THE FIRST BEAT: Reshaping the Olympics, Part IIIBy Stuart StreuliIn Part I and Part II of this three-part series I outlined the uncertain future of Olympic sailing and some changes that ISAF should make for the 2008 Olympic Regatta in Qingdao. This is likely to be a very trying fortnight for sailing. The prevailing light conditions, the extreme isolation from the rest of the Olympic events, and an antiquated format will all work against the sport in 2008. We’ll be lucky if sailing can hold its ground in terms of how the sport is viewed by the International Olympic Committee, the Olympic broadcasters, specifically NBC, and the non-sailing public. If we’re unlucky, sailing could really take it on the chin.Regardless, sailing needs to approach the 2012 Olympics as if its Olympic future is on the line. It needs to deliver a standout performance. Fortunately, the English people (and the nearby Western Europeans) appreciate sailing and should come out in droves to see the action. Weymouth looks like a great choice for the regatta site. While removed from London, it’s a manageable day trip. It should be possible to put multiple courses within sight of land and make it easy for spectators to take in the action.However, sailing cannot depend on the venue or its popularity in Europe to lift it back into the good graces of the IOC. The Olympic format needs a drastic overhaul.For the complete story, https://www.sailingworld.com/article.jsp?ID=40695&typeID=401&catID=594GEAR UP: C&C 115 Wins Sailing World’s 2006 Overall Boat of the Year AwardBy Tony Bessinger”We sailed the C&C 115 with the boat’s designer, Tim Jackett, and he and the experienced crew quickly helped us see what the 37-footer was all about. The three judges and I first took turns driving upwind, and rotated crew positions, all of which helped give us a feel for the boat’s capabilities. “The boat has nice groove upwind and locks into the numbers,” says Allen Andrews of Andrews Yacht Design. “Downwind is even better, as the boat sails very low with excellent pace.” Allen also had high praise for the boat’s interior design. “The C&C 115 is about the best balance between racing and cruising that I’ve seen,” he says. “I favor the racing end, but with some nice comforts the 115 works well. Down below is well thought out, with nice composite finishing in cabinets and moldings and veneers outside.The nav station, finished in cherry, has plenty of room, and there’s lots of storage below and a huge amount of headroom.There’s no choice of layout, but I like what C&C did, having one large head aft with a built-in shower rather than a two-head layout.”For the complete story, https://www.sailingworld.com/article.jsp?ID=40692&typeID=395&catID=649&exclude=For the rest of the BOTY winners (the Reynolds 33, the Wyliecat 44, and the RS Feva) follow the links at the end of the press release, https://www.sailingworld.com/article.jsp?ID=40689&typeID=395&catID=566 Also, check out the winners from Cruising World’s BOTY contest, http://www.cruisingworld.com/article.jsp?ID=40573&typeID=419&catID=649 Melges 24 Worlds KEY LARGO, Fla. (17 December 2005) – Light weather conditions on the final day of the 2005 Corum Melges 24 World Championship at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo today turned the 99-boat fleet inside out but James Spithill’s Italian Luna Rossa team held on to a diminished lead to prevail with an eight point margin. http://www.2005corumm24worlds.com/Sailing World’s Regional College RankingsWith the fall season in the books, a look at the top college sailing teams based on competition within their respective districts.https://www.sailingworld.com/article.jsp?ID=40599&typeID=400&catID=566Quantum Wins Rolex Trophy SYDNEY, Australia (18 December 2005) – Of the three divisions in the Rolex Trophy Ratings Series in Sydney, two of them were settled by tiebreak with only Ray Roberts’s DK46 Quantum Racing the clear winner. Roberts won Division 2 with a string of 1st and 2nd places, scoring 8 points overall to runner-up Ginger’s 17 points. http://www.regattanews.com/event.asp?id=123 Michigan to Host U.S. Youth Champs The 2006 U.S. Youth Sailing Championship, the country’s top event for young sailors organized by US SAILING, will be held June 22-29, 2006 and hosted by Grosse Point Yacht Club in Grosse Point, Mich. A fourth class, the 29er has been added for the first time. http://www.ussailing.org/ Laser Radial Youth World Championship 2005 FORTALEZA, Brazil (18 December 2005) – Overnight leader, Frederico Melo (POR) had the luxury of still being able to discard a final series race provided he could stay ahead of second place Blair McClay (NZL) with a top five place in at least one of the day’s races. http://www.2005laserworlds.com.br/ Formula Windsurfing Worlds VICTORIA, Australia (17 December 2005) – Five wins at Sail Melbourne’s Formula Windsurfing World Championship held at Elwood Sailing Club in Victoria has given Sydney-based Allison Shreeve her first windsurfing world title. France’s Antoine Albeau, a champion windsurfer across a range of disciplines had a slow start to his campaign here but clinched the open title. http://www.sailmelbourne.com.au/events/2 Brasil 1 Crew Replacements After Leg 1, Torben Grael has shuffled his lineup for the rest of the competition. New onboard are 38-year old Norwegian Knut Frostad and 41-year old Dutch sailor Marcel van Triest. Both are very experienced in competitions such as the Whitbread. Marcel van Triest is taking the place of Australian navigator Adrienne Cahalan, who has now definitely left the team. For the in-port race, the crew will count on the additional support of sailor and project director Alan Adler.Also, Tony Kolb has left Ericsson and Freddie Loof has turned in his eyepatch and left the Pirates effort. www.volvooceanrace.com
