America's Cup: BMW ORACLE Racing's Cup boat arrives in Valencia

Unloading of BMW ORACLE Racing's America's Cup gear from Oceanlady in Valencia. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

by Jane Eagleson

The BMW ORACLE Racing team is opening the new year at full pace. In the early hours of Monday, its race boat arrived in Spain as the team completes its move from San Diego back to Valencia for the 33rd America's Cup Match next month.


Unloading of BMW ORACLE Racing's America's Cup gear from Oceanlady in Valencia. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

Monday morning, CEO Russell Coutts addressed the team at its Base in the Darsena, thanking everyone for their commitment to date and urging the team on through the final stretch.


Unloading of BMW ORACLE Racing's America's Cup gear from Oceanlady in Valencia. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

"It's important that today, with just over a month to go, we keep our focus tight and narrow in on what we have to do to win the Cup," he said. "I think we have assembled a really good team. We have a lot of expertise and skills in our group and we have to apply that over the next few weeks in the best way possible."


Unloading of BMW ORACLE Racing's America's Cup gear from Oceanlady in Valencia. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

Just hours earlier, the Oceanlady cargo ship arrived in the commericial port of Valencia after 20 days at sea, carrying the BOR90, the trimaran the team has built to challenge for the Cup.


Unloading of BMW ORACLE Racing's America's Cup gear from Oceanlady in Valencia. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

The Oceanlady transported approximately 200 tonnes of equipment from the team's training and development base in San Diego, including the BOR 90 trimaran, the main element of the wing sail, four custom made boxes containing the wing flaps, spare masts, 19 shipping containers, and 10 other boats (RIBs etc.).


Unloading of BMW ORACLE Racing's America's Cup gear from Oceanlady in Valencia. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

The ship was unloaded over the course of the day. With the BOR 90 trimaran, the wing sail and the other cargo now safe on shore, the trimaran and all of its components will undergo a thorough work-up by the shore team to ensure the boat is match fit before the Valencia training session begins.


Unloading of BMW ORACLE Racing's America's Cup gear from Oceanlady in Valencia. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

In the meantime, the sailing team has scheduled several days of multihull match-racing practice in the Extreme 40 catamarans beginning on Thursday.


Unloading of BMW ORACLE Racing's America's Cup gear from Oceanlady in Valencia. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

The first race of the 33rd America's Cup Match is scheduled for February 8.

BMW ORACLE Racing

America's Cup: Letter from GGYC to SNG, 4th January 2010

Contents of the letter from Marcus Young, Commodore, Golden Gate Yacht Club to Fred Meyer, Vice-Commodore and Chairman of the Société Nautique de Genève's America's Cup committee, dated 4th January 2010:

"Thank you for your letter of December 31, 2009 concerning the "constructed in country" requirement of the America's Cup Deed of Gift.

"Our representatives will be available to meet in Singapore on January 12, 2010.

"We would welcome the attendance of David Tillett, chairman of the International Jury, as well as David Kellett representing the International Sailing Federation.

"Our intention is that these talks make real progress on the substantive issues.

"We respectfully remind you that, while the discussions in Sydney last month were positive, GGYC does not consider the process the success you described because it appears that SNG is stalling the implementation of those talks. Specifically the following have been delayed beyond discussed deadlines:

. Issung the amended Notice of Race to take fully into account the decisions and order of the New York Courts, and the changes agreed at our Sydney meeting.

. Indemnifying the International Jury, announced as long ago as December 4, 2009, so it is able to begin to work.

"With regard to the above matters, GGYC has long since, and in a timely manner, met all of its obligations. We ask that SNG fulfill its clear duty as Trustree.

"I am also replying to your letter of December 27, 2009 insisting that BMW ORACLE Racing's yacht be moored in Valencia's Darsena. We view the safety of our crew, our yacht and other users of the Darsena as priority number one, and we will not be pressured into jeopardizing them.

"It remains our sincere hope and desire that all outstanding issues be resolved before the Match, and we ask that you join us in making every effort to do so."

Golden Gate Yacht Club

America's Cup: Alinghi arrives in Valencia for the 33rd America's Cup

Alinghi 5 arrives in Valencia. Image copyright Alinghi.

by Daphne Morgan Barnicoat

The 33rd America's Cup defending team, Alinghi, arrived in Valencia, Spain today and will transfer to its existing base in the Dársena (the inner harbour of Valencia) over the next couple of days to begin its final preparations towards the Deed of Gift Match that starts on 8 February.

The team's catamaran Alinghi 5, the masts and 20 support containers reached their final destination aboard the Cassandra B container ship on Monday afternoon after a 14 day voyage from the team's previous base in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.


Alinghi 5 arrives in Valencia. Image copyright Alinghi.

“We hope that the people of Valencia will be excited to witness the arrival and preparation of our catamaran. We understand the American challenger has also arrived to Valencia and hopefully both boats will be moored in the Dársena and will provide a great spectacle. Since these new yachts are so fast and the racing will take place a long way offshore viewing the yachts from the water will be difficult for the fans, the sponsors and the media; that is why we think the Dársena will form an important arena for this event,” said Grant Simmer, Alinghi design team coordinator.

The team completed a very successful two month training period on 16 December 2009 in the Arabian Gulf and cast off, bound for Europe, on the 21 December. The Cassandra B travelled 4,500 nm out of the Arabian Gulf, into the Red Sea, through the Suez Canal and across the Mediterranean to return the Defender to the Alinghi base in Valencia, which was home to the highly successful 32nd America's Cup.


Alinghi 5 arrives in Valencia. Image copyright Alinghi.

Alinghi plans to start sailing in Valencia mid-month and will focus on training for the 36 days that remain until the 33rd America's Cup Match.

“The voyage from Ras Al Khaimah to Valencia went smoothly and over the coming days we will settle back into our base in the Dársena. The team will focus on readying Alinghi 5 for the final training session ahead of the first race for the 33rd America's Cup, which starts on 8 February,” added Simmer.

Alinghi

Bouwe Bekking: Never Give Up!

by Javier Sobrino

"This race is about avoiding problems and dealing with them when you can't. We had a lot to overcome. It felt at times like someone had a voodoo doll and kept sticking pins in it."

Bouwe Bekking has raced around the world six-times and has seen the Volvo Ocean Race grow in stature from a battle amongst privateer maxis to today's clash between corporate-sponsored, pro-crewed racing machines. As a skipper and project-manager for the two-boat Telefonica team, he has a unique insight into the 2008/09 Volvo Ocean Race and what it takes to complete such a demanding course, finishing on the podium in the process. More than this, Bekking has long held a deep-seated respect for the oceans and the need for their protection, a theme that runs through his account of this world-girdling adventure.

Just as his heroes inspired him, Bekking hopes to help inspire others to look after one of the world's greatest natural resources - water.

Co-written with Riath Al-Samarrai, a member of the VOR media team, Never Give Up is an account of Telefonica Blue's circumnavigation from the perspective of one of the most experienced sailors in the race.

Purchase the book at Bouwe Bekking

Contender Worlds: Queensland's Mulder throws down the gauntlet

by Rob Kothe

Today was the first day of the 2010 Contender Pre-worlds, the 2010 Contender Australian Championship, and the event organiser Matt Mulder who is a former Australian and current Queensland Contender champion, was in his element.

Pre-event it had been calculated that 70% of the time there are north easterly sea breezes on the Contender race course in January.

But today was straight out of the fine print; heavy overcast, humid, a southerly averaging 18 knots, topping out at 26 knots.

There have been big tides all week. The tide runs out to the south east of the Waterloo Bay course, between King and Green Islands with a south easterly breeze of 17-26 knots - classic wind against tide conditions. With sharp little seas of 1-1.5 metres there was some 'washing machine' about it - the locals call it 'Waterloo slop'.

In the race one of the Pre-Worlds first across the line was Matt Mulder, just five boat lengths ahead of the Italian master and seven times world champion Andrea Bonezzi. Third was the Australia pre-event favourite Jono Neate, a surprising two minutes back. Then there was another long gap to the Brit most likely to succeed, Simon Mussel. The German top gun Christop Homeier was next, with Australian Class President Chris Sutherland following.

Behind them straggled the fleet, in various stages of disrepair. Race officials decided 'enough was enough' and canned the second race. The rescue boats towed in three boats with damaged rudders and masts; there were in fact 17 boats that failed to finish the course, 12 of them capsizing and were unable to right their boats without assistance.

There was a number of 'chock tops'. The water depth across much of the dinghy course is not much over two metres and the Morton Bay mud is dark brown, if you add 1-1.5 metres of sharp little seas and a capsize ... behold a 'choc-top' as the boats are righted, that is Morton Bay mud on the mast tip.

Standing in the sunshine enjoying a free beer, Andrea Bonezzi said simply 'it was tough out there!'

Of course Matt Mulder, the 95kg+ winner was grinning. 'Hope we get this (wind) pressure all week. It was awesome out there, I just loved it.'

Contender Worlds 2010

Splash Worlds: Brisk Breeze Plays Part on Day One

Just after the start, at the Splash Worlds off Takapuna. Image copyright Will Calver/www.oceanphotography.co.nz

by Zoe Hawkins

Three races were sailed on Day One of the Splash World Sailing Championship held off Takapuna Beach in Auckland, New Zealand, in a brisk 18-22 knots of breeze.

The gusty South-Wester and outgoing tide created a short, steep chop that was challenging for all, but benefited those that really have the ability to work a heavier breeze.

At this early stage, the points spread is close: in provisional results, 2008 World Champion Ben Lutze (NZL) holds a two point lead over Ben Sluijter (NED), after winning two races. Reigning Declan Burn (NZL) is in third position, with George Lane (NZL) in fourth and Jock Coppejans (BEL) fifth.

With the largest team and the benefit of local knowledge, New Zealand has claimed five of the top ten positions, Holland four and Belgium one.

Only ten points separate the top five, and 17 points separate the top ten, which means competition will be very tight between the top ten contenders, says spokesperson Helen McKenzie. “Tomorrow’s results will start to give us an idea of how it’s going.”

Laura Hemingway (NZL), in 21st place overall, is the top female participant. Last year’s top female, Nienke Reina Jorna (NED) is two places, and four points, behind her.

A high approaching the country is expected to see today’s South Westerlies ease somewhat before racing starts tomorrow.

Racing today was held in two flights. Scores are combined and after three days racing the fleet is divided into gold and silver fleets for the final two days.

The Splash Dinghy is a fast, modern single handed dinghy designed for sailors under the age of 19. Favoured for its ability to build confidence in mostly teenage sailors, the boat is a step up from the Optimist, and a precursor and training vessel for the Laser class raced by both men and women at the Olympic Games.

The line up at the 2010 Splash World Sailing Championships includes 73 youth sailors from 12 countries. New Zealanders have been world champions in the class in 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2009, and in 2009 New Zealand also won the Nations Cup at the Splash World Champs held in Europe.

Racing proper started at 11am on Monday 4 January, and conditions permitting, 13 races will be held, finishing on Friday 8 January, and followed by a prizegiving on the Friday evening.

Takapuna Boating Club is organising the Splash World Sailing Championships, with support from North Shore City Council, SPARC, The Lion Foundation, Victoria Cruising Club and Yachting New Zealand.

The best spot for viewing is the beachfront reserve around Takapuna Boating Club on Takapuna Beach, where boats will be readied and launched from the beach each morning, or on the waters between Takapuna Boating Club and Rangitoto Island, from the first start at 11am.

Prizes will be awarded to the winner of the Open Splash Championship, the best female winner, and the country with the lowest total points from amongst their three best sailors.

Splash Worlds

Splash World Sailing Championships, Takapuna Beach, 2-8 January 2010

Takapuna Beach comes alive with world championship action

The Splash World Sailing Championship for international youth sailors is being raced this week off beautiful Takapuna Beach in Auckland, New Zealand. 74 competitors from 12 countries are participating

by Zoe Hawkins

On the eve of the first official race anticipation was high as sailors prepared for the opportunity to secure sailing’s first world title of 2010 by competing in a warm-up race in brisk 15 knot conditions that provided testing opportunities where sailors could test their boat speed against one another.

The fleet of 74 is dominated by the large New Zealand team of 44 sailors enjoying the opportunity to sail in home waters. The pre-Worlds regatta held prior to Christmas was led by George Lane (North Shore), Michael Cate (Northland) and reigning world champion Declan Burn (Picton), with Melissa Gibbs (North Shore) the leading girl. Other New Zealanders considered serious prospects are former World Champion Optimist sailor Chris Steele (North Shore), and 2008 Splash World Champion Ben Lutze (Taipa).

There are 14 entrants from the Netherlands, including Nienke Reina Jorna, who won the Girl’s title in 2009. Amongst competitors from the Cook Islands, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands Antilles, Germany, France, Peoples Republic of China, American Samoa, Samoa and Switzerland, are European Opti Champ Etienne Le Pen of New Caledonia, and 2008 World Girls Champ and 2009 Runner-Up, a female sailor named Philipine van Aanholt from The Dutch Antilles.

“Everyone here is doing their best,” says Netherlands coach Jildert Koopman. “Our success depends on the conditions. Last year we won the world championships for the ladies.”

Dutch competitor Wouter Hufen nominates Ben Lutze, Mathieu de By and Nienke Reina Jorna as sailors that he will be watching very closely, whilst New Zealand’s Splash Class President Helen McKenzie suggests that the conditions – which look to be predominantly light to moderate, with at least one heavier day, will influence the outcome.

Reigning champ, New Zealander Declan Burn, always performs very strongly in the light, she says, while Ben Lutze and George Lane are exemplary heavy air sailors, as are several of the Dutch competitors, all here with the intention of taking home the trophy.

Declan Burn excels in light conditions but heavy air sailing is something that he has been working hard on, says his father, Rob Burn. Whilst still under 60kg and therefore relatively lightweight compared to several other sailors at the top end of the fleet, the extra height Declan has gained in the last year has given him important leverage in heavier seas, and he will be able to perform consistently in anything under 25 knots.

Here on his second trip to Takapuna for a sailing world champs, Stefan Maes is a parent accompanying the Belgian team of three sailors on their New Zealand trip. He states that their goal is to make it into the top ten or fifteen.

The Splash class is one of few international classes to encourage females to compete on a fair footing with males, and Norwegian international Ina Berentsen Kullman, who has been training locally in a coaching group with New Zealand sailors, is tipped to be ‘wickedly’ quick. Rival Philipine van Aanholt, who was very sick during the 2009 Worlds yet still performed very consistently, is racing this year despite being on crutches with an injured ankle, and 17-year old Aucklander Melissa Gibbs is competing in her third world championship regatta and following a top race season, intends to push hard for a top finish.

The forecast is for heavier racing on Monday, which will ease on Tuesday.

The Splash Dinghy is a fast, modern single handed dinghy designed for sailors under the age of 19. Favoured for its ability to build confidence in mostly teenage sailors, the boat is a step up from the Optimist, and a precursor and training vessel for the Laser class raced by both men and women at the Olympic Games.

The line up at the 2010 Splash World Sailing Championships includes 75 youth sailors from 12 countries. New Zealanders have been world champions in the class in 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2009, and in 2009 New Zealand also won the Nations Cup at the Splash World Champs held in Europe.

Racing proper starts at 11am on Monday 4 January, and conditions permitting, 13 races will be held, finishing on Friday 8 January, and followed by a prizegiving on the Friday evening.

Takapuna Boating Club is organising the Splash World Sailing Championships, with support from North Shore City Council, SPARC, The Lion Foundation, Victoria Cruising Club and Yachting New Zealand.

The best spot for viewing is the beachfront reserve around Takapuna Boating Club on Takapuna Beach, where boats will be readied and launched from the beach each morning, or on the waters between Takapuna Boating Club and Rangitoto Island, from the first start at 11am.

Prizes will be awarded to the winner of the Open Splash Championship, the best female winner, and the country with the lowest total points from amongst their three best sailors.

Splash Worlds