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SCUTTLEBUTT EUROPE #1542 - 21 JUNE

Brought to you by boats.com Europe ( http://www.boats.com ) and Yachtworld.com Europe ( http://www.yachtworld.com ) Scuttlebutt Europe is a digest of sailing news and opinions, regatta results, new boat and gear information and letters from sailors -- with a European emphasis. Contributions welcome, send to editor@scuttlebutteurope.com

EDITORIALS, OPINIONS AND THE RUMOUR MILL...

ANOTHER LEGAL TUSSLE FOR AMERICA'S CUP HOLDER Friday sees the latest assault on the beleaguered America's Cup holder, Ernesto Bertarelli's Swiss-based Alinghi, threatening tens of millions of dollars of compensation.. But the pharmaceuticals and property billionaire is not worried about what a federal court in New York may say about the claim by Team New Zealand. The dark cloud of uncertainty over the future of sport's longest-running trophy is, if anything, intensifying. Kiwi boss Grant Dalton was in Geneva at the weekend to see Bertarellli have to be content with third place in the 600-boat classic Bol d'Or, a 70-mile hike up and down Lake Geneva.

But Dalton knows that his case could take months and years to grind its way through the complex American system. Of more immediate concern to Bertarelli, smiling and relaxed despite the disappointment, are the deliberations of the appellate division of the New York courts, considering his request to overturn a previous decision by the supreme court to impose rival billionaire Larry Ellison's San Francisco-based BMW Oracle team as the sole challenger for the America's Cup.

This has derailed many other challengers, including Britain's origin team, headed by Sir Keith Mills, aided and abetted by Carphone Warehouse boss Charles Dunstone.

Bertarelli's right hand man, Australian Grant Simmer, could offer little hope of any early resolution. "I see this whole thing being battled out every step of the way," he said. "This is not a nice period for the America's Cup. In the immediate future, there are not any bright lights." In theory, Alinghi should meet BMW Oracle in a first to two wins head-to-head at a venue of Alinghi's choosing and using giant, hugely fast, terrifyingly complex multihulls.

But Simmer is not confident the matter would end there. He fears that BMW Oracle would seek grounds for further legal action if they were beaten and, although at first saying they would "probably lick our wounds and decide where we go from there" if Alinghi lost, added that there were issues to be resolved over the legality of the BMW Oracle boat - or could that be boats. As there can even be dialogue and unofficial talks between sworn enemies like the Israeli government and Hammas, he was asked if there were any secret talks between the two camps. "There is no dialogue," he said emphatically. "It's like divorce; there are a lot of divorces where people do not talk to each other." -- Stuart Alexander, his full editorial at http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/sailing/another-legal-tussle-for-americas-cup-holder-848074.html

SOCIETE NAUTIQUE DE GENEVE PUTS CASE TO APPELLATE DIVISION The Societe Nautique de Geneve (SNG), the America’s Cup Defender, today put its case to the five judges sitting in the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court. The Swiss yacht club successfully consolidated its appeal from Justice Cahn’s 12 May 2008 order with the previously expedited 14 April 2008 appeal. Now it continues to wish for a speedy resolution and to conclude the litigation initiated by the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) almost a year ago. Justices David Saxe, Eugene Nardelli, Karla Moskowitz, Rolando Acosta and Leland DeGrasse granted approx 30 minutes for the oral arguments from both SNG and GGYC. This was the last opportunity for either party to present their merits to the Court and a ruling is expected in a reasonably short time.

Lucien Masmejan, SNG lead counsel, comments: “We were pleased to have our arguments heard by the Appellate Court regarding the validity of the GGYC Challenge while simultaneously seeking clarification on the date and venue for the 33rd America’s Cup. Justice Cahn’s orders left several issues unresolved and we hope that our position can now be sustained by the Appellate Court. The Justices presiding over the case seemed receptive and we look forward to receiving their judgment. We are hopeful that by consolidating our appeals and achieving the expedited status, unnecessary delays will be minimised. We are looking forward to finally putting an end to the disruption brought to the America’s Cup by BMW Oracle Racing’s opportunistic legal strategy.”

http://33rd.americascup.com

A DOWNLOAD WORLD Wondering how much air time U. S. Network NBC plans for sailing coverage during the Olympics in China? Wonder no more.

Sailing is one of 22 events going large - webcast online at http://nbcolympics.com - and shrinking at NBC broadcast television.

I dialed Annapolis to talk to Mr. TV Facetime, Gary Jobson, who will be commentating. "It's a tradeoff," he pre-comments. "There will be no sailing coverage on television except for special moments (a gold medal? a pantsing?) but sailing is one of 22 sports for which the entire daily feed will be available online as a download. That could be 90 minutes worth of sailing. Just go to nbcolympics.com. It's an experiment, but I'm liking it."

It's a download world. The 21st century is due to begin soon. -- Kimball Livingston at http://sailmagazine.blogspot.com

THE BETTING ODDS... Bernard Gouy may have never won it but his previous top performances in the Round Ireland race combined with his new boat of choice, a Kerr 10.7, make him a joint favourite for tomorrow's (Saturday's) 15th Round Ireland race from Wicklow at 4pm.

That's according to the national boating magazine Afloat which has published odds for the entire fleet with Ger O'Rourke's Volvo 70 matching the odds of the French man who has previously finished second and sixth in the 704 mile ocean race.

In a fleet studded with past winners including double winner Cavatina (Eric Lisson) at 18:1 the publication has stuck its neck out to offer a guide to the form horses.

Of course the odds for the handicap winner are produced very much tongue in cheek with the unpredictable outcome of the race one of its biggest draws.

Bernard (65) who sails with his son Laurent sailed from Brittany to race the biennial fixture races under the Clifden boat club burgee. They have moved up from a Jeanneau Sunfast 40 for this circumnavigation to a Ker 10.7. The magazine gives them 6:1 odds.

Other's short-listed for success inlcude Adrian Lee at 8:1 in the canting keel Cookson 50, a boat that has already achieved honours in the Sydney-Hobart and Fastnet race when the wind was up.

The biggest boat in the fleet and one that is in town seeking a sub 3 day record is Leopard given 10:1 for handicap honours.

Read the full fleet odds in the posting 'Gentlemen, place you bets' on http://www.afloat.ie -- David OBrien

DECK GRIP PROFILE II The Deck Grip Profile II delivers all the features required in a high performance trainer - fast draining, durable, lightweight, grip, comfort and breathability.

The upper part of the trainer is constructed from non-absorbent reinforced synthetic materials, which are breathable and quick drying. The midsole offers the benefits of increased shock absorbency and stability. Other features included a speed lace system and a padded tongue for increased comfort. The trainer also offers superior grip properties with the incorporation of Henri Lloyd’s new outsole.

Colours: Navy, Light Grey/Carbon. Carbon/Light Grey Size: 3 - 12 RRP: 85 Euros

http://www.henrilloyd.com/marine

AND THEY'RE OFF... Alex Jackson's 99ft super maxi Speedboat set the early pace as the 198-boat Newport Bermuda fleet began a second century of racing to the Onion Patch. The largest classes were in the Cruiser Division with 44 boats divided into three classes. The smallest was the entire Open Division, Class 16, with only four entries. Speedboat, the biggest boat in the race, caught up with the Double Handed class ahead in 7 minutes, including 10 minutes between their starts. Before the start, Stan Honey, Speedboat's navigator predicted their finish time in Bermuda, “Our ETA is around 1500 on Sunday, but we may get becalmed under a high system some hours before finishing.”

Under sparkling sunshine on a brilliant Newport afternoon, multiple boats were over the line early in the first 6 out of 16 classes at the start of this 46th Newport Bermuda Race. An ebb tide pushing against a nice 12 kt sea breeze forced the eager starters over the line in bunches. Taking a couple of tacks, the yachts passed out of the East Passage, into the Rhode Island Sound and headed south southeast to Bermuda.

Sinn Fein, a classic Cal 40, owned by Peter Rebovich Sr. of Metuchen New Jersey, got an excellent start in Class 1. Rebovich has taken Class 1 for three Newport Bermuda Races in a row and won the St David’s Lighthouse in 2006.

The weather forecast predicts that the light air ‘hole’ Speedboat’s navigator expects to run into will dissipate and winds will build down the course as the smaller boats bring the breeze down to Bermuda with them. Rebovich may just get his 4th win and he certainly would like a matching bookend for his other Lighthouse trophy.

Follow the big boat’s run for line honors and the progress of your favorite boats on the race through the iBoattrack official web site found at http://www.iboattrack.com -- Talbot Wilson

http://www.bermudarace.com

...NOT OFF Severe weather forecast delays start of BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race

In view of the severe weather forecast the Race Committee has decided to postpone the start of the BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race until 10.00 hours on Sunday 22nd June 2008. It is felt that this decision would allow a greater percentage of yachts to complete the course.

Please check the BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race website for further details: http://www.roundirelandyachtrace.ie

PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR START OF KIELER WOCHE Sunshine, westerly breeze reaching 8 to 10 knots, air and water temperature refreshing 17 degrees Celsius, - just perfect conditions for the opening day of Kieler Woche 2008!The organization announced an entry record in the international part of Kieler Woche 2008, which includes 960 entries in the 16 International Classes. They race on 8 different courses from June 21st to June 24th, 2008 and sailed an average of 3 races today. The following teams lead overall after the first race day:

Class - Leader - Nation - Points Hobie 16 - Jens Goritz, GER, 34 Formula 18 - Helge and Christian Sach, GER, 30 Beneteau 25 - Mads Christensen, DEN, 26 FD - Joergen Bojsen-Moeller, DEN, 17 505 - Jens Findel, GER, 35 Dragon -Lars Hendriksen, UKR, 26 H-Boat - Steffen Stegger, DEN, 28 Europe - Aaito Pekka, FIN, 58 Contender - Christoph Homeier, GER, 37 OK-Dinghy - Thomas Hansson-Mild, SWE, 42 Folkeboat - Christoph Nielsen, GER, 52 420 - Antonius Tsiboukelis, GRE, 168 Pirate - Frank Schoenfeldt, GER, 46 Moth - Adam May, GBR, 23

The President of DSV (German Yachting Association) Rolf Bahr enthusiastically watched the “fight” against wind and choppy seas of the Class of this year, Moth, and will inform the ISAF President Goran Petersson about this thrilling and exciting single-handed dinghy!

Sad news from the VIP side: America’s Cup legend Russell Coutts who announced his visit to Kiel Schilksee for a press conference on June 26th appears to have other obligations to the BMW Oracle syndicate. Today the Race Committee of Kieler Woche 2008 announced the drop out of two Olympic Classes - Tornado and Yngling - due to lack of entries/participation. -- Herman Hell

http://www.kieler-woche.de

HI-LOW REEFING - SIMPLE AND FAST The new HI-Low In-Boom Furling System is ideal for fast and efficient reefing when sailing single-handed or short crewed.

Hi-low system is ultra simple in operation. As the mainsail is reefed or lowered, it is rolled inside the boom providing a secure and protective stowage for the sail. An important system benefit is that sail shape and area is un-compromised and performance is improved greatly by using a fully-battened sail. Unlike in-mast furling, the reefed sail weight remains low down to minimise any pitching and rolling.

The Hi-Low system can be retrofitted to almost any yacht up to 50’ overall length. It is quick and easy to fit without the need for unstepping the rig. No more packing the main with sail ties or going on deck to reef or stow the sail. No more blocked views from the lowered mainsail when entering the harbour or mooring. Hamble Yacht Services fit the system in the UK, partnered by Doyle Sails UK who produce the perfect sail combination.

http://www.hilowreefing.co.uk

CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA GETS UNDERWAY ON THE CLYDE The 3rd Fife regatta of the modern era got underway today Sat 21st, in the Firth of Clyde with a 20 strong fleet of spectacular traditional wooden sailing yachts, average age 90yrs all built a mile from the start line by Ayrshire's most famous boat builder William Fife.

The yachts resplendent in gleaming varnish work and polished brass gathered from many parts of Europe, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Viola bringing to 7 the number of them, which are now over 100years old.

Their longevity and elegance have created almost a cult of the Fife brand in many parts of Europe.

As the size of the yachts ranges from 107ft to 19ft they compete on a handicap system with 2 Classes .

On Saturday in class 1 96 year old The Lady Anne (70ft) prevailed over the mighty Moonbeam III (105 years old)

In class 2 saw a victory for the 104yr old Mikado with sprightly young Solway Maid (a mere 68 yr old) in second place and the venerable 98yr old The Truant just eased into third place by only 2 minutes.

With the benign conditions in the Firth of Clyde this was the day for the small boats to shine though the forecast for the coming week suggests that the big boats will dominate the passage race to Helensburgh. The boats can be seen racing in the upper firth Sun and sailing down to Rothesay on Tuesday. Thursday they will race around Bute and return to Largs with a grand finale starting from Largs up and down the Firth on the grandly titled King’s Course

For anyone with the remotest interest in Scotland’s maritime history or indeed a simple appreciation of beautiful things, this is a must see spectacle. -- Paul Jeffes

http://fiferegatta.com

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY IN BALTIC SPRINT CUP On hearing of just one drop-out from the record 60-boat fleet in the forthcoming Baltic Sprint Cup (19th July - 1st August) event organizer Henning Rocholl immediately put together a special offer for a youth crew with ages (except the skipper who can be older) under 25 on 19th July.

Rocholl’s offer is supported by organizing company SAIL & RACE and two owners who will subsidize the entry fee to a flat minimum of €350 (usual fees are up to €2,000).

The subsidy goes to the first youth crew not already entered for the event providing all the documentation needed by the closing date 30th June. “We would very much like to help a club or association for youth sailing to whom the Baltic Sprint Cup has special appeal” said Rocholl.

The event is a cracking series of offshore and inshore races taking boats to five countries in rapid succession with legendary social events built in. The Racing Division under IRC promises to be one of the most hotly-contested in this part of Europe. -- Alan Green

http://www.balticsprintcup.com

FROM THE 'OK, IT'S NOT SAILING BUT IT'S VERY COOL' DEPARTMENT There are boats that catch your eye as they motor past, and then there's the Mary Slim.

This one-off VSV (very slender vessel), featured first in MBY June, was commissioned by a British couple intent on cruising the world in luxury and at speed.

The 74ft craft, moored at Weymouth, Dorset, has a range of 1,800 miles and can do 35 knots through any sea conditions, we were assured on its launch last year.

On the basis of this exciting footage, it seems those claims were fully justified.

Sit back and watch the world's first wave-piercing monohull in action.

Check out the videoclip at http://www.ybw.com/auto/newsdesk/20080517165011mbynews.html

FEATURED BROKERAGE 38' Carrera Helsman, 275,000 SEK, Located in Sweden.

Brokerage through Comfortbatar Marin AB: http://www.yachtworld.com/comfortbatar/

Complete listing details and seller contact information at http://uk.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatFullDetails.jsp?boat_id=1920209

THE LAST WORD Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature. -- Saint Augustine

The opinions expressed in Scuttlebutt Europe do not necessarily reflect those of its editors or sponsors.

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