VOR, 18-footers, extreme cats—Sailing news from the U.S. and beyond

by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 29 Aug 2014 The October start of this year’s Volvo Ocean Race is looming large for the teams racing, as well as for fans, who are getting seriously amped-up to see the new crews in action and to see how the new One Design element influences the race. For some squads such as Team Vestas Wind, who just recently announced their entry in the race, these days are filled with a dauntingly long 'to-do' list that includes everything from hiring and forming a team to buying dehydrated food, while other programs are in a slightly more relaxed situation.

While we hear a lot about the sailors who make the team, we rarely learn about those who didn’t make the cut, or who were unable to participate, due to other responsibilities. Lt. Chris Branning of the United States Coast Guard falls solidly into this later category. Readers may remember Branning from Disney’s 'Morning Light' project, but, if not, Branning flies rescue choppers for the USCG, but he is equally talented at navigating fast offshore steeds across wide oceans. Because of this, says Team Alvamedica skipper Charlie Enright, Branning was his first phone call for the 2014/2015 Race.

Unfortunately for Branning and Team Alvimedica, however, the USCG needs Branning’s service in the stormy skies, so, despite one heck of a sailing opportunity, Branning will stand down for this year’s race. 'I’ll be honest with you,' said Branning. 'I see [Team Alvimedica] on Instagram, and I like it… And I see them on Facebook, and of course I like it. But it hurts man.'

Still, Branning isn’t one to play the 'coulda-woulda-shoulda' game, which is good news for every other mariner out there who may well need Branning’s rescue skills. 'I could never trade flying rescue helicopters forever to do a Volvo,' said Branning about his dedication and passion for saving lives and helping fellow mariners. 'And I was very clear about that with my command.'

Meanwhile, the waters of San Francisco Bay have been humming with the 2014 18-Foot Skiff International Regatta (August 25-30). At the time of this writing, Howie Hamlin, Cameron McDonald and Matt McKinlay, racing aboard 'CST' were sitting in the pole position, followed by Brett Van Munster, Paul Montague and Harry Thurston aboard 'ASCC' and Skip McCormack, Nick Catley and Josh McCormack, racing aboard 'Events Clothing'. More, inside.

And in multihull news, 'The Wave, Muscat' took home top honors at the recent Extreme Sailing Series’ Cardiff event (August 22-25), followed by 'Alinghi' and 'J.P. Morgan BAR'. 'There was a big lesson to be learned and it's something we have to remember in the final three Acts...every point from every race in the regatta counts!' wrote Anna Tunnicliffe, who races aboard 'Alinghi'. 'Don't risk too much early on just to go for a gain on two boats. If we are in a good position, stay in it, don't chance a possible gain for a major loss.' Get the full multi-media report, inside.

Also inside, get the latest news from the Transatlantic Race 2015 and the Pegasus Airlines Alacati PWA World Cup, and don’t miss the preview report from the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (August 31-September 6), which is about to kick off in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.

And finally, be sure to spend some time admiring Max Ranchi and Stefano Gattini’s great image galleries from the ongoing Melges 20 Worlds (August 25-30).

Department of Corrections: In the August 25, 2014 newsletter, I accidentally wrote that Ryan Porteous, Cindy Walker and John Ruf qualified for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at the 2014 IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championship, which recently took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia. While these sailors all enjoyed fine results in Halifax and are looking fast for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, it was the USA-rather than the individual sailors-who qualified for Rio in these classes. Stay tuned for more information on the U.S. Paralympic Sailing Team’s trials system and selection criteria, once it’s made publically available.

May the four winds blow you safely home,