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SCUTTLEBUTT EUROPE #1481 - 8 APRIL

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

AC MATCH IN VALENCIA FOR 50 MILLION EUROS? Valencia's main newspaper, Las Provincias published on Monday morning an interesting article concerning the ongoing negotiations between Ernesto Bertarelli and the city of Valencia, regarding the possibility of holding the 33rd America's Cup match here. According to the article Bertarelli had a very busy week in Valencia, not only training aboard Alinghi's catamaran but also negotiating with city officials.

The newspaper claims that according to reliable information it seems that talks are proceeding well and a final agreement shouldn't be too far. Las Provincias is of a mainly right-wing orientation and as such it enjoys close relations to the local and regional governments. As a result, we believe that the article's sources, presumably within these two authorities, are reliable.

Although the article doesn't explicitly mention it, we understand that the year 2009 actually refers to the period between May and August of that year. Alinghi stated in the hearing in front of Justice Cahn last week that they will not agree to holding the race earlier than May 2009.

Always according to the article, Ernesto Bertarelli is willing to hold the 33rd America's Cup in Valencia only if it takes place in 2009. In that case, his offer to the city is to split the total amount Valencia would have paid for a regular 33rd America's Cup and pay Alinghi a approximately a third of it.

Las Provincias states that according to sources within the city and regional governments, Valencia had agreed to pay 105 million euros for the right to hold the event. In addition, Valencia guaranteed to secure a couple of corporate sponsors as well as pay additional costs, such as "television rights" (the article doesn't specify more on that issue). As a result, the total cash cost for the city would have been approximately 150 million euros, if of course a regular America's Cup had taken place from July 2007 until July-August 2009.

Given the fact Bertarelli asked for a third of that total cost, Valencia will have to pay approximately 50 million euros if they want the catamaran race to take place here in 2009. -- Pierre Orphanidis, his full report at http://valenciasailing.blogspot.com

SWEDES TIRE OF BAD SAILORS You need a license to drive a car or fly a plane, but in Sweden just about anyone can take the helm of a 200 horsepower speedboat.

That could change if a plan to make boaters apply for licenses becomes law. The result, sailors say, could be a more bureaucratic, rule-bound sea around Sweden's rugged coasts -- but also a safer one.

"Something like around 35-40 people get killed in pleasure boat accidents or disappear every year," said Lars Hogdahl of Sweden's Ministry of Enterprise. "Some just never get found."

He is the man behind a proposal on licenses that could be in place by next summer. The idea has been mooted for more than a decade, but always met opposition among Swedes who think of boats as a 'last freedom'.

Now, even though many boaters resent restrictions, support for his plan is building in a community fed up with fellow sailors who are ignorant, reckless or drunk.

"It's a very good idea," said Oscar Lagerberg, 26, a sailing enthusiast from Sweden's west coast. "Just today we had to give way and even honk at a person who didn't keep to starboard in the fairway."

The proposal, which will apply to boats of seven meters or more or those that can exceed 10 knots, will be circulated in October to maritime groups and the coast guard.

Goran Andersson, chairman of the Swedish Boating Union, said his 160,000-strong club backs the plan. "We have something we call the Boat Parliament, where we decided to fight for this."

Mindful of a possible backlash from seasoned sea-hands, the ministry is ready to exempt those who can document a large amount of experience on the sea.

Full article on Reuters.com: http://www.reuters.com/article/inDepthNews/idUSL0753108920070809?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

CLASS 40 EXPANDS TO NORTH AMERICA The Akilaria Class 40 fleet continues to grow! Maine Yacht Center will complete the fit out and commissioning of two Akilaria Class 40s this summer, as the burgeoning European race class continues its rapid expansion in the US.

To date, more than 60 Class 40s have been launched in Europe, with many racing in the Route du Rhum, Transat Jacques Vabre, Trans-At and Quebec-St.Malo Ocean Races.

Now, the newly formed Akilaria Imports LLC will bring two more, Marc Lombard-designed boats to the US; both with final commissioning work and launch at Maine Yacht Center in Portland, Maine.

“We were right on the mark,” says Brian Harris, General Manager of Maine Yacht Center and President of Akilaria Imports LLC. “The debut of the first Akilaria 40 at the Newport Boat Show last year was a phenomenal success; it’s the hottest boat on the market for the US-based short-handed racer who is searching for true value and high performance.”

Akilaria Imports LLC will sell and import the boats to the US under the direction of Brian Harris and Joe Harris. -- BYM News, http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=24745

CEC - THE FAST COURIER SERVICE FOR OVERSEAS REGATTAS CEC is a well established international courier service owned by Peters & May, the marine shipping specialists. For those clients along the UK South Coast, CEC can collect urgent small packets and have them delivered throughout Europe within two days and often the next day! This is a great service for yachtsmen who might be sailing overseas, or competing at overseas regattas, needing urgent parts, documents or keys. It is also a great benefit to the many marine businesses from Poole to Chichester who exhibit at international boat shows and who need a fast packet service to support their operations. They can also source vital spares and equipment and get it to a yacht anywhere.

With a simple low cost tariff, local South Coast daily pick up and tracking system, CEC can solve delivery problems fast.

Contact eric@petersandmay.com for more details or view their website: http://www.petersandmay.com/da/13137

EXPERT OLYMPIC GARDA Riva Del Garda, Italy: More than 300 boats representing 43 nations are lining up for the start of the 2008 edition of the ISAF Grade 2 Expert Olympic Garda on Wednesday 9 April.

The first starting signal will be given to the competing crews at 11:00 on 9 April and from then until Sunday 13 April, the race courses on the Trentino and Veneto sections of Lake Garda are set to play host to some fascinating battles.

With the Beijing Olympic Games just four months away, the Olympic Classes will arrive en-mass in Riva Del Garda, Italy. In particular the home Italian crews will be looking to impress, especially following on from a strong performance in Palma. The home charge will be spearheaded by Gabrio Zandona and Andrea Trani in the Men’s 470 along with Italy’s two world #1 crews in the ISAF World Sailing Rankings, Giulia Conti and Giovanna Micol in the Women’s 470 and Pietro Sibello and Gianfranco Sibello in the 49er.

Fraglia Vela Riva (for the 470, Finn, Laser and Laser Radial) and Fraglia Vela Malcesine (Tornado, Star, RS:X and 49er) will plot five race areas on the Trentino and Veneto sections of Lake Garda. The Olympic Format will be used, with an opening series for all crews from which the top ten will qualify for the final double-points Medal Race, which will decide the 2008 champions. -- Cinzia Valtolina (As Amended by ISAF, http://sailing.org )

http://www.fragliavelariva.it

WILL THERE BE ANOTHER OLYMPIC BOYCOTT? The furore over China's human rights record and its handling of the Tibet crisis boiled over as the Olympic torch was carried through London on April 6, with policed manhandling protesters and arresting 37 people in what Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell called a peaceful protest.

While London was the centre of calls for another Olympic boycott, prime minister Gordon Brown was photographed alongside the Olympic torch outside 10 Downing Street, by which time 25 protesters had been taken into custody.

Tory leader David Cameron acknowledged that many people are 'very unhappy' about events in Tibet, but said: 'I don't think we are at the stage yet where we should be considering a boycott.'

However, French president Nicolas Sarkozy has 'left open the option' of boycotting the opening ceremony and Germany has blocked talks with China on economic development. Prince Charles, a friend of the Dalai Lama, told a human tights group in January he had decided in January not to attend the opening ceremony.

And, in what may be construed as being a clear rebuke to the Chinese position on the Dalai Lama, Brown plans to meet the spiritual leader in May and the Dalai Lama has been invited to speak at a conference in Nantes, France, during the games in August.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) seemed to want to forestall any such talk of a boycott with president Jacques Rogge taking the unusual step of issuing a statement on Easter Sunday saying the 'Olympics are a force for good' and that change in China will come 'by opening up the country to the scrutiny of the world'.

But will the president's words be enough to stem the rising tide of anger and protest action?

http://www.boatingbusiness.com/archive/2008/april/news/will_there_be_another_olympic_boycott

XOD CLASS REVIVAL AT COWES Over the past few months there has been an increased interest in re-establishing the Cowes Division of the X.O.D. Class. Mark Hall, the Class Captain, has arranged a meeting at the Island Sailing Club on 12th April 2008 at 16:00 to discuss the idea. This meeting is open to everyone who is interested in seeing the XOD class return to Cowes. Anyone who is unable to come to the meeting but would like to be involved should contact Tina Scott, the Class Secretary, at xodsec@tiscali.co.uk

The X One Design came from the drawing board of Isle of Wight naval architect Alfred Westmacott in 1909 and records show that the class was formally established in 1911. The Cowes Division was formed in 1951 and raced regularly until the late 1980s. There have always been a few boats based there but with the general increase in interest in the class ahead of the centenary year in 2011 and more mooring spaces now available there is a realistic possibility of regular racing returning to this part of the Solent. -- Eddie Mays

http://www.xonedesign.org.uk

RATIFIED! The World Sailing Speed Record Council has ratified the Outright World Speed Record of 49.09 knots set by Antoine ALBEAU of France. Antoine ALBEAU (FRA) set the new outright world speed record mark on the purpose built canal in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, France. The Record

Record: Outright World Speed Record Venue: Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. France Name: Antoine ALBEAU (FRA) Equipment: Custom Starboard. 4.8 Neil Pryde 5 March 2008 Course length: 500 metres Current: Nil Start time: 12:12:36.53 Finish time: 12:12:56.33 Elapsed time: 19.80 seconds Speed: 49.09 knots

Previous Record

Record: Outright World Speed Record Venue: Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. France Name: Finian MAYNARD (IVB) April 2005 Course length: 500 metres Speed: 48.70 knots

The following National Records have also been ratified:

France: Antoine Albeau. Windsurfer. 49.09 kts on the 5th March 2008 at Les Saintes Maries. FRA. Great Britain: Farrel O'Shea. Windsurfer. 44.34 kts on the 5th March 2008 at Les Saintes Maries. FRA Italy: Patrik Diethelm. Windsurfer. 46.57 kts on the 5th March 2008 at Les Saintes Maries. FRA

http://www.sailspeedrecords.com

SPEED WORLD CUP FRANCE The first Speed:World:Cup of the 2008 season in Port St. Louis, France, ended with the victory of the defending world champions Alexandre Caizergues and Charlotte Consorti, both from France. An amazing start into the new season, with conditions from light winds up to hurricane force, and some impressive top speeds.

For the fourth time in a row, Port St. Louis proved to be a perfect competition venue. Even when the conditions have been light in the last year, this time PSL showed again the full potential of Plage Napoleon, one of the fastest natural speedsailing spots in the world.

After three days without wind during the qualification trials, the main event started on 01.04.2008 with a total of 39 riders from 6 nations. All eyes were set on the reigning wolrd champions from France, Alexandre Caizergue and Charlotte Consorti, as well as on outright speedsailing record holder Sjoukje Bredenkamp from South Africa.

The event kicked off at 11:00 hours in around 30 knots wind and flat water. The first speeds of around 37 knots showed that there is potential for more. The usual podium aspirants struggeled a little bit and the way was free for Rolf can der Vlugt (NED) to snatch the victory. In the ladies fleet, racing was very close as expected between Charlotte Consorti and Sjoukje Bredenkamp. The second leg was started in 25-30 knots of wind, with the better end this time for Alexandre Caizergues ahead of Rolf van der Vlugt. Same picture in the ladies fleet, Charlotte holds down Sjoukje.

On day two, race director Marc Blanc tested the skills of the riders in a special way, sending them out for three legs. Alex Caizergues was the man of the day with three bullets in conditions of 30-40 knots of wind and a slightly better angle. Charlotte took two out of three victories, but all the races in the ladies fleet are very close between her and Sjoukje, and then Katja Roose (NED) clearly in third. In total, eight women took part in this first worldcup of the season, another record to beat now.

Final Rankings Men: 1. Alexandre Caizergues (FRA, 3.5 points, 43.09 knots) 2. Rolf van der Vlugt (NED, 9.7, 42.35) 3. Sebastien Cattelan (FRA, 17, 41.58) 4. Christophe Prin-Guenon (FRA, 19, 40.52) 5. Manu Taub (FRA, 26, 41.43)

Final Rankings Women: 1. Charlotte Consorti (FRA, 3.5 points, 36.39 knots) 2. Sjoukje Bredenkamp (RSA, 8.7, 34.47) 3. Katja Roose (NED, 15, 31.40)

Full results are available at http://www.speedworldcup.com

DIRECTOR TRUSTEES SOUGHT BY WPNSA The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), the sailing venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events, is looking to appoint two volunteer Director Trustees with effect from 1st September 2008.

WPNSA, a not for profit organisation, is a world class sailing venue and effectively promotes the sport of sailing to all levels of competence and ability, through courses, training and events. WPNSA also supports and works closely with the local community, providing reduced-rate sailing initiatives and subsidised courses for local youngsters. The venue also hosts a number of high profile regattas throughout the year and boasts fantastic conference and event facilities.

The WPNSA Board currently comprises 11 Director Trustees, from a wide variety of backgrounds, who all share a common interest in sailing and contributing to the business of running the Academy.

Two Director Trustees are to retire in July 2008 and their replacements are now sought. Trustee applications are invited from anybody who can make a valued and positive contribution to the Sailing Academy and the Olympic legacy being developed.

Academy Board meetings are held in Portland three times per year, generally in March, July and November and the successful applicant would be expected to attend each meeting, along with a limited number of other functions and events throughout the year. Due to the nature of the Academy, no fees or expenses are paid to Director Trustees. Each Board member serves a minimum three year term with a maximum of six years.

If you are interested in applying, please contact John Tweed, Company Secretary of WPNSA, on 01305 586 6000 or email john.tweed@wpnsa.org.uk

SOLENT DOUBLE Despite a grim forecast of arctic conditions, the first race of the McGuigan Wines Double Handed Series attracted a near record entry of almost 70 boats and an excellent turnout. The hardy crews assembling at the starting area west of Flying Fish buoy in the eastern Solent were greeted by a cold northerly wind gusting up around 27 knots, some sunshine, but thankfully none of the promised wintry showers.

After a beat to the windward mark, Class 1 were sent to Royal Thames then all the way to Craftinsure.com off Wootton, and other classes had similar but shorter legs. On the tight reach the brave practiced their spinnaker skills, followed in a few cases by their trawling skills. The later stages of the races were cross tide, and the unwary were caught out by the strengthening ebb, having been deceived by the weak tide earlier on.

The Seacart 30 Buzz sailed by Phil Cotton and Andrew Smith lived up to its name by hammering round the course at an average speed of almost 10 knots, gaining overall line honours. Next to finish was Elan 333 Spirit of St George in Class 2, crewed by Stuart Southwick and Alan Purtill. Thereafter a steady stream of boats appeared. The talk afterwards at the RSYC clubhouse in Ocean Village was of ‘a real workout - no need to visit the gym’ and there was a lively atmosphere as results were announced and prizes in the form of McGuigan wines handed out.

The next race in the Double Handed series is the Weymouth Double which takes place on Friday 2 and Sunday 4 May.

Full results on http://rsyc.org.uk

THE LAST WORD Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. -- Mark Twain

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