News
Wellington pitstop for Groupe Bel?
The leading group in the Barcelona World Race may be ready to reflect on their passage across an unusually lenient south Indian Ocean, but the tailenders have been dealing with a punishment which is more perhaps more typical of this area of the world's ocean.
Peyron Brothers Challenge
Energy Team has officially become a Challenger for the 34th America's Cup. Launched and run by Loïck and Bruno Peyron, this challenge is backed by the Yacht Club de France. The construction of the first AC72 multihull will begin at the Multiplast yard in Vannes on 1 September.
New EAST Waterside Centre
If ever a picture could say a thousand words, this one certainly does! You might not be able to read the amount on the cheque, but it says £50,000. This is the amount East Anglian Sailing Trust won in the final of the Big Lottery - Peoples Millions competition last Autumn. The money will be put towards the cost of converting a redundant building at Suffolk Yacht Harbour (SYH) into a new Waterside Community Centre for EAST.
Is Your Training Yacht Coded correctly?
Two RYA sail training centres have been 'derecognised' by the RYA and their Directors prosecuted by the Maritime & CoastGuard Agency (MCA) for certification and coding offences.
Welcome reprieve for public ownership of search and rescue
David Roache, LSC commodore, welcomed the announcement yesterday that government plans to privatise the country's search and rescue helicopter service had been suspended saying it would be unthinkable to privatise other emergency services so why privatise search and rescue at sea?
"Another government U-turn gives the Search & Rescue service a reprieve as the Government's privatisation scheme runs into heavy weather and they yet again demonstrate that they are unable to conduct a simple bid process.
80th RTIR entries open
Calypso - Jeremy Rogers' eco-Contessa 32 was the first entry. Members are eligible for the Early Bird entry discount until midnight on 5th March. There are also crewing charter passages for those without a vessel.
Fast Week Ahead
The front two thirds of the Barcelona World Race are now basking in 'proper' Southern Ocean conditions, powering along in strong westerlies, but over the weekend this has resulted in a major expansion of the fleet with on Friday morning 2734 miles separating race leaders Jean-Pierre Dick and Loick Peyron on Virbac Paprec 3 from the backmarker.
Banque Populaire Team Retires
With a lead of 324 miles over the reference time, the Maxi Banque Populaire V was handicapped for more than 48 hours by a damaged daggerboard due to a collision with a UFO*. The crew have tried everything to repair the broken piece and resume their round the world tour.
Fast Cruises 2011-12
I am beginning to plan the Fast Cruise programme for next winter (2011-12) and would like some input from regular Fast Cruisers to plan what to do and where to go. I have put together a short questionnaire here so that you can help me make next winter's Fast Cruise better .
Cyclone Yasi hits Queensland
Already reeling from earlier devastating floods Queensland was hit again by Cyclone Yasi with winds up to 300 kph and a wall of water 7m high. The cyclone has caused immense damage in this tropical paradise with yachts strewn around like broken toys.
Books for sale
WE have a stack of new books in so we need to make room for them on the shelves.
Och aye - a wonderful Burns' Night
Members and guests enjoyed a great time celebrating Burns Night at the Club on Friday 28th January. The food was wonderful, including haggis with single malt “gravy” and rare roast beef, and the Scottish dancing was perhaps more enthusiastic than skilful.
Facelift for Weymouth Harbour
Weymouth Harbour is to benefit from a £200,000 facelift after complaints from visiting yachtsmen indicated that they were unhappy with the facilities. The work will be completed before the Olympic sailing regatta in 2012. The Royal Dorset Yacht Club on the old harbour front is also undergoing refurbishment (read more about this on the South Coast page).
MAPFRE gives chase
Olympic champions Iker Martinez and Xabi Fernandez sound a warning to the French duo. “What they have done so far is quite amazing. And I think the whole Olympic sailing community is just riveted by their performance.”, Double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson (GBR) said in Barcelona today.
Social Committee Survey Results
In November 2010, the Social Committee issued a questionnaire seeking your views on the type of social events members would like.
Aberdeen Asset Management PLC Announced as Title Sponsor of Cowes Week
Global investment management group, Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, has been announced as the new title sponsor of Cowes Week for an initial term of three years.
The announcement of a new sponsorship agreement for the event was made this morning at a press conference at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, and heralds a new and exciting phase in the regatta's continuing evolution.
Olympic Tickets
From March there will be the opportunity to buy tickets to watch the Olympic sailing. These go on sale from 15 March this year, available from www.tickets.london2012.com with the price of adult tickets starting at £20.
Recovery Time
It is recovery time in more ways than one for Kito De Pavant and Seb Audigane on Groupe Bel. Not only is the Mediterranean bred skipper on the verge of making a steady comeback among the peloton who are pursuing the runaway Barcelona World Race leader Virbac-Paprec 3
Fortune Favours Some
With Michel Desjoyeaux and François Gabart heading under sail to Cape Town after breaking the top off their mast on Foncia, Virbac Paprec 3 have extended their lead and were making over 18 knots this morning