ISAF World Sailing Cup Mallorca, Hobie Alter, AC34 perspective -more

by Rob Kothe and the Sail-World Team on 2 Apr 2014 After postponements ashore, shifty conditions are playing havoc with leaderboard for the Australians in Mallorca on Day 2 of the 45th S.A.R. Regatta Princesa Sofia.

In light conditions, probably 800 of the 880 boats are still spread across the Bay of Palma, at 6.30pm here. It’s a great day for sightseers, on the waterfront, just not too flash for sailors.

We have published lots of interviews with members of the Australian team here in Palma over the weekend with more to come.

In the Nacra 17 fleet Euan McNicol and Lucinda Whitty are fifth overall with Darren Bundock and Nina Curtis seventh. (Bundy and Nina after racing each day do a quick video report, we hope that other Australian sailors emulate that).
Look at the effort from Curtis in our lead pix. Bundy says 'she is a grunter!!?

In the Laser class, Ash Brunning and Jeremy O'Connell are first and second overall in the Laser fleet after three races while Tom Burton is 24th. Robert Scheidt is 12th.

In the 470 Men’s class Mat Belcher and Will Ryan after an OCS yesterday and one ordinary result today are in 19th place.

Sail-World will publish lots of pixs and full results as the day draws to a close.

History will be made next week in the Sydney to Mooloolaba Yacht Race 2014

At the traditional start time of 1pm on a Wednesday pre-Easter, this time on April 9, Sean Langman’s record-busting ORMA 60 trimaran BOQ Team Australia is highly likely to lead the charge out of Sydney Harbour when Langman’s quest for the trophy treble begins.

Six months after the conclusion of the 34th America's Cup, Kiwi fans in particular, struggle for the answers as to how Oracle Team USA were able to effect a big performance turnaround, without predecent in an America's Cup regatta. Sail-World's NZ and America's Cup Editor, Richard Gladwell gives his personal perspective and analysis in this three part-series.

It might not be sailing but all those whose have been called starboard by a humpback whale will be thrilled with the news from the International court of Justice harpooning the Japanese Government claims on lethal scientific research.

And finally we celebrate the life and times of Hobie Alter.

Lots more sailing news from Oz and beyond.