Barker Beats Coutts in Waitemata Racing

[Source: LV Pacific Series] Russell Coutts was gracious in defeat today after losing a race in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series to Dean Barker, his old crew mate from Emirates Team New Zealand. Sailing the BMW Oracle Racing boat USA 87, Barker beat the Coutts-led American crew in USA 98 by 28 seconds in the first race of the day.

At a press conference in the Race Village afterwards and in front of a big public gallery, Coutts was asked what it felt like when the apprentice beat the master. Coutts answered dryly and with a smile: “It’s happened before!” He added, “We would have been happier with a different result but they won that one pretty convincingly.”

After eight races over the first two days, Emirates Team New Zealand has two points in Pool A, while Pataugas K-Challenge from France and Damiani Italia Challenge each have one point. In Pool B, Switzerland’s Alinghi is the leader with two points while Britain’s TEAMORIGIN has one point.

A shifty, gusty southwest breeze averaging 16 knots delivered challenging racing conditions as the boats raced twice-around 1.7-mile legs from a start line off Rangitoto to a windward mark just off the Orakei Basin. The racers took a break after the third race while commercial ships and a barge moved through the area.

In the first race the promise inherent in the series was realized with a tough, tight race between old rivals Emirates Team New Zealand and BMW Oracle Racing. The Kiwis got the right after a pre-start battle and Coutts fought back, rounding the first leeward mark only two seconds behind. Coutts enjoyed a brief lead, only to see Barker use the leverage of the favored right hand side and kill any chances of an American victory.

The apprentice beats his master. In the second half of the race BMW Oracle committed a number of small errors that allowed Emirates Team NZ to hold on to their lead. Auckland, 31 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Gavin Brady, the Kiwi skipper of the Greek Challenge, and his mixed Greco-Kiwi crew had something to prove after suffering a penalty from a collision yesterday that put them in minus scoring territory. In the second race Brady pounced on the South African boat Shosholoza in the pre-start and the umpires had landed a penalty on his opponents before the start gun had fired. Brady started in frront and worked to a clear 56 second win over South Africa’s Italian skipper and helmsman Paolo Cian.

It was without any doubt the upset of the day. Newcomers Greek Challenge had a convincing victory over Paolo Cian's Shosholoza. Auckland, 31 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

In similar fashion Francesco Bruni at the helm of the new Italian team Damiani Italia Challenge put his stamp early on the third race. He shut out two-time World Match Racing Tour champion Ian Williams aboard China Team, forcing him above the start boat just before the gun. The Italians won by 1 min 17 sec in a race when the deltas were never less than one minute and the lead at times as much as 500 metres.

In the last race of the day, Alinghi won handsomely by 50 seconds over Virgin Islands match racer Peter Holmberg at the wheel of the Italian boat Luna Rossa. Holmberg mis-timed his last minute manoeuvres approaching the start line and in an effort to win clear air he conceded 40 metres to Ed Baird on Alinghi as they crossed. The Swiss were never threatened again.

Ed Baird really nails down his former Alinghi teammate Peter Holmberg, now on the helm of Luna Rossa. It was impossible for the Italian team to overcome such a bad start. Auckland, 31 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Sequence of the Greek Challenge - Alinghi incident

Here's the sequence of the collision between Greek Challenge and Alinghi on the opening day of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, courtesy of Juerg Kaufmann

Greek Challenge hits Alinghi boat. Auckland, 30 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann

Greek Challenge hits Alinghi boat. Auckland, 30 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann

Greek Challenge hits Alinghi boat. Auckland, 30 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann

Greek Challenge hits Alinghi boat. Auckland, 30 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann

AC33: The new America's Cup yacht design rule goes live

Related PDF documents

- The AC33 Rule

[Source: Alinghi] The AC33 has been designed through consultation between the Defender, the Challenger of Record and the 17 other entered teams and the process was headed by Tom Schnackenberg as the class rule and competition regulations consultant for AC Management. Designers and team managers from the 19 America’s Cup syndicates met regularly in Geneva, Switzerland, and Valencia, Spain, since the design process began in early November 2008.

This group agreed to develop a boat similar in cost to the America’s Cup Class Version 5.0 boat, but with a more exciting performance. The AC33 Rule evolved to a race yacht of 26m maximum length overall, with 5m of draft and a displacement of 17.5tonnes.

The sail plan area is greater than with the ACC Version 5.0 but without overlapping headsails, and as with the AC90 Rule contemplated in 2007, the boat has a bowsprit and the spinnaker area is limited only by sheeting constraints, not by measurement of dimensions. Given the lighter displacement, the AC33 will be more demanding to sail upwind, and will provide sparkling performance on the runs. Maximum beam is 4.8m, which will seem wide to people used to the appearance of the Version 5.0 yachts, where the last generation of yachts had a beam not much more than 3m in many cases.

Tom Schnackenberg, class rule and competition regulations consultant for ACM, on how the process worked and what to expect of the new class: “We have had a very active 10 weeks pursuing this new AC33 Class Rule. The process was very similar to that of the initial AC90, and we deliberately used many of the clauses already developed for it 12 months ago. Because of our previous experience, this process seemed familiar and ran smoothly, in spite of the interruption caused by the Christmas holidays.

“The boat was originally suggested as one with overhangs, and girth restrictions, (a sort of mini J-class) but as different designers got into the act, it quickly evolved into a boat defined only by the length overall, weight, max beam and draft. This allows simple measurement processes for the hull itself, and each change seemed to make the boat go faster!

“As it turned out, the boat is slightly longer than the ACC Version 5.0 boats and several tonnes lighter, with similar sail area and righting moment. It promises to have similar upwind speed and to have sparkling downwind performance.

“We think it will be a boat which the America's Cup community will really enjoy; a worthy successor to all the wonderful boats that have gone before.”

America’s Cup Defender Alinghi’s principal designer Rolf Vrolijk on the new class: “For designers it is always more exciting to be involved in a new class or with a new type of boat than the highly evolved existing class where we can only focus on very detailed optimisation . It is quite challenging because it means starting from zero and this is a class like nothing we have seen before so if you do your homework right, you would be competitive. Some teams might be very competitive in some corners of the rule, so that will be very interesting.”

John Cutler, technical director for the Challenger of Record, Desafío Español, on how the new class can level the playing field: “It is a clean sheet of paper and therefore everybody has a good opportunity to come up with and design a fast boat or possibly the fastest boat, so we think that this is a good opportunity for all challengers and it will work well for Desafío Español.”

Andy Claughton, design team coordinator for TeamOrigin, the British challenger, says: “Creating the new AC33 Class Rule has been a terrific combined effort from Alinghi and the challengers. The vision of the boat was clearly established; it had to be fast, up to date and challenging to sail, whilst not being prohibitively expensive to build and campaign.

The rule development was done at a series of round the table meetings chaired by Tom Schnackenberg who brought all his experience to bear in guiding the writing of the rule text.

All the challengers were able to make their voice heard, and the experienced members of the group have worked towards a rule that has many fewer constraints than the old Version 5.0 boats.”

Gusty, Shifty Conditions Test Crew Skills at LV Pacific Series

[Source: LV Pacific Series] The hint of upsets to come were in the air today off Auckland’s North Head as contestants in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series completed four races in building gusty, shifty conditions that tested the skills of crews.

The French team Pataugas K-Challenge won the opening match, defeating China Team by 1m 2s in a shifty and gusty 14-16 knot southwesterly breeze. Under gray skies K-Challenge made a strong start on port at the pin end of the line. China Team made a late start on starboard at the committee boat end but skipper Ian Williams made big gains up the first weather leg. A gybe early on the spinnaker run resulted in a broken spinnaker pole on the Chinese boat, a situation compounded by a penalty after a leeward mark incident. The Chinese did well to finish just over one minute astern after taking their penalty.

With the wind strength increasing, the new crew of the British TEAMORIGIN syndicate was in total control from the start of its encounter with Italian’s Luna Rossa. With two Olympic gold medallists in the afterguard - Ben Ainslie at the helm, and Iain Percy calling tactics - TEAMORIGIN won the start and after a spirited tacking duel up the middle of the course, established a 22s lead around the first mark. Despite efforts by Luna Rossa helmsman Peter Holmberg, the British team pulled away to win by 1m 11s.

Team Origin and Luna Rossa during their first race. Auckland, 30 January 2009. Photo copyright Paul Todd / www.outsideimages.co.nz

In the third race, sailing on home waters, Emirate Team New Zealand’s skipper/helmsman Dean Barker led from start to finish against Damiani Italia Challenge. Francesco Bruni on the helm of the Italian boat started in synch with the Kiwis with a safe leeward berth, only to see the home team boat inch slowly away. At the end the Kiwi margin was 19s.

In 18-20 knot gusts, Greek Challenge made their mark, literally, in their maiden appearance, racing against top seed Alinghi. Gavin Brady, the Kiwi skipper of the Greek boat, had no hesitation in testing his mettle against Ed Baird, Alinghi’s skipper in the pre-start. He paid a heavy penalty when he lost control momentarily and his bow hit the stern of Alinghi. It cost the feisty Brady one penalty point for “hard contact.” Unperturbed, Brady made a good recovery and led Baird out towards the port layline before the Swiss boat settled down and began to sail steadily away. The umpires awarded the requisite one point to Alinghi for their victory and docked the Greek Challenge one point, leaving them in negative territory. The margin was 2m 2s.

Greek Challenge and Alinghi during their first race. Auckland, 30 January 2009. Photo copyright Paul Todd / www.outsideimages.co.nz

At a press conférence on the Village plaza in front of the big screen, the teams racing tomorrow drew for the boats they’ll sail. The first race of the day, starting at 11 AM, will see BMW Oracle Racing aboard USA 98, racing against Emirates Team New Zealand in USA 87. The second race features Shosholoza aboard NZL 84 versus Greek Challenge in NZL 92. China Team on USA 87 meets Damiani Italia Challenge sailing USA 98 while Luna Rossa will race NZL 84 against Alinghi in NZL 92.

Training concludes in Auckland; racing starts on Friday

It's been almost impossible to follow the action here in Auckland due to my obligations with Greek Challenge and unfortunately this is reflected on the quality of coverage by Valencia Sailing.

I'll take off my Greek Challenge hat and put the usual Valencia Sailing one, trying to report as fairly as possible. First of all, it's without any doubt nice and encouraging to see all America's Cup sailors back in action, engaged in high-level racing after more than 18 months. All 10 teams have been now practicing for a week and crews are vying for the real stuff, a little bit more than 15 hours away.

Wind conditions have been quite erratic in the last days. On Tuesday teams didn't practice because there was too much wind. As a result, Wednesday was not the closing practice day but and Thursday teams alternated aboard the BMW Oracle and Emirates Team NZ boats, trying to squeeze in as much training as possible. Unfortunately, there was no fresh breeze and, especially on Thursday, the crews had to make do with very little wind.

The only race I followed was Greek Challenge against BMW Oracle. Similarly to what has been taking place so far, the two teams had one test start and then a full race, both won by Greek Challenge. The Greeks were sailing on USA-87 while the Americans were on USA-98. How important are the results? Do they mean anything? As it can be seen by the pictures, conditions were at time excruciatingly light. The race course was set right off the Auckland harbor with the weather mark set almost off the harbor beach. Greek Challenge hit the starting line with a small advantage but lost it during the first beat as Gavin Brady opted for the left hand side of the course and helmed the boat close to the shoreline. BMW Oracle instead gained an advantage by staying in the center and rounded the top mark several boatlengths ahead of the Greeks.

Nevertheless, Greek Challenge staged a remarkable recovery in the first run by opting for the right side while Coutts helmed close to the shore. Greek Challenge rounded the leeward mark clearly in the lead but halfway up the second beat the two teams abandoned racing since the breeze had completely died.

I wasn't present when BMW Oracle and Team Origin practiced on Wednesday but according to the reports from that race, Ben Ainslie beat Russell Coutts convincingly. Is Coutts taking the practice races easy or has he lost his magical touch? We'll know in less than a week.

Greek challenge and BMW Oracle train together in the last practice day. Auckland, 29 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Greek challenge and BMW Oracle train together in the last practice day. Auckland, 29 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Greek challenge and BMW Oracle train together in the last practice day. Auckland, 29 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Meanwhile in San Diego... BMW Oracle's BOR90 resumes sailing

BMW Oracle's BOR90 monster trimaran is back on the water and sailing in San Diego. Our on the spot friend, Goli, spotted them on Tuesday the first day they managed to sail. As per the official press release, seas were rough on Monday and the initially scheduled first sail was abandoned. Conditions were quite lighter on Tuesday and the trimaran sailed under approximately 10 knots of wind, going as far south as Mexico.

Sorry for the quality of the picture, but it was taken from a distance. As Goli jokingly states, unless you have a really fast tender, trying to follow the trimaran allows you some great whale watching. There is no way you can keep up with that.

BMW Oracle's trimaran resumes sailing. San Diego, 27 January 2009. Photo copyright Goli

Valencia Sailing goes to Auckland

Valencia Sailing goes to Auckland for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. As a result, we sign off for approximately 36 hours and we'll be back with full coverage of the races from Friday.

Video: TV New Zealand reports on the challenges teams face with the unknown boats

TV New Zealand's Martin Tasker sends another interesting report from the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series and the continuing preparations, especially of the 8 teams that will have to race on the BMW Oracle and Emirates Team NZ yachts.

Gavin Brady and Paolo Cian, helmsmen of Greek Challenge and Shosholoza respectively, talked about the feeling at sailing these boats. Brady, former BMW Oracle helmsman, pointed out that they had 5 years at the American team in order to get ready for the America's Cup while the Greek team has only 5 days. Despite the fact there are more medalists on the Greek team than BMW Oracle, the learning curve is extremely steep. On the other hand, for Cian it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn their secrets. A few months ago they would have paid a fortune to do it while now it's free, according to the Italian match racer.

Even Ben Ainslie, helmsman for Team Origin, has to take things slowly. The former second helmsman of Emirates Team NZ might know the boats and his kiwi opponents inside out, he will have to tame his aggressive sailing in order not to ruin the event by crashing the yachts on the first day.

Martin Tasker reports on the strange sights of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series . Auckland, 25 January 2009. Video copyright TV New Zealand

More trouble for Green Dragon

[Source: Volvo Ocean Race] Trouble struck for a third time on an eventful fourth leg for Green Dragon when the Chinese-Irish boat this afternoon reported a recurrence of bow section damage.

Ian Walker and his men were the first to sustain damage on this 2,500-upwind slog from Singapore to Qingdao when they broke their forestay three days ago.

Yesterday, they were among the casualties as a fierce storm struck the fleet in the Luzon Strait near the coast of the Philipines on day seven. They were forced to seek shelter along with PUMA, Delta Lloyd and Telefonica Black, with damage to the bow section.

Tom Braidwood leads the crew in repairing damage sustained in 50 knot winds. Philippines, 25 January 2009. Photo copyright Guo Chuan/Green Dragon Racing/Volvo Ocean Race

Having suspended racing, taken the requisite 12-hour penalty and spent most of their time making repairs at anchor in Salomague Bay, they resumed racing at 08:45 GMT this morning.

Six hours into their restart, the crew reported that the repairs they had made to the forward ring frame – a structural component – were not holding as expected and they have been forced to throttle back. They will proceed with caution in crossing the Luzon Strait while weighing up their options.

An update from the boat at 17:00 GMT suggested that they may have to wait for up to 20 hours for conditions to ease. The crew will assess the situation and make a decision on whether they need to pull in again to affect further repairs.

Earlier Walker had chronicled their repair plans and their desire to press on to Qingdao. His words prior to their resumption proved prophetic. “We are expecting a torturous trip where we will have to balance preserving the boat with our makeshift repairs against getting to Qingdao as quickly as possible,” he said.

Bouwe Bekking: Washing machine through the horror storm

A great team effort brought us through the horror storm. Monster waves and a max recorded windspeed of 55 knots (before the windgear busted) gave us a lot action and the lead in the race.

Unfortunately, our teammates on the black team didn't survive and sustained major damage and had to retire. Up until then, they have had a great race, and we were neck in neck when this happened to them.

Being onboard in these conditions is like being in a washing machine that is being continuously hit by a sledge hammer in the mean time: very, very noisy.

Telefonica Blue rides through the storm, leading the race. China Sea, 25 January 2009. Video copyright Equipo Telefonica

We sailed most of the time with 3 reefs and the stormjib up, with the keel in the middle and all the sails downstairs as well, just to make sure we could sail as slowly as possible, but with enough steerage to avoid the big waves.

The only thing I could do was give my thoughts and input from my bunk; the word “frustrated” is not strong enough for how I felt. The boys did a great job nursing our puppy through these conditions, and above all, they understood that the main goal was to come through without damage; when they asked for more sail, I denied them.

We sailed that way until the moment I felt comfortable. Being downstairs you can really feel what is going on. I can tell who is driving and when there will be a big launch off a wave; you feel one with the boat.

Last night we tacked to sail away from the finish, as we started crashing too hard. We allowed ourselves to invest some of our lead, you can't have it all. As of this morning we are full in race mode again.

Oh, yes, I am feeling better and can move around a bit again, so no excuses for not writing more.

Cheers,

Bouwe

Can it get any worse? Telefonica Blue is hit by waves 12 meters high and winds reaching 50 knots. China Sea, 25 January 2009. Photo copyright Gabriele Olivo / Equipo Telefonica / Volvo Ocean Race

Team Origin trains with Alinghi in Auckland

The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series training races are in full swing now and on Sunday there was a couple of interesting sparring partners and boat combinations. Team Origin raced against Alinghi on BMW Oracle's boats.

Unfortunately, we don't know more details on the actual races since Valencia Sailing is not yet on site. We are scheduled to arrive in Auckland in the middle of the week and provide full coverage of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series.

In the meantime, enjoy some spectacular photos, courtesy of Juerg Kaufmann.

Alinghi sailing downwind in their training race with Team Origin. Ironically, Ed Baird is helming a BMW Oracle yacht. Auckland, 25 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann

Team Origin and Alinghi train together for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. Auckland, 25 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann

Ben Ainslie at the helm of Team Origin. Auckland, 25 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann

Team Origin sailing downwind in their training race with Alinghi. Auckland, 25 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann

Luna Rossa training in Auckland. Peter Holmberg helms the yacht, Andy Horton calls tactics and Nacho Postigo is the navigator. Auckland, 25 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann

Volvo Ocean Race: Telefonica Black retires from leg to Qingdao

[Source: Volvo Ocean Race] With sistership Telefonica Blue at the head of the fleet, this morning the bad news from the limping Telefonica Black became worse when the team informed the Race Office it would be retiring from the leg to Qingdao.

At around 07:00 GMT yesterday, Telefonica Black turned back from the Luzon Strait after taking a hammering in the enraged sea state, whipped up by fierce winds and an opposing current. The team was concerned about a crack that had developed in the hull-deck joint. The initial plan was to find shelter in the lee of the Philippines, and examine the damage.

"The most important thing for this team is the safety of the crew," said team CEO Pedro Campos at the time. "I'm really proud of the work that both of our teams have done, facing a storm after leaving the coast of the Philippines."

But this morning, the team has decided there is no chance it can race the boat to Qingdao and retired from the leg. We're expecting more information from Telefonica Black over the course of the day regarding its plans over the short and medium term.

On the race course, Telefonica Blue continues to lead, showing great skill and daring in tackling the Luzon Strait. At 04:00 GMT, Telefonica Blue was less than 50 miles south of Taiwan and the team appears to have chosen to head to the east of the island. Skipper Bouwe Bekking reported from on board that conditions had moderated somewhat, but that it was still 'nasty'.

"We survived the worst part of the storm, but still have a stiff breeze and nasty seas," he wrote. The skipper has been confined to his bunk with a bad back, but he says the rest of the team has done an incredible job. "They all worked as a great team in the last 36 hours. Since I was still stuck to my bunk, with a back muscle injury, the only thing I could do was stay awake and give my input and advice - above all 'BOYS, KEEP IT ONE PIECE!!!'"

They've done that and more, building a 64 mile lead over second-placed Ericsson 3. Under skipper Magnus Olsson, the Nordic crew has shown full confidence in its equipment and sailed agressively into the strong conditions.

Ericsson 4 is in third place, 100 miles back of the leader.

PUMA has left the shelter of the anchorage it tucked into yesterday after breaking its boom. The team returned to the race track near 22:30 GMT last night, and has been making steady progress since then, just under 200 miles behind Telefonica Blue.

Delta Lloyd and Green Dragon remain anchored off Salomague Bay in the Phillipines. Delta Lloyd is assessing damage to its mainsail and steering wheel, while Green Dragon tackles serious structural repairs.

Both teams suspended racing, but the minimum 12 hour pit-stop time has now expired, so both are free to resume racing whenever they deem themselves ready.

Shosholoza confident after first practice day

[Source: Shosholoza] Team Shosholoza came off the water buoyant after the first of five days of practice racing in Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour yesterday in the countdown to Friday’s 30 January start of the first -ever Louis Vuitton Pacific Series (LVPS).

“It was a good day to start learning how to race on these unfamiliar boats because the wind was very light. The yachts are definitely different and more sophisticated than Shosholoza RSA 83. We have a lot to learn and we will, very quickly!” said Shosholoza skipper and helmsman Paolo Cian.

The practice racing schedule is a critical part of the LVPS match racing regatta as the crack ten international teams competing in the event will share four 80 foot Louis Vuitton Cup yachts.

The two yachts, NZL 92 and NZL 84 are on loan for the event from host team Emirates Team New Zealand and the yachts USA 87 and USA 98 from America’s BMW Oracle Racing.

First practice day for Shosholoza. Auckland, 24 January 2009. Photo copyright Team Shosholoza

Each pair of yachts has been modified to make them even and simplify boat handling. The modifications include disabling the rig tuning devises and sail inventory.

During racing a daily draw will determine which of the four yachts each team will sail with the proviso that the New Zealand yachts will always be raced against each other and likewise with the BMW Oracle Racing yachts. Teams will fly their national flag from the stern of the yacht when racing plus carry their respective country’s name and sponsor’s logos on the main and spinnaker sails..

Saturday’s (24 January) first day of practise racing started with an onboard orientation session supervised by key crew members from the respective team’s loaning their boats. Two crew will also remain onboard each yacht throughout the practice racing period to give advice and technical assistance.

With so many teams needing to be accommodated practice racing slots are for a period of just two hours a day so the pressure is on to get the most out of every minute on the water before the regatta gets underway.

Shosholoza’s first practice race on Saturday was on NZL 84 against Britain’s Team Origin on NZL 92. On Sunday the team will practise race on USA 87 against USA 98.

“For me as helmsman there was a very different feeling on the rudder. We have so much to learn but these are challengers that we enjoy because we are used to sailing on a range of different boats on the World Match Racing Tour,” said Cian

“But for instance Team Origin’s helmsman Ben Ainslie - who besides being Britain’s most successful Olympic sailor ever - was the B helmsman for Emirates Team New Zealand in the 2007 America’s Cup so he has a good knowledge of the angles, setting and tuning of these New Zealand yachts.

First practice day for Shosholoza. Auckland, 24 January 2009. Photo copyright Team Shosholoza

“So there will be some skippers and crew who might have an insider’s edge on us but we have come straight from a very good and very intensive 10 day sail training session on Shosholoza RSA 83 in Valencia. Even though it was freezing in Europe we got into a good groove and built excellent team spirit. Time is tight now for optimising our performance, but then it is the same for all the competing teams,” said Cian.

Cian said the narrow race course area between North Head and the volcanic island of Rangitoto was likely to be tricky as there was current and tides to contend with and constantly shifting winds.

Meanwhile the Shosholoza crew are revelling in the typically warm Kiwi welcome, the sunny 25 degree temperatures, turquoise seas and exquisite island scenery that characterises New Zealand’s city of sails

Most of the crew arrived in Auckland on Friday. Sunday saw the arrival of pitman Solomon Dipeere, who took time off from a diamond mine in northern South Africa where he works as an engineering draughtsman and David Rae (traveller) who flew directly from Salvador, Brazil after a record breaking line honours finish as crew on ICAP Leopard in the Cape to Bahia trans-Atlantic race.

Tactician Tommaso Chieffi and strategist Cameron Appleton arrive Monday direct from Miami’s Acura Key West 2009 regatta. Shosholoza is banking on Appleton’s local knowledge as he is the only Kiwi on board.

Dean Barker: I'm the world's best sailor

Spanish sailing journalists call him the "sad kiwi" because his face seems to reflect a permanent state of sadness. Whether winning the Louis Cup in Valencia on the helm of Emirates Team NZ or the Copa del Rey in Palma on the helm of the Spanish King's TP52 Bribón, Dean Barker, the kiwi match racing maestro, never cracks a smile.

Regardless of whether one prefers the flamboyant Spaniards or the austere Kiwis, Barker's statement that he considers himself to be the world's best sailor comes as surprise. Talking to New Zealand newspaper Sunday Star Times, Barker believes he's better than Brad Butterworth or Russell Coutts, the other kiwi rock stars of the world sailing scene.

Even if he's one of the world's greatest helmsmen, I find it quite pretentious to make such a claim. He might have to opportunity to prove it next week on his home waters even if Butterworth will be on the Alinghi boat calling tactics and Ed Baird will be on the helm.

Click here for the entire article. It's a must read.

Teams are shown the ropes on BMW Oracle's USA 87 and USA 98

[Source: BMW Oracle] The teams for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series are now in Auckland and to kick-off the regatta practice session among all the teams, BMW ORACLE Racing and Emirates Team New Zealand crew members ran an orientation and dockside walk-through of the four ACC class yachts that will be shared among the ten teams in the regatta that starts on Friday 30 January.

Grinders Joe Spooner (NZL) and Brian MacInnes (CAN) were part of the team that showed their competitors the onboard systems and set up of USA 98 and USA 87. The teams then took turns practicing on the four yachts this Saturday afternoon on a textbook New Zealand summer day.

The BMW Oracle crew shows newcomers Greek Challenge one of their 2 yachts. Auckland, 24 January 2009. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

BMW ORACLE Racing and Emirates Team New Zealand crews stayed ashore while the other teams tuned up with some practice racing on the Waitemata Harbour. It is a three-day holiday weekend in Auckland, with many boats expected on the Harbour over the weekend.

The four ACC yachts – Team New Zealand’s NZL 84 and 92 and BMW ORACLE Racing’s USA 87 and 98 – have been simplified for the LVPS, which will use a format of shared boats among the 10 competing teams.

The preparations for the LVPS will continue throughout this week. The other 8 competing teams - Luna Rossa (ITA), Team Shosholoza (RSA), K-Challenge (FRA), Damiani Italia Challenge (ITA), Greek Challenge (GRE), Team Origin (GBR), Alinghi (SUI) and China Team (CHN) – who did some ACC training earlier this month in Valencia, enjoyed their first day of practice in Auckland today.

Green Dragon seeks shelter from storm; anchors in harbor

[Source: Green Dragon] With conditions in excess of 50 knots and over 10 meters seas reported, the fleet have received a battering as they sail through the Straits of Luzon. This morning Green Dragon reported some structural damage to the bow of the boat. The boat has suffered damage to the forward ring frame, which the crew will have to try to reinforce and then re-bond to the hull. Skipper Ian Walker has taken the decision to head inshore, to assess the damage and affect repairs. Current forecasts suggest that conditions will start to ease over the next 36 hours allowing a more favorable weather window from which Green Dragon hopes to be able to hook into and carry onto Qingdao.

Green Dragon is approximately 1000 miles from Qingdao and they have anchored in a harbor just north of Vigan. They are not alone in their decision to seek shelter as the majority of the fleet head inshore to ride out the storm force conditions. Other boats have also reported damage onboard including PUMA who have suffered a broken boom, and Delta Lloyd who have suspended racing with a damaged steering wheel, ripped mainsail and a damaged mast track and are also seeking shelter in the same bay as Green Dragon.

“The conditions have been horrendous as we have tried to cross the Straits of Luzon, we have seen conditions in excess of 45 knots and a very aggressive sea state. With the existing damage to the forestay and the structural damage to the bow we have made the decision to turn in towards the Philippine coast to seek shelter. Our intention is to make some repairs and get underway. We have some materials and some know-how and we will use a bit of ingenuity,” Ian Walker, Skipper Green Dragon.

PUMA breaks boom and heads for shelter

Ken Read, PUMA skipper, explains the current situation

[Source: PUMA Ocean Racing] In the early hours of this morning (Saturday 24th January, GMT) the PUMA Ocean Racing team, who were leading leg four of the Volvo Ocean Race, broke their boom. Whilst sailing upwind in over 50 knots with waves of over 20 feet high, the PUMA team was forced to stop abruptly when the boom, which runs along the foot of the sail, snapped in two. All crew onboard are safe and well.

Skipper Ken Read (USA) and his team were able to save the two broken sections of the boom and are currently putting together a jury rig boom with which they intend to continue to race the remaining 1,100 miles north to Qingdao, China. The team immediately sought shelter in a small harbour on the western coast of the island, where they are waiting until the worst of the storm they have been expecting for the past week, passes. Several of the other six teams in the race appear to be doing the same.

PUMA break their boom under extremly severe weather conditions. China Sea, 24 January 2009. Photo copyright Rick Deppe / PUMA Ocean Racing / Volvo Ocean Race

PUMA Ocean Racing skipper Ken Read (USA) commented from the boat: “We are busted and hiding in a harbour in the northern end of the Philippines right now trying to sort out a couple of things. We broke our boom in half. We were in 50 knots of breeze and 20 plus foot seas. We had a storm jib up with three reefs. It wasn’t the most pleasant place in the world but we were handling it. I was in the companionway, we were about to tack back in towards shore and we were probably about ten miles off the beach in mammoth seas. Then bang, the boom just broke. No rhyme or reason that we can see right now. We have to figure out why that would happen. We had waves breaking over the top of the boat as we were trying to secure the pieces. It’s pretty disappointing. You work your ass off for five or six days, and you go from leading the leg and having ten miles on the group, to having to head for shelter. It’s a devastating day for us but we are still in this leg.”

“We are still racing, though we are stopped right now. We have got ourselves sorted and we are getting ready to go, we’re just waiting for a weather window [with less wind]. There are some guys out there in some really gnarley stuff right now. Delta Lloyd is just heading round the corner as we speak to come and hide in our little cove with us. I wish everyone out there tons of luck and safety and well-being. It is not exactly perfect Volvo 70 weather out there.”

Alinghi starts training in Auckland

[Source: Alinghi] Alinghi sailors were shown around the Team New Zealand boats today before heading out for the first day of training on the race course area in Waitemata Harbour between North Head and the volcanic island of Rangitoto...

Training started today for the 10 participating teams and is scheduled to continue through to the 29 January. Round Robin 1 begins on the 30 January and there will be six races each day; boat selection will be done through a daily draw.

Aside from Alinghi, the competing teams are: Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), BMW ORACLE Racing (USA), Luna Rossa (ITA), Team Shosholoza (RSA), K-Challenge (FRA), Damiani Italia Challenge (ITA), Greek Challenge (GRE), Team Origin (GBR), and China Team (CHN).

Alinghi carries out first training session. Auckland, 24 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann / www.go4image.com

Alinghi carries out first training session. Auckland, 24 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann / www.go4image.com

K-Challenge's Sébastien Col helms the kiwi boat in their training with Alinghi. Auckland, 24 January 2009. Photo copyright Juerg Kaufmann / www.go4image.com

World Match Racing Tour adds Marseille International Match Race as 1st event of 2009

[World Match Racing Tour] 2009 Tour schedule now up to ten events spanning ten countries and over US$1.2 million in total prize money

The World Match Racing Tour is pleased to announce that Marseille International Match Race (MIMR) has been added as the tenth stop on the 2009 Tour season schedule. The event, organized by the Yachting Club de Point Rouge (YCPR) and supported by the City of Marseille, will be held over 10 – 15 March and is the first event of this year’s Tour.

“We’re very pleased to have this event in Marseille,” said Tour Director Craig Mitchell. “The event has a long history of excellence at ISAF Grade 1 level, and has always attracted strong interest as the first high-graded event in the European season. This is a perfect match for it to be on the Tour.”

Jean Pierre Champion, President of the French Sailing Federation said "Hosting an event of the Tour has been a long term goal of the FFVoile. The creation of a French National Championship Tour started 20 years ago. The championship went to all French regions in order to develop Match Racing. The system has produced sailors such as Sébastien Col and Mathieu Richard along with Americas Cup competitors Bertrand Pace and Philippe Presti. I am really happy to see this event going to Marseille who have invested a lot in Match Racing facilities, as the organization of one ACT of the last Americas Cup has proved. It is also a good boost for the members of the French Match Racing Team after their two runners up places in the last two years. It is always important to compete in an event of the Tour in your own country, even more when the goal is to win the World Championship. Last but not least I'm very happy for the Yachting Club de la Pointe Rouge and the wonderful MIMR event which has been one of the reference ISAF Grade 1 events for the past few years."

12 Teams will race in eight equally-matched J/80 class yachts, and the total prize money purse is 50,000 Euros. MIMR’s qualifier event is the Y’s Cup and will draw on two teams from the 10-team format, held over 7-8 February in Marseille at YCPR.

The new Tour Card policy will guarantee invitations for 8 of the top teams from the 2008 season, with one being Sébastien Col of the French Match Racing Team/K-Challenge. While Col finished second in the 2008 season championship to two-time reigning World Champion Ian Williams and his Bahrain Team Pindar, he may find this event particularly favorable for his 2009 championship hopes as YCPR is his home club.

The Audi Medcup calendar is now official

[Source: Audi MedCup] The Audi MedCup Circuit, the world's leading regatta circuit, is now in a position to confirm the calendar dates and venues for the 2009 competition season. For 2009, the Audi MedCup Circuit, now in its fifth year, will travel to five different venues from May through to September.

“We return to five known venues, each which we know and which have proven themselves. They boast excellent racing waters and favourable geographical location. The Circuit dates are set in order to try and benefit from the best weather conditions on the race areas at each of the venues, whilst also forming a geographical circuit that is easiest for the team logistics,” explains Circuit Director Ignacio Triay.

The Audi MedCup Circuit organisers have worked closely with the venues and sponsors to decide on setting the regatta dates that best showcase the host venues and attractions for the visitors whilst taking into account teams and sponsor needs.

For the second time in five years, the Circuit will conclude in Spain.

“There are no surprise events as we return to venues we know. The dates have been set with careful consideration of the international racing calendar,” concludes Triay.

May 12th to 17th Alicante, Spain
June 9th to 14th Marseille, France
July 20th to 25th Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
August 18th to 23rd, Portimão, Portugal
September 14th to 19th, Carthagena, Spain

Meanwhile in San Diego... BMW Oracle is getting ready for 2nd stage of trimaran tests

While Russell Coutts and most of the sailing team are in Auckland, training together with Emirates Team NZ and getting ready for the upcoming Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, BMW Oracle is preparing its monster 90ft trimaran across the Pacific in San Diego.

According to our on-the-spot friend Goli, the trimaran was launched a couple of days ago and it was masted on Wednesday. According to his unscientific observation, this mast appears to be longer than the previous one, used during the first sea trials late last year.

The BMW Oracle 90ft trimaran in back on water and masted. San Diego, 22 January 2009. Photo copyright Goli

The BMW Oracle 90ft trimaran in back on water and masted. San Diego, 22 January 2009. Photo copyright Goli

Green Dragon breaks forestay but saves mast

[Source: Green Dragon] Whilst in fourth position and approximately 150 miles from the waypoint, Green Dragon sent the following report from onboard

Position: 12,48.74N , 115,57.48E
Speed: 11 knots, Course: 347 deg

“At 0930 GMT whilst lying in 4th position and sailing upwind in 17 knots of wind and a short chop, Green Dragon suffered a broken forestay. Quick reactions by the crew who rapidly eased sheets and secured halyards to the bow prevented the loss of the mast and the team will continue to race to Qingdao. Having carried out a rig check Green Dragon is now progressing under J4 and full mainsail with 176 miles to the gate mark off Luzon and just under 1500 miles to Qingdao. It is unlikely we will be able to fly any other headsails without a headstay, which will impair our speed.

This is a bitter disappointment just when we were fighting back up with the leaders. It was a brand new stay at the start of the race and I have no idea why it should break now, if at all. I think it is the same as many or all the other boats in the fleet. The important thing is that nobody was hurt and thanks to the crew’s reactions we did not break the mast. It is especially disappointing, as we wanted to put up a strong performance on this leg to Qingdao. We will keep sailing as fast as we can without jeopardising the rig. As always we will not give up, however the forecast of gales for the next few days is an obvious concern.”

Ian Walker, Skipper

Ian Walker, Green Dragon skipper, shows broken forestay. South China Sea, 22 January 2009. Photo copyright Guo Chuan / Green Dragon / Volvo Ocean Race

This is a blow to Ian Walker and his crew who have worked so hard to gain valuable miles and stay with the front runners as they approach the way point. At the 1300 GMT report Green Dragon had lost just 7 miles as they were forced to sail downwind to deal with the forestay. But the leg is far from over, and the latest weather forecast shows that conditions are due to increase to 20 - 30 knots, providing conditions which are ideally suited to sailing under a J4.

Before the incident onboard Green Dragon’s navigator Ian Moore described Green Dragon’s passage through the Spratly Islands last night, you can listen to the interview here

Forestay: The forestay is a piece of standing rigging which helps to keep a mast from falling backwards, this extends from the head of the mast to the bowsprit.

J4: A small upwind sail designed for sailing in 20 plus knots , that sets on an inner forestay.

Michel Desjoyeaux in the lead but came "close to disaster"

[Source: Vendee Globe] There may be some minor encouragement for Roland Jourdain whose speed has risen to 8.4 knots this evening, but Michel Desjoyeaux’s lead has increased to 391 miles and will, almost certainly be over 400 miles again tomorrow. Jourdain will be hoping that he Doldrums are completely behind him.

Michel Desjoyeaux remains tight lipped about the problems he may have had to overcome, possibly before the Doldrums, saying in a French press report that he has been ‘……close to disaster, I have had problems which could have put an end to my race. I had a lucky escape.’

Video highlights from day 73 of the Vendée Globe. 21 January 2009. Video copyright Vendée Globe

With less than 50 miles to go to the Equator the skipper of Veolia Environnement will tonight or early tomorrow morning become the second competitor to return to the North Atlantic.

Behind the leading duo there is all to play for. Marc Guillemot, positioned 75 miles off the coast of Brazil (at the latitude of Rio) has Samantha Davies, further out to sea, trying to make good the miles she lost.

Although slowed down over the past few hours, she says she prefers her position to Marc Guillemot’s. For the Thompson/Caffari/Boissières trio, level with Uruguay now, the die is cast.

The Cowes skipper has slowed to just 4.8 knots this evening and has the South Atlantic branch of ‘Caffari Solo Sail Repairs’ in full swing behind him, just 20 miles away, making. She is more than 1.5 knots quicker than Bahrain Team Pindar.

Aboard his evergreen Akena Vérandas (the former VMI), which is certainly less powerful than his British rivals, Arnaud Boissières had no other choice but to attempt an option to the west to get out of an area of light winds and thundery squalls.

From Steve White, currently passing the Falklands to Norber Sedlacek in the middle of the Pacific, only Rich Wilson, heading towards the Horn was sailing above ten knots this evening.

Alinghi announces ODLO as their Official Clothing Supplier for the 33rd America's Cup

[Source: Alinghi] Alinghi, Defender of the 33rd America’s Cup, welcomes ODLO as the Official Clothing Supplier for the 33rd America’s Cup. The Swiss sports clothing company will apply its 63 years of experience in technical clothing to dress the America’s Cup winning team for the 33rd campaign.

“We are pleased to have found in ODLO a competent clothing provider from Switzerland. The philosophy and the values of ODLO, the connection to sport and the clothing know-how make this brand the perfect base for a successful partnership. With ODLO onboard, the crew has a strong, reliable player at its side," said Ernesto Bertarelli, Alinghi president.

Alinghi crew wearing ODLO clothes. Valencia, 15 January 2009. Photo copyright Carlo Borlenghi / Alinghi

Striving for high performance, high quality, and innovation are common threads shared between Alinghi and ODLO. The Swiss know-how is reflected in the technical advances that ODLO has applied to the Alinghi clothing range, such as the multilayer principle, the cubic knitted fabric structure which reduces the contact surface between the skin, the seamless 3-D-bodywear “evolution” or “just one”, a climate regulating double layer knitted fabric.

Alinghi will start wearing ODLO during the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series that kicks off on 30 January 2009 in Auckland, New Zealand, and the launch of the first Alinghi ODLO collection, available for fans and the general public, is planned for this summer.

ODLO is a Swiss company established in 1946 in Oslo, Norway, and based in Hünenberg/Zug, Switzerland, since 1988. It has 700 employees and brand distribution in more than 20 countries worldwide.

BMW Oracle and Emirates Team NZ train on the kiwi boats

Emirates Team New Zealand and BMW Oracle Racing held a series of practice races aboard NZL-82 and NZL-94 on the Waitemata on Wednesday. The kiwi team, skippered by Dean Barker, and the American, skippered by Russell Coutts, carried out a number of prestarts and some full races, in their third day of training.

Given the system to be used for boat allocation every day, all teams need to get good knowledge of the four boats before actual racing starts in 10 days. Every morning a draw will decide what team races on what boat and as a result, every single hour spent on the water training is precious, especially given the fact that the official training period starts on Saturday, and then again, it will be limited to 2 hours a day per team.

BMW Oracle and Emirates Team NZ train on NZL-84 and NZL-92. Auckland, 21 January 2009. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

BMW Oracle and Emirates Team NZ train on NZL-84 and NZL-92. Auckland, 21 January 2009. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

BMW Oracle and Emirates Team NZ train on NZL-84 and NZL-92. Auckland, 21 January 2009. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

Vasco Vascotto's Italia Challenge officially presents name sponsor Damiani

[Source: Italia Challenge] Damiani, the Italian high-end luxury jeweler, will take part in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series regattas, to be held in Auckland from the 30th of January until the 15th of February.

Following the success in the Mediterranean that from a number of year link Damiani with the sailing world through the Ourdream Maxi Yacht – winner of trophies such as the Pirelli, Zegna and Barca dell'Anno in 2006 – the Italian luxury brand enters the high-level international sailing circuit by sponsoring Italia Challenge, skippered by Vasco Vascotto.

"I have always been fond of the sea and I’m a very passionate sailor, stated Giorgio Damiani, Vice President of Gruppo Damiani. It’s a great honour and satisfaction for our group to be present in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series with a team that bears our name. We have been exploring the sailing world from some years now and today, with this participation, we cross the frontiers of the Mediterranean through a top-level event that will capture the attention of all sailing fans throughout the world".

"Damiani’s involvement has been for us an important operation, given the very high standing the brand enjoys throughout the world, commented Andrea Cecchetti, President of Italia Challenge. Sailing was certainly not unknown for Damiani and, by supporting this adventure, the Italian jeweler, known worldwide, will consolidate its passion for the sea".

"It’s an honor for us to have such a prestigious sponsor, concluded Vasco Vascotto, Skipper and Tactician of Damiani Italia Challenge. The team trained during the previous days in Valencia, we are ready to start this new adventure, aware of our means and the efforts made so far. We have created a united group and with Francesco Bruni we have great mutual understanding, something fundamental in Match Race events."

From left, Giorgio Damiani, Vice President of Gruppo Damiani, Vasco Vascotto skipper and Andrea Cecchetti, President of Italia Challenge. Milan, 20 January 2009. Photo copyright Zerogradinord

Michel Desjoyeaux already out of the Doldrums?

[Source: Vendée Globe] Has Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) escaped from the Doldrums even before crossing the Equator? That is the impression we get this morning, with his speed back up to 9.9 knots, but in this unpredictable zone, you cannot jump to any hasty conclusions.

The violence of the squalls could still offer some surprises to the clear leader in the sixth Vendée Globe. 334 miles further south, Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement) must be feeling more pleased after regaining 160 miles in 36 hours. At 13.3 knots this morning, he is making the most of the steady trade winds to win back the miles from his rival.

It may not be the Doldrums, but for Samantha Davies (Roxy), to the south of Rio, the effect is the same. Struggling in light winds her average speed over 24 hours has dropped to 6.5 knots. At the same time, Marc Guillemot (Safran), closer to the Brazilian coast has maintained his speed (11.6 knots) meaning that he is now just 35 miles from Sam, whereas 48 hours ago, 250 miles separated them.

The battle is raging too between the Cape Horn Trio, Brian Thompson, GBR, (Bahrain Team Pindar), Dee Caffari, GBR (Aviva) and Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas) off the Valdès Peninsula in Argentina.

On his ten-year-old boat, the Frenchman is finding it difficult to keep up with his British rivals. Dee Caffari is doing 16.9 knots this morning in spite of the damage to her mainsail has achieved the best performance over 24 hours. Caffari now finds herself just 70 miles behind Thompson and the same distance ahead of the French skipper, and she has been consistently quicker than her compatriot. But this group are expected to hit lighter winds todday.

After a quick passage towards Cape Horn, a traditionally bumpy and windy first rounding at 2030hrs last night, Steve White, GBR, (Toe in the Water) suffered the transitional slow down as he turns up the Atlantic towards the Maire Straits. But at 0600hrs this morning he had made nearly 100 miles since the lonely rock but, while last night his was pledging to do all he can to catch the trio nearly 1000 miles in front of him, light winds in the South Atlantic may thwart his ambition initially at least.

For Inauguration Day in his native USA, Rich Wilson is back in brisk 30 knots winds and has 1400 miles to Cape Horn, whilst the Dinelli and Sedlacek duo are making slow, but steady progress resolutely south of the SW Pacific Ice Gate, presumably deciding together when they will dip north to satisfy the gate's requirement.

Vendée Globe: Michel Desjoyeaux enters the doldrums

[Source: Vendée Globe] His drop in speed gives it away but so to the forecasters at Meteo France confirm this morning that Michel Desjoyeaux is officially into the Doldrums, some 24 hours earlier than expected. The ICTZ, the Doldrums are big, wide and active.

Bigger squalls interspersed with unsettled, light winds are now spread over a north-south band some 400 miles wide.

There are two things which might happen for the leader, neither is in his favour.

Video highlights from day 61 of the Vendée Globe. 19 January 2009. Video copyright Vendée Globe

The first is that they will contract with him, so simply sliding back to the north with Foncia and so Jourdain’s benefit may be augmented, or they stay just as wide and as active and catch Bilou earlier.

Foncia has slowed to 7.7 knots now and the advantage, such as it is, has swung back to Jourdain who has regained 37 miles since last night. Foncia still 462.5 miles ahead with 3351 miles to go.

For Veolia Environnment the trade winds have always been lighter, some 7-8 knots less in wind speed, and so Jourdain has always been destined to lose out on this stretch.

In third, BritAir and skipper Armel Le Cléac’h has been in these lighter trades too, also going less than 10 knots this morning. He is over 1000 miles behind Foncia, and 634.5 miles behind Jourdain.

The Cape Horn Trio still have good speed at the moment, in good breeze but they are approaching the high pressure and will start to slow in less than 24 hours. That’s bad news for Brian Thompson because his lead over Arnaud is just 71 miles, though he has gained three miles this morning and has been making 14 knots of boat speed to Calli’s 11.4. In turn Dee Caffari is on fire, is just 2.2 miles behind Boissières. She promised to try and show the boys how its done, and she is doing a good job today.

Steve White has a cold front to deal with as he heads to Cape Horn, 35knots of NW’ly wind and has just 136 miles to go to the Horn, he should get there between 10 and midnight GMT.

BMW ORACLE Racing’s USA 87 sails for first time in New Zealand

[Source: BMW Oracle] BMW ORACLE Racing skipper Russell Coutts was back on the helm of an ACC yacht for the first time since the 31st America’s Cup in Auckland when the team took USA 87 sailing today for a shakedown and rig tune in preparation for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series (LVPS). The sail also marked USA 87’s inaugural sail in New Zealand waters.

With Coutts at the helm, the team docked out this morning and sailed for five hours on a blustery Waitemata Harbour with winds pushing 30 knots.

“It was a great day and I enjoyed getting back out there again,” Coutts said. “There was a lot of wind out there today for these boats. The racing will be just fantastic.”

Russell Coutts helms an America's Cup yacht in Auckland for the first time since 2003. Auckland, 19 January 2009. Photo copyright Chris Cameron / Louis Vuitton Pacific Series

Martin Tasker reports on the first day of training on the BMW Oracle and Team NZ boats. Auckland, 19 January 2009. Video copyright TVNZ

BMW ORACLE Racing briefly lined up against Dean Barker and the Team New Zealand crew. “I think we’ll see some really close racing in this regatta. It will be a test for each team to see how well they perform. This regatta is really about sailing skill,” Coutts said.

The four ACC yachts – Team New Zealand NZL 84 and 92 and BMW ORACLE Racing’s USA 87 and 98 – have been simplified for the LVPS which will use a format of shared boats among the 10 competing teams. “There’s a lot of cooperation among the teams to get everyone back on the water in a cost effective way. It will put more emphasis on sailing.”

The racing begins 30 January and runs through 14 February.

BMW Oracle and Emirates Team NZ carry out the first training session. Auckland, 19 January 2009. Photo copyright Chris Cameron / Louis Vuitton Pacific Series

AUDI and Prada join forces in Luna Rossa

[Source: AUDI AG] Two strong brands are now joining forces in pooling their creative resources: in respect of design, innovation and tradition, Audi and Prada both occupy a pioneering role in their respective industries. The two companies now aim to combine these strengths in joint projects in the areas of sport and culture, for which they will adopt a new approach.

The first occasion where the two brands will be joining forces is a sporting event in February 2009. The jointly sponsored yacht “Luna Rossa” will be taking part in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, with the mainsail and team uniform displaying the Audi and Prada brand logos. The common message is that beneath the aesthetically attractive, dynamic exterior of a yacht, there lies state-of-the-art technology, and only choice materials are used. The products of Prada and Audi reflect such standards in equal measure – both brands are the embodiment of exclusive materials and craftsmanship. This is the start of a series of projects in the field of sport and cultural sponsorship.

Audi and Prada concur that whether in the world of fashion or cars, luxury stems from good design and superlative standards of quality. Both companies use only materials of the highest calibre in their products, often tailored to the individual requirements of the customer. Both brands are able to look back on a lengthy tradition, while repeatedly demonstrating their prowess as progressive trendsetters. Against this backdrop, the two companies are planning to work together this year: “Audi and Prada are strong brands. We aim to pool these strengths and build up a long-term partnership,” explained Peter Schwarzenbauer, AUDI AG Board of Management Member for Marketing and Sales. “We hope that this partnership will result in top-class projects.”

The new AUDI-Prada Luna Rossa train for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Vendée Globe: Michel Desjoyeaux slows down but holds 500-mile advantage

[Source: Vendée Globe] Even if Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) has been slowed a little now on his dash towards les Sables d’Olonne, there is still a huge gap back to his second placed friend from Port-la-Forêt, Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement), who in turn has been extending his lead over Armel Le Cléac’h (Brit Air).

In effect the Atlantic has been consistently kind to some and cruel to others in how it has rationed the supply of wind. In truth the big ridges of high pressure have been persistent and tough to escape from for some, while others have been offered a diet of small low pressure systems to keep them moving well.

And while, from her disposition it might appear that the sun has shone and the winds have always been at her back in the pink tinged world of Sam Davies, the British skipper and Armel Le Cléac’h have been made to work hard all the way up the Atlantic so far.

Some huge differences in speeds can be noted this morning. Davies says she has beaten her record for going slowly, while Marc Guillemot (Safran) behind her is hooning along at more than 16 knots.

Crossing the Equator, while representing an important landmark in the mind, will also signal one of the final hurdles before the finish in Vendée. It is indeed the vagaries of the Doldrums rather than the decreasing degrees of latitude, which are already interesting the solo sailors, as they make their way north. Usually positioned at 5 or 6 degrees north, at the moment they appear to stretch out into the Southern Hemisphere and also appear to be unusually active at the longitudes towards which the fleet is heading.

The gaps that have developed should ensure that a major hold-up in the Doldrums will have little net effect on positions, it is perhaps more a question of worrying about the violent squalls and their possible consequences.

The Thompson, Boissières and Caffari Trio have a good race on their hands. Thompson has shed miles to the chasing duo by virtue of them bringing up the better breeze from behind and now the Bahrain Team Pindar skipper only has 59 miles in hand over the French skipper this morning, and indeed Boissières has been more than matching the powerful Juan K design of late, while Caffari’s speed and hard work sees her back to within just 18 miles of Boissières.

Steve White, GBR, (Toe in the Water) is making good speed towards Cape Horn and should join the ranks of the ‘Cape Horners’ this evening.

3 News Video: Russell Coutts praises Team NZ and sails in Auckland

Russell Coutts and the BMW Oracle team are already in Auckland and took their modified America's Cup yacht on the water, training together with Team NZ. The kiwi skipper praised his former team for getting sailing out of the courtroom and back on the water. Coutts hasn't sailed in his home country for almost 6 years.

K-Challenge trains in Valencia with Alinghi while Luna Rossa and Shosholoza practice match racing

Sunday turned out to be a very good day in Valencia for the 4 teams that continue training in view of the Louis Vuitton Pacific series, starting in less than 2 weeks. The initial weather forecast called for a light breeze early in the morning, dropping down to 5-6 knots at noon and completely dying in the afternoon. Instead, what we had was the opposite. After a light start at 9pm, under blue and clear skies, the breeze built up throughout the morning, reaching 14-15 knots early in the afternoon. As a result, K-Challenge with Alinghi and Shosholoza with Luna Rossa were able to carry out a number of pre-starts as well as 3-4 full races, on short courses, emulating the ones that will be used in Auckland.

Valencia Sailing was aboard FRA-93, the K-Challenge yacht. The French team held its second day of training on the America's Cup boat, after a very long absence from the Valencian waters. Nevertheless, FRA-93 had been sailing throughout the week, crewed by newcomers Greek Challenge. The French will train in Valencia on Monday and Tuesday and then leave for Auckland.

K-Challenge - AlinghiThe French had the America's Cup Defender as their sparring partner. The two teams had 4 pre-starts and then carried out a full race, won by Alinghi. One absence on SUI-100 was Brad Butterworth.

K-Challenge trains with Alinghi. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

K-Challenge trains with Alinghi. Grinder Virgilio Torrecilla is one of the many sailors from Desafío that will be scattered almost through the entire fleet in Auckland. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

K-Challenge and Alinghi in dial up. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Philippe Mourniac, K-Challenge navigator, checks upon Alinghi. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi during the prestart against K-Challenge. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi during the prestart against K-Challenge. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Match racing maestro Sébastien Col helms K-Challenge in the race against Alinghi. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi during the prestart against K-Challenge. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi during the prestart against K-Challenge. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

K-Challenge trains with Alinghi. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

K-Challenge trains with Alinghi. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Shosholoza - Luna RossaThe South Africans trained today together with the Italians, very close to the beach and the race course used by Alinghi and K-Challenge. In fact, the breeze allowed for the two courses to be almost parallel to the beach, allowing for a great spectating opportunity. I was not able to fully watch their races but I counted 3, and, unless I missed any result, Luna Rossa won all of them with ease.

Shosholoza in the prestart procedure against Luna Rossa. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa is leading the race against Shosholoza. Valencia, 18 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing