Browse the rest of the AY Photo Library where most of the major Asian Regattas since 2004, the 2008 Olympic Games, Volvo Ocean Race in Singapore and the annual AYGP Championships since the 2003-04 Season can be accessed from: http://asianyachting.com/photos/default.htm

AY Advertising rates dramatically reduced...
Due to the present global economic crises we have been forced to drastically reduce the advertising rates on the AY Website and spot ads at the bottom of the popular AY Race Reports. Along with improving the events profile and the growing stature of AY Media coverage, regatta sponsors seeking extra mileage for their dollar have realised how valuable the four advertising spots on the daily emailed Race Reports and published on the webpage edition can be for their overall marketing campaigns. Full Sponsor (Was US$500 - Now only US$300) per advertiser to claim a spot for the duration of the regatta. Check out the rates for the advertising spots in the monthly AY News & Views, Rotating Banners on the website and the AY Shopping Mall where special innovative marketing and inexpensive merchandising ideas like Sailing Gloves have been successfully used to enhance the value of their regatta sponsorship at: http://asianyachting.com/Mall/Advertising.htm

2008-09 Skipper and Yacht of the Year - Neil Pryde & Hi Fi
By winning the Sawadee.com Regatta, Neil Pryde and Hi Fi have scored a record 20 points in the 2008-09 AsianYachting Grand Prix Championships. They have dominated the racing class this season and scored podium places in all eight regattas that they have contested this season. Five wins, two second places and one third place is worthy of being crowned the 2008-09 Skipper and Yacht of the Year. This is also the third time Neil has won the prestigious award over the seven years it has been contested. He has shown a remarkable ability to successfully run a racing campaign in Asian waters over the last 20 years and long may it continue. Final pointscore and see how the championships unfolded at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP08-09.htm

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