Boating Business | RTI Race finish time extended

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RTI Race finish time extended

13 May 2016

BFG reaching towards Bembridge Ledge in the 2012 RTI Race

ROUND THE ISLAND: Race organisers at the Island Sailing Club (ISC) in Cowes have decided to amend the finish time of this year’s J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race.

This is to remove the concerns that some competitors have about being able to complete the race within the usual time limit of 22:00, it has been extended by half an hour to 22:30.

Currently entries are standing at over 860, with the race beginning at 08:30 on the morning of Saturday 2 July.

This year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Contessa 26, the 78 year-old designer Jeremy Rogers has entered the beautifully restored 1966 Grayling with a family crew.

Dan Hardy leads Team Lady Mariposa that has developed over the last three years from racing an Oyster 625 to their new Ker 46.

The BFG RTI crew has remained the same and comprises Helm Chris Bentley, Cockpit David Hill, Foredeck Max Bentley and Nav/tactician Sharon Brokenshire.

They have won their class twice, but were towed in by the Navy having broken their rudder off St Kats last year and hope to complete a winning hat trick this year.

Entry number 700 is Whisper, a Rustler 33 owned and skippered by Peter Bainbridge from Romsey in Hampshire. Mr Bainbridge first entered in 1965, has competed 21 times and is a former Gold Roman Bowl winner.

Standard entries to compete in the 2016 Round the Island Race close at midnight on Saturday 18 June.

via Boating Business | RTI Race finish time extended.

Alicante agrees deal to keep Volvo Ocean Race for two more editions| Volvo Ocean Race

Alicante agrees deal to keep Volvo Ocean Race for two more editions

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Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race

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Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race

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Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race

Alicante’s regional government, Generalitat Valenciana, announced today it had agreed a commitment to keep the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante for two more editions (full story below).

ALICANTE, SPAIN, May 11 – Alicante’s regional government, Generalitat Valenciana, announced today it had agreed a commitment to keep the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante for two more editions.

The deal will see Alicante maintain its position as the start port for the 14th and 15th editions of the race (2020-21 and 2023-24, under the current format of a race every three years), as well as remain the base for the race headquarters and the Volvo Ocean Race Museum during this period.

The current agreement expires at the end of 2018. Speaking at a press conference alongside the Mayor of Alicante, Gabriel Echávarri, the President of Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig, said: “The Volvo Ocean Race is one of the greatest promotional tools for the Valencian region.

“Without doubt, it is the best instrument for the positioning of the city of Alicante, worldwide.”

He continued: “It’s a great event for people in Alicante – an event with a global impact. From a commercial point of view, we want it to display Alicante to the whole world.

“It’s a difficult decision, given the economic situation of the region, but it’s the right decision, as we firmly believe that the economic and cultural promotion of Alicante is in the general interest,” said Puig.

Antonio Bolaños Lopez, acting CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, said: “We are very satisfied with the support from Generalitat Valenciana, with their willingness to negotiate and to sign the agreement.

“We are ready to develop projects beneficial for the city and the region.”

The Volvo Ocean Race had an economic impact of 274 million euros in the Valencian region (plus 47.6 million euros in the rest of Spain) and generated the equivalent of 4,833 full time jobs in the region from 2008 to 2014, according to an economic impact study carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Alicante has been the start port for the last three editions of the round-the-world race (2008-09, 2011-12 and 2014-15) and will be once again in 2017-18 when the fleet visits Lisbon as its first leg destination.

According to the terms of the new contract, Alicante would also host the start in the following two editions. The race headquarters moved to Alicante in 2010 and the Volvo Ocean Race Museum opened in 2012.

With a free entry policy, the museum received 50,488 visits in 2015, of which 44% were international visits, and 59,456 visits in 2014 (36% international).

via Alicante agrees deal to keep Volvo Ocean Race for two more editions| Volvo Ocean Race.

Lisbon gives double boost to Volvo Ocean Race| Volvo Ocean Race

Lisbon gives double boost to Volvo Ocean Race

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Ainhoa Sanchez / Volvo Ocean Race

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Walter Branco / Volvo Ocean Race Lisbon

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Ricardo Pinto / Volvo Ocean Race

Lisbon, one of the most successful host cities of the Volvo Ocean Race in recent years, has been chosen as the destination for a flying start to the next edition in 2017-18.

–       Portuguese capital is first leg destination

–       New Boatyard facility in Lisbon

–       ‘Race will begin in real style’

LISBON, May 10 – Lisbon, one of the most successful host cities of the Volvo Ocean Race in recent years, has been chosen as the destination for a flying start to the next edition in 2017-18.

In 2011-12 and 2014-15, Portugal’s capital city staged hugely popular stopovers following transatlantic legs, but this time organisers have decided that a short, sharp ‘sprint’ leg from Alicante would be the ideal way to begin the round-the-world challenge.

As well as that fresh initiative, the race announced on Tuesday that a new Boatyard facility was opening with immediate effect in Lisbon to service the fleet for the next race and provide the base for an upgrade to all the Volvo Ocean 65 boats from October this year.

The Lisbon Boatyard will complement the well-established maintenance centre in Alicante that will continue to be available for teams as their Mediterranean training and support base.

Antonio Bolaños López, acting CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, told a news conference: “We have a double reason to celebrate our close ties with the great maritime capital city of Lisbon today.

“Firstly, we know that Lisbon will provide a packed and vibrant host city for our fleet after a thrilling first leg from Alicante, ensuring the next race in 2017-18 will begin in real style.

“Secondly, Lisbon offers us the perfect location to set up a second Boatyard operation on top of the existing provision we enjoy in our home city of Alicante.”

The fleet for the 13th edition in 2017-18 will be upgraded in the Lisbon facility later this year and early into 2017. The city of Lisbon will also provide an ideal pre-race training hub for our fleet in the Atlantic.

Fernando Medina, Mayor of Lisbon, told Race officials: “Thanks for your confidence in Lisbon – we are going to do everything in our power to make the Boatyard here a big, big success.”

Lisbon joins Alicante, Cape Town, Hong Kong, Auckland, Newport (Rhode Island), Cardiff, Gothenburg and final destination city, The Hague, on the route for the 2017-18 race, with more cities to be announced in the coming weeks.

It is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting and challenging racecourses of recent editions.

Nick Bice, Head of the Boatyard, was delighted to open a new centre for future teams, with perfect training conditions in the Atlantic so close by.

He said: “Lisbon has endless possibilities for us. The building we’ll be using for the Boatyard is an old fish market. If you were to design and build a facility to undertake the upgrades to the boats, you wouldn’t be able to design it better than what’s already there in the docks in Lisbon.

“The training options are almost limitless. You can go up around the corner, around Cascais and be virtually guaranteed wind at any stage. Equally, you could train in the Tagus River to practise in light air scenarios.”

Bolaños López added: “I would like to thank all those involved for making this ambitious project happen, particularly the City Hall and the Port Authority of Lisbon together with other local authorities in Lisbon.

“We look forward to building on a working partnership that has already delivered two outstanding stopovers during the 2011-12 and 2014-15 races. The future could not be more exciting.”

via Lisbon gives double boost to Volvo Ocean Race| Volvo Ocean Race.

Boating Business | North Pole circumnavigation challenge

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North Pole circumnavigation challenge

04 May 2016

Last summer Last Summer Ben and David sailed from Bristol to Svalbard, Norway, on a training exercise to prepare for the challenge ahead

SAILING CHALLENGE: A young explorer is set to undertake a historic fundraising challenge as he attempts to become the youngest person ever to have sailed the North East and North West passages.

Ben Edwards, 14, from Cambridge will join the only British team attempting to circumnavigate the North Pole in one season, led by British explorer David Hempleman-Adams.

He aims to raise £20,000 through this challenge to support innovative research into paediatric gastroenterology taking place at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. He himself suffers from long-term inflammation of the gut.

He said: “I want to prove that despite the fact I am in constant pain, I can still do this. I won’t let it stop me achieving my goal and if I can inspire other young people to think the same way, whatever personal challenges they face, then it will all be worth it.”

The crew will depart from Bristol in mid-June for the four-month challenge, sailing for 24 hours a day and working in pairs to undertake two four-hour watches in every 24-hour period.

They must reach the North East passage before the end of July, when the ice flows will have melted sufficiently to allow access, and then exit via the North West passage before it freezes again, returning back to Bristol in mid-October.

Ben is also using the challenge to promote his role as a Youth Ambassador for Wicked Weather Watch, a charity set-up by David Hempleman-Adams to inform young people about climate change.

To sponsor Ben on his challenge visit www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/supporter/BensPolarChallenge

via Boating Business | North Pole circumnavigation challenge.

Boating Business | Famous ambassador for Sunsail

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Famous ambassador for Sunsail

09 May 2016

Dee Caffari becomes Sunsail Ambassador

NEW AMBASSADOR: Sunsail has announced that British yachtswoman, Dee Caffari, has joined its team as a brand ambassador.

She was the first woman to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions, and is the only woman to have sailed non-stop around the world three times.

Most recently Ms Caffari was part of the all-female crew in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15.

Scott Farquharson, Sunsail’s general manager, said: “Dee Caffari is an exceptional athlete. Her sheer endurance, sense of adventure and passion for this exhilarating sport is second to none.”

“These qualities along with her charisma and love for travel make her the perfect choice for us. We look forward to working with this highly respected ambassador to promote sailing at its best.”

Sunsail and Ms Caffari’s joint mission is to grow participation in sailing, with a strong emphasis on encouraging female sailors to challenge and open up the sport further for both genders

Ms Caffari will be attending several events during the year with Sunsail, including Ladies Day at Cowes Week as well as the Southampton Boat Show.

She is also a patron for the charity Sail 4 Cancer, a charity Sunsail is actively involved in with the aim of raising funds and awareness for the great work that they do.

Ms Caffari concluded: “I am passionate about the sport of sailing and if I can help others get involved and experience what the sport can offer it makes me happy.”

“Working alongside Sunsail UK is a great opportunity as together we can offer everyone access to the sport at a variety of levels, from racing to cruising on amazing holidays in stunning locations.”

via Boating Business | Famous ambassador for Sunsail.

Boating Business | Marine Industry Regatta update

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Marine Industry Regatta update

09 May 2016

There are well over 150 boats taking part in the Regatta already

REGATTA: With only five boats remaining for the Survitec Marine Industry Regatta, the organisers are encouraging potential entrants to book their boats now to avoid disappointment.

The event, running on the 1 June in The Solent, looks to attract marine professionals from all sectors of the marine industry, making it the perfect opportunity to network and entertain clients and staff.

In addition to the day’s sailing, entrants are invited to the prize giving and an evening of festivities. Additional evening tickets are available for those unable to attend the day’s sailing, but would like to join in for the evening event.

The evening’s entertainment includes a well-deserved BBQ, a smooth jazz band and talks by guest speakers including Olympic medallist, Ian Walker who has just completed the #HellOnHighSeas’ challenge for Sport Relief.

In addition, Sportography will be joining this year’s regatta as the official photography sponsor. This exciting sponsorship creates a great opportunity for participants to access professional images of the day and of their team in action.

The event will raise funds for the John Merricks Sailing Trust and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. Donations to these charities are included in the entry fee.

For the chance to snap up one of the remaining boats or for more information on the Marine Industry Regatta 2016, call Alex Smith or Terry Hunt at Sunsail on 02392 222 221 or visit www.marineindustryregatta.com

via Boating Business | Marine Industry Regatta update.

Boating Business | Oyster World Rally support partner

Oyster World Rally support partner

09 May 2016

SMY already has a proven track record with Oyster yachts

SUPPORT PARTNER: Stella Maris Yachting has been selected to become a partner of the Oyster World Rally, which starts in 2017.

The innovative yacht management and refit company will provide support to owners and their yachts to help them prepare their yachts for the epic three-year circumnavigation.

The company already has a proven track record in preparing long-distance yachts having prepared the Oyster 56, Raya and the Oyster 70, Toad for their global campaigns. Both are now on the far side of the world having put many sea miles under their keels since leaving SMY’s Southampton base.

“Ensuring a yacht is in first-class condition is the key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns and repairs along the way,” said James Miller of Stella Maris Yachting.  “Preparation through planning and executing a comprehensive refit for the yacht and a full operational training package for the crew is essential. Our aim at Stella Maris Yachting is to work alongside the owners not just during the refit but for the duration of their world cruise.”

There are three World Rally Oyster yachts, a 53 and a 575 in the company’s Southampton undercover facility nearing the end of their winter refits in addition to an Oyster 46 in SMY’s facility in Sant Carles, Spain.

The rally starts from Antigua in January 2017, with most yachts expecting to leave Europe on the ARC rally in November 2016. From the Panama and Galapagos, they will visit Pacific islands, Auckland, Sydney and South Africa, then via St Helena and Brazil back to the Caribbean.

via Boating Business | Oyster World Rally support partner.

Ramón Carlín, first Whitbread champion, dies aged 92| Volvo Ocean Race

Ramón Carlín, first Whitbread champion, dies aged 92

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Ian Roman/Volvo Ocean Race

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IAN ROMAN/Volvo Ocean Race

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Personal Archive Bernardo Arsuaga

Ramón Carlín, the ‘weekend sailor’ who upset the odds to become the winner of the first Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973-74, has died in Mexico City at the age of 92 (full story below).

– ‘Weekend sailor’ stunned sailing with win in 1973-74

– Leadership qualities of Carlin ensured against-odds triumph

– Film made last year to commemorate achievement

ALICANTE, Spain, May 6 – Ramón Carlín, the ‘weekend sailor’ who upset the odds to become the winner of the first Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973-74, has died in Mexico City at the age of 92.

Carlín was a complete unknown in the sport when he entered the event, which later became the Volvo Ocean Race, having made his fortune manufacturing washing machines and other white goods in his native Mexico after starting his career as a door-to-door salesman selling cutlery, pots and pans and other household goods.

By 1973, he was seeking new challenges. He assembled a crew of good, but unheralded sailors, before upsetting some of the era’s leading names of offshore sailing, such as Britain’s Chay Blyth, by winning with his Swan 65, Sayula II.

He didn’t insure Sayula II for the race, but saved on the premium to cover necessary repairs. The crew only discovered this as they approached the finish with only 14 of the 19 strands of the forestay still intact.

After the race, in which three rival sailors died in the 19-strong fleet, Carlín returned home to a presidential reception in Acapulco and became Mexico’s most famous yachtsman.

Right to the end of his long life, Carlín delighted in recounting his triumph, which was commemorated in a successful movie last year, ‘The Weekend Sailor’, directed by his countryman, Bernardo Arsuaga.

Carlín told how his team were mocked in the English media prior to the start in September 1973, portrayed as lazy Mexicans with big sombreros and completely unprepared for the huge round-the world challenge ahead.

“The winning difference was my boat and that crew,” Carlín recounted later. “We had no time to train. My plan was to get to know the crew and teach them how to manage the boat during the first leg, but all of them turned out to be very good.

“What hooked me was that it was an adventure, no one knew which way to go. It was the first time anyone had gone round the world with a full crew and the competition was real.”

Two years ago, Arsuaga and Carlín, staged a 40th anniversary reunion of the crew, many of whom were meeting for the first time since their inaugural Whitbread victory.

One of the crew, Briton Butch Dalrymple-Smith, had no doubt that it was Carlín’s exceptional skills of leadership that transformed a crew of friends, family members – his wife was the cook for the first leg – plus an assortment of international sailors, into world beaters.

“We won because of our skipper. We exceeded our own ability because Ramón Carlín trusted us,” Dalrymple-Smith said in an interview with www.volvooceanrace.com.

“Ramón was as close to a perfect captain that I have ever experienced,” added American Bob Martin, another of the crew. “He was enthusiastic, he did everything in a first class way. He cared about us, we had the best food and the boat was beautifully equipped.”

“He was a perfect skipper really,” said Dalrymple-Smith.

“He identified the things that were necessary to win the race and he took care of it. He let the best sailors sail the boat, and the best navigator do the navigation.”

The Mexican businessman managed his team smartly, and humbly, even in the toughest Southern Ocean conditions.

“He was very, very considerate,” added Dalrymple-Smith.

“If someone was sick, he would take his night watch. He would dry our wet gear if we forgot to do it. Others would scream. He just wasn’t like that.

“Everything that made the difference between success and failure can be traced back to Ramón.”

via Ramón Carlín, first Whitbread champion, dies aged 92| Volvo Ocean Race.

Boating Business | Royal Southern Yacht Club gets exclusive race rights

oyal Southern Yacht Club gets exclusive race rights

26 Apr 2016

The Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble is perfectly situated Photo: Mike Austen

ROUND THE ISLAND: The Royal Southern Yacht Club has will be the mainland HUB Club for this year’s Round the Island Race.

The exclusive right was granted by the Island Sailing Club (ISC) for the last race under J.P. Morgan’s 12-year title sponsorship.

Previously acting as a South Coast HUB in 2015, Royal Southern will be showing the Race EventTV feed throughout the weekend, 1-3 July 2016.

It includes Friday evening’s live coverage of the Raymarine Weather Brief, live coverage of Saturday’s starts, competitor notices/information and the ISC’s full classified results service.

The Club will also host Race-related social functions during the weekend.

ISC will also provide the staffing and the infrastructure to allow competitors to come to the Royal Southern Yacht Club to declare and collect their Tankards.

The facilities are not available anywhere else other than at the Island Sailing Club who run the Race from Cowes.

via Boating Business | Royal Southern Yacht Club gets exclusive race rights.

Boating Business | Sailing World Cup tickets

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Sailing World Cup tickets

26 Apr 2016

The Sailing World Cup – the last major Olympic classes regatta ahead of the Games

SAILING WORLD CUP: Olympic medalists and hopefuls will be flocking to Weymouth and Portland this June for the last major Olympic classes regatta ahead of the Games, and you could be there too.

The Sailing World Cup Weymouth & Portland, run in partnership by the RYA, World Sailing and WPNSA, will provide a key opportunity for the world’s best sailors to make final preparations before the Olympic Games this August.

As well as taking in all the action on the water, you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the boat park as the sailors prepare their boats for racing and get close to your favourite British and international stars.

The event takes place between the 6 and 12 June, where you can visit for free during the practice and qualifying sessions.

You’ll also be able to watch the racing live on the big screen (11 to 12 June only) in the ‘seaside’ inspired spectators area and there will be a number of shore-side activities as well as opportunities to get afloat and try dinghy sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding for free.

Tickets are available to buy for the final qualification day on Saturday 11 June and the Medal Race Day on Sunday 12 June.

To book your ticket visit https://2016sailingworldcupgb.eventbrite.co.uk

Ticket numbers are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.  If you plan on visiting the event on one of the free days, don’t forget to register for a venue access pass.

via Boating Business | Sailing World Cup tickets.