Issue 1 - June 2013
The new Alegre The Rolex Fastnet Race
Clash of the titans – America’s Cup 2013 Young Sailors Club
Bisazza Street, Sliema
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CONTENTS 11 Alegre andante
WELCOME T
he sea has shaped us and made us a nation of sailors. Throughout the centuries, we have traded, sailed and pillaged on the high seas, contributing to that great history book that is the Mediterranean Sea. As islanders, we owe our life to the sea. Our culture has gathered around our harbours, places of travel and transition, swept by the endless movement of people. The waves exert a powerful pull on our imagination. Living on a small island means that the sea is always visible. The horizon is always there, shimmering in the distance, reminding us of our limitations but also inviting us to go beyond and be adventurous.
The new Alegre prepares to set sail.
15 A busy slipway Tony Muscat, Malta Young Sailors Club Commodore, explains about the club and its vision.
18 The coast is clear Skipper waves hello to the most exciting sailing destinations in the world.
23 Home crew For Gasanmamo Comanche Raider II skipper Jonas Diamantino, finding a good crew is key to sailing success.
29 Clash of the titans
And adventurous we are with this first issue of Skipper, the new kid on the local sailing and yachting publishing block. As with all our publications, our focus will be on quality writing, gripping stories and up-to-the-second design.
Skipper joins the 34th edition of the America’s Cup.
In the first issue of Skipper, we interview Mark Mills who, together with his talented team at Mills Design, is responsible for the new Alegre. This new mini-maxi is fuelled by technical prowess and owner Andres Soriano’s passion. After four successful seasons racing the first Alegre, we wish Soriano yet stronger campaigns on his new Alegre.
As the largest number of participants gather for the Rolex Fastnet Race, Louay Habib explains why this year’s edition will make history.
In this issue, we also meet experienced skipper Jonas Diamantino and a number of local clubs. On the international front, maritime journalist Louay Habib previews the iconic Rolex Fastnet Race and explains why, with a record number of participants, this year’s edition will make history. We also get ready for this year’s America’s Cup. The oldest trophy in international sport, the America’s Cup was first contested in 1851 and pre-dates the modern Olympics by 45 years. But despite its age, the America’s Cup has always been at the cutting-edge of technology, as shown in the new yacht designs for the 34th edition. We’re certainly eager to watch four of the best race crews in the world compete in the 2013 America’s Cup in San Francisco. Read on and enjoy.
37 Once in a lifetime
41 Setting the course Capt. Richard Gabriele, Vikings Sailing Club Commodore, explains how the club helps younger generations progressing in the sport of sailing.
45 A sailor’s lunch Monique Chambers cooks up a tasty storm.
46 Port of cool Skipper’s choice of sailing gear really pushes the boat out.
48 A wave of style Give your summer wardrobe some decks appeal.
52 Sailing news Skipper’s latest updates
Skipper is exclusively distributed by Mailbox Distributors at the Mgarr, Kalkara and Portomaso Marinas berthed boats. Also at Creek, Grand Harbour and Manoel Island Marinas. All boating and sailing shops and related businesses. If not delivered to your boat collect your copies from the marina office.
MARINA
6 - Skipper / Issue 01
Tel: (+356) 2133 1515, 2133 9908 • Mobile: (+356) 9947 7753 Email: info@sdyachts.com
A SAILING LEGACY “S
ailing is in our blood,” says Gasanmamo Comanche Raider II skipper Jonas Diamantino in his interview with Skipper. And so it is. Sailing has been running in our veins since time immemorial, a salty inheritance which for generations has fuelled our dreams of what lies beyond the horizon. It’s a valuable inheritance. In his interview, Captain Richard Gabriele, Vikings Sailing Club Commodore, explains how he comes from a seafaring family with three generations of ship captains. His grandfather, for instance, was a sailing shipmaster who served on cargo schooners and steamships, while his father was a master mariner and the skipper of an 80foot motor yacht in the 1960s and 70s. More than money, property or any other form of inheritance, our sailing blood is precious beyond any financial considerations. That is why we should nourish it by supporting our young generations of sailors, helping sailing clubs to organise events, and attracting to Malta the best crews in the world to participate in local races, set against the beautiful backdrop of our sea.
Cover credit Rolex Fastnet Race 2011 edition. Nikolaus Knoflacher’s Visione at the Fastnet Rock. Photo by Rolex/Daniel Forster.
Editor Anthony P. Bernard Email: anthony@becommunications.com Consulting Editor Stanley Borg Email: stanley@becommunications.com Consulting (Sailing/Boating) Editor Georges Bonellu DuPuis Design Porridge Email: jon@weareporridge.com Advertising Jamie Maher Email: jamie@becommunications.com Printing Progress Press Distribution Mailbox Direct Marketing Group
Skipper, this new sailing and yachting publication, is intended to do just that – showcase our sailing traditions while making sure that such traditions survive and flourish for years to come. Skipper is published by BE Communications Ltd., 37, Amery Street, Sliema, SLM 1702
Georges Bonello DuPuis
8 - Skipper / Issue 01
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed in Skipper are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor and publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome but cannot be returned without a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The editor is not responsible for material submitted for consideration.
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BOATS
Alegre andante
The new Alegre prepares to set sail. Photos by Jesús Renedo.
M
ills Design have launched the latest Alegre, an exciting development in the intense design race of the IMA mini-maxi fleet, perhaps the top level owner-driver racing on the planet. With a clean sheet of paper from experienced owner Andres Soriano, Mills Design were free to build on the success of the previous Alegre and implement a number of dramatic innovations to produce the most advanced mini-maxi design. Just as progressive as the design was the design team approach which melded together many different specialists in the complex interplay of research, design, engineering, components and construction which these powerful designs embody. The product of an intense 18-month design and build programme at Spanish yard Longitud Cero, Alegre is the result of a focused team of specialists brought together in a Cup-like programme. Mills Design felt that most gains could be found by combining the conventional philosophy of seeking marginal gains with the pursuit of new developments, most apparent of which is the ramp deck, a continuous surface from cockpit floor to foredeck. This unbroken load path increases the stiffness of the boat, and allows for much better crew movement and communication both fore-and-aft and transversely. The keel fin mates to a keel tower internally to optimise internal structure and significantly improve global stiffness. The primary winches were placed in the optimal location for the trimmers, on pods which incorporate the winch gears and shafting for maximum rigidity. The narrow sidedecks are optimised for most comfortable crew hiking and optimal transfer across the boat in a manoeuvre.
“Without an owner with Soriano’s passion for the sport and competitive will, no project of this nature would be possible.” Skipper / Issue 01 - 11
BOATS
Winds of passion The new Alegre is the result of a great collaborative spirit, technical prowess and passion, says Mark Mills of Mills Design. What was your design brief for the mini-maxi Alegre? The brief for the new Alegre was a result of the four successful seasons racing the first Alegre we drew for Andres Soriano, who had organised a very strong campaign and been very successful, winning, for instance, the Rolex Middle Sea Race in 2009. The quality of mini-maxi fleet racing is very high, and to continue that success against newer opposition we needed to look at a new boat. Since the event schedule is well established it allowed us to create a good weather model of the conditions we will expect to race in, and thus target the new design for this. What elements from the previous Alegre did you keep and which new elements did you introduce? A key part of our brief was to retain some of the characteristics from the first boat which was strong in light and medium conditions, as well as some of the aesthetics. Adding to that we wanted to increase stability to extend the performance upwind in a breeze, so the new boat is wider and a bit deeper. We also had some new ideas for the deck layout, which is a departure from conventional cockpits, and convinced Soriano of the potential benefits in structural and operations terms of the sloping ramp deck you see. What specialists were involved in the design of the new Alegre? As special as the new boat is the team ethos which went into the research, design, and engineering, similar to an AC design team. Producing a boat of this type is a major programme spanning 18 months, with many contributors to the final result. On the design side we brought in Dimitri Nicolopoulos and Roland Kleiter of Spanish firm KND/Sailing Performance to assist with the research and development programme using CFD to evaluate the hull and appendage options we wanted to look at, while Kevin George at North Sails worked on the sail designs. Engineer Steve Koopman had done the structures for the previous boat, and grasped the challenge of producing new and unusual solutions for the new Alegre. It was an unusually large design programme but with the quality of people involved it was extraordinarily productive and positive.
12 - Skipper / Issue 01
What was the input and involvement of the owner, Andres Soriano? Soriano knew exactly what he required, and had his project manager Olly Cameron guiding the process from the beginning, so his vision was maintained throughout. We had a benchmark from the old boat which established much of the design direction and detail, and the group had regular meetings and Skype calls as the build proceeded. Most importantly without an owner with Soriano’s passion for the sport and competitive will, no project of this nature would be possible. What elements make the new Alegre well suited for leisure as well as competitive racing? The design legacy is always applicable, as our drive is to produce faster more exciting performance cruisers and cruiser racers building on the lessons from our race boats. Practically as a stripped out racer there isn’t much for a leisure user to enjoy beyond the open decks. Recently you sailed the new Alegre off Valencia for training purposes – what feedback did you gather? This is a good example of the thoroughness of this campaign, which would not usually have much time scheduled to work the boat up. We were able to start by making sure everything fitted and worked properly and that the structure was performing as expected, then start the crew practising since that is as important as the boat itself in an event, during which time the electronics experts from Diverse were able to calibrate and start logging data from the very many functions we are recording on the boat. Then the design team can start reviewing the data and ensuring that she is performing as expected, and make any tweaks to further boost performance. That all takes time, and having it really improves our readiness to compete. What will be the first race for Alegre? The Rolex Giraglia Trophy in St Tropez, followed by the Rolex Giraglia race to Genoa. We are certainly looking forward to it.
Skipper / Issue 01 - 13
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SAILING
A busy slipway
Tony Muscat, Malta Young Sailors Club Commodore, outlines the club’s vision.
T
he Malta Young Sailors Club was founded in 1997 but its history goes back further. In the early 1990s Arabella and Philip Denvir had been operating the Malta Sailing School utilising a mixed fleet of whatever dinghies were available. But once the children had done a course there was no organisation that was available to provide sailing on a regular basis. Then in 1997, John Ripard and Jost Merten decided to sponsor young children to take sailing courses provided by the Malta Sailing School. With the support and guidance of Pippo Psaila and the purchase of five Optimist dinghies from the UK, they formed the Youth Sailing Foundation. They wanted to achieve two things: first, they wanted to grow the fleet of Optimist sailors; and secondly, they wanted to organise a structure whereby these children could meet and sail together on a frequent and regular basis. Its aim then, as it is now, is to bring the sport of sailing to the reach of children, starting as young as eight years old. “We teach on Optimist dinghies as well as Lasers. These two types of boats suit us well,” explains Tony Muscat, Commodore of the Malta Young Sailors Club. “The Optimist is for beginners right up to 15 years old and is one of the most popular sailing dinghies in the world, with over 150,000 boats officially registered. As the Optimist is recognised as an International Class, this enables our younger
sailors to take part in regattas anywhere they wish – those in Europe and especially in Italy and Sicily are particularly popular. The Lasers come in three classes and are sailed by those 15-years and older.” Muscat likens his role of commodore to being president of a football club or chairman of an organisation. He says there’s a lot of work to do, but that the hard work of the previous commodore and the huge effort put in by the committee consisting of Anna Rossi as Honorary Secretary, Alison Satariano as Honorary Treasurer, Petra Van Der Boom as Honorary Vice Treasurer, Erica Mulhilivil as Honorary Vice Secretary, Sean LeGaut as Vice Commodore and Jean Paul Fleri Soler as Youth Development Officer, make the non-profit club run. “We cannot also forget the parents, whose dedication and support are invaluable,” Muscat adds. So what’s the club all about? “At the moment, the club has around 42 young Optimist sailors and 11 Laser sailors. We have 30-odd boats owned by the club at our premises in the Tax-Xama area in St Paul’s Bay. Add this to the numerous boats owned by sailors themselves, and we have a hive of activity on sailing days. The location is great. We have a purpose built clubhouse, along with two storage areas, both on a slipway enabling easy launching and retrieval of the boats by the children themselves.
Skipper / Issue 01 - 15
SAILING
“The children’s ability is often very good, even in stronger winds and rougher seas. However we always need to remember that no matter how good their ability, these are still single-person boats with children on board.” “It’s an active club where we divide the Optimist sailors into three groups according to ability. These groups can often be coached at similar times, making the slipway bustle with children rigging their boats in preparation for a day’s sailing and washing down their boats prior to packing up.
16 - Skipper / Issue 01
Modern luxury The Bavaria Cruiser welcomes the Cruiser 41, the Giebelstadt shipyard’s latest model from its new collection. As with all the Cruiser line yachts, the Cruiser 41 was designed in cooperation with Farr Yacht Design (USA) and Design Unlimited (UK).
“An important aspect is safety. It’s easy to take some things for granted as the children’s ability is often very good, even in stronger winds and rougher seas. However we always need to remember that no matter how good their ability, these are still singleperson boats with children on board. Of course all children must wear a life jacket. We have a team of trainers along with helpers. Moreover, even though they may be close to shore, every coach has a VHF and our club has a powerful base-station.” The MYSC runs courses all year round, predominantly at the weekend. However when it comes to encouraging children to take to the waves, MYSC has summer courses dedicated to juniors who have never sat in a boat before. “The kids often start from zero, and by the end of the summer programme they will be able to understand how to rig a boat as well as all aspects of basic sailing including recovery from a capsized boat. This is not only a fun programme which takes place in various groups throughout the week, but also sets up those interested to continue sailing throughout the year.”
Apart from attending local regattas, MYSC is very proud to be the organiser of Euromed, an international regatta which has been taking place for 13 years. Usually held in the week before Christmas, this is an event which attracts over 130 sailors and their families from 10 nations spanning Europe and beyond. Some of the larger contingents include Italians, Russians and Israelis amongst others. It takes a lot of hard work to set up such an international event where the coordination between accommodation, venue, race committee and the large number of volunteers is paramount and helps make this event a success every year.” What has also been a good insight into the successful running of the club has been Muscat having one of his two children sailing at MYSC. “No matter how we plan and organise, it is invaluable to listen to the comments from the children. We want our children to learn well and excel in this sport, but we also want them to be safe and have fun too.”
For more information about the Malta Young Sailors Club visit www.maltayoungsailors.com
The Cruiser 41 delivers freedom, luxury and outstanding sailing performance for circumnavigators and sailing families alike. The new, clean deck design features elegant lines and greater standing room in the foreward cabin. At the stern, the roomy cockpit area has geometrically arranged seating areas to ensure optimal comfort for all the crew. The new twin wheel steering provides superb handling and all-round visibility for the skipper. On deck, further intelligent design features include the flexible cockpit table with integrated and clearly visible chart plotter, handrails and drinks holders. Large, easily accessible lockers and additional storage space under the cockpit floor also provide plenty of room for equipment. Below deck, the Cruiser 41 is all about luxurious comfort and generous space. Her optimised hatches and the large side coachroof windows allow a maximum amount of light into the interior. A further characteristic of the new Cruiser line are the rounded edges throughout the interior. There are intelligent design solutions below deck too, such as the folding salon table or adjustable seating for dining with larger numbers, while the fixed chart table has additional shelf space and storage area to ensure that plotting next day’s course remains a comfortable affair. The foreward cabin also features a larger bed for additional space and a more relaxing night’s sleep. The standard version is available from €124,900 + VAT. For more info contact A.C. Marine Co. Ltd.. on 2749 5164, 9949 5164 or sales@acmmalta.com
Skipper / Issue 01 - 17
DESTINATIONS
The coast is clear
Skipper waves hello to the most exciting sailing destinations in the world.
South Pacific If you want to get away from it all and embark on the adventure of a lifetime, then head to the South Pacific. From Guinea to Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti and Samoa, experience exciting cultures, mysterious myths and culinary delights. Start from the French Polynesia and head to Tahiti, the bestknown island of the group. On the capital of Papeete, you can charter a yacht and take a short trip to Moorea and Cooks Bay, where Captain Cook first set shore. Then stock up on supplies and make your way to Bora Bora, which is the farthest west of the islands. Cook Islands are the next stop on your itinerary. It’s a heaven of beautiful coral reefs, shimmering lagoons and whitesand beaches. The 15 islands that make up Cook Islands have some of the best waters in the world for scuba diving. If you’re still hungry for adventure, sail to Fiji. Of the 322 inhabitable islands, only 106 have residents, which means that you can choose from the remaining and enjoy your own private island for one day.
Stay The Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Islands, is one of the world’s most secluded boutique island resorts and has been named as the World’s Leading Boutique Island Resort for three successive years. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, the resort offers luxurious accommodation in 27 beachfront suites, villas and bungalows.
18 - Skipper / Issue 01
Dalmatian Coast The Dalmatian Coast – the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea – is ripe for discovery. Rugged, beautiful and historic, it’s the perfect destination for keen sailors. Charter a yacht or a motor-yacht and cruise the coast from Split down to Dubrovnik.
Stay Hvar is a Croatian island lying between the three islands of Brac, Vis and Korcula. It provides the perfect contrast between blue waters and lush green hillsides covered in vineyards, olive groves, pine forests and fruit orchards. The Adriana Marina Hotel and Spa is the most luxurious hotel on the island and offers spectacular views of the town and the marina.
Turkey Bodrum is Turkey’s very own Ibiza without the pumping clubs and horror stories and with added luxury and sophistication. The Turkish palm-lined Riviera is the ideal starting point for your voyage to explore Turkey’s 8,000km coastline. You will be in excellent company here because in the past years, Paul Allen, Lakshmi Mittal and Roman Abramovich have all pointed their compasses here. And the tourism guys know it because apart from the longstanding Macakizi, a series of world-class luxury resorts such as Barbaros Bay and Amanruya have announced their presence here. Most resorts have their own private beach and marina.
Brazil
Stay
Apart from offering luxurious villas for rent, the Brazilian Beach House Company also has a boat-chartering arm – choose from a motorised inflatable to a fully crewed yacht to explore the magical Brazilian coast.
The Rixos Premium Bodrum has been awarded as one of the best hotels in the Mediterranean region. Untouched nature, especially the beautiful coast, combines with unsurpassed luxury.
Skipper / Issue 01 - 19
DESTINATIONS
Spain The north coast of Spain is a beautiful cruising area with a wild coastline, fantastic beaches and exciting cities like Vigo, Gijon, Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastian. Culturally rich, the area is a meeting point of the diverse cultures of the Basque country, Cantabria, Galicia and the Asturias – expect unspoilt landscapes, exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality.
Colombia Colombia might not be the obvious choice for a boating holiday. And yet, in recent years, Cartagena has been gaining credential as one of the most beautiful sailing destinations in Latin America. Once one of the main ports used by the Spanish to ship their gold and silver, Cartagena still retains a rich architecture and cultural heritage and its fortifications are a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Stay Designed by Colombian-born fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi, the Tcherassi Hotel and Spa is housed in an 18th century mansion in Cartagena. Rest your weary bones at the spa before heading to the classic restaurant.
If you want to go all the way, it’s best to sail the north coast from east to west, as that’s the direction of the prevailing winds during summer. The highlight of your journey will be the majestic La Concha Bay in San Sebastian – a favourite of Ernest Hemingway, it’s a natural beauty. You can use San Sebastian as your base from where to explore the charming fishing villages nearby. For more sophisticated and expensive tastes, visit the El Sardinero beach in Cantabria – cue elegant restaurants, five star hotels and a casino.
The town has four marinas where you can anchor your yacht, or hire one. Another option is to explore the Asturian coastline – the Playa del Silencio near the fishing village of Cudillero is exceptionally beautiful. If you want to combine an inland excursion with your sailing trip, head to nearby Oviedo. Bordering the Asturias is Galicia – the Galician coastline, also known as the Costa do Marisco, is famous for its seafood and its vast flooded river estuaries. Plenty of marinas and anchorages available.
Stay The Hotel La Toja is the only five star spa hotel in Galicia and boasts a lovely garden, tennis courts and attentive service. It’s set on Toja Island, which is a protected natural area. The spectacular La Lanzada Beach is just four kilometres away.
Sardinia Sardinia has become the playground of billionaires and rightly so, because its rugged landscape, beautiful waters and luxurious hotels are truly outstanding.
Stay La Maddalena Hotel and Yacht Club is situated on the island of Caprera, off its north coast. It has a purpose-built port with more than 600 berths. Those mooring overnight have access to the hotel and all its amenities, including the hammam. The hotel hosted the 2010 Louis Vuitton Trophy and offers high-level courses in sailing, windsurfing and diving. 20 - Skipper / Issue 01
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Photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo.
INTERVIEW
Home crew For Gasanmamo Comanche Raider II skipper Jonas Diamantino, finding a good crew is key to sailing success.
When did the sailing bug bite you? In 1992, while studying at university in the US, I remember I was watching the America’s Cup on television. Watching it was so exciting that I became determined to try my hand at sailing. Soon after graduating I returned to Malta and a lifelong friend who had just bought a sailing boat asked me if I wanted to go sailing. After a couple of weeks sailing with him we entered our first race and the racing bug took over in a big way. Soon after we bought a small racing boat, which we raced for a couple of years and gained valuable experience. Who would you consider to be the sailing mentor who encouraged you to sail competitively? After my friend and I sold our little racing boat, I spent five years racing with John Ripard Jnr and Andrew Calascione on their J-92 Jailbird. If I recall correctly we only placed second
a few times in those years – the rest of the time we were always first. Having had the privilege to learn from these two exceptional sailors, who I obviously consider as my mentors, it was time to start racing my own boat. However it is thanks to them that I learnt at an early stage what it means to run a successful racing campaign. What was your first boat and what particular experiences do you remember? I co-owned my first boat with my friend Mike Montanaro Gauci – it was a Beneteau first class 8. The most memorable experience was that on the first of two Ron Hunt Trophy races held in Gozo, we won the event. However this success was achieved mostly out of luck as opposed to competence – in fact we crossed the finishing line completely out of control, with both the spinnaker and genoa up, as our halyards had got fouled at the top of the mast and we could not get the genoa down. It took
us several miles beyond the line to actually get the boat back under control and get the sails down. You’ve been racing Gasanmamo Comanche Raider II for a number of years now – what have been your racing highlights? Gasanmamo Comanche Raider II is the second model as before it I raced on Comanche Raider I. There are many racing highlights. Perhaps the 2007 edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race provided me with both the high and low of my sailing life – it was also, by far, the scariest. During this race, we faced winds in excess of 70 knots and at times waves in excess of 10 metres. We sailed into the storm simply because we did not know it was coming – at the time, we didn’t have the weather information facilities on board to know in advance what we were in for. However once in it we had no choice but to sail. We managed to complete the race, one of the 13
Skipper / Issue 01 - 23
INTERVIEW
boats to complete the race out of 68. We are all pretty proud of this – sadly though Comanche Raider I was all but destroyed and became an insurance write off. This led to the purchase of Comanche Raider II which has to date given us four great years of racing. That said, every time I sail with my crew is a highlight – first and foremost, my crew are my friends and the time spent with them on the water is priceless. You had a terrible experience at the RMSR 2007 – what did you learn from it? It was a terrible experience, at least while the crew and I were in it. If you don’t learn from such an experience then you shouldn’t be sailing. The might and pure power of nature is something no one should ever underestimate. What I learnt is that no matter the weather, a good sailing boat with competent crew will come through almost anything. The most important lesson I learnt was to have good weather information always available and make sure that the sail area you are carrying represents the weather conditions – the right amount of sail area will allow the crew to control the boat in any condition and avoid danger.
Gasanmamo Comanche Raider II at the 2011 Rolex Middle Sea Race. Photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo.
Kalkara Wharf, Kalkara KKR 1501 Tel: 2166 1306, 2766 1306. Fax: 2169 0420 | Mob: 9942 5999, 7905 2471, 9944 9592 Berthing Assistance: 9968 9794 (24hrs) Email: info@kalkaraboatyard.com.mt, kalkaramarina@gmail.com www.kalkaraboatyard.com.mt
24 - Skipper / Issue 01
You’ve had pretty much the same crew for the past years – how difficult is it to engage a good crew?
Photo by Matthew Farrugia.
It is very difficult to engage crew – there is a false perception that sailing is reserved for the privileged, but this is very incorrect. Almost all boats experience difficulties in finding crew and in order to keep the spirit of sailing in good health, something must be done to resolve these problems. I have been very fortunate to retain my core crew for many years – however I always welcome anyone who wants to sail and race and is prepared to commit. In fact I have two very young and promising crew who have been sailing on Gasanmamo Comanche Raider II for exactly a year now, and I expect they will stay for many more. Local races are experiencing an everdecreasing number of participants – what do you think are the issues involved and what should be done?
Gasanmamo Comanche Raider II exits the Strait of Messina in breeze at the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2012. Photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo.
In my opinion, the main reason that participation is down is related to crew issues. Without a crew, boats can’t race. In fact if crew were always available then owners of boats would feel committed to their crew to race.
Skipper / Issue 01 - 25
INTERVIEW
“The might and pure power of nature is something no one should ever underestimate.”
SLAM Regatta 2012.
Sailing is a very expensive sport – and yet, it is the one sport which, as islanders, we can have an advantage in. What support should government give to encourage talent? Sailing is an expensive sport – without my sponsor Gasanmamo Insurance, Comanche Raider II could never race competitively. However the answer is simple – all government has to do is look at the results in major sailing events that Maltese take part in, a couple of races in Sicily and Italy and more notably the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Just look at last year’s Rolex Middle Sea Race results, where, if I am not mistaken, six of the first 10 placings were Maltese boats, out of an international fleet of over 80 boats – that’s quite a feat considering many of the bigger foreign boats had professional crew. These results scream clearly at anyone who wants to take notice – Malta is good at this because we’re surrounded by water and sailing is in our blood. It’s obviously difficult for government to decide which sports to support, and it does not help our cause that sailing is considered an exclusive sport – however something needs to be done to convince government that the Maltese have the ability to bring in important results in international events of which every Maltese can be proud.
Welcome on board The Delphia 40.3 is an oceangoing yacht built to RCD Category A, ensuring it meets the highest standards for performance and safety. The Delphia 40.3 is available in two, three and four cabin versions with all versions featuring two heads compartments. Below decks, Delphia 40.3 features a very spacious and bright saloon with room to accommodate the whole crew in comfort. A large fully equipped galley is common to all versions as is a navigation table. 26 - Skipper / Issue 01
The Delphia 40.3 has a wide, spacious and well laid out cockpit, perfect for unwinding after a day’s sailing. The teak cockpit features convenient aft access to the bathing platform, ideal for boarding when moored stern to. The Delphia 40.3 is available with either a fixed or a swing keel. The fixed keel version is available as either deep or shallow draught and the yacht is also available with either dual or single steering positions. For convenience, it
is also possible to order the furling mast system. Every Delphia yacht is subjected to the most scrupulous examination from stem to stern to ensure total quality management throughout the entire production process. Delphia Yachts proudly holds ISO 9001 and subjects all its construction procedures to the supervision of the Polish Register of Shipping and Germanischer Lloyd.
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28 - Skipper / Issue 01
RACES
San Francisco: the AC72 in the bay for the first time. Photo by ACEA/Gilles Martin-Raget.
Clash of the titans Skipper joins the 34th edition of the America’s Cup.
T
he oldest trophy in international sport, the America’s Cup was first contested in 1851 and pre-dates the modern Olympics by 45 years. The 34th America’s Cup is an umbrella term that covers several events: the 2013 America’s Cup Finals, the Louis Vuitton Cup, the America’s Cup Challenger Series, the America’s Cup World Series and the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. The 2013 America’s Cup Final is scheduled for September 7-21 in San Francisco. The final, also known as the Match, will feature the defender Oracle Team USA against a challenger that will have won the Louis Vuitton Cup, the America’s Cup Challenger Series. The America’s Cup is the most difficult trophy in sport to win. In the more than 150 years since that first race off England, only four nations have won the coveted trophy. For some perspective, consider that there had been nine contests for the America’s Cup before the first modern Olympics were held in Athens in 1896.
The history of the America’s Cup dates back to the Victorian era of British history when a syndicate of businessmen from New York sailed the schooner America across the Atlantic Ocean to represent the US at the World’s Fair in England. Before the fair the schooner won a race around the Isle of Wight and with it a trophy called the £100 Cup (it was subsequently inscribed, incorrectly, as the 100 Guineas Cup). Some years later the last surviving member of the syndicate, George Schuyler, deeded the trophy, renamed the America’s Cup in honour of the winning yacht, to the New York Yacht Club as a perpetual challenge trophy – two crews, a challenger and a defender, in a one-on-one match over a predetermined series of races with the winner awarded the America’s Cup. After winning the trophy in 1851, the US embarked on what would become the longest winning streak in the history of sport, a 132-year streak that saw the US successfully defend the trophy 24 times from 1870 through 1980 until
1983, when Australia II became the first successful challenger. Despite its age, the America’s Cup has always been at the cutting-edge of technology, from the design and build of the boats, to communications (one of the first uses of Marconi’s wireless was to transmit results from the racecourse), to performance-data sunglasses featuring a heads-up display. Research conducted in the fields of aerodynamics, hydrodynamics and carbon fibre construction has gone on to aid many industries, including automotive and airplane design and construction. This year’s edition continues down that path of history, but at breakneck speed. A new class of boat has been designed, a 72-foot catamaran powered by a towering, 131-foot tall wing sail. Dubbed the AC72, it’s capable of sailing at speeds in excess of 45 knots. The speed potential of the AC72 is up to four times faster than the 80-foot monohulls previously used in the
Skipper / Issue 01 - 29
RACES
America’s Cup World Series in Naples. Photo by ACEA/Gilles Martin-Raget.
Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa practise racing their AC72s on the Hauraki Gulf. Photo by Chris Cameron.
San Francisco: AC72 training in the bay with solid breeze. Photo by ACEA/Gilles Martin-Raget.
competition, as recently as 2007. The physical challenge the new design places on the crews is immense as they balance the need for speed against the need for control in an effort to complete the racecourse. Throughout its history the America’s Cup has attracted the tycoons of business and industry, flamboyant, outspoken and demanding characters who are often successful in their career, but rarely successful in the America’s Cup. They’re attracted to the Cup because of the demands required to win the trophy, but only four nations have hosted the trophy: the US, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland. A successful modern-day America’s Cup syndicate is much like a start-up business. There are sailors, yacht designers, research specialists and builders as well as marketing and communications teams and budget experts. The 34th America’s Cup is also revolutionizing the fans’ viewing experience. Emmy Award-winning graphics overlaid on live television images aid the viewer’s comprehension of who is ahead and who is behind, while also clearly illustrating where the competitors are positioned on the racecourse. With all these exciting changes, the 34th America’s Cup is definitely a mustsee event.
30 - Skipper / Issue 01
The opening ceremony is planned for July 4 and will be followed on July 5 by a special fleet race for all teams. Racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup, the America’s Cup Challenger Series, officially begins on July 7 with a match between Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Challenge of Italy. It continues on July 9 with Sweden’s Artemis Racing taking on the New Zealanders, and July 10 with Luna Rossa against Artemis Racing. The Louis Vuitton Cup Semi Final, a best of seven series, is scheduled for August 6. The Louis Vuitton Cup Fina, a best of 13 series, is scheduled for August 17.
Meet the teams of the 2013 America’s Cup Four of the best race crews in the world are competing in the 2013 America’s Cup in San Francisco. With top sailors from around the planet, the America’s Cup crew rosters are heavy with previous Cup winners, Olympic medallists, around the world record holders and world champions in a wide variety of classes. The demanding, physical nature of the AC72 wingsail catamaran has put an emphasis on youth and strength and teams are reconfiguring accordingly. The four teams preparing to race this summer on San Francisco Bay just might be the best prepared and strongest crews in the long history of the America’s Cup.
Testing in San Francisco. Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget.
Artemis Racing Royal Swedish Yacht Club Stockholm Sweden Skipper: Iain Percy (GBR) Backed by Swedish businessman Torbjorn Tornqvist, team boss Paul Cayard has pulled together a very experienced international crew led by the dynamic British Olympic Champion Iain Percy. With the experienced Loick Peyron and young talent Nathan Outteridge battling for time at the wheel, the team has a good mix of youth and experience driving the programme. But the team has switched gears mid-stream after realising its initial design wouldn’t compete with the foiling catamarans of Oracle Team USA. This bold move will be a game-changer for Artemis Racing, one way or another.
Emirates Team New Zealand Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Auckland New Zealand Skipper: Dean Barker (NZL) Perhaps more than any other team, the Kiwis have been a dominant force in the America’s Cup over the past 20 years. Winning in 1995 and defending successfully in 2000, the subsequent departure of key personnel was a bitter blow. However, team boss Grant Dalton along with Dean Barker – who has been
skipper now for more than a decade – are pulling out all the stops to bring the Cup back to New Zealand. Emirates Team New Zealand has been the first team to launch an AC72 catamaran and has now spent significant time training on its second boat as well. The team appears formidable in training sessions and will be a strong contender this summer.
Luna Rossa Challenge Circolo della Vela Sicilia Palermo Italy Skipper: Max Sirena (ITA)
Oracle Team USA in training. Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget.
With three campaigns behind them, team skipper Max Sirena and his boss, Prada owner Patrizio Bertelli, are veterans of the America’s Cup in the keelboat era. Working closely with Emirates Team New Zealand in Auckland over the past few months, the Italian team has hired foreign talent to help them get to grips with big multihulls for the first time, including the talented Briton Chris Draper. Luna Rossa Challenge is the only team to come to San Francisco with just one AC72, which could see the team at a disadvantage. However the Italian boat will likely be the most battle-tested ahead of racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Oracle Team USA Spithill Golden Gate Yacht Club San Francisco USA Skipper: James Spithill In 2010 James Spithill became the youngest skipper to win the America’s Cup. The Australian is also one of the most experienced in the game, however, and with the cool- headed American John Kostecki calling tactics, backed up by a very fit and agile crew, this team is one of the slickest around the race track as proven by its performance on the AC World Series circuit. Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget.
Skipper / Issue 01 - 31
RACES
Training in San Francisco. Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget.
Artemis. Photo by Sander van der Borch.
The team suffered a major setback when it capsized its AC72 on San Francisco Bay in October 2012, but has rebounded to sail and new and improved version of the boat. A second AC72 is due to be launched in April. With the world’s most decorated Olympic sailor, Ben Ainslie, pushing Spithill in training, the Defender remains the team to beat.
About the boats Two new yacht designs have been created for the events of the 34th America’s Cup, the AC72 and the AC45. The AC72 is the new design rule created specifically for the 34th America’s Cup. The AC72 is a thoroughbred designed to capture the imagination of a new generation of sailors. The catamaran (two hulls) is powered by a wing sail towering 131 feet in the air. But it is also expected to have hydrofoils that will lift the hulls clear of the water. This combination of aero and hydro efficiency could see the AC72 near 50 knots (57 mph/92 kph) boat
32 - Skipper / Issue 01
Emirates Team New Zealand sail NZL5 for the last time in New Zealand before being shipped to San Francisco. Photo by Chris Cameron.
The first sailing day in the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland-NZ, for Luna Rossa, the Italian challenger for the 34th America’s Cup. Photo by Carlo Borlenghi.
speed on the racecourse. Sailed by a crew of 11, the blistering speeds will demand more effort and coordination than any previous Cup yacht.
a greater emphasis is placed on boat handling and tactics.
The AC72 is designed from a rule that specifies minimums and maximums for design parameters such as length, beam and sail area. The tight limits are an attempt to make the boats as similar as possible to place more emphasis on sailing ability over design ingenuity. The first AC72 was launched in July 2012 by Emirates Team New Zealand. Oracle Team USA launched its first yacht in August. Pictures of the New Zealand yacht going foil-borne and reaching 40 knots boat speed. If the AC72 is a show horse, the AC45 is the work horse created specifically for use in the America’s Cup World Series and the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. Stout and nimble, the AC45 is a onedesign. That is, all pieces of the yacht are identical. With all of the crews sailing identical yachts
The AC45 features a wing sail that stands anywhere from 70 feet to 83 feet tall, depending on whether the extension at the top of the mast is fitted. The catamaran was designed to introduce America’s Cup crews to the intricacies of wingsail racing. Wingsails are not uncommon technology, but they are new equipment in the realm of the America’s Cup. The boats are sailed by a crew of five, and it’s not uncommon to see the crews doubled over on the trampoline in between races, their chests heaving as they try to catch their breath. If you’re not in peak physical shape you’ll have trouble getting around the racecourse. The AC45 will be used at AC World Series events through the spring, and then the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup in September.
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6
1
FASTNET
Once in a lifetime As the largest number of participants gather for the Rolex Fastnet Race, Louay Habib explains why this year’s edition will make history.
S
ince 1925, the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s iconic 608-mile race around the Fastnet Rock has captured the hearts and souls of millions of people. This August, the Rolex Fastnet Race will have the largest number of participants in its 89-year history. Over 350 yachts, and as many as 380 yachts, from five continents and over 22 different countries will be taking part. The diversity of the yachts and participants is truly extraordinary. The maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 is the holder of the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest circumnavigation, sailing around the world in just over 45 days. Internet entrepreneur Niklas Zennström’s 72’ mini maxi Rán 2 is hoping to win the Rolex Fastnet Race for an unprecedented third time in a row. Plus the original winner of the first race in 1925, the Pilot Cutter Jolie Brise, celebrating her centenary, is also competing and this diversity is the reason why the Rolex Fastnet Race is so special. Built in 1913, Jolie Brise has participated in the Fastnet Race four times, winning three races including the inaugural race in 1925. Her career as a pilot boat was short-lived, owing to steam replacing sail. She became a fishing boat for a time before being bought by E.G Martin in 1923, a founder member of the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Evelyn George Martin met with a group of distinguished sailors, including Algernon Maudsley, to discuss an ocean race. Martin pulled a 10 shilling note from his pocket, placed it on the desk and asked Maudsley if he would do the same. In that moment, the Ocean Racing Club was formed. After some discussion a race ‘from Cowes round the Fastnet and back to Plymouth’ was announced for yachts not exceeding a waterline length of 50ft. Jolie Brise won the first race and also won in 1929 and 1930 and to this day, she is the only yacht to have won the race three times. Since 1977, Dauntsey’s School Sailing Club has sailed and maintained Jolie Brise, as skipper Toby Marris explains. “Since Dauntsey’s School started to sail Jolie Brise, over 9,000 pupils have sailed on her. She sails about 220 days each year, clocking up about 10,000 miles. We have raced across the Atlantic with The Tall Ships Race, as far north as inside the Arctic Circle, east as far as Russia and south as far as The Cape Verde Islands. Jolie Brise is available for charter but during Dauntsey’s School’s holidays, the pupils have priority. For the Fastnet, we will have seven girls and boys from Dauntsey’s School, all under 18 and two crew selected by The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. This year’s race will be a once in a lifetime experience. Our goal is always to enjoy sailing her, but this race will become part of her history, so it is very special.”
Skipper / Issue 01 - 37
FASTNET
2 4 Since 1930, four yachts have come close to equalling Jolie Brise’s three overall victories, but none have yet to succeed: Olin Stephens’ Dorade (1931 and 1933), Capt. J.H.Illingworth’s Myth of Malham (1947 and 1949), Dick Nye’s Carina (1955 and 1957) and Niklas Zennström’s Rán 2 (2009 and 2011). This year, the mini maxi Rán 2 will be attempting to win the trophy for an unprecedented third consecutive year. Tim Powell, Rán 2’s Team Manager, has competed in four round the world races and spoke about the Rolex Fastnet Race.
3
“Having the chance to win the race for a third time in a row is amazing. It is always tough just to win your class, but to win overall you also need to have the weather conditions in your favour and I have to say that we have had our share of luck in the last two races. This year, Bella Mente (Hap Fauth’s American Mini
3: 4: 5: 6:
2011 2011 2011 2011
edition. edition. edition. edition.
3
Nikolaus Knoflacher’s Visione at the Fastnet Rock. Photo by Rolex/Daniel Forster. Rives Potts’ Carina at the Fastnet Rock. Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi. Niklas Zennstrom’s Rán approaching the finish line. Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi. Wasabi and Foggy Dew at the IRC 3 start off Cowes. Photo by Rolex/Daniel Forster.
38 - Skipper / Issue 01
4
Maxi) will be a big threat. Rán 2 is now four years old and I think it would be fair to describe Bella Mente as a more modern version of Rán 2. If we have a 25-knot reach to the Rock and back, we should be the slower boat. If we have a more tactical race then perhaps that will be in our favour. Bella Mente has
an excellent crew but then we know the Fastnet Race really well and maybe that is an advantage. “Experiencing the start of the Fastnet is unlike any other offshore race and this year with a record entry it will be a special moment for everybody in the
race. I would especially like to wish the young crew of Jolie Brise a great race. I started racing offshore with The Youth Challenge and if you told me then that I would have the chance of winning it three times, I wouldn’t have believed you. For me, the Fastnet will always be a very special race.”
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Skipper / Issue 01 - 39
CLUBS
Setting the course Capt. Richard Gabriele, Vikings Sailing Club Commodore, explains how the club helps younger generations to progress in the sport of sailing.
When was the Vikings Sailing Club founded and with what aim? The Vikings Sailing Club was founded in 1984 by the late Hector Borg Carbott and a few friends as a non-profit organisation. The club is run by volunteers with the objective of facilitating and promoting sailing especially among the young, promoting good sportsmanship and seamanship, and organising racing and cruising, social, educational and informative activities in relation to the sport of sailing. What are your main events throughout the year? We organise dinghy and keelboat races and regattas, keelboat cruising, adult and children’s sailing courses, an annual 48hour sailing marathon with proceeds going to a charitable institution, and social fundraising events. What is the club’s educational mission? Our mission is to give the children extra curriculum activities which in the future may help them in identifying a hobby and pastime to include in their daily life. The courses we run for the Malta Sports Council in the Skolasport and Skolasajf programmes are recognised by the Malta Qualifications Council as extra curriculum activities and are included in the individual child’s school leaving certificate. The club is run by volunteers, and yet you still manage to do a lot – what fuels your passion for the club?
Sailing is our passion and takes up almost all our free time. Most of us own a boat, which means that we also participate in club events. Our aim is to see the younger generation progressing in the sport and above all distancing themselves from the other bad things they may come across. Maybe this is what keeps us going, as we have seen a good number of children from the club, including our own children, moving up the rungs from Mirror 10’s to Lasers, then keelboats and ultimately doing the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which I think is the climax of Maltese sailing. Most of these children did their first RMSR at the age of 16 – now in their 20s, some have even moved to skipper boats. Is there a healthy interest in sailing among the younger generations? Yes there is. In actual fact we are planning to buy a new fleet of boats to give them the opportunity to sail on their own. We hope that in the coming months we will see more boats on the water during our events. What is your role in nurturing the next generation of local sailors? I am responsible for running the club together with a team, so my priorities are discipline, decision-making and teamwork. I think that these three pillars are very important in a person’s life and not just in sport as they go hand in hand. Sailing tuition is left to our instructors.
Skipper / Issue 01 - 41
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When did the sailing bug bite you and who encouraged you to take it up? I come from a seafaring family with three generations of ship captains. I spent 20 years at sea travelling the world and came ashore 18 years ago and let go my anchors here.
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My grandfather, who unfortunately I never met as he died 55 years ago, was a sailing ship master serving on the cargo schooners in the Mediterranean – in his latter years he also served on steamships. My father was also a master mariner and apart from cargo ships he was the skipper of an 80foot motor yacht in the 1960s and 70s – these were the superyachts of the time and where based in Gzira gardens. He was also a sailing fanatic as he also used to race dinghies. I remember that as a young boy, I used to tag along with him wherever he went. My younger brother (sister in between who incidentally gets seasick rotten) is also a master mariner and was also at sea for about 18-20 years - he also let go his anchors here about 10 years ago. He too had his sailing adventures albeit osite icy inOpp the Bridge waters of the Northern(most) hemisphere. I do oel Island Man not see the family tradition going further, at least as far as the profession goes. My son has taken a totally different Theand Chandlery is stocked with career path is presently studying medicine, but as far as various marine supplies, being fromthe family sailing the sport goes he will definitely continue paintastohevarnishes tradition is a very and keendeck sailorsupplies. and instructor and is one Weclub’s are distributors leading brands: of the youths who of have progressed to keelboat racing with three RMSR editions under his belt.
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42 - Skipper / Issue 01
I had my first boat, an Enterprise dinghy, when I was about 13. I was never the racing type but more of a cruiser, which I am today as it is what I prefer. Mind you, I do enjoy some fast spells on a sailing boat as I think that nothing beats the thrill of speed under sail and I am looking forward to hitching a ride on my son’s Laser 4000 which he just bought. Any memorable sailing trips? It is very difficult to pinpoint a particular trip but I think that going back in time the best time we had was when we owned a 23 foot Snapdragon three keeler (bilge/centre keels) with a very shallow draft of about 1½ feet. Not that we do not enjoy it now but the younger days are always memorable. With The Chandlery, Theheadroom, Strand, Gzira - Malta. only 4½201, feet she had a sea toilet up forward and Tel: (+356) 2131 2712 Mob: (+356) 9949 3706 to use it, the upper half of your body had to go through the Email: chandlery@melitamarinegroup.net (for fresh air) otherwise you had to crouch so much that Web:hatch www.melitamarinegroup.net it was very uncomfortable. Great times. This was about 21
CLUBS
years ago and my son was still in the carrycot. We used to live on the boat for days on end. I was still at sea at the time working on a two-week on two-week off roster. My mates used to think I was crazy – but then, aren’t we all. After two weeks on a ship I would jump on the boat and do 10 to 12 days, get back home a couple of days before I was due to embark and back to the ship. It was different in those days as with such a shallow draft we could go to a lot of crooks and crannies along our beautiful coastline. Now most of these places are within swimmers’ zones and unfortunately they are not even accessible by tender. Memorable days indeed. What does sailing, as a sport, give you? Sailing is an art. It gives me satisfaction, relaxation and above all pleasure. What are your forthcoming events? Our next keelboat race is on June 23, which will be followed by dinghy races on Saturdays or Sundays in July. We also resume the Skolasajf programme in July running up to September for children. In August we have the traditional Santa Marija round Malta cruise and we are at the planning stage of the 48-hour sailing marathon which this year will be held on September 13-15. We also organise ad-hoc weekend runs to Sicily by members who decide on the spur of the moment. The Vikings Sailing Club is the principal body for the Malta Sports Council sailing courses, running on Saturday mornings through the winter, and mid-week summer vacation programmes. The Vikings Sailing Club has around 150 members and organises sailing races and events for both dinghies and keelboats throughout the year. For more information visit www.vikingssailing.com
Skipper / Issue 01 - 43
FOOD
A sailor’s lunch Monique Chambers cooks up a tasty storm.
Fig and gorgonzola risotto The theme of the dish can change according to whatever you have in store. Swap with vegetables, meat or seafood. If using seafood, swap the wine for sambuca. Trust me. You need
1 onion, diced
1 mug rice per person
1 pint stock
1 slab gorgonzola 2 tbsp fig relish 1 tbsp olive oil
Bottle of white wine (half for the dish, half for the chef) Pinch of saffron (optional)
Method
Shallot tart Great for wine o’clock on your boat.
You need
Fry the diced onion in the olive oil until translucent.
Readymade shortcrust or puff pastry
Add the rice and stir well. Add some stock – just until level with the rice and allow to simmer.
1 bag shallots
Add some wine – and again, allow to simmer.
100ml balsamic vinegar
Alternate this process until the rice is almost cooked. Add the chopped gorgonzola and stir gently until melted.
Good handful of grated parmesan cheese
Add the fig relish but don’t integrate totally – leave as swirls.
Eggwash Pinch of chilli flakes
Granita to go
Method
You will need little jars for this, or you can use normal mugs – the narrower the better. I suggest you double up this recipe so you have extras for seconds. You need Half a cup of water Half a cup of sugar A handful of fresh basil
Juice and zest of a lemon A shot of vodka (optional) Large punnet of strawberries, sliced
Method Put the sugar, basil leaves and water in a saucepan over a medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Discard the basil leaves once cooled. Mash the strawberries and add the lemon juice and zest and add to the cooled mixture. Fill your jars to about 2/3 full, cover with cling film. Add the shot of vodka if using. Put in the freezer 30 minutes. Stir up and scrape down the edges and refreeze for another couple of hours. Stir and scrape again for at least two hours.
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Defrost the pastry. Peel and halve the shallots. Cover the base of a saucepan in balsamic vinegar and cook the onions until they take on the vinegar’s colour. Tip these into a pie dish and fill any gaps with grated Parmesan. Cover the top of the onions with cheese too – you can add flaked chilli at this stage if you like. Lay the pastry over the onions, paint on egg wash and bake for 25 minutes at 180°C. Once browned, use a plate to tip the tart out of the tin – the pastry will be on the bottom. Serve with a salad or on its own.
Skipper / Issue 01 - 45
GADGETS
Port of cool
Red alert The Ferrari Hydroplane Arno XI is a mythical creature. It was developed in 1953 by Achille Castoldi with a little help from his friend Enzo Ferrari. Castoldi’s aim was to compete with the Guidotti family, who had been using Maserati’s light aluminium engines to break water and speed records since the 1930s. Producing 600hp, the Arno set a world speed record for its class on Lake Iseo on October 15, 1953 – the record still stands today.
Skipper’s choice of sailing gear really pushes the boat out.
The Arno XI was sold last year at RM’s Monaco auction for $1.3 million.
All in one Wolf whistle In an emergency overboard situation, you will want to be heard over the roar of the sea or wind. At 120 decibels, the Fox 40 Sharx whistle can be heard for miles over ambient sounds. This waterproof whistle is made of durable polycarbonate that makes it slip resistant and uses a highly calibrated dual-chamber that produces a pure frequency.
46 - Skipper / Issue 01
A sailor’s best friend, the Leatherman Wave multi-tool includes a sharp knife, pliers, screwdriver, file and saw. It’s like having a small tool kit in your pocket, perfect for those rope emergencies out at sea. The Leatherman Wave is made of stainless steel so it doesn’t rust.
Galley chic Vietri’s fish-inspired dinnerware features a different fresh water fish hand painted on each plate. Made of terra bianca and handmade in Italy, this series is casually elegant and perfect for a sailing weekend.
Style on deck Just in case The Magellan iPhone case is simply indestructible. But the Magellan isn’t just a case – apart from being waterproof, it includes a SiRF Star III GPS receiver and an extra 1840mAh battery.
To dive for Made of carbon fibre or glass fibre, the Subwing is an exciting invention. You simply tow it with your boat via a line, while whoever is in the water can hang on to the wings to either cruise along the surface or diving beneath the waves. Available in several models, the Subwing offers great manoeuvrability.
John Lobb’s stylish new boat shoe ups your style factor while on deck. Featuring contrast leather laces, a rounded toe and a layered deck sole, the Livonia is made from aqua calf, which is a type of leather that has been oil impregnated to make it waterproof yet supple. Available in blue, green and white.
Time to sail The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is the skipper’s watch. Dedicated to both yachting enthusiasts and experienced sailors, the YachtMaster II features an exclusive function developed by Rolex – a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory that can be synchronised on the fly. This responds to the need for precise timing during the crucial starting sequence of a regatta. The countdown’s sophisticated functions are designed to be easily set and operated using just one hand. Waterproof to a depth of 100 metres, the YachtMaster II comes in either 18ct yellow gold, everose rolesor or 904L steel.
Skipper / Issue 01 - 47
FASHION
A wave of style
While the classic doublebreasted front provides elegance, the lightweight structure gives it an exceptionally comfortable fit. The contrasting mother of pearl buttons on the navy blue version adds a nautical touch to this doublebreasted, six-button jacket.
Give your summer wardrobe some decks appeal.
Collection: Boss Black Menswear Clothing
Elegant moccasin with full sport rubber sole. Square toe and made of suede that is extremely soft and comfortable. Available in various colours in store.
The focus is on lightweight tailoring with half-lined single or double-breasted blazers and washed single-breasted suits. The understated colour palette extends from white through light grey mélange to dark iris blue. Jacket and pant combinations also shape the season’s message. Pants come garment washed in fine twills or overdyed.
Striking swim shorts by Boss in a fresh design featuring medium-length legs and a comfortable fit. Made of highquality synthetic fibre.
Extra large Boss beach towel made of pure cotton. Large enough for sunbathing and has a soft, multi-colour outer surface.
Functional UV-absorbent pure cotton t-shirt from Boss Black with sun protection factor 50+ for exceptional comfort.
The Boss Store Malta is located at 2, Ross Street, St. Julian’s and Gate 1, Departures Lounge, Malta International Airport. Opening hours Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 20:00 hrs and Monday to Sunday 06:00 - 22:00 hrs respectively. For more information call on +356 2202 1000 or e-mail boss_store_malta@vfgmalta.com 48 - Skipper / Issue 01
On deck Check out Gauda’s new selection of casual shoes, hand-stitched and designed with comfort and value in mind. Boat styles are proving to be the in style for this season. Not only do they do the job, but they actually look great as a casual shoe, especially when worn with shorts or lightweight pants. This season’s essential must have item. Get ready for summer. Available from Gauda, Bisazza Street, Sliema (Tel: 2134 6957) and Manuel Dimech Street, Sliema (Tel: 2133 6985). Follow us: www.facebook.com/ GAUDASLIEMA
Casual in style The faded look of the Timberland Oxford stripe polo shirt makes it perfect for casual warm-weather wear. Pair with your favourite Timberland® cargo shorts and sandals and hit the beach, or wear with jeans and boots for classic style. Available at Timberland, Bisazza Street, Sliema. €64.95.
Collection: Boss Black Sportswear The summer season for Boss Black Sportswear draws on a diverse range of influences from East and West, brought together with a strong colour palette to create an upbeat, optimistic collection. The emphasis is on sportswear with a luxury sense of style, reflected in high quality fabrics, attention to detail and exceptional workmanship across every aspect of the collection.
Boating in comfort Earthkeepers® Heritage Boat Shoe. Now with 42% Green Rubber™ outsoles and Anti-Fatigue footbeds for extra comfort. Classic designs that help you tread lighter. Available at Timberland, Bisazza Street, Sliema. €110.
Skipper / Issue 01 - 49
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CLASSIFIEDS
For sale
Sail away this summer with Skipper’s choice list.
Hanse 400e, LOA: 40ft, 2006, epoxy performance cruiser. Price: €119,000. For more information contact S&D Yachts Ltd.. on T: 2133 1515, E: info@sdyachts.com, W: www.sdyachts.com
Dufour 365 Grand’Large, LOA: 36ft. Fully equipped for blue water cruising. Price: €87,000. For more information contact S&D Yachts Ltd. on T: 2133 1515, E: info@sdyachts.com, W: www.sdyachts.com
Beneteau Ombrine 960, LOA: 32ft, 2002, excellent cruiser. Price reduction: €55,000. For more information contact S&D Yachts Ltd. on T: 2133 1515, E: info@sdyachts.com, W: www.sdyachts.com
Cranchi Atlantique 40, LOA: 40ft, Italian design, absolutely pristine. Price: €180,000. For more information contact S&D Yachts Ltd. on T: 2133 1515, E: info@sdyachts.com, W: www.sdyachts.com
Fairline 50 Flybrige, LOA: 50ft, 1990 model. Price reduced for a quick cash deal: €115,000. For more information contact S&D Yachts Ltd. on T: 2133 1515, E: info@sdyachts.com, W: www.sdyachts.com
Bavaria 31 cruiser, 2008, LOA: 34ft. Includes electrically opening bathing platform. 6 berth, 2 cabin version, Volvo 20hp, furling mast, full electronics including GPS chart plotter and autopilot, VAT paid. Price: €65,000 ono. A.C.Marine Co. Ltd.., M: 9949 5164, E: sales@acmmalta.com, W: www.acmmalta.com
Bavaria 39 – 2008 model, 40ft, 3 cabins and 2 heads w/showers, Volvo 40hp with low hours, full electronics, GPS with AIS, auto pilot etc. Furling mast. Immaculate condition and available with pontoon berth. Price €118,000 ono. A.C. Marine Co.Ltd., M: 9949 5164 , E: sales@acmmalta.com, www.acmmalta.com
Sunseeker Camargue 44, 2002, 2 x CAT 450hp, 2 cabins sleeps 6, air conditioning, autopilot, Kohler Generator, depth sounder, bow thruster and much more. VAT paid. Price: €115,000. Boatcare Trading Ltd.., M: 7930 0680, E: info@boatcarelimited.com, W: www.boatcarelimited.com
Bavaria 47- 2001 model 3 cabin version each with own separate head and shower. Large twin wheel cockpit, furling mast, new north sails, Volvo 60hp diesel, full electronic equipment. VAT paid, pontoon berth available. Price: €125,000 ono. A.C.Marine Co. Ltd.., M: 9949 5164, E: sales@acmmalta.com, W: www.acmmalta.com
Cranchi Atlantique 50, 2007, 2 x Volvo Penta D9 EVC 575hp, 3 cabins. Includes GPS, air conditioning, VHF, radar, search light, autopilot, satellite TV, 11.8KVA generator, bow thruster. VAT paid. Price: €339.000. Boatcare Trading Ltd.., M: 7930 0680, E: info@boatcarelimited.com, W: www.boatcarelimited.com
Sunseeker Manhattan 50, 2005, 2 x Volvo Penta D12 715hp (514hrs), 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin. Radar, air conditioning, VHF, depth control, autopilot, bow thruster, new exterior cushions. Tender with steering and Honda 15hp. VAT paid. Price: €430.000. Boatcare Trading Ltd.., M: 7930 0680, E: info@boatcarelimited.com, W: www.boatcarelimited.com
Beneteau Oceanis 400, LOA: 40ft, 1994 model, fully equipped. Price: €75,000. For more information contact S&D Yachts Ltd. on T: 2133 1515, E: info@sdyachts.com, W: www.sdyachts.com
NEWS
Sailing news Skipper’s latest updates on the Rolex Capri Sailing Week, New York Yacht Club Regatta, Student Yachting World Cup and Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Rolex Capri Sailing Week
inshore racing off Capri; and the third a long-distance offshore race that started and finished off Capri. Crews and owners agree that the beauty of the region and the blend of races provided a combination of awe and challenge.
Plis Play cuts the waves on her way to Capri. Photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo. The famous Italian island of Capri and the beguiling Tyrrhenian Sea provided the host setting for the 2013 Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race, which came to a close on Friday 24 May following a week of close-fought inshore and offshore racing. Constantly changing and challenging conditions ensured enthralling sailing for the fleet of maxi yachts. Organised by the International Maxi Association, in collaboration with the Yacht Club Gaeta EVS and the Yacht Club Capri, the opening event in Rolex’s Mediterranean yachting calendar drew boats and crews from around the world, with the 14 participating yachts representing Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and the US. The proud winner of the week’s most coveted prize – the Rolex Trophy and Rolex timepiece – was Alexander Schaerer’s mini maxi Caol Ila R (USA), which secured line honours and the handicap victory in the final offshore race on the way to an overall event win. The third edition of the Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race offered a variety of tactical tests and capricious conditions with some of Italy’s most iconic destinations forming the backdrop. The weeklong event, beginning on May 18, comprised three segments: the first an offshore race from Gaeta, on the Italian mainland, to Capri; the second featured
52 - Skipper / Issue 01
“The key draw here is definitely the level and quality of the competition,” said Mike Broughton, navigator onboard Sir Peter Ogden’s mini maxi Jethou. “The beautiful coast on the southeast side of Capri is a great draw, as is the tactical challenge of sailing around a volcano or an island like Capri. Mastering that is a test in itself and makes for great racing.” Jethou – overall winner of the 2012 event – performed admirably but had to settle for second place. Alex Schaerer came to the event with prior experience of racing in the waters off Capri, although this was the first year with his new racing yacht – the former Alegre, line honours and overall winner of the event in 2011. Schaerer was surprised by the gale force conditions encountered during the final offshore race. “We went into racing exactly three years ago here in Capri and this is my second regatta with the new boat after last year’s Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. The funny thing is that we thought there would be nice, light winds here in Capri, which would allow us to get to know the boat, which has a new mast and rig for the 2013 season. Well, if anything, in the rough conditions of the offshore race we certainly got to know her. I was lucky to have a very seasoned crew onboard, with over 40 Rolex Sydney Hobart wins in total, and they managed to bring us home safely to this beautiful island.” The first race from Gaeta, past Ponza and Ventotene, to a finish off Capri began on May 18 under full sun and light winds of about five knots. The 100-nm race was dominated by Y3K, a 30.5m Wally owned by IMA President Claus-Peter Offen, which secured line honours and the win on handicap with a 02:11 CEST finish the following day.
Caol Ila R was second across the line and the first mini maxi to arrive in Capri. Her result was good enough to finish second overall, with Jethou in third. The second segment comprised two days of inshore racing. The first, on Monday, May 20, saw the Race Committee set a 30-nm coastal race off Capri that began in south-south easterly winds of 8-10 knots. Jethou and Caol Ila R continued their engaging tussle for supremacy with the former prevailing on this occasion. “The race was very close. We came in second, but we also could have won or come in third. The conditions here change from one minute to the next and you can win or lose just before the finish which is what happened to us,” said Schaerer. Proving the point about the constantly changing conditions, the scheduled second day of inshore racing was abandoned due to insufficient breeze. Crews used the unexpected rest day to make last preparations for the final, longest race of the week. That evening they were able to relax at the Rolex Party held at the famous La Canzone Del Mare. Breathtaking views of Capri’s Faraglioni offered a stunning backdrop to the week’s most glamorous social event. The next day, there was more change in the weather, and extreme conditions, which included torrential rain and gale force winds, particularly around the Aeolian Islands forced the race committee to modify the original Rolex Volcano Race course. The resulting 210-nm longdistance race, which started on May 22, took the yachts from Capri to Santa Maria di Castellabate on the Italian mainland shore, back past Capri and on to the island of Ponza before finishing off Capri’s Marina Grande. Tensions ran high on Caol Ila R on the first evening, as the yacht experienced gusts of 35-40 knots at Ponza. The crew had to remain vigilant, and Schaerer admitted that a broken bowsprit near Ventetone led to a moment of doubt.
“At first I wasn’t sure if we would still be able to fly a downwind sail. We had quite a big advantage over the others at that point, but it would have been tough if we couldn’t have flown the spinnaker coming back to Capri because Jethou was still right behind us. So there was a moment of, ‘did we just lose the race?’ Fortunately, only part of the bowsprit was broken and we were able to tie a rope on to the remainder and still fly a downwind sail for the return.” After successfully negotiating their troubles at Ponza, the crew realised they were doing well against their nearest competitor, Jethou, and shifted their primary concern to bringing the boat home safely. “We had an eventful night,” reflected Brett Ellis, the navigator. “The many thunderstorms and squalls played havoc with our electronics and forced us to make many sail changes. Full credit to our crew who worked hard all night in very difficult conditions.”
already pretty dangerous for us.” Y3K had a substantial lead at the time the decision was made, and it was clearly one not made lightly. The week’s proceedings culminated with the prize-giving ceremony on May 24 at the Marina Grande, which saw the Rolex Trophy and Rolex timepiece presented to Caol Ila R for her overall victory. “The fact that we won a Rolex in our first competitive outing with the new boat is really a dream come true, but of course we hope it’s not going to be the last one,” exclaimed a jubilant Schaerer.
New York Yacht Club Regatta
“The Rolex Volcano Race was very tough because there was a great amount of extremely variable winds - more than I’ve ever seen in the Mediterranean for a race,” said Broughton. The cyclonic system propelled the wind through four changes of 90 degrees in 24 hours, keeping all the crews busy, and in Broughton’s words, “did not allow me to switch off thinking for more than 10 minutes over the whole race.” The tremendous thunderstorms and heavy winds asked serious questions of the ambitious maxi fleet. Third to finish in Capri was Marton Jozsa’s Hungarian entry Wild Joe, while Y3K was one of three boats to withdraw from racing. Tactician Thomas Jungblut explained the decision to retire was strictly weather related. “The forecast announced more than 30 knots of wind and waves over six metres after Ponza and we decided we don’t want to break anything before the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. In 2012 this race had winds of 20-23 knots and the conditions were
The Swan 42 class, one of a total of eight One-Design classes competing, promises to be among the toughest, and Daring one of the most formidable entrants, as McLaughlin steered that boat to victory while representing the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC) at the 2011 New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex. He is on the roster to represent RCYC again in the 2013 edition of that event and will use the Annual Regatta as a tune-up. Meanwhile for several NYYC Swan 42 teams the Annual Regatta will serve as the first leg of the selection series to determine who will represent the host New York Yacht Club at the Invitational Cup. “I’m a great proponent of one-design racing, because I like to cross the finish line and know immediately how we did,” said McLaughlin. “In the Swan 42 class there is a lot of really good competition and a lot of strong teams. It’s great, competitive racing.”
Caol Ila R averaged over 11 knots for the race and crossed the finish line at 05:07 CEST on 23 May, securing line honours and completing the 210-nm course in a respectable 18 hours, 2 minutes. Second-placed Jethou finished the race in just over 20 hours.
and off the water. The event has a long history and a lot of competitive classes, so it attracts a wide range of boats and people.”
John Hele’s Swan 42 Daring at the 158th New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta. Photo by Rolex/Billy Black. An impressive line-up of talent on a record 150 boats has materialised for the New York Yacht Club 159th Annual Regatta presented by Rolex. Scheduled for June 14-16, the Annual Regatta is the oldest regatta in the country, with over a century and a half’s worth of history – and fine-tuning of fun – behind it. For three days, yachts sailing in IRC, Classic, 12 Metre and One-Design classes as well as a PHRF Cruiser-Racer division will be hosted at New York Yacht Club’s Harbour Court clubhouse in historic Newport, R.I. and will race on Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. “Newport is a great place to sail and offers a very impressive nautical town steeped in tradition,” said Terry McLaughlin, the Canadian Olympic silver medallist and former America’s Cup skipper who will be at the helm of John Hele’s (Newport, R.I.) Swan 42 Daring. “As well, the New York Yacht Club always does a bang-up job on
Daring and the rest of the fleet have been invited to kick off the event on Friday, June 14 with a separately scored (therefore optional) 19-nautical mile Around the Island Race. The circumnavigation (of Conanicut, an island across the bridge from Newport) remains a favourite among racing sailors visiting Newport, and at stake in the IRC division is a Rolex timepiece, which will be presented to the overall winner during that evening’s festivities at Harbour Court. One of the contenders for that timepiece will be Jose Diego-Arozamena with his Farr 73 Maximizer, which has spent the last five summer seasons racing in the Mediterranean and is one of the largest yachts competing. “Newport is the authentic sailing scene for Corinthian level racing, and we are looking forward to being back on the East Coast,” said Diego-Arozamena, adding that this will be the first event of the team’s season. “I’ve had Maximizer for about 20 years, and we race with about 15 to 22 sailors, most of whom have been with me since the beginning. When they are not on Maximizer they are sailing for Volvo Ocean Race and America’s Cup teams.”
Skipper / Issue 01 - 53
NEWS
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is the only race in the world where the organisers supply the fleet of 12 identical, 70-foot, stripped down racing yachts – each sponsored by a city, a region or a country – and man each with a fullyqualified skipper, employed to lead the crews safely around the globe. It’s where taxi drivers rub shoulders with chief executives, vicars mix with housewives, students work alongside bankers, nurses work with vets and doctors team with rugby players. It’s an experience that will change people’s lives. Yet while the crews may be amateur, no one has told the ocean that.
Following Friday’s Around the Island Race, on Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16, competitors will split into four fleets to race in the traditional two-day series. While others sail two races a day, PHRF classes will sail one race a day on special Navigator courses. The courses use government and racing marks on the southern part of Narragansett Bay and will be scored separately, so teams need not commit to a full weekend.
The sea does not distinguish between Olympians or novices and if the Southern Ocean, the Pacific or the South Atlantic decides to throw down the gauntlet, the Clipper Race crews need to be ready to face exactly the same challenges as those experienced by the professional racer.
The Farr 40 one-designs will be putting out a lot of heat on Saturday and Sunday, as the class is using the Annual Regatta as the fourth event on its 2013 US Circuit Championship and will have participated in buoy races on both Thursday and Friday as a lead-up to the weekend. Currently, the circuit scores are close, with several of the teams tied and frontrunner Jim Richardson and his Barking Mad team just one point ahead of Alberto Rossi’s Enfant Terrible.
Action from the 2012 edition of the Student Yachting World Cup. Photo by Icarus Media.
In addition to IRC and PHRF classes, other one-design classes are J/111, J/105, J/80, J/70, Etchells, and Herreshoff S Boats. Classic Yachts and 12 Metres will round out the fleet, lending their own elegant flair to the regatta.
The Student Yachting World Cup moves to Pornic in West France from October 12-19 and teams from all over the world have already started to sign in. The competition is expected to be fierce.
engineering school, and attracts the world’s best student sailing teams. Each country is represented by one team, chosen on the basis of national or international races. The winner of the last edition and the École Polytechnique are also invited.
The New York Yacht Club 159th Annual Regatta presented by Rolex is part of the 2013 Gulf Stream Series and the first event in the New York Yacht Club Classic Yacht Series.
54 - Skipper / Issue 01
The entry builds on Switzerland’s strong competitive sailing heritage and, with the Clipper Race reaching a cumulative global media audience of over 1.4 billion people, returns Swiss sponsors to the forefront of global ocean racing. Swiss Sailing was founded in 1939 and counts 146 sailing clubs and 46 boat classes as members to Switzerland’s umbrella organisation for sailing, kite and windsurfing. It is one of the major goals of Swiss Sailing to promote sailing among young people. This year more than 21,000 sailors of all age groups received a regatta license to compete. Set up by legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the Clipper Race is the only event of its kind for people from all walks of life, regardless of previous sailing experience, offering ordinary people the chance to achieve something extraordinary sailing around the world.
Student Yachting World Cup The Student Yachting World Cup, the ultimate student sailing event that has lasted for more than 30 years, is successfully heading for its 33rd edition during 2013. This annual sailing competition is organised by students of the École Polytechnique, a French
For the first time in its eight-race history, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will feature a Swiss-sponsored yacht after Swiss Sailing signed an agreement to become a Team Partner for the 2013-14 edition of the world’s longest ocean race.
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Leg 8 in Halifax, Canada. Photo by Clipper Ventures Plc.
The Clipper Race departs London on September 1 and return there the following July after racing more than 40,000 miles around the world visiting 14 ports on six continents.
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