Ouch, Wing Dings, a torch and Melges Young Guns
by Rob Kothe and the Sail-World Team on 20 Mar 2013
2013 Melges Young Guns Regatta Chris Cameron/ETNZ
http://www.chriscameron.co.nz
Sail-world reported early yesterday afternoon that Emirates Team New Zealand have damaged their Gen 1 40 metre wing sail, in a launching incident.
The incident occurred as the wing sail was being lifted into place prior to the AC72 platform being taken from the hangar and placed underneath the wing, before rigging is secured.
As Richard Gladwell explains - Wind observations from Bean Rock, showing a rapid increase in wind strength in the early afternoon. The delicate process has always been fairly fraught, particularly in gusty and swirling winds that prevail in the area. The wing sail is believed to have taken control in the hoisting process and clipped the side of the three-story building which houses the America's Cup team.
Damage to the multimillion dollar wing sail is understood to be relatively minor and the AC72 is expected to be sailing in a couple of days after some rapid repairs.
Sail-world received very positive reaction for its update on the Laser Class dramas in which the legendary designer Bruce Kirby is dragging the European and North American builder, ISAF and the Laser Class Association into the US Federal courts. In the next 24 hours Sail-World will place some 18 documents into the public domain. These certainly shine a torch on what has been happening in some dark recesses. Watch this space
The Melges classes continue to grow in Australia. Last weekend the RPAYC hosted the third Melges Young Guns Regatta. Each year Melges 24 and Melges 32 owners hand over their pride and joy so that some of Sydney’s young guns can experience Melges. Not only does it provide the opportunity for the owners to meet some of Australia’s younger successful sailors but it also allows the young guns to compete with their own team in the Melges classes.
Previous Young Gun winners include Australia´s London Silver medal winning Olympic Women’s Match Racing team. Current Moth World Champion Josh McKnight steered Easy Tiger III to a Melges 32 win. Peter Kendall´s Amigos won the Melges 24’s.
Lots more news, grab your coffee and come up to speed!!
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