Olympics, offshore and GP news—Sailing news from the U.S. and beyond

by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 19 Jun 2013 After catching a drubbing at the London Olympics 2012, the U.S. Olympic Sailing Program has made a strong push to attract more sailors and to provide even more targeted training and coaching to the talented sailors already in their ranks. These efforts now include a nationwide 'Olympic Sailing Night' speaking series-hosted by luminary names such as JJ Fetter, Andrew Campbell, Luther Carpenter, Leandro Spina and Josh Adams -that’s aimed at educating junior sailors about the 'Many Pathways to the Podium'.

'We feel that it is important young sailors with Olympic sailing aspirations hear first-hand how they can chart their own Olympic pathway,' said Josh Adams, Managing Director of U.S. Olympic Sailing. ‘We have put together a knowledgeable slate of speakers, and look forward to meeting and working with the many youth sailors looking to represent Team USA in 2020, 2024 and beyond.'

Get the full scoop, inside this issue, and be sure to check out the downloadable PDF of US Sailing’s 'Path to the Podium' poster (targeted towards aspiring juniors).

Meanwhile, the older sailors competing in the Marion to Bermuda Race enjoyed a fast and furious start that rapidly slowed as the fleet neared Bermuda. According to the latest reports, the final 100 miles were especially painful.

'We covered about 500 miles in the first 45 hours and then the bottom fell out-we had no wind for two days,' said Mark Riley, who served as a watch captain aboard Michael Reney’s Andrews 68, 'Shindig', which took line honors. 'We struggled for the next 36 to 48 hours trying to cover the next 120 miles.'

Certainly not the finish that the 'Shindig' crew-or anyone else sailing in this bluewater classic-would have hoped for, but still a great offshore adventure nonetheless. Get the full story, inside this issue.

Sparse breezes weren’t a problem for the 800-plus sailors who competed in the New York Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta, which just wrapped up in Newport, Rhode Island. Here, top honors went to Jim Swartz and his 'Vesper' team, who are enjoying a fine third season aboard their TP52. 'The crew is flawless, and the boat is fast,' said Swartz. 'It has been a fun boat to sail; it goes upwind beautifully and flies downwind.'

Inside, be sure to check out the full media debriefing, including a great photo gallery of the on-the-water action, courtesy of ace lensman Daniel Forster.

Also inside, don’t miss the latest news from the ongoing Route des Princes, check out Team Hydros’ revolutionary C-Class catamaran, and be sure to learn about French skipper Kito De Pavant’s newest World Sailing Speed Record Council-ratified speed record.

And finally, for anyone who loves dreaming about playing aboard some of the biggest, fastest hardware afloat, don’t miss photographer Carlo Borlenghi’s great image gallery from the ongoing Giraglia Rolex Cup. Enjoy!

May the four winds blow you safely home,