QUANTUM Shift Continues...
A new chapter of the green revolution was completed at the opening round of the 2011 Audi MedCup Circuit. Engaging in fierce battles up and down the order, in 25-30 knots and surfing seas off Cascais, Portugal, Quantum Racing skippered by Ed Baird and Iberdrola skippered by Jose Maria Torcida won the Cascais Trophy for the TP52 and the Soto 40 series respectively. Not for the first time on the Audi MedCup Circuit and likely not for the last time this season the common hue of the leading teams is green, and the complexion of those who are chasing in pursuit might already be a similar shade. Some sail makers save their best stuff for only the big boat programs. Not Quantum. Their iQ Technology is evident on every sail from the smallest one design classes right through to the TP52 and beyond. No matter what your boat size or sailing venue, find your speed at: http://www.quantumsails.com

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CONTENTS

1. EDITORIAL - Expanding the AYGP
2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS - Raceweek voted ‘Best Asian Regatta 2011' - Entries for Asia Cup One Design Circuit - Free online 420 Training Video - Singapore Boating joins ICOMIA - Southampton to start Clipper 11-12 Race - RHKYC latest to enter NYYC Invitational Cup - Man sails around world with school atlas - CAMPER ETNZ enters Auckland Fiji Race - Radical new flying keel
Up next in Asia - Sawadee.com Regatta Samui - Six Senses Phuket Raceweek
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS - Victory for Brad Van Liew - Sailors flocking to 6th World Cup Regatta - Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2011 - Transatlantic Race 2011 - Mirabaud LX takes off with new wing mast
Follow the: AC 34- Audi MedCup Circuit - Extreme Sailing Series - World Match Racing Tour - Volvo Ocean Race
4. World Speed records - CSM does 385.8 miles in 24 hours - VESTAS Sailrocket 2 sails over the 'hump - Rambler breaks Block Island Race Record
5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month" - Alinghi hits Team Extreme - Whale dismasts L'Orca - S80 Racy Lady sinks after collision

1. EDITORIAL

Coming to you on the lay day of the 2010-11 Season ending Sawadee.com Regatta at Koh Samui. Having spoken to several top International skippers that have come here to canvass the Asian racing scene and expect to go back to convince their owners, that they should bring their racing boats and contest some of the events here, bodes well for the future, This shows that regatta organisers are producing exceptionally high quality events and our promotional efforts over the years, have been successful in luring racing teams to the region. In fact there is quite a lot of competition between the regatta organisors to attract top sponsors and put on the best event. UK yachting legend Gordon McQuire is no stranger to Asian waters, after winning the Phuket King's Cup in the early days commented "the local hospitality, social activities and crew comradely remain fresh in his mind" and "some crews find their home events very repetitive and looking for new challenges where t-shirt and shorts is the norm".

Every boat owner and skipper in the IRC and Multihull classes that we have spoken to, are all in agreement that expanding the AYGP and opening up the AYGP Skipper and Yacht of the Year awards to other classes is a great idea. As this will require extra time do the calculations, post on the website and promotion throughout the year, we will need some help and looking for more sponsors/advertisers to get behind this new and unique branding opportunity, that encompasses the major South East and East Asian yachting pursuits. The main aim is an incentive to get more boats competing at more events and something worthwhile to fight for throughout the year long season. More on this in the AYGP News and Updates coming out after the regatta and over the coming months.

Meanwhile check out the latest Asian and International News (Below) that we have been able to find on the internet last month plus major regatta previews coming up next month.

Other International news: The Extreme Sailing Series, Audi MedCup Circuit and World Match Racing Tour have turned into slugging feasts and Live AYTV coverage has fired up the viewers imagination all over the world. There is all sorts of news coming out from the AC 34 and Volvo Ocean Race camps, as they get ready to unleash another round onto the sailing public. The latest news from these organisations and much much more can be found below.
Enjoy!
Capt Marty Rijkuris

2. AUSTRAL - ASIAN NEWS

2.1 Six Senses Phuket Raceweek voted ‘Best Asian Regatta 2011'
The regatta, which runs from 20-24 July at Evason Phuket & Bon Island on Phuket’s southeast coast, is now in its eighth year and has just been voted ‘Best Asian Regatta 2011’ at the annual Asia Boating Awards in Hong Kong, only the second of Thailand’s six regattas to win this prestigious award. Another first in Thailand, Mount Gay Rum – the oldest brand of rum in the world and sponsor of 120 regattas worldwide – has chosen Six Senses Phuket Raceweek as the launch platform for the brand in Thailand. The launch will take place at the regatta’s opening party, with a Caribbean buffet and entertainment – and plenty of Mount Gay rum. On the water, this year’s event will count a couple of well-known ‘yachting personalities’, Dee Caffari and Paul Larsen. In 2006 Dee became the first woman to sail solo, non stop, around the world against the prevailing winds and currents and was awarded an MBE in recognition of her achievement. Last but not least, there’s the ‘explosion’ of the skipper’s bag… “We’re in the process of calculating the value of the traditional bags this year and are confident that the value will exceed the cost of entry to the regatta!” said Fordham. For more information on the regatta and to view the Raceweek TV programme: http://www.phuketraceweek.com

2.2 Entries for Asia Cup One Design Circuit
There are currently six yachts signed onto the Asia Cup Circuit. Some of the teams have not announced boat names, skippers or sailmakers for their teams as yet. The boats are built in Argentina by M Boats, where the first Soto 40 was launched only two years ago and 20 have already been built. The Soto 40, is the Circuit’s new strict one-design boat 40 feet long and displaces 4200kgs. Watch this space as they will update this list all the time. http://www.longitudeyachts.com/SotoYachts/Asia_Cup_Teams.html

2.3 Free online 420 Training Video
The International 420 Class Association is pleased to announce the launch of a free online Training Video to provide coaching and training tips for both the beginner and experienced 420 sailors. Sailors are always looking for ways to improve their sailing techniques, improve maneuvers and get the most out of the time spent on the water and this online resource is set to provide a significant step towards this objective. José Massapina, 420 Class Vice-President responsible for the 420 Development Programme commented, “Training and improving techniques can be challenging and this instructional video is a bit like having your own personal video coach to help you get faster and talk you through skills and tactics.” Recognizing the input from the partners involved, Massapina added, “We are delighted to have produced the video which has been a major project for the class and I am confident it will benefit many young sailors around the world. Our thanks to Nick Drougas, the Greek sailors sailing and demonstrating the techniques and Icarus who have produced the video.” This is the first specific training video produced by the International 420 Class Association and introduces a range of specific techniques, and demonstrates how to master them in different wind and sea conditions and what to consider when undertaking a range of maneuvers. Check them out at: http://www.420sailing.org/

2.4 Singapore Boating joins ICOMIA
Newly formed Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA) has been approved as a full member of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA). The decision was made at the ICOMIA Executive Committee meeting on May 12, 2011. SBIA is in its formation year after having being formally registered as an association in February. The association represents the recreational marine industry in Singapore. The Singaporean association is led by Chairman YP Loke and hosted the well-received ICOMIA World Marinas Conference in Singapore May 10-12, 2011. “SBIA’s Chairman YP Loke has had earlier association with ICOMIA and given valuable service to the ICOMIA Marinas Group for many years. I am delighted that Singapore has joined us,” said ICOMIA secretary general Tony Rice. To meet the requirements of full membership in ICOMIA, applicants must be a national marine industry association and legally incorporated. After meeting the criteria, SBIA has joined the global ICOMIA family as its 33rd full member.

2.5 Come enjoy Sunsail's big discounts
Sunsail's South-East Asia bases are easily accessed by direct flights from all major Asian cities. The main base in Phuket is conveniently located at the Ao Po Marina, just a few miles away from Paradise Island and some of the most stunning beaches you can find. With 3 other great destinations including duty-free Langkawi, Koh Chang and Koh Samui, plus all your berthing, insurance and maintenance taken care off, by a team of Sunsail professionals, you can enjoy access to year-round, worry-free cruising. Check out the huge discounts each month on high-performance cruising yachts built for comfort and designed especially for the great sailing in Asia! Visit Sunsail Asia www.sunsailasia.com and pick up a copy of the 2011 Yacht Charter brochure and receive regular updates on Sunsail's activities in the Asian region contact Tel: +66 (0)76 239057 Email: sales@sunsailasia.com

2.6 Southampton to start Clipper 11-12 Race
The Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race will start from the historic maritime city of Southampton on the south coast of England on Sunday 31 July 2011. At 40,000 miles the event is the world’s longest sailing race and will take the ten identical 68-foot ocean racing yachts almost a year to complete their circumnavigation of the globe. Southampton City Council and MDL Marinas, owner of Ocean Village Marina where the yachts will be berthed, are working in partnership to host the Clipper 11-12 race start. It will be an atmospheric, colourful affair as crews bid an emotional farewell to family and friends at a shore-based ceremony before a stunning parade of sail by the yachts as they head to the start line. It is the first time since 2004 that a round the world yacht race has started from the iconic sailing grounds of the Solent and promises to provide a breath taking spectacle for spectators both on the water and watching from the shore. The international fleet will visit 14 ports on six continents during the 12-month race. Starting from Southampton the route takes them to Madeira, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, the west and east coasts of Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Qingdao, California, New York, Nova Scotia, Derry-Londonderry and the Netherlands before returning to the south coast on 22 July 2012. More information visit the official race website: http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com

2.7 RHKYC latest to enter NYYC Invitational Cup
With more boats being made available, NYYC has been able to extend additional invitations to the second biennial Invitational Cup. The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (CHN), Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (GER), Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (NOR) and the Royal Ocean Racing Club (GBR) have accepted invitations to send teams to compete, joining a prestigious list of clubs from across the globe. NYYC’s Harbour Court will host 22 yacht club teams – representing 16 nations from six different continents – with racing on NYYC Swan 42s on Rhode Island Sound and Narragansett Bay from September 10-17, 2011. Taking cues from the halcyon days of the America’s Cup, competitors must be non-professional (Corinthian) sailors; members of the yacht clubs they represent; and also be nationals of their country. In addition to Rolex, which for 2011 and 2013 is the presenting sponsor, Sperry Top-Sider and Nautor’s Swan have also returned as sponsors to enhance the experience of competitors as well as those who will be following the races. For more information visit http://nyyc.org/2011InvitationalCup/

2.8 Man sails around world with school atlas
A British yachtsman has returned safely after sailing around the world for 17 months with only a school atlas as a guide. Paddy Macklin was feared missing after being hit with bad weather during the trip. However, according to BBC News, the 52-year-old wanted to "recapture the spirit of true amateur sailing." "He didn't want anybody to call help for him, he wanted to do it in the true tradition of going to sea and being prepared to drown like a gentleman," said Steve Ransley, a friend of Mr Macklin. Mr Macklin started the journey in December 2009. He was hoping to beat the previous solo world sail of 312 days which was set by Sir Robin Knox Johnston in 1969. BBC News reports that a major search was launched after Mr Macklin's family contacted Falmouth Coastguards after losing contact with the sailor. He was only aware of the search once he heard his name on the radio. Mr Macklin was forced to stop in New Zealand due to damage to his yacht from a storm in the Southern Ocean. BBC News says the former painter and decorator had enough food and supplies for another 600 days, but was not carrying an emergency position-indicating radio beacon during the journey. Check out the video at http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1537411/Man-sails-around-world-with-school-atlas

2.9 Sailmaking... Evolved
Evolution Sails are a Global Sailmaking Group and present plans include further penetration into the Asian region. They have a new way of doing things and new technology to share in an industry that could use a few new ideas. From durable cruising sails to regatta winning EM Membrane racing sails, they have found innovative ways to improve their product through advances in manufacturing, engineering and design. Whether your plans include cruising the Med or crossing the Atlantic, Sydney/Hobart or winning IRC Nationals, Bucket or Sportsboat competition, Dinghy sailing or One Design racing, or just a weekday twilight race with your friends, you must consider Evolution for your next sails. Check them out at: http://www.evolutionsails.com/

2.10 CAMPER ETNZ enters Auckland Fiji Race
By Warren Douglas
25 May 2011 CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand goes racing on the 1141-nautical mile dash from Auckland to Musket Cove, Fiji. For skipper Chris Nicholson the Fiji race will be an acid test of more than a year’s work by designers, boat builders, shore crew and the yachtsmen themselves. The yacht will be in full race mode, the crew will number 13 rather than the 11 permitted for the Volvo Ocean Race, but in all respects it will be a full-on few days. A fleet of 19 will line up for the 2011 edition of the race, with a mix of yachts ranging from the historic Maxi Whitbread Lion New Zealand, to Team Vodafone Sailing competing on their 60ft trimaran. The race starts at midday on Saturday, June 4 follow live tracking of the fleet here: http://www.rnzys.org.nz

2.11 Radical new flying keel
The most radical offshore racing yacht to be launched in decades is to compete at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2011. The 42-footer, simply named Q, has been created to capitalise on the exceptional performance gains that come from canting keels by taking the moveable ballast concept to the limit: the entire keel fin and ballast bulb rotates around the hull so that when it is fully canted it is completely clear of the water! The innovative concept is the brain-child of Ian Oatley, a member of the Oatley family who own Hamilton Island. It has been four years in design, development and build. American design group Reichel/Pugh converted Oatley’s ideas into reality and the yacht was then built by McConaghy’s in Sydney. Put simply, rotating the keel clear of the water eliminates speed-sapping drag, and because the keel fin is positioned so far to windward less ballast is needed to gain maximum stability. Rating and handicap considerations haven’t come into the equation for this boat, but pleasure and high speed have. The end result is a rotating keel yacht where the efficiency of the ballast weight is fully optimised. This leads to the yacht’s displacement being less than Grand Prix racing yachts of similar size (Q weighs less than four tonnes), while the righting moment is increased to what was previously only achievable in much bigger boats. In short, the power-to-weight ratio is fully optimised, and that translates into greater speed. More at http://www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au Late breaking News: Ian Oatley's Q, the radically designed Reichel/Pugh 42 capsized yesterday in Sydney Harbour, after a keel malfunction... More on Sail-World

2.12 Iridium Anti-Piracy offers free calls
BYM News
Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) announces an important new component of a comprehensive program for combating piracy on the high seas, by providing mariners with global, reliable, cost-effective voice and data communications. Effective immediately, all calls from ships equipped with Iridium’s reliable communications terminals to the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center are now free of charge. “As a service to our important maritime customers, we strongly support the improvement of communications for ships who may encounter piracy,” said Dan Mercer, vice president and general manager, Europe, Middle East, Africa & Russia, Iridium. “We commend Iridium for taking this step to support the seafarers who are increasingly becoming the targets of piracy,” said Ken Coffey, managing director, International Operations for ASE, one of the companies providing citadel satellite communication packages. “This will be an important tool for naval forces in combating the scourge of maritime piracy.”

2.13 WMRT unveils 7 new designs
London, United Kingdom: The World Match Racing Tour today unveiled the seven officially approved new boat designs which will be made available to the Tour's host venues. The designs form a key part of the series' wider development plan which will see a further six new venues added to its current calendar of eight regattas by 2013. The concepts were conceived and developed by pioneering boat design houses from around the world and are the result of a hard-fought competition to become one of the limited number of Tour approved boat designs. The new host venues will each pick the boat design that best fits their needs while existing venues will also be encouraged to update their fleet with one of the new designs. To view details of all the individual designs including biographies on each of the winning designers, visit http://www.wmrt.com/boats.html

3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS

3.1 Victory for Brad Van Liew
American ocean racer Brad Van Liew sailed over the finish line of the VELUX 5 OCEANS on May 27, 2011 (2053 local time, 1853 UTC) and into the record books, winning all five legs of the 30,000-mile challenge for the second time in his solo sailing career. Not only is the 43-year-old now the only sailor in the 29-year history of the VELUX 5 OCEANS to have taken clean sweeps in two races (having also won each leg of the 2002/3 edition in class two) but he is also the first American to race solo around the world three times. By completing his historic third circumnavigation Brad has surpassed the previous record set by his mentor Mike Plant. "This win won't mean a whole lot to a whole lot of people but it means one hell of a lot to me and a few others," said Van Liew. "It is something that I have done and can take to the grave that no-one can deny me it. That's why people climb mountains, sail solo round the world or even go to the moon. It's one of those kind of moments." Thirty-six year old Zbigniew 'Gutek' Gutkowski (POL) crossed the final leg finish line May 29th in third place to secure second place on the overall and to become the first Pole ever to do so. Canadian Derek Hatfield secured third overall honors when the 58-year-old finished the leg on May 29th in fourth. Brit Chris Stanmore-Major completed all five legs to finish fourth overall, while Belgian Christophe Bullens was forced to withdraw from the race on January 3 during leg 2. Full wrap up at: http://www.velux5oceans.com/

3.2 Sailors flocking to 6th World Cup Regatta
Over 1,000 sailors from 62 nations will make their way to Weymouth for the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta, the sixth of seven ISAF Sailing World Cup Regattas, from the 6-11 June 2011. The ISAF Sailing World Cup Standings were shaken up after the Delta Lloyd Regatta in Medemblik, the Netherlands last week after some early leaders were dethroned. And with many of the worlds top sailors making the trip to Weymouth there will be further changes come the end of the week. There will also be an interesting battle between ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Blanca Manchon (ESP) and Marina Alabau (ESP). The Spaniards share three regatta victories between them during the 2010-2011 ISAF Sailing World Cup with Alabau having the better of her compatriot. With many experienced sailors heading to Weymouth in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition and national team selection, the sailing will be hard and competitive throughout the week. View the ISAF Sailing World Cup Standings here.

3.3 Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2011
Porto Cervo, Italy. 23rd May 2011. The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in collaboration with Boat International Media, has been the inaugural event on the Mediterranean superyacht calendar for some years now. The partnership between the YCCS and the Italian luxury wear brand combines the sporting and social attributes unique to regattas in the Costa Smeralda and continues to go from strength to strength with 28 superyachts enrolled in the event taking place from 7th to 11th June 2011. The fourth edition of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta will once again see a spectacular fleet of some of the world's largest sailing yachts (minimum length overall 24 metres) gather in Porto Cervo for four days of racing through the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago. Competitors will be divided into Performance and Cruising divisions and will include regular visitors to YCCS regattas such as the 50 metre Zefira and of course My Song, owned by Pier Luigi Loro Piana. Claus Peter Offen's Y3K and the 30 metre Indio, division winner in 2011, will also take part and will be ones to watch as will two of the largest yachts in the fleet: the 54 metre Marie and the imposing 57.5 metre Twizzle. For further info goto http://www.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com

3.4 DK Technology still on Top of the Podium
If your serious about forming a racing team and joining the racing class at major regattas in the region, there is a specially modified Mark Mills designed DK46's, that has won nearly every major event in the Austral-Asian region on the market. DK is one of the most technologically advanced composite manufacturing facility in the SE Asian region. The design office works on high performance IBM CAD/CAM systems which are data supply linked to production and directly command the five-axis milling machine that accurately cuts hull plugs and moulds. Contained within the 110,000 sq ft facility is a multi-cycle computerized temperature oven (25m x 5m x 3.5m), a spray chamber (18m x 6m x 5.5m), an engineering workshop and a dedicated laminating room. In addition, DK also has an in-house 40m long autoclave to cure carbon fibre and kevlar finished products. So what are you waiting for? Serious Yachts for Serious Sailors can be found at http://www.dkyachts.com

3.5 Transatlantic Race 2011
New York, N.Y., USA (April 21, 2011) – While the water views from anywhere along Newport Harbor (R.I.) are already magnificent, they will be absolutely breathtaking in late June and early July when 32 ocean-going yachts set sail in the Transatlantic Race 2011, which charts a course that stretches 2,975 nautical miles from Newport to Lizard Point, at the end of a peninsula in South Cornwall (UK). This history-making event is organized by the Royal Yacht Squadron, New York Yacht Club, Royal Ocean Racing Club and Storm Trysail Club, with pre-start activities taking place at the New York Yacht Club’s Harbour Court clubhouse in Newport and the awards taking place at the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Cowes Castle clubhouse on the Isle of Wight. Three separate starts – June 26, June 29, and July 3 – are planned (Sumurun will be in the first start) to “stagger” the yachts of different sizes and ability so that they will arrive in England in proximity to each other. Challenging their crews both mentally and physically, the larger boats hope to finish the race in 8 to 12 days, while the smaller boats may take up to 18 to 22 days to finish. In addition to class winners, whichever yacht finishes the course with the fastest elapsed time will set the benchmark for a new racing record from Newport to Lizard Point, to be ratified by the World Speed Sailing Council. Rolex watches will be awarded to the record holder and the overall winner (on corrected time) under IRC. Check out the entries at: http://www.transatlanticrace.org/

3.6 Mirabaud LX takes off with new wing mast
[Source: Mirabaud] Thomas Jundt, the Geneva based sailor and engineer, unveiled the 2011 version of his experimental foiler, Mirabaud LX, at the Société Nautique de Genève on Wednesday evening. The radical foiler, in addition to its foils and carbon fibre structure, now features an innovative new wing mast comparable – relatively speaking – to the one that recently won the America’s Cup. It also features solid carbon rigging, similar to the “Little America’s Cup” C-Class yachts. “I have been monitoring the evolution of wing masts for years,” said Thomas Jundt. “And now, thanks to significant advancement in know-how and materials, it has become feasible to mount one on this sort of platform. Early trials on Lake Geneva over the past few weeks have been conclusive and we are keen to start the new racing season and to attempt to set some records.” Wing masts are aerodynamically very efficient due to their rigidity and shape control, but while they allow for significant improvement in terms of performance, they are also a serious technological and logistical challenge and require time, patience and a lot of talent. Full story at: http://www.vsail.info/2011/05/11/mirabaud-lx-takes-off-with-new-wing-mast/ For more images go to www.go4image.com

4. WORLD SPEED RECORDS

4.1 CSM does 385.8 miles in 24 hours
(May 19, 2011; Day 6) - British solo sailor Chris Stanmore-Major set the 24-hour speed record for the current edition of the VELUX 5 OCEANS solo round the world yacht race onboard his Eco 60 yacht Spartan. CSM set the mark of 385.8 nautical miles in the 24 hours leading up to the 1800 UTC position report on May 16, in which time he averaged 16.1 knots and at points was travelling at speeds of more than 30 knots. CSM has drawn even with Brad Van Liew (USA) for the lead, with both skippers now 2385 nm from the finish in La Rochelle, France. -- Full report: http://tinyurl.com/V5O-051911

4.2 VESTAS Sailrocket 2 sails over the 'hump’
No matter how much theory there is behind an idea, nothing beats seeing it actually work for real before your own eyes. This was the case on this day when VESTAS Sailrocket 2 demonstrated that she could get up to speed, albeit modest speed now, from a standing start. The low speed performance of these outright speed sailing boats is often heavily compromised in the quest for pure speed... and true to the 'rocket' name, if they can't get off the launch pad... there is no outer space. We put a lot of thought into this aspect of the sailing throughout the design and build. Many options were built into VSR2 to help her get started. On our first outings we used nothing... as a reference. Now we are trying out the various options. We were very surprised on this outing at the effectiveness of adding a fixed skeg on the back float. I wasn't expecting to go quick in the relatively moderate conditions. The minute I eased the sheet and freed up the wing I knew things were working and that she wanted to go. Once she got going we quickly ran out of room. I left the wing fully eased as speed was not the objective of the day. We had seen something special. The Rocket was flying for the first time. For me this will be one of the most significant days in this radical boats life. The speed will come quickly now although I'm sure we are far from being out of the woods. Watch on Capt Marty YouTube Channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCaptMarty#p/a/f/0/2XwlSQNSR5Y

4.3 Rambler breaks Block Island Race Record
Block Island, Rhode Island, USA: Even though it moved along at only five knots for several hours and briefly "parked" three times when the wind switched off completely, George David's Rambler 100, broke--by 42 minutes and 45 seconds-- Boomerang's 2002 record in the Storm Trysail Club's Block Island Race. The 186 nautical mile race, a Long Island classic that has been held annually for 66 years, started on the Friday afternoon of Memorial Day Weekend and sent 59 boats in eight classes (six IRC and two PHRF) on a course from Stamford down Long Island Sound, clockwise around Block Island and back. Rambler 100 finished early Saturday morning after sailing for just over 15 hours and 43 minutes, while the last boat finished Sunday afternoon just after 4 p.m. Full story and results on http://www.stormtrysail.org

5. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"

5.1 Alinghi hits Team Extreme
Incredible footage... Major crash between Alinghi and Team Extreme in the fourth race of today (day 3, 27.5.11) at Act 3 of the Extreme Sailing Series in Istanbul. The noise of the impact could be heard 500 metres away - the biggest crash on the circuit this year. In breezy conditions and gusts over 19 knots, it was a classic port/starboard incident, as Alinghi tried to go behind Team Extreme but didn't make and hit Roland Gaebler's boat hard putting a big hole in the port hull. A crew from each boat were thrown into the water on the impact. Catch the action on Capt Marty YouTube Channel

5.2 Whale dismasts L'Orca
ASTORIA, Ore. -- U.S. Coast Guard officials reports a whale damaged a sailboat near Astoria. Portlander Ryan Barnes told USGS that the whale struck his father's 38-foot sailboat, the L'Orca. A Coast Guard lifeboat from Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Wash. was able to help get the damaged boat back to port. The crew thinks it was a humpback whale and measured about 30-feet long. USGS said the L'Orca and its crew were taking part in a race to Victoria, B.C. when the whale surfaced. There were no reports of injuries. Watch: Full interview with crew member http://www.kgw.com/video?id=121786739&sec=547977

5.3 S80 Racy Lady sinks after collision in CYCA Winter Series
23 May 2011: The S80 Racy Lady sank within five minutes after colliding bow to bow with the Lyons/Cawse 60 Vanguard during the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Audi Winter Series on Sydney Harbour yesterday. A patrolling CYCA rigid-bottom inflatable and another nearby powerboat quickly rescued Racy Lady’s crewmembers. A waiting ambulance at the CYCA took them to hospital for treatment and observation. Dick Cawse, owner/skipper of Vanguard which last year won division A in the winter series, said he greatly regretted the incident and explained the circumstances as unavoidable. Cawse said Vanguard was two-sail reaching with, as usual, lookouts posted on both the windward and leeward sides. “They must have been in our blind spot because we had the jib eased,” said Cawse. “I was the windward lookout.” “We saw them, called them, but it was too late to avoid a collision,” he said. “They didn’t see us and we didn’t see them. “The moment it happened, their rig fell down on our foredeck.” “They sank within five minutes.” Vanguard dropped her sails and headed back to help the Racy Lady crew members in the water. Racy Lady co-owner Andy Lukas remained in hospital overnight while the other two crewmen were released. Vanguard broke her bowsprit and suffered minor damage in the collision.

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