Premier Marinas has announced that Yachting Monthly is the official sponsors of the 2019 Chichester Marina Boat Show & Watersports Festival.

The Chichester Marina Boat Show & Watersports Festival takes place on 27  and 28 April.

The event, which is free to attend, will have a dedicated Watersports area as well as a display of boats, cars and marine products and services.

The festival will have a dedicated ‘Meet The Experts’ tent where visitors will be able to meet marine industry professional and attend talks.

On Sunday 28 there will also be a Flares Disposal Service. The Service will be free to Premier Marinas berth holders and £2 per flare disposal for visitors.

Ancasta International Boat Sales, main brand dealers for Beneteau Sail and Power, Lagoon Catamarans and Prestige Motor Yachts, will display a selection of new and used models whilst Blackrock Yachting, main dealers for Jeanneau Sail and Power, and BRIG Ribs will showcase new boats. Working in partnership with Network Yacht Brokers they will also have a selection of pre-owned boats for buyers to step aboard.

Boat Shop will be exhibiting their Parker and Oki models and displaying canvas covers and upholstery exhibits along with offering a same day repair service on canvas hardware. American brand Hinckley Yachts will also be displaying a luxury Runabout 34.

There will also be products and services on display, including luxury cars from Tesla, sailing and lifestyle clothing from Coastal and Outdoor Living, paddleboards from The Sup Company and marine electronics from Roger Upham Marine Electronics (represented by Raymarine). Other local businesses attending the show include Chichester Yacht Club, Chichester Marine Training and Hinckley Yachts.

RYA Training Centre Chichester & Portsmouth Marine Training will be on hand to offer advice to boat owners on their practical and shorebased training needs and Chichester Yacht Club will have its 2019 cruising, racing and social programme available – inviting members and visitors to enjoy a spot of coffee and cake in the Clubhouse, as well as a BBQ in the club’s waterfront gardens on Saturday.

The event will also have a children’s zone with nautical themed entertainment, and a dedicated food and drink area playing host to Brilliant Gin, an artisan gin brand who will be serving up gin and tonics and will also be running gin masterclasses from their bar.

Premier Marine Insurance, in partnership with GJW Direct, will also be on hand to provide visitors with a quote and advice over the weekend.

London Yacht Show: Sunseeker, Fairline and Princess Yachts announced as exhibitors

British Marine and the event organisers Informa Exhibitions have renamed the London On-Water Boat Show the London Yacht Show. The…

The British Motor Yacht Show returns to Swanwick marina in May 2019

The British Motor Yacht Show (BMYS) will take place 17th-19th May in association with Motor Boat & Yachting magazine and…

The post Yachting Monthly sponsors the Chichester Marina Boat Show and Watersports Festival appeared first on YBW.

The Round the Island Race 2019 is expected to attract thousands of sailors from all over the UK, mainland Europe and the USA, to the Isle of Wight on 29 June 2019.

Entries for the race are now open. Professional sailors, amateurs and first time racers can all take part in the Round the Island Race. Classes include monohulls, multihulls, Gaffers, Classics and dayboats.

Organised by the Isle of Wight’s Island Sailing Club since 1931, the Round the Island Race is one of the UK’s largest participation sporting events and is expected to attract over 1,500 boats to Cowes, where it begins and ends. As in previous years, the race will be supporting The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust as the official race charity.

Spectators will be able to follow the race from St Catherine’s Point, Ventnor, Bonchurch, Culver Down and Ryde Pier, whilst those watching at home can do so on TV or online on the race’s website where they will be kept up-to-date with a live blog over the course of the day. It will also be possible to keep track of specific yachts by downloading the ngTrack app. Sailors can also ‘race’ friends using private groups in the app and see the live progress of their friends’ yachts.

This year two new double-handed trophies have been created for the Round the Island Race: one for the IRC Class and the Multihull Grand Prix and Racing Class. Overall nearly 200 prizes are awarded, with boats of every shape and size competing to win individual class and overall trophies.

Commodore of the Island Sailing Club, David Atkinson said: “The Round the Island Race offers a unique experience for sailors from around the world to race against a range of yachts. It is a true spectacle to see multihull sports boats compete in the same race as Gaffers and dayboats.

“Every year brings an entirely new racing experience for participants, and we hope that this year sees favourable winds and sunshine. The Round the Island Race is often well-attended by families, and for many it will be their only race of 2019. It is a great opportunity to meet like-minded friends and enjoy a fantastic atmosphere offshore, as well as onshore in the race village.”

Spectators attending the event will able to enjoy the festival of sailing at the race village from midday on 28 Friday June 2019.

Those interested in taking part in the event will be able to enter online on the Round the Island Race website here.
Early bird entries can enjoy a discount by registering online until 28 February.

America’s Cup: First look at New York Yacht Club’s test monohull – video

A video of New York Yacht Club American Magic's monohull being tested on the water has been posted on Instagram.…

Sailor Abby Sunderland’s yacht Wild Eyes found in Australia 8 years after being dismasted

Wild Eyes was found covered in barnacles on New Year's Even 11 nautical miles south of Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island…

The post Round the Island Race 2019: Entries open appeared first on YBW.

Fairline Yachts, has announced its line-up of yachts on show at the Düsseldorf Boat Show.

On display will be the Targa 43 OPEN, which made its worldwide debut at Cannes Boat Show in September, the Squadron 53, launched at Boot Düsseldorf 2017 and the Targa 48 GT.

Visitors to the Fairline stand will also be able to explore a detailed and immersive virtual reality experience of the Targa 63 GTO, Squadron 64 and all new F-Line 33, which is due to launch next year.

Targa 43 OPEN

Designed by Italian superyacht designer, Alberto Mancini, the Targa 43 Open won the ‘Best Exterior Design’ Award in the 46-59 foot category at the prestigious World Yachts Trophies.

The Targa 43 OPEN follows in the footsteps of its larger sister, the Targa 63 GTO. The stylish two cabin cruiser is powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS600 engines, the boat offers speeds of up to 34 knots.

Squadron 53

Squadron 53

Launched at Boot Düsseldorf 2017, the Squadron 53, is also designed by Alberto Mancini. The yacht, based on Fairline’s 53ft hull, features a new Mancini design from the deck upwards and boats a spacious main deck from the cockpit to the lower helm, which in turn ensures a generous 6ft 4in headroom at the foot of the large double bed in the mid-master cabin, adding to an overall sense of space.  

Targa 48 GT

With a sociable main deck with a helm station with twin pilot seats, the Targa 48 GT features an electric, hard-top roof, coupled with panelled glazing, plenty of natural light and IPS engines.

Fairline will launch two much awaited new boats in Spring 2019, the F-Line 33 and Squadron 64 – both of which have been designed by Alberto Mancini.

Fairline’s dealers from all over the world will be represented at Boot Dusseldorf on the Fairline stand, together with key personnel from Fairline’s design and manufacturing teams, to provide visitors with in-depth information about the company and its boats going into the 2019/2020 season.

Düsseldorf Boat Show 2019: Bavaria to showcase its complete range of motoryachts

Bavaria Yachts will present models from its R-Line, S-Line, and Virtess Line along with 18 catamarans and sailing yachts at…

New shipyard Cetera Yachts reveal renderings of ‘Multispace Yacht’ concept Cetera 60

Cetera Yachts have released renderings of their new 'Multispace Yacht' Cetera 60, which debuted at the Dusseldorf Boat Show in

The post Düsseldorf Boat Show 2019: Fairline announces yacht line-up appeared first on YBW.

Bavaria R-Line

Bavaria S-Line

Bavaria Virtess Line 

New shipyard Cetera Yachts reveal renderings of ‘Multispace Yacht’ concept Cetera 60

Cetera Yachts have released renderings of their new 'Multispace Yacht' Cetera 60, which debuted at the Dusseldorf Boat Show in

boot Düsseldorf, the world’s biggest boat and water sports fair, celebrates its 50th anniversary

To celebrate its 50th birthday boot Düsseldorf will be bigger and better than ever. The event takes place 19 -…

The post Düsseldorf Boat Show 2019: Bavaria to showcase its complete range of motoryachts appeared first on YBW.

Now in its seventh year, this year’s in-water British Motor Yacht Show will be set on Premier’s new floating marina at Swanwick Marina on the Hamble and is in association with Motor Boat & Yachting Magazine .
The BMYS is the result of a collaboration between  Premier Marinas and luxury British motor yacht brands Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker.

Since its beginning the British Motor Yacht Show has presented a large line up of luxury motor yachts – with most years including world premieres. The British Motor Yacht Show also offers buyers the ‘private time’ and space to talk to technical experts from different motor yacht brands and to learn about all the practical and exciting aspects of owning a luxury motor yacht.

Alongside an exciting line up of motor yachts, visitors to the show can look forward to an impressive range of complementary motor boats including Axopar boats, Chris-Craft launches and high performance RIBS. There will also be a display of prestige cars and high-end yachting equipment.

The British Motor Yacht Show takes place at Swanwick Marina 17th-19th May.

London Yacht Show: Sunseeker, Fairline and Princess Yachts announced as exhibitors

British Marine and the event organisers Informa Exhibitions have renamed the London On-Water Boat Show the London Yacht Show. The…

boot Düsseldorf, the world’s biggest boat and water sports fair, celebrates its 50th anniversary

To celebrate its 50th birthday boot Düsseldorf will be bigger and better than ever. The event takes place 19 -…

The post The British Motor Yacht Show returns to Swanwick marina in May 2019 appeared first on YBW.

The world’s largest boat and water sports fair, boot Düsseldorf, promises to be a special event in celebration of its 50th anniversary, held over nine days in January 2019

Nearly 2,000 exhibitors – including market leaders such as Princess, Jeanneau, Bénéteau and Bavaria – make the most of 16 different exhibition halls on the banks of the Rhine to premiere new boats and show off the latest marine equipment, innovations and designs.

Exhibits and water-filled installations capture the sensation of sailing at sea or riding a wave. The fair also gives you the chance to see the latest luxury yachts up close with large-sized yachts and a Superyacht Show on display in their own halls. With three halls devoted to sailing boats and no less than five to motorboats and powerboats, there are boats of all shapes and sizes, meaning there’s something for everyone.

“boot Düsseldorf is the only trade fair in the world that truly represents the diversity of the industry and scene. With manufacturers from over 70 countries throughout the world expected to attend, we are unique in exhibiting such a wide range of product diversity,” explains boot Director Petros Michelidakis. “1,500 sailing and motor boats have found their trade fair home at boot.”

Visitors are equally diverse, coming from over 100 different countries. Michelidakis adds: “This means that boot is not simply a show for regional visitors, rather, it is a recognised international industry event.”

Getting down to the detail, there’s plenty of opportunities to explore the latest boat instruments, engines, technical equipment, boating accessories and even watersports fashion.

Adding to the mix, the show boasts themed areas bringing watersport adventures and activities to life including a diving centre, sailing school, Kids’ World and Trendsport hall where surfboarders take on deep-water installation THE WAVE.
Made for people who can’t get enough of being out on the water, the fair covers canoes, kayaks, rowing, rafting, waterskiing, wakeboarding, jetskiing and fishing as well as maritime art and ocean conservation. A dedicated area provides inspiration for cruises, beach resorts, travel and boating holidays and increasingly popular charters.

It wouldn’t be a show without an awards ceremony and boot Düsseldorf is where the European Yacht of the Year Award is held, with 19 yachts competing in five categories. The winners, chosen by an international jury, are presented at the Flagship Night. But every visitor gets to size up nominated yachts in detail in the exhibition halls. Part of the fun is picking a personal favourite from some of the world’s most impressive boats, all together in one place.

The boot Düsseldorf trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany runs from 19 to 27 January and is open from 10am to 6pm every day. Admission tickets, priced €19 for a daily ticket, €11 reduced fee and €7 for children between 7 and 12 years, can be ordered online at www.boat-duesseldorf.com and printed at home. Tickets entitle holders to use the Rhine-Ruhr public transport system free of charge.

The post boot Düsseldorf, the world’s biggest boat and water sports fair, celebrates its 50th anniversary appeared first on YBW.

Susie Goodall rescued

The crew of the Hong Kong registered cargo ship MV Tian Fu has successfully rescued British yachtswoman Susie Goodall  2,000 miles west of Cape Horn.

Susie sent the text:  07 Dec 15:14 UTC:  ON THE SHIP!!! Position: 45′ 10.711 S 121′ 40.157 W

The ship is now bound for Modran, Argentina, and expected to reach port on 22 or 23 December.

Cargo ship Tian Fun on its way to help Susie Goodall

Golden Globe Race organisers have announced that the Hong Kong-registered cargo ship, Tian Fu will now reach skipper Susie Goodall by 2100 UTC today.

The 29-year-old is currently preparing her grab bag and equipment, as well as her liferaft for launch if needed.

It is likely that Goodall will be recovered by crane winch from either her dismasted Rustler 36, DHL Starlight or her liferaft after the crew of the Tian Fu confirmed that they will not be able to launch their SOLAS recovery boat.

The good news is that she has managed to get her engine working, which means she will be able to motor to the ship if requested.

Goodall has deployed her sea anchor and is drifting at approximately 1 knot. The sea state ie now 5 metres and the wind has dropped to around 20 knots.

The Tian Fu is currently motoring at between 6-10knots, depending on wind and sea conditions, so Goodall has been advised by MRCC Chile to switch on her SART Radar transponder from 1400UTC.

Goodall’s family issued a statement last night via the skipper’s official Facebook page thanking everyone for their support.

‘The support for Susie has been overwhelming, and we want to say thank you to everyone! All of your kind messages will keep her busy when she gets back online. It’s been 158 days since she used a phone, let’s hope she remembers how they work…

‘She managed to get a few hours sleep last night but is struggling to eat or drink. Because of the damage on deck, water is making its way into the boat. The bilge fills every hour, but she can easily pump it out.

‘She deployed her sea anchor to help keep the boat steady, but it’s not easy in choppy seas without a mast. A cargo ship from Hong Kong is en route, due to arrive in the night. They’ll wait for the morning light before attempting to evacuate her. We’ll post further details about the rescue when we know more.’

Rescue on its way

Rescue is on its way to Golden Globe Race skipper Susie Goodall, who’s Rustler 36 pitchpoled and dismasted in a ferocious Southern Ocean storm some 2,000 miles west of Cape Horn yesterday.

The operation is being co-ordinated by MRCC Chile, which has asked the Master of the Hong Kong-registered cargo ship, Tian Fu to divert to rescue the 29-year-old.

The 38,000 tonne general cargo ship, which is sailing from China to Madryn in Argentina, is currently doing 10 knots and is expected to reach Goodall by 0500 UTC tomorrow (7 December 2018).

Goodall’s yacht, DHL Starlight was left without rigging or a jury rig after pitchpoling stern over bow. The yacht’s engine is also not working.

With no rigging or mast, Susie Goodall is experiencing extreme whipping motion on her Rustler 36 as she awaits rescue. Credit: Christophe Favreau/PPL/GGR

Her safety equipment remains intact and the hull and decking are secure, although small amounts of water are coming in, but the pumps are coping with the egress.

She has also lost all her emergency water.

Over the last eight hours, conditions for Goodall have been moderate to rough, with a large 5 metre sea and winds of around 35 knots.

Continues below…

Golden Globe Race 2018: Susie Goodall heading to Cape Horn

British Golden Globe Race skipper Susie Goodall managed to repair her self steering gear and scrape the barnacles from the…

Golden Globe Race 2018: Abhilash Tomy rescued

Golden Globe Race skippers Abhilash Tomy and Gregor McGuckin have now both been rescued by the crew of the French…

With no mast the whipping motion is extreme onboard.

‘THIS MOTION IS JUST HORRIBLE! CLINGING ON IN MY BUNK,’ she texted to Race HQ.

‘IN NEED OF A GOOD CUPPA TEA! BUT SADLY NO COOKER’

Plans will be made later today on how to evacuate Goodall from her yacht.

Golden Globe Race HQ said options were being looked at including the launch of the SOLAS man overboard recovery boat by the crew of the Tian Fu. Goodall may also have to climb a rope pilot ladder up the side of the ship.

Although the wind is expected to ease, the sea could remain at 4-5 metres.

Susie Goodall dismasted

Golden Globe Race entrant Susie Goodall is currently bailing out her Rustler 36, DHL Starlight after the yacht pitchpoled and dismasted while battling 60 knot winds.

The 29-year-old is reported to be ok, although she did suffer a ‘nasty head bang’. She will now require assistance, having lost her rig and jury rig, although her safety equipment remains intact. The yacht’s engine is also not working.

The hull and deck of DHL Starlight are secure.

Race organiser said they were alerted to the situation by the UK Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre at 1100 UTC today (5 December 2018) after Goodall activated her EPIRB.

Susie Goodall is still having to deal with storm conditions. Image taken 15:15 UTC on 5 December 2018

MRCC Chile is now in charge of co-ordinating any rescue, and has contacted a ship 480 miles south west of Goodall’s position. It is expected to reach the area in two days time.

Goodall had sent one of her routine text updates to GGR HQ just a few hours before the incident, which read: ‘TAKING A HAMMERING! WONDERING WHAT ON EARTH IM DOING OUT HERE Position: 45′ 33.054 S 122′ 37.061 W at 05 Dec 08:29 UTC”

Continues below…

Golden Globe Race 2018: Susie Goodall heading to Cape Horn

British Golden Globe Race skipper Susie Goodall managed to repair her self steering gear and scrape the barnacles from the…

Golden Globe Race 2018: Abhilash Tomy rescued

Golden Globe Race skippers Abhilash Tomy and Gregor McGuckin have now both been rescued by the crew of the French…

She made contact again after activating her EPIRB reporting that her liferaft was ok.

“INTERIOR TOTAL WRECK, LIFERAFT OK, NASTY HEAD BANG AS BOAT PITCHPOLED.UNBELIEVABLY ROLY NOW, TOTALLY & UTTERLY GUTTED!”

Goodall, who was in fourth place, had been battling the storm for more than 24 hours, having to deal with sudden changes in sea state and 90 degree wind shift.  

Speaking to race HQ she said: ‘I have been dismasted. Thought I had holed the hull because the boat filled with water, but the hull is NOT holed. The hull is OK. The boat is destroyed. I can’t make up a jury rig. The only thing left is the hull and deck which remain intact. We were pitchpoled and I was thrown across the cabin and knocked out for a while.’

She confirmed that all hatches, portholes and safety equipment were secured and she didn’t need immediate assistance.

She said that before the incident, she had been enjoying the conditions and felt in control. But then the safety tube on her Monitor self-steering broke and she was forced to trail a drogue anchor astern and take down the mainsail.

She was below decks when the boat was pitchpoled, and when she returned on deck to assess the damage, found that the line attached to the drogue had parted.

Goodall also reported that she ‘has been beaten up and badly bruised’ with cuts and scratches and a big bump on her head.

MSOS, the GGR’s 24 hour medical telecentre has been advised and doctors are now monitoring her symptoms and providing direct medical advice

Thankfully, the winds have since dropped down to 45 knots and conditions are likely to improve further as the storm continues to head east.

Third placed Uku Randmaa is some 400 miles ahead of Goodall in his Rutler 36, One and All, but has also being dealing with the same weather system, which means he will be unable to turn back to offer assistance.

Both had been advised by Race HQ to make east wherever possible in order to avoid the worst of the storm.

Susie Goodall had changed her storm tactics after her experiences in the southern Indian Ocean. Credit: Christophe Favreau/PPL/GGR

Fifth placed Istvan Kopar in his Tradewind 35, Puffin is some 800 miles behind Goodall, and is now on course to intercept DHL Starlight. He is expected to reach her position in six days time.

Goodall had changed her storm tactics after experiencing several knockdowns in the southern Indian Ocean, favouring warps and hand steering over a drogue.

Commenting, Race Chairman Don McIntyre said: ‘We are monitoring the situation carefully, speaking to Susie every hour and working with the Chilean Search and rescue authorities on the best course of action to take. We have also informed her family and are keeping them informed.’

This is the fifth Golden Globe Race entrant to have abandoned the race due to their boat being dismasted.

On 27 August 2018, Norwegian Are Wiig was rolled and dismasted some 400 miles south west of Cape Town, but managed to make it to the South African port using his jury rig.

Both Irish skipper Gregor MuGuckin and Indian Navy Commander Abhilash Tomy had to be rescued after their yachts were dismasted on 21 September 2018 during storms in the southern Indian Ocean. McGuckin also managed to set up a jury rig on his Biscay 36 Hanley Energy Endurance and sailed to assist Tomy, who had suffered a broken back.

They were later rescued some 1,900 miles south-west of Perth, Australia, by the crew of the French fisheries patrol vessel, Osiris.

French Golden Globe Race yachtsman Loïc Lepage was also rescued on 23 October 2018 after his Nicholson 32 MK X Laaland dismasted 600 miles south-west of Perth and began taking on water.

Out of the 16 skippers who crossed the start line on 1 July 2018 in France, just five are left in the race, including French solo yachtsman Jean-Luc Van Den Heede whose Rustler 36 Matmut pitchpoled during a Southern Ocean storm, resulting in damage to the connecting bolt attachment to the mast that holds all four lower shrouds.

He has since made repairs at sea, and continues to lead in the race, predicting he will cross the finish line by 23 January 2019.

The post Golden Globe Race: Susie Goodall rescued by MV Tian Fu after her yacht pitchpoled and dismasted appeared first on YBW.

First peek at New York Yacht Club’s America’s Cup test boat

The New York Club American Magic team gave fans a sneak peek of the test boat they are training on for the 2021 America’s Cup on Instagram at the end of October.

Now a video of the monohull being tested by the team has been posted on the social media app. The monohull can be seen up on its foils flanked by two boats.

American Magic recently announced their partnership with Helly Hansen. The Norwegian sailing brand will create the racing apparel for the American team.

The 36th America’s Cup will take place in New Zealand in 2021.

13 August 2018 

Pirelli has signed an agreement with Luna Rossa Challenge to partner with Prada.
The tyre manufacturing company and the Italian fashion house will be co-titled sponsors of Luna Rossa as the sailing team takes part in the next edition of the America’s Cup, which takes place in New Zealand in 2021.

The two companies will work together with Luna Rossa from this year until 2021 on a variety of events, regattas, and activities.
In 2019 the first two regattas of the America’s Cup World Series will take place in the Mediterranean; in 2020 another three World Series regattas will be held in Europe, the US and Asia; from January 2021, the Prada Cup, Challenger selection regattas will take place in Auckland, followed by the 36th edition of the America’s Cup Presented by Prada, in March 2021.

The Italian Team, along with the the US’ New York Yacht Club American Magic and Great Britain’s INEOS Team UK will challenge Emirates Team New Zealand, the current holders of the Cup.

Patrizio Bertelli, Chairman of Luna Rossa Challenge, said: “Pirelli is the ideal partner for this new America’s Cup challenge. With over half a century’s experience at the highest levels of high technology world sports, it will be an important asset at the heart of our project. In this sense it is correct to speak of a real and true collaboration between the Team and Pirelli.”

Marco Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice President and CEO of Pirelli commented: ” Pirelli chose to be a part of this project because it represents both a sporting and technological challenge, able to bring Italy and the Pirelli brand to the attention of the entire world. The America’s Cup, as Formula 1 is to motorsport, is the most prestigious sailing competition, with a great history and tradition. It embodies values and is for a public of impassioned fans that perfectly match Pirelli’s, enabling the company to continue enriching its brand, reinforcing its positioning in high technology with clients around the world and its relationship with consumers through traditional channels and all the new digital platforms.”

10 August 2018

The New York Yacht Club have announced the initial sailing team challenging for the 36th America’s Cup.

Three team members of American Magic team are previous Cup winners, and 8 are Olympians, with two medals won. The Olympic athletes who are also on the US Sailing Team will be given the flexibility to pursue their campaigns for Tokyo 2020 whilst being part of the America’s Cup team.

“This team roster includes a great balance of proven experience and youth, and will help establish the next generation of America’s Cup talent in the United States,” said Hap Fauth, Team Principal and CEO of American Magic.

“Thanks to the efforts of our partners at US Sailing, Oakcliff and other organizations that have supported high-performance sailing, we have capable athletes coming out of Olympic, foiling and development classes here at home. They will help our team win on the water, and also help reengage the American audience with sailing’s pinnacle event.”

“The return of America’s Cup activity to the Newport, Rhode Island area will be a thrilling sight for sailing fans here, across the country and around the world,” said Phil Lotz, the 65th Commodore of the New York Yacht Club. “For 175 years, the New York Yacht Club has been dedicated to moving competitive sailing forward. Defending and challenging for the Cup, a trophy we held for 132 years, has been a large part of the club’s commitment to our sport. We’re proud to return to the America’s Cup arena with this exceptional sailing team.”

The New York Yacht Club had the longest winning streak in sport and held the America’s Cup from 1851 to 1983.

The New York Club American Magic Team has been announced as:

Skipper and Executive Director:

• Terry Hutchinson (United States)

Helms/Tacticians:

• Dean Barker (New Zealand)
• Andrew Campbell (United States)
• Bora Gulari (United States)
• Ian Moore (Great Britain)

Sail Trimmers:

• Trevor Burd (United States)
• Maciel Cicchetti (Argentina)
• Paul Goodison (Great Britain)
• David Hughes (United States)

Specialists:

• Matt Cassidy (United States)
• Sean Clarkson (California – Nationality: New Zealand)
• Jim Turner (New Zealand)

Grinders:

• Cooper Dressler (United States)
• Luke Muller (United States)
• Caleb Paine (United States)
• Luke Payne (Australia)
• Joe Spooner (New Zealand)

Head Coach:

• James Lyne (United States)

American Magic are one of the three teams who will challenge Emirates Team New Zealand. The others are Italy’s Luna Rossa and Great Britain’s INEOS Team UK.

10 October 2017

From 1851 until 1983, the New York Yacht Club held the America’s Cup.

The longest winning streak in sports came to an end 34 years ago, when it lost to the Royal Perth Yacht Club’s Australia II off the Newport coast.

It last challenged in the 2002-2003 America’s Cup with Team Dennis Conner.

Now, the New York Yacht Club, represented by Bella Mente Quantum Racing Association, is again looking to win the oldest trophy in sport – the Auld Mug.

The syndicate is led by two of the most successful American yachtsmen of the last decade: John J. “Hap” Fauth and Doug DeVos.

Liberty on starboard watching Australia II cross the finish line to win the 1983 America’s Cup.

“The America’s Cup has always remained close to the heart of the New York Yacht Club, even in the years where we didn’t participate as a challenger or defender,” said Commodore Philip A. Lotz.

“For this cycle, a lot of elements have come together in the correct way for the club to enter another challenge,” he continued.

Continued below…

America’s Cup Latest: They’ve done it! Emirates Team New Zealand win the 35th America’s Cup

Emirates Team New Zealand have been crowned the winners of the 35th America's Cup! The Kiwis only needed one point…

Ted Turner: America’s Cup traditionalist believes racing should be in monohulls not catamarans

The 1977 America's Cup winner, Ted Turner, says that while he has "nothing against catamarans", the competition "started in monohulls…

Emirates Team New Zealand fails to sign new America’s Cup framework

The Kiwi team is the only one of the six current competitors not to sign up to the framework and…

America’s Cup: meet the six skippers

Carrying the hopes and expectations of a team...and a nation. Find out more about the six skippers who are striving…

“First and foremost is the desire of two great American sailors and businessmen, Hap Fauth and Doug DeVos, to take aim at sailing’s ultimate competition. We know they will mount a competitive effort that is respectful of the Club’s long history with the Cup and the competition itself,” stressed Lotz.

“Second, we have confidence the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, represented by Emirates Team New Zealand, will host a world-class regatta that honors the spirit, tradition and majesty of this great event,” he added.

Fauth is a three-time world champion in the Maxi72 class, having successfully helmed three successive yachts named Bella Mente to podium positions in numerous distance and buoy races at venues in North America, Europe and the Caribbean.

The first winner of the iconic race, America. The trophy was subsequently donated to the New York Yacht Club and was renamed the America’s Cup. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

DeVos and the Quantum Racing programme have seen success on the 52 Super Series circuit, and its predecessor, the MedCup, with overall series wins in 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2016.

One common link between the two teams is Bella Mente Quantum Racing Association skipper and CEO Terry Hutchinson, a two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and veteran America’s Cup competitor, who sailed as tactician for Emirates Team New Zealand in the 2007 America’s Cup match, the last to be contested in monohulls.

Fauth said he was excited to get started on the challenge.

“The America’s Cup is sailing’s most complex challenge.Winning takes a complete team effort, and I’ve always found tremendous satisfaction in bringing together a group of individuals in pursuit of one goal,” he said.

“With a return to a more traditional style of yacht and the windward-leeward courses with which the vast majority of racing sailors are intimately familiar, the 36th America’s Cup represents a unique opportunity to re-engage the grass roots of the sport and re-energise American sailing,” he continued.

“A lot of what we’ve built with the Bella Mente program, and what Doug and his team have created with Quantum Racing, will go into the foundation of this campaign. But there’s still a tremendous amount of work to do over the next three-plus years,” added Fauth.

Entrance to the New York Yacht Club. Credit: Arun De Joe/Wikimedia Commons

Doug DeVos is no stranger to an America’s Cup challenge. His father Richard was the chairman of the New York Yacht Club’s America II syndicate, which fell just short of the semifinals in the 1987 challenger eliminations in Perth, Australia.

The owner of Quantum Sails, DeVos has used the Quantum Racing programme as a test bed for sail design and construction technology.

“Building Quantum Racing from scratch into a programme synonymous with hard work, team spirit and success has been tremendously satisfying, and I’m eager to take everything we’ve learned there and apply it toward sailing’s ultimate test,” stressed DeVos.

“Between Hap, Terry and myself, we have the nucleus of a successful campaign, both on the water and off. We’re honored to represent the New York Yacht Club in this historic competition,” he added.

Even though entries for the 36th America’s Cup won’t officially open until 1 January 2018, and the class rule for the AC75 won’t be finalised until early spring, the New York Yacht Club said there were many pivotal decisions ahead for the team.

“The return to monohulls will enable the team to pool the technological resources of two elite sailing programs and get a jump on the competition,” said the club in its official media release.

29 September

Defenders Emirates Team New Zealand have released the much anticipated rules and regulations for the 36th America’s Cup.

The competition will be fought in the AC75 – 75 foot high performance monohulls, which are expected to have foils.

Initial concepts of the boat will be released at the end of November 2017, with the AC75 Class Rule published by the 31 March 2018.

Each team is limited to build two yachts.

The first boat can’t be launched before 31 March 2019, the second can be launched after the 1 February 2020.

Land Rover BAR’s Sir Ben Ainslie said he hoped all key stakeholders would be involved in the development of the new boats.

“We are comfortable with the transition, the key people in our sailing, design, engineering and support teams all have a great deal of relevant experience.” said Sir Ben.

“With the rule not coming out until March, we hope that it will be a collaborative approach to its development with all stakeholders included,” he added.

There is also a strong focus on the nationality of teams.

For the 36th America’s Cup, 20% or three crew, whichever is higher, must be true nationals (i.e. citizens) of the competing yacht club.

The remainder of the crew can be made up of residents of the challenging yacht club’s country defined by being physically present in that country for a minimum of 380 days over a 2-year period between September 2018 and 31 August 2020.

“We will learn from our mistakes, and come back stronger,” – Sir Ben Ainslie. Credit: Lloyd Images

The aim is to encourage countries to grow their sailing talent.

The rule will not affect Land Rover BAR, which has always had a strong British identity, and a strong programme for nurturing the UK’s young sailors.

Sir Ben Ainslie said he was pleased to see the return of the Challenger Selection Series, which will be officially named The PRADA Cup, after the official sponsor of the 36th America’s Cup.

“It’s good to see that the World Series will continue in 2019, and we look forward to returning to America’s Cup racing in the new class,” he said.

“The Cup has gained a lot of new fans and it was encouraging to hear both the Defender and Challenger of Record’s commitment to delivering the same high standard of global, televisual racing to cement the interest in our sport,” added the Land Rover BAR skipper.

The Challenger Selection Series will be raced internationally in 2019-20 in the AC75 Class boats, culminating with a Christmas Regatta in December 2020 for all competitors.

It will be organised by the Challenger of record, the Italian syndicate, Luna Rossa Challenge.

The dates and venue of both the America’s Cup Match and The PRADA Cup will be announced by 31 August 2018.

The launch of the protocol for the 36th America’s Cup

The intended venue is Auckland, New Zealand with the Match to be raced in March 2021, preceded by The Prada Cup in January and February 2021.

“The America’s Cup is the hardest trophy to win in world sport, and it’s likely that we will be travelling half-way around the world to compete on the home waters of the world’s most successful modern America’s Cup team,” said Sir Ben.

“Team New Zealand have been in all six of the openly contested Cups since 1995, and they have won three of them. We don’t underestimate the challenge – it is immense – but we will call on the very best of British technology and innovation through our partners, and use that British fighting spirit to finally bring the Cup home to Britain,” he continued.

“We will learn from our mistakes, and come back stronger,” added Sir Ben.

Emirates Team New Zealand’s CEO, Grant Dalton said the protocol for the 36th America’s Cup “has been negotiated to result in a fair and transparent event with cost containment at its centre to help attract as many quality challengers as possible”.

“The plans are coming together nicely – we shall have a very exciting boat that will be fast and powerful. We are pushing the boundaries of what is possible technically and this will test the designers, boat builders and the sailors to the limit. Just what the America’s Cup is all about,” he said.

Each challenger will have to pay US $2 million for the opportunity to compete for the Auld Mug.

The president of the Luna Rossa Challenge, Patrizio Bertelli said the new protocol would see the “original values” of the America’s Cup restored.

“Luna Rossa has welcomed the opportunity to be Challenger of Record for AC36 as a mark of confidence and support towards Team New Zealand and the new course given to the America’Cup. Indeed we could not have accepted this position in the last edition since the environment was not unbiased. After our withdrawal from AC35, we were glad to encourage Team New Zealand and today we renew our congratulations to Grant Dalton and his Team for their fantastic achievement,” he said.

“Now the situation has completely changed: the original values of the Cup are being restored and the traditional prerogatives of each side preserved. Emirates Team New Zealand are longtime friends of Luna Rossa, while fully independent from each other, as was the case during AC 31st when Team New Zealand was the Defender and Luna Rossa the Challenger of Record,” added Bertelli.

Key Dates for the 36th America’s Cup:

30 November 2017: AC75 Class concepts released to key stakeholders

01 January 2018: Entries for Challengers Open

31 March 2018: AC75 Class Rule published

30 June 2018: Entries for Challengers Close

31 August 2018: Location of the America’s Cup Match & The PRADA Cup confirmed

31 August 2018: Specific race course area confirmed

31 December 2018: Late entries Deadline

31 March 2019: Boat 1 can be launched

2nd half of 2019: 2 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events

1 February 2020: Boat 2 can be launched

2020: 3 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events

10-20 December 2020: America’s Cup Christmas Race

January & February 2021: The PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series

March 2021: The America’s Cup Match

13 September

High performance foiling monohulls not catamarans will be used for the next edition of the America’s Cup.

The decision was confirmed by the defenders of the 36th America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand.

In a statement, the team said concepts were already being worked on.

“Currently there are a team of designers, lead by Emirates Team New Zealand design coordinator Dan Bernasconi working on various exciting monohull concepts which will eventually help shape the AC36 Class Rule,” it said.

“Emirates Team New Zealand have been consulting with a number of potential challengers and there is an overall desire to have a spectacular monohull yacht that will be exciting to match race, but also one that the public and sailors can relate to as a sail boat that really challenges a full crew of professional yachtsman around the race track,” it added.

Emirates Team New Zealand lift the ‘Auld Mug’ after beating Defenders ORACLE TEAM USA 7-1 to win the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda

The change is unlikely to be welcome news for other America’s Cup teams, which have invested millions of pounds into designing and creating the foiling AC35 catamarans used in the last competition in Bermuda.

YBW.com asked Land Rover BAR’s team principal and skipper, Sir Ben Ainslie for his reaction to the announcement.

“To date we have not received any information from Emirates Team New Zealand on the new class of boat for the 36th America’s Cup,” said Sir Ben, adding, “We look forward to reviewing the protocol for AC36 in the near future”.

The switch from catamarans to monohulls will come as little surprise to many, and will certainly be welcomed by America’s Cup traditionalists like Ted Turner, who has publicly stated his preference for racing in monohulls.

When Emirates Team New Zealand won the 35th America’s Cup in June after beating ORACLE TEAM USA 7-1, all the plans to deliver the next two America’s Cup competitions fell apart.

The Kiwis were the only team not to sign up to the new America’s Cup framework back in January, which included racing in multihulls.

Foiling catamarans will not feature in the 36th Americas Cup. Credit: © ACEA 2017 / Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa, billionaire Patrizio Bertelli, who heads the Italian consortium, Luna Rossa, which is the challenger of record for the 36th America’s Cup, said the deal to return to monohulls was made several years ago when they agreed to help Emirates Team New Zealand with their challenge for the 35th America’s Cup.

“It was the condition for Luna Rossa to help them with men and means in the last edition,” Bertelli told the newspaper.

He said the high performance monohulls “will be very powerful boats” with foiling capabilities, but did not reveal any further detail.

It is also being reported the 36th America’s Cup could be staged in Auckland in 2021.

Further details about the next America’s Cup will be confirmed at the end of the month.

27 June

When Emirates Team New Zealand won the 35th America’s Cup last night, all the plans to deliver the next two America’s Cup competitions fell apart.

The Kiwis were the only team not to sign up to the new America’s Cup framework back in January.

Now, as Defenders, Emirates will decide the conditions of the  36th America’s Cup  – and it will probably be very different from what fans have just witnessed in Bermuda.

Just hours after lifting the Auld Mug, the Kiwis confirmed that the Italian yacht club, Circolo della Vela Sicilia would become the Challenge of Record for the 36th America’s Cup, with its representative team, Luna Rossa Challenge.

Yachting World’s Editor, Elaine Bunting, said this appears to confirm one of the most widely talked about secrets of Cup circles: “that Luna Rossa’s backer, Italian billionaire Patrizio Bertelli, gave Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) design expertise and computer tools, plus $30 million of funding, in 2015 when he pulled out in protest at the change to the AC50 class.

“The deal arranged was said to be on condition that, should ETNZ win, Luna Rossa would be challenger of record for the next America’s Cup. And that the next Cup boat would be a monohull,” explained Elaine Bunting, although Emirates Team New Zealand CEO, Grant Dalton, only hinted “at more seaworthy designs capable of racing in windier, tidal waters, but he did promise they would be ‘spectacular’”.

In a joint statement, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) and Circolo della Vela Sicilia, said: “The 36th America’s Cup will be open to further challengers from any organized Yacht Club of a foreign country under conditions to be announced in due course.”

“RNZYS and its representative team, Emirates Team New Zealand, look forward to working with CVS and Luna Rossa Challenge to create an exciting future for the event by combining innovation with the traditional sporting values of the America’s Cup.”

It is expected that Land Rover BAR will throw their hat into the ring to Challenge for the 36th America’s Cup.

In a statement congratulating Emirates, Land Rover BAR skipper, Sir Ben Ainslie, said: “The team at Land Rover BAR will now await the announcement of Emirates Team New Zealand’s plans for the 36th America’s Cup in the near future.”

We hope the new Protocol and the exciting racing in Bermuda will persuade all existing teams to again do battle for sport’s oldest international trophy, along with encouraging new and old faces to return to the America’s Cup,” he added.

9 June

So far, this 35th America’s Cup has delivered some pretty heart stopping racing moments.

But away from the stadium, what are the teams, fans and pundits really talking about?

Well, fans of Land Rover BAR had this to say when Sir Ben Ainslie and his team got knocked out of the America’s Cup by Emirates Team New Zealand.

Sir Ben Ainslie and Land Rover BAR’s knockout from the cup will have disappointed this fan, who was clearly hoping for bigger things.

But Sir Ben Ainslie’s wife, Georgie, clearly hinted that the dream to #BringTheCupHome wasn’t over….it just wouldn’t be this year.

Emirate Team New Zealand’s spectacular capsize during their race against Land Rover Bar on 6 June certainly garnered a lot of opinion.

In an interview with the New Zealand Herald,  British yacht designer, Hugh Welbourn, was pretty critical of the Kiwis, saying that helmsman Peter Burling and Team NZ “shot themselves in the foot” with an over aggressive start.

“They should know not to run into another set of foils’ wake at a shallow angle,” he told the New Zealand Herald. “Turbulence, aeration and the vorticity off the leading foil set will totally disrupt the normal flow patterns.”

“Plenty of aircraft have been flipped ‘A over T’ by tip vortexes. Sail any foiler and try and run it behind a prop-wash and you soon find that out. You can cross at a steep angle OK with a brief excursion but they shot themselves well and truly in the foot there,” he added.

Meanwhile, Land Rover BAR’s grinder, David ‘Freddie’ Carr clearly summed up what many were thinking.

And SoftBank Team Japan’s tactician, Chris Draper, certainly didn’t hold back when he described the racing conditions on 6 June.

Yacht racing, like social media, is certainly one place where the heat of the moment can get to you.

Artemis Racing tactician, Iain Percy, was forced to backtrack after he became furious with the umpire’s decision to award them a penalty during their fourth semi-final race against SoftBank Team Japan.

He later took to Twitter to admit he was in the wrong.

Some could perhaps forgive Percy to his initial anger, considering Artemis Racing were penalised in Round Robin One – a decision the America’s Cup Chief Umpire later admitted was a mistake.

But, professional sailor Ian Williams felt all the outcry around the first penalty was unnecessary.

And finally, 1977 America’s Cup winner, Ted Turner, has put the cat amongst the pigeons by suggesting that racing should be in monohulls not catamarans.

The self-confessed America’s Cup traditionalist admitted he didn’t like change in an interview with the Long Island and New York City newspaper, Newsday.

“I’m a traditionalist. Catamarans have a place in racing. I have nothing against catamarans . . . But I feel that the America’s Cup started in monohulls and match racing, and that’s what it was. But that’s just me. Everybody’s entitled to their own opinions. I’m not hurting anybody,” added Turner.

8 June

Despite suffering a dramatic capsize and serious damage to their boat, Emirates Team New Zealand will go through the Challenger Finals on Saturday after leading 5-2 against Land Rover BAR who have now been eliminated from the America’s Cup in the play-offs semi-finals.

Artemis Racing won all of today’s races against SoftBank Team Japan. Currently standing at 4-3, the two teams will battle it out tomorrow to decide who will face Emirates Team New Zealand in the Challenger Finals on Saturday, 10 June.

2 June 2017

Emirates are going from strength to strength after winning both races today, the first against SoftBank Team Japan and the second against Groupama.

Artemis Racing’s win against Defenders ORACLE TEAM USA has helped the Kiwis even further, putting them at the top of the the America’s Cup leaderboard with 8 point, 1 point ahead of the Americans.

Peter Burling’s team will face Jimmy Spithill’s tomorrow, Saturday 3 June, in what will sure be a nail-biting match.

Yesterday’s light winds in the America’s Cup certainly sorted the wheat from the chaff – as Volvo Ocean Race winner, Ian Walker stated on Twitter: “Holy moly! @EmiratesTeamNZ were very impressive”.

Emirates Team New Zealand’s performance in race 5 of the Round Robin 2 matches clearly showed off the brilliance of the design of the team’s cat (longer foils and pedal powered winches), as well as their team tactics (allowing Junior Josh to sit in from of the wingsail to give extra weight for foiling).

From the first gybe at the first mark, the Kiwis left Land Rover BAR lagging behind after R1 nosedived off its foils. Sir Ben Ainslie and his men were also hampered by a “systems failure” resulting in lost control of their foils.

In all, Emirates Team New Zealand were minutes ahead of Land Rover BAR, who eventually retired from the race.

So, could this be a taste of things to come?

Helmsman Peter Burling hinted: “We feel like we still have plenty to come as well and that’s what excites all of us here. We have still got plenty to work on and plenty to come”.

Emirates Team New Zealand are certainly firm favourites in the competition, and have performed well so far, winning six out of their seven races.

By day two (May 28) the Kiwis were already looking solid, making excellent manoeuvres and foiling tacks in some pretty challenging conditions, with wind varying between 8-16 knots and shifting up to 30 degrees. They went on to comfortably  beat SoftBank Team Japan and Land Rover BAR.

Today (2 June), Emirates Team New Zealand face two more matches – against Groupama Team France and SoftBank Team Japan.

If they win, it will put them at the top of the rankings for the first time, making tomorrow’s scheduled match against ORACLE TEAM USA even more exciting!

26 May 2017

There is just over 24 hours to go until the start of the 35th America’s Cup.

The six teams have been making the most of the final days of practice ahead of the start of racing tomorrow (27 May) on the Great Sound in Bermuda.

Racing had to be postponed a day due to forecasted strong winds. Organisers said the decision was made with the safety of the teams and spectators in mind.

Following the final practice race, the skipper and helmsman of Land Rover BAR, Sir Ben Ainslie tweeted that both the boat and team are “feeling good” about the battle ahead.

25 May 2017

Fans of Land Rover BAR can now experience what it is like being on R1 – the British team’s America’s Cup catamaran.

With less than two days to go until the start of the competition in Bermuda, Land Rover and Jaunt in collaboration have released a 360 degree footage of taking flight at 60mph.

Over the last week, Land Rover BAR have been asking the public to back them in their quests to #BringTheCupHome – a reference to the fact that Britain has never won the America’s Cup since the inaugural race around the Isle of Wight in 1851.

America’s Cup: meet the skippers

Not only are supporters being asked to send in their messages of support, but to join the so-called Band of Britain.

A limited edition supporter’s wristband has been launched, priced at £15.

All the money raised will go to the team’s official charity, the 1851 Trust, which aims to encourage all young people to experience sailing and give them opportunities to grow in the sport, understand career choices and wider opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and consider the environment and act sustainably.

8 May 2017

2012 Olympic gold medallist Joe Sullivan is one of two members of Emirates Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup team who is a sailing novice.

The rower, along with former sprint cyclist Simon van Velthooven, are cyclists on the team’s catamaran, which has a cycle grinding system to power the hydraulic systems.

The team’s decision to build a boat with cycling pedestals instead of traditional arm-powered grinding pedestals caused much debate and excitement when it was unveiled in February.

Although, they lack sailing experience, both Sullivan and van Velthooven have clearly been chosen for their ability to push through the pain barrier, and, in van Velthooven’s case, his cycling expertise.

The training is tough. Credit: Hamish Hooper / Emirates Team New Zealand

Around two weeks ago, these sailing newbies got the chance to experience the kind of high speed racing expected at America’s Cup matches when they took part in three races on the final day of official practice racing in Bermuda.

Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Sullivan said: “It was definitely a bit more intense, everyone is really switched on and really locked into what we’re doing.”

Simon van Velthooven. Credit: Nicola/Wikimedia Commons

“We didn’t have the best of races, but we learnt a lot, which was really good and just to get out there and really cement that understanding of what you need to do and what the boat needs was really good,” he added.

Emirates Team New Zealand raced Artemis Racing , SoftBank Team Japan and Groupama Team France taking two wins from the three races.

It was certainly better than their earlier experience of Bermudan waters, with the cat nosediving during on practice session

Sullivan said there are many similarities between rowing and grinding.

“It’s definitely very similar (to the intensity of a rowing final), but it’s a bit more on-off. So there are patches where the boat demands a lot of power and you have to give as much as you have and then there are times where you can take it a bit easier, whereas with rowing it is consistently killing you,” explained Sullivan to the New Zealand Herald.

“When you’re giving it a full effort it’s very much the same as rowing,” he added.

4 May 2017

Emirates Team New Zealand unveiled their cycle grinding system to power the hydraulic systems throughout their boat.

Now, Land Rover BAR have made public their secret weapon to win the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda – a bespoke steering wheel.

Engineers have created a one-off steering wheel with gear-shift paddles shaped to fit Sir Ben Ainslie’s hands.

It should give the Olympic legend perfect fingertip control, allowing him to adjust the boat’s hydrofoils with greater precision for the fastest possible racing.

Effectively it means Sir Ben can lift R1, Land Rover BAR’s 2.4-tonne race boat, out of the water with a flick of his fingertips.

Just as an aerofoil helps a plane into the sky, hydrofoils lift a boat out of the water.

The Land Rover steering wheel turns the boat left and right as it would on a car, while the gear shift paddles control its height above the water by controlling the lift from the foils.

Land Rover’s Human Machine Interface engineers spent 18 months developing the wheel that will lift R1 above the water at speeds above 50 knots.

As Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series champions, Land Rover BAR head into the qualifiers for the 35th America’s Cup with a two-point head-start over the remaining challengers.

The team begins its challenge for the America’s Cup on 26 May against Artemis Racing of Sweden.

21 April 2017

There are just 35 days to go until the start of the first America’s Cup race and all six teams are pushing hard, trying to iron out any glitches in their form.

Certainly the skipper of Oracle Team USA – the defenders of the Ould Mug – will be hoping there wont be a repeat of his man overboard during training yesterday.

Jimmy Spithill was trying to leap towards the starboard side of the catamaran, when he lost his footing and ended up in the sea.

“I got sling-shotted off the back,” Spithill told said in a video of the incident posted onto the team’s official YouTube channel.

“I had a split decision to basically say ‘can I stop myself?’, and I made the decision that I could not stop myself.”

Spithill suffered no ill effects from his man overboard, which seems to be a pretty common occurrence.

Last week, a member of Groupama Team France ended up in the sea during practice training before being picked up by a safety boat.

Earlier this year, Spithill’s Oracle Team USA team mate, Graeme Spence went overboard in front of the main beam.

The grinder fell in the water between the two hulls.

A timely reminder of why safety is paramount in yacht racing.

16 February 2017

Emirates Team New Zealand has launched the boat it will use to challenge for the 35th Americas Cup in Bermuda in May.

And unlike the other boats unveiled so far, New Zealand has a cycle grinding system which the team will use to power the hydraulic systems throughout the boat.

Emirates Team New Zealand design coordinator, Dan Bernasconi said moving away from a traditional grinding system was an obvious design choice.

“When we sat down to think about the overall design of this boat three years ago the benefits of cycling opposed to regular grinding were obvious, but certainly not without issues and difficulty with functionality, and this is what we have been working incredibly hard on overcoming for the past three years,” he explained.

“Winning the next America’s Cup is all about maintaining a stable flight on the entire race course and that’s the reason why this boat contains some of the most innovative and powerful technology ever used in this competition in its systems, electronics, hydraulics and foil designs,” stressed Bernasconi.

New Zealand. Credit: Hamish Hooper/Emirates Team New Zealand

The catamaran was unveiled at the team’s Beaumont Street base in Auckland.

“This is a really proud day for the team collectively,” said the team’s CEO Grant Dalton.

“The campaign always just gets real when you launch the actual boat that you hope will be the one to win the America’s Cup back for New Zealand. It’s when things get exciting, and despite the long hard hours everyone has been putting in there is definitely an added edge to the team now this is in the water,” noted The Race winner and five time Whitbread Round the World competitor.

The AC Class catamaran, which is 15 metres (49.2 feet) long and has a 25-metre wing, is the result of the team working six and seven day weeks since July last year.

All the boat’s components were built in New Zealand involving works at Southern Spars, Cookson Boats and C Tech, with the meticulous fit out process being done at the team base since prior to Christmas.

The rule for the America’s Cup Class required certain elements of the boats to be one design (hulls, beams, central pod and wing shape), so designers were mainly focused on control systems and daggerboards where the Protocol allows more flexibility.

Even if the AC Class catamarans are 20-feet shorter and have a 15-metres smaller wing than the AC72s, they are expected to be around 20% faster around the race track than in 2013 in San Francisco.

New Zealand is lowered into the water. Credit: Emirates Team New Zealand

Shore team manager, Sean Regan said the team had be “working so incredibly hard to get to this point”.

“Some guys have been working 12+ hour days everyday without a day off since the 3 January. The fact we are the first team to go sailing on the race boat, considering how late we were compared to the other teams is an unbelievable testament to the drive, focus and determination this very special team has collectively,” he stressed.

“There is a true belief that this team can take on the five other Goliath’s and win this thing,” added Regan.

The emphasis of the campaign now moves from inside the confines of the boat shed to the open water of the Hauraki Gulf, led by skipper and sailing team director, Glenn Ashby.

“It’s been a challenge to get to this point, and the first sailing has been a very special moment for the entire team,” he noted.

“The next few months of sailing and development with our race boat will be some of the most important in this America’s Cup. We’ll do a month of intensive testing here in Auckland then we will suspend the test programme and move to Bermuda where we will resume our training until racing starts, on 26 May,” added Ashby.

On the water in Auckland. Credit: Hamish Hooper/ Emirates Team New Zealand

Dalton said that in the 30-year history of Emirates Team New Zealand, it has always been “at the forefront of international sailing.”

“From its beginning with Plastic Fantastic in 1987 to the introduction of foils in San Francisco the team has always reshaped the America’s Cup and the boat we are christening today is introducing revolutionary concepts once again,” said Dalton.

“I wish to thank the sponsors and the official suppliers that have believed once again in our challenge, but I also want to congratulate all the team, and in particular shore and design teams, who have worked relentlessly for months, allowing us to comply with the deadlines we had set,” he added.

New Zealand in numbers

Boat weight: 2332-2432 kg
Optical fibres: 60 metres
Hull length: 49,2 feet
Height of wing above water: 25 metres
Top speed: +46 knots
Crew members: 6
Average crew weight: 87.5kg
Emirates Team New Zealand’s members: 90

15 February 2017

After more than 85,000 man hours, ORACLE TEAM USA has revealed its new America’s Cup Class boat, 17.

Speaking at the unveiling of the foiling catamaran the team will race this summer in Bermuda, skipper Jimmy Spithill said: “This is the boat we’re racing to win the America’s Cup.”

The new America’s Cup Class boats are foiling, wingsailed catamarans, 15 meters in length and capable of reaching speeds approaching 100 km/h.

In addition they are extremely manoeuvrable, making them ideal match racing platforms.

“We need to get this boat out on the water and put the hours in getting it ready to race,” said Spithill.

“The long days will continue,” he added.

The team will continue testing and developing the catamaran and this won’t stop until the final race of the America’s Cup.

ORACLE TEAM USA hope 17 will give them their third America’s Cup win. Credit: Peter Hurley/America’s Cup

“Many of the major design decisions have been made and have been built in already to what you see tonight,” said the design coordinator for ORACLE TEAM USA, Scott Ferguson.

“But the refinement and optimisation process never stops. We know there is still speed to be found between now and 26 May  when racing begins in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers and that’s our focus for the coming weeks,” he added.

More than 15 designers and 50 boat-builders have contributed to the design and build of 17.

Team partners like Airbus, BMW, Parker and Yanmar have provided technical expertise and support.

17. Credit: BMW/Carlo Borlenghi

The chief operating officer of ORACLE TEAM USA, Grant Simmer said the unveiling of 17 was a major milestone “in our campaign to win the America’s Cup for a third time”.

“These boats are highly-engineered, with complex systems, and built to perform under extreme conditions,” he said.

“It’s a great achievement by our designers, builders and engineers to get us to this point where the race yacht gets handed over to the sailors,” stressed Simmer.

Spithill, who attended the launch along with his 14-strong sailing team, described 17 as an “incredible racing machine”.

“I’m really proud of this team and what we’ve achieved so far,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the design team, the engineering team, the shore support, and our full boat-building team, including the guys who couldn’t be here,” added Spithill.

7 February 2017

Britain has never won the America’s Cup in its 166-year history.

But Sir Ben Ainslie and his Land Rover BAR team are hoping to change that….and Rita is the name of their secret weapon.

The R1 race boat was unveiled at the team’s base in Bermuda yesterday afternoon (7 February 2017).

It was christened by Sir Ben’s wife, Lady Georgie Ainslie and daughter Bellatrix.

The LandRover BAR race yacht, Rita, is launched in Bermuda. Credit: Lloyd Images

The choice of the boat’s name is significant. Sir Ben has been naming his boats Rita throughout his career.

Watch an interview with Sir Ben below

Commenting on the launch, Sir Ben said: “It’s a great moment to see our race boat Rita hit the water in Bermuda.”

“The launch represents the sum of all the team’s efforts to bring the America’s Cup home, and we’re delighted to get her in the water here in Bermuda,” he continued.

“We’re a start-up team, and we had to build not just the boat but the design and engineering team, the facilities and the processes to get to this point today,” explained Sir Ben.

The Land Rover BAR team with Rita. Credit: Lloyd Images

“There are just a few short months before the racing starts at the end of May, and we will be working very hard now on the final development and testing of this boat to make sure we are ready for the racing,” stressed Sir Ben.

BAR shared the engineering skills used by Jaguar Land Rover to create its newest models.

Aerodynamic, self-learning car, artificial intelligence and virtual-modelling technologies are all helping the boat to go faster.

The director of research at Jaguar Land Rover, Tony Harper, said their partnership with Land Rover BAR has enabled the engineers to up-skill and practice new methods in different environments and platforms.

“This process of two-way engineering and our wider STEM programme across the business has enabled us to develop, learn and provide our capabilities to the BAR team,” he explained.

“We developed industry-first aerodynamic testing to support the wingsail design which you can see on the final boat here today,” continued Harper.

“From the success of this project, and with our knowledge of analysis and construction of light-weight vehicles, we have also supported the structural design of the daggerboards – the surfboard-style structure underneath the boat that allow it to fly and keep it stable when out of the water,” he stated.

Each light-weight daggerboard needs to bear 2,400kg, the equivalent of a new Land Rover Discovery, so their job on the boat is crucial.

“It has been an incredible campaign to be involved in as a British automotive brand. We are extremely proud to be supporting Sir Ben Ainslie’s entry into this legendary race,” added Harper.

The CEO of Land Rover BAR, Martin Whitmarsh, said Jaguar Land Rover’s input to the final boat design had been “hugely significant” for the team.

The America’s Cup has always been a sailing and design race and the boats have developed from ropes and winches to more technical machines which will fly out of the water at up to 60mph,” he said.

“This complex design requires the latest engineering skill and insight, allowing automotive brands to make a significant impact in the design race – very much like in F1,” explained Whitmarsh.

Land Rover BAR have less than four months to make design tweaks and for the sailors to train on the water in Bermuda.

The America’s Cup begins on 26 May 2017 with the first round of qualifiers.

The winner will be crowned at the end of June.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to watch the event live in Bermuda and more on TV.

19 December 2016

Land Rover BAR’s opening race of the 35th America’s Cup campaign will be against fellow challenger Artemis Racing from Sweden.

The race will take place on Friday, 26 May 2017.

The full event schedule for the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda in 2017 has been confirmed, outlining the calendar of five weeks of sailing action, starting on 26 May and finishing on or around 27 June 2017.

All the 35th America’s Cup races will take place on the waters of Bermuda’s Great Sound.

The racing format of the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda features all six America’s Cup teams competing in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers, the round robin match racing that kicks off the 35th America’s Cup.

In these opening two rounds, Land Rover BAR will race every other team twice battling for the right to advance to the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs (only the top four advance), which starts on 4 June.

Credit: Alex Palmer

The current Defender, ORACLE TEAM USA, then moves straight into the America’s Cup Match, in which it will take on the winner of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs.

The teams finishing first and second in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series will carry two and one points respectively into the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers in 2017.

The top four challengers from the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers will split into two semi-finals and this second stage of the 2017 competition will run from 4 June until 12 June, with the winners taking part in a finals competition to determine which team will take on the Defender in the America’s Cup Match.

Also at stake in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers is a bonus point for the America’s Cup Match.

If the team that wins the Qualifiers (whether Defender or a challenger) also advances to the match, it will start with a one-point advantage.

Also running over these dates is the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup and the return of the AC45 foiling race catamarans currently being campaigned by the America’s Cup teams in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series.

In Bermuda 2017 the AC45’s will be crewed by up to 16 teams of the next generation of sailing superstars, with the Land Rover BAR Academy representing Britain.

6 December 2016

With the America’s Cup World Series over, Land Rover BAR have now starting moving their sailing operations from Portsmouth to Bermuda.

The first two shipments of boats and equipment have left the base, an award-winning building at Camber Docks in Old Portsmouth.

The new sailing and hospitality facility located in Bermuda’s Royal Navy Dockyard has been under construction since mid-summer.

Ben Ainslie’s dachshund, Ginger, checks out the team’s dock in Bermuda. Credit: Alex Palmer

The team have already arrived in Bermuda, and have started training under the Caribbean sunshine.

About 50% of the team will move to Bermuda, but many of them will be on rotation from Portsmouth, which will remain the core of the operation and the team’s home.

A ‘Virtual Chase Boat’ has been built  to allow engineers and performance analysts to monitor all the sailing in Bermuda from the Dell EMC Mission Control in Portsmouth.

BT has built the data channel that allows the 190 sensors and four video cameras to report in real time from the America’s Cup race course on the Great Sound, Bermuda all the way back to Portsmouth.

Once there, the performance analysis is supported with tools developed with help from Land Rover.

Team Land Rover BAR. Credit: Jack Abel Smith

In addition to the team members in Bermuda, 54 family members will be moving full time, including six babies and 24 children.

The team’s engineering manager, Richard Hopkirk, said the next few months are crucial.

“The next few months of sailing and development with our race boat will be some of the most important in this America’s Cup,” he said.

“And while the design and engineering teams will be split, we’ve used communications technology to our advantage to ensure that the team in Portsmouth will be an integral part of the onwards development programme,” continued Hopkirk.

“It’s an exciting new way of operating in the America’s Cup, and is closer to the F1 model than what’s been done in the Cup before,” he added.

The move to Bermuda involves three shipments, including one R1 race boat, one T3 test boat, a fully equipped gym, a crane and 42 containers full of kit!

Meanwhile, tickets for the 35th America’s Cup will go on sale on 9 December 2016.

The battle will take place from 26 May 2017, withe the final expected to take place on or around the 27 June.

There are a range of ticket options which give spectators access to a variety of areas including:

The America’s Cup Village;
Grandstand seats, offering unrivalled views of the stadium-style action as it unfolds on Bermuda’s Great Sound;
Official Spectator Boats, enabling America’s Cup fans who want to be on the water to enjoy a front row position right on the edge of the racecourse;
Longtail Lounge hospitality, one of the best VIP experiences in Bermuda, providing relaxed views of the Great Sound in a perfect hospitality setting;
Goslings Dark ‘n Stormy Island Bar, promising a lively atmosphere, delicious buffet lunches and fantastic views of the finish line;
Private Boat Registration, giving boat owners the chance to enjoy all the 35th America’s Cup action from the comfort of their own vessels, right next to the racecourse itself.

Tickets are limited to six tickets per day, per person but multiple days may be purchased.

The post America’s Cup: First look at New York Yacht Club’s test monohull – video appeared first on YBW.

The only woman in the Golden Globe Race, Susie Goodall spent 12 hours at anchor when she stopped at the Hobart Gate, making repairs to her wind vane self-steering and diving underneath her Rustler 36 to clear the barnacles from the bottom of the yacht.

The 29-year-old also caught up on some much needed sleep, having been knocked down several times in the southern Indian Ocean while sailing through 15 metre seas and 70 knot winds.

‘That was brutal – It took me a week to recover! The seas were coming from four directions and I kept being knocked down. I was really struggling with the wind vane, which had been bent and would no longer steer downwind,’ recalled Goodall, whose hands and fingers are still bandaged with gaffer tape following the cuts she sustained while handling DHL Starlight in the storm conditions.

‘I had to hand steer to keep the boat stern-to the waves, but even so, some waves would come and hit us side-on. Even after the big blow, I still got knocked down a couple more times by the confused swells,’ she added.

Susie Goodall has now changed her storm tactics after her experiences in the Southern Indian Ocean. Credit: Christophe Favreau/PPL/GGR

Goodall, who is the youngest skipper in the race, said as a result of her experiences she has now changed her storm tactics.

‘Every storm is different, and before this one, I used to deploy a drogue to slow the boat down. I don’t know why, but in that last storm, I simply towed warps and hand-steered to keep the boat stern-to and it seemed better. My tactic had been to let the boat sail though it, but that time I couldn’t,’ she explained.

Goodall also got the chance to talk to her family, after one of her many supporters held up their iPad to provide a Facetime link home. Other well wishes also sent her messages of good luck and many questions, which were put to her by the Golden Globe Race chairman, Don McIntyre.

Examples included:

What have been the most challenging moment? Answer:  “Being becalmed”.
Is the ocean a friend or foe? Answer: “The ocean is a friend who turns on me now and again”
What have been the best parts of the voyage so far? Answer: There have been a lot of good parts – but passing the Cape of Good Hope was one highlight”
What has been the most useful gadget onboard? Answer:  “A portable cassette player”
What do you miss most onboard? Answer: “Fresh food, my iPod and Kindle”
How much water do you still have?  Answer: “A month’s supply – not enough to get to Cape Horn. I hope it rains.”
What will be your first meal when you return to Les Sables d’Olonne? Answer: “A big salad, fruit, a bowl of steamed broccoli, a pizza – and a glass of red wine.”

Goodall even received a proposal of marriage from a fan called Harry. “Prince Harry?” she enquired optimistically.

Susie spent 12 hours at Hobart. Credit: Christophe Favreau/PPL/GGR

After 12-hours, she set sail again at 02:00 UTC to cross the Tasman and head out into the South Pacific bound for Cape Horn, knowing that another Southern Ocean storm is expected in two days.

Goodall is currently in fourth place, chasing Uku Randmaa’s boat One and All which is in third. The Estonian sailor passed through the BoatShed.com Hobart film drop last Friday, and has also suffered from barnacles on the bottom of his yacht.

American/Hungarian Istvan Kopar is the next expected arrival at Hobart. He is due to arrive on 3 November 2018 on his Tradewind 35 Puffin.

Continues below…

Golden Globe Race 2018: Abhilash Tomy rescued

Golden Globe Race skippers Abhilash Tomy and Gregor McGuckin have now both been rescued by the crew of the French…

Golden Globe Race 2018: Skippers set sail from the Suhaili 50 Falmouth Parade of Sail en route to Les Sables d’Olonne

After taking part in the Suhaili 50 Falmouth Parade of Sail the 2018 Golden Globe race skippers have set sail…

He should be followed by Finland’s Tapio Lehtinen and his Gaia 36 Asteria. Her engine has packed up and her hull is covered in barnacles, so sailing in to Storm Bay and picking up a mooring without any outside assistance could be challenging for the veterans of the 1981/82 Whitbread Round the World Race.

Meanwhile, Russian skipper Igor Zaretskiy, who is trailing in last place after his Endurance 35 suffered a broken forestay, has now made repairs.

Igor Zaretskiy has suffered a broken forestay. Credit: Group V team/PPL/GGR

‘We are now totally up and running with Esmeralda. I have completed the repair to the stay. It took four days of contemplating and waiting for the weather. I spliced the eye on the forestay and secured it in the eyelet on the top of the mast,’ he told Golden Globe Race HQ.

‘I was lucky to have a bit of calm in the morning, took two reefs in the main, hoisted the storm jib and then hove to.I was working on it for more than four hours.In the end, it took 1½ hours to get back down from the mast. I have never ever got that tired in all my life. I slipped a dozen of times, hanging on the safety line. What can I say – these footholds on the mast, like stirrups, are not for this job. They are to break your ankle when you’re sent swinging around the mast. Much better to have a folding ladder. Tearing down all the flag halyards and one clutch on the way down was the high note that ended the job,’ he continued.

‘Gave it a try with the yankee set for 24 hours. The forestay holds well. Now heading back to the course line, I have got way too far north from it. Pulled down the mizzen because it headed the boat. Now I have the small jib and the storm jib up, and one reef in the main,’ he added.

Next on his list of repairs is the staysail. The Russian has also been coping with running out of sugar, although ‘there are enough lollipops and green pea stocks to feed an army’ onboard Esmeralda.

Latest positions at 12:00 UTC 31 October 2018

1 Jean- Luc VDH (FRA) Rustler 36 Matmut
2 Mark Slats (NED) Rustler 36 Ohpen Maverick
3 Uku Randmaa (EST) Rustler 36 One and All
4 Susie Goodall GBR) Rustler 36 DHL Starlight
5 Istvan Kopar (USA) Tradewind 35 Puffin
6 Tapio Lehtinen (FIN) Gaia 36 Asteria
7 Mark Sinclair (Aus) Lello 34 Coconut
8 Igor Zaretskiy (RUS) Endurance 35 Esmeralda

RETIRED
Ertan Beskardes (GBR) Rustler 36 Lazy Otter
Kevin Farebrother (AUS) Tradewind 35 Sagarmatha
Nabil Amra (PAL) Biscay 36 Liberty II
Philippe Péché (FRA) Rustler 36 PRB
Antoine Cousot (FRA) Biscay 36 Métier Intérim
Francesco Cappelletti (ITA) Endurance 35 007
Are Wiig (NOR) OE32 Olleanna
Abhilash Tomy (IND) Suhaili replica Thuriya
Gregor McGuckin (IRE) Biscay 36 Hanley Energy Endurance
Loïc Lepage (FRA) Nicholson 32 Laaland

The post Golden Globe Race 2018: Susie Goodall heading to Cape Horn appeared first on YBW.

Porto Montenegro will host the RC44 monohull class regatta for the first time ever on 10-14 April 2019 in Boka Bay.

The regatta brings together sailing and business, allowing amateur helmsmen to compete with some of the world’s top sailors.
The crew of each RC44 is made up of a 50/50 split between professional sailors, who have competed in the America’s Cup and the Olympics, and amateurs, with the amateur owner always at the helm. The race also gives an opportunity for a VIP guest to sit at the back of the boats, with the perfect view of all the action.

The RC44 Class Association says: “It is a fantastic opportunity for the RC44 fleet to kick off the 2019 season with the RC44 Montenegro Cup. The Racing Tour will then continue on to four of the best sailing destinations in Europe for one design racing, including the picturesque town of Rovinj in Croatia for event two, and the Swedish sailing Mecca of Marstrand Island for event three. The full 2019 RC44 Racing Tour schedule will be announced in the coming months.”

Porto Montenegro Marina Director, Tony Browne comments: “We are excited to kick off our 2019 sailing season with an event of this calibre. Porto Montenegro Yacht Club has worked tirelessly on building a vibrant sailing calendar throughout the years and we are very pleased to see big names coming in and enjoying the unique Boka Bay”.

The RC44 boats are a light weight construction, made entirely of carbon with a powerful sail plan. This monohull is a light displacement, high-performance, one design racing yacht. Co-designed by five-time America’s Cup winner, Russell Coutts and naval architect Andrej Justin, the boats are strictly identical in terms of construction, shape of hull, appendages and weight distribution.

“We wanted to include a degree of complexity so an owner can experience what a top-end race boat is like to sail, and it delivers on that,” explains Coutts. “I also wanted a boat that could be sailed short-handed with a deck layout incorporating many non-standard adjustments which add to the boat’s complexity and mean that racing enthusiasts can enjoy the performance benefits.”

Porto Montenegro is a luxury yacht homeport and marina village in the Mediterranean.
The marina currently has 450 berths for yachts from 12 to 250 meters in length (with a capacity for expansion to 850 berths), 290 sold-out luxury apartments, as well as over 55 units of ground floor retail made up of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and amenities and a five-star Regent Hotel with over 80 luxury suites and apartments. The completion of the second Regent Pool Club Residences wing, BAIA, is expected by the summer 2019 and will bring 70 new studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to the luxury residential offering.

In 2017, Porto Montenegro received a prestigious Superyacht Marina of Distinction award and 5 Golden Anchors from The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) for the high-quality facilities and services provided. Porto Montenegro has become the world’s first and only marina to receive the Platinum award from TYHA and the Marina Industries Association, joint operators of the Gold Anchor award scheme.

Porto Montenegro: the must visit destination for sailors who love fine wine

Having just recently hosted the 5th SuperWine Festival, Porto Montenegro, which has become the first marina in the world to…

Porto Montenegro in pilot partnership with Seabin Project

The Seabin collects all floating rubbish, oils, fuel and detergents. The V5 model is being tested at Porto Montenegro ahead…

10 Most beautiful luxury marinas in the UK and Europe to holiday in style

With their beautiful locations, state-of-the-art facilities, amenities such as spas, hotels and luxury homes, bars and restaurants, pools, designer shops,…

The post Porto Montenegro to host RC44 monohull class regatta for the first time ever appeared first on YBW.

24 September

Injured Golden Globe Race skipper, Abhilash Tomy has been rescued by the crew of a French patrol boat, Osiris.

The 39-year-old is reported to be conscious and talking.

His Suhaili-replica yacht, Thuriya was dismasted on Friday, some 1,900 miles south west of Perth, Australia.

The Indian Naval officer had reported to Race HQ that he couldn’t walk and had injured his back when his yacht was rolled 360 degrees in a storm in the Indian Ocean. He was confined to his bunk, unable to eat or drink.

Fellow competitor, Gregor McGuckin, whose Biscay 36, Hanley Energy Endurance was also dismasted, had been trying to make his way to Tomy under jury rig and engine, but problems with his engine left him struggling to reach his injured team mate.

The crew of the Osiris have now rescued McGuckin, who asked for a controlled evacuation, feeling it was the responsible option to take now that all rescue assets were in place.

In a statement, Neil O’Hagan, who is part of McGuckin’s shore team, said the Irish skipper’s condition was good and has suffered ‘nothing more than bumps and bruises’.

‘In an incredible show of seamanship, the 32-year-old Irishman managed to build a jury rig and hand steer his yacht Hanley Energy Endurance for the past four days to within 30 miles of his fellow competitor in order to be on site to assist with the rescue if required,’ said O’Hagan.

Gregor McGuckin has only sustained bruises. Credit: Nick Jaffe/PPL

‘McGuckin did not declare an emergency for his own situation despite being rolled over and losing his mast. However, given the extremely remote location and the condition of his yacht, it was deemed the appropriate course of action to abandon his yacht under a controlled evacuation scenario as the opportunity arose. The considered move ensures in the event that his own situation deteriorated in any attempt to reach land in the coming weeks a second rescue mission would not be required,’ the statement added.

Osiris, which has full medical facilities onboard, is now heading to Île Amsterdam where Tomy will be transferred to hospital for a full medical assessment.

21 September

Gregor McGuckin’s Golden Globe Race dream is over after a storm rolled his Biscay 36 Hanley Energy Endurance, 360 degrees and left the yacht dismasted in the Indian Ocean.

The 32-year-old, who is not injured, has cut away the rig and is now trying to decide how best to make it safely port.

Speaking to race HQ, McGuckin reported: ‘I’ve got rolled the main mast is gone.’

At the time, he was sailing downwind on bare poles with warps, and reported gusts of up to 70 knots and 12 metre high seas.

Just a few hours earlier the Irish skipper was knocked down, which broke his yacht’s mizzen mast.

Abhilash Tomy is now repairing a split in his mizzen boom after being knocked down. CREDIT: Christophe Favreau/PPL/GGR

Describing the conditions, McGuckin said: ‘The sea is just savage. I was going down a swell and a monster (wave) came in from the other side, there was nothing I could have done. I was lying on the roof but it came back up. I’m a bit bruised but ok. The gusts must have been 70 knots.’

McGuckin is now the second Golden Globe Race skipper to be rolled over. Norwegian Are Wiig was forced to abandon the race and head to Cape Town under jury rig at the end of August after being rolled and dismasted.

‘Typical, I’m at the furthest point from land in the Indian Ocean,’ noted McGuckin, who when asked what he will do next said: ‘I will sleep on it for now’.

Gregor McGuckin was not injured and must now decide how to get to a safe port. Credit: Tim Bishop/PPL/GGR

He has a number of options including asking for rescue from a passing ship or a fellow competitor, or sailing the 2,000 miles to Australia under jury rig.

The dismasting of Gregor McGuckin’s yacht means there are now just nine skippers left in the Golden Globe Race.

Meanwhile, the storm is also causing problems for other skippers.

Continues below…

Indian naval officer, Abhilash Tomy’s Suhaili replica, Thuriya has been knocked down and he is now dealing with a split mizzen boom and a lost AIS antenna. He remains in third place, less than 150 miles behind second placed Mark Slats.

The Dutch skipper aboard his Rustler 36, Ohpen Maverick has also been knocked down, but is ok, and is reporting 60 knot winds.

Further storms will batter the tail enders in the race. Credit: GGR

Istvan Kopar’s Tradewind 35 cutter, Puffin has also been knocked down, and was forced to pump out his cabin.

‘GOT KNOCKED DOWN 0430Z I AM OK PUMPED OUT CABIN RIG OK BUT NO WORKING PHONE or VHF ETC. HOVE TO FOR THE TIME BEING,’ he texted race HQ.

For those towards the back of the fleet, another weather system is going to bring extreme conditions over the next 24 hours.

Latest positions at 15:00 UTC 21 September 2018

1 Jean- Luc VDH (FRA) Rustler 36 Matmut
2 Mark Slats (NED) Rustler 36 Ohpen Maverick
3 Abhilash Tomy (IND) Suhaili replica Thuriya
4 Uku Randmaa (EST) Rustler 36 One and All
5 Susie Goodall GBR) Rustler 36 DHL Starlight
6 Istvan Kopar (USA) Tradewind 35 Puffin
7 Tapio Lehtinen (FIN) Gaia 36 Asteria
8 Igor Zaretskiy (RUS) Endurance 35 Esmeralda
9 Mark Sinclair (Aus) Lello 34 Coconut

CHICHESTER CLASS
Loïc Lepage (FRA) Nicholson 32 Laaland

RETIRED
Ertan Beskardes (GBR) Rustler 36 Lazy Otter
Kevin Farebrother (AUS) Tradewind 35 Sagarmatha
Nabil Amra (PAL) Biscay 36 Liberty II
Philippe Péché (FRA) Rustler 36 PRB
Antoine Cousot (FRA) Biscay 36 Métier Intérim
Are Wiig (NOR) OE32 Olleanna
Gregor McGuckin (IRE) Biscay 36 Hanley Energy Endurance

Francesco Cappelletti (ITA) Endurance 35 007

The post Golden Globe Race 2018: Abhilash Tomy rescued appeared first on YBW.

In its fifth edition, the British Marine Awards celebrates excellency in the marine industry. The awards were hosted at a gala dinner sponsored by Dominion Domains on Monday night (17 September), during the 50^th anniversary celebrations of Southampton Boat Show.

Seven British Marine member companies were recognised for their commitment to their staff, training and skills development, as well as the very special Marine Charity of the Year award.

Best Marine Company to Work for – under 20 employees

Winner: Superyacht Tenders and Toys

The judges were impressed by the company’s emphasis on creating a positive environment for its employees, where they are empowered to do the best that they can. One employee commented: “They (Superyacht Tenders and Toys) have truly created a fantastic place to work and it is a pleasure to come here every day.”

Claire Richardson, Director commented: “We are thrilled to have received this recognition from British Marine. We try to make work as flexible, enjoyable and rewarding as we can for our team but this, together with the success we have achieved and the awards we have won, would not have been possible without the outstanding dedication, commitment and hard work of the whole team”

Runner up: Marine Resources Recruitment

Best Marine Company to Work for – over 20 employees

Winner: Harken UK

The judges commented that Harken UK still uses the same ethos statement from when it was founded, ‘put your people first and the rest will follow’ (Peter Harken, 1967). Mark Gardner, Custom Project Manager at Harken UK, commented: “I joined Harken because I love our sport and wanted to work for an organisation that mirrors my passion for it.  In 2011 I was lucky enough to be asked to race on J-Class Lionheart. Harken UK made it possible for me to accept this position and seven years on, and one world title later, I am still sailing as part of her crew.”

Managing Director Andy Ash-Vie remarked after winning the award, “We believe in a very simple strategy; “Put your team’s personal growth before company growth”. If the team grows, then the company growth follows. It really is as simple as that and it has been a vital component to our success ever since we set up Harken UK in 1999.  It was so lovely to have this approach recognised by our peers and British Marine. Thank you so much for the award, it means more to us than you can imagine.”

Runner up: Oceanair

Best Training & Development Award – under 20 employees

Winner: Topsail Insurance

The judges noted the clear training and development opportunities within the company. They were also impressed by its commitment to ensure that every staff member attends a minimum of one training course per year.

Topsail Insurance Managing Director, Chris McGowan: “Topsail Insurance prides itself on the growth of its team and staff members. Four current members of staff joined Topsail Insurance as apprentices and have progressed through the business and are now a valuable part of our international company. We have implemented a successful training programme and provide opportunities for each person to progress and develop their careers. Winning this award comes as nice recognition for us as we have taken on our fifth apprentice who is a great addition to the team.”

Best Training & Development Award – over 20 employees

Winner: Pendennis Shipyard

The judges were impressed by the focus that Pendennis Shipyard places on its apprenticeship programme, which provides places to 22 apprentices every year. The judges also highlighted Pendennis’ ‘Management Development Forum’ (MDF), which supports employees who aspire to develop their career within supervisory positions in the company. This Forum is open to all employees at all levels of the company.

Mike Carr, Joint Managing Director commented: “We were extremely pleased to be recognised at the 2018 British Marine Training Awards this week. The inception of our apprenticeship scheme 20 years ago has provided the company with a highly skilled workforce and has contributed significantly to our success today. Our commitment to the training and development of our workforce is fundamental to our future growth and is at the heart of our company’s ethos.”

Marine Charity of the Year

Winner: Wetwheels

The judges praised Wetwheels for providing access to the water for people with all disabilities, with 80% of participants having never been on a boat before and who would not have access any other way.

Geoff Holt, Chief Executive: “The Wetwheels Foundation is absolutely thrilled and honoured to win the charity of the year award from British marine. This award is particularly important to us because it is made by the organisation which represents boating businesses across the country.

“We are very pleased that our efforts have been recognised, particularly the fact Wetwheels is providing the opportunity for so many people with disabilities to access the water, almost 80% of which have never been on the water before.

“What we do costs a lot of money and we rely on the generosity and support of the public and businesses to enable us to continue our work. We would dearly love to have more support from the boating community and would welcome the opportunity to speak to British Marine members who might like to support us in some way.”

British Marine’s Chief Executive, Lesley Robinson, praised all the winners and entrants: “It gives us great pleasure to honour these member companies, which have placed such a clear focus on supporting and growing the skills of their employees and creating enjoyable work environments. These member companies are a testament to what makes marine such a great industry to work in.”

Southampton Boat Show 2018: 10 best boat pictures

From the beautiful Spirit Yachts' DH63 to Princess Yachts' much awaited R35, the Southampton Boat Show 2018 is yet again…

Southampton Boat Show: 50th anniversary of the event in 15 facts

With the Southampton Boat Show celebrating 50 years this September, we look at some key facts and moments since it…

The post British Marine Awards winners revealed appeared first on YBW.

Sailing Uma’s Dan and Kika wanted to explore the globe and followed their friend’s advice: “If you want to travel the world, don’t buy a couch”. And so they bought a sailboat.

Today, Dan and Kika have a worldwide social media following of nearly 114,000 people tuning into their adventures around the globe.

Canadian Dan and Kika from Haiti met when they were both studying architecture in Atlanta, USA, and soon after graduating set sail together on their adventure.

By the end of the summer 2014, they had sold the majority of their possessions and bought their new home, a 1972 Pearson 36 they named Uma, the Portuguese word for number one. The impetus for this name is that all plans in life require a first choice, idea or step.

Over recent years, followers have watched them remove the boat’s diesel engine, using their DIY skills to rebuild and upgrade their sailboat while starting a life at sea.

With solar to power their everyday needs and an electric motor to drive their boat, Uma is 100% off grid. This allows Dan and Kika to continue to observe the world, learn from their experiences and share every step along the way on social media.

Dan and Kika said about appearing at the Southampton Boat Show 2018: “This year will be the first time we’ve visited TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show and we can’t wait. We’ve heard great things from our followers and are very much looking forward to our first visit. More importantly, we are really excited to be able to meet visitors and share our story.

“Like many, we started with a five year plan, had a successful renovation company, a place to live, steady incomes and a pretty good life overall. We had everything we needed, but something was still missing.

“In life there are many paths to choose. All requiring a first step, a first idea, a first choice to start with, to guide you on your journey. We hope that our story will stand as inspiration to those wanting to pursue their dreams, to take their own first step, to discover their own, Uma.”

Visitors will be able to meet and hear from Dan and Kika on Sunday 16 September, at 12pm and 2pm on the Show’s Heart Stage in Festival Green.

Southampton Boat Show 2018: 10 best boat pictures

From the beautiful Spirit Yachts' DH63 to Princess Yachts' much awaited R35, the Southampton Boat Show 2018 is yet again…

Southampton Boat Show 2018: Meet YBW at stand E001

Come and meet us at stand E001 at the Southampton Boat 2018, 14 - 23 September where you can subscribe…

Southampton Boat Show: 50th anniversary of the event in 15 facts

With the Southampton Boat Show celebrating 50 years this September, we look at some key facts and moments since it…

The post Southampton Boat Show 2018: Social media stars Sailing UMA, A.K.A. Dan and Kika to appear at the show appeared first on YBW.

Stunning sailing boats, beautiful motor yachts and some spectacular new launches such as the Princess R35 and the Fairline Targa 43 Open. Take a look at our gallery of beautiful boats below.

Practical Boat Owner, Motor Boat & Yachting, Yachting Monthly and Yachting World’s discussions at the show

Amidst the glamour of new yachts costing hundreds of thousands of pounds and even millions, campaigning sailor and regular PBO columnist Dave Selby is taking to the stage at the Southampton Boat Show on Friday 14 September at 3pm, with an additional talk on Saturday at 2pm, to reveal how anyone can get afloat in a boat of their own, no matter how modest their means.

The sailing writer, who describes himself as a budget boating evangelist, said: “It’s the untold secret of sailing. People who don’t do it think sailing is exclusive and costly, but boat ownership has really never been more affordable and accessible.”

Dave Selby, whose hilarious PBO column is a regular favourite with readers, describes himself as “a passionate but useless sailor who’s been fumbling around the east coast for years in Marlin, his 18-ft Sailfish, without dying once”.

But in 2016 he set his horizons further afield, sailing 340 miles to exhibit his boat at The Southampton Boat Show. The aim was to demonstrate that cost is no barrier to getting afloat, that in this day and age sailing has never been more affordable.

Dave will be revealing how to buy and get afloat in a budget boat of your own and telling tales from his endless catalogue of sailing mishaps. He will also be talking about the life-changing events that inspired his adventure.

Dave will also be signing copies of his first sailing book, The Impractical Boat Owner, a light-hearted commentary on “the yachting condition,” charting his meteoric rise from total novice to complete incompetent. “Everything I haven’t learned is in there,” says Dave proudly.

More magazine talks at the show

Monday 1100 – Jack Haines from Motorboats & Yachting on how the magazine tests boats, and advice on what should you buy

Tuesday 1100 – A discussion hosted by the Yachting Monthly team on ‘pay as you go’ yachting – why instant access is the future of sailing

Thursday 1100 – Elaine Bunting, Yachting World, in conversation with the Magenta Project on women in sailing

See the PBO website for more details on Dave Selby’s campaign to highlight how easy and cheap it can be to get afloat in your own boat.

Come and and visit the YBW stand E001 at the Southampton Boat Show where you can buy discounted subscriptions to your favourite marine magazines and win a fantastic prize.

Ancasta announces show launches

Beneteau First 18 and Beneteau First 24 global launch

The latest models in Beneteau’s classic small boat range are being launched jointly at the Southampton Boat Show and Cannes Boat Show. The hulls of these boats gives them speed and they are designed to respond to every touch of the helm, accelerating at the slightest gust.

Lagoon 630

The Lagoon 630 will be presented at the Southampton for the first time and can also be seen in Cannes. A large and efficient motor yacht created for long distance cruising in comfort.

Swift Trawler 47 global launch

The latest in the new generation of Swift Trawlers from Beneteau, the Swift Trawler 47 will be launched at both shows. Spacious interiors, a large flybridge, open deck plan, and a large swim platform make it a good choice for cruising with the family.

Beneteau  Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly will make its UK debut in Southampton. Based on Beneteau’s flagship GT cruiser, the GT 50 Sportfly features the latest technology including the onboard Ship Control system. The tender garage, designed to fit a Williams Minijet, is a feature not often seen on 50ft boats. Read the Motor Boat and Yachting review here.

Beneteau will also launch at the show: Beneteau Oceanis 46.1, Beneteau Oceanis 55.1 and the Prestige 460 S Line version, 

Simon Le Bon to open the Sunseeker stand

Simon Le Bon, lead singer of Duran Duran and sailing enthusiast, will be the special guest at the Sunseeker’s stand at the Southampton Boat Show.

Simon, a long-serving ambassador of The Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), will officially open the Sunseeker stand and BLUE exhibition space.
Sunseeker will showcase BLUE, an immersive exhibition experience located on their stand that will highlight the importance of protecting the marine environment and aims to tackle issues such as unregulated fishing, tourism and pollution.

Since 2017, Sunseeker has partnered with BLUE and has recently launched its first campaign titled ‘Project Menorca’, a marine conservation programme focussing on improving and protecting the island’s marine environment.

Simon, who will arrive at the show on board a Sunseeker yacht, has been working to raise awareness of the damaging effects that overfishing and the destruction of biodiversity on the world’s oceans and since becoming an ambassador for BLUE, has launched fundraising initiatives, including a charity bike ride from London to Monaco, spoken on behalf of the charity at several events and carried out interviews highlighting the work of the charity.

Simon commented: “The sea is a beautiful thing. We all grew up thinking it was perfect, pristine, and it would always stay that way. However, now we’re starting to see the reality of humanity’s impact on the world’s waters.  It is a disaster unfolding before our eyes.

“If we want to preserve the living seas, we have a lot of work to do and it heartens me to see brands like Sunseeker working really hard to raise awareness and implement projects that will help us in our endeavour.”

A keen sailor, Le Bon famously took part in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1985.

Amel 50 to make UK debut at the show

Amel 50, the winner of the European Boat of the Year 2018, Luxury Cruiser Category will make its UK debut at the Southampton Boat Show.

The 50ft yacht by French boat builder Amel benefits from the company’s stunning design, long distance cruising capabilities and comfort.

Described by Theo Stocker at Yachting Monthly as “a luxurious, well-engineered yacht which genuinely exceeded my expectations on sailing performance – for a boat designed to cross oceans in luxury. The Amel philosophy of a maintenance free boat results in features that are clever but at times chunky. Thanks to this approach I believe this is a vessel that could sail tens of thousands of miles and show little sign of wear and tear.”, this beautiful sloop is a must-see at the show. Read Yachting Monthly’s full review here.

Princess Yachts announces show’s debuts

Princess Yachts will debut the much anticipated R35 and two brand new V Class, the V60 and the new flybridge range Princess F70 at the Southampton Boat Show.

Southampton Boat Show will also see the UK debuts of the Princess V50 Open and V50 Deck Saloon.
Princess V40, S60, S65, F43, F49, F55, F62, Y75 and 30M will also be on show.

Princess R35

Designed in partnership with world-famous Ben Ainslie Racing Technologies (BAR Technologies) and world renowned Italian design studio Pininfarina, the R35 is the first Princess R Class performance sports yacht. Created and hand-built in Plymouth, it marries state of the art performance capabilities, stunning design, quality, race-bred technology and can reach a speed of up to 50 knots.

This high performance yacht  provides space and comfort down below with a luxurious and spacious cabin, bathroom with wet shower room, and a U-shaped seating surrounding a dining table which can be converted into a double bed with integrated blinds.  The R35 features a convenient hot and cold shower facility on the aft swim platform too.

Slightly aft, the galley features a sink, drawers and storage space, plus a 32-inch LED television, complete with Blu-ray CD/DVD player that integrates with the Naim audio system for entertainment at sea.

Princess V60

The latest addition to the V Class range is able to reach speeds up to 38 knots.
Its unique deep-V hull, ensures fuel and space efficiencies and the V60 boasts plenty of room for fun and entertainment with an open-plan saloon with electric sliding sunroof, and the aft galley with a large L-shaped sofa and folding dining table.

The sliding doors open out to the spacious cockpit featuring a wetbar with barbecue and coolbox.
A sunpad and a bathing platform allow for relaxation and watersport fun and the electro-hydraulic garage door hides a 3.3m tender.  The foredeck has a seating area and forward sunbathing area with the option of a large sun awning.

Below, three cabins host six guests with the owner’s stateroom featuring a sofa and a private ensuite.

Princess F70

This 26.6m2 flybridge features a large U-shaped dining area, with a fully-equipped wetbar with barbecue, aft sunpad and a forward seating area adjacent to the helm that also converts into a sunbed.

On the main deck, the aft galley opens out towards the cockpit, allowing for al fresco dining, with a more formal dining table in the saloon. Huge panoramic windows allow for plenty of natural light and stunning views.
The foredeck is ideal for relaxing with a forward facing sofa, an optional coffee table and a spacious sun pad .

Forward in the saloon are two more seating areas, with 49″ LED TV and entertainment system.

The lower deck  boasts four cabins, including a full beam master stateroom aft with a private staircase, a forward VIP guest cabin and two twin cabins.

YBW’s reader discounted ticket offer – save £8 per ticket!

YBW has partnered with British Marine to give readers discounted tickets for the 2018 Southampton Boat Show.

You can buy two standard any day tickets for £26, a saving of £8 per ticket compared to the show’s early bird offer. A £1.99 transaction fee applies when you buy online. You can use the code YBW until 23:59 on 13.09.18 to get your cheaper tickets to the show. Tickets can be purchased online here or over the phone by calling 0844 776 7766 (calls cost 7p per minute).

As in previous shows, two children under the age of 15 go free with each adult.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Southampton Boat Show.

During the 10 days of 2018 edition of the event, there will be plenty to see and experience, including watersports and boating activities such as a cruise onboard a top-of-the-range luxury motor yacht and an exciting sail aboard a 72ft round the world Ocean Race Yacht as part of a 12 strong team; climbing on board some of the world’s most stunning boats or simply taking in the Solent views whilst enjoying a drink at one of the many onsite bars.

This year’s Southampton Boat Show will be host to leading scientific and wildlife experts highlighting the environmental challenges facing the boating world in 2018. This will include on and off the water attractions from the National Oceanography Centre, the UK’s leading centre of excellence for oceanographic studies. Alongside its pledge to cut onsite plastics at the Show, it will showcase the technical innovations set to ensure that the future of the marine industry and the environment remains bright.

The Southampton Boat Show will take place at Mayflower Park/Town Quay, Southampton from 14-23 September 2018.

Sunseeker announces show’s line up

Sunseeker has announced the full line up of motor yachts that will be on display at the upcoming 50^th Southampton Boat Show.

For the first time in the show’s history, Sunseeker will be showcasing all six models on the water in the show’s marina.

Sunseeker’s Predator 50 will be getting it UK debut at the Show where the boat builder’s flagship Predator 74 will also be on display alongside 95 Yacht, Manhattan 66, Manhattan 52 and Predator 57.

Predator 50

The new model of the Predator family, Predator 50, boasts plenty of space for entertaining, has a fully opening hardtop roof and its cockpit provides an open plan cockpit/saloon. This is complemented by forward and aft cockpit seating which can be folded down to create an enlarged sunbathing area. The roomy saloon offers panoramic views and plenty of space for entertaining guests.

The deck has a spacious foredeck seating and sunbathing area with optional retractable pram hood canopy.
The Predator 50 also offers Sunseeker’s ‘Beach Club’ concept with optional built-in BBQ, overhead shower and fold-down transom seating. Its integral garage can accommodate a Williams 325 Jet Tender launched via the hydraulic bathing platform.

Continues below…

Sunseeker International to premiere Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht globally at Cannes Yachting Festival

Sunseeker International will unveil its latest craft, 74 Sport Yacht, and seven more models, at the Cannes Yachting Festival, which…

Sunseeker International to recruit 40 new apprentices

Applications for the Sunseeker Apprenticeship Scheme open on Monday (5 March). The luxury boat brand is looking to recruit 40

Sunseeker fills 91% of its order book for 2018 and reveals details of Red Bull sportsboat

Sunseeker CEO Phil Popham confirms 91% of order slots are filled for this year and orders are already stacking up…

The interior boats two cabins: the full-beam master stateroom, which comes with en-suite and the forward VIP cabin which features a scissor berth for complete flexibility. The lower saloon offers an additional bunk cabin, thereby providing accommodation for six.

This sports cruiser is fitted with the new Volvo Penta D8-600 engines mated to shaft drives with optional electric steering and joystick manoeuvrability.

The Southampton Boat Show takes place 14 – 23 September

All about the 2018 Southampton Boat Show

This year marks the 50^th edition of TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show and, aside from the usual stunning line up of the world’s most beautiful and innovative craft, the event will concentrate on environmental issues.

During the 10 days, there will be plenty to see and experience, including watersports and boating activities such as a cruise onboard a top-of-the-range luxury motor yacht and an exhilarating sail aboard a 72ft round the world Ocean Race Yacht as part of a 12 strong team; climbing on board some of the world’s most stunning boats or simply taking in the Solent views whilst enjoying a drink at one of the many onsite bars.

This year the Southampton Boat Show will be host to leading scientific and wildlife experts highlighting the environmental challenges facing the boating world in 2018. This will include on and off the water attractions from the National Oceanography Centre, the UK’s leading centre of excellence for oceanographic studies. Alongside its pledge to cut onsite plastics at the Show, it will showcase the technical innovations set to ensure that the future of the marine industry and the environment remains bright.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, with two children under the age of 15 going free with each adult. For more information click here.

The post Southampton Boat Show 2018: 10 best boat pictures appeared first on YBW.

Subscribe  for just £20 PLUS get a FREE bottle of Langley No.8 Gin worth £35

Enter our stand competition to win a B&G Vulcan 7 MFM chartplotter worth £710

The Vulcan is a versatile, easy-to-use chartplotter with multi-touch and pinch-to-zoom, packed with B&G’s unique sailing features including SailSteer and RacePanel. It is simple to integrate with your existing system, as Vulcan is NMEA 2000®, Broadband Radar, ForwardScan and autopilot ready; and features 10Hz GPS and Wi-Fi. The full touch interface and low profile mounting makes Vulcan one of the cleanest looking and most integrated navigation displays for installing on your boat. As sailors, we know the importance of being able to glance at the display and get the data you need, so we have made the Vulcan chartplotters the brightest and clearest in their class. As well as a fully functioning chartplotter, the Vulcan is also an instrument display and fully functioning autopilot controller.

Southampton Boat Show 2018: 10 best boat pictures

From the beautiful Spirit Yachts' DH63 to Princess Yachts' much awaited R35, the Southampton Boat Show 2018 is yet again…

Southampton Boat Show: 50th anniversary of the event in 15 facts

With the Southampton Boat Show celebrating 50 years this September, we look at some key facts and moments since it…

The post Southampton Boat Show 2018: Meet YBW at stand E001 appeared first on YBW.

30 August

Silent-Yachts’ solar-powered catamaran, Silent 55, will have its world debut at the Cannes Boat Show.

The yacht uses silent electric propulsion for unlimited range, with no noise or fumes and minimal vibration. Silent-Yachts describe the catamaran as ‘self-sufficient as well as virtually maintenance-free’.

Silent 55 is available in up to five power configurations. It can be equipped as a “Cruiser” version, with a pair of 30 kW motors; an “E-Power” version with 2 x 250 kW motors; a “Hybrid Power” version with 2 x 220 hp diesel engines and two 14 kW electric motors; and the “Sailor” version, equipped with all the previously mentioned configurations plus a mast and sails to provide additional propulsion in fair winds.

Silent 55 boasts 30 high-efficiency solar panels rated for approximately 9 kilowatt-peak and uses maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar charge regulators and lithium batteries, which provide capacity for all-night cruising, while a 15-kVA inverter provides power for all household appliances.

Below deck Silent 55 offers five different layouts ranging from three to six staterooms with three or four heads.

A full-width central owner’s stateroom is the centrepiece of three of the layouts, with guest staterooms located in port and starboard hulls. All staterooms offer double or twin berths, and heads all include a separate shower.

Specifications:

Length overall: 16.70 m (54 feet 10 inches)
Beam overall: 8.46 m (27 feet 8 inches)
Draft: 1.20 m (3 feet 11 inches)
Fuel: 500 – 1,600 liters (113 – 363 gallons)
Solar Generator: 9,000
Wp E-Motors: 2 x 250 kW
Generator: 100 kW
Cruising Speed: 12 – 15 knots
Top Speed: approx. 20 knots

Silent-Yachts also feature three other models:  Silent 64, Silent 55 VIP Ferry, and the Silent 79.

SILENT 55 will be on show at Stand MULTI005.

6 July

The much anticipated R35 will be unveiled for the very first time at the Cannes Yachting Festival on 11th September.

Princess will also launch two brand new V Class, the V60 and the new flybridge range Princess F70.

The all-new S78 and V50 which launched at boot Düsseldorf will make their on-water Cannes debut to complete an the 9 yacht line-up.

Princess R35

Designed in partnership with world-famous Ben Ainslie Racing Technologies (BAR Technologies) and world renowned Italian design studio Pininfarina, the R35 is the first Princess R Class performance sports yacht. Created and hand-built in Plymouth, it marries state of the art performance capabilities, stunning design, quality, race-bred technology and can reach a speed of up to 50 knots.

This high performance yacht  provides space and comfort down below with a luxurious and spacious cabin, bathroom with wet shower room, and a U-shaped seating surrounding a dining table which can be converted into a double bed with integrated blinds.  The R35 features a convenient hot and cold shower facility on the aft swim platform too.

Slightly aft, the galley features a sink, drawers and storage space, plus a 32-inch LED television, complete with Blu-ray CD/DVD player that integrates with the Naim audio system for entertainment at sea.

Princess V60

The latest addition to the V Class range is able to reach speeds up to 38 knots.
Its unique deep-V hull, ensures fuel and space efficiencies and the V60 boasts plenty of room for fun and entertainment with an open-plan saloon with electric sliding sunroof, and the aft galley with a large L-shaped sofa and folding dining table.

The sliding doors open out to the spacious cockpit featuring a wetbar with barbecue and coolbox.
A sunpad and a bathing platform allow for relaxation and watersport fun and the electro-hydraulic garage door hides a 3.3m tender.  The foredeck has a seating area and forward sunbathing area with the option of a large sun awning.

Below, three cabins host six guests with the owner’s stateroom featuring a sofa and a private ensuite.

Princess F70

This 26.6m2 flybridge features a large U-shaped dining area, with a fully-equipped wetbar with barbecue, aft sunpad and a forward seating area adjacent to the helm that also converts into a sunbed.

On the main deck, the aft galley opens out towards the cockpit, allowing for al fresco dining, with a more formal dining table in the saloon. Huge panoramic windows allow for plenty of natural light and stunning views.
The foredeck is ideal for relaxing with a forward facing sofa, an optional coffee table and a spacious sun pad .

Forward in the saloon are two more seating areas, with 49″ LED TV and entertainment system.

The lower deck  boasts four cabins, including a full beam master stateroom aft with a private staircase, a forward VIP guest cabin and two twin cabins.

Princess Yachts will be at Jetée 002 at the Cannes Yachting Festival 11th – 16th September and the full line-up includes:

• S60
• Princess 55
• Princess 62
• Princess 30M

Sunseeker International to premiere Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht globally at Cannes Yachting Festival

Sunseeker International will unveil its latest craft, 74 Sport Yacht, and seven more models, at the Cannes Yachting Festival, which…

Princess Yachts confirms the R35’s premiere date and reveals further details of the R Class yacht

Princess Yachts have unveiled more technical details about their R Class R35 and the date when it will be premiered

Princess Yachts releases details and images of its new flybridge: Princess 70

The Princess 70 will get her global premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival but she can be seen in a…

The post Cannes Boat Show: Silent-Yachts’ catamaran Silent 55 makes world debut at the show appeared first on YBW.

For just £14 or £32 a family ticket*, customers can park their car at Premier’s Swanwick Marina all-day, any day and travel in comfort to the Southampton Boat Show. Both tickets include complimentary entry to the show.

Those looking to buy a boat will be able to view a large range of new and pre-owned quality motor boats and yachts across a number of boat brands at Swanwick’s Used Boat Show; which will run in parallel with the Southampton Boat Show and is free to attend.

Plus, on arrival at the Southampton Boat Show, customers can visit Premier Marinas on stand E042 and enter a free daily prize draw to win a bottle of Mary Rose Gin or a balanced Premium London Dry Gin from local artisan distillers – the HMS Spirits Company.

To book your Park and Ride tickets you can visit your local Premier marina, telephone Swanwick Marina on 01489 884060 (Mon – Fri) or drop into Swanwick Marina Reception to purchase tickets.

* A family ticket includes two adults and up to four children under the age of 15 years.

Southampton Boat Show 2018: 10 best boat pictures

From the beautiful Spirit Yachts' DH63 to Princess Yachts' much awaited R35, the Southampton Boat Show 2018 is yet again…

Southampton Boat Show: 50th anniversary of the event in 15 facts

With the Southampton Boat Show celebrating 50 years this September, we look at some key facts and moments since it…

Spirit Yachts to launch new DH63 yacht at Southampton Boat Show

Spirit Yachts has announced its launching its latest yacht the Spirit DH63, at this year’s Southampton Boat Show, from 14th…

The post Premier Marinas’ Park and Ride Tickets go on sale appeared first on YBW.

16 August 2018

Williams Jet Tenders has announced it will be re-launching two of its Turbojet models at this year’s Cannes Boat Show and for the first time at the show, Williams will also be showcasing its brand new high-performance Sportjet model – Sportjet 435.

The brand says that Turbojet 285 and Turbojet 325 have been extremely popular with customers so Williams have decided to re-develop them.

The re-development has focused around the engine. Williams will fit the new Turbojets with the BRP Rotax ACE 903 engine.

Williams have also modernised the design of the Turbojet 285 and Turbojet 325, with sharper and bolder lines throughout. A new slash cut tube profile enhances the aesthetics and improves handling and the total weight of the tender has also been reduced. The upholstery has also received an upgrade.

Commenting on the re-launch, Mathew Hornsby, Sales Director at Williams Jet Tenders, said: “The Turbojets quickly became the industry benchmark for the best in jet-propelled tenders and it’s important that they retain their status.

“Non-stop product development and innovative engineering are crucial to our business and we always take on board our customers feedback. These enhancements have only reinforced the Turbojet as being the ultimate tender for versatility and fun.

“The new Turbojet 285 and Turbojet 325 offer expert sea-keeping ability and manoeuvrability, allowing owners to explore remote coastlines, as well as providing endless hours of watersports fun for the whole family. Above all, they embody our core purpose to provide effortless passenger transport and we hope our global audience enjoy our latest offering.”

As well as displaying the new remodels, Williams will also unveil the new Sportjet 435 globally, before it’s launched in April 2019. Measuring in at 4.35 meters, the Sportjet 435 is designed to fit on yachts of 65ft and it can seat up to seven people, providing a sociable layout that positions the helm at the centre of the boat, leaving a flexible seating arrangement to carry more passengers.

The new Turbojet 285, Turbojet 325 and Sportjet 435 will also be on display at Southampton Boat Show.

18 September

British luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Fairline Yachts, has been named the winner of the best exterior design in the 50-80ft yachts category at the World Yachts Trophies.

It scooped the prize for its newly-launched Targa 63 GTO.

This model is the culmination of the boat builder’s collaboration with world-renowned superyacht designer, Alberto Mancini – who also picked up the esteemed Designer of the Year award at the so-called ‘Oscars’ of the yachting industry.

The winners were announced at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

The award winning Targa 63 GTO

Fairline Yachts said the Targa 63 GTO features Mancini’s “stunning Italian styling, rigorous and proven naval architecture by renowned Dutch firm Vripack and the hand-crafted, made in Great Britain quality of Fairline’s passionate and skilled craftsmen”.

Judges commended Fairline, praising the quality, craftsmanship and collaborative work that went into creating the Targa 63 GTO.

Continues below…

Southampton Boat Show 2018: 10 best boat pictures

From the beautiful Spirit Yachts' DH63 to Princess Yachts' much awaited R35, the Southampton Boat Show 2018 is yet again…

London Boat Show: Sunseeker International announces it’s official partner of FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia

Sunseeker revealed today (10 January) that it is the official partner of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. The…

Swanwick’s Used Boat Show returns this September

The popular Used Boat Show at Swanwick Marina will once again run alongside the Southampton Boat Show from 15-24 September

Commenting on the win, Fairline Yachts’ managing director, Russell Currie, said: “This award is testament to the hard work of all the Fairline Yachts team over the last 18 months. The award cements our place as one of the ‘brands to beat’ in this highly competitive industry.”

“We would like to thank the judges for their consideration and decision, along with every member of the Fairline team for all of their hard work, which made this colossal achievement possible,” he added.

14 September

French yard, Couach has announced at the Cannes Yachting Festival that Project 3707 is taking shape.

It is the seventh superyacht from its 3700 flybridge collection to be built.

Designed entirely in-house by Couach’s team, the 3707 has an overall length of 37 metres and a hull length of 35 metres, with a full displacement of 157 tonnes and a beam of 7.3 metres at its widest point.

The tender garage has space for a five-metre tender and jet-ski.

The hull of Project 3707

Having been extracted from its mould, the GRP hull has been cut and the shipyard has already started assembly of the yacht.

Work is being carried out on the technical systems, including preparation of the foundations for the engine installation and fitting out of the mechanical systems.

Couach estimates that the yacht is 10 months away from delivery, although a wide range of the design and fit-out choices remain flexible for a buyer.

Project 3707 has a five-cabin arrangement, providing accommodation for up to 10 guests.

Preliminary sketches for the interior are for a sober and neutral decor, which can be adapted later to suit an owner’s personal tastes.

There is accommodation for five crew in three cabins.

The fast displacement yacht has a GRP hull and superstructure, and its twin diesel MTU M90 engines deliver a top speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 24 knots.

Stairs on both sides of the swimming platform lead into a cockpit with seating and lounging areas.

Through large sliding doors, the saloon with its large L-shaped sofa and chairs has an open feel, with a concealed, pop-up television.

The saloon flows into the dining room amidships, with seating for up to 10 guests.

Like the 3700 Fly, Kadimos (pictured), Project 3707 will have plenty of room for entertaining

For crew operations, the pantry is located forward of the dining area portside beyond a sliding door, leading on to the spacious galley with large store room and adjoining crew mess.

Past the stairway and day head to the starboard side of the main deck amidships, the VIP full-beam suite is situated at the foremost point of the main deck.

The suite is light and spacious thanks to large windows on each side of the room, and it features an ensuite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and 32” TV.

The 3707’s flybridge is ideal for entertaining.

Project 3707 will be similar to the 3700 Fly, Kadimos

The large, open deck space includes a dining table with seating for up to 10 guests, a wet bar with concealed, pop-up TV, an L-shaped sofa and chairs, and three sun loungers.

As well as the flybridge helm, there is a raised pilothouse located between the flybridge and main deck, which includes a table and seating, and a navigation station.

Guest accommodation on the lower deck includes a full-beam owner’s suite with vanity, L-shaped sofa, large walk-in wardrobe, 42” TV and his and hers ensuite bathroom.

Three further guest staterooms include one queen-size double cabin and two twin rooms.

13 September

Fairline Yachts have unveiled images at the Cannes Yachting Festival for their new Targa 43 OPEN, which will be launched in Spring 2018 and their brand new Squadron 64, which will debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival next year.

Head of Design at Fairline Yachts, Andrew Pope, says, “The Targa 43 was a sensationally popular model for Fairline and we are confident that the new Targa 43 OPEN will be a more-than worthy successor. It really maximises its day boat credentials, offering garage space to accommodate a Williams 285 TurboJet, a high-low platform with 300kg lifting capacity – ideal for a Sea-Doo Spark – and an expansive, social cockpit space with outdoor bar and twin pilot seats at the helm. As with all our boats, we have tried hard to retain a true connection with the water.

“Although this model is smaller than our current Targa 48, she does not lack in either space or headroom – Mancini has drawn inspiration from the Targa 63 GTO interior, ensuring a light and spacious feel that works seamlessly between spaces. With the option of having the owner’s cabin forward or mid ship, the Targa 43 OPEN stays true to our desire to create a boat based on the owners’ requirements, suited to them and how they go boating.”

Taking inspiration from Mancini’s Targa 63 GTO, the Squadron 64 will be built on the same Vripack wide chine hull and will hold the same innovative, versatile, light, bright and stylish feel of the Targa 63 GTO.

Andrew Pope says: “The work Fairline has been doing with Alberto Mancini and Vripack has resulted in an exceedingly strong foundation upon which we can create multiple new and exciting models and the new Squadron 64 is evidence of that. Our Squadron range has always aimed to provide owners with the ultimate private luxury getaway – the new Squadron 64 is no exception.”

At the Cannes Yachting Festival Fairline Yachts also announced that they will be opening a second facility in the UK to build yachts over 70ft. Craft under 70ft will continue to be built at their Oundle site.

11 September

Sunseeker International, is supporting the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows’ overseas tour this autumn. The deployment will see the Red Arrows visit destinations from mainland Europe to the Middle East including Cannes, Athens, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Doha, Karachi, Bahrain and Muscat over 37 days. The team will cover some 8,432 nautical miles, performing eight displays and carrying out three flypasts to promote the UK across the globe. Sunseeker and the Red Arrows will mark the Cannes Yachting Festival’s 40th anniversary with a dedicated flypast at exactly 10am on Friday 15th September.

Phil Popham, CEO at Sunseeker International, commented: “We are delighted to be supporting the upcoming Red Arrows tour from Europe to the Middle East which aims to promote the expertise, engineering capability and talent to be found in the United Kingdom; and all present within Sunseeker. The Cannes flypast will celebrate an extremely important show for us and we hope that visitors will appreciate their attendance – it’s a great way to start Friday’s show.

“We have worked closely with the UK Government’s GREAT Britain campaign for a number of years, helping to showcase what our great nation has to offer for businesses, students and visitors. We were extremely proud to support the Red Arrows Asia-Pacific Tour last year, and when the opportunity arose again this year, we jumped at the chance.”

06 September

Invictus Yacht will be unveiling the new carbon hardtop version of the Invictus 370 GT to the world at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

The much anticipated motor yacht has been designed by Cristian Grande, who was behind the Lancia di Lancia.

The Invictus 370 GT hardtop has a distinctive reverse bow, typical of the GT series.

It has a top speed of 43-knots. Credit: Alberto Cocchi

The carbon hardtop comes in black and has aluminium structural support to minimise weight and maximise strength.

It has a number of ingenious design features such as a retractable lateral terrace and submersible gangway.

The row of windows along the hull allow plenty of light to flood in below deck.

The galley occupies the after part of the driver’s seat, a seat so large that three positions are available on the forward side while leaving space for a sink, counter and burners on the rear side.

On both sides of the centre console are the passageways, wide enough to offer completely safe access to the aft sunbathing platform directly from the cockpit.

It is available with two engine options –  twin 300hp Volvo Penta engines or a pair of 370hp MerCruiser 4.20 V8’s, for a top speed of 43 knots.

It can accommodate up to 12 passengers. Credit: Alberto Cocchi

The Invictus 370 GT hardtop can carry up to 12 passengers, and will be available in four color schemes: a classic “Personal White”, the more aggressive “Attack Grey”, and the delicate metallic “Vanilla Sea” and the sophisticated “Dark Wood”.

The Cannes Yachting Festival runs from 12-17 September.

Technical Specifications:

LOA: 11,4 m
Maximum beam: 3,5 m
Maximum height: 3,0 m
Weight: 6.900 kg
Capacity: 1.250 kg
Person capacity: 12
Cruising speed: 26 kn
Maximum speed: 43 kn
Engine: diesel Volvo Penta D4 2 x 300 hp MerCruiser 4.2 V8 2 x 370 hp

27 July

Dufour Yachts has announced that it will launch the Dufour 520 Grand Large at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

The yacht has two layout options – three or four cabins –  with the option of an additional berth in either layout.

This means that it can comfortably accommodate up to 10 people.

It features a two-level platform at the stern

Like other Grand Large designs, the 520 will feature a cockpit closed by aft seating. It will also have a two-level platform at the stern.

Unsurprisingly, Dufour is not releasing many details about the new 15.2-metre yacht ahead of the launch.

But, there will be a new design cockpit table with stainless steel feet. It will also feature a 39-litre drawer refrigerator tucked under the table top.

Front cabin

The 520 Grand Large has been designed by naval architect Umberto Felci.

Commenting on the design, he said: “We wanted to develop and enrich the fundamentals of a sailing yacht: functionality, comfort and safety”.

Designed for cruising, the Dufour Yachts’ Grand Large range are easy to handle and promise comfort.

The Cannes Yachting Festival takes place in Cannes 12-17 September.

Saloon

Technical Specifications of the Dufour 520 Grand Large:

LOA: 15.20 m
Waterline length: 13.67 m
Hull length: 14.75 m
Max beam: 4.80 m
Light displacement: 15245 kg
Draft: 2.30 m
Keel weight: 4042 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 450 L
Water tank capacity: 720 L
Engine power: 75 cv
Sail area: 100.80 m²
Mainsail: 52.80 m²
Genoa: 48 m²
28 June

The much-anticipated flagship of Beneteau’s Gran Turismo range – the 50 – will be given its world premier at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.

This is all Beneteau is revealing of its flagship so far!

Designed by Nuvolari & Lenard, with an interior styled by Andreani Design, the sport cruiser is promising “style, speed and exceptionally well-organised living spaces”.

Unsurprisingly, Beneteau Power is not releasing many details about its flagship, although the boat builder does say it will be available in a hardtop or sport fly, and will have a “distinctive look”.

It has also stated that the Gran Turismo 50 “combines technology, elegance and sensations” and will be “full of surprising innovations”.

27 June

Sunseeker International have announced that they will display eight motor yachts at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2017, September 12-17.

Sunseeker will showcase the brand new Predator 57 MK II along with the new Manhattan 66, 68 Sport Yacht and the 131 Yacht, which will all get their Cannes Show debut.

The luxury yacht manufacturers will also show the 95 Yacht, the 86 Yacht, Predator 68 and Manhattan 52.

The Predator 57 MK II, which will get its world debut at the event, is an evolution of the popular Predator 57, which was launched in January 2015. The new model will have all the features of its predecessor, with an upgraded elegance and style.

Sporty and sleek, the Sunseeker Predator 57 MK II is ‘crafted to perfectly balance style with practicality.’
The exterior boasts sleek, yet oversized pillar-less windows down to the side deck, allowing plenty of light indoors and providing uninterrupted views from the saloon.

The transom area now features an optional mini beach club – an option first introduced with the Manhattan 52 in 2016 and now a Sunseeker signature feature – with the built-in barbecue, overhead shower and fold-down transom seating.

The patio door, which separates the saloon from the cockpit, lowers at the flick of a switch to create a large entertaining space, allowing the craft to adapt for different climates, which is further enhanced by a fully opening hardtop roof over the saloon.

Below deck there are six berths in three cabins, with an additional crew cabin for one, the full beam master cabin is located amidship with ensuite, lounge seating and vanity space. The Predator 57 MK II reaches a speed of up to 40 knots, depending on the engine/drive option chosen.

The Cannes Yachting Festival takes place in Cannes 12-17 September.

The post Cannes Boat Show: Williams Jet Tenders to re-launch Turbojet 285 and Turbojet 325 appeared first on YBW.

Australian sailor Wendy Tuck, 53, has made history by being the first woman ever to win the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.  Wendy and her crew mates crossed the finishing line in Liverpool aboard their Sanya Serenity Coast yacht.

Thousands of people flocked to the banks of the River Mersey to watch the Race Final Sprint.
After an 18 nautical mile duel, it was Garmin, PSP Logistics and home team Liverpool 2018 that picked up the final bonus race points in front of Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.

Despite the sprint positions, Sanya Serenity Coast managed to hold the overall lead. Second place overall went to another female skipper, British Nikki Henderson, 25, and the crew of her Visit Seattle.

Sanya Serenity Coast Skipper Wendy, from Sydney, said: “I can’t believe it. It hasn’t really sunk in really but I am just so happy. It is so, so special.

“I don’t think it’s about being a woman. It’s just do what I do. But I am very proud and even prouder of my team. They are the ones that did all the work and considering many had never sailed before, what they have accomplished is incredible.”

Visit Seattle Skipper Nikki Henderson said: “Congratulations to Wendy and her team – you were just too quick for us!

“We didn’t get the win but I am so proud of how my team dug deep and kept fighting right until the end. No matter how hard it got, they turned up on deck ready to work and deserve every bit of this success in coming second.”

Home team Liverpool 2018, who’d has been flying the flag for the city as it raced around the globe, returned to its home port to a hero’s welcome after double podium success in Race 13, where it finished second, and the Sprint Finish, where it took third place.

Liverpool 2018 skipper Lance Shepherd said: “It has just been an incredible journey, I am so honoured to have been skipper of the Liverpool 2018 team and I am so proud of the team for everything they have achieved.”

The arrival of the Clipper Race Fleet into Liverpool was followed by a public prize giving hosted by radio presenter Leanne Campbell on the steps of the Museum of Liverpool.

The Liverpool 2018 yacht will remain in Royal Albert Dock Liverpool until Sunday 05 August and will be open to the public for free tours daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

In total, 712 people representing 41 different nationalities and from all walks of life have taken part in the 40,000 nautical mile Clipper 2017-18 Race, the event’s eleventh edition.

FINAL OVERALL CLIPPER 2017-18 RACE POSITIONS

1. Sanya Serenity Coast – 143 points
2. Visit Seattle – 139 points
3. Qingdao – 135 points
4. Garmin  – 125 points
5. PSP Logistics – 121 points
6. UNICEF – 108 points
7. Dare To Lead – 106 points
8. Great Britain – 90 points
9. Liverpool 2018 – 79 points
10. HotelPlanner.com – 69 points
11. NASDAQ – 61 points

Youngest ever Clipper Round the World Yacht Race skipper wins New York to Derry-Londonderry race

Nikki Henderson led her Visit Seattle crew to victory in the penultimate leg of the race

MAIB: ‘Insufficent planning’ resulted in Clipper yacht Greenings grounding

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) says lessons learnt from previous incidents could have prevented CV24 running aground in South…

The post Clipper Round the World Yacht Race: First woman wins the race appeared first on YBW.

1969 – The Southampton Boat Show is born

Norman Kemish and Arthur Gale launched the first Southampton Boat Show which ran for a just six days, from 29 September-4 October. There were about 50 exhibitors, compared to 500+ today.
The early Boat Show was a far more modest affair than the 2018 event will be and was contained solely within Mayflower Park with the army, based on the other side of the river at Marchwood Military Port, supplying the small pontoon where just a handful of boats were moored.

Entrance on the first day was ten shillings (50p), while tickets for the remaining days cost three shillings (15p).

1980 Golden Hinde is the star attraction

Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hinde was the Show’s star attraction on the 400^th anniversary of his circumnavigation of the world.

1981 British Marine takes over

Show founders, Arthur and Norman, handed over the reins of running the event to British Marine (then known as the Ship and Boatbuilders National Federation). However, 1981 was best remembered as the year gale-force winds ripped through the Show on its final day. Unfortunately, winds of up to 55mph turned the last hours of the event into a shipwreck as Ocean Hall was flattened.

1986 Richard Branson takes part in  the Show

Richard Branson displayed his Virgin Atlantic Challenger at the Show, whilst Virgin Atlantic presented a fashion show in the Virgin Atlantic Hall. Other guest appearances included stars of the popular sailing soap, Howard’s Way.

1988 Time to expand

The Show underwent a dramatic expansion on the water and 254 boats were showcased afloat.

1992 Britain pulls out of the ERM

1992 saw Britain pulling out of the European Exchange Rate (ERM) and the resulting Black Wednesday (16 September 1992), which cost the economy an estimated £3.3billion.

1993 The Show celebrates its 25th anniversary

The Show celebrated its 25^th anniversary with an impressive guest list of VIP visitors that included Princess Anne and the king of Formula One at the time, Nigel Mansell. One of the head-turning attractions in the Show was a 20 metre long Jongert which had price tag of £1million – the same cost of staging the Show at the time.

1997 The Show is extended

The event was debated by Parliament which granted permission for an extra nautical day of pleasure and the Show was extended from nine to ten days.

1998 A Southampton Boat Show Wedding

Romance was in the air when a couple who met and courted on the waves tied the knot at the Boat Show. Newly-weds Wendy and Richard Keeble from Kingston, on board their Beneteau Oceanis 411 yacht, which they bought as a wedding present to each other  during a visit to the 30th annual Southampton International Boat Show.

1999 Sunseeker Manhattan 84 at the Show

The most expensive yacht at the 1999 Southampton Boat Show was the £2million Sunseeker Manhattan 84. Former model Jodi Kidd graced the Marina in support of her husband who was releasing a new powerboat.

2001 James Bond’s boats on show

The Show teamed up with the organisers of the Volvo Ocean Race and Southampton City Council for Waterfront Week. It drew in visitors by proudly showing off speedboats from the James Bond films, as well as all the things that had by that point become standard – Try-a-Boat and the Marina.

2002 The Endeavour replica

A replica of Captain Cook’s 18^th century square-rigger Endeavour moored alongside the Show’s Marina.

2006 the Pirate Show

The Show turned ‘pirate’ with the introduction of its very own Treasure Island and it was ‘ooh arr me hearties’ all day long as the event supported International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

2012 Team GB

As well as welcoming a successful sailing Team GB, fresh from the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics, the Show witnessed the Royal Marines attempting a 24 hour underwater Cycle of 240 miles, the equivalent of Cycling from Southampton to Paris.

2017 Record number of people on the water

The Show introduced its first ever passenger boat giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy a free boat trip on the Solent, taking in the impressive view of the Show from a new perspective. In total, the Show got a record 15,000 people on the water throughout the 10 days.

Did you know? 20 Interesting facts about the Southampton Boat Show

From the biggest boat on show to the World Record for the 'largest human image of a boat’, find out…

Southampton Boat Show 2018: 10 best boat pictures

From the beautiful Spirit Yachts' DH63 to Princess Yachts' much awaited R35, the Southampton Boat Show 2018 is yet again…

Spirit Yachts to launch new DH63 yacht at Southampton Boat Show

Spirit Yachts has announced its launching its latest yacht the Spirit DH63, at this year’s Southampton Boat Show, from 14th…

The post Southampton Boat Show: 50th anniversary of the event in 15 facts appeared first on YBW.

Nikki Henderson, 24, from Surrey, UK, and her Visit Seattle team claimed victory in Race 12 to Derry-Londonderry, the penultimate race of the 40,000 nautical mile Clipper 2017-18 Round the World Yacht Race.

Visit Seattle crossed the finish line in an area north east of the entrance to Lough Foyle at 00:21:57 UTC on Monday 9 July to complete the 3,000 nautical mile race across the Atlantic Ocean, the fast-paced sixth and final ocean crossing of the eleven-month circumnavigation, in just over 12 days.

Henderson’s victory in the New York to Derry-Londonderry could spark an interesting competition for the overall Clipper Race Trophy against Sanya Serenity Coast Australian skipper, Wendy Tuck, 53, with the pair now vying to be the first female winner in the 22-year history of the Clipper Race.

Nikki said: “I am so proud of how hard my team worked to get this win. The crew never let up over the past two weeks and really deserve this result.

“We will certainly be celebrating the result in Derry-Londonderry but we all know the job isn’t done yet. The leaderboard is very close so the final race to Liverpool will be very exciting.”

Continues below…

Clipper Round The World Yacht Race: Greenings out of the race after running aground near Cape Town

Clipper Round The World Race has announced that yacht Greenings will withdraw from the race after it ran aground halfway…

Clipper Round the World Race: Greenings skipper David Hartshorn ‘in good spirits’ after successful operation

Greenings skipper David Hartshorn's suffered a serious injury when his thumb was caught in one of the lines. He received…

Watch: And they’re off! Clipper Round the World Yacht Race leaves from Liverpool

The biggest ever edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race got underway yesterday (20 August) on the River…

In total, 711 people representing 42 different nationalities and from all walks of life are taking part in the Clipper 2017-18 Race. In Leg 8, the Visit Seattle crew represent six different nationalities – Netherlands, UK, France, Germany, USA, Canada – with the ages ranging from 26 to 66.

Derry-Londonderry is a much-anticipated stopover on the global Clipper Race circuit, with each of the 232 crew given a starring role in the award-winning Foyle Maritime Festival. Over the next fortnight, locals and visitors to Derry-Londonderry will be able to get up close to the 70-foot ocean racing yachts and attend a large number of events in celebration of the Clipper Race crew.

The Foyle Maritime Festival will come to an end when the Clipper Race fleet departs for the final race, to Liverpool, on Sunday 22 July. The circumnavigation will come to an end at the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool on July 28.

The post Youngest ever Clipper Round the World Yacht Race skipper wins New York to Derry-Londonderry race appeared first on YBW.

Natasha Lambert BEM, the multi award winning adventurer with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and the youngest disabled woman to skipper a yacht from Scotland to Ireland, has announced she’ll be competing in the 50 mile Round The Island  Yacht Race this weekend.

This will be Natasha’s second lap of the Island, having first sailed round the Isle of Wight aged just 14. This time though she will be racing against thousands of boats and over ten thousand other sailors.

Natasha’s boat, Miss Isle Too, is a mini transat that has been specially adapted to enable her to control both the sails and steering by simply sipping and puffing through a single straw.

Continues below…

Inspirational! Natasha Lambert enters the record books

Adventurer Natasha Lambert BEM has successfully become the youngest disabled woman to skipper a yacht from Scotland to Ireland

Pictures: Miss Isle’s Natasha Lambert completes her Scottish challenge

Natasha Lambert, who founded the Miss Isle School of Sip and Puff on the Isle of Wight, has finished her…

Raymarine confirmed as Official Tracking Partner of the Round The Island Race

Raymarine has been confirmed as the Official Technical Partner and the Official Tracking Partner of the Round The Island Race

In July 2017 Natasha made history by becoming the youngest disabled woman to skipper a yacht from Scotland to Ireland.

The then 20-year-old started her voyage from south west Scotland triumphantly sailing into Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland six hours later.

Natasha can be followed during the Round The Island Yacht Race via the live tracker on the race’s website and via her Facebook Page. Natasha is also raising money for her charity; The Miss Isle School of Sip Puff Sailing, which gives other people with disability the opportunity to experience the sailing.

The post Natasha Lambert BEM to compete in the Round The Island Yacht Race appeared first on YBW.

‘Insufficient planning’ was behind the grounding of the Clipper Race CV24 yacht, Greenings, according to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

The vessel ran aground off South Africa on 31 October 2017 during Leg 3 of the round the world race. No one was injured, and the amateur crew were later transferred to other Clipper boats to complete the race.

‘No crew member had been assigned to the navigation station, depth information was not being displayed at the helm and there were no safe cross track distances or safety depths plotted on paper or electronic charts,’ stressed the MAIB in its report into the incident, which was published today.

Clipper Founder and Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said it was committed ‘to maintaining the highest possible safety standard across its training and racing.’

He also called for an urgently needed review ‘of regulation and the speed of reporting key learnings’, adding that the lessons for the industry at large were ‘significant’ and it was ‘unreasonable’ to expect individual companies, like Clipper, to ‘path-find on safety without the support and encouragement from the relevant authorities.’

None of the CV24 crew were injured. Credit: Clipper Round the World

The MAIB findings are that at the time of the grounding of CV24, the skipper, the only professional sailor aboard, was responsible for navigation.

Changes in wind speed and direction and an inability to maintain course in 20-25knt north-northwesterly winds led him to order a gybe, which he supervised.

This distraction, said the MAIB, along with no depth information being displayed at the helm and the hazy, dark conditions meant no one foresaw the grounding risk.

The Clipper Race instructions’ advisory warning for all yachts was to remain at least 10 miles offshore at night. It has since introduced compulsory mandatory exclusion zones around all navigational hazards, and no Clipper vessel can roam into less than 20m.

Seven of the 11 other race yachts followed courses similar to CV24’s towards the shore and CV31 almost certainly also grounded, although managed to gybe to alter course.

CV4 after grounding on a reef in Java in 2010

The MAIB also highlighted the lack of an experienced navigator aboard CV24. Provision of this role had been recommended to Clipper in 2010 by the Maritime Claims and Services Ltd, which investigated the grounding of the Clipper yacht CV4 on a reef in Java.

The absence of a second professional sailor, which was recommended to Clipper in 2017 by the MAIB after the deaths of Andrew Ashman and Sarah Young during 2015-16 race, was also raised. ‘With only one professional, employed seafarer on board, the Clipper yachts were not safely manned for the round the world race,’ stated the MAIB in its CV24 grounding report.

Despite the 2017 recommendations, Clipper introduced its Clipper coxswains, who underwent a Maritime and Coastguard Agency-approved training course. It felt they would be able to raise concerns rather than a company employed qualified mate.

The designated Clipper coxswain was off watch at the time of CV24’s grounding.

CV24 was coded Category 0 when undertaking the round the world race, which usually carries a requirement to have a  minimum of two crew both holding a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster qualification. There was also a requirement to ensure that there was at all times, a person with adequate experience in charge of the navigational watch.

Clipper, said the MAIB, had negotiated a bespoke agreement with the MCA, allowing this second professional on board to be a Clipper coxswain when a second qualified Yachtmaster was not available.

Continues below…

Clipper Round The World Yacht Race: Greenings salvage operation nearing completion

Less than a month since Greenings ran aground on the opening day of Race 3, the salvage operation to remove…

Clipper Round The World Yacht Race: Greenings out of the race after running aground near Cape Town

Clipper Round The World Race has announced that yacht Greenings will withdraw from the race after it ran aground halfway…

Clipper Round the World Race: Greenings skipper David Hartshorn ‘in good spirits’ after successful operation

Greenings skipper David Hartshorn's suffered a serious injury when his thumb was caught in one of the lines. He received…

After the CV24 incident, the MCA revoked the agreement and Clipper Race immediately introduced additionally qualified mates on board, in addition to the coxswain crew.

It also created an internal Safety Audit Department, led by the Chief Operating Officer and introduced procedure so all passage plans are checked by company staff before each leg.

Investigators also recommended to Clipper that it takes ‘urgent action designed to improve the ability of its skippers and watch leaders to maintain positional awareness while on deck in pilotage and coastal waters’.

Considerations included: the provision of a navigation/chart display on deck by the helm position; more effective use of onboard navigational equipment to avoid danger, including a means for rapid communication between the navigation station and the helm and more clearly defining the duties of the watch navigator.

CV4, Cork before it grounded in 2010

In addition to the grounding and loss of CV4 and CV24, the MAIB holds records of 17 other groundings of Clipper yachts in the 5 years prior to this accident, and one since.

The MAIB report into the CV24 incident also revealed that the skipper failed to make a  “Mayday” or “Pan Pan” distress call until 50 minutes after running aground. The race director was informed of the incident 23 minutes after it happened.

The Clipper Round the World Race was established in 1996. Since then, there have been 11 editions, with a total of 97 yacht circumnavigations (a cumulative excess of 4 million nautical miles),  over 5000 crew undergoing extensive training, plus the successful running of three Velux 5 Ocean Races.

Commenting, Chairman and founder of Clipper, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, said: ‘This incident brings up vital learnings for all yachtsmen. As part of our investigations, we were most concerned that a number of yachts were ignoring the race instructions’ advisory warning to remain at least 10 miles offshore at night. As a result of this incident we immediately implemented mandatory exclusion zones around navigational hazards,’ he explained.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

‘We also implemented new guidelines to Skippers and our Race Officials are now monitoring the quality of all passage plans going forward. We are confident that these two initiatives will significantly reduce the risk of such an incident occurring in the future.’

‘Clipper Ventures runs a safety management system which exceeds all regulatory requirements and recommendations. As a result, we have been at the forefront of implementing safety initiatives to ocean racing such as AIS beacons on Dan buoys and in Lifejackets, a system now being introduced by World Sailing, double tethers on harnesses, sea survival training for all crew, ISAF survival training, and swimmer assisted MOB recovery using dummies,’ continued the Clipper founder.

‘Nevertheless, we are always looking for ways to improve and continue to review our systems to make sure they remain at the forefront of best practice. The lessons for our industry at large are significant and a review of regulation, and the speed of reporting of key learnings, is urgently required. It is unreasonable to expect individual companies such as Clipper Ventures to path-find on safety without the support and encouragement from the relevant authorities,’ concluded Sir Robin.

Report by Katy Stickland at Yachting Monthly

The post MAIB: ‘Insufficent planning’ resulted in Clipper yacht Greenings grounding appeared first on YBW.

14 June 2018 

After taking part in the Suhaili 50 Falmouth Parade of Sail which celebrates the day (14 June) Clipper Round The World Yacht Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston set sail from the Cornish town of Falmouth on his 32 foot ketch Suhaili to participate and then win the Golden Globe Race 50 years before, this year’s race skippers have set off en route to Les Sables D’Olonne.

The was certainly controversy surrounding this year’s race. First it was supposed to start in Plymouth, but after organisers failed to secure fundings in the UK, it was decided it should start in France.

Later the FFV (Fédération Française de Voile/French Sailing Federation) announced that the rules for the Golden Globe Race, did not meet their regulations, thus the event couldn’t start or end in France.
However after several meetings and discussions it was decided that the race could indeed start from Les Sables d’Olonne on 1 July.

03 May 2018

With just less than two months to go to the start of the Golden Globe Race, the participating skippers are getting themselves and their boats ready for 1 July.
But before that, entrants will attend the Suhaili 50 Falmouth Parade of Sail celebrations to mark 50 years since Sir Robin Knox-Johnston left the town in his 32 foot ketch to compete in the original Golden Globe Race. The event takes place in the Cornish town 11 – 14 June.

British skipper Ertan Beskardes has set off from Sardinia on his Rustler 36, called Lazy Otter, heading to Falmouth, whilst French skippers Antoine Cousot and Jean-Luc Van Den Heede have had their vessels, Métier Intérim and Matmut baptised and are currently sailing.
Hungarian-born American sailor Istvan Kopar set sail all the way from Oyster Bay, New York, on 29 April and after making a  two day solo passage to test his wind vane self steering system, Australian Kevin Farebrother has his Tradewind 35 Sagarmatha sailing out of Les Sables d’Olonne.

The 2018 Golden Globe Race will start on 1 July from Les Sables d’Olonne.

06 March 2018

Patrice Carpentier has been appointed Golden Globe Race 2018.
Carpentier, 68, has been sailing since the age of 12 and has completed five circumnavigations. These include the first two Whitbread Round the World Races aboard Grand Louis and Gauloises 2, and two Vendée Globe solo non-stop races.
Despite suffering a broken mast during the first leg, he also finished 2nd overall in the 1991 Mini Transat.
He competed successfully with standard production yachts in two Route du Rhum races in 1982 and 1990 and was still winning in 2017 with victory in the 2-handed IRC/UNCL championship.

Carpentier also writes and he produces annual handbooks for the UNCL/IRC and Class 40 race circuits and another for the Société Nautique de La Trinité sur Mer, where he lives.

Patrice says of his appointment: “I find the Golden Globe Race extremely interesting because it takes the sport back to the roots of ocean adventure. I am honoured and excited to be helping to recreate history in this 50th anniversary race commemorating the very first solo non-stop circumnavigation won by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston back in 1968/9”.

The Golden Globe Race 2018 starts on 1 of July from Les Sables d’Olonne. There are now 20 entrants representing 13 countries.

04 October 2017

Seldén Masts Ltd has announced it is sponsoring Golden Globe Race sailor, Susie Goodall by suppling her with a new rig for her Rustler 36, Ariadne.

At 27, Susie is the youngest competitors in the race, which starts from Plymouth on 30 June 2018.

She is also one of only two women to take part – the other is 51-year-old Brazilian Izabel Pimentel, who in 2014 became the first South American woman to complete a solo circumnavigation via the three great Capes – Good Hope, Leeuwin and Cape Horn.

Susie, who will be flying the flag for the UK along with Robin Davie, completed her 4,000 mile qualifying sail earlier this year.

All 30 race competitors must show prior ocean sailing experience of at least 8,000 miles and another 2,000 miles solo in any boat, by 30 April, 2018.

Susie Goodall

Competitors are limited to sailing production yachts sized between 32ft and 36ft overall which were designed prior to 1988.

Entrants are also only allowed to use equipment that was available in the very first race – so no GPS or modern technology on board.

Commenting on the sponsorship by Seldén Masts, Susie said: “I can’t thank Seldén enough for their help, not just with the provision of the mast but also their advice and expertise which, at this stage of the preparation, has been invaluable.”

Continued below…

Watch: Donald Crowhurst biopic The Mercy trailer

New stills from the much awaited film, The Mercy, which stars Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz as Donald and Clare…

Joshua one-design yacht unveiled for Golden Globe Race 2022

The legacy of French legendary yachtsman, Bernard Moitessier, will be celebrated with a second class of 40ft Joshua steel-built one-design…

Crazy voyages: Sailors who took to sea without the relevant experience

It's never too late to discover the joys of sailing. Here is our pick of the sailors who took to…

Seldén Managing Director Steve Norbury remarked: “The Golden Globe Race really does take us back to the Golden Age of adventuring, where the experience and the challenge was the primary focus rather than winning. We are so pleased to be able to support Susie in her quest and wish her all the best with the epic voyage which lies ahead”.

The 2018 Golden Globe Race will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s historic 1968/9 world first solo non-stop circumnavigation.

Robin Knox-Johnston with his mother on his 32 foot ketch Suhaili at Tower Pier. Credit: S&G and Barratts/EMPICS Sport

Robin Davie, 65, is the other entrant from the UK. He grew up in Cornwall and followed the original Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, which inspired a passion for solo sailing.

The former British Merchant Navy sailor has already taken part in several round the world races – competing against Don McIntyre in Class 2 of the 1990 BOC Challenge Around Alone Race in his yacht, Spirit of Cornwall.

He made further circumnavigations in 1994 and 1998.

He is no stranger to the challenges of solo sailing having been dismasted thousands of miles from Cape Horn during the 1994 Around Along Race. He sailed under jury rig around the Cape to the Falkland Islands.

Davie is now preparing his Rustler 36 for the 2018 race.

“Having done three races with stops, Don’s Golden Globe Race reignites the passion, presents a rare opportunity to finally complete the original dream of sailing around the world solo without stops,” Davie wrote on the Golden Globe Race 2018 official website.

05 June 2017

At just 27, British Golden Globe Race hopeful Susie Goodall is the youngest woman preparing to take part in the race, which will see 30 solo skippers follow in the footsteps of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

The race is being held next year and will mark the 50th anniversary of the original 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race.

The sailors will race 30,000 miles non-stop and alone, with no outside assistance.

All entrants have to use only the same type, or similar equipment and technology that was carried on board Robin Knox-Johnston’s 1968/69 race winning yacht, Suhaili.

Susie Goodall preparing her yacht ahead of her shakedown trip. Credit: Moore Photographics

They must also show prior ocean sailing experience of at least 8,000 miles and another 2,000 miles solo in any boat, by 30 April, 2018.

Susie Goodall, from Bournheath, Worcestershire, has been on the water since she the age of 3, sailing with her family or dinghy racing in Lasers before becoming a sailing instructor at 18.

For the last few years, she had been crewing on a 60-foot sail training/expedition yacht between Scandinavia, Iceland and the Canary Islands.

Continued below…

Watch: Donald Crowhurst biopic The Mercy trailer

New stills from the much awaited film, The Mercy, which stars Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz as Donald and Clare…

Joshua one-design yacht unveiled for Golden Globe Race 2022

The legacy of French legendary yachtsman, Bernard Moitessier, will be celebrated with a second class of 40ft Joshua steel-built one-design…

Crazy voyages: Sailors who took to sea without the relevant experience

It's never too late to discover the joys of sailing. Here is our pick of the sailors who took to…

Speaking last month from her Rustler 36, Ariadne, during her 4,000 mile qualifying sail – a double solo transatlantic crossing to Antigua and back – Goodall explained how she was preparing for the challenges ahead – like the lack of technology onboard.

“I try to get out on the water as much as possible, that is the best training but when I’m not on a boat then either trying to build strength through things like crossfit and weights or out on my bike,” she said.

What about coping with loneliness?

“Mentally is a little harder, but I have been going through every possible scenario on the race, either good or bad so that I feel more mentally prepared for the challenge ahead, I also find meditation is great to help focus and stay calm,” explained Goodall.

“I usually get immersed in a task so I can’t think about it if I feel lonely and most of the time it passes, or get into a good book as a distraction.”

Susie Goodall’s Rustler 36

Once her Rustler 36 (one of only 20 or so yacht designs allowed to take part in the competition) is back in the UK it will undergo a major refit at Rustler Yachts in Falmouth to make her Southern Ocean ready.

The yacht will also be fully adapted for solo sailing, taking onboard the many lessons gained during Goodall’s 4,000 mile qualifying sail.

“She has quite a few leaks which I have discovered on a recent passage across the Atlantic, also to comply with race rules there are several modifications that need to be made, such as building collision bulkheads and generally making her more watertight,” explained Goodall, who has just secured sponsorship for the Golden Globe Race from global logistics company, DHL.

Explaining why she decided to sign up for the race, Goodall stated: “It’s there to be done! It’s an incredibly exciting adventure and challenge, and when I first heard about it I knew that’s what I must do.”

Susie has been sailing since she was a young child

She said she was most looking forward to the Southern Ocean, but admitted that it is the leg she is “most nervous about”.

“I have only read about the waves down there so it’s time I saw them for myself,” she added.

Find out the five things Susie Goodall keeps in her pocket while sailing

Goodall is one of the youngest skippers planning on taking part in the race. She is also one of two women who have signed up.

The other is 51-year-old Brazilian Izabel Pimentel, who in 2014 became the first South American woman to complete a solo circumnavigation via the three great Capes – Good Hope, Leeuwin and Cape Horn.

Susie Goodall has just finished her shakedown sail around the Atlantic

So what is Goodall’s advice for young women looking to broaden their sailing horizons?

“The beauty with sailing is that men and women are often on an equal playing field which is great but it can also be a little intimidating, especially if you are just starting out,” explained Goodall.

“The most important thing I would say is to enjoy it and to keep learning. Every sailor has different experiences and the subject of sailing is so vast that there is always something new to learn or to improve on,” she continued.

“Best advice is to get out there, whether that’s joining a sailing club or a boat for a race series or a training course, just enjoy,” added Goodall.

The Golden Globe Race will start from Plymouth on 30 June 2018.

24 April 2017

The 2018 Golden Globe Race will start from Plymouth.

The original 1968 Sunday Times Race, which was won by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, started from Falmouth.

But the Cornish port is not to be forgotten in the anniversary celebrations.

To mark 50 years since Sir Robin’s start on his 32-foot Bermuda ketch, a Suhaili Parade of Sail will take place on 14 June 2018 in Falmouth.

The 30 skippers competing in the 2018 Golden Globe Race will join hundreds of other yachts in Falmouth Harbour with a sail-past salute to Sir Robin.

Other historic yachts joining the commemoration include Sir Francis Chichester’s famous Gipsy Moth IV, Sir Alec Rose’s Lively Lady, a replica of Sir Chay Blyth’s original Golden Globe race yacht Dytiscus III and Joshua, which Frenchman Bernard Moitessier sailed in the original Sunday Times Race.

This will be following by a Suhaili gala dinner hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club.

Commenting, Falmouth’s town manager, Richard Gates, said: “Falmouth looks forward to hosting the Parade of Sail recognising Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s significant achievement 50 years ago, in partnership with the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and the Golden Globe Race. Next year promises to be a great spectacle out on the water.”

The Golden Globe yacht and historic fleet will then take part on the SITraN Challenge charity race to Plymouth.

SITraN (Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience) is the nominated charity for the Golden Globe Race 2018, and is one of the world leading centres for research into Motor Neurone Disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.

The decision of Plymouth as the race’s host city is a reflection of the port’s strong historic links not just with single-handed sailing, but the original Golden Globe Race.

Plymouth hosted the first Observer single-handed transatlantic race (won by Francis Chichester) in 1960, was the start and finish port for Chichester’s successful one-stop solo circumnavigation via Sydney, Australia in 1966/7, and also hosted four of the nine competitors in the Sunday Times race – French competitors Bernard Moitessier (Joshua) and Loic Fougeron (Captain Browne), Commander Bill King (Galway Blazer II) and Lieutenant Commander Nigel Tetley (Victress) when they set out on this 30,000 mile odyssey around the five Great Capes.

Plymouth will host the Golden Globe Race 2018. Credit: Mark Murphy/Wikimedia Commons

The Race village will open on 15 June 2018 with a parade of sail led by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Suhaili followed by Joshua, Dytiscus III, Lively Lady and Gipsy Moth IV.

Entry to the Race village will be free and the attraction will be open to visitors from 15 June to the start of the race on 30 June 2018.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the skippers, look down on their yachts, take a sail aboard Gipsy Moth IV, Joshua and Lively Lady, and view Suhaili and Dytiscus III on display in the marina.

In addition, the Royal Western Yacht Club is to host an exhibition on the history of singlehanded sailing, and the National Marine Aquarium, which will form part of the Race Village, is planning special interactive exhibits for children, focused on climate change and the effect this is having on Coral reef health and marine bio-diversity.

The Royal Western Yacht Club’s Oceanic Race Director, John Lewis said the announcement is great news for Plymouth and the club “which is the home of Single Handed Oceanic racing.”

“We very much look forward to welcoming the competitors, their families and friends, before they start their epic voyage around the world. Plymouth continues to build on its enviable reputation to host major international sailing events,” he said.

During the 15-day build-up to the start from Plymouth, the Golden Globe Race will be holding a series of lectures presented by famous sailors, and host an Ocean Adventure Film Festival,.

It will include little seen historic footage, recording the pioneering days of sail together with a short film competition shot on Kodak Super8 film – the same stock that the Golden Globe Race fleet will be shooting on.

In addition, Plymouth City Council will be holding its famous Plymouth Jazz and Blues festival in the Race Village, playing the best music from the Swinging Sixties.

20 February 2017

61-year-old Shane Freeman has abandoned his Golden Globe Race dreams after his yacht, Mushka was knocked down and dismasted 300 nautical miles west of Chile.

The Australian was on his way to the race’s start line in the UK in his Tradewind 35 class yacht when the incident happened on 18 February 2017.

Shane Freeman’s Tradewind 35 class yacht, Mushka before the knock down

This is his first major solo voyage.

He has now abandoned the yacht, which has been scuttled to prevent a hazard to navigation, after being rescued by the bulk carrier, Frontier Ambition.

Clyde Challenger crew rescued by Royal Navy as the yacht is scuttled

Freeman is currently sailing towards Chile before he begins his journey back to Australia.

The latest post on the Freeman Sailing Facebook page reveals Freeman’s rescue from Mushka was far from straight forward, especially as he had opened the seacocks to sink the vessel.

“The seas remained quite large but even so, the captain of the bulk carrier was able to come alongside the disabled yacht like he was “pulling up against a dock”. Lines were thrown down by the crew and Shane was able to get a number of bags of personal items up to safety,” said the post.

“Meanwhile, he tried to secure a line to Mushka and that didn’t succeed on the first attempt. So in order to stay alongside, Shane needed to start his engine, which he’d luckily managed to get running an hour or so earlier,” continued the post.

“Now with a cut cooling-water pipe as part of the boat flooding process, Shane willed the engine to run well for these last few minutes without coolant – and it did.”

“Managing now to stay alongside, Shane finally got a foothold on a rope ladder that he said was moving up and down about four meters. After a precarious climb, he was on deck.”

Freeman was given a meal of pizza and was able to sleep before he made phone calls to his family.

He thanked everyone who expressed concern and best wishes.

30 January 2017

There are less than 17 months to go until the start of the 50th anniversary edition of the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race.

And one entrant is already heading to the start line of the iconic race.

Shane Freeman, 61, is sailing solo from Melbourne to the UK in his Tradewind 35 class yacht, Mushka.

The skipper will shortly round Cape Horn in his first major solo voyage, and has already experienced some challenges along the way.

Days ago, Mushka suffered steering failure; a problem Freeman managed to solve thanks to calm weather.

However, a blocked toilet outlet means his bathroom facilities are now reduced to a bucket.

Robin Knox-Johnston on board Suhaili as he finished the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. Credit: Bill Rowntree / PPL

The 50th anniversary Golden Globe Race will see 30 sailors race 30,000 miles non-stop and alone, with no outside assistance.

All entrants have to use only the same type, or similar equipment and technology that was carried on board Robin Knox-Johnston’s 1968/69 race winning yacht, Suhaili.

Top 10 yacht pioneers

Entry is by invitation only, for sailors aged 18 years and older at the start on 16 June, 2018.

Entrants must show prior ocean sailing experience of at least 8,000 miles and another 2,000 miles solo in any boat, by 30 April, 2018.

Yachts are limited to the following 2018 Golden Globe Race approved designs:

Westsail 32 • Tradewind 35 • Saga 34 • Saltram 36 • Vancouver 32 & 34 • OE 32 • Eric (sister ship to Suhaili) • Aries 32 • Baba 35 • Biscay 36 • Bowman 36 • Cape Dory 36 • Nicholson 32 MKX-XI • Rustler 36 • Endurance 35 • Gaia 36 • Hans Christian 33T • Tashiba 36 • Cabo Rico 34 • Hinckley Pilot 35 • Lello 34 • Gale Force 34.

Australian skipper Freeman is one of 26 provisional entrants for the race.

The only woman to enter, 27-year-old Susie Goodall from the UK, is currently training on the first leg of a double Atlantic crossing in her Rustler 36. She is an offshore and ocean sailing instructor.

Other UK provisional entrants include 61-year-old Ian Reid, who is planning to compete in Maja, a ketch-rigged Belliure Endurance 35, and 1988 OSTAR competitor and veteran round the world sailor, Robin Davie, 65.

US provisional entries include Carl Huber, 56, 63-year-old professional sailor and US Coast Guard licensed captain, Istvan Kopar and Roy Butler Hubbard, 27.

Six French skippers are also listed as provisional entrants including Arsène Ledertheil, 59, who has taken part in La Figaro singlehanded races before graduating to transatlantic races including the Transat Lorient-St Barth and the Transat 650 events.

Five time Fastnet veteran, Francois Gouin, 57, 1977-78 Whitbread Round the World veteran, 63-year-old Patrick Phelipon, two-time holder of the Jules Verne trophy Philippe Péché, 55, and Lionel Regnier, 58, Quebec-Saint-Malo, Solidaire du Chocolat, Les Sables-Horta, Transat Jacques Vabre and Route du Rhum race veteran will all be looking to beat the legendary Jean-Luc van den Heede.

The 71-year-old five-time circumnavigator already holds the record for the fastest solo west-about non-stop circumnavigation against the prevailing winds and currents, and has been a podium finisher in the 1986 and 1985 BOC Challenge Around Alone Race, the 1990 and 1993 Vendée Globe Races.

The Golden Globe Race 2018 is being organised by the UK registered company, Golden Globe Race Ltd in conjunction with Ocean Frontiers Pty Ltd and McIntyre Adventure Ltd.

The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club in the Kingdom of Tonga is the Host Yacht Club.

Organisers are currently searching for a race director and assistant race director, as well as deciding the exact starting point of the Golden Globe Race 2018.

The original started in Falmouth, although Plymouth is being considered as the start port.

A final decision will be announced later in 2017.

The post Golden Globe Race 2018: Skippers set sail from the Suhaili 50 Falmouth Parade of Sail en route to Les Sables d’Olonne appeared first on YBW.

‘Scarily it is out there,’ admits Dee Caffari, MBE. She’s speaking about plastic in the oceans, and nobody would know better the extent of the problem. The reason? She’s seen it all first hand. Dee is the first woman to have sailed solo and non-stop around the world in both directions, and is the only female skipper in the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race.

Undoubtedly the world’s hardest sailing race and the ultimate test of teamwork and human endurance, the Volvo Ocean Race is a round-the-clock, nine-month world circumnavigation.

By the time they cross the finish line in The Hague in a week or so, the 2017-18 teams will have covered 45,000 nautical miles, crossed four oceans and inspired 12 host cities along the way.

Leg 8 from Itajai to Newport, day 2 on board Turn the Tide on Plastic. 23 April, 2018. Dee Caffari smiling as usual.

It attracts some of the world’s best ocean racers, including Caffari who, in 2006, sailed around the world ‘the wrong way,’ against the prevailing winds and currents. It took 178 days.

She came into the sport surprisingly late, sailing for the first time at university. Caffari then worked as a PE and maths teacher for five years but retrained as a water sports instructor and yachtsman after realising that teaching ‘was almost like the right job too soon… I still wanted to travel and do some crazy things.’

Several years and a lot of adventure later, Caffari is now competing in her second Volvo Ocean Race — skippering Turn the Tide on Plastic, a fully-mixed crew (this year, race organisers introduced new crew combinations to encourage female participation), the majority of which are under-30 and experiencing their first circumnavigation.

As well as encouraging youth and gender equality in sailing, the team have been busy promoting the importance of sustainability and ocean health. Nevertheless, Caffari thinks that she ‘underestimated the impact we were going to have on a global scale.’

She has, in her own words, become something of an ‘eco-warrior.’ Turn the Tide have spotted macro-plastic on every leg of the race, from bottles to helium balloons (the skipper’s biggest bugbear), but have also, for the first time in competition history, collected raw data proving that there is an overwhelming amount of micro-plastics in our oceans.

Sailing around Cape Horn — the southern tip of South America where the wild Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet — the team’s joy at spotting wild seals turned sour when they realised that the colony were playing with a plastic bag.

For Caffari, the plastics that you cannot see are even more dangerous. ‘In the back of my mind [when sailing] I’m always thinking that there are micro-plastics here, in their environment, so no wonder they’re eating them. And no wonder it is then affecting us in the food chain. We are eating plastic when we eat fish.’

Experiencing that foreign environment, often at the mercy of an unpredictable Mother Nature, is one of the reasons why the Volvo Ocean Race becomes something bordering on obsession for so many sailors.

Stepping on board team Vestas 11th Hour Racing’s boat (which also bears a strong environmental message) however, it’s impossible to ignore the harsh living conditions and lack of even the most basic luxuries that teams must contend with.

The seven Volvo Ocean 65 vessels are identical — each a carbon fibre-walled, sparse shell below deck, complete with netted bunks (or ‘hammocks’ to you and me) and a singular sink. Sailors work to a four-hour schedule: four hours on, on-deck trying to make the boat go faster; then four hours off, below deck eating, drinking and sleeping. Or at least trying to sleep.

A number of the stopovers host a Pro-Am event — where six members of each team sail alongside ten, amateur guests in a thrilling, 40-minute in-port race — including Cardiff, the first time in race history that the city has been involved.

Expertly skippered by Charlie Enright — and somehow not hindered by my own presence — Vestas 11^th Hour Racing took gold in the first Pro-Am race and fourth, after a close encounter with Team Brunel, in the second.

Racing at an almost constant 40-degree angle whilst attempting to tack, gybe and manoeuvre around the boat was an adrenaline junkie’s dream, marred only by the fact that at roughly 12 knots we were travelling at less than half the speed that teams do out on the open ocean.

If the speed wasn’t up to expert scratch, the kit more than made up for it — think seriously waterproof and windproof salopette-style trousers and jackets, designed by official race sponsor Musto. It’s just as well that the they’re genuinely the producers of some of the world’s best sailing kit: items must be able to cope with an almost constant barrage of salt water and wind, especially in the Southern Ocean where waves can be taller than a two-storey building.

Musto have taken the message on plastics seriously as well. They were challenged by Volvo and Vestas to reduce their plastic consumption; and by introducing an additional fold into clothes leaving the factories, they’ve reduced plastic packaging by 11,000kg every year.

The Pro-Am is a sanitised version of what Enright, Caffari, their respective teams and everyone else involved must endure on a day-to-day basis, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the ocean through their eyes. In late March, on leg seven, Vestas was in second place when the mast broke, some 100 miles off the Falkland Islands. The crew were forced to cut away the rigging and main sail to prevent any long-term damage to the hull.

‘The reality is,’ cautions Caffari, ‘the environment we are in, if something goes wrong they go really wrong, really quickly.’

Really quickly, and catastrophically. In March, amid gale force conditions, a team member from the Scallywag boat went overboard. The man – John Fisher, a 47-year-old from Southampton, was lost at sea despite all efforts to rescue him.

‘We do a lot of training and preparation in defence of that… but you can’t ever factor in everything,’ continues Caffari.

‘We were all affected by the loss of Scallywag’s crew member… and it made everyone back each other up a bit more.’

It is a sobering reminder of the lengths these sailors will go to achieve the seemingly impossible and spread an increasingly important message regarding the state of our irreplaceable oceans.

Volvo Ocean Race: 2021 edition will be under new ownership as Atlantic Ocean Racing Spain takes over from Volvo Group and Volvo Cars

It's been announced that the Volvo Ocean Race, currently owned by the Volvo Group and Volvo Cars will be passed…

Volvo Ocean Race: Team Brunel wins Leg 9 into Cardiff

Team Brunel won Leg 9 of the Volvo Ocean Race from Newport to Cardiff but with a third place finish…

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18: Team Brunel win Cape Horn leg

Team Brunel has won the 7th leg of the race around Cape Horn, from Auckland to Itajai, placing them third…

The post Volvo Ocean Race: Waves the height of houses, plastic-strewn oceans – and what it’s like to be on board appeared first on YBW.

The Volvo Ocean Race‘s 2021 edition will be under new ownership, it was confirmed  on its website today (31 May).

Atlantic Ocean Racing Spain will be the next organisers of the race, taking over from Volvo Group and Volvo Cars after 20 years.

Atlantic Ocean Racing Spain, led by Richard Brisius, Johan Salén and Jan Litborn have already been involved in seven Volvo Ocean Races in the last 28 years, given them plenty of experience.
Brisius and Salén competed in the 1989-1990 race, and later became team managers. As managers they looked after winning teams, such as EF Language (1997-98) and Ericsson 4 (2008-09).  Most recently, they managed Team SCA, the all-female entry, in the last edition of the race.

Brisius and Salén are respectively President and co-President of the current edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, having been appointed last November.

“The history of this round the world race is inspiring and the future is very promising,” said Brisius. “This race is about people and I am humbled by the prospects to serve some of the finest athletes and sport professionals in this world as well as leading partners to the race and host cities.

“I have been fortunate as many of my dreams have come true. First my dream to sail this race, then my dream be a team manager, followed by my dream to manage the race, and now the dream to be able to steer the future of the race.

“We are in this for the long run and we are determined that the race will go from strength to strength as a sustainable premier world event. I look forward to being part of evolving this unique race by co-operating together with the teams, cities, Volvo and all our key stakeholders.”

The Volvo Ocean Race website writes that the new organisers of the race are considering having two classes of boats racing in 2021, “potentially with the existing Volvo Ocean 65 one-design class and another class, yet to be determined, competing in the same race.”

“We will continue to innovate, and it is promising that from day one we can think long-term as we have the resources secured to deliver the next race already,” said Salén.

Volvo Cars will continue to sponsor the 2021 race and the new owners are already discussing potential host cities and new sponsors.

The 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race, which started in Alicante last October, is scheduled to finish in The Hague on June 30.

The post Volvo Ocean Race: 2021 edition will be under new ownership as Atlantic Ocean Racing Spain takes over from Volvo Group and Volvo Cars appeared first on YBW.

May 30

It was a proud day for Bouwe Bekking and his crew as Team Brunel won Leg 9, Newport to Cardiff  of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Dongfeng Race Team finished third, putting them at the top of the overall leaderboard ahead of MAPFRE, who finished in fifth place, by just one point.

Team Brunel is in overall third place, three points off the lead but they have certainly been showing strength and determination and the last two European Legs may well see the Dutch skipper and his crew take the lead.

“We’re very happy with the result – to beat the two red boats (Dongfeng and MAPFRE) was the objective,” Bekking said after crossing the finish line in Cardiff. “Winning of course is nice, as well as to get the bonus point and then a nice fight to beat AkzoNobel in the end as well, so we’re a happy team.

“But the aim is to keep looking forward. We’ve closed the gap to MAPFRE and Dongfeng and victory remains our main objective.”

May 21

Team Brunel had an excellent start to Leg 9 of the Volvo Ocean Race on Sunday (20 May).

The team, skippered by Bouwe Bekking took an early lead and left Newport in first position, heading towards Cardiff.

The Leg from Newport to Cardiff is 3,300 nautical miles long and, like in the Southern Ocean, there are double points to be earned.
Before leaving Newport, Bekking said: “Because of the double points and the bonus point for the winner, it is a crucial stage for Team Brunel. We are now third, and it’s a must to defeat the two red boats Mapfre and Dongfeng. If we want to keep the chance of the final victory, we have to keep them behind us!

“Ideally we would win the leg and they would finish sixth and seventh, but we can’t control that part. All we can do is sail our best and work to get a good result.”

Despite the thick fog that descended onto Fort Adams Race Village, huge crowds attended to watch the race.

“It’s been an unbelievable stopover here in Newport with all the support we’ve had,” said Vestas 11th Hour Racing skipper Charlie Enright, on the last day of his hometown stopover. “Newport has shown its true colours this week, it’s been astounding.”

“It’s a treat to be here,”  agreed team AkzoNobel skipper Simeon Tienpont. “Everyone is so into the race – the whole town is built around sailing. But as good as it is here, we’re getting that feeling that it’s time to get out on the water again. So we’re happy with the good reception we had here in Newport, but as a Dutch team, we’re getting closer to finish and looking forward to getting there as well.”

Overall scoreboard before Leg 9

1. Mapfre – 50 points
2. Dongfeng Race Team – 42 points
3. Team Brunel – 36 points
4. Team AkzoNobel – 35 points
5. Vestas 11th Hour Racing – 23 points
6. Sun Hung Kai / Scallywag – 19 points
7. Turn The Tide on Plastic – 16 points

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18: Team Brunel win Cape Horn leg

Team Brunel has won the 7th leg of the race around Cape Horn, from Auckland to Itajai, placing them third…

Volvo Ocean Race: Watch Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag lose a headsail overboard

It was a hairy moment at sea when Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag lost a headsail, but thankfully it was just a…

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18: How to follow the race

The start of the Volvo Ocean Race started on 22 October. See how you can follow this exciting round-the-world race

The post Volvo Ocean Race: Team Brunel wins Leg 9 into Cardiff appeared first on YBW.

Raymarine, has been confirmed as the Official Tracking Partner of the Round The Island Race.

The new role will be an addition to the company’s Official Technical Partner role, which Raymarine has been fulfilling for 15 years.

Raymarine will oteam with marine meteorologist, Simon Rowell, again, to deliver the pre-race weather strategy using the  Theyr weather and ocean forecasting app via Raymarine’s Axiom multifunction navigation system and LightHouse 3 operating software.

Raymarine’s newly created role as the Race’s Official Tracking Partner is important in ensuring the participants’s safety. This year all boats are required to register a minimum of one mobile phone per team to enable them to sign up to use the Race’s live GPS tracking system.
Although not mandatory, it is also recommended that participants transmit an AIS signal (Automatic Identification System), which enables safer tracking and accountability for the organisers and allows participants to view post-race analysis through the bespoke tracking system.
Harry Heasman, Raymarine’s UK Sales and Marketing Manager for UK and Ireland said: “This is an exciting addition to the race for Raymarine and aligns with the brand’s expertise in electronics. AIS developments are enabling boaters to enjoy safer navigation than ever before. Raymarine is keen to support the safety of those on the water so we are also offering all participants £150 cash back on the purchase of a new Raymarine AIS700.”

Dave Atkinson, Head of Race Management for the Round the Island Race, commented: “We are thrilled that Raymarine is supporting our quest to make this the largest and safest race in the world. We have worked with them for many years, so it felt right to have them on board as Official Tracking partner.”

Raymarine also continues to sponsor the Round the Island Race’s Young Sailor’s Trophy, which is presented to the fastest young skipper the day after the race.

Golden Globe Race 2018: Skippers set sail from the Suhaili 50 Falmouth Parade of Sail en route to Les Sables d’Olonne

After taking part in the Suhaili 50 Falmouth Parade of Sail the 2018 Golden Globe race skippers have set sail…

Round the Island Race race record broken

The MOD70, Concise 10, has set a new Round the Island Race record, breaking the previous one set by Phaedo3…

Golden Globe Race organisers meet with the French Sailing Federation (FFV) to discuss race rules

Golden Globe Race officials met with the FFV yesterday (14 December) to discuss the operation, safety and security of the…

The post Raymarine confirmed as Official Tracking Partner of the Round The Island Race appeared first on YBW.

The London Boat Show‘s organiser and owner, British Marine, has announced that the 2019 event has been cancelled.
The show was supposed to run from 9-13 January 2019 at the ExCeL in London.

Independent research by exhibition experts, Zing Insights, showed poor attendance and lack of satisfaction in the show’s current format.

Zing Insights has carried out personal interviews with over 67% of exhibitors, revealing that that whilst a number of marine companies welcomed this year’s format change from 10 days to five, many exhibitors were not prepared to commit to exhibiting to a five day Show at ExCeL in January 2019.
Sales and signed contracts at the 2018 event were also below expectations for many boatbuilders and boat retailers.

The research also showed a lack of visitors’ satisfaction and poor attendance.

British Marine has therefore decided to cancel the London Boat Show and concentrate instead on the TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show, which in contrast continues to be attractive to both the marine industry and visitors.

“The decision to put the London Boat Show on hold is naturally very disappointing for the British marine industry,” said David Pougher, President of British Marine, “but British Marine and its Board of Directors has a responsibility to its members and we cannot commit to running a Show which is clearly forecasted in its current format to be commercially unviable and will not meet customer satisfaction levels. By contrast, TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show produces a positive contribution to the industry, is well supported by exhibitors and visitors alike and is a highly successful event and we are now able to put all our energy, expertise and enthusiasm into this event.”

British Marine says making the decision to put the London Boat Show on hold now for 2019 enables the organisation to look at alternative options. “We are very aware that many companies in the marine industry look at a sales activity such as the London Boat Show in January as an excellent way to kick start the year, but times change and we must do the same in order to offer events which are affordable, accessible, welcomed and supported by the industry and its customers, and are financially viable for all involved.  This is now the task for the British Marine team, its Board, its members and valued advisors to seek new opportunities to support our industry,” concluded David Pougher.

The Solent Forts – No Man’s Fort, Spitbank Fort and Horse Sand Fort – go on sale for £11m

The 19th century Solent Forts have been put on the market and are priced at a collective £11M. Ackergill Tower…

British Marine report shows boating industry production and revenue growth

A new report by British Marine shows growth in the boating industry for 2016 led by small and medium boatbuilders

The post London Boat Show 2019: British Marine cancels the annual event appeared first on YBW.

After the success of the Motorboat and RIB Show at Swanwick Marina and The Boat Show at Chichester Marina in March and April, it’s now the turn of the British Motor Yacht Show, which takes place 18 – 20 May.

To celebrate the start of the season, Swanwick Marina on the River Hamble hosted its annual Motorboat and RIB Show from 31 March to 1 April and a Pre-Season general Boat Show from 30 March to 2 April ran alongside it. Both shows were free to enter.

Continues below…

British Motor Yacht Show will feature the UK’s most luxurious yacht brands

The British Motor Yacht Show will open this Friday and run throughout the weekend until 21 May. It is hosted…

Search is called off for Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnes

The French coastguard has called off the search for the CEO of Quiksilver, Pierre Agnes, who has been missing at…

Swanwick’s Motorboat and RIB Show featured all types of stackable boats up to 11m, including sports boats, RIBS and fishing boats and the four day Pre-Season Boat Show included a line-up of larger new and used boats, exhibited on and off water.

Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker will be at the British Motor Yacht Show in May

Another boat show at Premier’s Chichester Marina followed on 21 and 22 April. Brokers Ancasta International Boat Sales, Blackrock Yachting and Sussex Boat Shop displayed a line-up of new and used sail and motor boats. Porsche luxury cars, stowaway electric bikes, marine electronics and teak decking also showcased their products,. Those shopping for insurance took advantage of  Premier Marine Insurance clinic.

It’s now time for the British Motor Yacht Show, which brings together Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker and runs from 18 to 20 at Swanwick Marina.

This year there will be two unique world preview at the British Motor Yacht Show: the Princess V60 expanding the V class range, and the Princess flybridge range Princess 70 . There will also be a  line up of Sunseeker yachts and a premiere from Fairline – the Squadron 53.  A ‘must visit’ for serious buyers, there’s no better opportunity in the UK show calendar to avoid the crowds and to get up close to the most reputable motor yachts in the world.

For more information click here.

The post Princess Yachts’ Princess V60 and the Princess 70 will be on display at The British Motor Yacht Show with Fairline, and Sunseeker also in attendance appeared first on YBW.