Extreme Indeed—Sailing News from the U.S. and Beyond
by David Schmidt, US Editor Sail-World.com on 19 Apr 2011
The 2011 Extreme Sailing Series Act 2 wrapped up in Qingdao, China, yesterday with a somewhat surprising leader change going into day four that saw Luna Rossa, a 2007 America’s Cup challenger, beat Emirates Team New Zealand, a fellow competitor in AC 32 as well as a challenger in AC34. 'We are really happy,' said Luna Rossa skipper Max Sirena, 'it should be a long night for the Luna Rossa team tonight!' Rounding out the podium was the all-French team on board Groupe Edmond de Rothschild, winners of the Extreme Sailing Series’ Act 1. Capsizes, broken rigs, strong breezes and lighter winds threw constant challenges at the fleet, testing each team’s boathandling skills. Check out our coverage inside, as well as the sizzle video of the event.
Closer to home, the 2011 Charleston Race Week also wrapped up, delivering everything from perfect to frustrating (read: too windy) conditions. Read our coverage inside, and pay attention to Joy Dunigan’s image galleries of the Melges 20s and 24s out strutting their stuff.
Dinghy sailors should take note of the International 14 renaissance that’s currently taking place in certain starting circles. Here in Seattle several projects are underway, and in Toronto, Canada, designer Steve Killing has been busy working up his own International 14, the Killing 3 International. Be sure to watch the videos about the 'K3' in this issue to learn more about this cool project.
Speed sailing fans will be pleased to learn that the Vestus SailRocket 2 has arrived at the Namibia’s Walvis Bay Yacht Club, with the goal of taking the Outright World Speed Record away from kiteboarder Rob Douglas. Check out Paul Larson’s update on the project, as well as the images of the SailRocket 2’s arrival, in this issue.
And finally, anyone seeking to escape the early spring, still-not-quite-sailing-season blues, check out Carlo Borlenghi’s image gallery from the 2011 Audi Melges 20 Sailing Series Scarlino, which just concluded in Italy. (Hint: These images are also a great way to ease into your workweek.)
May the four winds blow you safely home.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/82615
