AsianYachting July 2005
News and Views

Sunsail Asia have announced their latest MileCatchers program for Sept/Oct 2005. A unique opportunity exists to join as groups or individuals and sail from Koh Samui on the East Coast of Thailand, down to Sebana Cove, Malaysia (14 days) and then head north, up the Malacca Straits to Sunsail's base in Langkawi (10 Days). MileCatchers offers an exciting way of gaining valuable offshore miles and sailing skills while exploring a new tropical cruising ground. For the experience of a lifetime Tel: +66 76 239057 Email: milecatchers@sunsailasia.com or visit http://www.sunsailasia.com

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CONTENTS

1. Editorial - Forming marine industry associations in SE Asia
2. "Unluckiest sailors of the month" - OSTAR sailors get a hammering
3. Austral - Asian News - Roundup of Asian events, MNA's and lots of news
4. International News - Road to the America's Cup 2007
5. World Speed Records - GREEN LIGHT for FRANCIS JOYON

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1. EDITORIAL

A day does not go by without some sort of sailing race, regatta or personal yachting challenge going on some were in the world. The advent of the internet has given us a magical and independent way of displaying information and quickly sending any news around the globe as it happens. This may have caused traditional print media to rethink their methods but has proved beneficial to events not usually covered by the media and gives people in remote regions the ability to exchange ideas with a click of the mouse from the comfort of the living room.

As a result of last months Yangon to Manila Bay Symposium were Marine Tourism activities took center stage, Malaysian Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad is now promoting the region as a new playground for cruise liners, yachting and sailing pursuits. An initiative taken by Bpk Feisol Hashim - Chairman of GAHAWISRI the "Indonesian Marine Tourism Association" to create a Yahoo forum for regional Marine Tourism players has resulted in some spirited online discussion and a interactive exchange of ideas on the merits of forming a ASEAN Marine Tourism Council (AMTC). Interested parties can join in or browse the comments at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASEANMarineTourismCouncil/

The general consensus to date is to have national representative marine industry associations (MIA). As Malaysia does not have a pleasure boating organisation, Datuk Dr Toyad also proposed forming a Malaysian Marine Tourism Co-Ordination Center and Council. An attempt to list all the Marine Industry players in Malaysia and Brunei which could be likely members of a marine industry association (MIA) and the Malaysian Marine Tourism Council can be found at: http://asianyachting.com/news/MMIAlistings.htm Please take a minute to look if there are any that we have missed or other categories that should be included and send any new inclusions to info@asianyachting.com so a full directory can be compiled.

An armada of over 70 cruising yachts is leaving Darwin (Nth Australia) bound for Kupang (West Timor) on the 23rd July which has been renamed Sail Indonesia. (See Asian Section) Most the yachts are on round the world voyages and take this opportunity to cruise in company through Indonesia and then onto Malaysia and Thailand before heading to Sri Lanka, Maldives and the Red Sea in January.

The month of July also sees the RSYC Regatta over 2 weekends (17, 23 & 24 July) which is fast becoming Singapore's largest premier keelboat event.

The 2005/06 South East Asian Season officially kicks off with the 2nd Phuket Race Week over 4 action packed days beginning on 28th and ending with a gala prize giving party at the 5-star Evason Phuket Resort and Spa on the 31st July. All this and more can be found in the Asian roundup below and with China Team in the America's Cup, Elaine Chua competing in the Mini Transat on the International stage and rumors of a SE Asian round of the Swedish Match Racing Series in November the future of yachting in Asia is looking very bright in deed.
Happy sailing were ever you are.
Capt Marty Rijkuris

2. "Unluckiest sailors of the month"

OSTAR fleet gets hammered
After a gentle start from Plymouth, The Faraday Mill OSTAR single handed Transatlantic race lived up to its reputation of being a tough challenge even for the most experienced and well prepared skippers. Within 7 days of racing there were 14 retirements out of 34 starters with the heaviest toll in the Open 40 class with 1 yacht left racing of the 7 starters. It would appear that these down wind flyers may not be best suited to a 3000 mile upwind bash. The experienced Roger Langevin on the trimaran Branec 1V described the seas as horrible and boat breaking even though the winds were no more than Force 7 and wisely took his foot off the pedal in the extreme conditions.

In complete contrast to the Open 40's, The Eira Class which comprises the six slowest boats in the fleet had yet to suffer their first retirement. This class is made up entirely of Corinthian sailors in their own yachts without the aid of sponsors and shore crews and whose main purpose of participating is to arrive safely in Newport. Could it be that the competitive sailors in the Open 40 class were pressing too hard too soon, whilst their Corinthian counterparts were happy to batten down the hatches and wait for more favorable conditions before pressing on.

The retirements as of 4th June - Roaring Forty (bulkhead problems), Robosail (Boom & vang problems), Destination Calais, White Spirit (Autohelm not functioning), Blue Shadow (collision at start), Sea Beryl (mainsail damage), Octavus (dismasted), Suomi Kudu (forestay pulled out of deck), De Franschman (broken stay), La Promesse (skipper back injury before the start), Acanthe Ingeierie (Anne Caseneuve with suspected broken knee), Mollymawk (broken daggerboard) and Up My Sleeve. The retired yachts either made their own way to known safe havens or back to there respective homeports. See how the rest of the fleet finished up at: http://www.faradaymillostar2005.co.uk

3. Austral - Asian News

3.1 RSYC Regatta - 17, 23 & 24 July 2005
The RSYC Regatta is fast becoming Singapore's largest premier keelboat event. A record total of 34 yachts took part last year and attracted the cream of Singapore’s keelboat racing community with an exciting line-up of sport boats, racing and cruising yachts. This is one regatta which attracts all comers, ranging from solo sailors to the serious racers and leisure cruisers. The J-24 fleet is also expected to be the biggest gathering of one- design boats in a Singapore regatta in recent years. More at http://www.rsycregatta.org/ or contact Race Secretariat Republic of Singapore Yacht Club Tel: 6768 9336 Fax: 6768 9280 Email: sailing@rsyc.org.sg

3.2 "Sail Indonesia" Darwin - Kupang Rally
Over 70 boats have signed up for the Darwin - Kupang Rally starting on 23rd July and organizers have stopped taking applications. The event has been renamed "Sail Indonesia" and the yachts will enjoy many benefits including the obligatory CAIT (Cruising permit for Indonesia), swift port clearances and Gala celebrations in Darwin and Kupang plus cultural visits to neighboring villages. Described by past participants as "Too much fun, very helpful and an informative introduction to sailing through Indonesia". More news and entry applications can be found at http://www.darwinbalirace.com Applications for Indo Cruising Permits & heaps of information and local knowledge on sailing through Indonesia pay Bali Marina a visit at: http://www.balimarina.com

3.3 Its all go for the Phuket Race Week
The 2005/06 SEA Season officially kicks off with the 2nd Phuket Race Week. The two-day NAGA Cup for one-design Phuket Sports 8 class will be held prior to the main event over the weekend 23-24th July. Also a day of Skiff Asia - Byte, 29er and 59er dinghy racing on the 27th (Registration day). Race Week has been shortened to 4 action packed days beginning on 28th and ending with a gala prize giving party at the 5-star Evason Phuket Resort and Spa on the 31st July. Organizers also advise that Sunsail have a number of charter yachts available as " Fly in, Have fun in Paradise, Fly out" parties are becoming very popular especially during the southern hemispheres winter and a crewing section can be found at: http://www.phuketraceweek.com or make contact directly at: raceweek@image-asia.com.

3.4 2005 ISAF Annual Conference in Singapore
The Meetings Schedule and information on the 2005 ISAF Annual Conference, taking place in Singapore from 3-13 Nov, has been updated with accommodation details and some info on Singapore is now a microsite on the ISAF Website at: http://www.sailing.org/meetings/2005november

3.5 Beijing Olympic Report
Since the Games were awarded to Beijing in 2001, the IOC Coordination Commission has visited the city annually and as of 2005, they will be going twice a year until the Games in 2008. The next scheduled visit is to the sailing venue in Qingdao hopefully around 8- 24 August when the games will be held as some doubt still exists about the high humidity, big tidal range and the chronic lack of wind questioning the suitability of the site. The Olympic Sailing Competition will once again include eleven events, with the Laser Radial replacing the Europe as equipment for the Single-handed Dinghy Women and the Neil Pryde RS: X replacing the Mistral in the Windsurfer Men and Women events.

3.6 SEA National Member Association News
The Malaysian Yachting Association have appointed Tan Sri Dato' Muhammad Ali Hashim as President and Lawrence Yeow Eng Leong, Secretary General. A new central training base has been completed within the grounds of Tanjong Tuan Resort at Pt Dickson and a selected group of young sailors are working on competing at the SEA games in November and the Asian Games in Doha 2006. They aim to build up a national effort to support top sailors of today and tomorrow. MYA contact details are: Tel: +603-3165 6066 Fax:+603-3165 6067 E-mail: layarmas@tm.net.my

The Philippine Sailing Association have appointed a new President, Mr Ernesto ECHAUZ. Contact details are subsequently amended: Telephone: + 632 526 6369 Fax: + 632 524 5854 Email: etechauz@globe.com.ph

3.7 Disabled Sailing News
In Nov 2004, IFDS staged a Disabled Sailing Conference in the Netherlands and to facilitate the growth of disabled sailing in Asia, IFDS Vice President Phil VARDY announced plans to host a conference similar to YES (Young Enable Sailors) YES-Asia will be held in Singapore during November 2005 immediately before the ISAF Annual Conference. More details will be published soon, including the full YES-Asia program. In the meantime, interested parties are invited to register their interest in participating to the IFDS Secretariat at: ifds@isaf.co.uk

3.8 Featured AY Grand Prix Yacht Brokerage
Asking prices are being dramatically slashed on the AY Yachts for Sale pages. A Swedish built Maxi 77 for only MR35k, a 2001 French built Yves Parlier 21ft Blue Djinn trailer sailor reduced to US14.5k and a Aussie built Adams-Radford 11.9m for a mere US65k. If you have been contemplating owning a yacht you better be quick to put in a offer as they are expected to be snapped up in the next week or so. Check them out at: http://asianyachting.com/boats/yachtsforsale.htm

3.9 IRC-Thailand office opens
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) have appointed IRC-Thailand as a support office for their IRC handicap systems in the Phuket & Andaman Sea region. The IRC yacht handicap system is used by over 5,500 yachts worldwide at a great variety of different levels, ranging from club and local series through such major events as Cork Week in Ireland and the King's Cup in Thailand. With the number of regattas in Asia expanding rapidly, the IRC yacht handicap system has established itself as the regions leading rating system. The office will co-ordinate all new and updated applications for IRC handicaps and advise on the use of the IRC system, along with providing faster local service to yacht racers in the region. The website http://www.irc-thailand.com also offers regional information and support for all local regattas. Phone IRC-Thailand on +66 (0)6 941 7400 or Email: info@irc-thailand.com

3.10 Asians in Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships
200 sailors from 48 nations on all six continents have now entered the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship (July 14-23) in Busan, Korea. Not surprisingly, Asia is well represented with China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia and Myanmar all sending sailors along with full strength line ups of ten sailors coming from Singapore and the hosts, Korea. A full quota of sailors is also coming from Brazil, Germany and Italy as well as the established powers of Youth Sailing: Australia, France, Great Britain and New Zealand. - http://www.sailing.org/default.asp?PID=15146

3.11 First Asian to qualify for the Mini Transat
Having clocked the last remaining 200nm to qualify Elaine Chua and Feng are now officially in the Mini Transat 2005. After finishing 47th out of 84 Mini 6.5s entered in the 20th edition of the Mini Fastnet and 13th out of 20 plus the 1st girl in the Mini Solo, she has managed to finish all the events entered despite experiencing some extreme conditions which forced many others to abandon. Next thing to do is to get some new sails and she is looking for another 20 - 25k euros to be fully prepared on the startline, so if you or your company would like to help out E-mail: elaine@elainechua.com or visit her website: http://www.elainechua.com

3.12 Dare 2 be Different - Charter a winner!
The much talked about tandem mast, bi-plane rig has mainly been used to power up experimental out and out speed machines. But now the Radical Bay 8000 - a production 8m catamaran built right here in South East Asia is available for bare boat or skippered charter around Koh Samui and the surrounding islands. So now YOU can find out what it is like to sail the Phuket Kings Cup 2004 and Koh Samui winner! Want to own one or see just how easy and safe this radical new design and simple rig handles by going to the Coco Sailing website: http://www.cocosailing.com

3.13 Around Australia - Go Geronimo go!
22nd June 22 :04 :10 The giant gray trimaran Geronimo crossed the start line between the Opera House on Bennelong Point and Admiralty House on Kirribilli Point and blasted out of Sydney Harbour at over 22 knots for a race of a lifetime to circumnavigate Australia anticlockwise. Skipper Olivier De Kersauson as usual, is leading a crew of nine French and three Aussie sailors to set a no limits, fully crewed benchmark for other giant multi's and maxi sailing yachts to beat.

The 6500 mile course around Australia has long been on De Kersauson's "to do list" and has come about after withdrawing from the Oryx Quest earlier this year and making repairs in Sydney. It is the first time that a maxi multihull will make an attempt for this record, a very complex and complicated voyage with tropical weather, trade winds, and a dangerous Southern Ocean passage in the winter. They have already set new sailing records up the Australian east coast and are confident the Challenge can be achieved in less than 20 days for the new sydneyaustralia.com trophy. Follow their progress at http://www.superyachting.com and if your plotting their position between skeds make sure you have a large pair of dividers.

3.14 Wanna buy some photos?
The AY Photo Library has been upgraded with images of the 2005 Borneo Cup, 2003/04, 2004/05 AY Grand Prix Championship party in Koh Samui and selected shots during the season at: http://asianyachting.com/photos/default.htm Also take a look at Shu Fen's website at: http://www.shufen.net for the 2004 Phuket Kings Cup, 2005 Singapore Straits and Koh Samui Regattas.

3.15 Three proposals for massive marina in Ao Chalong, Phuket
PHUKET CITY: Three proposals have been received by Phuket Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura for the construction of a large marina in Chalong Bay, to be financed by a mixture of government and private sector money. One proposal is from a consortium headed locally by Lifestyle Properties Co Ltd and another two concepts have been submitted, one by an Australian consortium and one by a French group. Lifestyle Properties Consultant Ken Abday was close-lipped about his company’s proposal “Until it gets further along, I don’t want to comment. We explained our concept to the Governor, and we’ll see where it takes us.” None of the plans has been made public, but the Phuket Gazette understands that the finished marina will be larger than Phuket’s three existing marinas combined, and will involve huge dredging works and the reclaiming of some 30 rai of land from the sea. More at: http://www.phuketgazette.net/news/index.asp?id=4324&display=1

3.16 Quantum's FusionM just keeps getting faster!
With the northern summer heating up Quantum's FusionM sails are racking up some impressive wins. First 5 places in the Grand Prix IMS 600 division - Conde Gondo Trophy, Spain - Wally 60, Capri Sailing Week - Ker 39 Flying Glove RORC IRC National Championships and the latest DeVoss TP 52 campaign on Lexus. Asian sailors, it is not to early to start thinking about the upcoming season may be interested to know that one of the world's leading edge sailmaking factories can be found in their own backyard. For a product update, including setting-up and gybing asymmetrical spinnakers on boats with ‘conventional’ spinnaker poles and much much more goto: http://asianyachting.com/news/QuantumSails.htm

3.17 Top of the Gulf 2005 DVD now available
Capital TV reports that DVD's of the inaugural 2005 Top of the Gulf Regatta are available for Baht 500 plus postage. The DVD contains 2 features, the formal 'Travel Asia & Beyond' episode and the 'rough footage' can be obtained by contacting Les at: les@capitaltv.co.th

3.18 Asian entries for Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race
Qingdao in China have joined Singapore as the only Asian entries and stopovers during the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race. The sole Chinese stopover is scheduled for mid February 2006, with the 10-strong fleet of identical 68ft racers berthing in Qingdao for eight days, after arriving from Singapore and before heading to the Japanese port of Yokohama and onto Victoria BC in Canada on the fifth race leg. Qingdao is also set to host the 29th Olympic sailing events in 2008. "Qingdao Clipper" will be skippered by Danny Watson (35) from Beckenham in Kent (UK) and there are selected berths available for China’s budding sailors interested in racing on various legs of the race. Visit http://www.clipper-ventures.com or contact the UK team on +44 23 8023 7088.

3.19 How is China Team shaping up in the AC?
Five teams have challenged since the end of racing last year including two first-time challenges from new countries to the America's Cup - China Team and United Internet Team Germany. China Team has a slight head start due to its alliance with Le Défi, giving the team two America's Cup Class boats along with the expertise of executive director Xavier de Lesquen, Chief Operations Manager Luc Gellusseau, Skipper Pierre Mas and tactician Philippe Mourniac gained from two campaigns in Auckland.

The expected media coverage China Team will gain in Europe and the United States has opened the sponsorship doors to partners like TAG Heuer, Silver Marine (Shanghai) and Lladro. They will now have access to 1.3 billion spectators in China which breaks the boundaries of an ordinary sponsorship and extends to excellent brand association and recognition in multiple markets which is a huge benefit to any sponsor.

Daniel Andrieu is one of France’s top boat designers has worked for Le Defi since its inception. ‘In Valencia, we focused on consolidating and integrating the young Chinese team rather than the performance of the boat. That will come later,’ he added ‘These just aren’t the right conditions for our boat which still has the older and smaller Version 4 sails. Once we have completed the Version 5 modifications, CHN 69 will be much quicker. Until then, we are hanging in there. We are also planning to set up a shipyard in China to build a brand new boat in time for the end of 2006, so we can test it against CHN 69, and trim it ready for racing in 2007'.

The Chinese sailors are fitting in really well and are taking to it like a duck to water. Fei ZHAO is 21 with a background in 470 Olympic dinghy sailing. He started OP-level training when he was 13 and converted to 470-level in 1999. Guangyi LIU is 23 and an experienced Finn Class sailor plus ranked 6th at Laser Level in the Chinese National Sailing Team. Peirui WANG is just 17, and a ‘former’ boxer is also a talented Finn Class sailor. All three have grown up following the America’s Cup and are very excited to be part of the historic milestone that is China’s first involvement in this competition More at: http://www.china-team.org

3.20 New Superyacht bound for Asia
June 18 - A Tasmanian shipbuilder has launched a world first -- a 61m trimaran superyacht. North West Bay Ships put the final touches to White Rabbit, a $70 million vessel bound for Asia next week. The mysterious owner is believed to be from Singapore and was born in the year of the rabbit. Report from The Mercury http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0618.htm

3.21 August 14th, 21st, 27th - 8th Western Circuit Sailing Regatta
Organised by Raffles Marina and sanctioned by Singapore Sailing the regatta will take place over three weekends: Sun 14th, Sun 21st and Sat 27th August being the last day of racing to encourage a better party after the prize giving. A beneficiary race will be held on Sunday 28th, which will not count towards the WCSR results. This event is open to self righting keelboats having a valid 2005 IRC certificate, or PY Class belonging to members of Singapore Sailing affiliated clubs and invited sailors of other yacht clubs. All participating yachts will get free berthing at Raffles Marina from 7th Aug to 11th Sept. The NOR is posted at http://www.rafflesmarina.com.sg or for more info Tel:(+65)6869-1822 Fax:(+65)6862-2280

3.22 Want to become a International Jury in Asia?
The Yacht Racing Association of Thailand will be holding an ISAF International Judging Clinic from 18 - 20 September 2005 at the Samudhara Kila Aquatic Sports Centre near Pattaya in Cholburi, 170 Km.east of Bangkok. YRAT will also be hosting an ISAF International Judging Seminar from 23 - 25 September at the same venue. Transport between the Bangkok International Airport and the venue will be provided free of charge. For more info contact Admiral Varong Songcharoen by Ph +66 2 4666687 Fax +66 2 4720852 or E-mail sail@yrat.or.th ISAF Race Officials Microsite at: http://www.sailing.org/

4. International News

4.1 Road to the America's Cup 2007
In the topsy-turvy new world of America's Cup racing, the first warm-up regatta or Act 4 in Valencia under the new points system saw the runaway, unbeaten winner and defending champion Swiss Alinghi Team continue on there winning ways. The Acts are proving fantastic for the competitors and a great spectacle on and off the water for teams to satisfy the sponsors. For the newcomers these regattas serve as a wake up call, a testing ground, an opportunity to "check in" with the competition and develop techniques to improve the team. China Teams surprise win over South Africa's Shosholoza on day 2 set the stage for a exciting week of racing.

The Acts can definitely be viewed as a win-win situation for everyone involved. Although Ernesto Bertarelli's Alinghi raced to victory completing the sweep, close, intense matches further down the leaderboard determined other places, including Emirates Team New Zealand, who finished clear second with a win over BMW ORACLE Racing. Luna Rossa and Sweden's Victory Challenge also sailed well, squeaking past Desafío Español 2007 for fifth place.

Alinghi Helmsman Peter Holmberg said "In the last few months our design team did a better job than the others. I think our package right now is a better package. That's not just the boat, but the sails, the set up and how you sail it". Compulsory America's Cup Acts this summer are Malmö in Sweden in August/September and Trapani on Sicily in September/October. As the America's Cup activity is definitely heating up, to keep up to date it will only take one visit to the Valencia Sailing blogsite. This is a must see for AC fans: http://valenciasailing.blogspot.com/

4.2 Warning to all offshore racers.
DK Yachts are warning all offshore racers to watch out for when one of their Malaysian built Mum 30, Farr 36, 40, 52, 520 or Mills DK46 lines up on your starting grid. As the European summer unfolds a growing group of DK46's are knocking on the doors of success and standing high on the podium. In the Round the Island Race Robert Elliott's Linklaters Fidessa Fastwave beat Nick Lutte's sistership Shockwave by 7 minutes on corrected time after an eight hour race. Serious Yachts for Serious Sailors can be found at http://www.dkyachts.com

4.3 2005 Centennial Transpacific Yacht Race
Staggered Start Dates: Mon, July 11, Fri 15 and Sun 17 @ 1300 hours
Seventy-six boats---the second largest entry list ever---are signed up to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 2,225-nautical mile Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu. That number is topped only by the 80 boats that competed in 1979. Even with high-profile competitors like Genuine Risk, Morning Glory, Pyewacket, Windquest and Magnitude 80 with professional crews at the top end, the 2005 fleet is heavily weighted toward smaller boats of weekend sailors who comprise more than half the fleet. Those include 14 Cal 40s marking the 40th anniversary of their breakthrough debut in the race. The entries represent nine countries, matching the record set in 2003, and a dozen states. Follow the race as it unfolds at: http://www.transpacificyc.org

4.4 Fastest sailing gloves around the world
Many thanks must go to Bruno Peyron for testing the AY Southern Ocean Gloves during his record breaking round the world voyage, which passed with flying colours. Previously known as the fastest selling gloves in Asia have just earned the title of the fastest around the world! More on AY Gloves at: http://asianyachting.com/Mall/AYGloves.htm

5. World Speed Records

5.1 GREEN LIGHT for FRANCIS JOYON
Having left New York harbor Wednesday night in order to reach Ambrose Light, Francis Joyon crossed the starting line of the Transatlantic record (W to E) Thursday 30th July at 08:42'26'' GMT. To beat Laurent Bourgnon's record, his IDEC trimaran must reach the Lizard before July 7, at 11:16'08'' GMT. You will be able to follow Francis Joyon's progress on the website http://www.trimaran-idec.com, thanks to a position chart, which will be updated every two hours. The route from New York - The Lizard (theoretical distance calculated by the WSSRC) : 2925 miles (5417 km).

5.2 New Plymouth to Roscoff record and trophy
(03/06/05) After a wet and rainy start in Plymouth (UK), Ellen MacArthur and her crew of Loik Gallon (B&Q Boat Captain) and Roland Jourdain (skipper of Open 60 monohull Sill et Veolia) on B&Q finished under blue skies and a WSW wind of 20 knots in Roscoff (France) to establish a new crewed Plymouth to Roscoff record of 6 hours, 20 minutes and 33 seconds to claim the inaugural Brittany Ferries 100 Mile Trophy. B&Q hit a top speed of 21 knots and averaged 15.76 knots overall. The Brittany Ferries 100 Mile Trophy will in the future be awarded to any sailing vessel that breaks the record established by the B&Q trimaran.

5.3 Auckland-Fiji race record smashed
June 8 - New Zealand supermaxi Konica Minolta has smashed the Auckland-Fiji race record by more than a day after clinching line honours in Suva early today. Owned by Wellington businessman Stewart Thwaites, the 30m vessel completed the 1100 nautical mile (2037km) journey from Waitemata Harbour in 3 days, 10 hrs, 47 mins and 40 secs. Konica Minolta eclipsed the 16-year-old record held by Future Shock by 27 hrs and 55 mins. - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?ObjectID=1032969

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