9-15 News Briefs
Racing NewsMonsoon Weathers Grueling Swan Cup Distance RaceThe 100-boat fleet gathered in Porto Cervo, Sardinia for the 14th biennial Rolex Swan Cup completed the mid-regatta distance race on Thursday. The first boat to cross the finish line of the race, a 40-mile clockwise circumnavigation of the Maddelena archipelago, was Peter Simon’s Swan 65 Monsoon Jaguar. The boat claimed line honours for the third successive race of the series in the Classic division and a well-deserved handicap victory following some solid tactical decisions.After five close races between the Swan 601s, Torbjorn Tornquist’s Artemis is still leading its fleet. With Russell Coutts calling the shots, the Swedish entry has racked up three bullets and two second places. Artemis holds a two-point lead over Jim Swartz’s Moneypenny.In a Swan 45 class otherwise dominated by Americans, Italian Danilo Salsi, sailing DSK Comifin, retains the lead after five consecutive top four finishes, including a hard won victory yesterday. Filip Balcaen’s Swan 56 Aqua Equinox is leading in the Grand Prix fleet, while Stephen and Benedict James’ Swan 48 Jacobite holds a comfortable seven-point margin among the Classics, both handicap fleets having completed three races to date.For the latest news from the Swan Cup, click here.Hamlin’s Skiff Success ContinuesThis summer, Howard Hamlin can do no wrong in a skiff. So far, he has won the 18-foot Skiff International Regatta, the European 18 Skiff Championship, and the International 14 Nationals.Now, after five of seven races at the International 14 Worlds in Long Beach, Calif., the local ace holds an 11-point lead over second place. Racing in the 71-boat fleet concludes on Saturday.For the latest from the International 14 Worlds, click here.Industry NewsInnovation Drives Newport For New Products CompetitionThe inaugural Newport for New Products competition concluded today with winners announced for Best New Powerboat, Best New Sailboat, and Best New Boating Product.On the opening day of the Newport International Boat Show in Newport, Rhode Island, a team of four judges inspected each of the 20 sailboats, 24 powerboats, and 11 boating products entered in the competition. Entries were evaluated according to the innovativeness of their design and their potential impact on the boating community.For Best New Powerboat, the judges chose the Maritimo 60 Flybridge Cruiser for its excellent construction, sensible interior, and innovative deck layout, which features ample bulwarks and wide pathways for true walk-around convenience. The Best New Sailboat is the Seawind 1160, an Australian design that expands the capabilities of the cruising catamaran. From its deck level main saloon to its spacious galley and berths to its versatile hard-top/ door system, the Seawind 1160 brings unprecedented practicality and comfort to the multihull market. Volkswagen’s TDI 225-6 Marine Engine won Best New Boating Product. Features such as an emergency shut-off switch, a built-in step, and an easy-access oil change point make this diesel powerplant an attractive option for boaters looking to maximize horsepower and torque while minimizing size and weight. The Newport International Boat Show continues through September 18. For more information, click here.
