METS- Gear Galore
by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 16 Nov 2011
For sailors who are into gear, there is no better toy store than METS, the world’s biggest aftermarket and OEM-level trade show. Here, the newest gear is unveiled and companies compete for the coveted DAME awards, which are presented to the 'best in class' gear of the year. This year proved to be no exception, with fine offerings for racers, both in the hardware and software categories. Photos and more info to follow as the show continues.
Offshore, Puma Ocean Racing and Telefonica are neck-and-neck in the Volvo Ocean Race, fully engaged in a battle to Cape Town as the leaders approach the Doldrums—the course's next navigational hurdle. 'Anything can happen in the Doldrums,' explains VOR CEO Knut Frostad. 'It depends on the day and it can have a lot to do with luck. The Doldrums can give you cards to play with or no cards at all. Before the teams reach the Doldrums they can think about strategically where they want to be, but once they get there they have no more choices and they are stuck with what they have. It’s a difficult area to predict and the weather models don’t work in the Doldrums because there is no gradient wind, just localized effects.' More, in this issue.
And in the Transat Jacques Vabre, Hugo Boss is keeping the pressure on high in their tussle with race leaders Transat Jacques Vabre in the IMOCA Open 60 class. Get the full media update, including videos, as well as updates from the other classes, inside.
Cup addicts, the America’s Cup World Series San Diego event is on this week, and top lensman Gilles Martin-Raget was there to capture the fleet-racing action in a must-see gallery. Emirates Team New Zealand continues to look super fast, with James Spithill’s Oracle team also looking super quick. Be sure to check out the full media blast, including commentary from the legendary Bob Fisher, in this issue, and stay tuned for updates on the match-racing section of the regatta, which starts today.
And finally, One Design fans, be sure to check out Rob Kothe’s in-depth conversation with John Longley, Event Director for Perth 2011 ISAF World Championships, which take place in a few weeks in Perth, Australia. This event is especially significant for American Olympic hopefuls, as it serves as a crucial qualifier for many classes. Internationally, the event will also serve as the Worlds for ten different Olympic classes; 1200 sailors from 80 different countries are expected. Sound like a handful? 'It is not easy bringing a very major event into a public domain,' said Longley. 'We are not operating out of a Yacht Club and we are not operating out of the Weymouth National Sailing centre. We are operating out of a range of public spaces, car parks and in temporary structures.' Get the full scoop, inside.
May the four winds blow you safely home,
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