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20 Nov 2017 |
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  Sail-World NZ - Nov 20 - A critical week for NZ..Ocean rescues..
 | | One of the worlds gilt-edged brands Prada launches their AC72 Luna Rossa against the backdrop of Wynyard Point silo farm. October 26, 2012 Auckland Sail-World.com/NZ © |
Welcome to Sail-World.com's New Zealand e-magazine for November 20, 2017
This coming week the New Zealand sailing and marine industry face probably the most critical week of its existence, and the one that will shape its future - short medium and long-term.
On Thursday, the Auckland Council may decide to back one of the options put forward by ATEED and Panuku Developments as a base for the 2021 America's Cup.
There are several issues at play.
First, none of those involved in the Decision process have been to one of the last three or four America's Cups, let alone had first-hand experience of what is involved and the lessons learned.
In other words, they haven't heard 'the sound of sprigs on concrete' as Rugby League great, Graeme Lowe says of some of the decision makers in that troubled sport.
When you are in that position, lacking first-hand experience, you should be listening to quality advice. Instead, all we have heard is input from pressure groups, and politicians talking about values and aspirations rather than facts.
There is a very compelling case for the integrated bases off the end of Halsey Street using a wharf structure that does not impede harbour flows and utilises a piece of dead water, which has no current recreational value or use.
 | | Some of the Bermuda team bases were packed in amongst silos and other dockyard flotsam and jetsam that should have been cleared out as part of the waterfront development. Richard Gladwell |
Instead, we are hearing of compromise solutions which have bases nestled amongst rusting silos and other eyesores that have been in the area for too long.
What team with a $100million program, and prestigious gilt-edged sponsors, investors and backers want to have a rusting derelict silo in the background of images of their base.
What City would do that to people, investors and businesses that it is trying to impress and leverage further investment?
Bermuda did just that to several teams, and it was not a good look.
Sadly the Auckland hosting debate has the hallmarks of what transpired in San Francisco endless arguments with the Board of Supervisors (equivalent of the Auckland Council). Over the weeks of hearings, it appeared that Decisions were being made on the basis of whether the Supes liked the America's Cup or not; or whether they liked the people who were involved in its Defence. Certainly there seemed to be little love for Larry Ellison and a real 'Eat the Rich' flavour came out of the whole debate.
 | | Bermuda did not have an integrated America's Cup base, with most of the teams wedged in between ugly silo tanks. Richard Gladwell |
Eventually, a compromise solution was reached. It didn't work for anyone. And when Oracle Team USA won for the second time and had the option for a second Defence in San Francisco, both sides decided to go their separate ways very early into the 35th America's Cup cycle. The Challengers would have gone back in a heartbeat, but it wasn't to be.
In this edition, we have run a story, largely photographic, of some of the images from Valencia in 2010, Bermuda in 2013 and laid up against the options for Auckland in 2021. They show what bases look like tucked in amongst a few silos, let along the forest of the structures that will be a backdrop for an America's Cup, if it is held in Auckland.
At this stage, it would seem probable that there aren't the political numbers in Auckland Council to pass any option using Halsey Street. Six of the Councillors voted (with several others saying they were against Haley Street per se but wanted it included in the report from the Council CEO) against Halsey Street being included in any report on the options - leaving just the Wynyard Point, Captain Cook Wharf and maybe a Westhaven option. There are 23 Councillors, four of whom weren't present and leaving 19 to vote - with 10 being a majority.
In the options released last Monday after the Council Workshop, those three options were discarded or had some serious practical shortcomings identified, and had that anti-Halsey vote prevailed, then right now the situation would have been at a stalemate.
Mayor Phil Goff did make a strong appeal for all options to be included, saying that he wanted to see a decision made on hard evidence rather than dogma. Whether those sentiments prevail on Thursday remains to be seen.
For those who can access it, there is an excellent background commentary in National Business Review click here
 | | Day 18, Race 3 – Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Clipper Ventures |
The past few days have seen several ocean dramas play out.
Two off the coast of New Zealand were almost text-book rescues, with two sailors being saved in strong winds and big seas.
Both sailors had rescue beacons which they were able to activate, and which meant they were able to be pinpointed near immediately, and a search aircraft overhead inside three hours.
Ships were diverted to the area and rescues effected - one from a sailor in a liferaft, whose yacht had already sunk. But as we can see from the images there is no such thing as a textbook rescue - all involve others putting their lives at risk.
There was a third incident in the Indian Ocean, similar to the ones off the New Zealand coast, except this solo sailor 1100nm off the West Australian coast when he was dismasted.
 | | The sailor from Waimanu awaits rescue in his liferaft - November 18, 2017 New Zealand Defence Force |
Again he activated his emergency beacon. His position was pinpointed, a nearby ship diverted, and a rescue effected.
Not so fortunate was a retired English solicitor, Simon Spiers (60), who came off the foredeck of one of the Clipper Round the World race yachts as he shortened sail in 80kt winds. Despite receiving comprehensive training, and apparently wearing the correct apparel and gear, he went overboard and was recovered 30 minutes later, however, could not be revived.
He has been buried at sea. Our condolences to his family and friends.
 | | The solo sailor from the yacht Ilanga is hauled up the topside of the Southern Lily. November 18, 2017 New Zealand Defence Force |
Follow all the racing and developments in major and local events on www.sail-world.com by scrolling to the top of the site, select New Zealand, and get all the latest news and updates from the sailing world.
Good sailing!
Richard Gladwell
NZ Editor
sailworldnzl@gmail.com
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 | | Race 7 – Triple M becomes the only two race winner in the 18ft Skiffs Spring Championship © Frank Quealey / Australian 18 Footers League |
 | | St Michel-Virbac IMOCA60 Transat Jacques Vabre TJV |
 | | 2017 Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta. Guy Nowell / RMSIR |
 | | Race 7 – US visitor Harken took the early lead over Triple M and Noakes Youth – 18ft Skiffs Spring Championship © Frank Quealey / Australian 18 Footers League |
 | | Race 7 – Chasing the leaders on the first spinnaker run – 18ft Skiffs Spring Championship © Frank Quealey / Australian 18 Footers League |
 | | Leg 02, Lisbon to Cape Town, day 14, on board AkzoNobel. Luke Molloy up with a smile as Brad Farrand (NZ)trims. Volvo Ocean Race. 18 November, 2017. © James Blake / Volvo Ocean Race |
 | | Leg 02, Lisbon to Cape Town, day 15, on board AkzoNobel. Chris Nicolson and Jules Salter discussing tactics. Volvo Ocean Race. 19 November, 2017. © James Blake / Volvo Ocean Race |
 | | Leg 02, Lisbon to Cape Town, day 14, on board MAPFRE, Blair Tuke, Sophie Ciszek, Pablo Arrarte and Joan Vila talking after having got an fleet update. Volvo Ocean Race. 18 November, 2017 © Ugo Fonolla / Volvo Ocean Race |
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