Malaysians want more sailing action?
Once you have finished the Introduction to Sailing course, the most asked question is - How to get more time on the water and convert the hard earned theory into practice? A unique opportunity now exists in Pt Dickson, Malaysia. The new owner of the 1976 Sydney Hobart winning yacht Piccolo is currently taking students out sailing on the weekends with the view to competing on this years Raja Muda Regatta in November. Participants must be keen and interested in furthering their sailing experience but most of all fun loving and able to fit in with the crew. If your interested in AY Sailing Courses goto: http://asianyachting.com/AYmasters/classes.htm or contact the AY Headquarters on +6 06 6477701, Hasslan +6 016 2564532 or Email: info@asianyachting.com as we are coordinating the program.

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AsianYachting.com is now a major yachting news provider in Asia which averages over 2000 page views per day.

CONTENTS

1. EDITORIAL - XXIX Olympic Games - AY Race Reports
2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS - Changes to 2008-09 AYGP calendar of events - Follow all the Olympic action on ISAF microsite - The Impiana Adventure - Round Australia Race reunion for NT Spirit crews - Extreme 40s confirmed as VOR stopover entertainment - ISAF Sailing World Cup becomes a reality
Up next - 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS - Skandia Cowes Week kicks off - 33rd America's Cup fiasco gets worse
4. WORLD SPEED RECORDS - COVILLE CRUSHES TRANSATLANTIC RECORD - ICAP Leopard's fourth record in an impressive season - Kenichi Horie completes trans-Pacific voyage powered only by waves
5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month" - 'Crash and Capsize' during iShares Cup at Skandia Cowes Week - Morning Glory dismasted - Adam Minoprio Wins Toyota Sopot Match Race after mast breaks - TP52 CAM sinks off Valencia's coast

Goto Archived AY News & Views and Race Reports 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01 98-99

1. EDITORIAL

With the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games only days away we have been busy preparing for the sailing coverage live from Qingdao. Expect some dramatic changes to the AY website over the next few weeks as a graphic artist has been engaged and a complete make over is underway. Actually we have already started the XXIX Olympiad sailing coverage by posting some relevant ISAF, Olympic sailing related articles and highlighted the Asian competitors taking part this time. Take a sneak peek at: http://asianyachting.com/news/OlympicsBeijing08.htm

In the Asian section you can comment on the suggested changes to the 2008-09 AYGP calendar of events and follow Andrew Findlay's 'Impiana Adventure' which will take us across the Indian Ocean on his Beneteau 45f5 Impiana and onto South Africa in a quest to compete on the 3300nm Capetown to Bahia Yacht Race (previously known as the Cape to Rio). Considered a 'must do' by all blue water racers.

There has been a rush to be included into the "Unluckiest Sailors of the Month" including 'Crash and Capsize' during the iShares Cup at Skandia Cowes Week, Dame Ellen MacArthur still going strong, Hasso Plattner's Morning Glory dismasted, Fernando Leon's TP52 CAM sinking off the Valencian coast but the Luckiest Sailor would have to be Adam Minoprio winning the Toyota Sopot Match Race after breaking the mast during the finals.
Safe and happy sailing
Capt. Marty Rijkuris

2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS

2.1 Platu's at Hua Hin Regatta 2008
The next round of the Raimon Land One Design Platu Championship 2008 is at Hua Hin, with racing on the 1st to 3rd August. This prestigious event, races round the cans for 2 days and then a long distance race for the Vega Rudder Trophy. This is the third round of the 5 event series and so far racing has been fast and furious with all the usual incidents which are usually associated with One Design classes. Hua Hin Regatta 2008 is an annual sailing event, organized since 2000 in honour of His Majesty King Bhumiphol Adulyadej who excels in sailing sportsmanship in Thailand. This year’s regatta, incorporates several Royal Trophies, namely:
Royal Vega Rudder trophy of His Majesty the King for varies sailing classes,
Super Mod National Championship trophy from His Majesty the King,
OK Dinghy National Championship trophy from Her Majesty the Queen,
Princess Cup for Optimist Championship of the late Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.
Results for the Hua Hin Regatta can be found at: Hua Hin Regatta: http://www.yrat.or.th/en/

2.2 Follow all the Olympic action on ISAF microsite
The new ISAF Olympic Games microsite will provide an online home for the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition and get closer than ever to the action over 8-24 August as 400 sailors compete across 11 events. Visitors to www.sailing.org/olympics will find comprehensive coverage of the Olympic sailing events including live mark-by-mark rounding's and results from every race, daily galleries featuring the best photography from the Games, full details on every competing sailor, nations and event, a complete database of Olympic sailing results and all the latest news and features direct from Qingdao. Details on all 400 sailors and 62 nations competing will be updated daily with comprehensive previews for each of the 11 Olympic sailing events. Fans can also discover more on the 'behind the scenes' stories that make the Olympic Games such a unique sporting event, whilst those new to the sport can read ISAF's simple guide to sailing. For the media, there is quick and easy access to all the essential details in the no-frills media center.

2.3 Changes to 2008-09 AYGP calendar of events
The events on the annual AsianYachting Grand Prix Championships constantly come under review as the AYGP gathers momentum and is judged the best way to determine the top Skipper and Racing Yacht of the Year in Asian waters. The top three Racing Class results at 8 or 9 major Asian events held during the year are scored as a series. Therefore selecting the events each year must reflect the high standards expected by the Racing Class boat owners and a fair turnout of top level Racing Teams to compete at the event. Tentatively the 2008/09 AY GP Championships has 9 Events (See Below). This year the Biennial HK to San Fernando Race has been dropped in favour of the Biennial HK to Vietnam Race in October and the 5th Top of The Gulf Regatta (May 1st to 5th) has been selected in front of SS Phuket Raceweek to make up the ninth event. All other events on the annual sailing calendar remain the same. If you would like to comment on the selection of events before they are published please reply to info@asianyachting.com

2.4 Own the Sunsail 43
Own a charter yacht in the largely undiscovered paradise of Asia. Sail through soaring peaks, past the lush rainforest vegetation, anchor off deserted islands, dive into true blue waters and relax on pristine beaches. As Sunsail Asia is constantly expanding there fleet and opening up new cruising grounds, the best way to economically explore South East Asian countries is by chartering one of there family friendly sailing yachts. The Sunsail 43, built by world renowned Beneteau, is available with a 3 cabin, 3 head layout or a 4 cabin, 2 head layout. This monohull features twin wheels that both aid the helmsman maneuvering in tighter spots and also ensure good access to the swimming platform when at anchor. The modern fractional rig, with large main and smaller genoa, offers exceptional light wind performance to delight both seasoned sailors and the less experienced. Click here to view the Online Brochure Choose from there five SE Asian bases in Phuket, Langkawi, Koh Samui, Koh Chang & Nha Trang in Vietnam to explore any of these spectacular new cruising grounds. For the less experienced they also operate a RYA Sailing School offering 5 day sailing courses from their Phuket base or join a MileCatcher voyage to gain some valuable sea miles. Check them out by Calling +66 76 239057 Fax: +66 76 238940 Email: sales@sunsailasia.com or visit http://www.sunsailthailand.com

2.5 The Impiana Adventure - The Start...
About 4 years ago, Andrew Findlay brought the Malaysian registered Beneteau 45f5 called 'Impiana' and during that time has successfully competed on the annual Raja Muda Regatta while being based in Kuala Lumpur. Although always harbouring a strong desire to do some serious ocean sailing, time and funds have managed to be insurmountable hurdles in the past. An old family friend, Bob Taylor, who is currently on his 6th circumnavigation with his wife Glenda aboard their yacht "Nero", planted the first seeds of an idea to sail Impiana to the Cape and enter her into the Cape to Bahia yacht race (previously known as the Cape to Rio). At the time I didn't take it very seriously, although some of my buddies were very keen, that is until four months ago when I met up with Bob again in Langkawi. He nurtured and watered that seed until it grew into an idea, I had to seriously check out. Andrew has promised to update us each month and the first of the series "The Start" can be found at: http://asianyachting.com/news/Impiana.htm

2.6 Round Australia Race reunion for NT Spirit crews
During the Australian Bi-Centenary back in 1988 the Darwin Sailing Club and the Cruising Yacht Association of the Northern Territory embarked on a very unique and special event to race around Australia. A couple of years in the planning and construction phase saw nine skippers and crews selected to contest the nine legs of the race on the Frers 43 NT Spirit. After a stormy beginning in Sydney and despite the fully crewed boats playing second fiddle to the two handed fleet the enormous challenge was overcome and the competing sailors benefited immensely from the experience. Many have gone onto bigger challenges and most the crews are still racing today. Now twenty years latter, a reunion is planned at the Darwin Sailing Club on the 08:08:08 which happens to coincide with the start of the Beijing Olympics. After all these years a specially prepared leather bound Logbook and several pieces of memorabilia will be presented to the club and displayed in a glass case for all to see.

2.7 Raimon Land - Thailand's Award Winning Property Developer
Few real estate companies in Asia enjoy the success of public-listed Bangkok-based luxury property developer Raimon Land. The company has positioned itself as the developer of choice for buyers and investors who seek the best in lifestyle developments that posses a excellent track record of delivering quality residential projects. From Bangkok to Pattaya and Phuket the company has projects in all the most sought-after areas which proudly achieve high yield holiday rentals through their professional management team. Raimon Land’s impressive list of completed projects includes: The Lofts Sathorn, The Lakes, The Legend Saladaeng, Northshore (Pattaya) Kata Gardens (Phuket) and The Lofts Yennakar More at: www.raimonland.com or goto AY Real-Estate page..

2.8 Extreme 40s confirmed as VOR stopover entertainment
The Extreme 40s will feature in Alicante, Singapore, Qingdao, Boston and Stockholm with fleets of up to 10 boats. In each port, the racing will take place between the in-port race weekend and the leg start weekend. In the previous Volvo, the Extreme 40 series included over 80 races, in five countries, during seven months. Knut Frostad, Chief Executive Officer of the Volvo Ocean Race, said: “The inclusion of the Extreme 40s is based on the excitement the series generated in 2005-06. At stopovers during the previous Volvo, the Extreme 40s provided some fantastic racing and they are sure to catch the eye of visitors to the race village again this time round.”

2.9 ISAF Sailing World Cup becomes a reality
ISAF has issued the first draft Notice of Series for the 2008-2009 ISAF Sailing World Cup. Due to launch at Sail Melbourne in December 2008, the World Cup is expected to provide sailors and the media with a definitive annual series for Olympic sailing. The Notice of Series outlines the proposed points and scoring system that will be used for this first season. ISAF Events Committee Chairman, Bjorn Unger said "ISAF and the Event Organizers have worked hard to create the best competition for Olympic sailors. We will continue to review all of the components at each stage along the way to ensure it exceeds the expectations of all who participate."
The ISAF Sailing World Cup 2008-2009 will consist of the following events:
16-21 Dec 2008 - Sail Melbourne Regatta, Melbourne, Australia
25-31 Jan 2009 - Rolex Miami OCR, Miami, USA
04-10 April 2009 - Trofeo SAR Princess Sofia MAPFRE, Palma, Spain
18-24 April 2009 - Semaine Olympique Francaise, Hyeres, France
27-31 May 2009 - Delta Lloyd Regatta, Medemblik, Netherlands
21-29 June 2009 - Kieler Woche, Kiel, Germany
14-19 Sept 2009 - Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta, Weymouth, Great Britain
ISAF Sailing World Cup winners will be presented with a Cup, whilst nations with the highest scoring sailors can also compete for an overall Nation's Trophy. Any queries with regard to the Notice of Series should be directed to ISAF at http://www.sailing.org/contactevents

2.10 Advanced Crewing Techniques course
Demand for team building exercises and as pressure is on to form racing teams, a 2-day Advanced Crewing Techniques course has been introduced to compliment the existing Introduction to Sailing course. This Advanced Crewing Techniques Course concentrates on crew roles, spinnaker handling and teamwork. Participants should have completed or be familiar with the basic sailing techniques covered in the Introduction to Sailing syllabus before proceeding onto the advanced course. Further info on AY sailing courses, directions to PD World Marina, links to the entire AY Syllabus and Online Registration can be found at: http://asianyachting.com/AYmasters/classes.htm Overseas participants planning a trip to SE Asia, that would like to receive a brief taste of what sailing is all about or looking for a more hands on approach to racing should incorporate a course into their travel plans. Start your trip by flying to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Port Dickson is less than a hours drive from KLIA). A wide variety of accommodation exists and budget flights around Asia can be arranged for the rest of your stay.

3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS

3.1 Skandia Cowes Week kicks off
Cowes, Isle of Wight: It has been held for the past 182 years, is known the world over as the greatest and certainly one of the most inclusive regattas in the yachting calendar, and it officially starts on Saturday 2 and runs till 9th August. Skandia Cowes Week - the last year the event will bear this title as Skandia is relinquishing its title sponsorship after 14 years - is hosting high-profile sailors, high-octane racing and fierce rivalry on the water. With the inclusion of the Volkswagen Touareg King of Cowes, the iShares Cup and the Artemis Challenge at Skandia Cowes Week, the event is attracting some of the best sailing talent in the world...and then there’s the matter of over 970 yachts racing in 37 different classes with over 8,500 competitors taking to their start lines in boats ranging from 68ft down to 20.99ft! Keep up to date with all the latest news and views, weather, results and commentary from Cowes Radio via the official website at http://www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk

3.2 Quantum Sails just keep getting better!
Have you ever noticed that more and more photos of winning boats at top events are wearing the familiar Green Q on their sails. Quantum Sail Design Group designs, engineers and manufactures sails for racers and cruisers who demand the highest levels of quality and performance. The new Botin Carkeek-designed TP 52 Quantum Racing is competing with distinction on the 2008 Audi Med-Cup Circuit. The project showcases the new generation of Quantum sails, using the TP52 class as a platform. Owned and campaigned by partners Fred Howe and Doug DeVos, the boat was built by Longitude Zero, uses Hall Spars, and is skippered by Terry Hutchinson (USA). The fastest sails are now available at 55 lofts throughout the world. So now, more than ever, you can count on Fusion M delivering great boat-speed and reliability. Goto: http://asianyachting.com/news/QuantumSails.htm

3.3 33rd America's Cup fiasco gets worse
In the latest twist surrounding the 33rd America's Cup, Club Náutico Español de Vela has been reinstated as the Challenger of Record in a ruling by the New York appeals court. The ruling from the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court, reversed the earlier decision made by Justice Herman Cahn, which declared the challenge from the Club Náutico Español de Vela (CNEV) as invalid and in their place inserted the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) as Challenger of Record. That original ruling was made in November 2007 and since then a series of legal battles between the Defending Yacht Club, the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), and the GGYC appeared to be leading towards a so-named ‘Deed of Gift’ best-of-three race match between the teams of the two clubs, Alinghi and BMW ORACLE Racing respectively, in giant multihulls to be held sometime in 2009. However, the Cup now appears to be back in limbo with more action in the court rooms before any racing gets underway, as with two dissenting voices in the ruling by the Appellate Division, the GGYC has an automatic right to appeal to New York State’s highest court, the New York Court of Appeals. Heaven help us all...

3.4 Warning to all offshore racers.
DK Yachts are warning all offshore racers to sit up and take notice when one of their World Champion Mumm 30, Farr 40, Farr 52 or Mills DK46 lines up on the starting grid. They just keep turning up and sailing away with all the major prizes. If your looking for proof, just ask Ray Roberts how Quantum Racing won four Asian regattas and placed second at two other events to become the 2007-08 AsianYachting Grand Prix Champions and don the ‘Blue Blazer’ at the lavish Koh Samui Regatta gala dinner and awards ceremony. This successful result confirms that DK46's are still head and shoulders above the rest, be it for offshore or inshore racing. Have you ordered one yet? Serious Yachts for Serious Sailors can be found at http://www.dkyachts.com

4. WORLD SPEED RECORDS

4.1 COVILLE CRUSHES TRANSATLANTIC RECORD
In the early hours of July 15th Thomas Coville, sailing the 105 foot trimaran Sodeb'O, crossed the Lizard finishing line to claim a new solo transatlantic record of 5 days, 19 hours, 29 minutes and 20 seconds. This beat the previous record, set by Francis Joyon in the 'old' trimaran Idec, wrecked on the way back to France after finishing, by 8 hours, 32 minutes 17 seconds. Sodeb'O, designed by Nigel Irens and Benoit Cabaret was badly damaged during a solo round the world attempt last year but was repaired in South Africa. The outright crewed transatlantic record, from Ambrose Light to the Lizard, is 4 days 3 hours 57 minutes and 54 seconds and is held by Franck Cammas' trimaran Groupama 3. -- Yachting World, http://www.ybw.com/auto/newsdesk/20080615102538ywnews.html

4.2 ICAP Leopard's fourth record in an impressive season
Mike Slade's 30 meter Maxi, ICAP Leopard was the first to finish the Cowes - Dinard - St Malo Race in the early hours of Saturday 12th July, breaking the race record. After a few hours sleep, a jubilant Mike Slade was enjoying a good lunch and toasting his team's fourth record of an impressive season. All credit must go to the crew, it was a lumpy beat all the way to Les Hanois but the boat is strong, we have proved that. However, we did have a big issue when the webbing between the top of the main and the headboard failed. It took about an hour to make good a temporary repair, we were well behind record time at that stage. Two reefs was not an ideal sail plan but thankfully the wind kept up at about 15 knots, any less and it would have been a major issue. In all it took us about ten hours to cover the first half of the course but once we cleared Guernsey, we were power reaching at 18-20 knots and covered the last half of the race in under four hours. It was a magnificent finish to a great race, thanks to the Royal Ocean Racing Club for the event." ICAP Leopard may have beaten the race record but Class Super Zero was won, on corrected time, by the Open 60, Artemis Ocean Racing with Johnny Malbon on board.

The World Sailing Speed Record Council announced the ratification of a new 24 Hour World Record (Powered Sails - WSSR rule 21c) by the 30m monohull "Leopard". Skippered by Chris Sherlock (GBR), the record was set May 27, 2008 after the team covered 466.4 nm for an average speed of 19.4 knots. There was no previous record in the 21c category, which was claimed during the Transatlantic crossing. -- http://www.sailspeedrecords.com

4.3 Kenichi Horie completes trans-Pacific voyage powered only by waves
He's done it! Japanese master sailor and environmentalist Kenichi Horie set off on March 16 this year, on a first-of-a-kind trans-Pacific voyage powered only by waves. The 69-year-old solo yachtsman and his boat made from recycled materials embarked on the 3800nm trip from Honolulu bound for Japan, expecting to arrive 'sometime in May'. Well it took longer than he thought, but on July 04, he did it, arriving at the port of Wakayama in the channel between Honshu and Shikoku Islands, just before midnight, thus becoming the first person in history to cross and ocean powered by wave power. Goto: http://www.sail-world.com/index.cfm?nid=46140

5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"

5.1 'Crash and Capsize' during iShares Cup at Skandia Cowes Week
In between races two and three a dark squall came through the fleet - Team Aqua pitchpoled as they tried to bear away, spinning over on one hull and smashing their rig. Current series leaders TEAMORIGIN came to the fore in the third race, to win from Franck Cammas. But Cammas' run of luck was to come to an end in the next when BMW ORACLE Racing crunched into the side of BT, leaving Cammas' boat with a smashed bowsprint and crumpled front beam, and Nick Moloney's BT boat with a gaping hole in the port side. "It was like being in a pinball machine!" recalled BT skipper Nick Moloney. In strong winds of 20-25 knots the rest of the fleet kept racing and TEAMORIGIN was next to bury their bows in the lumpy Solent seas and capsize - and soon followed by James Spithill on the remaining BMW ORACLE Racing Extreme 40, while Alinghi stole the lead. After an exhausting day on the water many crews now have a long night ahead of them repairing damaged boats, and nursing some bumps and scrapes although none of the sailors suffered any serious injury. Check out the video gallery for an enthralling display of iShares Cup racing at its 'extreme' http://www.isharescup.com/video.asp

5.2 Adam Minoprio Wins Toyota Sopot Match Race after mast breaks
Sopot, Poland: In the final of the Toyota Sopot Match Race 2008 ISAF Grade 1 Adam Minoprio (NZ) defeated Eric Monnin (SUI). The final matches where even harder lead change after lead change in all races with a solid breeze with gusts up to 30 knots. At the 4 min signal just when Adam Minoprio's crew was entering the start box suddenly the mast came down. With a new boat the first race was sailed in great conditions, and the winner was again Minoprio, giving him the well deserved 3 point to win the event. Crew from Adam Minoprio was Dave Swete, Tom Powrie, Nick Blackman and on Eric Monnin boat was, Marc Monnin, Simon Brugger, Yann Maillet. End result 3:1.

5.3 Ellen MacArthur still going strong...
Ten miles into the 50-mile rapid rounding of the Island of Wight, just as the mist had closed in and I started to wonder just how bumpy the thrash out through the Needles Channel would be, given the wind strength and direction the tide was running, our race ended. BANG! It was the main halyard broken cleanly in two. The mainsail fell down like a blind. "That's it. It's over," said Ellen. "Sorry guys, it probably would have been awesome," she said of a great ride, cut short. There was a little discussion about whether to carry on, if the halyard could be joined and the mainsail re-hoisted. Thinking about the 20-knot plus windspeed, the seas that had been running for most of the preceding week and the chances of a capsize somewhere on the south side of the Island, Ellen said: "No. If we tie the halyard we might not be able to get the mainsail down if we need to." With that, BT turned around and headed back towards Cowes. She drew a finger across her throat to signal to our chase boat that it was over. Full Story Telegraph - Tim Jeffery Blog: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/tim_jeffery/blog/2008/06/30/ellen_macarthur_still_going_strong

5.4 TP52 CAM sinks off Valencia's coast
The TP52 CAM sank off the Valencia's coast while racing in the last race of the Trofeo de la Reina Rolex Cup. With 16 knots of wind and waves reaching 2 meters, for some strange reason, probably material fatigue, the bow stay burst and the water entrance was enormous causing the TP52 to sink in 10 minutes!!! The incident dramatically marked the final day. TAU Andalusia and CAM were fighting to reach the mark, when CAM started taking water via its bow. TAU Andalusia approached to help the crew of the CAM, who were trying to control the flood of the water. Fernando Leon (CAM) said 'I would like to thank the crew for all their attempts to save the boat, even risking their lives. 'People from other boats were helping us to try and save her but it was not possible. Luckily the boat is located with a metre of the mast above the water, but most importantly no one was injured.' It was impossible to avoid sinking as the water entered at great speed.' Noluco Doreste, Malagan, went on board 'CAM' to help with emergency repairs but the bailing pump only delayed the inevitable. Fernando Leon ordered everyone to leave the boat. Here's a selection of photos from some of the dozens of photographers that rushed to the sinking boat.

5.5 Morning Glory dismasted
Monday 30th June: Hasso Plattner's maxZ R/P 86 Morning Glory retired from the Eurocard Gotland Runt (in Sweden) when their 40-meter high carbon fibre mast failed under the third spreader, as they where clearly in the lead and inline to break the course record. No one was hurt and the broken mast piece was secured immediately to avoid further damage to the boat and the rig. Morning Glory then proceeded by engine directly to Sandhamn where the yacht arrived early the next morning.

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