Racing and living vicariously—Sailing news from the U.S. and beyond

by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 7 Jun 2013 One of the coolest aspects of sailboat racing is that is takes place on literally every imaginable level, from the venerable fleets of boxed-bowed Optimists to the rarified leagues of the America’s Cup. In between is a lifetime’s worth of drooling and dreaming, especially as new designs come online and make the international circuit of high-profile events, such as the ongoing Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, which is taking place at Sardinia’s Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (June 4-8). Here, some of the biggest, sexiest heavy-duty superyachts are on display as owners and crews delight in a regatta’s worth of day races.

'It was a really good day,' reported Tom Davies, captain of 'Salperton', which is currently sitting in the pole position for the Cruising B class. 'There were a lot of tactics today; we had a good start, and were the only one of the early starters to have the kite up as we crossed the start line so we probably gained half a minute right there. We made a very good call rounding Monaci, as we went high so we could soak down to drop the kite.'

Be sure to check out the full media blast from this prestigious event, including some enticing image galleries from ace shooters Ingrid Abery and Carlo Borlenghi, inside this issue.

And speaking of living vicariously, albeit on a very different end of the sailboat-economic spectrum, the inaugural J/70 North American Championships reached its 90-boat limit just 28 hours after registration opened, thus proving the vitality of this great new class and spirited new design. The event, which runs from September 26-28, will be hosted by the Annapolis Yacht Club and J/70 fleet Number One and will be sailed on the storied waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

'In 35 years of sailing, I’ve never seen anything close to this!' said Joe Colling, President of the Ohio J/70 Class. 'Watching the registration all day and seeing those numbers keep climbing demonstrates the unbelievable enthusiasm for the J/70. It’s already an epic event!' For sailors lucky enough to have a registration number, there’s little question that you will be a part of history this fall as this fast-growing class crowns its first set of champions. Stay tuned for more, as it becomes known.

And in San Francisco, Emirates Team New Zealand's meteorologist Roger 'Clouds' Badham has provided an impressive forecast of the kind of racecourse patterns and challenges that we can expect for this summer’s Louis Vuitton Cup (July 4-August 30) and for the 34th America’s Cup (September 7-21).

'We also have tide or current,' explained Clouds. 'There is the North Bay to the north and South Bay around the corner, they are huge bay’s with an enormous volume of water that has to come in and out through the bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge where it can easily be three or four knots as a slow tide or up to six or seven knots at times.'

And in national-level circles, David Butler of Dallas, Texas and his crew of Debbie Adams and John Finks were awarded US Sailing’s Hanson Medal for saving a fellow sailboat racer during a regatta that was held last November on Lake Lewisville (near Dallas). 'We were close to the man overboard and knew it was our responsibility and the only thing to do,' said Butler. 'The man overboard was a little surprised how quick we arrived and was uncertain how to get back in the boat, but with some gentle coaching, he climbed aboard without incident,' said Butler.

As for staying safe on the water, Butler had some wise words to share with all sailors: 'Practice man overboard drills and wear life jackets at all times,' he said. 'Attend safety-at-sea seminars and always know what the flags and pennants mean on the committee boat.'

And finally, be sure to get the latest news on Jimmy Spithill’s (skipper of Oracle Team USA) recent swim in San Francisco Bay, learn about the new mxNext skiff, and check in with the International Flying Dutchman Worlds. Enjoy!

May the four winds blow you safely home,