ISSUE 10 - OCTOBER 2015
THE PARADOX CREW ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE
REVIEWS THE DOUBLE-HANDED CHALLENGE
MALTA’S NEW SHOPPING
EXPERIENCE
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Skipper / Issue 10 - 3
EDITOR’S NOTE It’s that time of year when the sailing season slowly sails to its finish line. Soon, strong winds and the threat of storms will convince
CONTENTS
sailors that it’s time to retire their boats for the winter. However, the local sailing season doesn’t end with the proverbial whimper but rather, with the bang of that great offshore classic: the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Another large fleet is expected for the 36th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. In recent years, the 607-nautical mile race has become a must do race for any offshore sailor. In fact, a number of international greats have signed up for this year’s edition, including three of the fastest multihulls currently sailing: Paradox, Phado3 and Musandam-Oman Sail. I’m sure that the three will give a great
10 WHAT SHOULD WE XP-ACT? After 21 Rolex Middle Sea Race starts, Timmy Camilleri still finds the race as thrilling as ever.
15 WATCH THIS RACE The Rolex Middle Sea Race has put Malta on the international events and yachting map, Malcolm Lowell, Edwards, Lowell Managing Director, says.
spectacle on water. In this issue of Skipper, we interview local sailor Timmy Camilleri, who
20 A RACE FOR TWO
has only missed one edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race since 1982.
Racing the Rolex Middle Sea Race double-handed will be a true test of seamanship, Patrick Cronin says.
That means that Camilleri has started the race an incredible 21 times. This year it will be Camilleri’s fourth campaign on board Xp-Act – after a third overall in 2012 and a second overall last year, this year he is hoping for the top spot on the podium. Paddy Cronin has won the Round Ireland Race double-handed twice as well as the UK RORC double-handed series. After racing the Rolex Middle Sea Race in 2013, Cronin is back to race double-handed with his father. In this issue of Skipper, we also interview international judge Peter Valentino and Malcolm Lowell, managing director of Edwards, Lowell Co. Ltd., who was instrumental in making the offshore classic part of the Rolex offshore circuit. Read on and enjoy.
25 THE ART OF WINNING Last year, Artie was the overall winner of the IRC Category and the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy for the second time. This year, Artie skippers Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard are ready for another challenge.
29 UP FOR THE CHALLENGE Jeff Mearing and Paul Larsen will be racing the Rolex Middle Sea Race for the first time on board Paradox.
34 A CLASSIC COURSE With a spectacular start at Malta’s Grand Harbour, the drama of the Strait of Messina and Stromboli’s active volcano as a course mark, no wonder the Rolex Middle Sea Race is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world.
39 MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS Knowing the rules is not enough. To be a good judge, you also need a passion for sailing, international judge Peter Valentino says.
46 GOING BIG Once again, the Rolex Big Boat Series confirms its standing as one of the most important sailing events in the US.
48 THE GREAT RACE Look good when you cross the finish line with Skipper’s classic wardrobe.
50 A WALK ON THE WIRED SIDE It’s time for technology fun with Skipper.
54 LOVELY BUBBLY Skipper pops the cork and proposes a toast to the winner.
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WELCOME This year, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is 36 editions young. Not only young but also attractive because this classic offshore race continues to capture the imagination of sailors from all over the world. In fact, at the time of writing this, the RMSR has already attracted 100 yachts from at least 22 different countries. These include world champions, sailors from the Volvo Ocean Race and America’s Cup, as well as previous winners of the RMSR. The variety of yachts is also fantastic, ranging from classics to the world’s fastest multihulls. This year the race also hosts three of the world’s fastest multihulls, which are all capable of breaking the race record. These include Lloyd Thornburg’s Phaedo3, Peter Aschenbrenner’s Paradox and the first ever RMSR entry from Oman, the Musandam-Oman Sail. There is plenty of eager rivalry between these three multihulls. Phaedo3 will be keen to beat Musandam-Oman Sail, which was the faster of the two in this year’s edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race. And the Paradox crew will be keen
to beat the other two trimarans, a feat which was already accomplished in the Rolex Fastnet Race. I’m sure that the three trimarans will deliver the anticipated spectacle at the RMSR. In this issue, we interview Jeff Mearing, who will be captaining Paradox for the challenge, and Paul Larsen, the fastest man in the world on board Vestas Sailrocket 2. They will both be racing the RMSR for the first time.
Cover credit: Rolex Middle Sea Race 2014 by Kurt Arrigo / Rolex
All eyes will also be on Lee Satariano’s Artie, which was the overall winner of the 2014 edition of the RMSR. Co-skippers Satariano and Christian Ripard will definitely want to mark Artie’s sixth RMSR participation with a strong defence of their title.
Editor Anthony P. Bernard Email: anthony@becommunications.com
To all I wish fair winds and a memorable race. On a sad note, Arthur Podesta, a gentleman sailor, has recently passed away. My condolences to his family and friends. Georges Bonello DuPuis
Consulting Editor Stanley Borg Email: stanley@becommunications.com Consulting (Sailing/Boating) Editor Georges Bonello DuPuis Design Peresso Design Studio www.peresso.com / m. 9925 8825 Printing Print It Distribution Mailbox Direct Marketing Group For advertising contact Be Communications on 2134 2155 or skipper@becommunications.com
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Ran 2 approaching the finish line in Marsamxett Harbour, Rolex Middle Sea Race 2012. Rolex/Kurt Arrigo.
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INTERVIEW
WHAT SHOULD WE XP-ACT? After 21 Rolex Middle Sea Race starts, Timmy Camilleri still finds the race as thrilling as ever. You have a lot of experience in racing the Rolex Middle Sea Race. What can you tell us about this classic offshore? I have been lucky to participate in every Middle Sea Race since 1982, except for the 2010 edition when I was injured. After 21 starts I still look forward to the race.
Timmy Camilleri as co-skipper of Vikesha II at the 2011 Rolex Middle Sea Race. by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
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The race has always been a fascinating and challenging event that has changed greatly since 1982. At the time, it used to attract 15 to 20
boats and nowadays we’re getting 120 starters. Also the direction of the course used to alternate every year, so one year going clockwise and the next year anti-clockwise. Since the race has become part of the Rolex offshore circuit we have literally all the international top yachts and campaigns on the start line and that, combined with a fantastic course, makes it a must do race for any offshore sailor.
Xp-Act sailing at good speed at the 2012 Rolex Middle Sea Race. by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo Spinnaker duel between Xp-Act and Zenhea Takesha at the 2012 Rolex Middle Sea Race. by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
The course is unique with the start in the Grand Harbour, passing through the tricky Strait of Messina, around the active volcano of Stromboli, then to the western tip of Sicily before the dive south round Pantelleria and Lampedusa and finally heading back to Malta. After participating once, most sailors, including the seasoned professionals, want to come back each year. Which has been your most memorable RMSR participation to date? Last year’s race must rank as one of my most memorable. The last two days we had huge seas and gales – probably the worst conditions I have sailed in. Still, we ended up first in class and second overall on board the Xp44 Xp-Act. However, my most memorable race would be that of 2001 when I was on Strait Dealer, a J125, and we won line honours, first overall and first in class in both IRC and ORC. That’s a feat that has never been repeated by a local yacht. Will you be participating this year? This year I will be taking part on the Xp44 Xp-Act. This will be my fourth campaign on Xp-Act having been on the podium in the past three years. After
a third overall in 2012 and a second overall last year, we are hoping to be able to step on to the top this year. The crew on board Xp-Act has been more or less stable for the past four years. Together with the owner Josef Schultheis, we have put together a mix of local sailors, myself, Barry Hurley, Nicky Fenech and Stefan Debattista, and another five top crew who come from Holland, Ireland and England, including Jochem Visser, Andy Boyle, Kenny Rumball, Philip Connor and Nick Martin. It’s quite an international crew racing on a Maltese boat. What kind of boat preparation do you carry out before racing the RMSR? Whatever the level of campaign that a crew is putting up for the RMSR, the basics of boat preparation must always be thorough, especially when it comes to safety. As we saw just last year, from a mild race in the first three days, the weather turned into dangerous gale force conditions for the last two days which resulted in a record number of retirements and gear damage. So the boats and sails must be prepared for anything.
The boat and equipment must be checked in detail to make sure that everything is in good condition and all the safety equipment must be ready and easily accessible. On Xp-Act we have quite a professional campaign and the boat has been prepared over the past three years to get the most out of it. From year to year we have a small list of things that need changing or improving and in the last two weeks before the race we go through all the equipment. The boat will generally come out of the water to make sure the finish of the bottom is tiptop and then in the last week it’s all about carefully stowing the gear. A lot of thought and work is also required for the preparation of food and drink so as to plan the right amounts to put on board – this job is usually done by Andrea Schulthies, Angela Camilleri and Stefan Debattista. How important is experience of the RMSR course in order to launch a successful campaign? And which, for you, are the trickiest parts of the course? Knowing the course, area and general conditions
Skipper / Issue 10 - 11
INTERVIEW
at this time of the year is definitely a big help. However I think that experience is most important when it comes to pacing the race, managing to settle down to the routine of a watch system as soon as possible, resting whenever possible and also eating and drinking well throughout the race. These things can be taken for granted and many new crew get burnt out by the third day and so are not able to perform well in the latter part of the race. As for the course, generally the two trickiest parts are the approach and passage through the Strait of Messina and then the rounding of Stromboli to choose the best course towards Palermo. Before every race, how do you prepare yourself both physically and mentally? It is important to be relatively fit for the race as you waste a lot of energy using your body in unusual situations and bracing against the movement of the boat. So it’s important to do some physical preparation in the weeks leading up to the race.
“After a third overall in 2012 and a second overall last year, we are hoping to be able to step on to the top this year.” I think that mental preparation is also important but with the experience of the many years doing the race, I have come to know what to expect – in fact, I manage to relax during the race. Knowing that you are on a good boat and with a good crew that you trust makes it easier to settle down. Your company represents a number of brands, including X-Yachts. What differentiates X-Yachts from other brands? X-Yachts are a premium brand of yachts that come with a racing pedigree. The first X-Yacht was built in 1979 and since then X-Yachts have won numerous races and championships all around the world and in different classes. They are renowned for being extremely fast and strong thanks to the design of Niels Jeppessen and the build quality. In the past few years X-Yachts have produced a range of Xperformance boats such as the Xp44 that I will be participating on. These boats are very competitive when sailed well but can still be enjoyed as a very comfortable cruising yacht.
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Vikesha II during the coastal race. by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
X-Yachts have managed to produce a boat that in this age of carbon fibre specialised racing yachts, is still a very competitive but truly hybrid production yacht. It allows the owner to race at the highest levels and cruise comfortably, but fast, on the same yacht. In what ways do you use your experience in competitive sailing to give a better service to your clients? Knowing what makes a yacht go fast, sail well and safely and being able to transmit that to a client or potential owner is definitely a big advantage. All X-Yachts, whether from the cruising range
or the performance range, sail very well and are a pleasure for the owner to sail. Being able to advise clients on how to make the most of their yachts in an easy and safe way is very reassuring for the clients. Since I have been involved with X-Yachts, I have always raced their yachts in all conditions and this has given me a deep understanding of these yachts. I’m often asked by the design team for feedback on the boats and I can say that there are a few of my suggestions that they have taken up over the years and are now being used in the build.
Skipper / Issue 10 - 13
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INTERVIEW
WATCH this race
Malcolm Lowell.
from the early stages not everyone involved believed in the event’s great potential, which was often trying. Today the race has grown to see the participation of well over 100 teams from 22 nations.
by George Scintilla.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race has put Malta on the international events and yachting map, Malcolm Lowell, Edwards, Lowell Managing Director, says. I would like to take you back to when the Middle Sea Race hadn’t yet become part of Rolex’s sailing calendar of events. What attracted you to this race? Rolex’s involvement with Maltese sailing started back in 2000 with the sponsorship of the first edition of the Rolex Malta Cup Regatta. Sailing was already very prominent in Malta and this was a local event with international aspirations. I was still at University when I was approached by the late Arthur Podesta, who was the Royal Malta
Yacht Club Commodore at the time, as well as by Georges Bonello DuPuis. Rolex had already formed a privileged relationship with yachting out of a natural affinity with this dynamic nautical sport and its time-honoured values, so the collaboration seemed like the perfect match. What was the participation back then? For both the Rolex Cup as well as the early editions of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, entries always increased each year. Having said that,
During the early stages of the collaboration, what were your goals? Our initial goals were to introduce Malta to Rolex Yachting and vice versa. With the brand’s support the Malta Rolex Cup gained popularity very quickly and also started attracting international entries. On the other hand the Middle Sea Race was an offshore classic with great pedigree albeit suffering from dwindling entries. We got to the point where we had to decide whether to build on the Rolex Malta Cup regatta or push for a larger Rolex involvement with the Middle Sea Race instead. To what do you attribute the evolution and success of Rolex Middle Sea Race? The first few years needed some adjustments but the event took on a momentum of its own and got bigger and better every year, on all fronts.
Skipper / Issue 10 - 15
INTERVIEW
Ran 2 approaching the finish line in Marsamxett Harbour, Rolex Middle Sea Race 2012.
Rolex’s insight and experience in international event management and sponsorships helped build the event to what it has become today. Also, in my opinion, there are other key attributes that together contribute to the success story. First, you have one of the most spectacular and challenging courses in the world. Then there is the inherent Mediterranean passion for sailing, the different people involved who help bring the event together, and finally the historical significance and natural beauty of our island. How renowned is the race on an international scale? The race is extremely well known, especially within the professional sailing circles, who consider the offshore classic one of the most beautiful and varied races in the world and while navigators agree, they would add that it is also one of the toughest and most demanding. On the day, the fleets take position in our beautiful Grand Harbour, crossing the starting line at the sound of the Saluting Battery cannons. This start is very distinctive. The fact that it’s a 600-nm race that starts and finishes in the same place is also pretty unique. Participants are always impressed by the beauty
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Rolex/Kurt Arrigo.
and friendliness of our small island and many returns for the exciting atmosphere as well. How does Malta benefit from the Rolex Middle Sea Race? In 2012 the crew of Rolex’s Spirit of Yachting filmed the year’s edition and broadcast the full race in over 40 countries with a reach of 340 million homes. This served as precious promotion for the race and for Malta. Today the race is one of five offshore classics sponsored by Rolex and ranks with
“The race is extremely well known, especially within the professional sailing circles, who consider the offshore classic one of the most beautiful and varied races in the world.”
Prizes of the 35th Rolex Middle Sea Race. Rolex/Kurt Arrigo.
the Fastnet Race in the UK, the Sydney to Hobart Race in Australia as well as the Giraglia Cup from St Tropez to Genoa. The race has certainly put Malta on the international events and yachting map. How satisfied are you with the race? The Rolex Middle Sea is a historical race and we have been Rolex’s exclusive agents in Malta for over four decades. The Rolex brand will always strive for excellence in any event it lends its name to. It is the most important offshore sailing competition in the Mediterranean, so we know that everything needs to be of the highest standard. Living up to this expectation is never easy and presents many challenges. These challenges are all the more rewarding once the event successfully comes to a close.
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RMSR
A race for 2
From left: Patrick Cronin and his father.
Racing the Rolex Middle Sea Race double-handed will be a true test of seamanship, Patrick Cronin says. What first fuelled your interest in sailing? Some of my earliest memories are of sailing in a small mirror dinghy or on my dad’s 24-foot boat in West Cork. We grew up in a small town on the sea and my brothers and I would spend hours sailing on my dad’s boat or building Lego yachts in our front room. I used to love the adventure of going out with dad when he was racing with a crew and I would stand in the companion way watching in awe as they performed tacks and gybes.
My brother and I got our own mirror when I was eight years old and after a few races I was hooked on racing. I’ve been sailing dinghies and yachts of all sizes and shapes ever since. Sailing double-handed is difficult and challenging: yet what makes it attractive to you? I started doing offshore races with my dad and then with other yachts when I moved to the UK. I loved the crew work and sense of adventure and achievement that comes with long offshore races.
It was after I spent a season working full time sailing a 60-foot America’s Cup yacht with paying guests that I realised offshore shorthanded is possible with well organised systems in place. I just love that you have to be able to do everything from navigation, trim and manoeuvres to cooking and sleeping. It is a real test of seamanship. There is a real joy in being on deck by yourself, in big wind, pushing hard. It is also an exercise in trusting your coskipper and working together to make the right decision at the right time. If I could sum it up, it is the challenge of the race as well as the adventure of just getting to the finish safely.
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RMSR
“Obviously the fatherson dynamic overlaps with the co-skipper relationship, but usually this works out fine.” You won the Round Ireland Race doublehanded twice as well as the UK RORC doublehanded series. How will these experiences help you face the challenge of the Rolex Middle Sea Race? I think those experiences were amazing and all very different. They give me confidence that we can be competitive in the double-handed class in the Rolex Middle Sea Race. We are sailing a slightly larger yacht than I sailed in the RORC. Moreover, there are different weather patterns in the Mediterranean. For one thing it is warmer. Also, there is actually a lot of time spent in the darkness in the Rolex Middle Sea Race compared with mid-June in Ireland where you can only expect five hours of darkness. The Mediterranean can also have extremes of weather such as last year’s storm and the drifting I experienced last time I did the race in 2013. But I think we are well prepared for what is ahead.
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How familiar are you with the RMSR course? I took part in the race on the same yacht in 2013 and this time we are more prepared with tidal charts of Messina. This will be dad’s third go at the race on Encore. You will be crewing with your dad. How will this affect crew chemistry? We have sailed together on and off now for my whole life so we have a pretty good understanding of each other. Obviously the father-son dynamic overlaps with the co-skipper relationship, but usually this works out fine. Being able to sail with my dad and spend that time together has been a real privilege in the past. We’ve sailed as equals and
enjoyed winning and losing many times together. Hopefully this year we’ll top it off with a good result in our first doublehanded adventure. Most importantly, we trust that each person will be pushing hard while staying safe while the other is sleeping. What preparations are you carrying out on your boat? Besides the usual preparations for an offshore race, in order to make Encore more suitable for double-handed we have installed a furling headsail and have a lazy-jack reefing system for the mainsail. We are also going to use a snuffer on one of our spinnakers.
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RMSR
Unfortunately some of our racing sails are a little past their prime so we are working with a sailmaker in Ireland to recut them and tune the rig to get the last out of them for this race. Apart from that, we need to get all the cruising gear off and only have the essentials on board. How physically and mentally fit do you need to be to race double-handed? I think that physically you need to be in reasonable shape – there is going to be some foredeck work and getting a spinnaker down with just two people is hard work. We are both quite fit, dad arguably more so, since he regularly heads out and does 50 miles cycling in the hills around home in Dublin. While physical effort comes in bursts when racing double-handed, the mental effort is constant – navigation, weather, tactics, driving the boat, choosing the right sail, managing sleep, food, manoeuvres. It is total immersion and there is no time to think of the world outside the boat and the race. But that is what is so wonderful about shorthanded sailing. What do you think will be your biggest challenges during the RMSR? Dad and I haven’t raced double-handed before and we have to go out and practise our manoeuvres in the week before the race. But I think that will come good. The weather that the race seems to attract is probably the biggest challenge and we don’t have the local knowledge of the Mediterranean that some of the other yachts do. The last time we did the race we lost out north of Sicily when we didn’t go where the locals did – Encore retired in Pantelleria last year. Hopefully it is third time lucky for us this year.
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RMSR
THE ART OF WINNING
Artie skippers Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard.
Last year, Artie was the overall winner of the IRC Category and the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy for the second time. This year, Artie skippers Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard are ready for another challenge. by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
You probably form one of the most successful local partnerships in sailing. When was the first time you sailed and raced together? Christian Ripard: I cannot remember the first time that we raced together. However, if my memory serves me correctly, we raced in 2003 in Lee’s first sailing yacht, which was a Jeanneau Sunfast 40. It was a coastal race in 30-knot winds which we won easily against some formidable competition. Lee Satariano: There are many great moments to remember. Sailing all these years with
Skipper / Issue 10 - 25
RMSR
Boats taking up position at the Royal Malta Yacht Club dock in 2014.
ALL SAILS
“Sailing all these years with Christian has given me great knowledge on both sailing and racing.” Lee Satariano Christian has given me great knowledge on both sailing and racing. On what foundations is this partnership built? Lee Satariano: My background was based more on windsurfing and when I bought the Sunfast 40 back in 2002, I was very keen to start keel boat racing. It was then that I asked Christian to skipper Artie and put a crew together. It all started from there.
Artie and Strekosa at the start of the 2012 edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Which was the first Rolex Middle Sea Race edition you raced together and how did you perform? Christian Ripard: We first competed in the RMSR together in 2005 on board a J-109 Artie. This race was one of the lightest on record and after sailing all the way round the course we had to retire as time expired only 13 miles from Gozo and when we were leading our class. Lee Satariano: The first RMSR was a memorable one as we had the finest yachtsmen on board Artie: Paul Ripard Sr and Christian Ripard. Although we didn’t finish the race due to the time expiring, it was an exciting race and one to remember. You won last year’s edition of the RMSR. What contributed to your victory? Christian Ripard: A well-prepared boat, a very skilled crew, the correct tactical decisions and seamanship were key to winning the RMSR last year. What preparations are you carrying out for this year’s edition of the RMSR? Lee Satariano: Preparations have been ongoing since last year’s race and in these final weeks, we fine-tune the boat.
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Artie skippers Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard together with their crew receiving the Rolex Middle Sea Race trophy and Rolex timepiece.
Who will be your crew for this year’s edition of the RMSR? Lee Satariano: The crew will mostly be the same as last year’s, possibly with a couple of changes. How important is chemistry between all crewmembers during a race? Lee Satariano: The chemistry
is essential and every year we look to improve. Who do you think will be your biggest challengers for this year’s RMSR? Lee Satariano: The competition gets tougher every year. Last year, we saw 122 racing yachts with a very high level of crew. I’m sure that this year will be another challenge.
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28 - Skipper / Issue 10 YACHTING PARTNERS MALTA LTD - 183/4 Marina Street, Pieta Pta 9042 - Malta - T. +356 2125 2727 - info@ypm.com.mt - www.ypm.com.mt
RMSR
UP CHALLENGE FOR THE
Jeff Mearing and Paul Larsen will be racing the Rolex Middle Sea Race for the first time on board Paradox. by Helena Darvelid/Sailrocket
From left, Jeff Mearing and Paul Larsen
JEFF MEARING
PAUL LARSEN
Formerly with Hydroptere and Sailrocket, Jeff Mearing will be the captain on board Paradox. UK-born Mearing has had a passion for the water from a very young age and has sailed everything from kite boards to the fastest multihulls in the world. In recent years he has focused on fast sailing, working with instrumentation and data analysis.
Australian-born Paul Larsen holds the 500-metre record sanctioned by the World Sailing Speed Record Council. This record was achieved in November, 2012 when Larsen sailed the Vestas Sailrocket 2 at 65.45 knots in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Larsen has sailed some of the fastest boats in the world. He was on board in the successful 1998 Trans-Pacific attempt to
San Francisco with Bruno Peyron and crewed on board Team Philips. In 2002, he was also on board the Tracy Edwards Maiden II campaign for a record-breaking season.
Skipper / Issue 10 - 29
RMSR
THE BOAT: PARADOX Owned by Peter Aschenbrenner, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development at SunPower Corporation, Paradox was designed by Nigel Irens and Benoit Cabaret. It was built by Marsaudon Composites in Lorient, France out of resin-infused carbon and foam laid up in female molds originally built for the legendary ORMA 60s Fujifilm and Banque Populaire. Paradox is a very fast boat that can cruise comfortably at sustained speeds of over 20 knots, touching 30 knots when sailing flat out. Paradox is heavier than a typical ORMA 60, due to several factors, including resin-infused construction, more volume in the main hull for accommodations, and a host of cruising gear, such as a much bigger engine, dual battery banks, electric winches and a hydraulic mainsheet, an auto-deploying anchor with 120 feet of chain on an electric windlass, hot water heater, shower, refrigerator, a proper stove, and an electric head and holding tank.
Peter Aschenbrenner
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Paradox has three working headsails: a Solent jib and staysail, which are permanently mounted on
furlers, and a storm jib. The mainsail has three reef points, with all lines and the mainsail halyard leading aft. The sailplan is designed so that successively smaller headsails are used with each mainsail reef position, thus ensuring the centre of effort stays just above the daggerboard. This enables Paradox to throttle back while retaining a balanced helm even in very strong winds. French sailmaker Incidences built all the working canvas using Spectra reinforced D4 fabric. Paradox also carries three large specialty headsails that are tacked out to the end of the bow. Paradox has two independent electrical systems: a 24-volt system for high-power traction loads and a 12-volt system for navigation and house loads. To save weight, Paradox has small-capacity batteries making up its banks, but a variety of charging systems, including 900 watts of high-efficiency solar panels, a methanol fuel cell delivering 10 amps (used mainly at night), and a Watt & Sea hydro-generator delivering 40 amps of charging current when sailing above 10 knots. This system allows Paradox to make extended ocean passages without ever running the engine.
Skipper / Issue 09 - 31
RMSR
What experience do you have of the Rolex Middle Sea Race and Malta? Jeff Mearing: I’ve never done the race but I delivered SIG45 down for the race a few years ago and was gutted to not compete. Paul Larsen: This is the first time for me. A historic harbour, the dramatic Strait of Messina and the active volcano of Stromboli as a course mark. What more could you want from an offshore race? Jeff Mearing: What we need is a low-pressure system over the whole circuit so that it is downwind sailing the whole way round the course. Paul Larsen: I’m very keen on seeing the course, as it looks like both a spectacular and fascinating one. Which do you think is the trickiest part of the Rolex Middle Sea Race course? Jeff Mearing: The weather conditions in the Mediterranean change rapidly so this will be the biggest challenge for us. Paul Larsen: I will only know after the race. The weather in the Mediterranean can be quite tricky and unpredictable. Are you anticipating fair winds?
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Jeff Mearing: It can be anything from 50+ to light drifting so we have all the sails to handle this. Paul Larsen: I’m not anticipating fair winds. I’ve seen some very weird stuff happen in the Mediterranean that I’ve never seen anywhere else. The Rolex Middle Sea Race will also be yet another opportunity to challenge MusandamOman Sail and Phaedo 3. Do you expect another colossal battle between you three? Jeff Mearing: Yes, we love racing the MOD 70s. I know the guys on Phaedo 3 very well and I have sailed the MOD70 a lot myself, so it will be great to compete against them especially now we know our handicap on average is pretty fair. Paul Larsen: Obviously, we can only really expect a handicap victory and this will all depend on the weather. A very windy race will suit us fine as the other two have more horsepower and efficiency in light to moderate conditions. It takes a bit more for us to get up and into our efficient modes. Paradox is a heavier boat with a shorter rig but it’s a tough, well-sorted boat with the right gear on board. Moreover, it has a very experienced crew who can push hard. Once the others start reefing in, it becomes a leveller for us. We race to win from the very start, as Phaedo 3
learned to its peril when it made the mistake of trying to barge the start of the last Transatlantic Race. There were only two of us on the line but we left it luffed and sails flogging above the start line before a 2,800-mile race. It took them a while to work out what had just happened. We laughed about that all the way across. Peter Aschenbrenner has put a lot of energy into this boat. We have all done a lot of racing miles on Paradox and are very fond of the programme, which involves high speed cruising and the ability to mix it up with the fastest boats in the world. We have also done a lot of delivery and cruising miles on Paradox and that has turned it into a home for all of us – with that comes another level of bonding.
You have already beaten Musandam-Oman Sail and Phaedo 3 at the Rolex Fastnet Race. Do you think you will repeat this feat at the Rolex Middle Sea Race? Jeff Mearing: Fingers crossed for strong winds when we can hold more sail on the smaller rig and the MOD 70s have that unused 10m of mast and two reefs. Paul Larsen: We will do our best. We have seen the handicap favour both them and us in different conditions. I think they now know that Paradox will be well sailed and is sailing to win. If they beat us on handicap then it’s a fair win. Are you in a position to break the Rolex Middle Sea Race record? Jeff Mearing: In the strong stuff for sure. Paul Larsen: I think we could beat the existing record but obviously the two MOD 70s will be well ahead of us. Following the Rolex Middle Sea Race, what will be your next challenge? Jeff Mearing: I will be racing the Carib600. Paul Larsen: I’m actually part of another MOD 70 programme with Team Concise in the UK. We’re planning to lock horns with Phaedo 3 across the Atlantic in November. I also have a lot of racing coming up this winter.
Skipper / Issue 10 - 33
COURSE
A Classic COURSE
Record fleet docked at the Royal Malta Yacht Club for the 2014 edition by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
With a spectacular start at Malta’s Grand Harbour, the drama of the Strait of Messina and Stromboli’s active volcano as a course mark, no wonder the Rolex Middle Sea Race is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world.
N
ew competitors arrive, teams are formed, records are broken and the weather is always the great unknown. Yet one thing is a constant at the Rolex Middle Sea Race: the beautiful course. The RMSR covers one of the most thrilling courses in the world of offshore racing. Just consider that the 607-nautical mile route includes the historic Grand Harbour in Valletta, the blue waters of Sicily, the challenging Strait
34 - Skipper / Issue 10
Esimit Europa 2 leaves Grand Harbour to start the hunt for its fourth line honours victory. by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo. RSMR 2014
of Messina, the picturesque islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, and Stromboli’s active volcano. Sailed anti-clockwise, teams start off from the Grand Harbour to the sound of the
cannons reverberating against the capital’s bastions. Then the boats head north along the eastern coast of Sicily towards the Strait of Messina. At night, the fiery Mount Etna is usually visible.
Full pace sailing for Monster Project. by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo. RSMR 2014.
Full speed for Kuka-Light approaching Malta by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo. RSMR 2014
Once through the Strait of Messina, the boats take a northern direction towards to Aeolian Islands and Stromboli, where they turn west to the Egadi Islands. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana, the course then heads south towards Lampedusa and then northeast for the final leg towards the South Comino Channel and the finish at Marsamxett Harbour. The drama of the RMSR is perfectly offset against a diverse landscape and sea conditions, which combine to create a classic and challenging offshore race.
A light southerly breeze made it for a challenging start.
by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo. RSMR 2014
“Teams start off from the Grand Harbour to the sound of the cannons reverberating against the capital’s bastions.”
Skipper / Issue 10 - 35
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36 - Skipper / Issue 10
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Skipper / Issue 10 - 37
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RULES
MAKING THE RIGHT
DECISIONS Knowing the rules is not enough. To be a good judge, you also need a passion for sailing, international judge Peter Valentino says. What first inspired your interest in the rules book? Like all other sailors, I was introduced to the book after I was already sailing. And’s that good because our rules book is so complex that it’s enough to put people off sailing. The inspiration started when after a race, aged about nine, I asked my father a question about a particular situation. I remember that he sent me to John Ripard who was then our rules expert. Ripard was on board Santa Maura, berthed two boats away from ours. I asked him to explain the rule and his answer came in part in the form of a question. He asked if I had a rules book and suggested I ought to read it. Some help, I thought. However, Ripard was right and that is where it all began. Ripard then explained to me how a radar worked. I had never seen one before. Later on, I would always enjoy discussing situations and sitting on protest committees, most often with Jovin Rausi and Benny Grech. At a later stage, Anthony Debono organised the Malta One Metre Radio Controlled Sailing World Championships. Ripard, who was chairing that international jury, invited me to join. I was lucky because the vice chair was Mary Pera, who was without doubt the best judge in the world – in fact, her wisdom is still referred to today. She had written books, chaired several events, and had the great virtue of knowing how to explain any rule to anyone. She passed away within a few months but getting to know her and understanding her passion for officiating really inspired me. She and Ripard were my mentors. Apart from a sound knowledge of the rules, what makes a good judge? Judges travel around the globe and at any one event we can end up with anything between five to 65 nationalities, different cultures
and different capabilities of understanding. Understanding different languages and cultures helps in being a good judge. Being in a jury room can make sailors uncomfortable. My first job at every event is to meet as many sailors as I can so at least the first introduction would have been made outside the jury room. Protests can be interesting, but most often they can be very unnecessary. Besides the actual knowledge of the rules and the experience that comes with time, it’s also important to be straightforward. You have to be super parties to all entities and you have to be able to ask the right questions, no matter how hard that can be and immaterial to who is in front of you. Also, while confidence is good, over confidence and hard headedness can be disastrous. Is it also important for a judge to have racing experience? I believe that to judge or officiate in any capacity in our sport, you have to be a good sailor. You need to approach the jury office with a good knowledge of what it could be like afloat, how boats manoeuvre, what it takes for them to complete a tack or gybe, how easy it is to establish or create an overlap or lose it. You really have to feel what it’s like. A non-sailor judge can get to a point where they can have a sound knowledge of the rules, and may even know the intricacies of the rules themselves, but they can never have the passion for what they are doing or listening to. There are moments, for instance where judges expect sailors to know the length of time a particular move took and I find that, in a slight criticism of my fellow judges, to be a question sailors can hardly answer. A sailor will give you an idea of space and room but hardly ever of time. I find it to be a useless question.
Peter Valentino
The passion for sport and understanding the character of the sport through practising it is indeed a necessity more than an asset. The rules for most events are the same. However, does your approach differ when judging different events? Certainly the approach differs. Our sport comes with the complexity of 90 rules, interpretations, regulations, class association rules and indeed more documents. You can’t expect any sailor to be comprehensive with all these and it’s not reasonably possible. Nevertheless, an Olympic Sailor and professional sailors can discuss a rule and challenge anyone but yes, a good judge would exercise patience. Also, of course, we have to adjust to the event and we have to be open-minded.
Skipper / Issue 10 - 39
RULES
What preparation do you carry out before judging an event? I prepare for an event in the same way, whether I’m chairing or not. I read through the rules, interpretations and definitions and I look at videos on Youtube of the boats sailing to be better prepared as to how certain classes sail. The sport afloat develops at a fast pace and we are duty bound to follow up and avoid surprises. I also look at the weather pattern prior to the event and at what the venue is like. I also go through the documents prepared by the organising authority thoroughly. At times, judges also exchange a vast amount of e-mails prior to the event. We decide on what tasks we’re going to have and discuss any anomalies beforehand. Are decisions taken in the jury room always collegiate? Jury decisions are always collegiate. There are times when one judge disagrees with the other four but I can only recall one instance when a judge wanted to declare that he was against the decision we took. The funny thing is that within 24 hours he changed his mind. If the procedure is followed, the hearing is
by Andrea Carloni
well chaired, and the right questions are asked, then finding the correct facts becomes easier. Reaching a conclusion from the facts and applying the necessary penalty, if at all, is the result of well-written facts. What will be your role at this year’s edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race? This year, I will be the chairman of the international jury. I will be joined by Willii Gohl from Germany, Giovanni Ianucci from Italy, Mike Urwin and David Brunskill from the UK and Jovin
Rausi from Malta. I’m convinced that we’re a good team and very soon we’ll start preparing for this event which has now grown and fast become among the strongest and best long distance events. All of us have different strong points. It’s a pleasure and a privilege and my task is to ensure that we serve the sport and the sailors well and that the decisions we take are in line and true to our rules. Our task is to ensure that we work hand in hand with the race committee and give our guidance when and as necessary, actively or proactively.
FACEBOOK: International Marine Centre Ltd. - Est. 1958
CHERISHING A 57-YEAR-OLD REPUTABLE TRACK RECORD! 40 - Skipper / Issue 10
“If the procedure is followed, the hearing is well chaired, and the right questions are asked, then finding the correct facts becomes easier.” Has technology made judging more efficient and easier to find facts? Technology has helped the development of our sport. Maybe the most effective investment in the race has been the introduction of on board trackers. We get so much information from an object the size of a packet of sweets. We can follow the boats virtually, we can know their speed, direction and course sailed. People who are not into our sport often ask how we can be so sure that all boats sailed the course and rounded all the islands. We have this information and more through the tracking device. Moreover, this information is available online in real time, so anyone from anywhere can follow.
ELY_Impression35_2015_185x130.indd 2
On the sailing side of things, I have seen software that downloads information from trackers and translates every tack into time: time lost while tacking, the slowing down during the tack itself, the time it took for the boat to reach optimum speed and moreover if it was worth taking the tack or not. As judges, we can also use the tracking system to detect if boats would have come close together in case when we sense that the protestor could have possibly protested the wrong boat in a case of misidentification. Are the start and finish the trickiest part of any race, including the RMSR? Races have been won or lost by seconds and at times you can really put it down to a clumsy or ill-timed start. The start in a long distance is so important and you really need to push the boat and get the best out of the crew in the first 24 hours, especially in tough conditions. You need to get that lead rather than follow. The finish is a result of what happens after the start and during the race. The boat that wins is the one that took the right decisions, performed the best tacks and gybes, kept moving and committed the least number of errors.
The start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is fantastic, with a starting line below the largest collection of bastion walls in Europe and a harbour with such a great history that spans over thousands of years. We usually have a turning point just north of St George’s Bay – I would like to see that turning point change into boats rounding a mark set off Qala point in Gozo. There are a number of reasons for this but it will mainly add to the spectacle along the coast and the race will feature Gozo not just at the finish but also at the start. As for the finish, I’m not too keen on boats rounding the fairway mark prior of their last leg to the finish. For sailors, this is a source of frustration and annoyance. Maybe it will be changed – the sailing instructions will reveal it all. On a final note, I would like to thank Rolex SA, Edwards Lowell Co. Ltd. in Malta who have always believed in this race, the Royal Malta Yacht Club for organising this most challenging race, the race officials who fly from all over the world to help with their knowledge and fair reasoning, the enthusiastic volunteers, the media who give us visibility, and of course, my fellow sailors and boat owners who sail to this furthest Southern European destination to compete in this race. I wish you all fair winds and may you all enjoy the race.
07/08/15 12.47
Skipper / Issue 10 - 41
REVIEW
SAILING TAKES A NEW ROUTE The Grand Soleil LC46 offers the best of Italian made quality and beauty.
T
he new range Long Cruise was born from the timeless style of Grand Soleil performance line, this time optimised for blue water sailing. Design, comfort and made in Italy quality which characterised Grand Soleil DNA at are the heart of this new 46 Long Cruise, embellished by Nauta Design.
INNOVATION One of the main differences between the Long Cruise and the Performance ranges is the hull shape designed by Marco Lostuzzi. The LC range, with its deeper and larger sections, provides a greater luxurious accommodation and exterior comfort when sailing or living onboard, always keeping a high performance standard.
SAFETY The greater hull volume allows the provision of bigger fresh water and fuel tanks, battery bank and other heavy equipment, mounted lower and in the centre of the boat. This lowers the centre of gravity which together with a wellproportioned sail plan, optimises the stability and safety when sailing. All the bulkheads are laminated to the hull in order to have a stronger structure and thus more safety at sea.
SPACE All the manoeuvres can be made by the helmsman in order to have easy and safe handling when sailing single-handed, having a reduced crew, or inexperienced guests onboard, and especially when sailing long distance. The manner in which all control lines are led below deck to the helm station provides a string free cockpit with plenty of space for family members to relax in an obstacle free environment.
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STYLE Attention to detail is one of the distinctive features of the new 46 LC: starting from the choice of teak or oak wood through to the finest fabrics, all the finishing details are designed to offer the best of Italian made quality and beauty.
The first example of the Grand Soleil LC46 has already arrived in Malta and is possible to view and test sail. For more information contact Yachting Partners Malta Ltd on 2125 2727 or visit www.yachtingpartners.com.mt
REVIEW
A GREAT INTRODUCTION The open first trials of the Princess S65 and V58 have already given indications of good speed and range as well as outstanding seakeeping and handling.
Princess V58
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or its open first trials, the Princess S65 was fitted with MAN V12 1400 engines and with 50 per cent fuel and water. In these conditions, it achieved a maximum speed of 37.5 knots. During the trials, sea conditions were moderate with a wave height of around one metre. The boat felt exceptionally stable and handled extremely well. With zero trim tab applied the bow angle in the 15 to 35 knot speed range was around 4° and a small amount of tab reduced this to around 3.5° and gave a very smooth ride into head seas. In a following sea, the boat tracked straight and true with no tendency to wander and was easy to control. At speed, the S65 handled like a sports boat with a tight turning circle and was smooth and quiet throughout.
Princess S65
Fuel consumption figures showed a range of around 600nm at 9-10 knots, 350nm at 22 knots, 300nm at 30 knots and 250nm at 37.5 knots. These figures allow for a 15 per cent reserve. Of course these are very early trials and this information should be considered only as a guide. Nevertheless, as with the Princess 68, the S65 shows that it has a highly efficient hull with good speed and range figures as well as outstanding seakeeping and handling. Princess also ran the V58 briefly with two Volvo D13-900 (2 x 900mhp) and achieved 36 knots with 100 per cent fuel and water. Again the boat ran and handled extremely well – this was very much as anticipated as this boat is a development of an existing hull. Weather
conditions were rough so, in calmer seas, we would anticipate a slightly higher maximum speed – but it is clear that with the Volvo 900’s cruising speeds up to around 31 to 32 knots are quite practical. The charcoal finish to the deck upperworks combined with the knife window gives the V58 a truly dynamic look and this applies to both open and deck saloon versions.
For more information contact North Star Marine Limited on: Tel: 2133 3590 or email prince3@go.net.mt
Skipper / Issue 10 - 43
CAN113 GHM A5L_133x190 advert_V1.indd 1
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06/12/2012 19:39
REVIEW
ELEGANCE ON WATER
The Elan Power 30 offers excellent seaworthiness in comfort and style.
F
ollowing the style of its predecessors Elan Power 35, 42 and 48, once again Tony Castro has managed to design a hard top family sports cruiser of recognisable breathtaking sports lines: the Elan Power 30. Just under 10 metres in length and with a generous beam, Elan Power 30 offers a large cockpit with galley, equipped with a variety of options: gas or electric cooker, and/or grill plus an 80-litre fridge.
One of the most prominent features of the deck design is a navigatorium, positioned on the starboard side of the helmsman position, just where it should be. No other motor yacht in its class can offer such abundant space for what every captain cherishes most: charts.
A comfortable settee of modern design and highquality materials accommodates up to six adults. With a foldable table and an extra cushion, the sofas are convertible into a huge sun bed.
The hull of the Elan Power 30 is balanced to provide both excellent seaworthiness and enough volume to host interior spaces. Among a variety of engine options, the Volvo Penta twin D3-220
HP configuration tested on the prototype gave the output of maximum speed of 37 knots. Thanks to the technology of laminating joints, predominantly between elements positioned within the hull, as well as the joint of hull and deck, this boat is compact enough to endure extreme weather conditions intact. Below deck, the Elan Power 30 features standing height throughout. The interior of the Elan Power 30 is not only equipped with modern furniture made of FineLine Oak matt wood, but is also very practical. The galley is divided into two working surfaces, which allows a lot of motion while preparing meals. Comfort and spaciousness are intensified by two saloon ceiling openings, allowing a lot of natural daylight to enter the saloon. Two very spacious cabins, both with double berths, can accommodate a family of four or two couples, providing them with all the discretion and comfort they need. Wardrobes and hanging cabinets of the front cabin are suitable for storage of all kinds of owner’s personal belongings. Another luxury feature is the head approachable from both master cabin and saloon. No other hardtop yacht of this size can offer such a unique layout.
THE MAGIC OF SAILING
Discover the joys of sailing on board the Impression 35.
T
he Impression 35 is designed for families who are discovering the magic of sailing. The Impression 35 is ideal for families who demand a safe and forgiving yacht which allows them to steer it easily and safely through their voyage of learning about the joys of yachting. The Impression 35 benefits from the same features that set her bigger siblings apart from others, taking huge advantage of her raised deck saloon, filled with natural light, making it the most spacious yacht in her class.
closing the cockpit fully during sailing. As on all Impression Yachts the deck equipment is of the highest standard and is placed for optimum use of short-handed sailing. Relax and enjoy cruising with confidence on the Impression 35.
With its open cockpit, the Impression 35 welcomes you with twin wheels giving quick and easy access from the swim platform to the companionway thus allowing the crew unimpeded access from the cabin to the water or a jetty. The stern platform is offered in two sizes with the larger platform
With its three cabin interior layout, the Impression 35 accommodates up to nine persons easily with the help of its innovative flip-up chart table and the full-length saloon seating. The open cockpit welcomes you with twin wheels giving quick access from the swim platform to the
companionway and allowing for the crew always to be in touch with the water. The platform comes in two sizes with the larger platform closing the cockpit fully during sailing.
For more information contact M&NA Trading Co Ltd. on: Tel: 2143 5783 | Mob: 7949 2638 | E-mail: info@mnamarine.com Skipper / Issue 10 - 45
RACES
GOING BIG
The J/105 fleet downwind.
Once again, the Rolex Big Boat Series confirms its standing as one of the most important sailing events in the US. by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
46 - Skipper / Issue 10
I
t’s an amazing visual: the 70-foot trimaran Orion cutting through the water with its windward hull high in the air, three sailors perched on top of it, looking like tiny toy soldiers dressed in white with black helmets to match the colossal multihull’s paint job. Then comes the bold-red Golden Gate Bridge into the scene, a certified wonder of the modern world with suspension towers almost eight times the height of Orion’s 30-metre mast. The bridge spans a mile-wide straight, which is boiling with ripping
current that Orion must negotiate on its way to a race mark set outside of San Francisco Bay, a 60-mile-long, 12-mile-wide estuary that is the primary stage for the Rolex Big Boat Series. For over 50 years, the Rolex Big Boat Series has been the pinnacle event in west coast sailing, and this year is no different, with nearly 90 boats vying for victory in 11 classes (Orion’s Multihull Class included) and six of those (ORR A, ORR B, HPR, J/111, J/120 and J/105) looking to also take home St Francis Yacht Club Perpetual Trophies
Donald Olgado’s J/105 Aquavit.
Rock & Roll followed by Hamachi.
obstacles that we have to avoid. That’s the challenge, but it’s also the fun.” While the speed and prowess of the multihulls are spiking the blood pressure of those sailing them as well as those watching, heart-pounding battles are playing out in other classes as well. Take the bout between the 54-foot Swiftsure and the 46-foot Boomerang, currently at the top of the scoreboard in ORR B. accompanied by the sport’s most prestigious awards: specially engraved Rolex timepieces. “Because we’re so fast and so big, the consequences are that we require a lot of forethought to plan our manoeuvres well ahead of time,” said Orion’s tactician Charlie Ogletree, who was the USA’s 2004 Olympic silver medallist in the Tornado multihull class. “We go three to four times the speed of the other boats in other classes, so they become
“Usually we’re not very good in light air, but we’ve been getting better and better,” said Swiftsure’s helmsman Steve Taft. “What we’ve been doing is trading races with Boomerang every day. They win the morning races (lighter air) and we win the afternoon races (heavier air).” Taft, 68, has competed in the Rolex Big Boat Series 41 times and is one of the many here who cherish the opportunity to return to the regatta every year.
Tom Siebel’s MOD70 multihull Orion.
“It’s a really classic regatta,” he said. “Your friends come in from out of town, so it’s a chance to get together with them and sail against each other. When we were younger, everyone was trying to go out and beat everybody else and now, for me and some of the other guys who have been out there a long, long time, it’s just fun to compete and have a good time.” The St Francis Yacht Club was founded in 1927 and has been host to many of the most prestigious national and international championships in sailing. With over 40 regattas on its calendar annually, the club is widely regarded as having one of the top racing and race management programs in the country. In 1964, the St Francis Yacht Club’s Big Boat Series was established to take place annually on San Francisco Bay. In 2005, Rolex Watch USA became the regatta’s title sponsor (after three years as presenting sponsor), and since then, the Rolex Big Boat Series has established itself as one of the most important sailing events in the US.
Skipper / Issue 10 - 47
FASHION
THE GREAT RACE Look good when you cross the finish line with Skipper’s classic wardrobe.
Be the bomb This bomber jacket by Thom Browne is the ultimate in preppy style. Expertly crafted in the US with leather sleeves and ribbed cashmere trims, it’s finished with nautical-inspired gold buttons. Fully lined for maximum warmth.
Your suede shoes Inspired by Native American colours, the Yuketen three-tone suede boat shoes are finished by hand and add plenty of cool to your outfit.
Cash on the cashmere Crafted in England from soft merino wool and cashmere-blend, this ribbed-knit cardigan by John Smedley gives you a distinguished look. The suede elbow patches are an ode to heritage.
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Keep your hat on Understated in design, this ribbed wool beanie by Acne Studios will keep your head warm on those blustery days.
Happy feet Expertly knitted from a breathable mohair-blend, these socks by Marwood have been hand-dyed in subtle turquoise hues.
Hands up These Lanvin gloves are constructed with soft, checked wool on top and supple leather on the underside. Luxurious yet practical.
Sneaky Visvim’s Logan suede sneakers are made from premium materials and in a limited number – rarity and value are the essence of this Japanese brand, which also celebrates craft by proposing hand-stitched back panels.
For cold days This wool and cashmere-blend bomber jacket by Tim Coppens comes with a detachable reversible navy or olive-hued gilet. Wear it intact on cold days and as separates when the winter sun comes out.
In contrast Subtly subversive, this McQ Alexander McQueen shirt contrasts a solid-tone back with a plaid pattern. Made from cotton that has been brushed for that soft, comfortable feel.
In the army Resplendent with military detailing, this slim-fit Balmain jacket is embellished with an embroidered lion and crest-shaped buttons.
Everyday essential Brunello Cucinelli’s cotton-pique polo shirt is refined yet relaxed. Made in Italy from soft cotton-pique, this polo is dyed in an indigo shade.
In the genes Woven on narrow looms, Selvedge denim is renowned for its durable self-sealed edge. These slim-fitting jeans come in a light wash and whiskering for a laid-back take.
Skipper / Issue 10 - 49
GADGETS
A WALK ON THE WIRED SIDE It’s time for technology fun with Skipper.
AN ICON ON YOUR WRIST Hublot and the Watch Gallery have collaborated to launch a limited edition timepiece. The Classic Fusion Chronograph Aerofusion is equipped with the brand’s iconic HUB1155 movement, is limited to just 25 pieces worldwide and is exclusively available throughout The Watch Gallery’s Hublot outlets.
WHEEL GOOD The Ridley X-Ride combines high-end race handling and performance. The tubing of the X-Ride is 7005 aluminium with a triple butted profile – this allows for thicker tubing at junctures while maintaining thinner walls in the middle. The geometry of the X-Ride features higher bottom bracket for extra clearance and a relaxed head tube which allows for quick handling in corners.
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GREEN FINGERS Practical yet decorative, the V&A secateurs feature a distinctive floral design.
HOLE IN ONE The GolfBuddy BB5 is the first GPS golf band. The golf computer is loaded with metrics and maps of over 37,000 courses around the world and gives players GPS-derived distances to the front, centre and back of the green on an LED display. Also features time mode, play mode and a pedometer.
EAR TODAY
SAY CHEESE
The Noble Audio Kaiser custom-moulded in-ear monitors deliver a sumptuous sound. They can be personalised according to your ears as well as your style. The electronic components are moulded into the acrylic body with 10 drivers to handle different frequencies.
The camera on the iPhone 6 is a great offering. However, if you want to give it a further boost, the Manfrotto Klyp+ Deluxe is for you. This camera accessory kit includes a polycarbonate case with a small kickstand and a tripod adaptor, two high quality clip-on lenses and a continuous LED light for shooting stills and videos in dark conditions.
BEAUTIFUL MUSIC The Tivoli Music System Three+ is an elegant piece of music equipment that can stream music by Bluetooth from any phone or tablet. Looks small but it packs two high-quality speakers that produce a refined sound.
FROM DAWN TILL DUST The V6 Fluffy by Dyson is a ferocious mains-free vacuum. Designed specifically for hard floors, the V6 Fluffy gathers both big debris and fine dust with equal efficiency.
Skipper / Issue 10 - 51
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE Sunseeker Superhawk 40: €109,000, VAT paid. Engine: 2x Yanmar 420hp diesel. Features: 6-man liferaft, Alpine CD/radio, bimini top, bow thruster, cockpit cover, compass, 3x fire extinguisher, Raymarine Hybrid touch, teak cockpit, VHF and more. Boatcare Trading Ltd., T: 2138 8050, info@boatcarelimited.com, www.boatcarelimited.com.
Sail away with Skipper 's choice list.
Sunseeker Camargue 47. Asking price: €147,000, VAT paid. Engine: 2x Caterpillar 435hp. Features: bow thruster, air-conditioning, 8KW generator, teak platform/cockpit, tender garage, awnings, sun cushions, navigational instruments, sound system inside and outside, TV, outside fridge, sink, grill, microwave oven, tender with outboard and more. Boatcare Trading Ltd., T: 2138 8050, info@boatcarelimited.com, www.boatcarelimited.com.
• REFIT & REPAIR All types of yard work including engine & engine room equipment (MTU, DDC, Scania Distributors)
• PAINT FINISHING Experienced painting team (Awlgrip Distributors)
• BUNKERING • CHANDLERY DEPARTMENT Representatives of leading brands
Atlantis 39. Asking price: €150,000, VAT paid. Engine: 2 x Volvo Penta D4 260hp. Features: Mase 5kW Genset, water heater, bow thruster, hot/cold shower in transom, wet bar in cockpit, full awnings, cockpit grill and fridge, underwater lights, electric windlass, TV radio/CD, searchlight and more. Boatcare Trading Ltd., T: 2138 8050, info@boatcarelimited.com, www.boatcarelimited.com.
• PROVISION DEPARTMENT • AGENCY SERVICES & SHORE BASED MANAGEMENT for CAPTAINS & OWNERS • CHARTER & BROKERAGE DEPARTMENT • COMPANY & FLAG REGISTRATION
Melita Marine Group Ltd, 201, The Strand, Gzira, GZR 1023 - Malta. Tel: +356 2133 0964 / 82 (24hr): +356 9949 3706 Fax: +356 2131 4093 Email: info@melitamarinegroup.net www.melitamarinegroup.net
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Bayliner 285: €45,000, VAT paid. Engine: Mercruiser Magnum 350 V8. Features: 2x 16Amp shore power, navigational instruments, air-conditioning, microwave, dual voltage, refrigerator, electric stove, battery charger, hot water heater, transon and head shower, marine head with 20-gal holding tank and macerator, trim tabs, anchor and electric windlass, TV, DVD player and more. Boatcare Trading Ltd., T: 2138 8050, info@boatcarelimited.com, www.boatcarelimited.com.
Searay 255 Sundancer: €55,000, VAT paid. Engine: Mercruiser 350 Magnum MPIBravo III MCM 2.00 (300hp), only 40 hours of use. Features: bow thruster, bottom paint, swim platform with real teak, canvas package for bimini, camper canvas package without hardtop, 220V/50 cycles electrical system, battery on/off switch, CE approved fire suppression system – automatic, VHF DSC, trailer, petrol generator, Sony marine stereo, iPod and USB input and more. Boatcare Trading Ltd., T: 2138 8050, info@boatcarelimited.com, www.boatcarelimited.com.
Elan Power 35. Asking Price: €145,000, VAT paid. Engine: 2x Volvo Penta D4 225hp. Features: Raymarine instruments, electric bow thruster, Dynamica Mini60 8KVA generator, air-conditioning, electric toilet, 4-man liferaft, cockpit fridge, desk hot/cold shower on bathing platform, LED cockpit lighting, 2.5m tender with 3.5hp Mercury outboard, dash-mounted magnetic compass, Volvo engine oil pressure, voltage and more. Boatcare Trading Ltd., T: 2138 8050, info@boatcarelimited.com, www.boatcarelimited.com.
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
Skipper / Issue 10 - 53
DRINKS
LOVELY BUBBLY Skipper pops the cork and proposes a toast to the winner.
CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL
KIR ROYALE
You need
You need
1 cube white sugar
Champagne
2 dashes bitters
Crème de cassis
20ml cognac
Lemon twist
Champagne
Method Place the sugar cube on a spoon and add the bitters. Drop the soaked sugar cube into a chilled champagne flute and add the cognac. Top up with champagne.
Method Pour the champagne and crème de cassis into a champagne flute. Garnish with lemon twist and serve.
SICILIAN SUNSET
BELLINI
You need
You need
Ice cubes Champagne Lemon zest Orange juice Cranberry juice
Method Place the ice in a cocktail glass. Pour in the orange and cranberry juice and stir. Pour in the champagne and sprinkle with lemon zest to serve.
54 - Skipper / Issue 10 Skipper / Issue 10 - 54
2 ripe peaches, peeled, halved and stone removed Champagne
Method Blend the peaches until smooth. Spoon half of the peach puree into a chilled champagne flute and top up with champagne, stirring as you pour.
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56 - Skipper / Issue 10