Editorial- Welcome to the BMW Oracle Racing Show!
by nzeditor@sail-world.com on 4 Jun 2008
Welcome to the combined Monday and mid-week edition of sail-World.Com/NZ's newsletter
In this issue we have the latest report on the Auckland to Fiji Race, which disappointingly has turned into a slow affair, after expectations that the race record would be seriously under threat from the canting keel 50fters.
Even so the 50's are having a close race with three, Wired, Ran Tan and Pussy Galore within a mile of each other, having passed the half way point in the race.
The slow Fiji Race might be leaving crews with plenty of time to contemplate their next, and faster means of transport, and no doubt our new banner advertiser BMW will be their in their mental viewfinders as the motoring world looks for the answers to more efficient vehicles, with improved technology and enhanced performance.
Click on the banner ad to see the latest that BMW has to offer, and sign up for a test drive – if you wish. Also gain an insight into the technology behind the prestigious marquee. From there it is not too big a jump to see how this engineering technology is transferred into the BMW Oracle Racing Team, which are now in action simultaneously in four theatres - TP52's (two teams), RC44's, Extreme 40's and the 90ft America's Cup multihull events.
Almost by stealth, in less than 12 months, BMW Oracle Racing has morphed into more than just a single project America’s Cup team - and now owns/operates boat building facilities in several countries, and has activities running simultaneously in two continents and three cities.
Locally, particularly in regards to the America's Cup, BMW Oracle Racing has always been referred to as New Zealand 'B' - due to the large proportion of New Zealanders racing with the team.
While that is still the case, the team is now taking on a much more US flavour, and is racing under the US flag. Skippered by one of New Zealand’s favourite sons, and arguably the top sailor in the world, Russell Coutts, the team also contains two of New Zealand's 2008 Olympians, Hamish Pepper and Carl Williams who will be competing in the Star class in Qingdao.
Recently BMW Oracle Racing purchased a boat and component building facility in Warkworth, 60 minutes north of Auckland, and clearly the Kiwi members of their substantial building team will be looking for a few projects closer to home instead of being based in USA or Spain.
For a visual update on the BMW Oracle Racing's projects http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1825713!click_here to see Martin Tasker's excellent overview on Television New Zealand, in last night's prime time news last evening.
In this issue we have featured a show and tell from BMW Oracle Racing in Valencia last Friday evening.
Valenciasailing.Com was along with a camera, (until they were asked to turn it off!) and have given their report on the points of interest.
In other international news, the 100 ft supermaxi, ICAP Leopard is reported poised to break the 20year old, powerwinched, Trans Atlantic record, but will be outside the outright mark set by the 140ft Elliott design Mari Cha IV.
Locally the Team Racing Nationals have concluded at Algies Bay and the winning crew will be representing New Zealand at the World Team Racing Championships, later this year. See Kirsty Law's excellent reports and photos submitted directly into Sail-World's content management system - including a story database and image library. To use this facility yourself to cover your campaign or regatta http://www.sail-world.com/admin/add_story.cfm!click_here.
Have a look, and see how you can gain direct access to the most read sailing website in New Zealand, and one of the world's major sailing sites and newsletters.
On Friday evening the NZ Optimist Association have their major fundraising dinner and auction at Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron to help fund the teams travelling to the 2008 World Championships and North American championships. Full details of how to obtain tickets for this great function are in this issue. It was a sell-out last year - don't miss out!
Great to see the outstanding New Zealand designer, Des Townson, recognised in the Queens Birthday Honours list. We have featured a profile on this amazing designer and boatbuilder - who must surely be unique in that in over 50 years of yacht design, has never designed a yacht to a rating or class rule. One of Des's great self deprecating remarks is that he claims that many believe he has only ever designed one boat - and all the others are variants on the theme. Certainly anyone who has owned a Townson yacht will never tire of admiring their craft, and enjoying her magnificent sailing qualities. An honour well deserved indeed!
Those who drive past the Viaduct Basin in downtown Auckland will have been very impressed with the new superyacht Bristolian which is currently being fitted out and starting sea trials. Built by Yachting Developments and fitted with Southern Spars, we have featured a release on her rig which utilises EC6 rigging - giving a 700kg weight saving over the nitronic rod equivalent.
Good Sailing!
Richard Gladwell
NZ Editor
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