Waiting on the wind—Sailing News from the U.S. and Beyond

by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 12 Aug 2012 For fans of offshore passage-breaking efforts, these are heady days. Yves Parlier’s 'flying' trimaran, l’Hydroptère DCNS, has been on stand-by mode in Los Angeles, awaiting an ideal weather window to make an attempt on the LA-Honolulu passage record. If and when the team gets the weather target they need, and if they can keep the high-tech boat with its hydraulic-dampened foils intact, there’s an excellent chance that the sailing world will get to see the true potential of Parlier’s long-standing dream, namely, to create a hybrid boat/plane that’s capable to staggering speeds over both long and short stretches of ocean.

Prior to this outing, Parlier and company have targeted shorter-course records and outright speed records. With this project, however, the team is plunging into a brave new world of sailing potential. But, as with virtually every offshore-sailing endeavor, finding—and capitalizing on—the right weather window is crucial to the team’s success.

'We’re targeting a phase when the North Pacific High is in the perfect position so we’re keeping an eye on how this zone is evolving,' said l’Hydroptère DCNS’ co-skipper, Jacques Vincent. 'Ideally, the zone of high pressure has to be further north and slightly across to the east or west if possible. That would enable us to be as close to the direct course to Honolulu as possible and provide us with some good gybing angles for approaching the islands. From such scenarios, we’d prefer for the zone of high pressure to be set slightly over to the west. That would ensure [that] we have lighter winds along the Californian coast and hence a more moderate sea state along the first quarter of the crossing.'

For readers who are both familiar or unfamiliar with l’Hydroptère DCNS, the rest of the interview with Vincent is must-read material. Also advisable is a virtual trip to YouTube to check out footage of Parlier’s flying machine in full-on action. 'Jaw-dropping' is an apropos descriptor of this truly unique 'sailboat'!

And speaking of high-flying hijinks, don’t miss the preview of the Zhik Nautica Moth World Championships 2012. This event is set to take place on Lake Garda, Italy, from August 18 to 26, and is being hosted by the Vela Club Campione. Currently, 119 boats from 20 countries (and four continents) are expected to hit the starting line at pace once the starting guns begin sounding. Get the full scoop, inside.

And much closer to my personal Center of the Universe in the Pacific Northwest, be sure to check-out the post-regatta report from the Lido 14 National Championships. This event unfolded on the scenic waters of Fidalgo Bay, just off of Anacortes, Washington, and attracted 28 boats from all corners of the country. Judging by the report and the big-grin photos, a great time was had by all. More, inside.

And finally, don’t miss all of our great post-Olympic coverage, inside this issue. You will not be disappointed!

May the four winds blow you safely home,