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SCUTTLEBUTT EUROPE #1484 - 11 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

TEAM RUSSIA ANNOUNCE KEY CREW MEMBERS FOR VOLVO OCEAN RACE Moscow, Russia: Today at a press conference held at Moscow International Boat Show, skipper Andreas Hanakamp and syndicate president Oleg Zherebtstov announced five key crew members that will join Team Russia to sail in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09.

In a line up that unites experienced Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Race veterans with Olympic and leading internationals sailors, Team Russia's crew now comprises:

Two former Volvo veterans Guillermo Altadill and Stig Westergaard named as watch captains. Guillermo sailed on Ericsson during the VOR 2005/06 and Assa Abloy in 2001/02. He skipped Estrella Damm in the recent Barcelona World Race and has over 300,000 miles of round the world racing under his belt.

Experienced Volvo Ocean Race and America's Cup sailor Stig Westergaard combines the role of watch captain with performance manager. He is a triple world champion in the Finn and Soling class and is a leading match racing coach, having worked with America's Cup and Olympic sailors.

Olympic silver medallist Rodion Luka takes the job of helmsman. Rodion is currently preparing to sail in the Olympic 49er class in Qingdao, China this August. He has extensive skiff and dinghy racing experience, which is essential for handling high performance Volvo 70's.

Wouter Verbraak is the team navigator. Wouter has competed in the Volvo Ocean Race onboard djuice dragons in 2001/02. He sailed in the America's Cup, Tour de France a la Voile, Admiral's Cup, Sydney to Hobart, Volvo Baltic Race and advised sailors on strategy and weather in the Volvo Ocean Race, the Vendee Globe, Route du Rhum and the Olympics.

Finally, Vladimir 'Kuli' Kulinichenko who sailed on the first Soviet Whitbread boat Fasizi in 1989/90 and later Odessa and Hetman Sahaidachny, joins the team as sail maker. Kuli has an engineering background and world-class sailing and sail making experience. He has been involved in projects ranging from Whitbread campaigns to schooners, tall ships and IMS racing projects, over the span of thirty years and over 100,000 ocean miles.

Two Russian media team members were also announced today, Leonid Dubeykovskiy and Sergey Bogdanov, who will fill the media berth on some of the legs.

Zherebtsov also took the opportunity to unveil Team Russia's dynamic graphics ahead of the boat leaving Green Marine's yard in Lymington (UK) next month. The distinctive boat identity uses influences from Russian architecture.

http://www.teamrussia.org

DISMASTED YACHTS REJOIN CLIPPER RACE Ala Wai Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii: Having made their final departure preparations this morning in pouring rain - a Hawaiian blessing, according to the Commodore of Hawaii Yacht Club - westernaustralia2011.com and Durban 2010 and Beyond left Honolulu this afternoon to rejoin the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race fleet on the race to Santa Cruz.

Five weeks to the day since westernaustralia2011.com lost the top half of her mast 700 miles off Japan, and after a mammoth logistical operation, both yachts left Ala Wai Harbor for the final part of their journey across the Pacific Ocean. They will motor-sail to Santa Cruz in order to arrive in time for the start of Race 9 to Panama.

For Race Director Joff Bailey and the rest of the Clipper 07-08 team, the departure of the two yachts marks the end of a massive international operation to variously source, manufacture, ship and fit masts, rigging and all the attendant parts necessary to repair and get the yachts underway again. Riggers, a mast builder and specialist machinery were flown out from the UK in order to work on the two dismasted yachts as well as replace some of the rigging components across the rest of the fleet.

As the two southern hemisphere entries did not make the start line for Race 8 with the rest of the fleet on Saturday morning due to the work on their masts, the Race Committee has decided the only fair way forward for all teams is to award these two the points associated with their average position for the previous seven races, rounded to the nearest whole position, and allow the other eight boats to race for full points. Durban 2010 and Beyond's average position was fourth so they will get seven points, westernaustralia2011.com's average position is sixth so they will get five points.

The first eight of the fleet of ten internationally-backed 68-foot racing yachts are due to arrive in Santa Cruz on approximately 19 April, with the pair who have set sail today joining them in time for the start of Race 9.

http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com

SHOVING OFF FOR THE 9TH TRANSAT AG2R French skippers Eric Peron and Miguel Danet are completing final preparations for the 9th biennial Transat AG2R, the prestigious double-handed transatlantic race from France's Concarneau to St. Barths in the French West Indies. Both Peron and Danet were selected to sail for the Concarneau-St. Barth team - a project created and sponsored by the two hosting cities. The race begins Sunday, April 20th and will host 29 teams racing 3710 miles on Figaro-Beneateaus. Ullman Sails is a proud sponsor with involvement in sail design and construction for the team.

Contact your local Ullman Sails loft and visit http://www.ullmansails.com

MYSTIC SEAPORT HONORS THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF OLIN J. STEPHENS II April 13, 2008, is no ordinary day. It marks the 100th birthday of America's preeminent yacht designer of the 20th century -- Olin J. Stephens II, a longtime friend and trustee of Mystic Seaport.

In honor of this occasion, Mystic Seaport will host a 100-day celebration beginning April 13 commemorating the world-renowned yacht designer's life and legacy. A special exhibit highlights the festivities and features photographs, books and mementos chronicling Stephens' achievements. The exhibit will be held in the Olin J. Stephens II Reading Room in the Museum's G.W. Blunt White Building.

Widely recognized as the most respected, admired and accomplished yacht designer of the 20th century, Olin Stephens once said, "I was lucky: I had a goal. As far back as I can remember, I wanted to design fast boats." And this is exactly what he did.

Olin Stephens' name is most often associated with the prestigious America's Cup Race. In 1993 Stephens' and his winning designs were honored when he was inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame.

Olin Stephens has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career which have recognized his indelible contributions to sailing. On November 15, 2006, Mystic Seaport named him the first recipient of the Museum's prestigious America and the Sea Award -- an honor that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the maritime world. Olin Stephens has designed more than 2,000 boats throughout his career, many of which still grace the water today. This includes our Brilliant. After eighty decades of service, he has left a lasting impact on the maritime community. His numerous designs, contributions and commitment to the worlds of yacht racing and cruising are cherished, as is he.

The Museum will host a birthday celebration for Olin on Friday, May 16. Donations to Mystic Seaport made in his honor are part of the celebration. For further information, please call or email the Administration or Advancement Office.

Maureen Hennessey, Executive Assistant Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea P.O. Box 6000, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355 ph: 860.572.5336 / fx: 860.572-5327 http://www.mysticseaport.org

SOLO AROUND THE ISLE OF WIGHT The fourth edition of RIOW Solo, a testing 50-mile single-handed race around the Isle of Wight will start at from Egypt Point, Cowes on Saturday 26th April 2008. The race is aimed at mono-hull and multi-hull yachts from 25 feet to 40 feet overall, there is also a special class for Mini 6.50's

This event is the latest in the innovative series of single-handed races that have been organised by Racing at Petit Bateau ltd over the last five years. One objective of RIOW Solo is to encourage skippers who are new to this exciting discipline to gain experience in the familiar and convenient location of the Solent, this is the first race of the new Solent Solo Series for 2008. There will be ample opportunity to meet fellow soloists at the Island Sailing Club on the evening of Friday 25th and Saturday 26th for the prize giving.

Race Director Paul Peggs is pleased with the quality of the entry, 20 boats so far, which includes several skippers new to solo racing and strong support from the established short handers. Last years winners Simon Forbes in the Dragonfly trimaran 'Scooby III' and Peter Newlands in his First 40.7 'Anticipation' both return to defend their titles from the pursuers of Rory Carter (Dehler 36) and Simon Curwen (J105). There is already a strong entry from the J 105 class regulars and Rob Craigie's J122 Jbellino will be back for a second go round.

New faces include a brace of Figaro 2's, with Katie Miller and Andy Greenwood making their Solent debut. Paul Peggs anticipates 40 boats will start the fourth edition of this challenging event; the smaller boats go first at 0610hrs on the JOG line off Egypt Point but with barely two hours of fair tide to clear the Needles it will be touch and go.

All Petit Bateau events are OPEN races to encourage development in shorthanded design and techniques. IRC or Mocra certificates are not required, but corrected times will be calculated for those with valid certificates and handicap prizes are also awarded.

The details of the race can be found at http://www.petitbateau.org.uk where entries can be made and paid on line. Entries close on Saturday April 19th. -- Jerry Freeman

COMMERCIAL MANAGER Gill, the highly respected technical marine clothing brand, is seeking a fully motivated person to work in an interesting and varied role as commercial manager. The job itself will be full of variety, with responsibility for certain international markets as well as significant involvement with Gill events, such as boat shows in the UK and overseas. An ability and desire to travel and work on ones own initiative is essential.

Further details can be found on our website http://www.gillmarine.com

If you would like to apply for this role please enclose your CV and details of your current salary to:

Bryan Stewart International Sales & Marketing Manager Gill, Manor House Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1LR Email: stephanie.devlin@gilluk.com http://www.gillmarine.com

KITO DE PAVANT AND GROUPE BEL WITHDRAW FROM THE ARTEMIS TRANSAT The skipper of the monohull bearing the effigy of the famous Vache qui rit (Laughing Cow) has been injured during a preparatory sail. A fracture of the fibula (left leg) will immobilize him for at least five weeks. He is therefore obliged to abandon his participation in the first race of the season, The Artemis Transat, leaving from Plymouth in a month, and to adapt his programme. But this will not change anything with regards to the major objective of the season: the preparation for the Vendee Globe.

Kito de Pavant, skipper of Groupe Bel: "I fell on board Groupe Bel, just at the end of a 24-hour sail last weekend to make sure that everything was ready before delivering her to Plymouth. I fell in the saloon and I fractured my left fibula. I'm being properly looked after by a physiotherapist and doctor team that has been following me for years. Their verdict is clear. I will need a splint for five weeks and then physiotherapy for three weeks. There will be no long-term consequences if it is carefully tended. So, I will not be participating in The Artemis Transat, which leaves on 11th May. Naturally, I am very disappointed for the whole team, because we have worked very hard to prepare for this race." -- Julia Huve

http://www.bel-group.com / http://www.beltchiztour.com

COUNTDOWN BEGINS ON STAR WORLDS 2008 Miami, Florida, USA: All but one of the top 20 ranked Star Class teams in the world are among the 208 competitors who are prepping for their most important race in the Class - the Star World Championships, held annually since 1923.

The Star Worlds 2008 will determine which countries take the last four open slots in the Olympics this summer in China and will determine for many countries, such as Germany, which Star team will represent them at the Olympics.

According to the International Sailing Federation's (ISAF) updated Star team rankings released today, Mateusz Kusznierewicz from Poland held on to his #1 spot and the greatest upward movement was Italy's Luca Modena who moved up 4 places to 15th.

Ranked in the #2 spot is the Italian Diego Negri, followed by Xavier Rohart of France, Afonso Domingos - Portugal, Freddie Loof - Sweden, Robert Scheidt - Brazil, Marc Pickel - Germany, Hamish Pepper - New Zealand, Flavio Marazzi - Switzerland, Iain Percy - Great Britain, Marin Lovrovic, Jr. - Croatia, Eivind Melleby - Norway, Iain Murray - Australia, Robert Stanjek - Germany, Luca Modena - Italy, John Dane - USA, Peter Bromby - Bermuda, Hans Spitzauer - Austria and George Szabo - USA in 19th place.

Registration for the regatta is winding down while measurement of sails and rigging and weighing of the boats and sailors continues through start of racing on Friday. Following a scheduled Practice Race tomorrow, there will be a patriotic and colorful Opening Ceremonies at Coral Reef Yacht Club consisting of a parade of 31 nations, national anthems and the US Coast Guard's Honor Guard with speeches to follow.

For daily results, news, photos and a live update, go to http://www.starworlds2008.com

ISAF INVITES EQUIPMENT BIDS FOR YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES ISAF is issuing an open invitation for manufacturers to put forward bids for the supply of equipment to the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

The inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will be held in Singapore from 14-26 August 2010, and will feature 3,200 young athletes in the 26 sports on the programme of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

One hundred young sailors, aged 15-16 years, will compete across four sailing events:

Boy's One Person Dinghy Girl's One Person Dinghy Boy's Windsurfing Girl's Windsurfing.

Equipment for the sailing events at the YOG will be supplied at the manufacturer's cost.

ISAF is inviting bids from any manufacturer who would like to be considered as supplier of equipment for one or more of the sailing events at the 2010 YOG. The deadline for bids is Wednesday 30 April 2008. Bids will then be evaluated by ISAF and the equipment for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games confirmed in June 2008.

Guidelines for Equipment Bids: http://www.sailing.org/22722.php

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - editor@scuttlebutteurope.com Letters are limited to 350 words. No personal attacks are permitted. We do require your name but your email address will not be published without your permission.

* From Matthias Beilken, YACHT Magazine: It was a while ago that you published a press release about The Transat ("Class 40 entries continue to rise") stating that german competitor Boris Herrmann was still on the hunt for sponsorship. Well this is history-and good news too. His sponsor is the Beluga Group a big shipping company. His boat (another Lombard-designed Akilaria 40 that has raced in the TJV 2007) is therefore called "Beluga Shipping". Right now Boris (26, national champion in the 505 class and veteran of the 2001 Minitransat) is on the qualification trail heading west out in the atlantic and back to La Trinité where "Beluga Shipping" is based. The boat is also confirmed as an entry in the record-entry Quebec-St. Malo race. There he is rocketing the number pf nations involved from six to seven (the last time a german entry raced was in 1996 when I was among the crew...I will race again in july doing my 7th transat) and he also rocketed the number of nations involved in The Transat.

FEATURED BROKERAGE 1996 One Design 48, 249,995 USD, Located in Galveston, Texas, USA.

Designed by Reichel/Pugh, built by TPI.

Brokerage through Sea Lake Yacht Sales: http://www.yachtworld.com/sealake/

Complete listing details and seller contact information at http://uk.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatFullDetails.jsp?boat_id=1707147

THE LAST WORD Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it. -- Robert Heinlein

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

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