Yachting Australia

Snow Family Sailing again on Brindabella

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Sailing Girls back from Japan

Sailing Girls Back from Japan Picture:AIS Squad members Jenny Armstong (AIS/NSWIS) and Belinda Stowell (AIS/WAIS) on the water in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Photograph:Victor Kovalenko

We finished 1st in the Women's Fleet, and …. second overall. It was a mixed fleet with 40 boats racing. The Japanese are light wind specialists, and it was really worthwhile competing against them in such conditions.

We were leading the regatta going into the last race and were beaten by our training partners! We have not been so close to beating Nathan and Malcolm in a very long time!

They are currently ranked number one in the world, which is great, but it would have been good to beat them just this once! They beat us by three points.

There was good depth in the fleet with seven winners from nine races. The winds were shifty and the courses quite tricky. Jenny and I had a wonderful day’s racing on the third day of the regatta where we sailed consistently well and finished no worse than 6th in all four races. Consistency has been a goal of ours, and it is good to get close to achieving it.

We are now off to a training camp in Canberra at the Australian Institute of Sport, before returning home to Sydney where we can get back onto the Harbour for some more sailing.

We return to Japan to compete in their National Championships in mid November. It is time to get out of the typhoon's pathway for a few days! Fair winds until our next wave of news.

Thanks to our supporters and sponsors:

Belle Property - Premium Property Specialists

Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club

LINE 7 and Musto

RONSTAN

Balgowlah Automotive

Driveaway Holidays

My bank: Westpac

Oakley

North Sails Japan

Yachting Australia with Schenker and P&O shipping

The governments: Australian Sports

Commission/AIS, WAIS, NSWIS

Sailing clubs: Royal Freshwater Bay YC and Middle Harbour YC

www.sailinggirls.com.au

Sailors With Disabilities Short Course Regatta 2003

Close finish in CanTeen Gosford to Lord Howe Race

Top Australian Sailor To Compete In Tough Trans-Atlantic Race

Australian NICK MOLONEY has carved out a name for himself not only at the top of the professional sport of sailing amongst the America’s Cup and crewed round the world races but also in the tough arena of short-handed sailing...

Last year in November, Moloney took on one of the toughest solo races on the calendar, the Route du Rhum from St Malo, France to Guadeloupe. It was a baptism of fire – storm force winds decsimated the fleet (out of X multihulls only X finished). Racing in the Open 50-foot monohull class, Moloney was hoping for a podium finish but he did better than that – he not only survived the severe gale force storms but won his class and set a new course record of 18 days, 16 hours, 23 minutes and 4 seconds beating the existing record set by famous round the world yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur.

Now on 1st November Nick will be racing across the Atlantic again...this time from Le Havre, France to Salvador da Bahia, Brazil in the two-handed Transat Jacques Vabre race. Moloney will be racing with his Offshore Challenges teammate, Samantha Davies from the UK, on board Ellen MacArthur’s ex-Open 60 now renamed ‘Team Cowes’. The pair will race out into the cold North Atlantic to cross 3,430 miles to Brazil . They will face tough competition but in the short-handed world of sailing no one under-estimates Moloney anymore...

Nick Moloney is Australia’s fastest man around the globe under sail – he was one of 13 crew (the only non-French crew) on board ‘Orange’ when they set a new non-stop round the world Jules Verne record of 64 days, 8 hours, 37 minutes and 24 seconds in May 2002 which is still unbroken.

Nick Moloney and Sam Davies are both part of Ellen MacArthur's talented Offshore Challenges Sailing Team – Moloney joined the team in 2001 and has raced with Ellen on board Kingfisher. Offshore Challenges are project managers for his new goal to race solo around the world in the 2004 Vendée Globe.

Nick Moloney CV:

NICK MOLONEY (AUS) : "THREE GOALS, TWO DOWN AND ONE TO GO..."

Nick Moloney set himself three goals early on his sailing career – to race round the world in the Whitbread Round the World Race (now the Volvo Ocean Race) which he did in 1997 on board Dennis Conner's Toshiba; to race non-stop around the world with a crew which he did on board the maxi-catarman Orange in Spring 2002 setting a new Jules Verne record of 64 days that still stands, smashing the existing record by a week. In doing so, he legitimately became the "fastest Australian around the globe"! Now his final goal to race non-stop around the world solo is on the horizon in the 2004 Vendée Globe. Moloney's "hat-trick" is well within his grasp. After his triumphant win in the Open 50 Class in the 2002 solo Route du Rhum setting a new course record, his build up to the Vendée Globe in 2004 is on track and competing in the two-handed Transat Jacques Vabre is another step in building the invaluable experience racing the Open 60 short-handed.

RACE PROFILE HIGHLIGHTS:

2002:

- Route du Rhum St Malo to Guadeloupe - line honours Open 50 Class 2 setting new course record 18d 16h 23m 4s previously held by Ellen MacArthur.

- Only non-French crewman on maxi-catamaran Orange setting new Jules Verne record of 64 days, 8 hours, 37 minutes and 24 seconds on 5.5.02.

2001:

- Crewman on Playstation broke Cowes-St Malo record 6h 21m 44s,

- 3rd place Transat Jacques Vabre Open 60 Kingfisher co-skipper Mark Turner.

- 1st place EDS Atlantic Challenge co-skipper Ellen MacArthur.

2000/2001:

- Sailmaker and helmsman on Steve Fossett's maxi-catamaran Playstation for three trans-Atlantic record attempts and The Race. Playstation retired from The Race with daggerboard damage.

2000:

- Returned to Australia and assisted 2.4mR squad (Paralympic single-handed class) towards Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. One of the 2.4mR sailors transferred to Sonar (three person class) class and won Paralympic gold.

1999:

- Mini Transat season on ex Le Poisson/Financial Dynamics purchased from Ellen MacArthur and renamed Wild Colonial Boy. Retired on first leg after yacht was rolled over in a storm, mast damaged and arm broken.

1998:

- First person to windsurf across the Bass Straits from Australia to Tasmania (December).

1997-1998:

- Helmsman, trimmer and sailmaker on the Whitbread Round the World Race (now Volvo Ocean Race) on Toshiba.

1996:

- Watch Captain on Ausmaid, overall winner Sydney to Hobart race.

- Crewman on the winning Kenwood Cup team, Hawaii.

1995 and 1996:

- Trimmer for Rod Davies and Gavin Brady on world match racing circuit.

1995:

- Crewman on winning Australian Southern Cross Cup team.

- America's Cup with John Bertrand's challenge OneAustralia as trimmer.

1992:

- America's Cup with Syd Fischer's Challenge Australia as trimmer until round robin three. Transferred to the Italian team Il Moro di Venezia (eventual winners of the Louis Vuitton Cup) as sailmaker.

PERSONAL PROFILE:

Born: 5 May 1968

Age: 35

Lives: Grew up Melbourne, Australia now divides time between Cowes, Isle of Wight and St Malo, Brittany

Family: parents Ray and Creina and sister Peta

Charity: Nick is official ambassador for the Sail4Cancer charity (also the official charity of Skandia Cowes Week and Skandia Geelong Week)

Nick Moloney was presented the 'Australian Sports Medal' by the Queen, in recognition of his contribution to the sport of sailing.

Visit www.nickmoloney.com  for further information

For further information, contact Lou Newlands or Isabel Genis at Offshore Challenges on lou@offshorechallenges.com  or isabel@offshorechallenges.com

2002 Winner Quest Seeks another Victory as Sailing Master Lines up for 25th Hobart Race

Peter Campbell – 0419 385 028 or email - peter_campbell@bigpond.com

Kemp Launches Media Campaign to Respect Officials in Sport

The Federal Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced a new media campaign for the Year of the Official, aimed at challenging the culture of abuse and harassment towards umpires, referees and judges.

The national media campaign for Year of the Official is promoting the key message: Time to respect the official, sport.

Speaking in Melbourne at today’s media launch at the beginning of the summer sports season, Senator Kemp said the Australian Sports Commission’s media campaign highlighted the need for change in community attitudes and behaviour towards sports officials.

‘Time to respect the official, sport sums it up,’ Senator Kemp said. ‘The entire sporting community needs to take action to stamp out abuse and drive a change in attitudes and culture.

‘Abuse is a major reason for a decline in the numbers of officials. This campaign is a reminder for the sports community to recognise and respect the vital role officials play in ensuring sport is played fairly, by the rules and in a fun, safe environment—from the grassroots to the elite level.’

The media campaign involves 30-second community service announcements for television and radio, print advertisements, plus posters and other promotional material addressing entrenched community attitudes.

The Australian Sports Commission is also conducting an education campaign through Administrator Education Workshops around the country to improve the competencies of officials at all levels and is working with sporting organisations to help improve the behaviour and attitudes of participants, and enhance the competencies, education and skills of officials.

Senator Kemp also announced a National Officiating Scholarship Program. The Program will be managed by the ASC and will provide training and development of officials and will be a companion program to the highly successful National Coaching Scholarship Program.

Time to respect the official, sport is part of a wider, ongoing Year of the Official campaign that AFL and Cricket have already actively embraced through the Whistling in Harmony and Spirit of the Game initiatives.

A key objective of the Year of the Official is to attract, develop and retain officials in Australian sport. For more information, visit www.ausport.gov.au/yearoftheofficial.

Media contact: Richard Wise Minister’s Office 03 9650 7274 or 0438 204 554

Australian Yachtswoman To Be Navigator For Assault On The Jules Verne Trophy

For more information, to arrange an interview, or for photographs of Adrienne Cahalan please contact Rob Mundle at Rob Mundle Promotions on + 61 2 9997 1126. Email Rob.Mundle@bigpond.com.au

New Workshops - Australian Sports Commission's Disability Education Program

Other Links
	More information

Sydney 32 Numbers Growing Rapidly

Sailors and interested parties alike are invited by the new Sydney 32 owners at RPAYC and Cronulla Sailing Club to come down and view their  new Sydney 32’s and meet the new owners.

With 17 Sydney 32’s now on the water or on order, the Class is offering sailors, an opportunity to enjoy great racing and a lot of social cruising and class fun. Twilight sailing, club and regatta racing as well as cruising events are all planned for the building fleets in this rapidly growing class.

The last two months has seen a run of 32’s launched and they've been producing big smiles from the new owners. David Bonallo’s new Rollercoaster started life with an impressive IRC win at RPAYC just hours old and the most recent addition to the fleet is Chris Bran’s new Sydney 32 which will sail at Sydney Harbour and Cronulla.

Chris, previously from J24’s sees the Sydney 32 as an exciting step up and a boat that will offer a lot of options and go in the many directions his sailing may lead him.

With a teenage family Chris is keen to cruise and sail the boats with his daughters and wife and on Saturdays will develop into club racing.

’I have had calls from crew I have not heard from in 10 years’ joked Chris as the interest the Sydney 32 is making with his peers and friends. It looks like there will be shortage of crew when I get to the club’

Chris is looking forward to the summer ahead and also developing his skills at the One Design events that will see many newer owners enjoying friendly competition with other owners of similar skill and crews. Chris’ new boat will be christened after racing on Saturday at Cronulla.

For more news on the Sydney 32 Class Association go to - www.sail-world.com/sydney32

Rob Kothe Sydney 32 Class Secretary 02 49772116

Tasaki Osaka Cup 2003 Official Book Released

The Melbourne/Osaka Double Hand Yacht Race, first held in 1987 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the opening of the Port of Osaka, was held for a fifth time in 2003.

16 teams completed the course including 3 teams from Japan. Many people tracked the race through the official website and now we have a more detailed account of the race with the release of the Official Book.

The 128 page, full color book consists of over 300 photos and comprises profiles of all boats, race details, photos taken by competitors themselves during the race, people behind the scene, information and profiles on the Osaka and Melbourne cities and full archives of this great event.

The book is available for net 1,905yen (w/o tax, postage).

To order your copy please contact by e-mail;
E-mail gold@oppa.or.jp
Tel: +81 6-6615-7600
Port of Osaka Promotion Association

Sydney Hobart Race Oldtimers Among Gaffers Day Winners on the Harbour

Rob Skinner on Weapon wins the Corinthian Doors, Farr 40 Port Stephens Regatta

Racing on the last day of the Corinthian Doors Farr 40 regatta saw two new race winners, with Steve Ellis on Buon Giorno, and Steve O'Rourke on Panther taking the gun's in races eight and nine of the series.

A building nor' east breeze of 10 knots saw the fleet racing on the inshore course at Port Stephens. Buon Giorno charged over the start in race eight and was placed well to lead the fleet around the three-lap course.  During the race, Dennis McDonald on One Step Ahead had a bad spinnaker hoist, which saw the crew have to send the bowman Mitch White, up the rig to untangle the sail from the spreaders and rehoist it.  Panther had a headsail come out of the forestay and wrap around the spreaders, which required them to drop the sail and rehoist, which allowed the fleet to get away from them. 

A building breeze in race nine saw the left side of the first work paying for Marcus Blackmore on Emotional Hooligan, Panther and One Step Ahead having these three boats rounding the mark in the top three spots.  A number of boats had to do penalty turns in this race, after hitting marks at the rounding's, which cost spots in the fleet.  Panther, maintained a consistent second place during the race, to then move into first at the last mark rounding and managed to hold out Richard Perini on Corinthian Doors over the finish line. 

After leading the series since day one, Kokomo, being steered by Matt Allen at his first Farr 40 regatta as helmsman, finished fifth and ninth in today's races to put them in third overall on a count back.  

The next regatta in the Farr 40 class Australian calendar is the Inner Circle Rum regatta, at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater on November 1-2, followed by the Rhodes Waterside Regatta at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Sydney on November 14-16.

Final results:

1. Weapon (R.Skinner - CYCA) 2,7,3,5,3,2,3,4,3   32

2. Emotional Hooligan (M.Blackmore - RPAYC) 4,5,1,10,2,1,1,3,7  34

3. Kokomo (M.Allen - CYCA) 1,2,4,2,1,6,4,5,9  34

4^.  Corinthian Doors (R.Perini - RSYS) 3,8,6,1,5,5,2,2,2   34

5. Buon Giorno (S.Ellis - RPAYC) 6,3,5,3,4,4,7,1,4  37

6. One Step Ahead (D.McDonald - CYCA) 5,1,7,6,6,8,9,7,5   54

7. Rapscallion (D.Voorderhake - CYCA) 9,8,2,4,7,7,5,6,6    54

8^.  Panther (S.O'Rourke - CYCA) 7,9,8,8,9,3,8,9,1   62

9^.  Leroy Brown (W.Wieckmann - RPAYC) 8,6,9,7,8,9,6,8,8   69

Media Contact: Sam Crichton ph 0407 63 64 16 or email samcrichton@smartchat.net.au

Disabled Sailing Forum - Available Via ISAF Sailor

The discussion on the Disabled Sailing Forum is hotting up, with the current favourite topics being severely disabled sailors, two divisions for the 2.4mR, a new Paralympic event and much more.

Launched only a few weeks ago on ISAF Sailor, the Disabled Sailing Forum has provided a much need public arena in which to debate the many topics within disabled sailing. With more than 150 postings and 1500 views, there are many users actively in on the debate with a healthy number following.

Whilst the topics currently under debate are as follows, you are welcome to start a discussion on any other topic or indeed address a question on a particular issue:

- Severely Disabled Sailors
- Two divisions for the 2.4mR
- The Solo Experience
- Levelling up and down
- New boat
- 2004 IFDS Two-Person Keelboat World Championship
- Priorities
- High versus Low Quads
- Rating Disabilities (should we)
- Women in Disabled Sailing
- Credentialling

The Disabled Sailing Forum can be accessed via ISAF Sailor. If you are already registered to ISAF Sailor, then proceed to “Sailors’ Forums” in the left hand menu. If not registered, then complete the simple online registration via the “New Sailor Registration” link in the left-hand menu. Want to receive the latest news on disabled sailing direct via email, then register to receive the bi-monthly IFDS Bulletin via the "Email Services" link in the left-hand menu.

Tony Mooney Awarded Sport Industry Australia Award

Tony Mooney at his retirement party last year

Congratulation to Tony Mooney who was awarded a Sport Industry Australia (SIA) Award of Distinction for his on-going services to yachting.

The award was announced on the 14^th October at SIA’s AGM at the National Conference Centre in Canberra. Tony's exceptional contribution to yachting, both on the national and international scene, made him a worthy recipient for this award.

In the 34 years since he first began work with the Yachting Association of New South Wales he has strongly and competently influenced yachting's direction, levels of safety and regulatory abilities. His contributions to international committees and events have extended this positive influence and impact across the world, and continue to earn him respect.

Tony exhibits all the characteristics of a successful sport administrator. He provides a practical and knowledgeable background to his competency as a giver of advice. He continually improves his professional knowledge of all aspects of yachting through his growth to international official, and his technical knowledge of the construction, safety and regulatory aspects. He has a very sound ability to impart these to all levels of sailors and administrators with equanimity and professional authority.

Tony Mooney has rendered exceptional service to yachting over a period of many years. He continues to serve the yachting community as a senior member of several important national and international committees.

Admired Western Australian Sailor Glenn Tucker Passes Away

The Australian sailing community has suffered a tragic loss in the recent passing of well-known Western Australian sailor, Glenn Tucker.  Glenn, was greatly admired both within his local, and national sailing communities.  Known for his passion for sailing, Glenn raced in the Etchells, Dragon, Star, Soling and Foundation classes and most recently joined the Farr 40 class with his boat, R 40.  Glenn was National Champion in the Etchells class in 1998 and the Dragon class in 2000.  He regularly raced his Etchells and Foundation 36 boats on the Swan River, out of Royal Perth Yacht Club.

Tec +, Glenn's company in Western Australia, will continue be administered by the four capable directors.  His wife Judy, son Glenn jnr and daughter Holly, along with his staff and sailing colleagues, will deeply miss their partner and friend. 

For more information contact: Adrian Finglas, HR dept. Tec + ph 0413 376 114

Big Fleet to Race for Historic Gascoigne Cup

New Zealand Entry Signals Start Of Antarctica Cup

Antarctica Cup race organisers are pleased to announce confirmation of the New Zealand entry for the race to be held in 2005. 

The New Zealand national team includes many of the world’s foremost experienced ocean racers and will take up the exclusive Country Franchise Owner rights allocated to New Zealand for the race. 

Core team members include Stu Bannatyne (Illbrook - Watch Captain), Steve Cotton (News Corp - Watch Captain), Carl Whiting (Team New Zealand), Ray Davies (Illbrook), David Endean (Tyco), Rodney Keenan (SEB), David Munday (Dolphin & Youth), Ian Darby (Morning Glory, Merit Cup), Jamie Gale (Illbruck and Oracle Racing) as the team consultant and Nick Crabtree (NZL 20) as the team manager.  

From team spokesman Nick Crabtree -"We are very impressed with the Antarctica Cup event format and the future it provides for international yachting and sailors alike.  The event business model finally gives true value for money.  It provides us the tools to help build a long term relationship with our sponsors as well as a real career opportunity for ourselves as professional sailors and shore based managers.  We really like the nation versus nation format.  There are very few events worldwide that enable a country to showcase its national talent exclusively in the one boat on the world stage. We are proud to be representing New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in the upcoming event." 

From Bob Williams, Chairman Antarctica Cup - "We now have our team from Australia and a very strong team from New Zealand.  We have a race!  We are right behind both teams to get them to the start line of our 100 day Antarctica Cup race regatta commencing in January 2005. The challenge now rests with teams from the northern hemisphere to compete in this great event." 

For more information on the New Zealand team contact Nick Crabtree on cell phone + 64 25 511 277, office + 64 578 3411 and email npcrabtree@xtra.co.nz

www.antarcticacup.com

rwilliams@antarcticacup.com 

Sailing Awarded Coaching Scholarship For 2004

Youth Team with Coaches Arthur Brett and Marty Watson

Yachting Australia has been awarded one of the scholarships on offer under the National Coaching Scholarship Program (NCSP). The scholarship has been awarded to Arthur Brett from Victoria.

Arthur has already contributed greatly to the sport both as a coach and a competitor. This scholarship will allow Brett to further his coaching skills and experience.

Most recently, Arthur was a member of the coaching staff for the victorious Australian Youth team at this year''s ISAF Youth World Sailing Championships in Madeira, Portugal.

As a competitor Arthur was a multiple world champion in the Contender class.

Arthur is honoured to join the Yachting Australia coaching team, ‘This is a fantastic opportunity. I am really looking forward to working with some of the world’s greatest coaches.’

Congratulations and welcome aboard Arthur!

Former Hobart Race Winner Ausmaid Takes Out Tough Ocean Race

Peter Campbell – 0419 385 028 or email – peter_campbell@bigpond.com

Improved Conditions on Day 3 Enable a Result in the 2003 NSW Youth Championship

Contact: Yachting Association of NSW - 02 9660 1266. www.nsw.yachting.org.au

Australian and Danish Victories in 2003 Volvo Champions Race

More than 15.000 spectators joined the world´s top Tornado and 49er crews on the last day of the Volvo Champions Race in Travemünde (Germany). In a fresh breeze of 15 to 20 knots and under a crstal clear blue sky once again the fans saw spectacular action on the race course. European and World Champion Darren Bundock was the winner of the day. He not only won the event in Travemünde, but also collected the purse for the overall trophy.  "Bundy" who sailed with British crew Will Howden in Travemünde, was all smiles after his well deserved victory and takes home 8.000 Euros.

A more tight duel was on in the 49er class. Going into the last tour stop in Travemünde after the first two events in Konstanz and Schwerin, Danish brothers Peter and Sören Hansen were defending a three-point-lead over European Champions Marcus Baur and Max Groy. The Germans needed to win the Travemünde event and put at least three teams between them and the Danes. The battle was only decided on the last day, when Baur/Groy lost their lead to Marcin Czajkowski and Krysztof Kierkowski who collected five wins out of ten races in Travemünde and won the event. At the same time the  Hansen brothers moved up to third and thus secured the overall victory.

It will hopefully be decided by the the end of October whether the series will be continued. Said Thomas Hanel, member of the board of Volvo Car Germany,  'we are more than pleased with the results of our partnership. We will definitely carry on with our support for sailing. Without a hundred percent planning guaranty I can already say that we want to develop the brand Volvo Champions Race further and make it even better'.

Mitch Booth who came fourth in Travemünde but missed out on a podium´s place due to his absence at one of the three Tour Stops, agrees with Hansen,  'This show should be international. It´s great fun for all of us and still offers good and intensive racing on a high level!'

In the words of event organiser Dirk Neumann (4Sail Projects/Hamburg) the future is looking bright:  'We are convinced that we have established a mile stone in olympic sailing and we will work and push hard to carry this ide into the future to renovate some of the sailing´s characteristics and make it a lot more attractive for a broad public.'

At the final prize giving a total purse of 48.500 Euro was devided between the top eight crews of each class and the top three teams in the event´s rankings. The winners were awarded with Magnum bottles of champagne and their national athemns.

Volvo Champions Race 2003
Final Results Travemünde

Tornado Sport
1st Darren Bundock/Will Howden (AUS)            11 pts (3000 EUR)
2nd Martin Strandberg/Kristian Mattsson (SWE)   20 pts  (2000 EUR)
3rd Peder Ronholt/Sören Jörgensen (DEN)         25 pts (1500 EUR)
4th Mitch Booth/Herbet Dercksen (NED)           30 pts
5th Roland Gäbler/Gunnar Struckmann (Tinglev)   31 pts
6th Helge und Christian Sach (Zarnekau)         41 pts
7th Johannes Polgar/Carsten Happel (GER)                48 pts

49er
1st Marcin Czajkowski/Krysztof Kierkowski (POL) 16 pts (3000 EUR)
2nd Marcus Baur/Max Groy (Kiel/Fleckeby)                16 pts (2000 EUR)
3rd Peter und Sören Hansen (DEN)                                25 pts
(1500 EUR)
4th Tom Ruegge/Jörg Steiner (SUI)                               26 pts
5th Markus Steeg/Hannes Peckolt (Budenheim/Kiel)        27 pts
6th Martin Kirketerp/Dion Valente (DEN)                 44 pts

Volvo Champions Race 2003
Final Results ­ Tour Rankings

Tornado Sport
1st Darren Bundock/Glen Ashby (AUS)             43 pts  (15/13/15)    
5000 EUR
2nd Roland Gäbler/Gunnar Struckmann (GER)       37 pts  (14/12/11)    
4000 EUR
3rd Peder Ronholt/Sören Jörgensen (DEN)         36 pts  (12/11/13)    
3000 EUR
4th Johannes Polgar/Carsten Happel (GER)                30 pts  (11/10/9)
2000 EUR
5th Helge+ Christian Sach (GER)                 27 pts  (8/9/10)      
1.500 EUR
6th Mitch Booth/Herbet Dercksen (NED)           25 pts  (13/-/12)     
1000 EUR
7th Martin Strandberg/Kristian Mattsson (SWE)   22 pts  (-/8/14)        750
EUR
8th Martin Rusterholz/Andy Heuss (SUI)          18 pts  (10/-/8)        500
EUR

49er
1st Peter+Sören Hansen (DEN)                    42 pts  (15/14/13)    
5000 EUR
2nd Marcus Baur/Max Groy (GER)                  40 pts  (13/13/14)    
4000 EUR
3rd Markus Steeg/Moritz Deml (GER)              33 pts  (10/12/11)    
3000 EUR
4th Tom Ruegge/Jörg Steiner (SUI)                       24 pts  (12/-/12)
2000 EUR
5th Felix Oehme/Heiko Thölmann (GER)            17 pts  (3/6/8)       
1500 EUR
6th Gabriel Wicke/Wolf Jeschonneck (GER)        17 pts  (8/9)         
1000 EUR
7th Nico Delle-Karth/Nikolaus Resch (AUT)       17 pts  (9/8)           750
EUR
8th Jan-Peter+Hannes Peckolt (GER)              16 pts  (11/5)          500
EUR

Farr 40 Australian Season Kicks off at the Corinthian Doors Port Stephens Regatta

Australia's Farr 40 fleet will be heading up to the Central Coast of New South Wales, to race in the annual Corinthian Doors Port Stephens regatta, on October 17 – 19. This regatta is the first of the Farr 40 circuit point score regattas for the 2003-2004 season. 

Current Australian National Champion, Marcus Blackmore, will be racing Emotional Hooligan along with eight other boats from the Australian fleet.  A number of the Emotional Hooligan crew are from the successful Admiral's Cup team, with other Admiral's Cup crew racing throughout the Farr 40 fleet.  Lang Walker will also racing Kokomo during the up coming season, after a successful sixth place in the Farr 40 division, at the recent Big Boat Challenge in San Francisco. 

'We are looking forward to an exciting season and circuit for the Farr 40 Australia class, with a number of overseas owners planning to race during the course of the season' said Richard Perini, class secretary for Farr 40 Australia. ' This year is important, as a build up to the 2005 Farr 40 World Championships, which will be held on Sydney harbour '.

Respected Race Officer, Denis Thompson, will be running the Port Stephens regatta for the class, with David Tallis heading up the Jury. 

The season will continue with the Inner Circle Rum Farr 40 Regatta, being raced at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater on November 1-2.   ' Inner Circle Rum is pleased to be involved with the Farr 40 class in Australia and the sailing community, with which it has had a long association ' said Stuart Gilbert, Managing Director of Inner Circle Rum.  

The following regatta will be the Rhodes Waterside Farr 40 Regatta.  Lang Walker's, Walker Corporation is proud to be involved in the regatta to be held at the Cruising Yacht Club, Rushcutter's Bay, Sydney, from November 14-16.  Previously this regatta was known as the Hope Island Regatta, however the sponsorship baton has been handed over to another quality Walker Corporation development, Rhodes Waterside.  Rhodes Waterside is Australia's largest mixed-use waterfront development located on the Sydney harbour foreshore, 25 minutes from Circular Quay.

Media Contact: Sam Crichton ph 0407 63 64 16 or email samcrichton@smartchat.net.au

Three Volvo 60s for Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

At least three Volvo 60s, possibly four, will contest this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has received applications for entry from the two former D’juice Dragons VO 60s built for the 2001-2002 Volvo Ocean Race, now called Andrew Short Marine and Seriously Ten.

A third VO 60 entry is expected from Magnavox 2UE, the former EF Language, winner of the 1997-1998 race around the world.

Another VO 60 now owned by Kookaburra Challenge may also compete in the 627 nautical mile blue water classic starting on 26 December.

These tough ocean racing 64-footers built to the Whitbread/Volvo Race rules have been regular participants in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race since 1999,  when Nokia set the race record of 1 day 19 hours 48 minutes 2 seconds.

The 2001 Sydney Hobart was also a tough section of the Sydney to Auckland leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, with eight VO 60s competing and Assa Abloy taking line honours in the Hobart Race.  The fleet sailed on to New Zealand after a three hour ‘pit stop’ in Hobart,

Sydney yachtsman Andrew Short earlier this year bought both D’juice Dragons, designed by New Zealander Laurie Davidson and built by Cooksons in Auckland,  keeping the race boat himself and re-naming it Andrew Short Marine.

He has now sold the second one to a syndicate of three CYCA members who, with sponsorship from the Ten Network television group, have called the boat Seriously Ten.

The syndicate comprises John Woodruff, owner of the offshore racer, The Dreamtime,  plus Eric Robinson and Shaun James who have regularly sailed on The Dreamtime.

Seriously Ten and her crew will sail their qualifying race for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in the 408 nautical mile CanTeen Gosford to Lord Howe Island Race,  a Category 1 event that starts on Saturday fortnight,  25 October.

She will join two other older Volvo 60s, Magnavox 2UE, owned by Peter Sorensen,  Stan Zemanek, Julie Hodder and Mark Gray from Middle Harbour Yacht Club, and race record-holder Merit, now owned by David Gotze from Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, in the Lord Howe Island Race.

The limited fleet of 25 boats for the 30th annual race across the Tasman Sea from Gosford to world heritage listed Lord Howe Island includes at least seven yachts already nominated or expected to enter the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Further information:

Peter Campbell, Media Director,  Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2003 Phone - 0419 385 028 or email – peter_campbell@bigpond.com

ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2003 - Aussies in Shortlist

ISAF and Rolex are proud to announce the male and female sailors shortlisted for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2003.

Male

• Darren Bundock and John Forbes (AUS)
• Russell Coutts (SUI)
• Neville Crichton (NZL)
• Augie Diaz (USA)
• Chris Draper and Simon Hiscocks (GBR)
• Gal Fridman (ISR)
• Torben Grael (BRA)
• Gustavo Lima (POR)
• Przemyslaw Miarczynski (POL)
• Xavier Rohart and Pascal Rambeau (FRA)
• Gabrio Zandona and Andrea Trani (ITA)

Female

• Betsy Alison, Suzy Leech and Lee Icyda (USA)
• Adrienne Cahalan (AUS)
• Lee Korsiz (ISR)
• Malin Millbourn, Linda Yström, Åsa Aronsson and Kim Kulstad (SWE)
• Siren Sundby (NOR)
• Hannah Swett, Joan Touchette and Melissa Purdy (USA)

The criteria for nomination for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2003 was "outstanding achievement" in the period 1 September 2002 to 31 August 2003. To this nomination period were added the results from the 2003 ISAF World Championship, with all Gold Medallists included amongst the shortlisted sailors, with the exception of those who won the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards in 2002.

Marking the tenth Anniversary of the World Sailor of the Year Awards, 2003 sees the greatest number of male and female nominees ever shortlisted. An interesting mix of outstanding achievements will no doubt set the race for some close voting.

All the nominees are worthy winners, but it is now up to the 114 ISAF Member National Authorities, the national governing bodies for sailing, around the world to cast their vote for the one female nominee and one male nominee whom they feel deserve the honour of receiving the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award 2003.

Sailing legend Paul Cayard (USA) will host the Awards Presentation on the evening of Wednesday 12 November 2003 in Barcelona, Spain when the winners will be announced and presented with a Rolex timepiece and the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award Trophy.

The achievements of the shortlisted sailors are:

MALE

Darren Bundock and John Forbes (AUS)

A third consecutive defence of their World Championship title has concluded a phenomenal twelve months for Darren and John. A stylish opening win at the 2002 Tornado World Championship, followed by a win at Sail Melbourne, where they took the gun in each of the nine races, was a fitting prediction of what the rest of the season would hold.

Combine this with results which included either first or second places at all the other ISAF Graded events they entered, with the exception of SPA Regatta, it was no surprise for them to be honoured as recipients of the Australian Institute of Sport Team Award, which was then followed by the Australian Male Sailor of the Year Award in July.

Their victory at the 2003 Tornado World Championship marked history in many ways, as the title represented Darren’s fourth World Championship victory in the Tornado and John’s sixth, according them the honour of holding the record for winning the World Championship the most times.

Darren, without John as crew, has also been competing elsewhere on the multihull circuit this year, picking up a first place finish in the Round Texel Race sailing a Hobie 18 Tiger and a second at the Formula 18 World Championship.

1st - Tornado World Championship, September 2002 - Grade W

1st - Sail Melbourne, January 2003 - Ungraded

2nd - Barcelona Olympic Sailing Week, April 2003 - Grade 2

1st - Princess Sofia Trophy, April 2003 - Grade 2

1st - Tornado European Championship, June 2003 - Grade 1

4th - Kieler Woche, June 2003 - Grade 1

1st - Athens Regatta, August 2003 - Ungraded

1st - 2003 ISAF World Championship - Tornado, September 2003 - Grade W

Russell Coutts (SUI)

Skippering Alinghi, Russell Coutts won the XXXI America’s Cup Match and in so doing swept history aside to create his own.

Having walked the Louis Vuitton Cup with a 5-1 victory over Oracle BMW, the dream of bringing the America’s Cup to Europe for the first time in its 152 year history was one step closer. The America’s Cup Match was claimed with a similar command and a straight line win of 5-0 against Team New Zealand, with dominance throughout as Alinghi won three of the five starts, all five first crosses and led at the first windward mark in every race. They lost one lead, in Race 2, before staging a dramatic comeback on the run to the finish. Alinghi also became the only syndicate to have won the America’s Cup on its first attempt.

With the victory, Russell Coutts became the all time winning skipper in the America’s Cup Match. He won 14 races without a loss, adding the five wins of 2003 to the nine he earned with Team New Zealand in the 1995 and 2000 campaigns, surpassing Dennis Conner for total victories and Charlie Barr for most without a loss. His third consecutive America’s Cup victory ties him with Harold Vanderbilt and Charlie Barr.

1st - Louis Vuitton Cup, January 2003

1st – XXXI America’s Cup Match, March 2003

4th – Rolex Farr 40 Worlds, July 2003

3rd - Hamilton Island Race Week (IRC), August 2003

6th - 2003 ISAF World Match Racing Championship, August 2003 – Grade W

Neville Crichton (NZL)

The past twelve months have brought Neville Crichton to the forefront of the international keelboat racing scene as an owner/driver who has taken line honours in virtually every event in which he has competed. Crichton started his winning streak in Australia, before heading to Europe where he picked up line honours in every race at the Rolex Giraglia Cup, smashed the Giraglia Race Record and finished second overall with line honours in the Rolex Fastnet Race. It is no wonder that Crichton’s maxi yacht, Alfa Romeo, has been dubbed the world’s fastest super-maxi.

2nd - Hamilton Island Race Week, September 2002 (line honours all races)

1st - Bird Island Race (Sydney-Newcastle), November 2002 (line honours)

1st - Flinders Island Race, November 2002 (line honours)

1st (IRC) - JP Morgan Regatta, November/December 2002 (line honours all races)

Line Honours - Canon Big Boat Challenge, December 2002

1st (IRC) - British Trophy Regatta, December 2002 (line honours all races)

11th (IRC) - Rolex Sydney Hobart, December 2002 (line honours)

2nd - Millenium Cup, January 2003 (line honours all races)

6th (ORC) - Trofeo Zegna, May 2003

17th - Rolex Giraglia Cup, June 2003 (line honours all races)

Giraglia Race Record - 22 hours, 13 minutes, 48 seconds. Average speed 10.9 knots

2nd - 2003 Rolex Fastnet Race, August 2003 (line honours)

Augie Diaz (USA)

The past twelve months have seen one of the most successful series of events for Augie Diaz, with his pinnacle achievements being the Gold Medals at the Snipe Masters World Championship last year and the Snipe World Championship in August 2003. Augie’s success seems to be in the variety of crews he sails with, and added to the World Championship results, he has claimed a number of regional Championship titles.

In addition to his Snipe successes, Augie has enjoyed some solid performances on the Star and Laser circuits, placing top 15 results in each of the three ISAF Graded Star events. His most significant result in the Laser was the Laser North American Masters title back in November 2002.

1st - Western Hemisphere Championship, September 2002 (crew Jon Rogers)

1st – Snipe World Masters Championship, Oct 2002 (crew John Kehoe)

1st - Florida State Snipe Championship, November 2002 (crew John Kehoe)

1st - Laser North American Masters, November 2002

6th - Levin Memorial Trophy (Star), January 2003 Grade 3

14th - Rolex Miami OCR (Star), February 2003 - Grade 1

5th - Barcardi Cup (Star), March 2003 - Grade 1

1st - Zimmerman Trophy (Clearwater Midwinters, Don Q Regatta, Barcadi Cup and the Gamblin Trophy) April 2003

2nd - Colonial Cup, June 2003 (crew John Kehoe)

3rd - Heinzling Series, July 2003 (crew Jon Rogers)

7th - Crosby Series, July 2003 (crew Jon Rogers)

1st – Snipe World Championship, August 2003 (crew Jon Rogers)

Chris Draper and Simon Hiscocks (GBR)

A fantastic year of sailing, culminating in a Gold Medal at the ISAF World Championship with two races to spare amongst the world’s toughest 49er sailors, an admirable conclusion to their season. Their Gold Medal was matched by their leap into the number one slot in the ISAF World Rankings.

The first regatta that counted towards their nomination was IX Barcelona Olympic Sailing Week, which they won in style with a series of top placings. This in turn was followed by dominance at two of the toughest European Grade 1 Events, SPA Regatta and Kieler Woche. With eight ISAF Graded events counting towards their nomination, they have either won or placed top three in six out of the eight, placing a fourth and sixth in the remainder – a superb performance.

1st – IX Barcelona Olympic Sailing Week, April 2003 – Grade 2

6th – XXXIV Princess Sofia Trophy, April 2003 – Grade 2

4th – Semaine Olympique Francaise, April 2003 – Grade 1

1st – SPA Regatta, May 2003 – Grade 1

1st – Kieler Woche, June 2003 – Grade 1

2nd – 49er European Championship, July 2003 – Grade 1

2nd – Saronikos Gulf Regatta, August 2003 – Grade 3

1st – ISAF World Championship – 49er, September 2003 – Grade W

Gal Fridman (ISR)

Gal Fridman has made a fantastic comeback to top level windsurfing, after he stopped competing due to an illness just before the 2000 Olympic Regatta, instead turning his hand to cycle racing. He returned to the windsurfing circuit after about twelve months and to his previous winning form, claiming the ultimate prize in December 2002 in the form of a World Championship title. Prior to this, he notched up a second place at the European Championship in September and has gone on to finish in top three positions in each of the ISAF Graded Events entered.

The ISAF World Championships further marked Gal’s skill at the top, claiming the Bronze Medal on the final day. In February 2003, Gal achieved the number one spot on the ISAF World Rankings, before flirting between the top three places, and is currently ranked seventh.

2nd - Mistral European Championship, September 2002 - Grade 1

1st - Mistral World Championship, December 2002 - Grade W

2nd - Semaine Olympique Francaise, May 2003 - Grade 1

4th - Mistral European Championship, May 2003 - Grade 1

2nd - Athens Regatta, August 2003 - Ungraded

3rd - 2003 ISAF World Championship - Mistral, September 2003 - Grade W

Torben Grael (BRA)

The nomination period for Torben Grael began this year calling tactics aboard Luna Rossa in the Louis Vuitton Cup, challenging for the right to contest the America’s Cup Match against Team New Zealand. However, with the Prada team eliminated in the semi-finals, Grael turned his attentions back to the Star, a class in which he already holds three Olympic medals.

Dominating in the Star is notoriously difficult, but Grael charged straight into second place at the ISAF Grade 1 SPA Regatta in May, before claiming Gold at the Athens 2003 Regatta.

Whilst not competing in the Star, Grael sails big boats and ranks one of his achievements over the past twelve months as helming the 112 foot sloop Ipanema to victory in Division 1 of the New Zealand Millennium Cup at the expense of fellow nominee, Neville Crichton who had to settle for second.

Tactician - Prada Challenge, 2002 Louis Vuitton Cup (eliminated semi-finals)

1st - Milennium Cup Super-Yacht Cup, February 2003

2nd - SPA Regatta, May 2003 - Grade1

1st - Circuito Vela Brasil de Match Race (Match), June 2003 - Grade 4

6th - Kieler Woche, June 2003 - Grade 1

1st - Athens Regatta, August 2003 - Ungraded

32nd - 2003 ISAF World Championship - Star, September 2003 - Grade W

Gustavo Lima (POR)

The Gold Medal at the 2003 Laser World Championships ranks as the pinnacle of Gustavo’s sailing career to date. He opened the series clearly as he meant to go on taking the gun in both races to lead overall, a position he held through until the end to claim the Gold Medal ahead of six times World Champion Robert Scheidt (BRA). Gustavo demonstrated a fantastic display of sailing and skill, completing a series with all his results in the top ten, including five bullets, which alongside the World Championship title qualified Portugal for the 2004 Olympic Regatta.

Leading up to the Worlds, Gustavo had focused on the European circuit, with his best result at a Grade 1 event being his tenth at SPA Regatta.

27th – Laser World Championship, September 2002 – Grade W

4th – IX Barcelona Olympic Sailing Week, April 2003 – Grade 2

23rd – Semaine Olympique Francaise, May 2003 – Grade 1

10th – SPA Regatta, May 2003 – Grade 1

11th – Kieler Woche, June 2003 – Grade 1

1st – Matosinhos Sailing Cup, July 2003 – Grade 3

6th – Athens Regatta, August 2003 - Ungraded

13th – Laser European Championship, August 2003 – Grade 1

1st – 2003 ISAF World Championship - Laser, September 2003 – Grade W

Przemek Miarczynski (POL)

Fellow competitors said that the 2003 ISAF World Championship would belong to Przemek, who prefers to be known as Pont, knowing the stronger winds forecast to prevail in Cadiz were his speciality. To form, Pont excelled in the opening day, taking the gun in both races. This was followed by a series of race honours, give a total of eight bullets in the ten he races sailed, and a Gold Medal triumph with a race to spare.

An outstanding achievement for any sailor, which is all the more remarkable when one considers his form during the rest of the nomination period. Placing eighteenth at last year’s World Championship and a twenty-seventh at the European Championship in May, he did not claim a podium finish from any of the ISAF Graded events he entered, until sailing in the Olympic arena, he took Bronze Medal at the Athens Regatta 2003, a sign of things to come in Cadiz and for 2004.

At the opening of the period of nomination in September 2002, Pont was the world’s number one ranked Mistral sailor, and currently sits in sixth.

5th - Mistral European Championship, September 2002 - Grade 1

18th - Mistral World Championship, December 2002 - Grade W

4th - Barcelona Olympic Sailing Week, April 2003 - Grade 2

4th - Princess Sofia Trophy, April 2003 - Grade 2

27th - Mistral European Championship, May 2003 - Grade 1

4th - Kieler Woche, June 2003 - Grade 1

2nd - Athens Regatta, August 2003 - Ungraded

1st - 2003 ISAF World Championship - Mistral, September 2003 - Grade W

Xavier Rohart and Pascal Rambeau (FRA)

Unbelievably this pair had only sailed together for twenty days, ten in July and ten in August, prior to the 2003 ISAF World Championship. This lack of preparation had no ill effect and only served them well as they took the 2003 ISAF World Championship with a race to spare, outperforming the greatest names in the Star fleet. With no placings outside the top 5, they totally dominated and led the fleet overall from start to finish in the series.

When Xavier’s usual crew Yannick Adde fell ill earlier in the year after SPA Regatta, at which point Xavier and Yannick were ranked number one in the world, he approached his old training partner Pascal Rambeau to join him. Opening their pairing with an eighth at the Athens Regatta, the 2003 ISAF World Championship was only their second event together, but their friendship going back more than ten years obviously contributed to their world class performance. With no events to Xavier’s ranking from SPA until the ISAF World Championship, he currently sits at ninth in the world.

11th – Star European Championship, October 2003 – Grade 1

12th – Rolex Miami OCR, February 2003 – Grade 1

9th – Olympic Garda 2003, March 2003 – Grade 2

6th – XXXIV Princess Sofia Trophy, April 2003 – Grade 2

4th – SPA Regatta, May 2003 – Grade 1

8th – Athens Regatta, August 2003 - Ungraded

1st – 2003 ISAF World Championship - Star, September 2003 – Grade W

Andreas Trani and Gabrio Zandona (ITA)

With a world ranking of fifteen going into the 2003 ISAF World Championship, Andreas and Gabrio could be considered the underdogs for a podium place, but they revelled in the shifty conditions and went into the five race final series in the overall lead. In claiming the Gold Medal on the final day, they secured their finest ever sailing achievement and qualified Italy for the 2004 Olympic Regatta.

They opened the period of nomination with a tenth at the 2002 470 World Championship, at that point their best ever performance at a 470 Worlds, setting the scene for Cadiz. This was followed by some consistent placings at the toughest of the ISAF Graded Events, including a third at the renowned Kieler Woche in Germany. Preparing themselves for the podium, they took a Bronze Medal at the Athens Regatta 2003.

The pair are currently ranked at number seven in the world, a position they previously held in February 2003, which marks their highest placing in the ISAF World Rankings.

10th – 470 World Championship, September 2002 – Grade W

5th – Sail Melbourne, January 2003 – Grade 1

1st – Olympic Garda 2003, March 2003 – Grade 3

18th – Semaine Olympique Francaise, May 2003 – Grade 1

3rd – Kieler Woche, June 2003 – Grade 1

21st – 470 European Championship, July 2003 – Grade 1

3rd – Athens Regatta, August 2003 - Ungraded

1st – 2003 ISAF World Championship - 470, September 2003 – Grade W

Female

Betsy Alison, Suzy Leech and Lee Icyda (USA)

This American trio have dominated at the top of the ISAF World Rankings in the Yngling since May 2003, having produced a series of top ten results from each of the ISAF Grade 1 and 2 events they have competed in over the past twelve months. Not satisfied in excelling in the women’s fleet, they have also conquered the open fleet and claimed the Gold Medal at the Yngling Open World Championship in July 2003.

When not campaigning the Yngling, the trio, with the addition of Dini Hall, are a force to be reckoned with on the Women’s Match Racing circuit. Over the period of nomination, they have posted top five results in all the ISAF Graded Match Racing events they have entered and currently rank seventh in the world.

1st - Osprey Cup (Match), November 2002 - Grade 1

1st - US Women's Match Race Championship (Match) December 2003 - Grade 3

1st - Palm Beach Ocean Regatta, January 2003 - Grade 2

5th - Rolex Miami OCR, February 2003 - Grade 1

3rd - USA Olympic Pre-Trials, February 2003 - Grade 2

7th - Princess Sofia Trophy Regatta, April 2003 - Grade 2

7th - Semaine Olympique Francaise, May 2003 - Grade 1

1st - SPA Regatta, May 2003 - Grade 1

3rd - Santa Maria Cup (Match) May 2003 - Grade 1

5th - Women's Match Racing World Championship, June 2003 - Grade W

8th - Kieler Woche, June 2003 - Grade 1

5th - Swedish Match Cup, July 2003 (Match) - Grade 1

1st - Yngling Open World Championship, July 2003 - Ungraded

5th – 2003 ISAF World Championship - Yngling, September 2003 – Grade W

Adrienne Cahalan (AUS)

This is the third time world renowned navigator Adrienne Cahalan has been nominated for the Award. Adrienne kicked off this nomination as weather router on Maiden II when they claimed the Round Britain and Ireland record, knocking a day of the previous time. Less than a week later she was off again, this time co-skippering Maiden II and smashing the Cowes to Dinard Record, with an hour’s gain over the previous time.

Adrienne’s achievements through the remainder of the period are a testament to her pre-eminence as a navigator, with call ups up for numerous campaigns including Farr 40’s, the Sydney Hobart and the Admiral’s Cup. In December 2002, her longstanding relationship with Nicorette saw her equalling the current record of being one of only two women who have competed in twelve Sydney Hobart races. In July, Adrienne was honoured with the Australian Female Sailor of the Year Award.

Round Britain and Ireland Record - Maiden II (4 days, 17 hours, 4 minutes, 23 seconds. Average speed 15.8 knots), September 2002 (weather router)

Cowes - Dinard Record - Maiden II (5 hours, 23 minutes, 38 seconds. Average speed 25.6 knots), September 2002 (co-skipper)

1st - San Francisco Big Boat Series - Farr 40 'Barking Mad', September 2002 (navigator)

31st (IRC) (5th over line) - Rolex Sydney Hobart, Nicorette, December 2002 (navigator)

3rd - Fort Lauderdale - Montego Bay Race, Feb 2003 (navigator)

2nd - St Petersburg - Isla Muerjes Race, April 2003 (navigator)

2nd - Sydney - Coffs Harbour, May 2003 (navigator)

1st – Admiral’s Cup - Aftershock, July 2003 (navigator)

Lee Korsiz (ISR)

History was made when Lee claimed her Gold Medal at the 2003 Mistral World Championship in Cadiz. Her triumph at the Worlds as the youngest ever female windsurfer to win the Mistral World Championship was matched by the history she made in becoming the first Israeli woman to win a World Championship in any sport. Whilst her claim on the Gold was only secured in the final race, Lee dominated the women’s fleet in Cadiz from day one, and her result also qualified Israel for the 2004 Olympic Regatta.

A newcomer to the sport of windsurfing, Lee has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the Mistral fleet over the past twelve months, leaving her fellow sailors in her wake. Prior to the 2003 Worlds, her best result was a fourth at the Athens Regatta 2003, which is even more impressive considering she only entered the ISAF World Rankings in October 2002 with a ranking of 82. A world ranking which has now risen to 22 as at 1 October 2003.

23rd – Mistral European Championship, September 2002 – Grade 1

27th – Mistral World Championship, December 2002 – Grade W

8th – Semaine Olympique Francaise, May 2003 – Grade 1

7th – Mistral European Championship, May 2003 – Grade 1

8th – Kieler Woche, June 2003 – Grade 1

4th – Athens Regatta, August 2003 – Ungraded

1st – 2003 ISAF World Championship - Mistral, September 2003 – Grade W

Malin Millbourn, Kim Kulstad, Åsa Aronsson and Linda Yström (SWE)

This match racing crew reached the pinnacle of their discipline in June 2003 when they won the ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championship in Sundsvall, Sweden. A nail biting best of five finals saw two matches apiece, before Malin and crew claimed the decider and the World Championship title. This Gold Medal wrapped up an exceptional year, in which they finished in the top three of all but two of the ISAF Graded events entered. Since October 2002, they have claimed the world’s number two place on the ISAF World Match Race Rankings.

3rd - BUKOWSKIS Women's Nordic Match Racing Championship, August 2002 - Grade 3

1st - Saint Quay Women's Match Racing, September 2002 - Grade 1

1st - IV Criterium International Women Match Racing, May 2003 - Grade 1

8th - Lady Cup, May 2003 - Grade 3

3rd - Swedish Women's Match Racing Championship, June 2003 - Grade 3

1st - ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship, June 2003 - Grade W

4th - Swedish Match Cup, July 2003 - Grade 1

2nd - European Match Racing Championship for Women, August 2003 - Grade 2

Siren Sundby (NOR)

At just 20 years of age, Siren Sundby has reached the top of her discipline, surpassing the rest of the fleet to claim many Championship titles over the past twelve months. The pinnacle being the 2003 ISAF World Championship in Cadiz, which she won with a race to spare having sat in a medal position from the outset.

Opening the nomination period with a Silver Medal at the 2002 Europe Class World Championship, Siren sailed outstandingly through the year placing first in all but three of the ISAF Graded events she entered, and never finishing outside the top three in the remainder.

Siren has been amongst the world’s top ten ranked Europe sailors since last year, with her upwards climb sealed in May 2003 as she broke into the top three, before claiming the world’s number one slot in August, briefly dropping to two in September, and reclaiming pole position in October 2003.

2nd - Europe Class World Championship, September 2002 - Grade W

1st - III International Carnival Regatta, March 2003 - Ungraded

3rd - XXXIV Princess Sofia Trophy, April 2003 - Grade 2

1st - Semaine Olympique Francaise, May 2003 - Grade 1

3rd - SPA Regatta, May 2003 - Grade 1

1st - Scandinavian Race Week, June 2003 - Grade 2

1st - Europe Class Open Week, July 2003 - Grade 2

1st - Europe Class European Championship, July 2003 - Grade 1

1st - Athens Regatta, August 2003 - Ungraded

1st - 2003 ISAF World Championship - Europe, September 2003 - Grade W

Hannah Swett, Joan Touchette and Melissa Purdy (USA)

Hannah, Joan and Melissa have enjoyed an outstanding year in the Yngling class, culminating in taking the ISAF World Championship title in Cadiz in September, going one place better than their result at the Open World Championship in July 2003.

The team have been consistently at the head of the fleet in the other events they have contested on the ISAF Graded Women’s circuit and at Open events, with top two places in all but four of the events. They achieved their highest placing on the ISAF World Rankings in July 2003, when they hit the number three spot, and currently place fifth in the world.

2nd - Fall Equniox Regatta, (Open) September 2002 - Ungraded

1st - Acors Thompson Regatta, October 2002 - Ungraded

1st - Rolex American Yacht Club Regatta, October 2002 - Ungraded

5th - Ocean Regatta, January 2003 - Grade 2

8th - Rolex Miami OCR, February 2003 - Grade 1

1st - USA Olympic Pre-Trials Regatta, February 2003 - Grade 2

10th - SPA, May 2003, Grade 1

1st - Scandinavian Race Week, June 2003 - Grade 3

1st - Danish National Championship, June 2003 - Ungraded

2nd - Kieler Woche, June 2003 - Grade 1

2nd - Yngling Open World Championship, July 2003 - Ungraded

5th - Warnemunder Woche, July 2003 - Grade 2

2nd - Athens Regatta, August 2003 - Ungraded

1st - 2003 ISAF World Championship - Europe, September 2003 - Grade W

For further information:

ISAF – Luissa Smith, ISAF Secretariat, Ariadne House, Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2AQ, Great Britain. Tel: +44 2380 635111 Fax: +44 2380 635789

Email: worldsailorawards@isaf.co.uk Web: www.sailing.org/worldsailor

Skandia Announce Exciting New Sponsorship of Australia''s Best Kept Sailing Secret

Formerly known as the Festival of Sail, the regatta is Victoria’s oldest sporting event. Held annually to coincide with the Australia Day weekend, Skandia Geelong Week 2004 is 22 – 26 January.

Widely regarded as the Cowes Week of the Southern Hemisphere, the event attracts around 400 yachts and 4,000 competitors who race in the waters of Corio Bay around Melbourne and Geelong.

It is possibly the largest event orientated sponsorship in Australia yachting history and marks another step towards Victoria becoming the sailing capital of Australia. Commenting on the announcement Steve Bracks, Premier of Victoria said "Skandia Geelong Week is set to become one of the world''s premier sailing events. This is an excellent opportunity to promote the wide expanses of Port Phillip, the protected waters of Corio Bay and a wonderfully rejuvenated Geelong to a global audience."

Skandia, event organisers, the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) and the City of Greater Geelong, share a vision of developing SGW to become an event of equal status and size to Skandia Cowes Week (SCW). Geelong has recently undergone AUS$170 million waterfront redevelopment and provides the perfect backdrop for a world class sailing event.

Skandia''s Global Marketing Director, André Oszmann, says "Skandia Geelong Week represents a major addition to the Skandia Set Sail sponsorship programme we launched in March. The aim of our Set Sail programme is to make sailing more accessible and grow the sport’s reach. We feel that Skandia Geelong Week is the perfect event to help us achieve this. With Skandia Geelong Week and Skandia Cowes Week we have a unique opportunity to develop Victoria’s oldest sporting event alongside the world’s largest and most famous regatta.’

Along with the sponsorship, Skandia has instigated a ‘twinning’ of these two great sailing events that will see among many initiatives, the sharing of best race management practice, joint marketing campaigns, and the opportunity for competitors and spectators to compete for visits to each others events. An early outcome of the ‘twinning’ will see the RGYC benefit from the race management skills of Stuart Quarrie, Race Director at SCW during the 2004 event.

With Skandia as new title sponsors the event faces a bright and prosperous future.

“Skandia has been the title sponsor of Cowes Week for nine years. We have an exceedingly knowledgeable and experienced team who are looking forward to bringing their energy and expertise to Skandia Geelong Week. Matched with the obvious popularity of the event and the passion and vision of the RGYC, together we can create a truly spectacular event” continued André.

It is a view that is widely shared by the RGYC, and the local Geelong community as John Bertrand AM - Patron of Skandia Geelong Week confirms "The historic Geelong regatta pre dates the Americas Cup by several years, yet it remains a sleeping giant in global terms. Now, thanks to the assistance of Skandia, the sailing world is about to discover a fabulous regatta that is already widely regarded as Australia’s largest sailing event. Port Phillip and Corio Bay are amongst the best competitive sailing waters in the world and this is an excellent opportunity to promote our waterways”.

Visit the website - http://www.skandiasetsail.com/index.htm

Hutchins School Team to contest the Interdominion Schools Team Racing

The Tasmanian Yachting Association has announced that Hutchins School will challenge for the Inter-dominion Schools Team Racing Championship to be sailed in New Zealand in October.

Hutchins won the right to be the Australian challenger when it won the Australian Team Racing Championship in Brisbane in July. They will now sail against the champion New Zealand team, Keri Keri High School, in a 21 race series.

They will be coached by Murray Jones who has coached the school to consecutive national championships, and who also coached the Australian open team at the World Team Racing Championship in Auckland earlier this year.

Jones does not under-estimate the enormity of the task ahead of his team.

"This event has never been won by an Australian team when sailed on New Zealand waters," Jones said.

"They are a strong country in international team racing and Keri Keri is the home of the winning team at two of the last three open world championships."

" Our team will give a very good account of themselves despite the strength of the opposition. They are a young team but very focussed and very committed. They surprised a few experts in Queensland with their aggressive tactics," Jones said.

The team comprises Josh Phillips (captain), Nick Jones, Blair Spaulding, Will Keyes, Matthew Himson, Michael Sorrell-Saunders and Matthew Graney.

The series will be sailed in Sunburst dinghies which are peculiar to New Zealand but Jones does not see this as a particular disadvantage.

"Our boys have sailed in a wide range of different boats and I am sure they will adapt quickly," he said.

The series will be sailed on the Bay of Islands from Oct 20 – 23^rd. Notice of Race and further event information is available here

Aussie 1st at Formula Windsurfing World Championship

Dranske, Germany: Following a promising start on the final day in Dranske, racing was eventually cancelled after the breeze failed to materialise to the required strength in which to race and at just after 13:17 the new World Champions; Christine Johnston (GBR) and Steve Allen (AUS) were assured of their place in history.

Generally a light wind regatta, things on the Island of Rugen were generally characterised by overcast skies and a wait for wind in the morning, with generally enough building in the Afternoon to achieve some racing.

All in all it was a fantastic event for the Formula fleet, especially given the short lead up time for the organisers and all competitors commented on the high level of organisation. The Formula fleet are sure to return to what is being hailed as a fantastic venue over the next 12 months.

Top five final places, Men:

1. Steve Allen, AUS, 12.1 points
2. Antoine Albeau, FRA, 18.7
3. Wojtek Brzozowski, POL, 22.7
4. Devon Boulon, ISV, 36
5. Andrea Cucchi, ITA, 38

Top five final places, Women

1. Christine Johnson, GBR, 8.4 points
2. Lucy Horwood, GBR, 9.7
3. Dorota Staszewska, POL, 10.4
4. Karin Jaggi, SUI, 12.0
5. Cindy Koopman, NED, 22

Shortly after the results were announced Steve Allen was interviewed by the Event Media

’The SCANDLINES FW Worlds couldn’t have gone better for me. Arriving here has been nice conditions for me. I have raced a lot in these conditions and I feel good in shifty winds. It wasn’t so cold as I thought it would be and we had good wind. We had three days with good racing and two days with not so much wind. We had enough time to rest and the organization was just perfect. It has been my focus the whole year to win this title and the Windsurfing Euro-Cup.

After missing the Euro-Cup victory the FW World title became my main goal. I focussed hard and went to Sylt just to prepare for this one. My preparation turned out to be good. I got some new nice gear, tuned up and finally found my speed. Maybe there are a couple of guys here and there who might be faster maybe here and there in special conditions. But I have a very good angle and I felt perfect. I am incredibly stoked for this week here in the village Dranske on Ruegen and I couldn’t be more happy.

After prize giving I will rush home to my wife and maybe running her to the hospital to give birth to a new child. It has been a really perfect week for me.’

Visit the regatta website - http://www.formulawindsurfing.org

Volvo Ocean Race Education Programme for Chesapeake Stopover

Baltimore/Annapolis, October 7, 2003 - Volvo Ocean Race Chief Executive, Glenn Bourke, was joined by senior officials of the Chesapeake stopover organisation in Baltimore, USA, today for the formal signing of the stopover agreement, and a new education programme was announced for the Chesapeake stopover, to be held in April 2006.

Using the Volvo Ocean Race, a brand new education programme will provide a portal through which students and their families can increase their understanding of the dynamics of the oceans and the Chesapeake Bay. Joining Ocean Race Chesapeake, in the development of this programme will be the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (www.noaa.gov), the Consortium of Oceanographic Research and Education (www.coreoceans.org), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (www.nasa.gov) and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (www.cbf.org). Using a set of curriculum and information on the race from www.volvooceanrace.org, these partners will use sailing and ocean racing as tools to bring children to an appreciation of the oceans and the Chesapeake Bay, while tracking the progress of the boats.

Teachers and club leaders will be provided with a set of curricular materials and competition guidelines to learn about the race; its historical importance, the physics of its execution, and the calculations required to achieve success.

Schools and clubs will be invited to compete state-wide in predicting the exact time the first boat will cross the Chesapeake finish line of the leg between Rio and Baltimore. To make this prediction, students will need to examine weather, tides and currents, aerodynamics, and geography. Schools and clubs with the closest to accurate predictions will be treated to a visit from the racers themselves and a trip to see the racing yachts.

With these and other activities to be held during the event, Baltimore and Annapolis anticipate another successful visit by the Volvo fleet to the Chesapeake.

Speaking at the press conference, Glenn Bourke said, "The Chesapeake stopover in 2002 attracted 400,000 guests from around the world. After two highly successful stopovers in here, we are delighted to formalise the arrangement today for our third visit, and look forward to working with Ocean Race Chesapeake, who will once again manage the stopover. The education programme announced today is an exciting project, which will involve children and their families from the region in the event, and we look forward to welcoming everyone down to see the fleet when it arrives in The Chesapeake Bay. One aspect that really makes a stopover over special is when there is a 'home-town' boat and it is great to see the local area represented with an preliminary entry into the event and we hope they can emulate the successful Chessie Racing campaign which helped make the stopover so successful in 1998."

Mayor Ellen Moyer, commented, "The activities planned for the Volvo Ocean Race stopover on the Chesapeake highlight the significance of this event while engaging many more people in its excitement. The educational and economic components will continue to raise the profile of our region in the maritime industry. Ocean Race Chesapeake has done a wonderful job putting together a programme that will make our stopover the best ever, for the fleet and for those who follow it here.

Tel: +44 1489 554 832 Mob: +44 7801 185 320, Email: lizzie.green@volvooceanrace.org

www.volvooceanrace.org

OzBoyz Challenge Announced on Australia’s Victorious America’s Cup Anniversary

The event will be held in Europe for the first time since 1851. The venue has yet to be announced with four potential candidate cities: Lisbon (POR), Valencia (ESP), Marseille (FRA) and Naples (ITA). "I'm pleased to hear that Australia is planning to participate in the America's Cup once again, this time in Europe in 2007," stated Elisabetta Persico (Naples Committee Chairman).

The second phase of the OzBoyz Challenge project commences with the official launch of the website www.ozboyzchallenge.com on 5^th November 2003 followed by the online recruitment program commencing in December 2003. This coincides with the selection process of the OzBoyz Challenge Yacht Club. The current rules of the America’s Cup state that any syndicate wishing to participate shall be represented by a Yacht Club

"On behalf of ORACLE BMW Racing we would love to have the Aussies competing alongside us in Europe - you have the designers, sailors, the history and experience of knowing how to do it successfully," said Chris Dickson (Oracle Racing CEO-Challenger of Record).

To obtain an OzBoyz Challenge Media Kit: www.ozboyzchallenge.com/mediakit.pdf

For further information, contact:

Sebastien Destremau - OzBoyz Challenge Spokesperson

+61(0) 412 144 564

Phil Edmiston - OzBoyz Challenge Spokesperson

Contact: +61(0) 419 195 529

Laser Masters World Championship - Light Breeze Regatta Ends

A 10 to 14 knot south westerly breeze provided good sailing conditions for the fifth day of the Laser Masters World Championship. 
For the first time since the start of a predominantly light-wind championship, the Grand Master and Radial fleet raced on the most seaward of the 3 optional course areas. In spite of the long sail, those that wanted waves were rewarded with a left over Atlantic swell that provided a complete contrast to the flat water of the inshore course that had previously been used.

Mark BETHWAITE (AUS) in the Grand Master fleet clearly enjoyed the change of conditions to lead both races from start to finish, giving him his fifth and sixth bullets of the week and also the overall lead from Keith WILKINS after the second discard comes into play. Racing on the same course area, Peter SEIDENBERG (USA) shared race honours with Tom SPEED (NZL), each gaining a first and second place. These two have been locked in battle throughout the Grand Master series and are now well clear of Bill Watson GBR. In the Apprentice fleet Mark LITTLEJOHN (GBR) also scored two race wins, which gives him a 12 point lead over Steve COCKERILL (GBR). Littlejohn had a close race with Cockerill in the first race, chasing him for most of the race until the last downwind, when he was able to just get in front. From then on he had to work hard to protect his lead to the finish.

In the second race, Cockerill's 18 place leaves him needing to win the last two races, with Littlejohn only needing to finish fourth or better in one race. Anders SORENSSON (SWE) held on to his overall lead in the Masters fleet, after a 3rd and his worst result in the series so far, a 13. He said: "In the first race I was pretty good from the beginning but the second race was a bit tricky. It was very shifty and I also had a bad start, which put me back in the middle of the fleet. I was able to work my way back to 13th but I am satisfied as the competitors behind me did not have a good day".

Sorensson now has a comfortable lead over Chris RAAB (USA), who moves from fifth to second, with a sixth and seventh place and being able to discard both his results from the previous day. Raab swaps places with Alexander NIKOLAEV (RUS) who had a disastrous 21st and 28th. Wilmar GROENENDIJK (NED) in the Laser Radial Apprentices was the third sailor to score a clean sheet, to secure his overall first position ahead of Thomas DEIMLING (GER). Roberta HARTLEY (GBR) kept the flag flying for the women with a second and a third place, which leaves her in third, only one place behind Deimling.

In the Laser Radial Masters, Alastair MCMICHAEL (AUS) now has a 5 point lead over Bruce Martinson USA, after leading his group home in both races. It was the same story for Alden SHATTUCK (USA) in the Laser Radial Grand Masters. His dominance of his fleet throughout the week gives him a 9 point lead over Henk WITTENBERG (NED), and the overall win with two races to spare.

Overcast skies and light rain on the final day gave little hope of a good racing breeze, even though at the weather briefing the meteorologist suggested there was a chance of a sea breeze if the sun broke through. Although the sun appeared briefly after lunch, it was not enough to produce a thermal, and at 2.30 pm the race committee abandoned any hope of racing for the day.

Overall results - http://www.mundovela.com/esp/Campeonato/regatas%20previas/2003_Laser_Masters/visit_eng.html

Lightning Strike and Windshift Ends Australian Youth Match Racing Championship

A major windshift, followed by a violent lightning strike on Sydney Harbour, put an end to the finals of the Club Championship yesterday, with the winner being decided on scores over two round-robins sailed on the previous two days.

The new Australian champions of the under 20 year old series, 17-year-old Seve JARVIN and his crew of Robert BELL and Sam NEWTON, from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Youth Sailing Academy, lost only one match out of 16 round robin matches.

They were leading 2-0 in the final when principal race officer Doug TALTY, with the agreement of chief umpire, New Zealander Tony WEBB, abandoned racing as the wind swung from north-east to south-west, heralded by a build-up of black storm clouds.

As crews and officials waited for the wind change to settle, a massive lightning bolt hit the water in the middle of the fleet…."I could feel my hair frizzle and smell smoke," said CYCA Youth Sailing Academy manager Jenni BONNITCHA.

"We wisely elected to abandon racing for the day as torrential rain swept down the Harbour, with more thunder and lightning."

The end result of the Championship, conducted by the CYCA on behalf of Yachting Australia, saw Jarvin and his crew win from another NSW team, Stuart POLLARD, Mark DORLING and Ian QUARTLY from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron.

In the petit final to decide second and third overall, Andrew JOYCE, Diego GOMEZ-HALL and James CHRISTIAN, also from the CYCA, were racing Tom SPITHILL, James KIDNER and Hamish ROUGHLY when racing was abandoned. Based on round-robin results, third overall then went to Spithill, Kidner and Roughly from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.

Jarvin, the son of Olympic, America’s Cup and World Champion sailor Steve JARVIN, and his crew have had an outstanding season, winning the Governor’s Cup in California, the Harken NSW Youth Match Racing Championship and now the Club Marine Australian Youth Match Racing Championship.

"Our aim throughout was to sail fast and use smart match racing tactics," said the young champion who has moved into sailing the Elliott 6 sports boats after sailing in Sabots, Flying 11s and 29ers.

Commented Jenni BONNITCHA: "They are a wonderful combination – Steve is an outstanding helmsman and tactician, Robert never takes his eyes off the mainsail, trimming constantly, and Sam is an Australian champion crew in 29ers, one of the best young for’ard hands in Australia."

In addition to the semi-finals and aborted finals, the CYCA also conducted a final round-robin series for the other five teams, to decide placings 5 to 9. This was won by Jeremy WILMOT from Evan WALKER, both from the CYCA, and David CHEW from RQYS.

This Queensland team of David CHEW, Scott TRENOWETH and Scott WEBSTER staged a remarkable recovery after bowman Webster slipped overboard in their last match. Chew immediately spun the boat about, recovered the crew and went on to win the match, lifting the Queenslanders from ninth to seventh in overall standings.

CYCA director and newly appointed chairman of the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy, Matt ALLEN, joined Club Marine’s Simon Cook in presenting trophies at the CYCA – as a late afternoon sun lit up a Harbour that had been storm bound only an hour earlier. 

Further information:

Jenni Bonnitcha – 0418 214 830 or Peter Campbell – 0419 385 028

Seve & Co Head Australian Youth Match Racing

Youth Sailors Show Skill in Match Racing

Two Aussie Crews World Number One

The most important regatta in the Olympic classes calendar for 2003, the ISAF World Championship, has concluded, and the results have been entered into the world rankings to present the latest positions on the World Olympic Classes stage.

A silver medal in Cadiz was enough to see Nathan Wilmot (AIS/NSWIS) and Malcolm Page (AIS/NSWIS) return to the top of the rankings after a sojourn of three months. The pair have consistently manage to score highly at graded events and displace previous leaders of the pack, Andreas KOSMATOPOLOUS and Kostas TRIGONIS (GRE), whose ninth place at the worlds proved enough disparity to slip them down to third in the rankings.

When Gustavo LIMA (POR) denied Robert SCHEIDT (BRA) a record breaking seventh Laser World Championship win at the ISAF World Championship in Cadiz, he also contributed to putting a new number one sailor to the top of the ISAF World Sailing Rankings.

That position has now been taken by the Bronze Medallist in Cadiz, Michael Blackburn (AUS), who not only leapfrogged both Paul Goodison and Robert Scheidt (BRA), but nine other athletes on his way to the top of this the event.

Exactly one year ago, Blackburn lay dormant in 342nd place in the rankings, his lowest for some time. After his bronze medal in Sydney 2000 he took a break from Laser sailing, and after a little play with the 49er he has returned with a vengeance to the world circuit, and will be a strong contender in Athens.

Click here to read ISAF's full report on the latest rankings

Click here to view all the latest world rankings

Laser Masters Worlds - Day 2 and 3 Report

Day Two

The scheduled start of the racing for day 2 was delayed for one hour to allow the forecast sea breeze to build. The wait was worthwhile as racing was started in 6 to 8 knots for the Apprentices and Masters and 8 to 10 knots for the Radials and Grand Masters. The extra 2 knots on both courses allowed for at least some hiking. Although slightly stronger, the wind was still switching through 30 degrees with a tendency to back to the left as a weather change approached.

On the Apprentice and Master course the shift to the left was a more dramatic 35 degrees, occurring on the first windward leg of the second race of the Apprentices. The overnight second in the Apprentice fleet, Mark Littlejohn GBR was especially pleased with this decision as he was well buried at the time the call was made and much preferred his 9th place on the re-start. Although he currently discards this result, he takes over the overall lead, having gained a first place in the first race of the day. Anders Sorensson from Sweden had a perfect day in the Masters division, being the only sailor to record two first places. These results, together with a win from the previous day, give him an impressive list of 3 first places to take the overall lead from Chris Raab USA.

The Grand Masters and the Radial fleet once again had marginally stronger winds than the Apprentices and Masters. Keith Wilkins GBR started his day badly when he and 3 other sailors were scored OCS as they attempted to take advantage of a slight left hand bias in the line at the start. This race was won by Kevin Pearson GBR. Wilkins could only manage an 8th in the second race one place behind Pearson in a race that was won by newly graduated Grand Master, Mark Bethwaite AUS, who was also scored OCS in the first race. Pearson now moves into the overall lead 4 points ahead of Wilkins.

In the Great Grand Masters Peter Seidenberg USA had another solid day, scoring 2 second places after a close battle with Tom Speed NZL and Heinz Gebauer CAN. Speed equalled Seidenberg's points on the day with a win and a third, whilst Gebauer scored a first and a fourth.

Day Three

Racing was brought forward by 1 hour on the third day to try and fit in two races before forecast thunderstorms materialised at the end of the afternoon, caused by a large Atlantic depression passing along the coast of northern Spain. The depression brought mixed blessings to the fleet. Although the winds were stronger at around 15 knots, there was also low cloud and rain squalls in the warm front sector of the depression which later turned into torrential rain. The passing rain squalls were a race officer's nightmare as they continually pulled the wind left and right from the gradient wind direction, causing a start in the Apprentice fleet to be abandoned and a number of significant place changes. On both courses the Race Committee resorted to using the black flag in an attempt to start fleets in the shifting winds.

This policy had the most dramatic effect in the second race of the Apprentices when 16 boats were disqualified for an early start including series leader Mark Littlejohn GBR and 6 others from the top ten overall. Winner of the first race, Brett Beyer AUS, was the only sailor that was black flagged and held their overnight position (4th). Littlejohn has dropped to second position overall after finishing second to Beyer, whilst Jyrki Taiminen FIN drops to third overall, following a third place and a black flag score. Stephen Cockerill GBR took advantage of others' misfortune to win the second race of the day and move into the overall lead following a 10th place in the first race.

The Masters results were more mixed but for different reasons. Although the top 3 remain the same, both Anders Sorenson SWE and Chris Raab USA had their worst daily results so far as Nick Harrison GBR and Alexander Nikolaev RUS each took line honours. It was a similar story in the Grand Masters with Kevin Pearson GBR narrowly holding on to his overall lead after a 13th and a 9th. Keith Wilkins GBR closed the gap on Pearson with an 11th and a second. However the form sailor of the day was Mark Bethwaite AUS who posted two wins to add to his win the previous day and move from 14th to 5th overall. Peter Seidenberg USA remained consistent in the stronger winds to keep his lead in the Great Grand Masters scoring a 3rd and 2nd place with second overall, Tom Speed NZL, closing reducing the gap to 2 points after a 2nd and 1st.

In the Laser Radial fleet the ladies showed the men the way round the course with Lyndall Patterson AUS, Jan Kemp AUS and Roberta Hartley GBR all showing at the front of the fleet in their two races. In the Radial Apprentice Hartley is tied first on points with Wilmar Groenendiijk NED whilst in the Radial Masters Patterson has moved from 13th to 5th overall, one place ahead of Kemp. Ahead of these, the battle for first overall is close with 3 points separating the new leader, Peter Whipp GBR and previous leader Alister McMichael, who has dropped to third after a 5th and 6th. In the remaining Radial division Gary McCrohon AUS won both his races to move from 4th overall to second behind Alden Shattuck USA, who scored two second places. At the half way stage the fleet have a rest day before the final 3 days of racing.

View results - http://www.mundovela.com/esp/Campeonato/regatas%20previas/2003_Laser_Masters/clasificacion/resultados.asp

Australian Little America’s Cup Challenger Wins Engineering Award

Club Marine Australian Youth Match Racing Championships this Long Weekend

Action packed match racing for holidaymakers

Youth teams from Queensland, the ACT and Victoria will join their NSW counterparts on Sydney Harbour this weekend for the Under 20's Club Marine Australian Youth Match Racing Championships. Following on from the Schools and the State Match Racing Championships recently run by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the three-day Club Marine Championships are expected to produce some outstanding match racing displays for those enjoying the long weekend on the harbour from Saturday October 3 through to Monday October 5.

Local talent competing includes the successful combination of Seve Jarvin, Robert Bell and Sam Newton, winners of the Harken Regatta two weeks ago and a major international trophy in August. A second Sydney team of Elizabeth Walsh, Marcus Jones, who has spent the Australian winter match racing in Europe with Michael Dunstan, and Jeremy Wilmot, who executed some exciting manoeuvres in the last regatta, has also entered. David Chew, brother of the well-known Olympic squad sailor and match-racing sailor Matt Chew, and his crew will represent Queensland while a strong squad led by David Barnes will sail for Sandringham Yacht Club in Victoria. The ACT team of Iain Davidson, Josh Paine and Martin Cox hail from the successful Canberra Yacht Club sailing school and are highly regarded as fleet racers.

"It is great to see interstate clubs giving their promising young match racing sailors the opportunity to compete at a national level," said the CYCA's Youth Sailing Academy coach/manager Jenni Bonnitcha.

"From the quality of the line-up I can guarantee there will be three days of action packed match racing for those enjoying the long weekend on the harbour," she added.

On Sunday evening following the completion of two full round robins, semi finals and finals over three days, competitors, regatta organisers and sponsors will enjoy a presentation BBQ at the CYCA in Rushcutters Bay. Club Marine, Australia's largest insurer of pleasure craft,  is a long-term sponsor of the Youth Sailing Academy and taking up the naming rights of this national regatta further demonstrates its commitment to youth sailing.

Results will be available at the end of each day at www.cyca.com.au 

Further information from Jenni Bonnitcha on 0418 214 830 or Lisa Ratcliff on 0418 428 511

Masters' Battle Commences in Cadiz

250 Laser sailors from 29 countries completed 2 races in light winds on the first day of the Laser Masters World Championship on Sunday, being held from the same venue as the recent ISAF World Championship, the Bay of Cadiz.
The overall fleet is divided into 4 age groups: Apprentices, ages 35 to 44; Masters, ages 45 to 54; Grand Masters, ages 55 to 64 and Laser Radial, which includes the Great Grand Masters aged 65 years plus. The Apprentices and Masters are using one race area and the Grand Masters and Laser Radial another area.

The Apprentices and Masters had lighter winds on their course with the wind rarely getting above 7 knots. Former Europe class world champion, Jyrki TAIMINEN (FIN), had the best day in the apprentices, scoring a first and third. Behind, the British pair of Mark LITTLEJOHN and Steve COCKERILL are only 1 and 2 points adrift. Cockerill made the most dramatic recovery in the fleet on the first race when he recovered from 20 round the first mark to finish fourth.

In the Masters Chris RAAB (USA) had the best results in any fleet, finishing with a first and second. Raab said afterwards: "I had a great day, the best ever at a Laser Masters Worlds. They were really my conditions and what made it really special was that I beat Agie [DIAZ (USA)], an icon in many classes". Diaz, placed second and seventh, has sailed internationally in the Star and 470. This year he won the Snipe worlds. He said: "I have been sailing Lasers on and off for a number of years. It is really great to be back in the Laser class".

Long time Master campaigner Keith WILKINS (GBR), demonstrated that he is intent on winning another title after scoring two second places in the 44 competitor Grand Masters fleet whilst the race winners, Bill SYMES (USA) and Tomaso AMBROSI (SUI), scored an eighth and thirteenth in their other races.

In the Radial Fleet, 4 women are sailing in the Apprentice age group and 3 in the Masters. Roberta Hartley showed the men the way home in the first race and currently holds the overall lead in the Radial Apprentices.

Another experienced master sailor, Peter SEIDENBERG, heads the 23 strong elder statesman group of Great Grand Masters. Seidenberg matched Raab's best results of the day.

 
Full Results - http://www.mundovela.com/esp/Campeonato/regatas%20previas/2003_Laser_Masters/clasificacion/resultados.asp

Event Website - www.cadizworlds2003.com/