Med racing, A-Cats and AC news—Sailing News from the U.S. and Beyond
by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 26 Oct 2012
HIGH FIDELITY (RSA) sailing to win the - 2012 Rolex Middle Sea Race Rolex/ Kurt Arrigo
http://www.regattanews.com
When it comes to scenery, it’s hard to beat the brochure for the Rolex Middle Sea Race, a classic 606-mile distance race that’s known for testing sailors in all weather conditions. This year’s event proved to be no exception, with conditions ranging from parking-lot frustrations to thunder-and-lightning storms that were packing nearly 40 knots of punch. Ultimately, Igor Simcic’s 100-foot 'Esimit Europa 2' (SLO) took line honors, while the overall corrected-time winner was Eddie De Villiers’ Welbourne 46, 'Hi Fidelity' (RSA).
'It was a challenging race with lots of parking lots, breeze and different forecasts,' said Hi Fidelity’s co-skipper, Mark Sadler. 'It was very demanding from a navigational and tactical point of view. We had a lot of opportunities (to take advantage) when the bigger boats parked and we could decide which way to go.' Get the full debriefing, inside this issue.
Meanwhile, in Islamorada Florida, the A-Cat Worlds were cut short after five races by the deteriorating weather that was spurned on by Hurricane Sandy’s appearance (and advance) in the Atlantic. The always-quick Mischa Heemskerk (NED) was declared the 2012 class champion, beating Andrew Landenberger (AUS) by a margin of 15 points, while Steven Brewin (AUS) finished just two points astern of Landenberger to take third place. More, inside.
And for Cup fans who just can’t get enough footage from Oracle Racing’s recent cartwheel, photographer Erik Simonson has compiled a frame-by-frame sequence of still images, strung together in video form, that chronicles the carnage in slow motion. Meanwhile, Oracle Racing’s Amory Ross put together the team’s official multi-media report from the day. Both of these videos are must-see material for AC fans and speed-sailing freaks alike.
And in Olympic-sailing news, the 49erFX—the newly chosen equipment for the Women’s Skiff event for the 2016 Games—is now reportedly sailing in 19 countries. To date, 135 rigs have been built and will have been shipped by the end of the month, meaning that athletes can soon start training for upcoming 2013 events. Get the full report from Mackay Boats to learn more about how an Olympic class is born and nurtured.
Also inside, get the latest news from the RS:X Youth Worlds, the U.S. Team Racing Championship and, for anyone in need of a good laugh, don’t miss Beau Outteridge (Gold medalist and AC72 skipper Nathan Outteridge’s brother) 'inspired' ode to the next America’s Cup, entitled 'Bangin’ the Corners'. Enjoy!
May the four winds blow you safely home,
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