Groupama 3 to be repaired

[Source: groupama] Back in France after righting Groupama 3 in the New Zealand port of Dunedin, eight of the crew of the giant trimaran were in Groupama's press centre in Paris today to answer questions from journalists and web surfers during today's press conference. Extracts from the interviews...

The most important news from this meeting is the confirmation by Groupama's Managerial staff that the adventure is continuing. Indeed, the damage suffered by the giant trimaran is considerable but reparable. Franck Cammas indicated that Groupama 3 was going to be loaded onto a cargo ship around 13th March with an arrival at the technical base in Lorient scheduled a month later.

The skipper also specified that the current assessment still hadn't revealed the reasons behind the breakage of the float between the forward crossbeam and the port foil casing: "We're going to discuss all this with the architects, the yard and the structural engineers. If this amounts to a design fault, then that means we were wrong but sailing remains a mechanical sport... We have a working base, which defines the stresses that the boat should be able to withstand and in the general project strategy, we never wanted to take risks: we didn't put any less carbon in it than for Geronimo! We may have to look at our calculations again but the concept isn't at fault. The way Groupama 3 handled, its sensations at the helm, its performance and its Atlantic records confirm that the project is viable: we want to head back out again next winter with a trimaran, which will handle in the same type of way, but without any doubts in the back of our minds about the reliability of the boat..."

Six months' work

The giant trimaran will therefore go into the yard as soon she returns to France, but in the meantime, the shore crew is already preparing for the work in the knowledge that numerous parts of the boat can be recuperated (rudders, deck hardware, hooks...). The engineers and the designers will also look into means of consolidating the trimaran: "It will be necessary to rebuild one entire float and reconstruct the puzzle: a launch at the start of November can be envisaged, followed by a month of fine tuning and validation for the start of stand-by in December for the Jules Verne Trophy" detailed Franck Cammas.

Jan Dekker went directly home to South Africa, whilst Loïc Le Mignon remained in Dunedin (New Zealand) to monitor the loading of the giant trimaran onto the cargo ship with two members of the shore crew from Lorient, Olivier Mainguy and Jean-Marc Normant, who came out to join him,. The eight other crew are already in the process of preparing for new competitions with the Spi Ouest France competition looming for one designs, sports catamarans...

Groupama 3 righted. Dunedin, New Zealand, 24 February 2008. Video copyright Groupama 3

Alinghi appoints John Barnitt as Sports Director

[Source: Alinghi] Ex-America’s Cup sailor, John Barnitt, joined Alinghi this week as sports director for the sailing team. The American sailor is familiar with the Swiss team having worked for Alinghi during the 31st America’s Cup as starboard grinder.

“I have only been in Valencia for a few days, but it is good to be back. It is great to see some good friends and the colleagues that I worked with on the 31st Cup,” said JB, adding: “my first impressions are that everything seems amazingly well organised and the guys have taken the team from the level that we were at in Auckland and moved one step up from that.”

The 47 year old has enormous depth in the industry, he started his career with Dennis Conner on Stars & Stripes in 1987, sailed the infamous 1988 catamaran vs. monohull match and in 1992 experienced the early days of the new AC Class. After some time out, he joined Alinghi in Auckland for the victorious 2003 America’s Cup.

JB’s role as Alinghi sports director will include managing the sailors and helping the team prepare for the next event. “On a day to day basis, I’ll be planning the daily schedule, establishing priorities, organising the physical training and the staffing for the various boats and projects, while supporting the design team needs and aiding with the current development and performance programme for the sailing team.”

What the sailing team say…

Piet van Nieuwenhuyzen, bowman: “I think his experience and being a sailor himself means he knows how things must be for the sailing team. I think he is going to be good for us.”

Nils Frei, trimmer: “He brings huge experience. He has been sailing in the America’s Cup since before I was born! He had experience of the 88 cup in the catamarans and has sailed many different projects, he has good background and organisational skills and it is good to have him back."

John Barnitt (wearing bluejeans) has been appointed as Alinghi's new Sports Director. Valencia, 26 February 2008. Copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Meanwhile in Valencia...

Less than 24 hours after receiving their second Extreme 40 catamaran (the former Holmatro), BMW Oracle's shore crew together with a number of Extreme 40 staff had already put her on the water. Unfortunately, the black and orange catamaran had her maiden sail in Valencia after we left, so there are no pictures.

In the meantime, Alinghi is now carrying an apparently intensive two-catamaran training program and to our understanding the Defender of the 33rd America's Cup is out on the water every day.

Last but not least, the Desafío Español base has been transformed into a boatyard. Inside the shed the team is building a brand new TP52 yacht desgined by Vrolijk, while outside they are modifying last year's GP42 champion, the Quebramar-Chrysler yacht. Both boats will carry the colors and name of the Spanish team.

The BMW Oracle base with the two catamarans in front of it. Valencia, 26 February 2008. Photo opcyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The Holmatro catamaran is about to sail for the first time in Valencia in her new identity as BMW Oracle's second Extreme 40. Valencia, 26 February 2008. Photo opcyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi is now carrying an apparently intensive two-catamaran training program. Valencia, 26 February 2008. Photo opcyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The Desafío Español crew is working on their GP42 yacht, last year's champion. Valencia, 26 February 2008. Photo opcyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The Desafío Español base has been turned into a boatyard. Valencia, 26 February 2008. Photo opcyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Provisional entry list of the 2008 Audi Medcup

After yesterday's official announcement of the Medcup's new title sponsor and calendar for the 2008 season, we publish today the provisional entry list. Even if it's the official one, provided by the organizers of the circuit, as its name indicates it might change.

Just browsing through it one gets the feeling this summer we'll be able to watch exciting races and the skipper list reads as the who's who in top professional sailing.

Boat Name	Year Built	Skipper
Aifos	2005	Jaime Rodriguez-Toubes
Artemis	2008	Torben Tornquist
Audi Quattro	2008	Riccardo Simoneschi
Bigamist	2006	Afonso Domingos
Bribón	2007	Dean Barker
Caixa Galicia	2007	Roberto Bermudez
CAM	2007	Fernando León
C-Quadrat	2006	Rainer Wilheim
Cristabella	2006	John Cook
Desafío Español	2008	Paul Cayard
Matador	2007	Guillermo Parada
Mean Machine	2008	Peter de Ridder
Mutua Madrileña	2008	Vasco Vascotto
ONO	2006	Iñaki Castañer
Oracle Racing	2008	TBD
Platoon	2008	Jochen Schuemann
Rusal	2006	TBD
TAU Cerámica	2007	Jose Torcida
Team Quantum	2008	Terry Hutchinson
Valars	2007	Sergei Shetsov

The AMC remains loyal to D35 Class values and welcomes resolution of differences with Nicolas Gonet

[Source: Association for Multi-hull Competition (AMC)] Five years since conception by a group of owner-sailors, the Association for Multi-hull Competition (AMC) aims to organise a 2008 Championship representative of the original D35 Class spirit with high-level competition on the water and friendship ashore.

The AMC was the brainchild of five founding members: Ernesto Bertarelli, Philippe Cardis, Jean-François Demole, Guy de Picciotto and Nicolas Grange, who created and developed the Décision 35 as an owner-sailor class on Lake Geneva. All members share the same passion for sailing competition based on similar sporting values that do not centre on commercial gain.

Following fundamental differences regarding the future of the class and a marked divergence in values and objectives, the owner of the yacht "Banque Gonet", who had contradictory objectives with the other members of the association, has decided to withdraw from the class.

The AMC never had the intention to exclude the "Banque Gonet" boat from competition nor forbid anyone from sailing. However, the AMC clearly expressed to Nicolas Gonet that in the D35 Class, we put sport before commerce and therefore, his objective was in conflict with that of the other owners. His decision to sell his boat is an appropriate solution for all involved and the AMC will ensure that the boat continues to race on the circuit."

Nicolas Grange
President
Association des Multicoques de Compétition

Audi AG becomes title sponsor of the 2008 MedCup Circuit

[Source: Audi Medcup] Audi AG has signed a three-year contract to become the title sponsor of the MedCup Circuit which will feature the TP52 Class racing in six regattas over five months in four countries.

Now in its fourth year the circuit, to be called the Audi MedCup Circuit, features the TP52 Class. It is the world’s leading regatta circuit, the keelboat racing class of choice for America’s Cup teams, professional sailors, owner-drivers, Olympic Champions and Royalty.

Last year the circuit featured five events with a total of 24 teams from 12 countries competing in a mixture of inshore windward-leeward courses and short, day-long coastal races.

For 2008 the Audi MedCup Circuit will run between early May and mid-September. This year the circuit will also feature a sixth event and with just two months to run to the entry deadline already the fleet looks to be every bit as impressive as last year’s. Currently no fewer than eight new TP52 yachts are in the final stages of construction around the world, all to be launched and made race ready before the first regatta in May where they will join the already impressive fleet. To add to that a seriously impressive line-up of top international sailing stars are already committed to competing for the title of Audi MedCup Circuit Champion.

The first event, as last year, will be hosted by the City of Alicante in Spain and will run between the 12th and 17th May. The second will be hosted in the Vieux Port of Marseille, France between the 2nd and 7th June. The third will be run from the capital of Sardinia, Italy, the city of Cagliari, between 30th June and 5th July. The fourth regatta will see the fleet make a return to the eternally popular Puerto Portals Marina in Majorca, Spain between 21st and 26th July. The fifth regatta will be held in the region of Murcia, Spain between 25th and 30th August, and the season closer will see the fleet racing in Portimao, Portugal between 15th and 20th September.

Winning the Audi MedCup Circuit is really difficult as it requires the best score from all races run across the six events that make up the season. Unlike past seasons this year there will be no discard races allowed at all. Mistakes or breakages will prove extremely costly to a team’s overall score and title chances, increasing the importance of consistent and reliable performance by the teams across the whole year.

The winners of the last three seasons – 2007 Artemis (SWE), 2006 – Mutua Madrileña-Mean Machine (MON) and 2005 - Mutua Madrileña (CHI) - are all back to compete in the 2008 Audi MedCup Circuit, all three with brand new boats. The American, German and Spanish America’s Cup teams are also dedicating themselves to the circuit this year, each also with a brand new boat and each with its star-studded crew.

“Four years ago we set up the MedCup Circuit to provide racing for the TP52 Class which was in its infancy at the time. Since then the Circuit has grown not only in numbers but in stature too. It now represents the pinnacle of keelboat racing in Europe and probably the world. To have the circuit recognised by a company like Audi AG is a really good step for us in keeping the MedCup Circuit advancing and setting the standard at the forefront of international yacht racing,” commented Nacho Postigo, Regatta Director.

BMW Oracle receives its second Extreme 40 yacht, the former Holmatro

BMW Oracle just got delivery of their second Extreme 40 catamaran, the former Holmatro. The orange and black yacht arrived at the American base at around 1pm this Monday and its shore crew immediately started working on it.

After Alinghi's start of two-catamaran training two days ago it won't be long before we see BMW Oracle as well sailing off Valencia's coast with its complete armada. The RC44 Gold Cup in Dubai finishes on March 7 and as a result we wouldn't be surprised to see James Spithill and Russell Coutts match racing in Valencia starting mid March.

BMW Oracle receives its second Extreme 40 yacht, the former Holmatro. Valencia, 25 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The Décison 35 catamaran Banque Gonet withdraws from the class championship

[Source: Team Gonet] The Décison 35 catamaran Banque Gonet withdraws from the class championship

A founding member of the Décision 35 Class, initially a Class sponsor before acquiring a boat, “Banque Gonet” announces its withdrawal from the Class. Banque Gonet was sailing with Russell Coutts since three years. The team has – amongst others – won the prestigious Bol d’Or regatta in 2006.

Nicolas Gonet announces his withdrawal from the D 35 Class. Despite a very promising sportive season, that would have seen the arrival on lake Geneva of the team BMW ORACLE Racing on board his D35 Banque Gonet & Cie, most Class members have shown hostility during an owners meeting last Friday.

Team Gonet takes note of this position, which it respects but does not share. Despite its desire for continuity with its race team from previous years, Mr Gonet said he prefers to withdraw from a competition whose values he no longer shares.

Photo copyright Banque Gonet

Maktoum Sailing Trophy starts today with Russell Coutts participation

[Source: Maktoum Sailing Trophy] 31 boats confirmed for major sailing extravaganza that starts from today.

An exciting field of 31 boats will take to the waters off Mina Seyahi in three divisions for the opening day of the Maktoum Sailing Trophy here from today.

This year’s race – the fourth edition and definitely much more professionally run than the previous three – has attracted some of the top sailors including three-time America’s Cup champion Russell Coutts and other greats such as Francis Carr, Marcus Wieser, Alexander Mercier, Matt Allen, Andrea Zaffin and Robert Weight.

The atmosphere at the race-opening skippers’ briefing was well attended with crew members eager to get in some last-minute details on rules and technical aspects before sailing gets under way from 11 am today.

“When we launched this series four years ago, we had predicted that this event would be an exciting new chapter for sailing. We now want to build on this aspect and we are happy we are headed in the right direction with such a strong field of some of the best sailors in the world attending this year,” remarked Saeed Hareb, Managing Director of Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC). The event’s actual format will feature a combination of short course and offshore match racing starting from today.

“Qatar has sent in a boat that arrived late last night. With this the number of participants has gone up to 31 boats and we are pleased with the numbers and the quality of the field,” stated Sid Benselah, the DIMC Race Department Director.

“The format and timing of this event makes it much more convenient for everyone, especially for overseas competitors. The aim of this competition is to ensure this is one of the sporting highlights on the calendar,” Bensaleh added.

Dubai-based Yo!, skippered by Toby O’Connell be out to defend the title they won in Division 1 last year, while Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, skippered by Germany’s America’s Cup sailor Marcus Weiser, will have to keep up their form if they are to successfully defend the Division 2 title.

Andrea Zaffin-skippered Eureka – winner of Division 3 last year – may find the going tough against the other boats in the fray including Rush Knot, Still Pennyless, Irene, Jafetica Team Marine Tech and Christophe Vanek’s North Star.The event is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The fourth edition of the Maktoum Sailing Trophy is sponsored by Emirates Airline, AGMC BMW, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, The Westin Dubai and Marine Pool.

Ian Williams and Sébastien Col train in Valencia

Given the absence of any important news this Sunday, this for once will be a "true" blog post!

Yesterday, after we left the two Alinghi catamarans continue their first training session, we spotted in the distance two yachts apparently involved in match racing. When we approached we were surprised to see the yachts helmed by two of the world's top match racers, Ian Williams and Sébastien Col.

Williams is the 2007 ISAF Match Racing World Champion and currently ranked 2nd in the ISAF Match Racing classification list while Col is close behind at 4th place. Just like the Defender of the 33rd America's Cup the two match racing stars had to put up with excruciatingly light wind conditions. At some point even the guests at the stern of the yachts could stand up with their hands in their pockets.

Most probably the two sailors were training for the upcoming events of the World Math Racing Tour. The morale of the story? The 32nd America's Cup definitely put Valencia in the world sailing map. Of all places, the two sailing champions chose Valencia to train and even they were here in relation to some sponsored VIP hospitality event, this fact only is a positive sign.

One only hopes that two parties involved in the 33rd edition of the world's oldest sports competition come to their senses and don't ruin it.

Ian Williams and Sébastien Col train in Valencia. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Ian Williams and Sébastien Col train in Valencia. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Ian Williams and Sébastien Col train in Valencia. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi carries out first two-catamaran training session in Valencia

Alinghi carried out its first training session with the two catamaran and one could consider it raised the curtain for the 33rd America's Cup, at least as far as sailing is concerned. Although both its catamarans as well BMW Oracle's have already sailed various times off Valencia's coast it was the first time both of them were used in training simultaneously and with crews consisting only of sailors.

Valencia Sailing couldn't obviously be absent from the first "official" training for the 33rd America's Cup. Unfortunately, just like Friday, Saturday's wind conditions were excruciatingly light and the breeze was not to be seen anywhere. As a result, there was hardly any action and the otherwise exciting Extreme 40 yachts looked as if they were standing still on a lake.

We followed Alinghi's two catamarans for about an hour, from 2pm to 3pm, and it appeared sailors wanted to use the first session in order to get familiar with the boat. Training first started with a long upwind leg where the two yachts tacked probably 2-3 times. After that the yachts hoisted their spinnakers and proceeded with another long downwind leg at the end of which they gybed and headed north east.

According to Alinghi, fifteen sailors were out racing the Alinghi Extreme 40s on Saturday including Ed Baird, Dean Phipps, Yves Detrey, Warwick Fleury, Murray Jones, Lorenzo Mazza, Francesco Rapetti, Pieter van Nieuwenhuyzen, Juan Vila, Nils Frei, Curtis Blewett, Rodney Ardern, Nicolas Texier, Luc Dubois and Pierre-Yves Jorand.

The white catamaran was helmed by Ed Baird and the black one by Murray Jones, at least during the period we followed them.

I have also included a short video from the long downwind leg that was taken from a certain distance and as a result its quality is not optimal. Although Alinghi at no time prevented us from approaching the two yachts at our will, we always kept a safety distance.

Alinghi carries out first two-catamaran training session. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi carries out first two-catamaran training session. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi carries out first two-catamaran training session. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi carries out first two-catamaran training session. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi carries out first two-catamaran training session. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi carries out first two-catamaran training session. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi carries out first two-catamaran training session. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi carries out first two-catamaran training session. Valencia, 23 February 2008. Video copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi resumes sailing aboard Extreme 40 catamarans

At around 2pm on Friday afternoon, Alinghi went back to water onboard its two Extreme 40 catamarans that sported the team's colors and logos. After a pause of several days, the Defender of the 33rd America's Cup took its black and white catamarans for a test sail off Valencia's coast.

Although it was a gorgeous day for tourists, with clear blue skies and spring-like temperatures, most probably Alinghi's crew didn't enjoy the most ideal sailing conditions. As one can easily see on the photos, I doubt whether wind speed went over 1-2 knots.

According to the Alinghi website, the team will start training from tomorrow. In addition, always according to the website, on board the white X40 were designers Jean Claude Monnin and Pierre Yves Jorand, and sailors Murray Jones, Nils Frei and Juan Vila. On board the black boat were designers Dirk Kramers, Daniele Constantini and Luc Dubois, and sailors Yves Detrey and Piet van Nieuwenhuyzen.

The last picture clearly depicts Friday's wind conditions. Can anyone imagine a Deed-of-Gift match race between Alinghi and BMW Oracle under such conditions?

Alinghi resumes catamaran sailing. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The crew of the white catamaran, from left, Pierre Yves Jorand, Juan Vila, Jean Claude Monnin, Nils Frei and Murray Jones. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The crew of the black catamaran, from left, Yves Detrey, Luc Dubois (helm), Piet van Nieuwenhuyzen, Dirk Kramers and Daniele Costantini. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Hoisting the mainsail on the white catamaran. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi resumes catamaran sailing under very light wind conditions. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi resumes catamaran sailing under very light wind conditions. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi resumes catamaran sailing under very light wind conditions. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi's black catamaran way in the distance, sailing in extremely light conditions. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi about to resume training with catamarans

Alinghi's two Extreme 40 catamarans were spotted this afternoon on the water in front of the team's base. Now that construction of the Formula 1 race track in that part of America's Cup Port has ended, the Defender of the 33rd America's Cup seems to be able to fully use its base once again.

We suppose that it is only a matter of days before the Swiss team resumes training after a pause of some weeks, weather conditions allowing of course. After a week of very cold, windy and especially rainy weather, Valencia is enjoying sunshine, clear skies and notably higher temperatures.

Both yachts have been now rebranded with Alinghi's colors and logos. My apologies for the photos but the ongoing construction makes it difficult to get a decent angle let alone get any closer.

While the Swiss are back on the water, a few hundred meters away BMW Oracle's only catamaran is back on dry land and has been there for quite some time. After some intensive sailing activity that saw various sailors helming the yacht, with Russell Coutts and James Spithill the most notable, the Americans seem to have paused.

CORRECTION: The last paragraph of the article could have been initially misleading. BMW Oracle haven't obviously paused all activities in Valencia, just sailing with the catamaran. It is our understanding Coutts, Spithill and other members of the sailing team are in Dubai, getting ready for the first event of the 2008 RC44 season, which starts in the Arab city on March 3rd. Coutts will be aboard the Team Omega boat while Spithill will be calling tactics on Team Ceeref.

Alinghi's two Extreme 40 catamarans are back on the water in front of the team base. Valencia, 21 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

After two weeks of daily activity, BMW Oracle's catamaran is sitting on dry land. Valencia, 21 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

World Match Racing Tour launches worldwide qualifying series

[Source: World Match Racing Tour] The ISAF World Match Racing Tour is pleased to announce its new ‘Tour Qualifier Series’, a group of nineteen events which will act as official qualifier regattas to the ten stages of the 2008 World Match Racing Tour.

The concept behind the Tour Qualifier Series is to provide up and coming match racing teams a structured gateway to competing on the World Match Racing Tour. As Tour Director Craig Mitchell explains:

“In the past, each stage of the World Match Racing Tour has hosted qualifier events in their own country. The new Tour Qualifier Series offers up to two qualifier events to each of the Tour stages, and also in different countries to the host country. The result is the series extends the opportunity for foreign teams to gain entry to the official Tour events”

The Tour Qualifier Series events for 2008 are as follows:

Tour Stages	TQS Events	Dates
Brasil Sailing Cup	BSC Qualifier (BRA)	20 - 21 Apr 2008
	Brasil Women's Cup (BRA)	TBC
Match Race Germany	German Championship (GER)	Already Completed
	Berlin Match Race (GER)	Already Completed
Latium Match Cup	RYA Winter Challenge (GBR)	19-20 Jan 2008
Korea Match Cup	KMC Qualifier (KOR)	Jun 2008
	KMC Qualifier 2 (KOR)	TBC
Match Cup Sweden	GKSS Spring Cup (SWE)	31 May - 1 Jun 2008
	Marseille Int Match Race (FRA)	11-15 Mar 2008
Portugal Match Cup	PMC Qualifier (POR)	12-14 Jul 2008
	Marseille Int Match Race (FRA)	TBC
Danish Open	TMC Grill Cup (DEN)	7-8 Jun 2008
	Sails of the White Knights (RUS)	4-8 Jun 2008
St Moritz Match Race	Swiss MR Championship (SUI)	Already Completed
	Open de Espana (ESP)	8-12 Apr 2008
Bermuda Gold Cup	Bermuda MR Championship (BDA)	TBC
	Knickerbocker Cup (USA)	19-24 Aug 2008
Monsoon Cup	Malaysian MR Championship (MAS)	Sep 2008
	Asian MR Championship (MAS)	Sep 2008

The winner of each Tour Qualifier Event will automatically receive an invitation to the corresponding Tour Stage.

“The Tour Qualifier Series is a tremendous development for the Tour” commented Tour President Scott Macleod. “We are constantly receiving requests for entries to the Tour and these qualifier events provide an ideal opportunity for teams to earn their place against the top sailors competing on the Tour”.

Statement from Ernesto Bertarelli on the subject of the D35

[Source: Alinghi] Statement from Ernesto Bertarelli

Regarding the concerns raised by Mr Nicolas Gonet, owner of SUI-8, about his participation in the Décision 35 Class, I would like to say that I will not support any move to exclude his boat from the circuit, should this issue be raised at the next General Assembly.

As expressed in the previous Assembly, I must highlight that the Class was founded on Lake Geneva by sailors for friendly competition and in my opinion the fact that Gonet intends to introduce BMW Oracle Racing to the circuit goes against the original spirit of the Class. In addition, I believe it is questionable that a team in litigation with the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), one of the host clubs, competes in events organised by this club. However, for the better of the sport, I prefer to keep the fight on the water.

Note to Editors
The Décision 35 Class was founded in 2004 by Swiss sailors for friendly competition on Lake Geneva. The spirit of the event is owner sailor. http://www.challengejuliusbaer.com/en/

Class members:
SUI1: Alinghi, owned by Ernesto Bertarelli (SNG)
SUI2: Okalys, owned by Nicolas Grange (SNG)
SUI3: Julius Baer, owned by Philippe Cardis
SUI4: Zen too, owned by Guy de Picciotto (SNG)
SUI5: Foncia, owned by Alain Gautier
SUI6: Cadence, owned by Jean François Demole (SNG)
SUI7: Axiom, owned by Guy de Picciotto (SNG)
SUI8: Gonet, co-owned by Nicolas Gonet (SNG)
SUI9: Smart Home, owned by Christian Michel
SUI10: Ladycat, owned by Dona Bertarelli (SNG)

2008 Racing season:
2-4 May: Grand Prix Chopard (SNG)
24-25 May: Open de Rolle (SNR)
7 June: Genève-Rolle-Genève (YCG)
14 June: Bol d’Or Mirabaud (SNG)
30-31 August: HP Cup La Réserve
5-7 September: Open de Versoix (CNV)
20-21 September: Open du Yacht Club (YCG)
3-5 October: Grand Prix Beau-Rivage Palace (CVV)

Groupama 3 salvage under way; TV New Zealand reports

A big salvage operation is underway off the North Otago coast, as the rescued French sailors try and recover their capsized racing yacht. The operation started on Wednesday morning (NZ time) under what are described as ideal conditions. According to the report, the yacht is spreading apart and a piece of the hull is now floating 500 meters away from the rest of the trimaran.

Click on the play button to watch the report from TV New Zealand.

Video copyright TV New Zealand

Franck Cammas and crew to try to save Groupama 3

[Source: Groupama] This Tuesday morning, at first light in France and at night in New Zealand, Franck Cammas and eight of his crew took to the seas from Dunedin to return to the zone where Groupama 3 capsized.

Without Yves Parlier, remaining on shore to ensure the link between the Groupama team in Lorient and the men at sea, a motor boat measuring around 25 metres long propelled by a 1000 hp engine, is carrying them eastwards across seas, which are set to calm down progressively.

Contacted by telephone before he got too far from the New Zealand coast, the skipper of Groupama 3 had this to say: "The Groupama team in Lorient sent us a plan and a set of procedures, which should help us to right the boat again. We've got a trip of around twelve hours before we find it. If all goes well, we could be back on shore with Groupama 3 in tow in four days, most likely at Christchurch".

Aboard the tug boat, we can well imagine that the crew are dividing their time between resting and preparing the righting operation. Ropes, chains, chainsaw, drill and diving gear must be readied.

It's only once they get Groupama 3 back to shore that they will be able to finely assess the damage and then she will probably be loaded aboard a cargo ship bound for its base in Lorient, France.

For its part, the management division of Groupama has sent a message to their rescuers from the Rescue Coordination Center New Zealand, thanking them for the professionalism of their intervention.

Groupama 3 right after capsizing. New Zealand, 18 February 2008. Photo copyright Groupama 3

Groupama 3 right after capsizing. New Zealand, 18 February 2008. Photo copyright Groupama 3

Audi MedCup 2008 calendar

According to extremely reliable information we received today, the Audi MedCup circuit has finalized its calendar for the 2008 season and signed the final contracts with the host cities. The major Mediterranean sailing event will be sponsored by the German car group Audi and will visit 4 countries, Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

The 6 regattas of the circuit will be the following:

1. Alicante (Spain) from May 12 to May 17
2. Marseille (France) from June 2 to June 7
3. Cagliari (Italy) from June 30 to July 5
4. Puerto Portals (Spain) from July 21 to July 26
5. Cartagena / Murcia (Spain) from August 25 to August 30
6. Portimao (Portugal) from September 15 to September 20

This calendar hasn't been made public yet but according to our information there will be a joint announcement of the title sponsor and presentation of the circuit.

TV New Zealand reports on Groupama 3 incident

Here's the report from TV New Zealand regarding the Groupama 3 incident. The French trimaran, on its way to breaking the round-the-world record, capsized 80 miles off the New Zealand coast (read our previous reports).

According to the TVNZ reporter the rescue operation went "extremely" well and all 10 sailors aboard Groupama 3 were "remarkably fit and well". There was no need to hospitalize any of them. Check the short video with footage of the rescue helicopters on site.

Video copyright TV New Zealand

Groupama 3 capsizes in the Indian ocean, the crew is safe and sound

[Source: Groupama] Last night at 2343 UT, Franck Cammas, skipper of the trimaran Groupama 3 engaged in the Jules Verne Trophy, alerted the shore crew to the capsize of the maxi trimaran.

"We have just capsized. The leeward float broke in two, leading to the breakage of the two beams and then the subsequent capsize. The crew is all together, taking refuge inside the central hull of Groupama 3. None of the 10 crew are injured. There are 5 to 7 metre waves and 25 to 30 knot winds. The seas are breaking and for the time being we're not putting anyone outside".

Positioned 140 km to the East of the port of Dunedin in New Zealand, Groupama 3 had only been sailing in the Pacific Ocean for a short time. With a day's lead, after 24 days at sea, over Bruno Peyron's time, current holder of the Jules Verne Trophy, Franck Cammas and his nine crew were really handling Groupama 3 with care, as watch leader Franck Proffit detailed to us just a few hours ago:

"We are in really built up seas, with waves of 6 to 7 metres. We can't drop down too far South as there are winds reaching 50 knots. We are therefore adopting a fairly N'ly course as far as New Zealand so as we can then gybe and slip along nicely again. The Pacific should bode better for us.

Groupama 3 is very sound and she behaves exceptionally well in this type of sea; at the helm with 7 metre waves, the floats plunge and never bury into the waves".

Immediately they were informed, the Gris-Nez rescue services in France alerted their New Zealand counterparts in order to perform the rescue of the crew of Groupama 3.

One plane and then two helicopters were sent to the zone three hours after the capsize. The 10 sailors were all airlifted by helicopter at 0330 (UT) and then repatriated to Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island.

Temenos II claims third place in the Barcelona World Race

[Source: Barcelona World Race] Swiss skipper Dominique Wavre and French yachtswoman Michele Paret crossed the finish line in their IMOCA Open 60 “Temenos II” to become the third boat in the Barcelona World Race.

They crossed the finish line at 18.09 GMT on Sunday just off the Olympic Port of Barcelona among family, friends and supporters who accompanied the ecstatic skippers back to shore.

After 98 days 7 hours, 9 minutes and 10 seconds exactly at sea, it has been a truly “unique round the world experience” for both, as reflected by Dominique’s words just hours from the finish.

"We have been really happy with the boat and it is sad to leave it," said the Swiss Skipper, "It is all a bit confusing in my head for the moment - the race is ending, it is a nice life and we always want this kind of sailing to continue. I will need one or two days to take it all in."

Partners in real life as well as a winning combination on the water; Wavre and Paret have 8 circumnavigations between them, the Swiss-French tandem have overcome adversity and faced the extremes of this first edition of the Barcelona World Race up to the very end; battling harsh conditions in the Straits of Gibraltar before enjoying the last few days in some welcome calmer Mediterranean sailing conditions.

"We didn’t really talk much." said Michele when asked about their last moments at sea, "We looked at each other and said to ourselves 'well, that’s that, we’ve done it'. We left a little room for emotion and it was as if we were closing the door on the race. But we are here at restaurant time this evening and we’re keen to indulge in the pleasures of land!" added the experienced French yachtswoman laughing.

Temenos II crosses the finish line in 3rd place. Barcelona, 17 February 2008. Photo copyright Thierry Martinez / Barcelona World Race

Franck Cammas halfway through his record

[Source: Groupama] Tasmania is already in Groupama 3's wake and the midway point in this round the world record attempt was therefore crossed this Saturday morning at around 0443 UT, that is after 23 days at sea! And though the Indian Ocean has now given way to the Pacific, it is also an opportunity for Franck Cammas and his men to rediscover some high speeds for at least the next three days!

There were two small moves to reposition themselves this morning as Groupama 3 drew a veil over the Indian Ocean after 22 days 20 hours 52 minutes and 57 seconds of sailing since leaving Ushant, that is a lead of 22 hours and 29 minutes over the reference time. Bruno Peyron and his men have nevertheless held onto the record for crossing the Indian, between Cape Agulhas and the South of Tasmania, albeit by just an hour! The next stage in the programme looks set to be rather favourable for the giant trimaran however, which is likely, as it did today, rack up several days of over 700 miles...

"We've just gybed and we had a small diesel leak! We've been making gybes to remain in the pressure of the wind from the zone of high pressure and we have much better conditions at the moment, even though the seas are slightly abeam of us. We can choose where we want to be... I hope we'll have some good waves in the Pacific: that's what is beautiful about all this and that's why we've come this far!" enthused Steve Ravussin at today's radio session.

Roll on Sunday!

Once again on an E'ly course, Groupama 3 is devouring the miles at an average of over thirty knots and is set to pass Stewart Island tonight (UT) before going on to pass the antemeridian on Sunday: it'll be same day twice since the crew will in this way pass into the western longitude and `catch-up' with the same day, which is something Phileas Fogg and his manservant Passepartout forgot about during the round the world in eighty days by Jules Verne... For the time being, the weather conditions for the next three days look very favourable without a single manoeuvre necessary aboard and above all, without the need to scan the horizon for drifting ice since the giant trimaran will remain at 50° South. No descent towards the SE is scheduled in this thirty knot SW'ly breeze, which may well fill in from tomorrow. The objective now is to reach Cape Horn in less than eight and a half days...

"We're going to skirt Stewart Island as we are to the North of a low where there's a fair amount of wind, but we don't yet know if we'll see it... We covered a lot more miles than Orange II in the Indian Ocean, so if we make the same distance as them, we should get a good time in the Pacific.. Things are shaping up nicely as we're going to be able to slip along and the boat really is in good condition: we have no problems with potential! As regards icebergs, we're not going to see any over the next few days, or the next 2,000 miles at least, as we're unlikely to drop very far South" detailed Steve Ravussin.

What is it?

Yet another quiz. What boat is that? We will have a complete report on the team next week.

Ericsson Racing Team present latest yacht

Taking advantage of the 3GSM World Congress that is currently taking place in Barcelona, the Swedish telecom giant presented yesterday (Wednesday) the brand new boat of its Volvo Ocean Race team, the Ericsson 3.

In fact, PR representatives from Ericsson, repeatedly mentioned the race as an excellent vehicle to showcase their products. Valencia Sailing being a website mainly geared towards the America's Cup, the obvious question we had was, once the decision to sponsor a sailing team was taken, why did the telecom group chose the VOR instead of the America's Cup? The answer couldn't be clearer. According to Ericsson the global impact of the VOR is much greater than that of the America's Cup. Ericsson has customers in 140 countries and there is no better sailing event than the VOR to reach them, especially in the emerging and growth markets. This also the reason Ericsson is very happy with the new route of the race. It reaches the two most important telecom markets in the world, India and China. The company uses its oldest boat, Ericsson 1, for corporate hospitality around the world and according to its PR people the response from customers has been "astonishing", particularly in India. During the race, Ericsson will use all its marketing weaponry at the stopovers. For the Swedes the stopovers mean business.

I suppose there shouldn't be any doubts that marketing forces are driving the Volvo Ocean Race but this is a factor inherent in all professional sports events.

Ericsson has an obvious advantage over the rest of the teams. Their first new boat has been sailing for quite a few weeks now, the second one is currently under built and they a winter training facility in Puerto Calero, in the Spanish island of Lanzarote. They have approximately 40 people there, very efficient and comfortable facilities and, of course, ideal weather conditions.

Nevertheless, Torben Grael, the team's skipper, insists it is too early to speculate about the strengths and weaknesses of each team. He pointed out there was scant information on the other competitors and his only goal was to concentrate on getting the best out of his team. As for the boat, Ericsson 3, he said he wouldn't define it as revolutionary but rather as an evolution of the ABN AMRO winning yacht.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take all the pictures and videos I wanted. We were supposed to switch from aboard Ericsson 3 to a tender in order to follow the boat but the team's Brazilian press officer didn't seem to understand the needs of sailing journalists and as a result I can only offer a meager selection. Having a limited choice, I preferred shooting video rather than taking pictures.

Exhibition sail of Ericsson 3, latest boat of the Ericsson Racing Team. Barcelona, 13 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Exhibition sail of Ericsson 3, latest boat of the Ericsson Racing Team. Barcelona, 13 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Exhibition sail of Ericsson 3, latest boat of the Ericsson Racing Team. Barcelona, 13 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Exhibition sail of Ericsson 3, latest boat of the Ericsson Racing Team. Barcelona, 13 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Exhibition sail of Ericsson 3, latest boat of the Ericsson Racing Team. Barcelona, 13 February 2008. Video copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Exhibition sail of Ericsson 3, latest boat of the Ericsson Racing Team. Barcelona, 13 February 2008. Video copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Valencia Sailing to visit Ericsson Racing Team

Valencia Sailing will visit the Ericsson Racing Team on Wednesday. The Swedish Volvo Ocean Race team will present its new boat to the media both in port and during an exhibition sailing session.

Our full report, including video, will be online late at night (European time) on Wednesday.

Russell Coutts helms BMW Oracle catamaran in Valencia

The America's Cup might be going through a very difficult period but at least one thing is for sure here in Valencia, BMW Oracle will not let us get bored. All one has to do is go down to Port America's Cup at around 2pm, find a comfortable spot at the end of the canal and wait for the BMW Oracle catamaran to pass in front of him.

Not a day goes by without a different crew and helmsman and one can assume Russell Coutts, CEO of the team, tests sailors from all professional circuits (America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race and TP52). In fact it was his turn today (Tuesday) to helm the catamaran under windy and bumpy conditions.

Once again, our friend and excellent Valencian photographer Ignacio Baixauli was at the right spot at the right moment, despite the cold, windy and rainy day. Other obligations have kept Valencia Sailing away from Port America's Cup but rest assured when the second catamaran arrives and the American team starts its two-boat training sessions we will have plenty of photos and video.

Russell Coutts takes the helm of the BMW Oracle catamaran. Valencia, 12 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

Russell Coutts takes the helm of the BMW Oracle catamaran. Valencia, 12 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

Russell Coutts takes the helm of the BMW Oracle catamaran in a very windy and rainy day. Valencia, 12 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

Who are they?

During the last couple of days we have been closely following BMW Oracle's training sessions aboard the Extreme 40 catamaran. Yesterday (Monday) James Spithill was not on the helm but instead the camera of our friend and excellent Valencian photographer Ignacio Baixauli spotted a new face.

There has been a rumor BMW Oracle was looking for a second helmsman but we take it with a pinch of salt. Whatever the case, the American team seems not to be wasting any time and trains every day and from what we see I don't think there should be any doubt about what the 33rd America's Cup will look like.

Can you recognize BMW Oracle's sailors?

Still, another "waiting" week started yesterday and Justice Cahn could make his order public any moment. It would be really funny if he did it on Saint Valentine's day. I'm sure quite a few people won't love him at all.

Part of BMW Oracle's crew sailing on the Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 11 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

Part of BMW Oracle's crew sailing on the Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 11 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

Parpec Virbac wins the Barcelona World Race

[Source: Barcelona World Race] Jean Pierre Dick and Damian Foxall have crossed the finish line at 20h 49.49 GMT in the port of Barcelona and officially are the winners of the first edition of the Barcelona World Race. The ecstatic duo are clearly over the moon, jumping up and down in celebration of an incredible feat - 92 days 8hours 49minutes and 49seconds having covered 28,329 miles non-stop around the world.

Jean-Pierre Dick and Damian Foxall onboard Paprec-Virbac 2 on approach to the finish line. Barcelona, 11 February 2008. Photo copyright Thierry Martinez / Sea and Co / Barcelona World Race

CNEV not to repeat its "annual" regatta, according to official Spanish sailing calendars

If one is to judge by the calendar the Spanish Sailing Federation (RFEV) published last week, it appears that the CNEV's "annual" regatta, meant to satisfy one of the Deed of Gift's criteria, will go to history as the shortest annual event. It will have lasted exactly one year with only its inaugural edition being hosted.

The RFEV published last week, a couple of months late, the calendar of the various sailing events under its jurisdiction that will take place in Spain this year. There are the usual renowned events such as the Copa del Rey in Palma or the Trofeo de la Reina in Valencia as well as a large number of regional and local regattas that constitute the regional and local championships.

Still, the Club Náutico Español de Vela (CNEV), current Challenger of Record of the 33rd America's Cup, is nowhere to be seen. Given it was a newly-formed yacht club CNEV had never held a regatta in the past and as a result it created one from scratch, called "Troféo Desafío Español", in honor of the America's Cup team that raced the colors of the club. The inaugural race took place in Valencia, on the 24th and 25th of November 2007.

Anyone even remotely interested in the America's Cup will be aware by now that the timing of this regatta (held after Desafío Español had challenged Alinghi) was the cornerstone of BMW Oracle's legal case and finally the argument Justice Cahn used in order to decide that the CNEV was not a valid Challenger of Record under the terms of the Deed of Gift.

Part of the boats that took part in the inaugural edition of the "Troféo Desafío Español". Was that the first and last time the trophy was held? Apparently, yes. Valencia, 24 November 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Surprisingly, the "Troféo Desafío Español" has disappeared from the 2008 calendar. This is even more surprising considering the fact all 5 members of the CNEV form part of RFEV's executive board. They don't even include it under the "Regattas of Interest" qualification. Doesn't the RFEV consider its own event as being of interest to the Spanish sailors?

The "Troféo Desafío Español" is also absent from the 2008 calendar of the Valencia Sailing Federation (FVCV). The official calendar of the regional federation consists of a whopping 178 regattas, ranging from the local mom–and–pop weekend regatta to the ISAF Grade 1 match race event in Calpe. The CNEV doesn't appear anywhere as organizer of any regatta in Valencia.

PS. It seems the person in charge of writing RFEV's calendar became overly ambitious and included various circuits or events, completely unrelated to the federation. For example the GP42 2008 Cup as well as the 2008 Audi Medcup have their place in the Spanish Federation's calendar, even if the former is organized by the GP42 International Association and the latter by an independent private company. Still, without any doubt, the most extravagant item in the calendar is the inclusion of the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race with the claim it is organized by the Spanish Federation itself!!!

The 2008 calendar of the RFEV (in Spanish) can be accessed here.

Barcelona World Race: Paprec Virbac less than 400 miles from Barcelona

[Source: Barcelona World Race] After an already epic journey in some of the world’s harshest waters Barcelona World Race leaders Paprec Virbac 2 are finally back into the Mediterranean and their last 400 miles to Barcelona. Yet by no means is the battle over for Jean Pierre Dick and Damian Foxall, who passed Scoring Gate 8 in the Strait of Gibraltar at 18.39 GMT last night (with elapsed time of 14 Days 22 Hours and 14 seconds from Fernando de Noronha.) The Franco-Irish tandem is currently sailing in the Alboran Sea, close to Malaga, with easterly winds still gusting at 35 knots.

“We have had to change down to a storm jib for the first time in the race,” Jean Pierre told us this morning, “the sea is completely white. It is actually quite beautiful but stressful on both us and the boat! We are well aware that the mast and the keel are "tired" now, so we're a little concerned.”

Very tough sailing conditions have meant a long and very physical approach to the Strait as the race leaders were forced to tack along the coast and shelter from busy traffic lanes and big seas.

“At Gibraltar we passed alongside an enormous CGM cargo ship; we cant let our guard down at any moment,” said the French skipper, “the big question we have to face now is which side we are going to pass Ibiza because there is not going to be a lot of wind…”

Currently the Estimated Time of Arrival for Paprec Virbac 2 is still Monday afternoon 11th February. However as Skipper Jean Pierre Dick explained,

“It could quite probably be the 12th if we come across an area of calm.”

Hugo Boss remains 373 miles behind, and after making some amazing gains on the leader in the last couple of days they will now have to face similarly challenging upwind conditions.

Currently making their way south east down the Portuguese coast, Alex Thomson and Andrew Cape are 250 miles from Gibraltar at the 1200 GMT position report. Their ETA for the Strait scoring gate is late afternoon Sunday 10th February, and for Barcelona Wednesday 13th February at midday.

Behind the leaders, the battle for the podium continues between Mutua Madrileña and Temenos II; the Spanish team is now 193 miles behind, and making slower progress than their Swiss-French rivals.

But skipper Javier “Bubi” Sansó is optimistic:

“We still have firing power! In this race we have seen that 200 miles can be made up in just one or two days – there is a lot of race left and we still have our chances.”

At the back of the fleet, Educación sin Fronteras passed Scoring Gate 7 at Fernando de Noronha last night at 18.54 GMT (elapsed time of 17 days 3 hours and 59 minutes from Cape Horn.)
Albert Bargues admits that the thought of home is increasingly enticing:

“We are under 3000 miles away! Cape Horn and the Atlantic were psychologically really important, but once we get past Gibraltar we will be on a home stretch and the hardest part will be over.”

Day 91 – February 9 12:00 GMT - Position report with distance to leader

1. PAPREC-VIRBAC 2 - Jean Pierre DICK / Damian FOXALL – 389 to finish
2. HUGO BOSS - Alex THOMSON / Andrew CAPE – 373
3. TEMENOS 2 - Dominique Wavre / Michele PARET- 1352
4. MUTUA MADRILENA - Javier SANSO / Pachi RIVERO – 1545
5. EDUCACION SIN FRONTERAS - Servane ESCOFFIER / Albert BARGUES – 2745

Abandoned - VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMENT - Roland JOURDAIN / Jean Luc NELIAS
Abandoned - ESTRELLA DAMM - Guillermo ALTADILL / JONATHAN MCKEE
Abandoned - DELTA DORE - Jérémie BEYOU / Sidney GAVIGNET
Abandoned - PRB - Vincent Riou / Sebastien JOSSE

James Spithill helms BMW Oracle catamaran in Valencia

It's ironic to see James Spithill, the "Spitfire", helming the yacht of the America's Cup team he so remorselessly beat half a year ago, let alone in the exact same place he thrashed Chris Dickson in the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals of the 32nd America's Cup.

This Friday, at around 2pm, the young Australian sailor took the helm of the American team's Extreme 40 yacht and carried a test sail for a couple of hours off Valencia's coast. We assume that BMW Oracle is getting ready for a Deed-of-Gift multihull race, if finally that's what Justice Cahn orders.

BMW Oracle will certainly have a busy 2008 sailing season in Europe and the Middle East. First of all, the second Extreme 40 catamaran is rumored to be arriving here in Valencia shortly. We assume it won't be long before we see the Americans carrying out two-boat training in Valencia.

Secondly, BMW Oracle is currently building a TP52 yacht, 50km north of Valencia, to be used in the 2008 Audi Medcup circuit. In addition, Russell Coutts will once again call tactics aboard the Swedish TP52 Artemis, joined by a handful of BMW Oracle sailors. As a result, the Americans will be using one and half TP52 for their training.

Last but not least, Russell Coutts and James Spithill will be actively participating in the RC44 racing circuit, starting a month from now in Abu Dhabi.

These exclusive photos are once again from our friend and excellent Valencian photographer Ignacio Baixauli.

James Spithill tests the BMW Oracle Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 8 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

James Spithill tests the BMW Oracle Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 8 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

James Spithill tests the BMW Oracle Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 8 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

James Spithill tests the BMW Oracle Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 8 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

James Spithill tests the BMW Oracle Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 8 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

No rest in the Mean Machine shipyard

[Source: Mean Machine] The 2008 season is anything but uneventful for the Mean Machine team. Not only are they completely committed to the highly competitive Farr 40 Circuit, but now the brand new Mean Machine TP 52 is also just weeks from leaving the shipyard.

With a design by trusted boat-designer Rolf Vrolijk, whose hand has forged many a Mean Machine before, and built in the Salthouse shipyard, the new TP 52 is starting to take shape.

The construction of the new TP 52, which should take some 5 months, began last October. The build has definitely had some good wind behind it with part of the Mean Machine contingent also getting involved in the detailed construction process.

New Zealanders Ray Davies and Tom Dodson have been keeping a close eye on developments, along with Construction Manager and Captain of the new Mean Machine, Chris Reid.

The new Mean Machine hull, built in carbon fiber has recently been finished and the team are now working on the brand new deck.

The hull of the brand new Mean Machine TP52 boat. Photo copyright Mean Machine

Peter de Ridder commented on the new design: “we’re not going to see a very different Mean Machine from the other new Vrolijk designs in terms of the hull, but the whole team has been working on developing an innovative layout for the deck area, which will be revealed when the boat comes out of the shipyard”.

Despite the team straddling Europe and the United States right now with the Farr 40 regattas, the supervision of the construction process has been exhaustive. “Our boat Captain, Chris Reid has kept us updated on a day to day basis and we’re currently right on schedule with the build”.

The brand new Mean Machine TP 52 should be leaving the shipyard mid-March, to then be loaded onto a cargo ship bound for Belgium. From thereon the boat will be carefully transported by road down to Valencia where the she will finally be put together from the 22nd April onwards.

There’ll be little rest for Peter de Ridder’s crew who’ll barely have time to step down onto the quay following the Farr 40 World’s in Miami, before rushing off to Spanish soil to get the new Mean Machine race-ready.